Mailbag: Underground utilities are no panacea

Re. “Neighbors’ votes could cost homeowners $20,000 apiece if underground utilities project is OK’d,” (Feb. 14):

The article alludes to several residents at the City Council study session who pointed to anecdotal evidence of fewer power outages with underground utilities.

According to Southern California Edison’s website, “The information we have, while inconclusive, seems to indicate that outages tend to be longer with underground facilities, simply because it is more difficult to find problems and replace equipment underground.”

Meanwhile, I am concerned about how quickly our service would be restored in the event of a significant earthquake compared with the existing infrastructure and how an outage would effect emergency services and hospitals.

In addition, Edison goes on to say, “Underground facilities are more expensive to install and maintain than overhead equipment. The cost of overhead equipment is about 20% of the cost of underground. Maintenance costs for underground facilities are also higher than for overhead.”

This is not anecdotal.

Portia Weiss

Newport Beach

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A feel-good move on dock fees

Re. “Newport cuts residential dock fees by up to half,” (Feb. 11):

Newport Beach has a warm and cozy feeling of satisfaction upon learning that the onerous dock fee may be reduced . Now we can take our naps with a happy smile.

Al Wonders

Newport Beach

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A history of people ignoring dock fees

I have been enjoying the articles regarding the dock fees in the waters under the jurisdiction of Newport Beach.

From January 1982 to March 1999, I worked in the division of the County of Orange’s Environmental Management Agency that administered the private docks in county waters.

Even then we had a difficult time getting owners to pay their annual dock “fees,” or “rentals.” I don’t remember the number of dock owners who consistently refused to pay until we had sent numerous letters threatening that the Harbor Patrol would have to intervene.

I am not familiar with current situation in the county’s waters, but I’d bet it still goes on.

Alfred L. Vasquez

Costa Mesa

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A great $12 men’s haircut

Had a big meeting at the Balboa Bay Club. This place was on the way at 2903 Newport Blvd. Got a fast java at McDonald’s next door. Then met Tom, a real prince. He knows how to untangle and style cut a guy’s hair. His sister Kim was there. I call her “princess.” Manicure’s and pedicures too.

It’s all at Salon de L’Amour. I asked Tom how he named his salon. He explained that he just loves to cut hair. A fresh, new reasonable place to get a haircut. Best bet to look good.

Better get back to my sailboat. The wind is good for sailing.

Richard Degrandcourt

Newport Beach