Here is another roundup of some of the most thought-provoking reader comments of the week. Click on each topic’s headline to see the article in question. Comments are selected by our editors and subject to editing for grammar, spelling, clarity and length.
Farm Workers Memorial
This is long overdue and absolutely appropriate given the Fair Board’s mission to celebrate Orange County’s agricultural history, which would not exist if not for the efforts and sacrifices of immigrant farm workers.
— Stunned / April 27
So despite the fact that you and [Fair Board member Nick] Berardino claim to care so much about the fairground, you don’t know that Centennial Farm is at the front right next to the main entrance?
I know it is easier to bash [Fair Board member Dave] Ellis if he was suggesting hiding it away somewhere on the property, but in truth Centennial Farm is one of the most visible and trafficked parts of the property.
Way to show your true colors.
— Howdy Pardner / May 2
Glad to see the new Orange County Fair Board is tackling such pressing issues.
— Matthew Cunningham / April 27
Do We Really Need San Onofre?
Nick Gerda [Voice of OC writer], thanks for your top-notch reporting on this matter and keeping us current.
But realistically, Nick, until the day comes when we can really harness the sun’s energy to provide for our energy needs, we simply need nuclear power.
It has been proven to be one of the safest and cheapest forms of energy. The problem is that when there is a problem, it’s usually a big one. But look at the mess that oil caused in the Gulf of Mexico. Producing energy is a messy job.
Without nuclear energy we’d be paying $10 a gallon for gas, and our electric rates would go through the roof, which would cause havoc for the economy.
We must continue with nuclear power for the foreseeable future, Nick. We have no other plausible choice. All we can do is try to make it as safe as possible. And by keeping a close eye on this situation you are doing your part. Thank you.
— Beelzebub / April 27
A Performance Audit for Costa Mesa City Hall
I’m a performance auditor for another Orange County city. I agree: Performance audits done correctly can be a great asset. Many times they prove employees are doing an efficient and cost-effective job.
But given the Costa Mesa City Council’s track record, I’d be leery. Real audits follow strict standards set by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, including the requirement to be free from political pressure. An auditor has to be free to go where the evidence takes him and report only what he can prove.
— Noclib1 / April 27
Placing the Blame at School
When children do poorly on tests, blame it on bad teachers. When they do well, attribute it to prayer walks.
When parents help children study, they learn as well as the children. But how many of the parents of these children are working two or three jobs to pay the rent?
— Dweezle / May 2
The Arts and Día del Niño
Rick Stein [executive director for Arts Orange County], you are a sharp dude with many healthy community connections. I respect your relationship with the Latino Community especially.
We look forward to your support in saving and preserving the Santora Building and Artists Village as a place for arts before decades of work is lost forever.
The Santa Ana youth that you work with are welcome in the Santora for arts experience and education. Please participate with the United Artists of Santa Ana in this critical endeavor. Peace.
— Got your back / April 30