MAILBAG - Jan. 18, 2007

Beware of where you walk at Dog Beach

Just a heads-up for all of the beach-loving dog owners. On a recent morning, the surf looked fun but crowded, so I opted to walk my dog instead of catch a wave. My dog, Trooper, is a teacup Yorkie that weighs 3 pounds soaking wet. He loves Dog Beach, but for the most part other dogs think he’s a chew toy, so we hang out on the far north side of Dog Beach. We walked across the jetty and noticed the new “no dogs” sign in the sand. I thought anything south of that sign was “Dog Beach.”

I hadn’t had my microscopic dog on the sand for longer than five minutes before I was getting a ticket for “dog on beach” — an estimated fine of $100 to $1,000. I’d always seen people walking their dogs there, but I guess everything north of Seapoint is off limits. Turns out, this is the protected nesting grounds of the Western Snowy Plover.

Teri Rodenas, Huntington Beach

Desalinization plant doesn’t belong here

My kudos to Tim Geddes on his overview (“Poseidon supporters need all the facts,” Jan. 11) and bringing the facts forward that are available to the public.

I have had the same concerns and am amazed by the ostrich syndrome the pro-Poseidon folks have regarding this. Aside from the track record of the other desalinization plants of Poseidon Resources, which is dismal, and Huntington Beach’s lack of need, the issue that stands out to me is: Why put it in our backyard to placate South County growth? If South County wants/needs this, then build it there — Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Corona del Mar or Dana Point. Oh, they will fight that because it is too industrial and would diminish their coastal worth and grandeur. Well, why is our city going through wonderful efforts to beautify our coastline with quality hotels and mixed projects to attract tourists and establish wetland protection only to add another eyesore to our beautiful stretch of coast? What is in it for us? The inconvenience is on Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa residents for the infrastructure work and potential environmental impact to Huntington Beach’s beaches. Perhaps we’ll realize that we are sacrificing our quality of life so the NIMBY South County folks can water their lawns.

Drew Kovacs, Huntington Beach

Poseidon article recalls WWII event

The long-winded article containing “my favorite five facts” by Tim Geddes was so full of false assumptions, innuendoes and accusations that it reminded me of an incident during WWII that, when recalled, makes the day seem brighter as it did for me and other WWII GIs at the time.

In December 1944, due to the absence of Gen. Maxwell D. Taylor, Anthony Clement McAuliffe was acting commander of the 101st Airborne Division and other attached troops during the siege of Bastogne, Belgium. When they became surrounded and the Germans demanded their surrender, he sent back a one word reply: “NUTS.” This down-to-earth reply by a West Point graduate raised the morale of the surrounded troops to such a level that it may remain in history as a cause of the defeat of the Germans surrounding his command. He then commanded the 103rd infantry division until the end of the war in Europe. He retired from the Army in 1956 as a general.

So to my friend in opposition of all potential progress, I beg the pardon of Gen. McAuliffe’s family as I honor his quote and lend it to Tim Geddes’ five favorite facts: “NUTS.”

Bob Polkow, Huntington Beach