MAILBAG - Sept. 9, 2006

Costa Mesa’s city limits aren’t limits on crimeLast week, a letter writer to the Pilot demanded all nonresidents stay out of Costa Mesa’s business. She was in a tizzy over letters of support for the city’s mayor, Allan Mansoor, coming in from areas such as Orange and Mission Viejo.

I live in Laguna Beach. It takes me about 25 minutes to get to Costa Mesa, and that’s doing the speed limit. I wonder how long it would take a desperate criminal on the run to get to Laguna Beach? Armed robbers, rapists and drive-by shooters are not concerned with city boundaries.

Costa Mesa is not an island. What happens in Costa Mesa does not stay in Costa Mesa.

If it would please people who think this way, maybe “outsiders” should stay out of South Coast Plaza, the Orange County Performing Arts Center and the fair.

The plan to remove dangerous criminals from the country is the best plan to reduce crime in Costa Mesa, as well as protect your neighboring cities.

EILEEN GARCIA

Laguna Beach

Mayor’s support from outside area seems sketchyThere are continuing letters of support for Costa Mesa Mayor Allan Mansoor in the Pilot, and that’s good. It is important to hear both sides of the issues.

A most recent comment comes from a reader in Upland who believes the mayor is doing a wonderful job for our city.

Hmm … the writer appears very informed on Costa Mesa politics — from Upland. Maybe we can have all the candidates here in the Costa Mesa and Newport Beach upcoming elections get some positive opinions from all their friends and relatives from all around the country? This would be a great way to jump-start their campaigns.

RALPH E. ROLLINS

Costa Mesa