Mailbag: New sports field is inappropriate in a drought

We have a code enforcement officer for water wasters, and the city put in a football field of grass at the new Marina Park. Are the code enforcement officers monitoring this water-waster?

I understand this was in the plans when the drought was not so severe, but when we are all letting our lawns go brown, the city in the middle of this severe drought decided to plant a huge grass field. What happened to the slogan, “brown is the new green?” And now there is not enough parking, but they have a huge lawn for us to have a picnic on. Just ridiculous planning on their part.

Mary Allyn Dexter

Newport Beach

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Need any help with code enforcement?

The Newport Beach City Council approved two part-time enforcement officers to issue citations to water wasters. The cost was reported to be $14,300 per month. Nine of us 80-years-or-older guys who have coffee five days a week at Haute Cakes would like to apply. If it requires us to walk to the front door to issue a citation, then only seven of us are available, but we sure could use the money. God willing, we will try to fulfill the 19-month contract.

Clay Wells

Newport Beach

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Mayor should have let councilwoman speak

It’s been more than a week since the last Costa Mesa City Council meeting, and I have spent a lot of time thinking about it. I was one of the speakers representing the Affordable Housing Coalition. Even though the council did not agree with me, I respect their right to disagree.

What bothered me, and continues to bother me, is the disrespect that Mayor Steve Mensinger showed to Councilwoman Katrina Foley by not letting her speak when she tried to ask a question of a speaker. To me, his behavior was extremely sophomoric and just plain rude.

He would not let Foley speak, but he did not object to Mayor Pro Tem Jim Righeimer when he pontificated forever. Perhaps the mayor needs to step back and look at himself in the mirror.

Sylvia Hatton

Costa Mesa