MAILBAG - July 28, 2006

An ode (not really) to Newport

Newport, California

A stylish site nestled near The OC seashore, in reach

of Surf City, the County Seat, the Airport and The Beach.

But sadly the name of the city was homely not pretty.

Needed was an I.D. that was an improvement,

gentrifying, one that moved without movement.

The citizens are especially smart and quite clever too,

improving their town with a new name that’s not new,

Newport, California, a brilliant thing to do.

Because the value of each parcel increased,

every home appreciated $150,000 at least.

Residents and businesses now blissfully say,

“Newport CA, between Surf City and Back Bay.”

DAVID BURNS

Newport, CA (Costa Mesa)

Costa Mesa deserves better treatment

Is the Banning Ranch boundary change a good idea?

Short answer: Of course it’s a good idea. Has anyone ever heard any reason as to why this one-foot strip of land divides Costa Mesa from Banning Ranch? The obvious answer is that Newport Beach desires to keep all of the land anywhere near the ocean for themselves no matter how inequitable it is for Costa Mesa. This strip of land is a self-serving noose. They claim that West Santa Ana Heights approached them to be annexed, therefore they owe Costa Mesa nothing. Hardly a good neighbor attitude, is it? Will Newport Beach ever stop being imperious and arrogant in their relationship with their neighbor, Costa Mesa? Our revitalization plan is raising Costa Mesa’s self image. We are no longer just South Coast Plaza and the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

CHRISTIAN ERIC

Westside

Costa Mesa