Mailbag: Fairview provided great services in its heyday

I am writing in response to Matt Holzmann’s piece regarding the closure of Fairview Developmental Center. Being a nearly 20-year employee of the facility, I can only agree with the gentleman. Having started in the mechanical maintenance section of plant operations, I was involved in almost every square inch of the hospital and in close contact with lots of the clients and considered many dear friends.

This facility, in its prime, featured a full school, gymnasium, auditorium with entertainers who donated their time, a petting zoo, workshops where clients could earn some money doing piece work for companies, a pool, snack bar, entertainment center, great meals and loving care. They had a grandparent program, where senior citizens could help out and earn a pittance.

There were doctors on site, a dental office, barber and beauty shops, psychologists and loving psych techs who looked after them. Most of these people have been shipped out to group homes, at large expense, and I’m sure they are not as secure or near medical help as they would be at Fairview.

There was also a fire department, grounds crew, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, mechanics, welder, locksmith and others who were available to take care of every need. A fine crew of stationary engineers saw to the power plant and technical equipment associated with a hospital. There was a large laundry facility, printshop, warehouse pharmacy and a terrific kitchen with competent dietary professionals.

All this will be shut down in 2021 because Gov. Jerry Brown and his choo-choo project needs the funds. Look for a mammoth housing or condo project to appear, pouring hundreds of cars onto our already overworked traffic. I don’t know the answer to all this, but the public should know what they are losing and what they are gaining.

Al Wach
Newport Beach

Southern Cal needs two QBs

When I was at USC in 1962, John McKay, the head coach, used two quarterbacks: Pete Beathard and Bill Nelsen. The opponents could not figure out who to defend, because they were both great. Well USC went on to be the national champion in 1962.

This is just an idea for Coach Clay Helton to use both Max Browne and Sam Darnold for another national championship. Fight on!

Wayne Graveline
Newport Beach