Mailbag - Nov. 9, 2000

The Daily Pilot’s Oct. 24 front-page article featuring Gary Hunt of

the Irvine Co. promising that the company would no longer try to change

the city’s general plan or build high rises smacked of desperation in the

face of the Greenlight Initiative. How many promises are forgotten after

an election? I’m sure no legal documents have been signed with the city

and sent to the recorder’s office.

Hunt avers the Irvine Co. is Newport Beach’s partner in contributing

to its quality of life. He neglects to mention the company’s contribution

to our terrible traffic and gridlock by its wall-to-wall housing

developments and huge office buildings.

MEYER GOLUB

Newport Beach

Candidates ad statements questioned

I am outraged that Steve Bromberg used my name in an ad in the Daily

Pilot. He never received my endorsement, and I did not endorse him. I

strongly supported Pat Beek for the District 5 City Council seat.

The Steve Bromberg ads used a quote ostensibly given by both Evelyn

Hart and myself that is totally unsubstantiated and doesn’t represent our

opinions about Bromberg.

Speaking for myself, I never signed an endorsement for Steve Bromberg.

I have not given him a quote for public use. And I definitely did not

endorse his candidacy.

Standards and ethics and good planning in this town won’t happen until

we can elect people who are independent of the highly paid consultants

who’ll use these devious tactics.

JEAN H. WATT

Newport Beach

* EDITOR’S NOTE: Jean Watt is a former Newport Beach councilwoman.

Unkempt trees are an eyesore and a danger

Now that Releaf of Costa Mesa is a done deal, I hope Costa Mesa will

take responsibility for maintenance.

Most of the trees already planted are badly in need of pruning or

replacing. Half the trees on Adams Avenue between Harbor Boulevard and

Brookhurst Street are leaning over the sidewalk and street, making it a

hazard for pedestrians and vehicles. Besides the danger, they are an

eyesore, as they are unkempt.

Why is nothing being done to oversee the maintenance of the trees? I

foresee more of the same with the new trees.

Trees are only beautiful if they are well cared for, not when they are

left to grow without trimming.

“Only God can make a tree,” to quote the poet Joyce Kilmer, but

maintenance crews can keep them beautiful.

SIDNEY TRIGHE

Costa Mesa