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Our Latest Letter:Wow! While trying to look for resources to become involved with regarding my many, many concerns of being a (high-paying) Newport Beach home owner, I was overwhelmed to find so many people and this organization with the same concerns! What I didn't expect, was such an ugly truth. I really do care about our community for a number of reasons: 1) Again, not cheap to live here. 2) Considering high mortgage, rent, costs, etc. to live in this city, I find myself utterly embarrassed of it! From the litter filled 55 freeway and surrounding roadways our "prestigious" city IS overcrowded and a dumpy looking road way and surrounding buildings into this city that has not from what I can tell, spent any money to give our community a well over due face lift! When relatives come to visit my absolutely beautiful home, I send them to travel in the evening, not to see the reality of a city that cannot put effort into helping us land owners and those that rent and pay substantially, proud. There is no pride of ownership here! I feel my home value depreciates at an alarming rate daily. While avoiding the beach like the plague, due to the excessive crowds, that I pay to entertain, I can't help but wonder, why in the world don't we charge fees (like a toll) for beach use and parking access (increased)? I know, I know, it's a free beach. But with the influx of those not paying the high prices and taxes to live here, why should I be responsible for keeping the bathrooms clean and maintained, allowing tons of extra garbage and debris from non-residents to be cleaned up (please pay extra attention to the 55 freeway during the weekend, it's close to a public landfill and is disgusting). Gee, I would never throw a piece of trash down on my own property, why would I? For some reason, the crowds that come in to enjoy what use to be beautiful beaches; don't seem to have my same pride of ownership that I have. Therefore, I feel, fees need to be charged to keep our costs down for picking up and cleaning up after everyone else goes home. I do not want to be left with the wreckage, especially, because although I live here, I have been crowded out of my own city!!! (Katie, FreeNewport! Letter to the Editor, 8/6/04). [Thanks for your feedback Katie! It seems like our infamous city council wants to attract even more out- of-towners on to our already over crowded peninsula with a lavish new hotel on Marinapark!] NB City Council:"I noticed you have the distinction of being the first to post a message on www.recall-nichols.com. Thank you. Afterwards, I went to your website FreeNewport.com (nice update). Honestly though, I don't know what to say. Your passion is overwhelming. However your points cover such a full spectrum, I'm not sure what I agree with or support. There is a lot there to digest. I saw your commentary at the NB council meeting on July 8 regarding Richard Nichols. While your demographic statistics may be correct, in all due respect, your conclusion is unreasonable. My response to you, as well as Mr. Nichols is, "It's a public beach!" It doesn't matter that less than 5% of this city are Mexican, black, Jewish or Eskimo. It's a public beach managed by the city. It's this city's responsibility - and part of its charter - to welcome all regardless of race, creed, color OR RESIDENCY. If you or I wanted to reside in a community where beach access is the exclusive right of "homeowner only - thank you", we wouldn't have to look too far. That city however is not Newport Beach. I thought about your comments long and hard, which I believe to where can attribute the idea for the slogan "Newport Beach - Not For Locals Only" . I guessing it's a safe bet that what you really mean to do is "shake up the pot" on the council and with other citizens a bit. To quote DeLaRocha back at you , what I really see from your site is "WAKE UP!!!". Rock on." (Blake L, CDM, www.recall-nichols.com, FreeNewport! Inbox: 8/6/03)[Aghh Blake, where to start? First of all, of course we agree with you that our beaches are state beaches and thus are open to everyone who lives in California - not just us Caucasians! This is not in question. The reason for our support of Dick Nichols on this particular issue was not due to the race of the people, it was a matter of should we utilize $2.5 MILLION in tax dollars to upgrade a CITY park which, according to Dick, was not being utilized by RESIDENTS (the percentages speak for themselves). That's his right, perhaps his obligation, as the representative for that area. Now, could he have worded it better? Yes - he should have. Maybe we just wish that we had a representative that fought as hard for us as Dick does for your neighborhood! Doesn't it strike you as hypocritical that Mayor Bromberg attacked Dick Nichols for his statements concerning Mexicans (likely non-residents) on the beach, when his fellow councilman Tod Ridgeway, openly attacks the predominantly white renters and skaters that are RESIDENTS in West Newport? Or has it become politically correct nowadays to attack Caucasians?] "Mr. Ridgeway, I am a third generation NB local, and have lived in the community for 30 years. I do not know how long you have lived here, but it appears that we (NB Locals) have a failure to communicate. Newport Beach is built as a beach community, and was once used for summer vacation living only (per my grandparents). Now it is a mix of renters and homeowners. As a younger adult, I do not have the means to purchasing a