“With grass, we usually get Mexicans coming...

“With grass, we usually get Mexicans coming in there early in the

morning, and they claim it as theirs, and it becomes their personal,

private grounds all day.”

-- Dick Nichols, Newport Beach councilman, on his reason for not

supporting turf grass at Big Corona State Beach

“If Mr. Nichols’ comments about specific minorities reflect the

way he truly feels, he should consider resigning as councilman,

because that’s not truly representative of the best interests of this

community.”

-- Steve Bromberg, Newport Beach mayor, on the day after Nichols

made his comment

“We had started enforcement actions in that area by the start of

[last] year. And we were able to have an impact and bring down the

number of crimes.”

-- Dale Birney, Costa Mesa Police lieutenant, on how Costa Mesa

crime statistics revealed a 5% drop in crime in 2002

“I would not ever support a decrease in funding for Mobile

Recreation or [the] day camp to go to the police or code enforcement.

The recreation programs we have play a role in the quality of life

and safety of persons and property. It’s unmeasurable -- an

incredibly pure form of prevention that’s so important to the

community.”

-- Libby Cowan, Costa Mesa councilwoman, on Councilman Allan

Mansoor’s suggestion to reduce funding for the program that visits

various neighborhoods that don’t have a lot of access to open space

“My three sons went through the DARE program, and I’m glad they

haven’t given into any temptations. If one kid stays off drugs, [the

program] has done its job.”

-- Mike Scheafer, Costa Mesa councilman, on Mansoor’s suggestion

to reduce DARE funding