Mailbag - June 29, 2000
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It is telling that Jean Forbath, who lives in Mesa Verde, would demand
that folks should give up their quality of life to provide more housing
in Costa Mesa. (“Mailbag,” June 22). She even goes so far as to imply
that anything less would be sinful and selfish.
This reader has trouble accepting the statement that finding room for
everyone to live in Costa Mesa is a critical social issue.
Please, Ms. Forbath, don’t throw a guilt trip on your neighbors to
fulfill your goals.
A quick scan of the Costa Mesa zoning map shows that Forbath lives in an
area that is immune to the scourge of small-lot subdivisions. Unlike the
folks on the East Side, who will suffer from a reduced quality of life,
she has no worry--her lifestyle won’t be “cramped.”
The idea that more density is A-OK because the Standard Pacific
development is surrounded with commercial and high-density residential
uses is ridiculous. That argument is akin to saying “Costa Mesa is full
of blight, so let’s build more blight.”
To those who cry out for more housing in Costa Mesa, I ask: Where do we
draw the line?
Costa Mesa already has the highest ratio of rental to owner-occupied
housing in the state of California, among cities of comparable size.
In conclusion, Forbath, I encourage you to give freely that which is
yours, but please do not covet the quality of life of others to meet the
needs of your social work.
ERIC BEVER
Costa Mesa
Teachers should have competitive salaries
As a resident of Newport Beach and a property owner, I have news for Judy
Franco.
Yes, good programs and small classes help keep teachers happy. But the
bottom line is: Good salaries and good benefits will do much more to
attract and retain quality teachers.
That is the premise at the base of our capitalistic system. And for the
first time in many years, teaching positions are opening up. If you want
to keep our children, property owners and teacher all happy, pay our
teachers competitive salaries.
LYNN FORENZ
Newport Beach
More than one evolutionary theory needed
I agree with school board trustee Wendy Leece regarding teaching other
theories of man’s origin (“Textbooks’ theories have not fully evolved,
Leece says” June 17).
There are two unfortunate consequences when only one theory is presented
to students:
1. Children do not usually comprehend that evolution is only a theory,
and they end up assuming it is a scientific fact.
2. The above causes confusion for many who believe in the Bible. Taught
in church and at home from an early age that God created them and often
uncomfortable in questioning authority, their quandary intensifies and
can create problems.
The above need not happen.
There is growing data accumulated by respected professionals in the field
of science that makes the theory of “intelligent design” credible and
even compatible with certain aspects of evolution. It is certainly worthy
of presentation to students in a science classroom.
Explaining two theories offers opportunities for student discussion,
clarification and understanding. Man’s origin is of vital concern to
everyone.
Students presented with both theories in an unbiased atmosphere will be
provide a more complete picture, allowing them to come to their own
informed conclusion. Isn’t that what education is all about?
BONNIE O’NEIL
Newport Beach
Traffic counts won’t change problem
No amount of mitigating gobbledygook of traffic counts will change what
happens daily at Bayside Drive and Pacific Coast Highway! Now add 4,000
more cars daily, then ask the mayor and City Council what type of
concrete jungle they are allowing our city to become.
WILLIAM H. and ELAINE PARKER
Newport Beach
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