Mailbag: Get involved but don’t refuse change without full consideration
Re. “Commentary: Get involved before city changes for the worse, Jan. 8:
I wholeheartedly endorse Cindy Black’s exhortation to become involved in civic matters with the goal of protecting quality of life. However, I am critical of her recommendation that a good way to do so is to become a NIMBY, which stand for not in my backyard. Typically, the NIMBY approach is to oppose proposed change without offering or seriously considering constructive alternatives.
Change is inevitable as, for instance, the population increases and the economic environment changes. It is idealistic to want the community to stay as it is or to be as it was 10, 15 or 20 years ago. The challenge is to find a way to adapt to change that respects people’s rights.
Traffic growth can be addressed in at least two ways: limiting development or providing alternatives, such as improving the current road system (the Corona del Mar bypass is one such proposed improvement). Limiting development reduces the supply of housing, drives up the cost of housing (rents and mortgage payments) and runs a risk of infringing on the rights of landowners.
Current owners of the Newport Banning Ranch property have outlined a plan to develop the property, and they would incur the cost of cleaning up oil field operations and restoring natural open space.
Alternatives to the landowners’ plan include purchase by a government entity, such as city, county or state, at fair market value (perhaps through eminent domain) or purchase by a private entity, such as the Banning Ranch Conservancy, using money raised from donors who oppose the current plan.
Civic involvement should include more than just negativity epitomized by a slogan such as “Just say no.” It should involve respectful, constructive dialogue to find a mutually acceptable way to adapt to change and acknowledge that valid alternative opinions and approaches exist and should be given serious consideration.
Thomas R. Damiani
Newport Beach
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Trash service is tops
Re: “Trash collection isn’t what it is used to be,” Jan. 2: For the short time that CR&R has served our family, we must say the service is handled in a professional manner, and we are happy with the high standard.
We know our trash collectors by name, having met Chris and Randy when they began our route. Our alley pickups are early in the morning, and the recyclables are picked up by Chris and Randy later in the day. We did not realize how many recyclables we are saving in this manner and feel that the city will realize additional revenue.
Bill Kelly
Newport Beach
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What cuts would follow the bunnies?
After the recently installed Newport Beach City Council members remove the bunnies, will those who call themselves economic conservatives and are against the bunny installation propose tearing down the new Civic Center as another example of excess?
Will they then install military surplus tents and fold-out chairs for the staff?
That would really solve all of Newport Beach’s future economic problems and set us on the correct path.
Diana Walker
Newport Beach
The writer is a past member of the Newport Beach Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission.
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Move on from the statues
It doesn’t matter what Councilman Scott Peotter thinks about bunnies in the park. It is what the community thinks that is important. Peotter should admit that he is trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill and move on to important city business.
David Barth
Corona del Mar
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Those hares make us smile
Just because a new council member doesn’t like the bunnies shouldn’t spoil it for the rest of us who love the whimsical statues. Children and adults are enjoying them. Please let them stay, since they add such joy to our otherwise busy lives.
Trish Norman
Newport Beach
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