Mailbag: Allow church to keep serving parishioners on Lido Isle

St. James the Great Episcopal Church has been a part of the community for 70 years. It is a beautiful structure for the neighborhood and not an outdated relic.

After some difficulties, the bishop of the diocese requested that Rev. Cindy Voorhees begin anew and develop a 21st century church. She has done as he requested, developing a very attractive program with the help of many talented and wonderful people who also wanted a church that was up to date.

The church is self-supporting and helps the community by sharing space with the Brownies, offering computer classes to children and adults, doing outreach at the Orange County Rescue Mission, collecting food for the needy, feeding the homeless, developing a wonderful music program and also offering music lessons to the community, and more.

The property was donated to be zoned as a church only. There are condos already in the area, and most of Via Lido is now in various stages of development for residences and businesses. This is not an old-style area. How could this be considered going backward?

The bishop’s methods of informing the church of the sale were an example of someone who pays no attention to the fact that what he requested has been accomplished, and that the community will continue to be benefited by St. James’ presence.

Having more housing will not do this. The plan will only tear down a beautiful, very valuable part of the area

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Jeremy Burns

Lido Isle

Tree-trimming permits might save birds

Re. “Commentary: loss of herons and egrets points up need to come to an understanding with arborists” (June 22):

The noble bird protector Gillian Martin pleads for an understanding.

I have another idea: Newport Beach ought to pass a strong ordinance forbidding the cutting of trees without an official city permit and on-site pre-inspection. Otherwise, innocent birds will continue being killed. Thanks to Martin for her efforts on behalf of the birds.

Al Wonders

Newport Beach