MAILBAG:

I was saddened and disappointed to see the lack of coverage for the Surf City USA Marathon and other races on Super Bowl Sunday.

Me and 18,000 family, friends and neighbors trained for weeks or months preparing to run. This was my second half marathon, my son’s first 5K and my daughter’s first one-mile run. There were thousands of cheering spectators on hand. Hundreds of fabulous volunteers made the day a wonderful success. The bands played wonderfully along the route.

Police, fire and city employees were out in force to help make things safe for all. The organizers should be very proud of the program they put on. All of the returning athletes remember the horrible weather that plagued last year’s races, but this year was a picture postcard kind of day. A safe and wonderful time was had by all.

Other than the Fourth of July parade, it’s hard to think of a larger event in the city. I would have hoped the Independent would have shown a little more recognition to the many people who helped make this day such a success.

Michael Mann

Huntington Beach

Grateful for grand gesture

The city of Huntington Beach really threw a big bash with the Centennial Ball on Jan. 31, to mark the beginning of the 100th birthday celebration.

Beautifully gowned ladies and handsomely dressed gentlemen paraded through the Hyatt Hotel lobby to the Grand Ballroom. They were greeted there by lovely decorated tables and the band playing. There were introductions of civic leaders, short speeches and recognition of those individuals responsible for putting on this lavish affair.

On a personal note, I was privileged to attend this lovely party by a generous anonymous donor who provided a ticket for me. Although I worked on the committee to help with the Art Center Exhibition for the Centennial (which I enjoyed very much), my Social Security check does not cover this type of expenditure, and I am very grateful for this gift.

Whoever you are, wherever you are, if you read this, I really did enjoy the evening. As a longtime resident of Huntington Beach I felt honored to be a part of the celebration and will have wonderful memories of it.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Billie Kennedy