News - THIRD
QUARTER 1998
News - THIRD
QUARTER 1998LA Times, September 30, 1998
OC Register, September 30, 1998
“Newport Beach: Council Assails Wilson on El Toro EIR”
“Saying County Supervisor Tom Wilson is a ‘puppet’ of airport opponents, Newport beach City council members blasted his plan to alter an environmental impact report on the proposed El Toro Airport.” Wilson seeks to remove any study of the expansion of John Wayne Airport and Los Alamitos air station from the EIR
“Council members said that if all the options are not retained, the environmental report could be deemed incomplete under the state Environmental Quality Act, which could delay the conversion of the [El Toro] air base to an airport.”
County Supervisor Jim Silva and Newport Mayor Tom Edwards will discuss the issue, and John Wayne airport, at a public forum at Newport Dunes at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 6. Call Bonnie O’Neil at 949-645- 4450 for information.
Editor:- Many opponents of an airport at El Toro believe that airport expansion should not take place anywhere in the residential communities of Orange County. Supervisorial candidate Dave Sullivan proposed that study of John Wayne and Los Alamitos expansion be scrapped in his comments before the Board of Supervisors on September 15.
County consideration of John Wayne and Los Alamitos as alternatives to El Toro could scare residents in communities around those two sites into voting for Jim Silva, who backs putting an airport at El Toro.
LA Times, September 29, 1998
“Plans for a ‘Green’ El Toro Offer Ground for New Debate”
“Airport foes say runways and recreation are incompatible. Backers point
to examples elsewhere.”
“El Toro airport opponents say youngsters playing soccer near the foot of the eastern runway is laughable. ‘I want a show of hands of all the people who will take their picnic baskets and little children to go picnic alongside a large commercial airport,’ said Bill Kogerman.”
“‘Landscaped crash zones,’ said Paul Eckles” referring to the county’s “green” Airport-in-the-Park proposal... ‘They got rid of the wrong thing’, Eckles said. ‘Now we have an airport plan with no commercial viability. They threw out the baby to save the bath water.’”
LA Times, September 29, 1998
“Runway to be closed for monthlong rebuilding”
“Resurfacing project will affect mainly general-aviation aircraft at
John Wayne, although commercial flights may suffer some delays.”
Construction began Monday on a $1.8 million strengthening of, and widening of shoulders for, the airport’s smaller general-aviation runway which is also used as a taxiway for commercial jets. A $27.6 million expansion of parking facilities is also underway at John Wayne.
LA Times, September 27, 1998
“Ontario Airport Terminals Open Door for O.C., L.A.
Growth Foes”
“The opening today of a $269-million terminal complex signal’s the airport’s larger ambitions... With expansion efforts facing opposition at LAX and in Orange County, Ontario is seen as a relief valve for growing demand.”
“Officials fighting plans to convert the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station into an international airport have long argued that Ontario can handle some of Orange County’s demand for passenger and cargo service. They point out that the Ontario expansion is generally supported by the surrounding communities... Why build an airport where it’s not wanted, El Toro critics argue, when a nearby community is willing to take on additional air traffic?”
LA Times, September 27, 1998
“Growing Apart: Familiar Foes, Enduring Issues”
“They battled on the Huntington Beach City council. Now Jim Silva and Dave Sullivan are squaring off again, this time for a seat on the County Board of Supervisors and the crucial vote on plans for a commercial airport at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station.”
“A win for the incumbent Silva, would ensure that the airport plans progress. A victory for Sullivan, the challenger, could be the death knell for the project.”
Website Direct, September 25, 1998
20 Years Ago Today
On September 25, 1978, a PSA Boeing 727 passenger jet, on its landing approach to San Diego, collided with a Cessna aircraft. Both planes came down in a residential area near Balboa Park. All those aboard the planes were killed along with seven people on the ground. Click here for the details.
OC Register, September 24, 1998
"So how does 'OCX' sound?"
"Orange County officials select a name and three-letter designation
for the proposed El Toro airport."
"This month county officials asked the Federal Aviation Administration to reserve ... the three-letter designation code", OCX, for El Toro International Airport. Register political cartoonist Mike Shelton shows his response.
Editor:- The X reminds me of LAX, with its noise, pollution and slums. OCX is one more step towards the Los Angelizing of Orange County.
Website Direct, September 23, 1998
Silva and Smith fish for cargo carriers
On September 10, Supervisor Tom Wilson, who represents the areas most impacted by El Toro aviation, wrote to a group of air cargo carriers. Wilson cautioned them that he and his constituents oppose air cargo operations at El Toro and that any attempt at starting cargo flights would be met by protracted litigation. Airport proponents hope to begin interim cargo flights next year.
