READERS RESPOND

We feel it would be a real shame to cancel the Saturday-morning gathering of people and their vintage cars at Crystal Cove Promenade. My wife and I, and even our daughter and her friends, get up early on some Saturdays just to enjoy a nice day and see some great cars. We then have breakfast and head home.

I do not feel the cars are a problem as they come very early and are gone before the center opens for business. It brings business to the shopping center and we have met many friendly people while viewing the cars. It appears to be a family event and is something parents can share with their children of any age.

The Irvine Co. has negotiated a lot of prime coastal land from the state, county and various cities. It is time they became more people- and user-friendly rather than just a wealthy business. We will visit the last show on Oct. 14 and hope they are able to continue this wonderful event in the future.

BARBARA and

WENDELL MABERRY

Costa Mesa

Has the Saturday-morning car show outgrown Crystal Cove? Absolutely not!

Yes, it has become popular for families and car enthusiasts, but it is also well controlled by the security agents who are polite and courteous. The area occupied by the cars on exhibit has not grown, while the numbers of people has grown. The size of the exhibit is effectively limited by the methods used and is respected by all who gather.

Retail centers commonly beg for foot traffic such as the Saturday-morning Crystal Cove car show attracts. It would appear that the Irvine Co. has overlooked the obvious benefits of having a large courteous group of people at the center who can shop at the stores after the cars on exhibit leave. Starbucks and the eatery next door will certainly lose revenue.

Newport Beach City Councilman Ed Selich is correct; it is about friendship and enjoying an early morning outing with the family and friends.

It is a win-win for the community and the Crystal Cove businesses.

What a stupid idea it is to close such an enjoyable !

PHILLIP LUGAR

Newport Beach

It breaks my heart to hear that the venue is being closed down. I am one of the small number of women who visit the Saturday shows. I come from a car-lover family and enjoy the camaraderie with my neighbors and meeting new friends.

I would hope that the Irvine Co. would work with us.

SHERI NEWCOMER

Corona del Mar

The Irvine Co. never hosted the gathering. They may have tolerated it but couldn’t find a way to charge for it. The city of Newport Beach has tried to find a way of taxing it but could not find out “who was in charge.”

MAURICE STUFFMANN

Newport Beach

The car show should be kept in motion.

The merchants gain business and it serves the community. There has been no harm done — only good.

Thus, the show should stay. The Irvine Co. should welcome the show and underwrite whatever insurance or other needs that are required to keep the show going.

It is best for the community!

PAUL PRATO

Newport Beach