Mailbag: Support our local businesses before they go away for good

Support our local businesses before they go away for good

We consumers are a fickle lot. What once seemed so cool and unique eventually fades from favor. Fashion, food and merchants — none are immune to the whim of shoppers.

Sometimes it is because there is no enduring value; sometimes we just get complacent and believe that great item or shop will always be there even if we purchase less frequently now than we used to.¿

Unfortunately that is not the case. And we now must bid a fond farewell to Corona del Mar’s Vin Goat owners John and Erich and their delightful staff and wonderful shop full of cheeses and cupboard essentials from all over the world. Their crusty breads, creamy cheeses, savory pates and charcuterie could all be had right here in our neighborhood, walking distance for so many of us.¿

Chase and Lisa and other staff were always helpful and knowledgeable about their products, and liberal in sharing tastes of their wares. And if you were uncertain or really adventurous, there was always the “cheese orphanage,” that wicker basket on the counter with little wedges and orbs of unique cheeses waiting for just the right customer to take them home.

We complain about the many banks, rug stores, nail salons and fitness emporiums in town. And when we occasionally get those wonderfully unique and special shops, we rush to them and support them, but only for a while. Eventually they close because we no longer take the time to pop in with the usual frequency, and when they do they leave a gaping hole in our retail community.

So after five years, we say goodbye to yet another wonderful shop and its owners and staff. Vin Goat has left a lasting impression on its customers, and we will miss their friendship, service and products that were so very unique and such a special part of our community.

Karen Tringali
Corona del Mar

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Costa Mesa can learn from Newport on growth

As Costa Mesa considers its own smart growth initiative in November, a word to the wise from your Newport Beach neighbors: Beware the General Plan update!

The Newport Beach City Council has used General Plan updates as an opportunity to add massive new growth to the city in defiance of voter’s wishes. Despite every scoping meeting revealing that residents want less growth, not more, our General Plan updates contain a veritable wish list for developers (think Measure Y). It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that the Costa Mesa General Plan update has the same issue.

The Costa Mesa City Council should wait until residents have a chance to vote on their own smart-growth initiative before committing the city to the huge amount of growth being proposed.

Susan Skinner
Newport Beach

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