On September 22, Supervisors Jim Silva and Charles Smith wrote to the same carriers, chiding Wilson and stating, “It is our intention to vigorously pursue interim uses at El Toro, and air cargo operations are currently the focus of this effort.... Obviously, your business decisions will be formulated based on the needs of your customers and economic opportunities. Please understand that we will do everything in our power to provide service opportunities for [your company] in Orange County.” The Silva-Smith letters show total indifference to the impacted communities, put business first, and say nothing about environmental safeguards for residents.
Viewers who support Tom Wilson’s position are urged to write to the cargo carriers. Click here for Wilson's letter and the mailing list of the carriers he contacted.
Los Angeles Times, September 21, 1998
TIMES ORANGE COUNTY POLL
“Unpopular Development”
“66% of Residents Want to Limit O.C.'s Urbanization”
The full poll results are available on The Times Orange County Edition Web site at http://www.time soc.com/HOME/NEWS/ORANGE/beyond.htm
“More than before, all this growth is troubling to Orange County dwellers, who said they have grown intolerant of an increasingly urban life, even while they enjoy some of the economic rewards, according to a Times Orange County poll. In fact, the percentage of Orange County residents who said they would vote today to approve laws to limit development in their communities was 66%, an overwhelming majority that grew to more than 70% in the fast-growing South County areas.” Editor:-The trend is encouraging to the opponents of an airport at El Toro, who may have to go to the voters to stop the project.
"‘The numbers of people willing to vote for growth controls are enormous,’" Sanders of the Futures Network said, referring to The Times poll. ‘Yet I don't see candidates for public office raising the same issues. ‘There's a political issue here that's not being picked up. There are opportunities here for political leaders.’"
OC Register, September 21, 1998
“Expanded airport in Ontario may ease the burden on
LAX”
“The newly renovated Ontario International Airport... can now handle an extra 4 million passengers a year.” “New twin terminals... are expected to increase the airport’s annual capacity to 10 million passengers.”
LA Times, September 20, 1998
"Decision Time on CEO"
"Supervisors Mull Mittermeier's Contract Role"
"With her three year contract [as county Chief Executive Officer] nearing its final weeks, [Jan] Mittermeier must decide whether to remain as the county's top executive." Two, and possibly three supervisors want her title changed and authority reduced, a move that could cause her to quit.
"Increasingly... Mittermeier has clashed with Supervisors Spitzer and Wilson." "She has, in essence, taken sides", with the Board's 3-2 majority, and is seen by airport opponents as pushing aggressively for a commercial airport at El Toro.
Citizens with an opinion as to whether she should be retained are urged to contact the Supervisors on this issue. Click for their e-mail addresses.
OC Register, September 19, 1998
"Cargo companies cool toward El Toro"
"UPS is happy with its John Wayne Airport flight. FedEx has taken no
position."
"At least one major air cargo carrier says it has no interest in flying out of an El Toro airport, and the others are taking a wait-and-see attitude." Click here for the full article and background on the air cargo issue. The push to open El Toro to cargo flights next year is a tactic - to get a foot in the door for a big airport.
Los Angeles Times, September 19, 1998
“County Must Pay Airport Foes' Fees, Judge Says “
“Groups that fought impact report could get $410,756 for legal costs.
Officials undecided about appeal.”
Orange County must pay $410,756 in attorney fees to El Toro airport opponents who successfully challenged the adequacy of the county's environmental impact report for the project. “Superior Court Judge Judith McConnell said the opponents were entitled to have their legal fees paid by the county because she ruled in their favor on several key issues.”
“McConnell awarded $247,440 to the El Toro Reuse Planning Authority (ETRPA), which is made up of seven South County cities, and $163,316 to Taxpayers for Responsible Planning”... a grassroots organization supported by members’ contributions..
"‘We're delighted that the judge chose to award repayment of every single dollar that taxpayers spent against the county in this issue,’ said Bill Kogerman, head of Taxpayers for Responsible Planning. ‘It's obviously good news," added Paul Eckles, executive director of the ETRPA. ‘You always wish you didn't have a situation where one agency was suing another. It's not a desirable thing. On the other hand, somebody's got to take steps to right a wrong.’”
“County officials said Friday that they have not decided whether to appeal the ruling.” “Supervisor Todd Spitzer...said the county should not appeal the decision. ‘Absolutely not. All it does is add thousands of dollars more in legal fees,’ Spitzer said.” Click here to e-mail your supervisors.
2787 responsed, 87% No, 13% Yes.
