Mailbag: Column captures the wonderful qualities of Marian Bergeson

Re. “Venezia: Bergeson is in another tough race — against cancer,” March 13:

Thank you for putting in print what so many of us know to be true, that former state Sen. Marian Bergeson is truly a remarkable example of a citizen politician: forthright, honest, compassionate, knowledgeable, thoughtful, resourceful, irrepressible (thank goodness), delightful and just plain good.

I served as president of Orange Coast College and am now a trustee for the Coast Colleges, and I can testify that Bergeson has remained an ardent and powerful supporter — and in public higher education, you need a few people like that to keep you going.

The column captured her perfectly. Thanks so much for reminding all of us what a treasure we have in Bergeson.

David A. Grant

Newport Beach

—The writer is vice president of the Coast Community College District board of trustees.

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Is UCI is teaching all viewpoints?

Re. “Political liberals exhibit more happiness than conservatives, UCI study finds,” March 14:

Are you kidding me? UC Irvine had a study and found that liberals are happier than conservatives? I am a conservative, and I find this study hysterical.

We get it UCI: You are a liberal college. I hope your professors are giving their students all sides to the political spectrum rather than their own liberal agendas.

Juli Hayden

Newport Beach

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Undergrounding utilities is a bargain

Re: “Neighbors’ votes could cost homeowners $20,000 apiece if underground utilities project is OKd” (Nov. 14):

My first exposure to underground utilities was in the Castellammare tract in Los Angeles, north of Sunset Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway.

Movie stars flocked to live there, and my neighbors were Joseph Cotten (“Citizen Kane”), Alan Napier (“Batman”) and the Lane sisters, Rosemary and Lola (“Miss V from Moscow”).

Yes, I am old.

When I moved to Newport Heights in 1969, wires and cables were everywhere, and underground utilities were just a dream. But the lines can be undergrounded at a cost to residents of only about $3 a day for 20 years. Costs are low and so are interest rates.

Underground utilities are safe, and we would have no more downed wires, which are dangers to our children.

Beauty is more than a custom house on a view lot. Undergrounding is beauty for all.

Donald Nyre

Newport Heights