EDITORIAL

A year ago, it would never have occurred to anyone that a list of New

Year’s wishes should include the hope that America not suffer a second

deadly attack on its own shores. Now, it rises to the top of any such

list and makes a list of hometown wishes seem, maybe, a little less

important given the fortune we are blessed with here in Newport-Mesa.

Still, along with the continued safety and prosperity of our

community, there are small wishes to hope will come true in 2002:

* Flight restrictions at John Wayne Airport get extended. Although the

caps are not due to expire until 2005, ensuring little or no growth at

John Wayne should be a top Newport-Mesa priority. Residents won’t be able

to sleep easy until those caps are in place, if not for good, then for a

good long time.

* A solid plan for a revamped Westside. The last attempt was scuttled,

but there is a fresh start with a new city committee just formed to begin

discussions of what to do with this too-long neglected part of Costa

Mesa. City leaders should do all they can to bring the many parties

interested in the area’s future together, even though much divides them.

* Good candidates for our city council and school board races. In

Costa Mesa, we are assured of at least one new face to replace Councilman

Gary Monahan. In Newport Beach, longtime Councilwoman Norma Glover will

be done as a result of the city’s term limits. And four school board

members are up for reelection. These positions need vibrant, dedicated

officeholders, and voters deserve to choose from among a pool of

hopefuls. We hope there will be no unopposed races.

* Triangle Square gets squared away. The past few months have seen the

further erosion of the shopping center’s strength as Johnny Rockets and

Whole Foods vacated, leaving six empty spots. Costa Mesa and business

leaders should do what it takes to turn that trend around.

* A happy ending to the Crystal Cove debate, discussion and delays.

With cove residents out, the state now can begin opening the beach-side

park to the public. California State Parks is readying a plan for the

rustic cove that likely will include some overnight lodging and several

cottages set aside for cultural and environmental research. For most

people, it is turning out to be a good solution to tough, emotional

events.

* And, finally, clean water in the Back Bay, the harbor and our

beaches. Both cities took steps in the right direction last year by

deciding to oppose a waiver enjoyed by the Orange County Sanitation

Department that allows the disposal of sewage that doesn’t meet the full

requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act. Other changes are coming

after the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Board approves a tougher

permit that allows Orange County cities to operate storm drains. Whatever

other steps can be taken should be. Our beaches and our drinking water

are too valuable to treat otherwise.