Nicoll served our school districts well Before...

Nicoll served our school districts well

Before John Nicoll earned his master’s degree at Clare- mont and

his doctor- ate at Colum- bia, he began his coll- egiate journey and

sterling career by earning his bachelor’s degree at Whittier College

in 1948. His many contributions to the quality of public education in

Newport-Mesa schools and other districts he served are legion.

As professor of education at Whittier for the 21 years before my

election as Orange County Superintendent of Schools in 1991, I

learned of the pride the college had in its many alumni serving as

district chief executives and, at that time, four county

superintendents -- including Los Angeles, Ventura, Inyo and Orange.

Nicoll was a strong leader, committed to providing the best

education for all children. We were fortunate to have him in Orange

County public education.

JOHN F. DEAN

O.C. Superintendent

of Schools Emeritus

Open bases to help hurricane victims

There is an easy way to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

We should reopen the recently closed military bases for their

temporary homes.

We will not have to pay rent for this land or get permission from

the owner.

Of course, this would only be a temporary situation until their

homes are rebuilt.

Buses could take children to nearby schools and other buses could

take adults to local cities so they could shop or find jobs.

They need help now, and the buses are waiting.

LOUISE COLLIER

Newport Beach

Find a way to remove the sea lions

I have made a proposal to the Harbor Commission -- it’s a way to

solve the sea lion problem.

One is we construct a barge and anchor it off a county beach, just

south of us, as a place for the sea lions to sit.

That’s what I have in mind, and I’m going to make that proposal to

the Harbor Commission, along with two other proposals concerning

Newport Harbor.

JAMES DOUGLAS

Newport Beach