Beveridge Says He Was Misrepresented

Dianne Klein’s story about the Evans and Ed Beveridge has several levels and applications for neighborhoods throughout Orange County and elsewhere. She did an outstanding job in presenting the situation to your readers.

Unfortunately, more and more people are finding themselves in uneasy alliances with others by proximity, where people’s homes are next to each other, but philosophically they are planets apart in their life’s viewpoint.

I have a sense of compassion for Ed, but it is because he was so afraid to talk to his neighbors or to see what exactly they were doing; he wanted the city to do it for him. This is happening in many neighborhoods and is the beginning damage that non-communication causes. When people do not talk to one another the downfall of the community will be the result.

The Evans have found something necessary and important to do that provides meaning for them, it sure is meaningful to the birds they care about in their home.

Ed’s house is meaningful to him and our homes are important to be sure. However, it has been my observation that when a house is viewed as as investment by a homeowner, the qualities such as neighborhood relationships (good ones) caring about others, social interaction leading to longtime friendships are not considered to be an important part of their acquisition. It is just that--a material good that ultimately is unfulfilling because its main purpose is to create more money.

I find Ed’s desire to live in peace paradoxical because he created unnecessary dissension . . . It is my guess that he needs to find some way to make his life more meaningful. He seems to have issues that really have nothing to do with his house.

Lastly, what will he do when the Big One strikes? I believe the neighbors would do the right thing and help him should he need it--would he help them? How important will his house be to him should it be leveled by a disaster?

PEGGY DARNELL,

Corona del Mar