Laguna mayor targeted unfairly, deserves reelection

I am writing in response to recent articles related to accusations and innuendos pertaining to my friend and this city’s current mayor, Steve Dicterow (“Laguna mayor explains bankruptcy filing,” Oct. 25).

I have known and worked with Steve for more than 30 years in numerous community capacities — including well before either one of us served in any position related to Laguna Beach city government. I have known him to be one of the most honest and decent people I have ever known.

I find the comments and actions by a current council candidate and her supporters to be absolutely abhorrent. Most of us in our lives have fallen on personal hard times at one time or another.

Why take something horrible that happened to someone several years ago, who was trying to do their best given the circumstances for their family, and who handled their situation within the letters of the law and with the utmost integrity, and drag it all out three weeks prior to a local election?

I’ll tell you why: because some folks will stoop to any level to win. If that means hurting another person or family and smearing their name in the most negative of lights all over town, then all the better, as far as they’re concerned.

Now certain people in Laguna have sunk to the level of our national election. Who would ever want to run for office in our town again after this?

Don’t let them win. Support Dicterow for reelection. He has been dedicated to this community for decades and has worked like a dog for our city. Show these people that this is not how things are done in Laguna Beach.

Elizabeth Pearson

Laguna Beach

The writer is a former council member and mayor.

Mayor needs to take a stand against Measure KK

I am a long-term resident of Laguna Beach who is concerned that Mayor Steve Dicterow is out of touch with the best interests of all residents. On March 24, the Registrar of Voters notified the city that Measure KK on medical marijuana clinics had qualified to be on the ballot for November election.

Since March 24, our chief of police and several council members have expressed their opposition. At a special City Council meeting on Aug. 8, Dicterow recused himself from voting on the city-drafted competing ballot measure — which would have given our city the ability to regulate medical marijuana dispensaries in our town — by explaining his work for U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa), who supports medical marijuana dispensaries.

I am concerned that these decisions made by Dicterow clearly place his own financial issues above the welfare of the majority of Laguna Beach residents. I value all of those council persons who acted responsibly regarding Measure KK, without regard for their personal interests, including our police chief. I am hopeful that whomever we elect to City Council will be a leader we can trust.

Jahn M. Levitt

Laguna Beach

Thank you for the piece on Bill Medley

I just wanted to tell you the article about Bill Medley written by Shelley Ervin was so wonderful (“Concert review: Bill Medley’s melodies remain unchained,” Oct. 14). Besides the fantastic concerts he still puts on, I didn’t realize all of the nonprofit things he’s done for the community.

I met him briefly in the lobby of Harborside Restaurant a few weeks ago. He treated me like a friend. Later, my husband Bill and I were walking toward the ferry and Medley stopped us and introduced himself to my husband.

Wow! We had a nice conversation and left. In this day and age to find such a famous person who is so down to earth is unbelievable. I look forward to seeing him again.

Shelli Zeller

Newport Beach