house at this time, I rent along with 60% of the community. This does not mean that I won't be purchasing a house in the future. I will be buying a duplex, as a smart investor, this would obviously be a smarter future investment. If you don't enjoy living in the community you represent, then maybe you should think about moving to CDM, or Newport Coast which is much quieter. West NB is what it is, and that's why it is fun to be young & live here. The more you antagonize the younger and renting community, the likelihood that you will not be re-elected. My suggestion would be to make peace, and have a better understanding for the born and raised renting community. If you don't then you can bet this community will revolt, and come your re-election it might not come out as you planned. I hope that you will see the light and understand why WNB was developed and why it is such a tight young generation community." (Brandon F, in a letter to Tod Ridgeway: 7/15/03) [Nice letter Brandon. The only thing is, this guy is termed out. That is to say that you can only serve two terms on our city council, and he's already on his second. So he could really care less what we have to say. That doesn't mean that you couldn't lead us in the "Million Renter March" to his house!] "The City Council was really out to hang and publicly humiliate Richard Nichols. Then come back with this resolution to keep him in office if he promises to behave. What was the solution? Obviously the synergy of the City Council is now in a shambles. Are they protecting themselves with this resolution to cover up what Richard Nichols would say if they voted against him? Bromberg and his puppet Ridgeway seemed sure to back the resolution even though they wouldn't think twice to have him ousted if they could. Boy, honesty was not the best policy in this case. Even if Richard commented on the Mexican's being the majority on the beach, what's wrong with that...they are. Take a walk down our own beaches down here and see who the majority is on any given weekend. Now there's nothing wrong with being Mexican and using the beaches, but here is what bugs me the most of anyone using the beach whether white, Mexican, black or Asian: 1. Gang types with to much attitude. They have harassed me and others on the beach. If a frisby lands near them, they don't smile, they stare you down like "you do it again and we'll kick your ass". They simply hate white people. You can tell who they are cause they're covered with gang style tattoos and wear home made cutoff shorts with long white tube socks to the beach. And don't get me wrong, they come in all flavors mostly hispanic and 909 style. 2. Hispanic families with a dozen kids. Swimming in there street clothes or underwear for some reason. This is disgusting to see. The proper attire for swimming is a swimsuit and/or shorts, not street clothes. Sure they're not causing trouble, but its disgusting to watch on a beach where I live and they don't. You are guests to our city, dress appropriately and do not degrade our beach. 3. Hispanic as well as 909 families bring a ton of food and their kids litter the beach. They are the only ones that don't seem to pick up after themselves unless they can recycle what they're leaving behind. I do not see anyone else (black or asian) do this. Then when you ask them to clean up, they tell you they don't speak English or just don't listen. Again, they are not being trouble but just showing no respect to our beaches. 4. Now I see this older Hispanic guy selling strawberries on the beach, what next an ice cream cart. This is pure hispanic heritage taking over. Newport is not a hispanic community, a very small percentage is hispanic and from that percentage I would say most if not all are not out to turn Newport into a hispanic community. Why should outside hispanics be allowed to come into this community and attempt to take it over. I am not racist, but there are good Mexicans and there are bad Mexicans, just like there are good white folk and bad white folk. It just seems that the bad Mexicans are ruining it for the good Mexicans. You won't see me hanging out in a trailer park full of white folk, not my type. Its not racism, they are just not my type. So what's the solution...well it cost me a lot of money to live here, so why shouldn't it cost a lot of money to come down here: 1. Provide permit parking to citizens, then raise the meter prices for outsiders. Seems fair...life's a beach right. 2. INS station at each pier, that'll at least keep the illegal riff raff out. Since they are using the beaches, this would be a great place to catch them. Its not racism, its just maintaining law and security. 3. Stiff penalties for outsiders who cause trouble in this town, there must be new terrorism laws to deal with people who terrorize us. Throw the book at em. Post signs and let outsiders know we don't tolerate this kind of behavior. 4. Get rid of Burger King by the NP pier, no need to explain. 