Mailbag - June 6, 2000

In response to the Rebuttal by David Guder (“Residents need equal

voice in 17th Street talks,” June 3), I think there is a real lack of

clear communication among all the parties concerned. I am part of the

17th Street Merchants and Community Assn. At our meeting on May 31, more

than 50% of those in attendance were residents of the area surrounding

17th Street. A vote was taken of those residents that asked them if they

would like 17th Street to be a six-lane street. One hundred percent of

them voted no. They want 17th Street to remain a four-lane road.

Yes, the city of Costa Mesa has been offered $4 million in funds to

build out 17th Street to a six-lane highway. The reason those funds have

been granted is because the city submitted the six-lane plan. However the

city can also submit a plan for a four-lane street with improvements that

will increase the flow of traffic. The city has not taken the opportunity

to do so.

The general consensus at the moment is not for 17th Street to remain

as is. A majority would like to see a combination of traffic improvements

which include a signal at Westminster Avenue; bus turnouts like the one

if front of the new Ralphs; left-turn lanes with arrows on the signals;

and dedicated right turn lanes. Along with these aforementioned

improvements would be center, raised medians with landscaping. If money

is available, there has been mention of pavers in the intersections to

enhance the beauty of the street.

The point is, a lot can be done to alleviate the traffic problems

without creating a six-lane highway. Bus turnouts would be a tremendous

improvement alone. I would like to see the city apply for funding based

on a four-lane 17th Street with bus turnouts, intersection improvements,

etc.

BRETT HEMPHILL

Costa Mesa

Jury foreman says lawsuit against police was frivolous

I’m writing this to clarify a few points regarding your Costa Mesa

Police Department harassment lawsuit story(“Jury clears police in

harassment lawsuit,” May 26).

I was the jury foreman and offer the following: Your headline reads

“After two hours of deliberation, jury says former Costa Mesa officer’s

case did not present enough evidence.” The headline should read “ ... did

not present any evidence.”

Romine’s lawyer, Steven Pingel, said “he felt the jury’s reaction

after the trial somewhat validated Romine’s allegations.”

Pingel insulted the jury’s intelligence by blowing irrelevant smoke at

us for three weeks in the courtroom and he continues to do so now. All 12

jurors agreed from the beginning of deliberations that there was no

evidence to validate Romine’s allegations. Romine’s testimony was

continually changing and not credible.

First of all, Romine alleged that she was fired in retaliation for

filing a harassment complaint. The jury concluded that Romine only filed

a complaint because she realized she was about to be fired for

unacceptable performance. Secondly, Romine alleged that the city created

a hostile work environment. The jury concluded that a hostile work

environment simply did not exist.

In conclusion, I think the lawsuit was frivolous and that Pingel and

his legal entourage should be required to pay all court costs and the

city of Costa Mesa’s legal expenses.

TOM TIMMONS, jury foreman

Garden Grove

Petitioners have too much time on hands

Why don’t the people who have petitioned to stop an airport at El Toro

and the people petitioning to block the expansion of the John Wayne

Airport join forces and sue the Wright Brothers?

Then the lady and her petition disapproving of the newly-expanded

Albertson’s in Corona del Mar because of its slightly orange tone could

sue Orange County.

Who are these people? Do they have a life? Petition for one.

SHIRLEY SCHIEBER

Corona del Mar