Jets from Long Beach are a concern

Rex Ricks

Huntington Beach city leaders are considering passing a law

banning air banners.

It will probably not be effective anyway. The planes could simply

stay over the ocean, avoiding city limits, yet remain visible. In

addition, the Bolsa Chica wetlands are unincorporated. Besides, the

Federal Aviation Administration, not a local city, has jurisdiction

over the sky anyways. Sure, the 9th Circuit Court in San Francisco

upheld a banner ban in Honolulu. But keep in mind, this court is

notorious for being overturned. This is the same one that just

supported banning the “g” word in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The point is, trying to control where aircraft fly is futile,

unless, we can create our very own Area 51, complete with restricted

air space. However, trying to limit flight operations is a much more

realistic goal.

Which brings me to my next point. These little bitty banner planes

are the least of my worries compared to prospect of more big jets at

Long Beach Airport. When Meadowlark was closed, the altitude was

significantly lowered for jets making final approaches to Long Beach.

Meadowlark was a good neighbor, but having Long Beach airport

transform into Los Angeles’ version of a Midway or a La Guardia would

be bad news.

American Airlines has threatened to sue for more slots if they are

not granted by January 2003. When American Airlines wants to sue, be

afraid ... be very afraid.

In the past, Alaska Airlines sued, and a federal court increased

the caps from 15 to 41 a day; or 273%. Repeat that percentage, and

we’ll have 112 daily flights.

Additionally, there are some South County letter writers still

pushing for Long Beach expansion. Even though, El Toro and the

illusionary Great Park are “dead.”

Huntington Beach (and others) should join the city of Long Beach

in supporting its resolution that opposes removal of the curfews and

increases in jet operations. Long Beach so far has ponied up $500,000

for legal fees to defend the flight caps.

Our city should also contribute. Long Beach expansion would be

very bad timing for our city, just as we finally had the sewage

waiver eliminated -- thank you, Orange County Supervisor James Silva.

* REX RICKS is a Huntington Beach resident. To contribute to

Sounding Off e-mail your response to [email protected] or fax it to

(714) 965-7174.