5. Only allow fishing off the pier at night, during the day I would like to be able to go to the end of it and hang out. But no, its a magnate for people who actually live off of what they catch. When did the city decide to donate the pier to charity. Lets share it, we get it during the day, they can have it at night after curfew. Lets be fair to the citizens of Newport. I'm paying for a lifestyle in Newport and I'm paying a lot. I expect the city council to uphold my rights to enjoy this town among decent common folk, regardless of race. I'm talking about people who are not gang affiliated, people who show respect to me and the beach, just good decent folk. Would any of the council members feel safe sending their teenage kids down to the beach, on a hot weekend, between the pier and 36th street? Deep down probably not and why, they'll probably answer just like Nichols (but not in public). Hey lets keep tabs to see if any of the council members make it out to the picnic in CDM this weekend. Not just make an appearance, but stay there all day. Oh, and don't forget to bring your families, they can make some great friends. If the council members stand against Nichols' comments, then they will be there, conversing and making friends." (Jim T, FreeNewport! Inbox: 7/9/03) [Thanks for your feedback Jim. Dick escaped their hanging this time, but I wonder how many lives that guy has left!] "First = Tod Last = Ridgeway You kids, you think that you can stop the legion of rich, white Republicans who own and control every inch of this country? When will you realize that our scheme is near completion, and West Newport is the last bastion of youthful energy, soon to fall under our silver plated curtain? Actually, I'm not Ridgeway, but a kid who has grown up in the dreariness of Corona del Mar, deprived of the free and enjoyable childhood I discovered that my peers on the Peninsula were fortunate enough to have. Ever since I was old enough to ride a cruiser to the ferry, my summers have been spent in West Newport. I would hate to see my sanctuary turned into another Irvine Company area. I hope that a vocal and dedicated minority can prevail in this dispute, and that West Newport will never fall victim to the City Council's lobotomizing efforts. Good luck, you have my full support." (Anonymous, FreeNewport! Feeback: 5/13/03) [For the record, FreeNewport! would like to clarify that this was indeed not a letter from Councilman Tod Ridgeway, although we would certainly welcome a letter from Tod, we haven't received any feedback from him - yet!] NBPD / "The Ghetto Bird":Last Wednesday at around midnight, I pulled my roommates car into the alley from in front of my garage so I could put my car into the garage. This cop SUV pulls into the alley off of Balboa. He sees me maneuvering my car into the garage and starts honking at me and turns his spotlight on to make it tougher for me to get in. So I get the car in the garage, now he's out wondering what this other car is doing in the middle of the alley with door open and engine running. So I get out and tell him that its my car, I have to pull it back behind the garage. Then the cop in a whining gay voice yells "Come on move the car then!!!" Meanwhile a neighbor comes out thinking his car is in the way, and mind you its midnight...talk about disturbing everyone's peace. So once I get my roommates car out of the way he hauls ass down the alley and turns down the one way...if he was in such a hurry why didn't he just back up to Balboa and go around. What really ticked me off was his attitude. He treated me like if I was his bitch and basically pissed me off disturbing my peace of mind. Why couldn't he have said, "Can you please move your car" or just assess that a car is being parked and either wait or go around. But geez, disturb the peace won't you. I bet if it was Bromberg or the Chief of Police the attitude would of been a lot different." (Hans T, FreeNewport! Inbox: 7/3/03)[Very interesting Hans... Apparently it's o.k. to disturb the peace if you're in uniform - or in a helicopter!] "Today I witnessed a gross misuse of NBPD's resources today. On my way back from the beach, I got stuck in a traffic jam southbound on PCH. As I approached the Balboa Bay Club, I noticed an orange electronic sign on the sidewalk stating, "BAY CLUB USE PARKING LANE". As I drew closer, I saw that the parking lane on the right side of PCH had been cleared to allow Bay Club guest to bypass the traffic jam. The backup itself was caused by the shutdown of the traffic light in front of the club to allow guests coming from the other direction to enter its gate without waiting for the light. While drivers for nearly a mile in either direction waited in standstill traffic, the guests were permitted to cruise by in the left turn lane or parking lane and turn into the club unhindered. Driving through the light at the entrance, I saw several "PRIVATE PARTY" signs posted along the wall, and four policemen directing traffic in the intersection as well as two bike cops making sure that no one interrupted the Bay Club's arrivals or tried to cheat alongside the jammed lanes. I was actually surprised that the "Ghetto Bird" wasn't present for this priority event! I can't claim to know what the event was, or what importance it held to necessitate the interruption of traffic. What I do know is that whenever someone I know throws a party, the NBPD doesn't assist the guests. They harass them, cite them, and then kick them out! It seems ludicrous to me that a private party should use our police force and inconvenience hundreds [likely thousands Dan] of commuters so that their guests can arrive promptly." (Dan Q, FreeNewport! Inbox: 5/14/03) [Very interesting Dan... Like you we don't know the nature of this Balboa Bay Club "PRIVATE PARTY", but we can assure you that a FreeNewport! party would likely not receive this red carpet treatment from Newport's finest. Rather, we'd likely spend the night in the can!] "I am hoping that someone at FreeNewport! can look up the annual monetary expenses concerning the NBPD. Also, how many