There was much to celebrate in 2002

As 2002 began, we all took a deep breath and a gave a sigh of

relief that 2001 and all its horror was behind us. Still, the

tragedies of a little more than a year ago continue to have a

profound effect on us all.

We don’t take people for granted so much, we have to stop and

think twice about stereotypes and bigotries, we honor policeman and

firefighters, much like we should have all along.

We are concerned for our safety and of others and we hug our

families and attend churches, synagogues and temples a whole lot

more.

And life goes on.

In Newport-Mesa, there was much to celebrate and much to ponder.

It was a year that saw John Wayne Airport fitted with a new set of

caps on noise and passengers.

We witnessed the community that fretted over the height of a

majestic Mormon temple, while on the other side of town, an equally

majestic row of ficus trees fell victim to city-hired chain saw

operators.

There were cheerleaders who had to take a bow, but the show

promised to go on as the South Coast Repertory Theater opened the

Folino Theatre Complex in October, capping off a three-year dream and

$19 million worth of expansion. In Newport Beach, the once unbeatable

and tenacious band of city activists known as Greenlighters were able

to land one of four candidates on the council, but saw much of their

power slip away as three of their candidates were sent back home in

November, including the venerable and popular Allan Beek.

But they didn’t lose without taking their own pound of flesh out

of electioneer Dave Ellis, who they blamed for concocting sleazy

campaign tricks that contributed to their ballot box defeats.

In Costa Mesa, the ballot boxes weren’t kind to City Council

incumbent Linda Dixon and school board incumbent Wendy Leece either,

who were swept out of office by voters eager for new blood.

The beneficiaries of their losses happen to be two Westside

activists, Allan Mansoor and Tom Egan, who promise to bring

individuality and a sense of progress and improvement to their new

posts.

We wish them all the best.

Oh what a year 2002 was.

As for 2003, well, it is inevitable that there will be dissension

and disagreements as the year goes on, that’s a given.

But in the end, we hope that the lessons of Sept. 11, 2001,

continue and the healthy debates, consensus, care for fellow man and

unity that are such a hallmark of our citizenry will carry the day

once again.

Happy New Year.