It’s unfortunate the innovative Auto Bistro...

It’s unfortunate the innovative Auto Bistro did not succeed

I think it is a good move that Sterling BMW will take over that

property (“Neighboring BMW dealer buys Auto Bistro,” July 3).

However, don’t call that “eccentric.” The Auto Bistro was much

enjoyed, an innovative fresh idea with good food. What is wrong with

having a new honest business idea in Newport Beach? Yes, I live here,

but I am still not too old to enjoy someone’s beautiful dream of

running their own business and serving the public with good food in

an efficient and courteous manner. I personally enjoyed driving in to

the Auto Bistro. I am sorry it didn’t succeed.

N.W. LONG

Newport Beach

Sex education must be taught in schools for the sake of students

Not only does Jane Altman-Dwan belittle those who disagree with

her attempt to stuff religion into the public school curriculum

(Sounding Board, “People must educate themselves before drawing

conclusions,” June 7), she advocates “abstinence only” be taught. To

deprive young people of sex education is reckless and immoral, and it

should be classified as child endangerment.

JAMES E. YOUNG

Newport Beach

Councilman Monahan gets enough ink, don’t you think?

Enough already with the not-so-subtle anointing of Gary Monahan

for a third term on the Costa Mesa City Council.

Your recent coverage of his decision to run via news stories

written by an opinion columnist and an editor, community forums and

photos has been a bit heavy-handed. This is especially true in light

of both the Pilot’s and Monahan’s strong past endorsement of a

two-term limit.

Since we don’t even have a complete list of candidates yet, how

about this idea: We wait until the filing deadline so we know who’s

running.

Then through candidate statements, interviews, forums, Web sites

and public utterances, we voters get a sense of where all the

candidates stand on the issues.

Your editorial board can make a thoughtful, informed decision

about whom to support. The voters can take (or leave) your

recommendations. This gives the whole process at least a whiff of

objectivity. It’s the American way.

REBECCA CHADWICK

Costa Mesa

Editor’s note: Chadwick is the partner of Costa Mesa Councilwoman

Libby Cowan.

Don’t cancel the Pilot subscription quite yet

I have an idea for Margaret Bartlett (“Church cartoon upsets Costa

Mesa resident,” July 17): Keep your subscription to the L.A. Times

and Daily Pilot intact. You could use these papers to improve your

writing skills.

DAVID JAMES

Costa Mesa

Balboa Island duck situation should not be taken lightly

Regarding the Letter to the Editor in the July 21 edition of the Pilot regarding ducks on Balboa Island by Paul James Baldwin of

Newport Beach, it’s too bad Baldwin gives credence to those who

actually will kill these animals at a moment’s notice.

Relocate them to an inland lake. The lady feeding all of these

ducks should be fined, again and again. The ducks will not come back

if they are not fed. A simple solution, which may be too complex for

Baldwin.

While we are at it, relocate the coyotes that live in the Upper

Newport Back Bay that are killing our cats to the Cleveland National

Forest.

My neighbors and I have all lost our cats to coyotes as early as 8

p.m. before we could get them in. I loved my cat and hate coyotes,

but I do not want them killed for doing what they need to do to

survive.

Seems like that is another simple solution.

PEGGY CALHOUN

Newport Beach