Advertisement

Mailbag: Finale to 5-part series ‘hits the nail on the head’

Share

In your recent article “An election unlike any other,” (Oct. 7), you are correct that “Jim Righeimer shook up city politics when he took office two years ago.” He has pushed through the idea to privatize our city in a manner that has made our city ground zero for a war. This pits our citizens against each other by creating a mean-spirited atmosphere in City Hall. In the past, City Council members tried to work together.

Our family has been a part of this community since moving here in 1962 and has seen Costa Mesa mature into a place that fosters new ideas and constructive discourse. This has all disappeared into a disrespectful shouting match. Is Righeimer and his followers the problem? I believe they are.

We do need fiscal responsibility and do not want our city to flounder into deep indebtedness. By placing the blame on those we need and trust — the firefighters and police — our council does not recognize their sacrifices. When Righeimer and his followers turn our first responders, who put their life on the line, into evil devils, my heart curdles. They came to my husband’s aid and also took incredible care of my grandson when he was hit by a car. I thank them, as should all Costa Mesans.

Advertisement

Let’s return our city into a cooperative place. Thank you, Daily Pilot, for the lead story about the choice we have at the polls next month. The article hits the nail on the head. This is about the ability of us all to look at the fork in our road and pick a path.

Rhea Dorn

Costa Mesa

*

Soup kitchen idea

I have lived in Costa Mesa for 32 years, and while I don’t know Mayor Eric Bever personally, I’m sure he’s a perfectly decent person and honestly cares about the well-being of all Costa Mesans. That’s why I’m at a loss to understand why he is suddenly so anxious to shut down two exemplary charitable organizations that have served so many deserving yet underserved residents of Costa Mesa (“Bever targets soup kitchen,” Oct. 4). Namely, Someone Cares Soup Kitchen and Share Our Selves (SOS).

These groups have tirelessly given a variety of aid and assistance to the less fortunate of the Newport-Mesa area for decades. And I have proudly supported their outreach efforts through my own financial donations for years. With all the more pressing matters facing our city, perhaps this would be a good time to reflect upon the New Testament admonition: “. . . that which you did for the least of these my brothers, you did for Me.”

Chuck Sweeney

Costa Mesa

*

Soup kitchen is no nightclub

I read your article today and was blown away that someone, who represents the city of Costa Mesa, would intentionally try and push out a volunteer soup kitchen from their city (“Bever targets soup kitchen,” Oct. 4).

I don’t understand the comparison he is making between the nightclubs and the kitchen. They are two completely different types of people and class.

In 2004, I worked for American Medical Response, who at the time serviced the city of Costa Mesa for emergency transports. The ambulance crew stationed at Placentia Avenue and 19th Street, responded to more calls at the Lion’s Den, Avalon and Detroit Bar than the calls at Someone Cares Soup Kitchen.

Ivan Molina

Costa Mesa

The writer is a youth leader at Moment Church.

Advertisement