NBPD are staffed (total), along with how many officers are on duty for an average weekday and weekend. It would be good to compare NBPD annual expenses to a similar police force like Irvine or HB, along with their total staffing and staffing per weekdays and weekends? This may help shine some light to the City Council that our NBPD is way over staffed, and cost the city a great deal of revenue." (Brandon F, FreeNewport! Inbox: 5/12/03). [Now that's a tall order there Brandon! We can't answer all of your questions, but we can help you get started... From the city website, we were able to gather their 2003-2004 budget: Acct Code Function Estimated Expenses 1810 Police - Chief of Police $1,358,276 1820 Police - Support Services $6,778,561 1830 Police - Patrol $11,249,318 1840 Police - Traffic $3,550,776 1850 Police - Detective $5,036,776 TOTAL $27,973,707 We're not sure if that includes the "Ghetto Bird" expenses: pilots, insurance, maintenance, and we're sure that it doesn't cover the lawsuits that they generate. We hope this helps!] "Our group is the Newport Beach Resident Association. We want to bring back the freedoms that we once had in our city. It has run rampid with a unlawful, over-aggressive, police department in the last few years! For non-living residents, they sure think that they own our city. What ever happened to the term 'public servants'? A drastic reduction in our police force needs to take place. This can raise revenue for public businesses and lower our taxes." (Brandon F, FreeNewport.com, Inbox: 5/8/03). [Interesting... After only our 3rd month in business and we already have spin-off groups. We like this idea. And hey, there's plenty to go around!] "I can relate to JuniorFemale@CdMHS's experience with the police. I, too, was recently pulled over, for what the officer told me was his suspicion that I was driving recklessly. He did not see me do anything, but he still pulled me over and upon inspecting my car and information cited me only for breaking the 6-month rule. Maybe I'm wrong, but don't the traffic police need a substantial reason to pull a car over in the first place? This seems like a violation of the unlawful search and seizure clause of the Constitution, fore the officer did not have probable cause to believe that I was breaking any law. My point here is that it's time that the "serve" part of "to protect and serve" be given more thought. I understand that the presence of a police force inherently deters criminals, and therefore protects us residents, but I don't feel like I'm being served in any way when I'm paying parking and traffic tickets or watching my friends get pulled over outside school. There is definitely a problem when such a large and vocal part of the community openly feels that the police force is their enemy. The purpose of this message is to have these issues addressed. My complaints are, in my opinion, valid concerns for which I would very much like to have a response. They are not necessarily intended to vilify the police department or city government, but to present the opinion of myself and my peers and our observations and feelings regarding the NBPD's role in our lives. So instead of watching the content of FreeNewport silently and ignoring outspoken citizens at city hall, I hope our city officials will take this opportunity to prove that they are listening, and are in touch with their constituents. Those presented on the site are important issues to the citizens of Newport, and should not be ignored by a democratic board of representatives. I urge members of the police force and city government to remember what their purpose is, and act accordingly." (Dan, info@freenewport.com, Inbox: 4/27/03). [Dan's going to grow up to be just fine] Hi, I saw your website, and as a part-time resident of Newport Beach, I agree that something needs to be done about the way the NBPD interacts with the public. The issue of police integrity is nothing to be taken lightly, and I applaud your efforts to try to bring about change through lobbying and the city council. However, there are a few things I'd suggest to you: 1. The authoritarian, centralized police state that you're describing isn't communism. It's fascism. Communism as described by its founder Karl Marx is an ideal; socio-economic system where the people own the economic means of wealth and boasts of ultimate power for the people. However, in practice (under Stalin, for example) it becomes an authoritarian state marred by violence and is hardly ideal. Fascism, on the other hand, is a political system in which the government is stresses nationalism/racial power and the regenerative power of violence administered through the military or state police in crushing dissent. A historical example of this would be Nazi-era Germany and Italy under Mussolini. I get the feeling that's what you're trying to convey the NBPD's policy as, so you may want to consider changing your opening banner (crossed-out hammer and sickle) to a crossed-out Nazi-Germany flag and changing other references on your page to reflect that. 2. It may help to take off the sounds of cuckoos and the assorted sirens and helicopters off the pages. It kind of bugs if you're trying to read the page, and I get the feeling that it would alienate the people you're trying to persuade: the rich, older owners of West Newport. Ultimately, it's their money and their input that drives what the city council and the police do. 3. If you feel like your civil rights have been violated, I'd advise you to talk to the