Mailbag: ‘Fun Zone’ sign a reminder of what was lost

The new archway sign, “Home of the Fun Zone,” will not resurrect Balboa Village’s economy, but it does remind longtime residents that our once-loved attractions no longer exist. The Fun Zone was aptly named in 1936, but the designation lost its meaning when the Planning Commission and City Council allowed destruction of our classic merry-go-round, arcades and bumper cars more than a decade ago.

The sign should accurately read “Former Home of the Fun Zone.” Sorry to see our out-of-touch representatives spending tax dollars on false facts, and disappointed that the Daily Pilot’s announcement of the sign neglected to mention the heartless demise of our treasured amusements.

Thomas Fredericks

Corona del Mar

We’re breathing in fumes here

I found ironic your article on the Laguna Beach City Council considering whether to expand the prohibition of tobacco products and e-cigarettes, given that Laguna widely endorses outside dining on Coast Highway (“Laguna Beach looks at banning smoking in all public places,” Jan. 25).

Apparently no one on the council, or within the city, has thought to review or complain about gas-powered cars that drive up and down Coast Highway, which cause far more health problems.

And speaking of public health and safety, if the city is truly concerned about upholding quality of life, fix the basic act of crossing a street safely. One doesn’t feel safe even at the signal but these are the priorities of local government.

Duff Owens Wilmoth

Costa Mesa

Former councilman overstates ballot costs

Former Newport Beach Councilman Keith Curry recently used the Museum House referendum to slam Team Newport and the City Council for including legally allowed documents in the petition (“Commentary: Museum House petition process has been unnecessarily burdensome,” Jan. 6). As a reminder, Curry voted for the project.

Curry claimed in his piece that an election would cost Newport’s taxpayers “millions” because the city is required to mail all 57,000 voters the documents contained in the referendum petition.

Newport’s voters are familiar with years of Curry’s diatribes and inaccurate statements. This just another example.

If the City Council calls for an election on the Museum House, it won’t cost millions to print the ballot. As the law states, voters can call the city clerk for a copy of the petition documents.

Bob McCaffrey

Balboa Island

Donald Trump’s ‘Time’ will come

In Donald Trump’s speech to the CIA on Jan. 23, among many inappropriate topics discussed, he stated that he has appeared on the cover of Time magazine 15 times.

“We have the all-time record in the history of Time magazine,” he said, according to the Washington Post. “I’ve been on it for 15 times this year.”

Sorry, Donald, Richard Nixon graced the cover of Time Magazine 55 times, according to Time. We all know what happened to him! Your “Time” will come.

Steven Speach

Newport Coast