Website Direct, September 17, 1998
"Former March Air Force Base on way to regional commercial
use."
Head of March Redevelopment speaks at El Toro Officers
Club
Stephen Albright, head of the efforts to convert the closed Air Force base in Riverside to cargo and passenger service, addressed a gathering at the El Toro Officers Club today. The event was organized by the South Orange County Chambers of Commerce and Orange County Business Coalition. While John Wayne Airport cargo flights are down by 14.7% this year, and Supervisor Tom Wilson has cautioned cargo carriers not to plan on using El Toro, March is welcoming cargo business today.
Albright, who drove in from March in "42 minutes", was very positive about the advantages of the March Inland Port airport for cargo operations now, and passenger service later. The soon-to-open Ontario Airport expansion makes additional passenger capacity in the region unnecessary for years to come.
The success in converting March from military to civilian use stems in part from the cooperation between officials in the County of Riverside and the three surrounding cities. Unlike the Orange County situation, all have equal votes in the reuse process and major decisions tend to be made unanimously and quickly.
Website Direct, September 15, 1998
Supervisors switch to “Green Plan”
Dave Sullivan and Tom Wilson each call for ending airport expansion
in Orange County
The Board of Supervisors, by a 3-2 vote, accepted staff recommendations to delete the non-aviation “Gateway to the 21st Century” from its El Toro plan. The County will begin a new environmental impact report of the “Green Plan”.
Supervisor Todd Spitzer questioned staff and consultants to determine how much serious study of the switch to a “Green Plan” occurred prior to its August 27 press release The spokesman for the Planning Center, the consultants who produced the $4 million “Gateway” plan, admitted to learning that the work would be scrapped “in August”. Spitzer noted that the change took place so suddenly that the county was still mailing out flyers touting the previous Global Gateway concept after the plan was abandoned. Said Spitzer, “This plan [looks like it] was made up on the back of an envelope.”
Supervisor Tom Wilson observed that, “This change was made solely for the purpose of making the [airport] plan look good on paper.’ and was caused by the success of the Millennium Plan.
Dave Sullivan, supervisorial candidate, speaking from the audience, challenged the Board to eliminate study of the expansion of John Wayne Airport and development of Los Alamitos Airport from its planning agenda. The anti-airport El Toro Coalition supports Sullivan's view that there is no need for more airport construction within Orange County and no justification for building any airports in residential communities. A like-minded Tom Wilson asked the Board to eliminate study of expanding Los Alamitos and John Wayne from the new environmental impact report.. He agreed to agendize the matter for a future meeting.
The Board did vote, 5-0, to offer the El Toro Reuse Planning Authority time to make adjustments to its non-aviation Millennium Plan, if it chooses to do so based on new information.
Los Angeles Times, September 12, 1998
“Airport Traffic Still Lagging Behind Last Year’s”
“For the seventh consecutive month, airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport declined in comparison to 1997 monthly totals, airport officials said.” “El Toro Airport opponents... question whether a second airport is needed if John Wayne is not growing.”
Website Direct, September 11, 1998
Tom Wilson Warns Off Cargo Airlines
In a strongly worded letter to the air cargo industry Tom Wilson advised the carriers to look elsewhere for their southern California cargo hubs. “Any and all attempts to utilize MCAS El Toro as an air cargo facility now or in the future will undoubtedly result in years of litigation.”, he wrote in his September 10 letter.
“While I and many others will be leading a fight against air cargo use of MCAS El Toro for years to come, the surrounding communities and political leadership involved with March Air Force Base in Riverside County are amicable to air cargo use today. Their ‘open arms’ are in stark contrast to our ‘up in arms’"
The advice appeared aimed primarily at Federal Express, a company that has expressed interest in building a major cargo operation in and around El Toro. However, the letter went to a list of carriers. Residents are urged to write to FedEx and the others, stating their strong opposition to El Toro cargo flights, which often operate at night.
OC Register, September 10, 1998
“El Toro cargo bid aims for '99 start “
“An airport backer wants to show that such service would
not have disruptive noise levels.”
“A new push is under way to start commercial air-cargo flights at the proposed El Toro airport next year. Gary Proctor, chairman of Orange County's El Toro Airport Citizens Advisory Commission, said he will ask county staff today to prepare a plan for cargo service at the Marine base, which closes [next] July 3.”
"‘The (airport opponents) don't believe us when we tell them we're going to fly out on certain runways during certain hours and that certain (noisy) aircraft won't be allowed,’ Proctor said. "We're going to prove that with air cargo."
Editor:- I don’t believe them. Once airports start operating, they only grow.
