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Mailbag: Perhaps the Newport bunnies will hop into Costa Mesa

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Open space, children playing and bunnies. The photo on the cover of the Jan. 2 edition of the Daily Pilot warmed my heart on a chilly day. It’s hard to argue against that image, unless it is in Newport Beach.

According to the city’s website, the 16 rabbit sculptures are not art but rather a play feature for children. Apparently the Newport Beach Civic Center and Park budget included $225,000 for an element that offered a creative play environment for kids. Thinking outside of the tot lot box, the design team wanted to incorporate native “wildlife” with whimsy.

On my numerous visits to the park, I am always amazed by the imaginative play of families drawn to the oversized bunnies. Whether it’s for photo opportunities, a game of hide and seek or a clever pat-the-bunny adventure, it is evident that the designers’ vision for play and exploration has been accomplished.

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Subliminally, what has been achieved at this play area is the integration of art in a public space that draws people in, invites them to inquire, interact and linger awhile. In a world where so much is wrong, where so much is at arm’s length, what a gift from the city to the community and its visitors.

In something of a Beatrix Potter tale, a Newport Beach leader is considering alternatives for the fate of the rabbits and may even eliminate this kid-friendly feature.

Rumor has it that there is a movement afoot and the bunnies are planning to hop out of town. Could Costa Mesa become the next Watership Down, as this traveling group of rabbits finds itself in a peaceful and playful habitat?

Charlene M. Ashendorf

Costa Mesa

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Leave those bunnies alone

What do the Buddhist statues in Afghanistan have in common with the white bunnies at the Newport Beach Civic Center? The Buddhist sculptures were destroyed by extremists, and now the bunnies may follow the same fate if Councilman Scott Peotter has his way.

Peotter is a new council member who would like to figuratively blow up the bunnies because they are an example of government waste. Whether the bunnies were a bad idea or not, Peotter should be spending his time on more important matters.

Bashing the old City Council and attacking statues is reminiscent of intolerant governments. Newport Beach does not need contemptuous leadership. We need leaders to concentrate on issues that are pertinent to the residents of Newport Beach.

Jennifer Irani

Newport Beach

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Glaring omission in DP 103

How in the world can the Daily Pilot classify four newcomers to the City Council as influential and omit outgoing Councilman Mike Henn, a major contributor to good governance in Newport Beach?

Bob Shelton

Corona del Mar

Editor’s note: Henn was inadvertently left off the list. He should have been on it.

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