Surf City Ought to Respect Its Own

* Re “Surfers Seek to Stem the Tide of Events Crowding Huntington Beach” (Sept. 10):

Ron Hagan, director of the city’s Community Services Department, said, “The problem is the locals like to show off. That’s why they like to surf the pier.” That is why the contest competitors surf the pier; the locals live and surf here because they enjoy surfing and it is the best wave around. They don’t need the adulation of contests or the adulation that Ron Hagan has always been after--that is why his name is on the Pier Plaza.

City officials said that they haven’t figured out how much money the contests generate. Maybe they should figure out the revenue and then subtract the extra costs--lifeguard and beach maintenance, police and fire protection, public works, use and abuse of our streets, pier and ancient infrastructure and damage caused by these spectators and the riff-raff they bring to our city.

The taxpayers of this city originally paid a premium to live in a city with “beach” in its name and we pay more in property taxes based on that purchase price.

To use the parks (beaches) in our city we must purchase a city parking pass at $100 per vehicle that enables us to park in only some of the areas. And those areas are not designated pass parking only, so good luck finding a spot. So then you have to buy a state parking pass at $75 per vehicle and pray that you will be able to get into the state beach.

The pier is not only about surfers, it’s about taxpaying surfers and taxpayers who wish to use the amenities of their city! So get off your high horse and give us some respect!

W. ROYES

Huntington Beach

I am a 40-year-old manufacturing industry professional who surfs at Huntington Beach Pier almost every day. The pier is our home break. That is why I feel that we have valid concerns. After a long workday and changing into my very comfortable “T-shirt with baggy shorts” and thong slippers, I attended the Huntington Beach City Council meeting Sept. 8. Does our attire discount our credibility on these issues? To add validity to our issues should we have all worn a suit and tie? The president of the United States wore a suit and tie while he testified, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman.”

DENNIS SATO

Huntington Beach