FEEDBACK

In response to a recent article (“School board asked to join debate

over El Toro,” Nov. 18), board member Jim Ferryman states, “We’ve got a

possible sensitive bond issue out there and I don’t want to take a

position that could alienate people.” Does Ferryman realize that his

position as a school board member has him involved in sensitive issues --

zero-tolerance, embezzlements, teacher’s pay -- that have him alienating

parents, students and teachers each day with his actions or lack of

actions in dealing with these topics.

How can a school board member publicly state, “I don’t want to take a

position” on an issue that affects 25 schools, if not all of the schools

in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, with noise and air pollution

from jets flying over them. Maybe Ferryman should change his quote to “I

don’t want to do my elected job. I don’t care what an expansion of John

Wayne Airport does to Newport Beach. And by the way will the taxpayers in

Newport Beach please vote for my $150 million bond issue.” Ferryman, take

a position. That is what the voters elected you to do.

SAM ZODA

Newport Beach

I am calling in regards to the article about Judge Susanne Shaw (“Harbor

judge faces accusers,” Nov. 16). I have had the opportunity to observe

Judge Shaw in her courtroom. And if you are unprepared or disrespectful,

Judge Shaw is tough. And that is as it should be. We need more judges

like Judge Shaw.

RICK JOHN

Newport Beach

I am calling about your article concerning Patricia Hotz, the cat lady of

Costa Mesa (“Gearing up for the cat fight,” Nov. 19). In my opinion, she

seems to be a very wonderful and compassionate animal lover who acts very

responsibly. The people who complain about her should instead complain

about those cat owners who have their cats roaming the neighborhood. The

ones not feeding them properly and not giving them the proper care. I

myself adopted several abandoned cats over the years and they were very

grateful and bothered nobody. My heart goes out to Patricia Hotz and her

cats. She might want to contact C.A.N. It is a volunteer organization in

Newport Beach and they can be reached at (949) 759-3646. They help people

find homes for pets.

MARION HARTWICH

Costa Mesa

Bob Dornan has been a sore loser ever since he lost his Congressional

seat in 1996 (“Looks like no B-1 Bob,” Nov. 9). His questionable antics

help to put him in the Pat Buchanan category, and while the county has

changed and matured since his first years in office, unfortunately Dornan

has not. The 48th District can and should have a better representative in

the U.S. Congress than Bob Dornan.

BEN THIELEN

Newport Beach

When we are asking for more money for the schools, I think you need to

publish the budget of the Newport-Mesa School District for the past five

years so we can see how much money they were getting and where it has

gone “Community has obligation to fix schools,” Nov. 18). And then make a

decision on whether we need more money or whether it is going to the

right places to help the students and the schools.

CHRISTIE BECHTEL

Newport Beach

My comment is unbelievable disgust I might say about the skateboarder

picture on the front page (Nov. 17). Parents have been trying to get

their children to wear safety helmets and now you have made it look like

it is totally uncool. And for the editor who didn’t pick it up I have

nothing but absolute disgust. I think you have done irreparable damage.

JUNE HOUSE

Newport Beach