Bill Kogerman, head of the anti-airport Taxpayers for Responsible Planning, said “Proctor can expect a fight. He said the opposition would sue to require a full environmental-impact report for air-cargo service.” Taxpayers for Responsible Planning (TRP) depends upon members’ contributions to fund its legal campaign against the airport.
Chicago Sun-Times, September 9, 1998
“Toxic trail from jets feared”
“Airport exposure isn’t monitored”
“No one tracks the toxic chemicals emitted in jet aircraft exhaust around the nation’s major airports, despite increasing evidence that the emissions are substantial and potentially dangerous. The list of chemicals is long and the possible effects of exposure worrisome.”
“Benzene, which is known to cause cancer, has been identified in jet exhaust, according to the US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Formaldehyde and 1,3 butadiene - both suspected of causing cancer, genetic mutations and birth defects - also have been found in jet fumes and in huge quantities around airports, federal officials said”.
”Juliet VanEenwyk, epidemiology director for Washington State, reported a ‘higher than expected’ number of rare malignant brain tumors among residents living within five miles of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.”
“Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater said the US EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] plans to estimate toxic aircraft emissions but study sites won’t be chosen until late next year.”
OC Register, September 8, 1998
"One last flight for O.C.'s noisy but beloved residents"
"Keep your eyes to the sky today and you might witness history as El
Toro's F/A-18 Hornet fighters take off, never to return."
"The last of the F/A-18 Hornet fighters are taking off from El Toro. And they're not coming back." After today, only helicopters will be flying at El Toro as the base moves towards its July 1999 closing.
.OC Register, September 7, 1998
“Airport foes look north in election”
“South county residents are working hard for a Huntington
Beach supervisorial candidate”.
“South county residents can't vote in the 2nd District supervisor's race. But they can fight. And they're mobilizing support for candidate Dave Sullivan because this race is big — very big.”
“Sullivan could deliver the final blow to the county's proposed airport plan if he's elected Nov. 3. That's why residents from Irvine to Dana Point are pushing for the Huntington Beach councilman to oust pro-airport incumbent Jim Silva in what's expected to be one of the most contentious and — depending on the outcome — one of the most memorable races in Orange County history.”
"‘Sullivan's vote could be the vote that puts the stake in the heart of the airport,’ said Mark Petracca, a political science professor at the University of California, Irvine.’ In 1999 the supervisors will make a final airport vote, ...Their time is now.’”
Editor:- Pro-airport incumbent Jim Silva is getting substantial financial support from the Newport Beach area.
Website Direct, September 3, 1998
Tom Wilson Asks Supervisors to Play “Fair”
Supervisor Tom Wilson has submitted an agenda item for the Board of Supervisors September 15 meeting that asks the Board “to be fair and reasonable.” Now that the county has dramatically altered its plans for an El Toro airport, Wilson wants ETRPA to be allowed to update its non-aviation plan, based on new information.
The Board required ETRPA to submit its non-aviation Millennium Plan on March 31, 1998. The county staff followed with its Concept C and other aviation plans in April.
On August 27, county staff announced that it was scrapping an estimated $4 million of plans for the previously much-heralded International Trade Complex, Global Town Center and Hillside Technology Park to be built along side the airport. The projects were touted as the “Gateway to the 21st Century” but have now been eliminated.
Instead, the county is now pushing a “lean green” plan. While county planners are playing down the fact, eliminating the large buildings from the site gives them greater freedom to expand the airport . It will be easier to move and reorient the runways and direct takeoffs towards Central County, as recommended by the Air Line Pilots Association.
Wilson will ask the Board - at what is expected to be a lively meeting - “to offer the El Toro Reuse Planning Authority (ETRPA) the opportunity to submit modifications to the Millennium Plan” and that the modifications (if any) be included in “submissions to the federal government regarding the reuse of MCAS El Toro.”
LA Times, September 3, 1998
“Wind Propels Wildfire to Edge of El Toro Base”
“The stubborn wildfire that has darkened the sky... flared up again... as wind-born embers jumped the Foothill Transportation corridor and threatened to spread to the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station..” Gusts of 50 mph winds “churned over the Santa Ana Mountains and pushed the fire southwest.” The fire was started by a lightning strike..
Editor: The fire is a stark reminder of the devastation that could occur if a fuel laden plane from an El Toro Airport crashed into the brush covered hills and canyons near the proposed north and east takeoff paths.
In a separate article, the Times reports on the crash of a Swissair MD-11 jumbo jet off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The plane went down in the water while making an emergency approach.