American Civil Liberties Union. They often help in cases like this, but they only respond to concrete proof. Please don't take what I'm saying as a condemnation of your cause or anything. I think it's an important issue and I applaud you for bringing it out in the open. If you have anything issues with what I've said, e-mail me back. I'd like to see you succeed. (Kenny, info@freenewport.com, Inbox: 4/23/03). [Thanks for the advice Kenny. Just for you, we're going to change our NB Council "cuckoo" to GH's famous, "Read my lips!". We actually kinda like all the other sounds. Let's get one thing straight though: our target audience is NOT Newport's elite!] Hi, I'm with ShoresCrew. That doesn't have anything to do with what I say, well maybe it does. But now that you may know who I am, I have been harassed and arrested by the Newport Beach Police more than enough times. Ninety-nine percent of the arrests and hassles have been a total abuse of police enforcement privileges. This proposal for the 4th of July is both ridiculous and typical. The NBPD needs to spend their budget surplus on civil rights classes and learning how to interact with people without having to resort to violence or power abuse. Can society make a difference? Or must it be done in a federal f*cking court. Not all NBPD cops are like this, but there are surely more than enough that are. To be continued... (Patrick K, freenewport.com, Message Board: 4/23/03). [We're on the same page Patrick] I recently got pulled over by NBPD for not stopping at a stop sign for three seconds. The officer searched my car for 1 1/2 hours, called for back up, and sat me and my three friends on the curb, making us look like criminals. I was very nice, allowing him to do his job, though he had no reason to search my car. I just don't understand what the purpose of that was. I feel that it was not necessary whatsoever. He made me and my three friends (all girls) feel like we were criminals, when we really did nothing wrong. He also wouldn't let me contact my mother Then I informed him that I have over 15 police officers in my family, one that works in Newport, and I am aware of my rights as a minor. Then he allowed me to call my mother. Because I am a minor I think he treated me as if I didn't know anything. If I was an adult, I feel I would have been treated with RESPECT. That officer had no reason to do what he did. It was an embarrassment to be seen sitting on the curb with two police cars behind mine during lunch where MANY people saw us sitting on sitting on the curb with two police cars behind mine. That's all I have to say!!!! (Juniorfemale@CDMHS, freenewport.com, Message Board: 4/23/03). [Sorry to hear that Juniorfemale. Reminds of how I got started in this business. Click on our "NB Police" link. I'm sure that you'll be leading the next generation of patriots some day! When will they realize that today's youth will be tomorrow's leaders? For the record, your car (house, body, or possessions) can only be searched under the following circumstances: 1) You gave them permission 2) They had a warrant 3) They had probable cause or reasonable suspicion to conduct the search* *They must be able to explain what they think they will find and why they think that said items are in your vehicle. If the above conditions are not met and the search is conducted, even if they find illegal items, it was an illegal search. Any evidence that they find is inadmissable in a court of law, and they can and should be held criminally and civilly liable for conducting the ILLEGAL search.] "Newport Beach has become a police state. The martial law that the city and police force are trying to perpetrate must be stopped. I will help." (Mike W, freenewport.com, Feedback: 4/21/03) [Thanks Mike. We need all the help we can get!] "The Ghetto Bird hovers over CdM nightly, relentlessly harassing residents and beachgoers, trying to evacuate Big Corona the moment the clock hits 10. They arbitrarily shine their spotlight, which has found my bedroom window during the night many, many times for 17 years. However, my best story of unnecessary harassment is of a friend who, while in 8th grade, walked from his home to Albertsons in CdM to get some candy at approximately 11 pm. Anyone who was ever kicked out of Fashion Island during junior high knows that the city curfew is 10 pm. So on his way back, he was stopped by two cops a mere block and a half from his house and admonished for violating the curfew, and, most revolting, asked to present a receipt for the Red Vines in his hand. He didn't have the receipt, so he was forced into the squad car and driven back to the store, where a disgusted clerk told the cop that he had indeed paid for the candy. The policemen did not apologize, they insisted on driving him home where they woke up his parents and asked them if they knew their son was violating curfew. Luckily, my friend's parents had a low tolerance for idiocracy and were quite angry when two glorified security guards told them about the law, as well as how to raise their son. Knowing the parents quite well, I can only imagine the grief they gave the officers before telling them to get the hell off of their porch! Some of these cops have a power trip when they get their badges and guns. We need to start an exchange program with the Compton PD, and see how tough they are when faced with real work to do. You guys are my heroes for starting this site, I've only been to the 4th in West Newport once, but the cops were _ _ _ _ s. I'm sure they were