Letters to the Editor

Want more details on the decision to deny state emergency declaration

After reading Tom Johnson’s synopsis of the storm emergency declaration (April 4th Stu News), reading Diane Dixon’s letter on the matter, learning that two Council people voted against the decision made by the majority and finally, knowing how some members of the last City Council put politics before the welfare of the community, I would like to learn in more detail why the Council made the decision that it did regarding private property damage from this winter’s storms. 

After reaching out for more information, I received a copy of the Newport Beach City Council’s Staff Report and it is quite technical. I would invite interested parties to do the same. It discloses that this decision was made in response to a consent item recommended by the new Police Chief and was supported by Katrina Foley, Diane Dixon and our state Senator Janet Nguyen. It would not have cost us anything but possibly would have made FEMA aid (our tax dollars) available to fix the damage brought by the storms. This also might include sand erosion at the beaches caused by the heavy storms. 

The above information also raises questions as to how property owners in Newport Beach were/are helped if their property was/is damaged after extreme weather conditions. I personally would find it re-assuring to know that the “state  had my back.” And I should like to know what the city would be doing to help me since the majority on Council chose to vote against the emergency declaration.

Lynn Lorenz

Newport Beach