MAILBAG - Feb. 22, 2007

Recent arrests in Costa Mesa smack of racial profiling

While I’m against illegal immigration, I am disgusted with the situation in Costa Mesa. After reading about the jaywalker and Marcelino Tzir Tzul, who was arrested for riding his bike on the wrong side of the road, I felt compelled to respond.

I am a recreational bike-rider and I am often inconvenienced by bike riders riding on the wrong side of the road. In fact, down on the peninsula, I had a white, drunk guy yell at me because I wouldn’t get out of his way while he rode on the wrong side of the road. I’ve not noticed any of these people being stopped by police. I don’t have a bicycle license, either. I wasn’t aware that it was mandatory.

And the jaywalker — while I don’t make a habit of jaywalking, I have done it, and I usually don’t walk with any form of identification while I’m exercising. The term, “racial profiling” comes to mind, since I’m a white woman who’s never been stopped for jaywalking without identification or riding my bicycle without a license.

MELISSA HAUKE

Costa Mesa

Every little bit helps when trying to reduce illegal immigration

New figures prove that immigration screening is a very effective procedure and should be continued, regardless of the cost (“Immigration charges up for month,” Jan. 30).

We would hope that other agencies within our state would realize the necessity for this type of screening and follow suit.

Also, we are in agreement with state Sen. Tom Harman’s suggestion that all voters show identification (“Harman: Check IDs at polling places,” Jan. 30). We need all the help we can get.

BARBARA AND RAYMOND DUNNING

Newport Beach

Article helped increase understanding of Islam

Thank you for the wonderful article about Imam Sayed Moustafa al-Qazwini and the hajj (“Holy pilgrimage,” Jan. 21). I’ve been friends with the imam since Sept. 11. Your article helps increase our understanding of Islam.

REV. DR. DENNIS W. SHORT

Harbor Christian Church

Newport Beach

Cap the number of drug, alcohol rehab homes in a given area

There should be a cap, and it should be low (“Rocky path to control over rehab homes,” Feb. 2). There can only be a certain number of rehab homes — two or three within a certain area. Like one per square mile, or three per three square miles or something like that. When that cap is met, the people have to go look somewhere else to put a drug and alcohol rehab home.

LINDA PRIMROSE

Corona del Mar

Economy and centrality among reasons to build hall near library

I am writing on behalf of locating a new city hall and a passive park on the 11-acre site above the Newport Beach Public Library.

My position is based on the following rationale:

I have had the privilege of serving as a Newport Beach City Council member, a library board member, a Public Library Foundation member, and, most recently, a member of the general plan review committee.

Over my more than 50 years of residence, I have continually shown support for that which is the greatest good for the greatest number of residents. It is in this spirit that I urge your support of a new city hall and park on the site above the library.

LUCILLE KUEHN

Newport Coast