Mailbag:

What is going on down in Balboa? During the 15 years we have lived here, the city has sunk more than $5 million in revitalizing that Balboa Village — plant trees, rip them out, raise more money for new trees.

The city, which is cutting back services, building a new city hall, etc., is going to match a new tree project that will probably have to be ripped out again in another few years for some reason (“A tree grows in Balboa Peninsula,” Friday).

Look at the real reason Balboa Village is a flop: There are very few services for the residents who keep a little town out of the red for nine months out of the year. Business owners don’t take pride in their products. (There are a few who try.) Too bad the landlords don’t take pride in their buildings!

A bunch of new trees is not going to bring the throng to the downtown area. Newport Beach, do not invest any more money in that village. There are many others who could use the help, and they take pride in their villages!

SUSAN GABBY

Newport Beach

This surgeon deserves a medal

Great story about George Brennan and the free medical service he provides to military families (“Surgery for those in service,” Saturday).

We first met George when our sons were baseball teammates at Newport Harbor. He is a class act and a knowledgeable baseball fan. The way other parents and students warmly greeted him at every game speaks volumes about George Brennan’s character.

LLOYD AND DONNA BENNETT

Costa Mesa

Take doctor’s advice on Medicare

Thank you for publishing Jan D. Vandersloot’s letter in the Forum section of Saturday’s paper (“Health care has devolved over time,” Mailbag).

With so much misinformation being spread by opponents of health-care reform, it is refreshing to hear from a doctor, who ought to know what he is talking about, discussing the problems with the current health-care insurance situation.

I personally have Medicare for my wife and myself and find it to be very helpful in covering my medical expenses. I have had no problems in finding doctors of my choice who will accept their payments. Of course, skyrocketing medical expenses have to be contained in some way.

I am sure that some doctors are calling for unnecessary expensive tests on patients for fear of being sued for not doing everything possible to heal the patient.

PAUL D. KELLY

Costa Mesa