unconstitutional. You guys seem to be good with the municipal code and law, and I have a lot of friends whose parents are lawyers, some of whom might be pissed off enough to file a suit. It doesn't seem like City Council will be very agreeable, so maybe you should give the legal route a thought... Keep up the awesome site." (D Stranger, freenewport.com, Feedback: 4/20/03) [We've never been called heroes before, but thanks for the compliments!] "I'm glad someone is actually trying to do something about the peninsula communism. I'd love to become involved somehow. If you don't already, check out www.nbpd.org. Then click on the 'Calls for Service' link. It is especially useful when you hear the damn ghetto bird chasing something around and you check their site only to find out that the call was for 'suspicious noises'." (Kurt T, freenewport.com, Feedback: 3/30/03) [Thanks for the tip Kurt. After the dust settles from this 4th of July law, maybe we can refocus our attention on getting something done about that dam "Ghetto Bird"!] 4th of July:"My 4th was fantastic! I was really surprised. For all their hard-ass rules, the cops seemed much more mellow this year. Last year my party got broken up at 2pm, 5pm, 8pm, and 11pm. This year they only came by once because some morons on my patio were lighting off fireworks. They gave me a warning but didn't clear out the party or anything. I kicked out the guys who did it and they seemed totally satisfied with that. I was really surprised. Last year I wasn't even allowed to talk to girls on the other side of my fence; this year they pretty much left us alone (as they should, we weren't doing anything wrong). I think even though the city council totally ignored our voices at the meetings it seemed as if the chief of police must have voiced to his troops to lighten up." (Matt O, FreeNewport! Inbox: 7/7/03).[Thanks Matt! We're glad that you enjoyed your 4th of July. This just proves that when the NBPD and the residents work together, we all benefit.] "You and your team have done a great job and it's up to us now to make you guys proud of us here in West Newport. I have lived here for 10 years and like yourself, I will give the NBPD the benefit of doubt and I have been trying to spread that word around to my neighbors here on my street. Unfortunately, we do have a lot of weekly's on this street, so we will just have too sit back and keep the peace in our own "backyards". Thank you for all your hard efforts and time you put in for us. I hope that you enjoy tomorrow to the 'fullest extent of the law'!!" (Chris R, FreeNewport! Inbox: 7/3/03). [Thanks Chris! Chris sent this e-mail in response to our 4th of July letter in which we encouraged all West Newport residents to cooperate with the NBPD this 4th of July.] "I had an opportunity to have a look at your "4th of July Ideas" page as listed on your website. While I surely don't agree with everything on your website, I do appreciate the tone of your messages to both the "NB Police" and to 4th of July "Party Hosts". Overall your comments were a constructive effort to engage in some useful dialogue. I personally intend to be at the various briefings for the law enforcement staff assigned on that day and I will be delivering a similar message. Your comments to the police are very similar to what we tell our staff each year, but because of the modifications to be implemented this year and the additional staffing from outside of Newport Beach, I want to make our expectations clear to all those involved in the policing effort." (Bob McDonell, Chief of Police, FreeNewport! Inbox: 5/21/03). [Thanks Bob. Our newest FreeNewport! patriot! (just kidding) This is a good example of how if we improve communications between West Newport and the NBPD that we can make changes for the better. We'll be looking forward to seeing Bob at the proposed "West Newport / 4th of July Townhall Meeting". More importantly, we'll be anxious to see if we truly do see a "kinder, gentler" NBPD this 4th of July! In the meantime, what size t-shirt would you like?] "My family has roots in Newport going back to the 20's. I have been a homeowner in Newport Crest since 1983. I am 40, have an MBA, and am currently in the process of launching my pharmaceutical company on NASDAQ. I am NOT an irresponsible person. The 4th of July has always been a special day for me in Newport. I welcome the parties, and have never witnessed an incident that would ever cause me to consider this day to be a negative event. The aristocracy of the money that seeks to turn my town into their own boring gazebo of gentility disgusts me. If it bothers you that much, MOVE TO NEWPORT COAST! I am sick of them trying to turn Newport into Leisure World. They want to buy the beach from us, and then ban its use! Ever wonder why our only harbor boat ramp is at the Dunes? If this trend continues I am moving and taking my tax dollars with me." (Anthony D, FreeNewport! Inbox: 5/16/03). [Wow. Our newest FreeNewport! patriot. Thanks for the feedback Anthony. This 4th of July Law is the best thing that they could have ever done to support FreeNewport! Keep up the good work guys!] "Love your site! My business partner and I are both 3rd generation NB locals and run a small business. We both want to build awareness about the upcoming "Alcohol Storage Law" vote and would like to help. We love our local stores, especially BalPort, and do not want to see thm lose out on sales this year. Most local residents feel the same. Anyway, we would like to encourage people to