Mailbag: Society’s ills are stirred by the self-interest of a few

As Patrice Apodaca’s column points out, anger may be a useful hardwired mechanism that empowers and energizes, but what causes us to cross that metaphorical line into “dysregulated anger”? Is it that “invisible hand” in economic theory of “unintended greater social benefits and public good brought about by individuals acting in their own self-interests”? I’m afraid not. The “invisible hand” is actually the well-funded vested interests that we don’t describe or identify that have steered our culture in our current direction out of their own self-interest. Self-interest has usually prevailed over common good in our culture whether its “manifest destiny” to justify pushing aside Native Americans and their culture or “rugged individualism” to help commercial interests sell their wares and promote their agenda, or the neoliberal gospel to promote their economic programs.

The current division is part of the age-old “divide and conquer” strategy — political, economic and social — that stratifies our majority democracy into a nonunified force, giving plutocracy a governing sovereignty. This strategy is a preferred tool of authoritarian leadership like the GOP or Putin. In this special time of pandemic travail and economic inequality, the anger most likely arises from the frustration, powerlessness and cynicism sown by over two generations of vested-interest dominance, an interest mostly hidden in the shadows of unregulated capitalism.

Jim Hoover
Huntington Beach

War puts things in perspective

I know that I am not the only one thinking or saying this, but it bears repeating as it is a comparison that few people could miss.

I am referring of course, to how pathetic all the anti-vax, anti-mask and anti-mandate movements now look in comparison to what is happening in Ukraine.

I will also never forget some of the local council members of Newport Beach and Huntington Beach protesting the governor’s beach closures less than two years ago due to the raging pandemic.

These are just a few examples of how world problems can make local ones pale in comparison. They give one a much broader perspective. We are going to be thinking about and referring to the brave Ukrainians for a long time.

May their actions motivate us to view life’s problems and setbacks with a broader lens.

Lynn Lorenz
Newport Beach

Estancia Theater drama must end

March 15 was Barbara Van Holt Day in Costa Mesa. Van Holt was the drama teacher at Estancia High School from 1966 until 1999. Barbara built the theater program by pouring into her students while sharing her love of theater. Many of my contemporaries have excelled professionally as a result of the education. All of us are simply better people as a result of the theater program. I had hoped that this year, Estancia’s long awaited performing arts center would be preparing to break ground on this Barbara Van Holt Day but instead, the city is wasting my taxpayer dollars to appeal a decision on a case in which they clearly have no jurisdiction.

I have lived in Costa Mesa all my life and was part of the team that selected the site for the new theater at Estancia High School. Cost, consideration of neighboring homes and proximity to the existing performing arts rooms all were discussed and carefully weighed. Through a process of elimination, the decision was made to build the new theater on the space currently called the senior lawn. This space, owned by the NMUSD, not the city of Costa Mesa, does have several trees that will need to be removed in order to build the theater, and approximately 40 trees will be replanted as landscape for the area. The project incorporates a new outdoor space for the students in the vicinity of the old pool area.

Delays in this project result in escalating costs. At the board meeting on March 8, Supt. Wes Smith indicated the project will not only pause to get complete construction bids but to reevaluate its location. I believe that though this exercise might be valuable for the freshman board members and community, the end result will be that there is no better location for the theater.

I ask that the board move the theater project forward so the kids at Estancia no longer have to work in an ill-equipped space that lacks an adequate dressing room, backstage, wing space, lighting and sound capabilities. Our students deserve better.

Laura Ursini Marroquin
Costa Mesa

Consider Grant for Newport

This is an important time in our city. With four seats on the ballot, we have the opportunity to elect a majority of the Newport Beach City Council and positively influence how our city is governed for the next four to eight years.

Robyn Grant is a good friend and philanthropic colleague running for council in the November 2022 statewide election. Robyn is a 35-year resident of Newport Beach and spent many years serving as an appointee to the Civil Service Board, Library Board of Trustees, and City Arts Commission as well as the boards of Speak Up Newport, Leadership Tomorrow and the Friends of Newport Beach Animal Shelter.

Robyn is a “never stop” worker who understands how our city functions and what is important to our quality of life. She is a trained lawyer with a keen ability to listen to community needs and craft workable solutions to issues.

Robyn has communitywide support including dozens of former Newport Beach mayors, commissioners, board and committee members, the Newport Beach Fire Management Assn., financial strategist David Bahnsen of the Bahnsen Group, and neighborhood leaders throughout the city.

I personally support Robyn and trust her to make decisions based on facts and good judgement — not for any personal gain or political ambition.

When you see “Grant for City Council 2022,” join me to support her, endorse her, contribute to her campaign, and most important, vote for Robyn Grant for Newport Beach City Council.

Rush Hill
Former Mayor Newport Beach, 2014

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