Letters to the Editor: There is no need for a desalination plant in Huntington Beach

Re: “Poseidon’s environmental plan doesn’t halt criticism of proposed desalination plant,” (Sept. 22): Poseidon’s attempt to influence the State Lands Commission is too little, too late. Promising environmentally friendly methods in building a $1 billion desalination plant in Huntington Beach is not sufficient to overcome its past record of problems surrounding its Tampa Bay plant.

The California Coastal Commission has suggested and urged Poseidon to use a subsurface intake pipe so that the sand would act as a filter for marine life, such as small fish, fish larvae and eggs, which Poseidon has rejected because of the expense.

The Orange County Water District has recently expanded its groundwater replenishment system by 30 million gallons of fresh water daily for a total of 130 million gallons a day, which more then doubles the amount produced by the Carlsbad and proposed Huntington Beach plant and makes the desalination plant irrelevant.

Richard C. Armendariz

Huntington Beach

Partial video of police shooting painted an incomplete picture of conflict

You are showing a video of an officer-involved instigated shooting that doesn’t showthe initial portion of the altercation between suspect and officer (“Video shows officer fatally shooting man outside H.B. store; police chief defends actions,” Sept. 23). This gives the public a perception that the shooting was unprovoked. Is this sensationalism to promote the Daily Pilot or is it reckless reporting to polarize the efforts of our police force versus the public?

It’s fairly recognized that you do not try to fight against a peace officer, regardless of the situation, let alone grab any item from the officer’s utility belt, lethal or otherwise. I am a lifelong resident of our fair city for more than 50 years and truly hate to see this unfortunate situation unfold. I ask that editing of police pursuits be displayed in their entirety online, so the public can decide and not you as a news agency to influence public sentiment.

Michael McClure

Huntington Beach

Editor’s note: Only the later portion of the shooting video was initially made available to the news media. The Daily Pilot did not edit out the early parts of the confrontation between the officer and the suspect.

Mariners’ Mile provides opportunities

Let’s build a coastal city for people to enjoy now and in the future. Without a clear vision guiding the transformation of Mariners’ Mile, ongoing efforts will continue to be disappointing.

In coastal cities north and south of Newport Beach, there is a historical and growing movement to transform Pacific Coast Highway to a more-friendly pedestrian and bicycle thoroughfare, especially for vulnerable users such as children traveling to school, seniors, joggers, parents with strollers and the disabled.

Orange County beach cities are looking to slow traffic, enhance safety, widen sidewalks and bike lanes and implement a variety of changes that encourage people to walk around their communities. Federal, state, county and city guidelines and community goals have merged to encourage these changes to meet the needs of all users.

Seaside towns from Seal Beach to San Clemente are two lanes. The communities of Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach have grappled with this issue and have remained two lanes. Our vision is a Main Street and Gateway Destination along the tranquil bay and heart of our charming coastal town.

Mariners’ Mile is our town’s “Main Street,” providing access to the waterfront and beaches. It services our schools, neighborhoods, business districts, hospital buildings and post offices.

Patrick Gormley

Newport Beach

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