stock up on alcohol the week before the 4th and help set a record sales year for our local stores. We may not be able to reason with the Nazis, but we can sure undermine their efforts. Keep up the good fight!" (Dorian S, FreeNewport! Inbox: 5/14/03). [We're on the same page here Dorian. Actually, in addition to promoting Freedom Day, on Saturday, July 5th, we were already planning on informing West Newport residents to stock up on alcohol and film for their video cameras for the 4th of July weekend.] "I am a homeowner on 33rd Street on the Peninsula. I have learned about the 4th of July Safety Enhancement proposal that would affect my neighborhood, and I felt that you should be made aware of my opinions. As a citizen and home owner I am very interested in all of the factors that weave together to create the fabric of my neighborhood. While safety is without a question a concern, I believe that the pursuit of safety should not overwhelmingly impact the livability of my area. For this reason I would like to voice my strong disapproval of this potential plan." (Eric M, in a letter to Tod Ridgeway: 5/13/03) [Thanks Eric! As Benjamin Franklin said, "They that can give up essential personal liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety"] "I am a longtime resident of Newport Beach, and my property is in the "War Zone". Here are some of the things that I have had to deal with on the 4th of July: 1) The police have never really harassed anyone all that badly in my area. 2) The one thing that bothers me the most are these people that think that they own my property and trespass and hang out when my party is shut down, and they decide to hang out. 3) Stealing. . . I have had cell phones stolen, cameras stolen, and a beer tap. The police didn't do this. 4) I thought that the police did a better job last year than years before. Seriously folks. If people would learn to behave in a more respectful manner to the owners of the property in this area then we wouldn't have this problem." (Ralph W, FreeNewport! Feedback: 5/10/03) [Thanks for your feedback Ralph. We may not see "eye to eye" on everything, but as a fellow 4th of July party host, I personally can agree with you on #2 and #3. Take my stuff - lose your fingers, and I actually look forward to throwing trespassers over my wall!] "I just opened the letter from NB this morning and sent this letter to the City Manager. Then I got your postcard so I sent a copy of this to all of the city council. Thank you so much for sending the postcards and maintaining this site. I totally agree with what you are doing and have personally been harassed and seen harassment for little or no reason." (Craig T, FreeNewport.com Inbox: 5/10/03). [Thanks Craig! We'll need all of the help that we can get! Believe it or not, there are a few FreeNewport! haters out there. Maybe it's because they don't like us posting their pic's and e-mail addresses?] "As a homeowner, I am outraged at the way the city is segregating and branding my neighborhood as a "Safety Enhancement Zone". What's next, branding our neighborhoods as "The Ghetto", "Watts", or "The Projects"? I've paid a tremendous amount of money in purchasing my home and in property taxes every year to live the lifestyle that Newport Beach offers, where all holidays are actually celebrated! Has Saddam and his regime taken over the city? There should be a deck of cards with all of the city council mugs on them. It's apparent that the city wants to impose a law based on its own greed and not the safety of its citizens. If this law passes, I'm going to pursue a class action lawsuit against the city for lowering our property values for branding these streets as an unsafe area. Also, I'll join in with the many others to ensure that the current leadership in this city never works in this city again. Work for the people, not against them, someone needs to remind them why we elected them in the first place." (Hans T, Freenewport.com, Inbox: May 4, 2003). [Thanks Hans! Hans letter is another good one in that it dispels the other myth that only the renters enjoy the 4th of July here in West Newport. Our city council is creating some powerful enemies, and many future FreeNewport! supporters. Keep up the good work guys! p.s. We'll think about that deck of cards...] "During dinner this evening, my significant other and I were discussing personal freedoms and police power. She asked, "How would people leaving the Balboa Bay Club on the 4th of July stand up to the police scrutiny that West Newport residents/visitors are subjected to?" Taking this one step further, what would be the arrest/citation statistics if the police used similar tactics at each of the yacht clubs, the VFW, and the American Legion on the 4th of July? Are the residents/visitors to West Newport receiving "equal treatment under the law" on the 4th of July?" (Fred M, 55 years old, in a letter to Gary Proctor and Tod Ridgeway). [Thanks Fred! One myth that we want to dispel about the 4th of July and West Newport is the perception that it is only "young kids getting drunk in the streets". Many of our neighbors are in their 50's and still enjoy hosting house parties, and yes, plenty of drinking, on the 4th of July. Our hats off to Gary!] "I was appalled when I received this (obviously expensive) 'Newport Beach Fourth of July Survey'. Our tax dollars at work! My first reaction was, is this the United States of America? The Newport Beach City Council has really got a lot of nerve and once again has gone too far. Can you imagine