Problems Caused by Balboa Cruisers
I live on the Balboa peninsula, a residential community now in its third year under siege by the out-of-town adolescent scofflaws known as “cruisers.” They swarm through our neighborhoods, creating chaos and gridlock with impunity. Our homes are rocked by the outlandish din of their thundering stereos, blaring horns, roaring engines, snarling motorcycles, screeching brakes, piercing whistles and maniacal shrieks, screams and howls.
Our city authorities, who welcomed the vanguard of the youthful invaders in the spring of 1986 with assurances that they wanted “everybody to have a good time” and wouldn’t “rain on anyone’s parade,” have steadfastly refused to take any effective action to discourage the “cruisers” and restore order. The installation of permanent Permit Only Lane traffic signs crushed whatever lingering hopes we residents harbored that the city administration would act to mitigate the preposterous, infuriating situation.
Except for World War II Marine service and college out of state, I’ve been a part of Balboa virtually all my life. I’ve seen many changes over those years but nothing so devastating as the deterioration of the quality of life on the peninsula since the cruisers seized control. When we residents are permitted to come and go, enjoy a book or go to sleep is now determined by out-of-town hooligans. We seldom have visitors because few of our friends will suffer our blocked streets. Unless changes are made soon, I see Balboa becoming just another drug-ridden seaside slum.
Balboa is virtually an American institution and its name evokes fond memories in countless thousands who have come here over the years. Its destruction now by the failure of one city administration to protect the rights of residents and law-abiding visitors would be a senseless tragedy.
Why our Newport Beach policy-makers have permitted bedlam and near-anarchy on the peninsula for 2 long years when we have an outstanding police force capable of restoring order defies all reason.
WILLIAM J. McGEE
Newport Beach
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