Mailbag: Interfaith council seeks `a tapestry of love, peace and acceptance’

The tragic events of the last few weeks, both in Paris and San Bernardino, have left our hearts heavy with grief. Our world is mourning, fearful of what may come, still shocked and heartbroken as the details unfold.

We, the Newport-Mesa-Irvine Interfaith Council, condemn these heinous acts and mourn alongside those who grieve the loss of loved ones. We know that these acts of terror are not representative of the Islamic religion, and we encourage our community to rise above Islamophobic actions of discrimination and accusations. Instead, we leaders of many traditions — Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, Unitarian Universalist — stand together in solidarity.

We believe peace is the common thread of each of our traditions, and as a council we seek to weave a tapestry of love, peace and acceptance as we model an alternative to the vitriol and hatred we see in our society.

Therefore we condemn any language that vilifies, promotes fear, or otherwise seeks to defame Muslims or the religion of Islam. Instead, we ask that community members seek out opportunities to know their neighbors, to offer a greeting of peace, and to endeavor to build communities of understanding where all people are treated with dignity and respect.

The Newport-Mesa-Irvine Interfaith Council seeks to be a bridge between religious traditions as we provide educational opportunities to learn more about one another and act for good in our community. We believe that investing in friendship and mutual understanding is the only path toward peace.

Therefore we encourage faith sharing by visiting different places of worship and experiencing one another’s traditions. We break bread together monthly, and in our breaking we build community.

Rev. Dr. Sarah Halverson-Cano

Fairview Community Church

Costa Mesa

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Irvine helped by colorful art

Poor Irvine Planning Commissioners (“Tilly’s mural prompts discussion in Irvine about public art,” Dec. 4). Zio Ziegler’s mural must hurt their eyes, so they’ve given it until June, then it must go. As a frequent traveler of the 405 and the 133 interchange, I have loved looking at the mural’s action figures and the bright colors. In fact, it is the only real color I see from Costa Mesa and into Irvine. No wonder they call it the “City by the Beige”

Rebecca Chadwick

Costa Mesa

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We need more fiscal oversight

In the commentary by Mayor Diane Dixon (“Commentary: 2015 ushered in an era of fiscal responsibility,” Dec. 4) she lists projects which the city has scaled back in an effort at fiscal prudence. However, the city staff and City Council have failed to implement best practices in financial management and accounting.

As a result, projects and contracts are conducted with minimal oversight, accountability and reporting that would not meet general business standards. The City Hall project was only the tip of the iceberg. Residents have spoken and provided detailed comments on the lack of financial controls. However, this has not changed, and neither city staff, nor the Finance Committee, appear to be interested in addressing this issue.

Laura Curran

Newport Beach