When it rains, why do we still...

When it rains, why do we still water?

The other evening, I drove on Iowa Street past the California and

TeWinkle schools athletic fields. At the time, it was raining

heavily, and had been raining for nearly 24 hours. I noticed that the

sprinkler systems on the athletic field were in full operation,

sending large sprays of water over the field.

Obviously, watering the fields at that time was a complete waste

of water. It was also a waste of tax money by the school district.

Surely, the cost of a simple moisture sensor to automatically stop

the sprinklers under such conditions would not be a major expense.

The public goodwill engendered by such a system would be enough to

justify it, and it would also save both money and water.

I tried to find an e-mail address for the schools and the Mesa

Consolidated Water District on their Web sites so I could send this

message. However, both sites failed to provide any e-mail contact

information; instead, they provide Web forms for sending comments.

Those forms insist that I enter my e-mail address so they can send me

an answer, but I won’t give my e-mail address to anyone who won’t

tell me their address. I’m pleased to note that the Daily Pilot does

publish their e-mail addresses widely, and so does the City of Costa

Mesa.

DAVE CLOSE

Costa Mesa

A novel idea for the Mesa Verde Center

Now that the Kohl store won’t be going into the Mesa Verde Center,

may I make a suggestion? Since the Segerstrom family members are

known for their cultural philanthropy, maybe they would like to build

a wonderful public library (ala Andrew Carnegie) and donate it to the

Orange County Public Library System to replace the very small branch

library in Mesa Verde. It could be named the “Segerstrom Branch” and

would provide much needed space for after-school library programs.

According to the library administrator, more children participate in

summer reading programs than in Little League baseball. Costa Mesans

of all ages would use it. There could be a large, soundproof

children’s room with a special area for “story hours,” lots of

computers, an area for art displays, meeting rooms, etc. Since Costa

Mesa is the City of the Arts, maybe it could have special collections

in the arts. There could be a little store to sell used books.

Actually, it could have a lot of the features that can be found at

the Newport Beach Public Library on Avocado. Costa Mesa is library

poor, and there had been talk a few years ago of building a new

library for the city. The library could be built in a beautiful

park-like setting, with benches and tables, so people could sit and

eat their Chinese food, pizza, sandwiches, smoothies and coffee from

the shopping center.

Now I still think there would be room on the property for a really

nice, upscale restaurant that could be named the Library, with dark

wood, comfortable tables and chairs and creative food. There could be

a room or two for meetings, special events, etc. And dare I say, a

cozy bar with a fireplace.

BARBARA RYCROFT

Costa Mesa

Not conflicted about wanting more action

I got a good laugh after reading about the inaction of our city

attorney and the Costa Mesa City Council to reprimand Councilman

Allan Mansoor over his admitted conflict of interest abuse. After

all, what was the point of passing that law if it was never going to

be enforced?

I acknowledge that a little over $250 may sound trivial compared

to state or national campaign contributions. However, the issue to

which I am concerned deals directly with acting City Atty. Tom Wood’s

opinion: that it would be unscrupulous and illegal for a council

member to appoint a commissioner based upon any monetary sum that was

received by the council member -- be it $251 or one penny.

Although Planning Commissioner Joel Faris and Mansoor may not have

intended to violate any city laws, they should still not be excused

from receiving any proper punishment for their abuse. As city

leaders, I would like to see them publicly apologize to their

constituents for this egregious violation.

KENNETH TAYLOR

Costa Mesa

Carlson went the distance

for the sports page

If you’re not a runner, you don’t really grasp how awesome a feat

it is for a marathoner to average 5-minute miles for 26 miles.

In the same way, it’s hard to really grasp the significance of

Roger Carlson’s 35-year career at the Daily Pilot unless you’ve been

a sportswriter.

Luckily, I was, and therefore am able to truly appreciate Roger

for the giant he was in his field. I started at the Daily Pilot (then

called the Globe Herald) in 1959 as a stringer, covering the city

leagues (remember the great Korker basketball teams?) and eventually

Costa Mesa High’s first varsity teams. After turning in the stories

at night, I’d move into the press room and help make the plates and

run the press (things have changed a little).

Anyway, what I appreciate most about Roger is that he brought a

level of credibility, stability and class to the sports section,

which the paper had never before seen. Glenn White, who hired him,

laid the foundation, and Roger brought the tools to build and develop

it.

Now, no offense to the sports editors at that time prior to White

-- Rich Martin and Bill Doner -- but let’s just say youth was served,

there weren’t many boundaries, and there were a lot of big, bold

headlines on almost every story. It was reckless fun.

To work diligently, faithfully for 35 years at the task given him

is an awesome achievement. But what looms larger than that and what

will be Roger’s enduring legacy is his character and the humble

spirit in which he served and led. The most powerful men I know are

also the most humble. The longevity and faithfulness of his current

staff is a tribute to Roger’s humble leadership style.

Thank you Roger. You made a mark that will not be forgotten.

BOB BROGGER

Newport Beach

Carlson always showed class and integrity

Wasn’t the happiest of days for me Tuesday -- two losses in one

morning. First I had to have my dog put to sleep, then I opened the

paper to see that Roger Carlson was hanging up his notepad.

Class. Integrity. Loyalty. Old school. Never sold out. All words

that describe Roger. He’s one of those few people that you can say,

“He does things his way, the right way, and I’m glad I know him.”

I was fortunate to have worked for Roger as a stringer from 1984

to ’85. ... Didn’t know what the heck I was doing then, but he always

had time to help.

Best of luck, Roger.

HUGH SILER

Costa Mesa