Mailbag:

With all the city of Costa Mesa’s budget woes why does the city appear to be putting so much time and energy into the purchase of the Orange County Fairgrounds? With two of our council members appearing unsupportive, one can’t help but wonder about the details of this deal (“Council makes O.C. Fair choice,” May 11). Not only are the details of how the city intends to be a partner in this deal along with several investors so unclear, just how does one become the legal owner of a property without spending any city cash on hand or obligating the city to some sort of debt responsibility?

I can understand the city’s emotional desire to want to save the fairgrounds but to buy it is another matter that warrants more time and study. The state appears to want the city’s purchase proposal before the end of the month. Why the rush? And from the city’s point of view, with the state rejecting all the bids offered for the fairgrounds, it appears more than clear that there are no serious competitive buyers in line that would require the city to be placed on such a fast track to make there purchase proposal. Therefore the state can wait!

It would appear to me that the city is needlessly rushing into the purchase of the fairgrounds. Why not request more time from the state, then formulate the city plan and let the citizens of Costa Mesa know what it is with details clear and transparent? As a tax payer in California, like all Costa Mesa residents, we already own the fairgrounds. I just want to be certain that the citizens of Costa Mesa aren’t paying twice for something we already own!

Tom Neth

Costa Mesa

Make site into playground, parking

Because land and parking are at such a premium on the peninsula, this is my idea (“Two in talks for old City Hall site,” May 14):

(1) A big park with playground equipment, bathrooms and water fountains, like at Mariners Park, for kids.

Homes around there are so densely packed with most not having yards. This would make the peninsula family friendly for permanent residents and summer visitors.

( 2) A tall parking structure, like at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, to help all the traffic pouring in, charging a good price. More revenue, perhaps, than Newport gets from parking meters. Have shuttles, at a price for the user, to move people down to the beach or wherever. If the 55 Freeway is ever improved, there may be many more vehicles impacting the area.

It is possible that more commercial space would give Newport more revenue. However, all those people parking before going on to wherever would probably dash over to Starbucks, shops and restaurants because they have had a long trek from inland and might not have brought enough food, drink and beach equipment to last the day or summer stay.

And summer residents always forget something.

And then on their way home, they might likely use the establishments again.

Doris Waterman

Newport Beach

Don’t cut all children’s programs

Children are citizens, too.

Just because they can not vote or contribute to campaigns does not mean they should receive no city services.

Cutting the recreation programs would be terrible for young families in Costa Mesa (“Foley: ROCKS important,” May 14).

There is room to raise fees on these programs, but eliminating them would severely impact the quality of life for the citizens of Costa Mesa.

Lizabeth McNabb

Mesa Verde