Mailbag: Newport couple witnessed plane crash

Me and my husband witnessed the crash (“Authorities release crash victims’ names,” Nov. 21). We saw it glide straight down from our backyard — like 50 feet from our lawn — and hit the water. It looked like he was trying to slow down for an emergency landing. We saw a big splash from the water. I called 911 right away and my hubby went to the bay. I thought I heard someone scream for help, but that was probably one of the joggers down the bay. I can’t believe all passengers were killed. So sad!

Barshtak, via DailyPilot.com

Boaters are paying fair share

Mr. Dennis Baker implies that boat owners are not paying their own way and should not be subsidized by the rest of the taxpayers (“Boat owners can pay their own way, Forum, Nov. 23”). What about the millions of dollars that are collected every year from boat owners in the form of property tax? The city of Newport Beach gets paid on these property taxes and those funds are added to the city’s coffers. It is an insult to imply that boat owners are not paying their fair share.

Doug Welsh

Newport Beach

Fairgrounds deal bad for CA

No way does this sale help the state (Facilities Management requests to intervene in fairgrounds lawsuit,” Nov. 22). It’s a pittance that will not make a difference to the billions of dollars California is in the hole. Protecting the employees at the fairgrounds? You don’t own the Fair or the 32nd DAA with this sale. It’s already been reported their payroll is over $10 million a year. You plan to carry that? What’s the big rush to get this sale done? Once and for all, FMW you do not have community support. This lawsuit is just, and we can’t let our fairgrounds get in the hands of people we don’t know and who show a disregard for what is fair.

4-H mom, via DailyPilot.com

UC president’s speech

I am writing in response to the article, “UC president Yudof: Speech is protected” (Nov. 6) Criticism of Israeli policies is too often mistaken for, and misconstrued as, anti-Semitism. Throughout history, student groups have taken the initiative to raise awareness about issues plaguing our world, to catalyze movement, to protest injustice and begin the move toward change. Students once again join together in order to make known the injustices of a nation, the war crimes it has been accused of, to manifest the hidden truth, truth that many are afraid to utter, for fear of being labeled anti-Semitic, as they are labeled even in this article. It is peculiar how some don’t think twice before labeling those who criticize the policies of Israel as anti-Semitic. Would the same people call someone who criticizes the policies of America or Germany anti-Christian?

Safa Ahmed

Anaheim

Fire CM police chief

I also have noticed a big change in the CMPD (“City manager places Costa Mesa police chief on leave,” Nov. 19). I ask, “Why do we pay a police chief who lives mostly in Arizona?” How stupid are our city leaders? I feel they both should be fired and save the city some money.

DonShagMarshall, via DailyPilot.com