Cathedral Spire

This letter is in response to the letter by Linda Emerson (Sept. 10) concerning her opposing views on mandatory church zoning. Emerson stated that “there are far more pressing issues that affect people’s lives in Orange County that should be addressed by churches and local government than setting aside land for churches in our community.” She states “that worship can take place anywhere.”

Worship can take place anywhere and it certainly does here in Irvine: at schools, colleges and homes. But when churches meet in locations that are not permanent for the congregation, it is much more difficult to implement and work on the issues Emerson raises. Recent national surveys clearly show the significant role that churches with permanent locations play in providing the community with services that would not otherwise be provided elsewhere.

Orange County churches provide a variety of services, which include elementary and high school education, pregnancy and health counseling, day-care centers and preschools, programs for the elderly, counseling centers, athletic facilities, summer day camps for elementary children, music classes (choirs), meeting rooms for other community organizations and programs/facilities which provide food, clothing and housing for those in need.

Rather than opposing zoning reforms Linda Emerson should be encouraging, in every way possible, the addition of more churches within her community. This in itself would be a significant step toward providing for the much needed community services about which she is so concerned.

JON ZAICH

ANNA ZAICH

Irvine