MAILBAG - Aug. 24, 2006

Teen club is ‘disgusting’I think the shorts being handed out at OC Platinum are disgusting and debauched and they’re risque for any human being, and I can’t believe this article (“‘Sex sells’ for teen club, promoter says,” Monday). It’s terrible. I am really saddened by the world. I feel sorry for these people and especially these parents who would allow their children to engage in such behavior.

CECILY WHITE

Costa Mesa

Teacher deserved story’s tributeWhat a great article that the Pilot’s intern, Heidi Schultheis, wrote for this wonderful, dedicated teacher (Here’s to Mrs. Dickson,” Sunday)! Having known the Dicksons since they were married way back when this area was a lot smaller than it is today, I am proud to know both Eleanor and Dick. Obviously Eleanor has distinguished herself as a terrific educator, while Dick has been a tireless volunteer with the Newport-Balboa Rotary Club, as well as the city of Newport Beach. I am sure that it has been Eleanor who has been the catalyst for Dick to be so active.

I know Eleanor will now be out with all her pals in her Duffy doing “lunch on the bay!” Bravo to the Pilot for also securing the comments from past and present students … well done!

PETE RABBITT

Newport Beach

Columnist’s bias didn’t serve studentsJoe Bell used his recent column to try to justify Tom Egan’s (self-proclaimed) lackluster term as a Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board of Trustee member.

Four years ago Bell and his liberal friends wanted to defeat the incumbent Republican conservative, Wendy Leece, so they supported Egan, a less qualified candidate. Fortunately, Egan realized our kids deserved better and wisely stepped down.

Leece recently announced she is a candidate for the Costa Mesa City Council. Left-Leaning Bell does not want her elected to anything, so look for future columns focused on lambasting her once again. This time I hope voters will be more cautious and aware that while Bell might be a good writer, the public would be better served by ignoring his biased evaluation of political candidates.

BARBARA WHITACRE

Costa Mesa

Where are the laborers from closed site?I’ve read many comments about the closure of the day labor site in Costa Mesa being a mistake.

If closing the day labor site threw hundreds of workers back onto the street then one might think the privately owned temporary agencies would be overflowing with those who are seeking employment. The labor agencies must be the busiest in the county by now. There should be lines out the door with men looking to fill jobs. But, it comes as no surprise to learn that isn’t the case.

Why aren’t the privately owned labor companies thriving? Could it be because these legitimate companies follow the rules and check for valid Social Security numbers and IDs? Is it because they take out the required payroll taxes and workers’ comp. fees? Is it because they are legal?

I wonder why the hundreds of workers aren’t signing up at those legal employment agencies? Do you think it might have something to do with the word “legal?”

I support Mayor Allan Mansoor and the council’s decision to close the day labor site.

EILEEN GARCIA

Laguna Beach