closing off access to public beaches from the public? Not to mention residents having to register their guests with the City? What the city is proposing is unconstitutional! This just might be the last straw. I've been waiting for someone to hire Johnnie Cochran and sue the pants off the city. Unfortunately, as a resident and homeowner, the cost of the loss would be passed on to the taxpayers. July 4th is a very profitable day for local businesses, the city and the NB Police Department." (Anita S., freenewport.com, Feedback: 3/11/03) [Our thoughts exactly Anita. Kinda makes you wonder who these guys are working for!] "I have a book that is a history of O.C. from a LAG. B. pioneer and he tells the story that in the early 1900's a "combination" arrived at the pier from L.A. every day at 10 am on the 4th. They added 8 to 10 coaches for all the people that wanted to celebrate at the beach. This is not new. I'm with you, maybe it's time for the renters to become active in City Hall. There are numbers in West Newport to elect one of their own. Go for it. Call a town hall meeting at Mutt's. I can help you if you need it. Keep up the good work." (Dennis M., freenewport.com, Feedback: 3/9/03) [Our first patriot!] FreeNewport! / Miscellaneous Other:Hey great site. I have been looking for something like this for a while, glad I found it. You have hit the nail right on the head with all the issues you take up on this site, especially the fascist police and city council. I would like to propose action on an issue that really irks me, the aerial banner advertisers. It's getting ridiculous! Any given summer weekend you can count dozens and dozens of planes flying these huge aerial commercials over our beaches. I think this is unsightly, an invasion of our privacy, as well as a danger to beachgoers and residents. Last weekend I even saw a helicopter pulling a huge banner, that has to be dangerous. I can't even sit in my front yard and not be advertised to anymore! Does anyone else feel the same? Is this an issue that freenewport.com can take on? I hope so." (Chris R, FreeNewport! Inbox: 8/12/03)[Thanks for your feedback Chris! We'll think about that suggestion, perhaps you could help us...] "Pure and Simple. You guys are doing a fantastic job. Just read the suggestion page and cannot agree more on every topic. Keep up the good work guys and thank you." (Jeff W, FreeNewport! Inbox: 7/4/03) [Thanks for your support Jeff. We need guys like you on the front lines!] "Quit trying to ruin my town with all your racious ideas. You are a thorn in the cities side, a virus, a peice of dirt." (Gary S, FreeNewport! Inbox: 7/2/03) [Thank you for those kind words! Which developer do you work for! And for the record, those are not misprints - his spelling is actually that bad!] "First = Tod Last = Ridgeway You kids, you think that you can stop the legion of rich, white Republicans who own and control every inch of this country? When will you realize that our scheme is near completion, and West Newport is the last bastion of youthful energy, soon to fall under our silver plated curtain? Actually, I'm not Ridgeway, but a kid who has grown up in the dreariness of Corona del Mar, deprived of the free and enjoyable childhood I discovered that my peers on the Peninsula were fortunate enough to have. Ever since I was old enough to ride a cruiser to the ferry, my summers have been spent in West Newport. I would hate to see my sanctuary turned into another Irvine Company area. I hope that a vocal and dedicated minority can prevail in this dispute, and that West Newport will never fall victim to the City Council's lobotomizing efforts. Good luck, you have my full support." (Anonymous, FreeNewport! Feeback: 5/13/03) [For the record, FreeNewport! would like to clarify that this was indeed not a letter from Councilman Tod Ridgeway, although we would certainly welcome a letter from Tod, we haven't received any feedback from him - yet!] "I'm a working professional who lives a work hard / play hard lifestyle. I pay way too much money to live in Newport Beach not to be allowed to have a good time. I get so mad when I think about all of the ways the police and the NB [City Council] have made having a good time illegal. Love the site. Absolutely love it! I like it because it tells me what to do. I'm upset at what's going on but until finding your site, I didn't know what to do about it. The City Council meeting on May 13th is a great start. I will definitely be there. I bet that a lot of NB residents would love to stand up to our City Council if they knew how (Matt O, Freenewport.com Inbox: 5/10/03). [You know Matt, love is a pretty strong word! Tod Ridgeway uses other words to describe us! But seriously, we're glad that we could be of service to you and all NB residents who feel overlooked by our City Council. We look forward to working together with you in the future.] "I'm glad someone is actually trying to do something about the peninsula communism. I'd love to become involved somehow. If you don't already, check out www.nbpd.org. Then click on the 'Calls for Service link. It is especially useful when you hear the damn ghetto bird chasing something around and you check their site only to find out that the call was for 'suspicious noises'." (Kurt T, freenewport.com, Feedback: 3/30/03) [Thanks for the tip Kurt. After the dust settles from this 4th of July law, maybe we can refocus our attention on getting something done about that dam "Ghetto Bird"!] |
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