Mailbag:

I have mixed feelings about the banner headline story (“Official’s son suspected of battery,� June 4).

I suppose if there is nothing else going on in town, it makes for a juicy headline that sells papers, although it seems to me that family matters ought to remain private.

Still, when the son of a prominent local figure is arrested for such a crime. I suppose it is news. All the more so when the son of an official who is so closely identified with so-called family values finds himself in such a predicament.

It is telling that so many right-wing politicians who claim the banner of “family values� are such hypocrites inasmuch as their own families are so dysfunctional.

You want more examples? How about the notorious Mary LeTourneau (the one who had an affair her sixth-grade student) who is the daughter of our former congressman? Or even the Reagans, who were usually not on speaking terms with one or more of their own children at any given time.

Maybe Councilwoman Wendy Leece should stay at home and instill in her own family members the values she seeks to impose upon the rest of the community.

LENARD DAVIS

Newport Beach

Senior center needs new director now

The sheet of paper for seniors to sign to support [Costa Mesa Senior Center Executive Director] Aviva [Goelman] is hypocrisy at its worst.

Some seniors did not know what they were signing and removed their names later.

I could not circulate a petition to have the line-dancing class moved back.

Now those seniors would like to pass around a sheet of paper to have the city take over the center and fire Aviva.

I know some seniors against Aviva will not speak up, and it is so disturbing. They feel it is useless.

The huge salaries paid to Aviva could be done away with. In this day and age, they could get someone better for half the money.

It is so petty. I am getting tired of this.

DARLENE LETNES

Costa Mesa