Mailbag:

I am so angry! After reading the article by Alan Blank in the paper regarding the budget cuts in Costa Mesa (“City budget calls for 23 layoffs,” June 18), I find myself asking, “Do these people, such as Councilman Gary Monahan, just not get it?”

Is it his intention to turn our city into a city that resembles something like a Third World city?

We need to nurture our children. They are our future. Take away all the positive influences in their lives and what is left? Gangs to join?

The bowling and skating facility has already gone, and in its place is a green ugly fence protecting weeds and concrete.

How much more ugliness shall we see invading our city?

Following is a piece of writing by Chilean poet and Nobel laureate Gabriela Mistral. All you council members out there who want to destroy Costa Mesa please read and digest.

“We are guilty of many errors and many faults, but the worst crime is abandoning the children, neglecting the foundation of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time his/her bones are being formed, his blood is being made and his senses are being developed. To him/her we cannot answer, ‘Tomorrow.’ His/her name is ‘Today.’”

JOYCE E. APPLEBY

Costa Mesa

Cancer center patients needs Sandy

It has been seven years since I met Sandy at the Hoag Cancer Center. There she was every week to meet us 25 or more in our special room.

We were all in the same boat so there were no secrets as to why we were there.

Sandy was there to help us feel good, look good and keep our spirits up. It was fun. We did health, makeup and wigs, and in general had an hour of helpful information — and a good time was had by all.

And now, I read it’s time to dismiss Sandy. It is such a bad thing for all the other ladies who have cancer. These ladies are missing something that should be included in their treatment. That is Sandy.

Cancellation of Sandy’s position should definitely be reconsidered. She is a definite “yes” to Hoag’s cancer treatment.

BETTE CATHCART