Mailbag: Spyglass picnic strengthened community ties

Spyglass picnic strengthened community ties

About 250 people, all neighbors of the lovely Spyglass Hill community, attended the third annual “Meet ‘N Greet” picnic gathering on Aug. 4. It reminded me of the care, comfort, friendship and love that we experienced on a daily basis when we were growing up.

This family based gathering was planned, managed and conducted by the volunteer members of the “Spyglass Hill Neighborhood Watch Picnic Committee,” which is headed by Therese Loutherback, committee chairwoman.

The honorable mayor of our city of Newport Beach, Edward Selich, and our city manager, Dave Kiff, along with Officer Kyle Cammak from our relentless Police Department, attended the picnic and socialized with the neighbors.

Two trucks, supported by the generous sponsors, one to provide delicious hamburgers, the other for tasty ice cream, were parked right by the picnic area and responded well to the neighbors.

The picnic started at 5 p.m. and ended around 8 p.m. in the picnic area at cross of Spyglass Hill and El Capitan in the Spyglass Hill Park.

One of the main reason of this annual gathering, besides meet and greet, is to watch after each other and help our hard working Police Department and authorities in their valuable service they provide to all of us for our safety, security, protection and safeguarding us from perpetrators. We are grateful to them and are sure this close cooperation will be mutually beneficial keeping our neighborhood safe.

For those who may not be as fortunate as the residents of our beautiful Spyglass Hill neighborhood, we had two large containers collecting canned food and other items to be distributed through a partnership with SOS organization. It was a great time for grannies, children and those in between, who played with each other in various games that were planned for them.

We look forward to our next neighborhood picnic and are so fortunate to have a caring community. Our friendship was strengthened among the residents and officials of our beautiful and unique city, Newport Beach.

K. Eddie Mehrfar

Newport Beach

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Theater critic is a wonderful writer

Tom Titus’ innate gift in written composition was clearly demonstrated as I read his critique of the “Phantom of the Opera” (Aug. 14).

This type of talent was not only nurtured throughout his years as a writer but also was blessed by the Lord above. No amount of college courses in journalism, critique writing or creative writing could ever bring such richness of expression to the writing table.

My hat is off to Tom. Here is a person that needs to write like someone who needs to quench his thirst. I see why he is still fulfilling and sustaining his cherished gift of writing.

I guess I’ll keep it up for a few more years.

Betty Miller

Diamond Bar

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Some verse for supportive housing

Low-income senior housing in Costa Mesa is very difficult to find

Just like no rent control, it really blows your mind

Homeless people here, there, everywhere no place to stay

It is time for a new planning committee to pave the way

Try and work with all our citizens, wherever you can

Hope fully some good answers, will come with a plan

Our city is great, but greater would be better

Just a suggestion, from this small letter.

Jessie Stovall

Costa Mesa