Letters to the Editor: Public art, as it should, is sparking debate in Newport Beach

Re: “Latest Newport Beach park sculptures are approved, despite complaints that some are ‘ugly’ and ‘junk’,� (Sept. 27): Paraphrasing Councilman Brad Avery, art is subjective and is designed to, at a minimum, foster conversation among the viewing audience. And, when you add a beautiful environment and exquisite ocean view as the setting for that conversation, you realize why art is such an integral part of the human experience. Art encourages civilized discourse.

Councilman Scott Peotter hates the rabbits but he is still, to this day, talking about them. They are an essential part of his political essence. And therefore, in that context, the art in the park has served its purpose: it has stimulated conversation and become a substantial part of our community’s political dialogue. Art has won.

Resident Barry Allen might not like some of the pieces chosen by the Arts Commission and its consultants, but he is publicly talking about them and his comments will, if nothing else, encourage people to go and see for themselves what he is talking about. And then, based upon each visitor’s subjective taste, that visitor will either agree or disagree with my friend Barry. But the fact that they are visiting the garden, and then stopping at Ruby’s or Sprinkles or Gulfstream to discuss what they have experienced, contributes to our community in both a tangible and intangible manner.

The Arts Commission, the consultants and the City Council all did their jobs, and all should be commended. They have, at a very nominal cost, enhanced the soul of our community by creating a unique respite, like the tide pools and Buck Gully or Marina Park and Fashion Island, where residents and visitors alike can relax, recreate and converse. Our community has reaffirmed the importance of public art in public life. The Arts Commission, the City Council and Allen should all be thanked.

And, just for the record, it should be noted that since the statue of President Ronald Reagan has been relocated to Rabbit Hill, his smile seems a little bigger.

Phil Greer

Newport Beach

Turn around the Reagan statue

It doesn’t bother me to have Ronald Reagan’s statue in the Civic Center Park, but I think they should turn it around so that he is waving at the bunnies. But then Councilman Scott Peotter probably wouldn’t like it.

Lenard Davis

Newport Beach

New brewery is too proximate to kids

The Costa Mesa Planning Commission approved a brewery at 2930 College Ave. This backs right up to apartments with a lots of children and is part of the same block. All the children use the traffic light at College Avenue and Baker Street to get to Killybrooke Elementary School. What were they thinking?

Joan Morrow

Costa Mesa

Confusing the solution with the problem: sober living homes

For decades, sober living homes have been the last house on the block for people whose families have given up hope. Drug- and alcohol-free housing is a solution. Costa Mesa, like other Orange County cities, puts the blame for homelessness on sober-living homes that they have been repeatedly attacking with bogus code enforcement violations.

Housing will end homelessness and attacking those of us willing to provide homes to people nobody else wants is what really drives homelessness. Sober living is a solution, not the problem.

Paul Dumont

Executive director, Community Sober Living

Sylmar

Taking a knee for social justice

I grew up in Palo Alto. Several of my high school classmates, who now live in Pennsylvania, Florida, New Mexico, Washington and several other states, took a knee on Sunday with their friends, proving if you drop a stone in water, there will be ripple effects.

Denny Freidenrich

Laguna Beach

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