Balboa Island is quaint, magical

Re: “Balboa Island still lives large,” July 31:

Having lived three miles northwest of Balboa for the last 12 years in west Newport Beach, I am quite familiar with the quaintness, the magic and the overall seagoing atmosphere of Balboa Island. I frequent the island occasionally via my bike and a short ferry ride across the bay. Hugo Martin’s article sadly but accurately points out that even the well-to-do who spend between $3,000 to $5,000 a week to vacation on the island are looking for ways to budget their money like cooking their own meals rather than eating out. For most of us who can ill afford to stay there, however, the island still welcomes everyone who can get there and enjoy the magic and ocean atmosphere of a user-friendly village.

Bill Spitalnick

Newport Beach