AUGUST
Orange County Business Journal, August 31, 1998
"El Toro Airport Foes Objecting to Planned Noise Tests"
The pro-airport OCBJ discusses the county's proposed $2 million flight demos. Airport proponents want the test before El Toro goes back before the voters in another ballot measure. "If the test comes before the ballot vote, it could help the airport's cause.", the Journal says.
See also comments of airline pilots regarding the conduct of such tests and a report from Taxpayers for Responsible Planning on what must be included if the test is to be honest.
LA Times, August 30, 1998
“Sullivan Camp Gains Strength”
“Underdog in supervisor race enlists ace consultant Englander to head
his campaign and takes slight fund-raising lead over incumbent Silva.”
“The stakes in this race are high because Silva and Sullivan disagree on two of the county’s biggest issues: the proposed airport at El Toro and development of Bolsa Chica mesa. Sullivan opposes both; Silva supports both.” Sullivan also raises a number of other issues from “opening up county government to reducing some of the power of the county’s chief executive, Jan Mittermeier.”
Sullivan has now picked up the pace of campaigning by hiring a veteran political consultant. Most of Sullivan’s financial support has come from south county contributors who oppose El Toro Airport in “donations less than $100.” “Silva ....enjoys the support of wealthy and influential citizens ... at developer Koll Co. ... and millionaire Newport Beach businessman George L. Argyros.”
CNN.com Interactive News, August 29, 1998
“At least 76 die when jetliner crashes in Ecuador”
“At least 76 people died in the crash, according to the Red Cross, and many others were injured. Among those killed were people who were on the ground. The plane burst into flames as it plowed into a soccer field. The plane barely missed a middle-income residential area.”
“Authorities have yet to determine a cause for the crash. However, the jet seemed to have engine problems before the accident, according to one official. Red Cross official Galo Leoro said the plane had just started takeoff when apparently at least one motor failed and the airliner crashed.“
“At the crash site, President Jamil Mahuad told reporters he was asking investigators to speed up ongoing feasibility plans for a proposed new airport outside the Ecuadorian capital. The current airport is in the middle of Quito, surrounded by a heavily populated residential area.”
LA Times, August 28, 1998
“‘Lean, Green’ Plan for El Toro Unveiled”
“County planners ...said their decision to replace heavy commercial development around the proposed El Toro airport with about 2,000 acres of open space came at the suggestion of top private developers and should reduce the project’s impact on the surrounding area... Airport critics immediately blasted the new design, which they said would push the intense commercial development - and the traffic congestion that comes with it - from the base to vacant land in nearby Irvine and Lake Forest.”
Larry Agran, leader of Project 99 called the idea of an airport in the park “ludicrous”. “‘Nobody with an ounce of sense is going to believe that open space around an airport is attractive’”
“The county spent $3.9 million to map out” an International Trade Complex, Global Town Center and Hillside Technology Park, all touted as the “Gateway to the 21st Century” and now scrapped from the latest proposals. Click here for a graphic reminder of the abandoned plans.
Website Direct,
LA Times, August 27, 1998,
“Revised Plan for Airport at El Toro Base to be Heard”
County planners presented their “Airport and Open Space Plan” today, scrapping most of their costly previous planning for the non-aviation activities which were to be built along side an airport at El Toro. One insider estimated that $4 million had been spent on planning the Global Town Center, International Trade Center and Hillside Technology Park that are now discarded.
“The sudden change marks an attempt by officials to craft a politically acceptable project even as airport opponents in South County continue to aggressively attack the county’s proposal.”
The new plan was kept secret until today. Supervisor Tom Wilson said, “‘There should have been full briefings to the board way in advance. They are springing this on us and saying they are changing [the plans] midstream.’” Newport Beach Mayor Tom Edwards expressed surprise, noting that, "county planners have been 'touting' the town square, or mini-city, complex idea."
County planners are now abandoning much of their claimed “on-base economic benefits”. They also are muting their original criticism of the open space elements of the Millennium Plan developed by airport opponents.
However, the county still wants a major airport with around-the-clock cargo flights. While officials dub this latest change a “green plan”, airports are “deadly neighbors” according to the Summer issue of Earth Island Journal. They dispense toxic pollutants over surrounding communities: A physicist says “the pollution levels from one 747 take-off are somewhat similar to setting the local gas station on fire and flying it over your head.”
Furthermore, when airplanes collide in the busy skies over Southern California, they sometimes come down on nearby residents. August 31 is the anniversary of the Cerritos disaster. All aboard both planes were killed in the accident, along with 15 people on the ground. 18 houses were destroyed in the impact. Click here for details.
Website Direct August 27, 1998
Supervisor Silva's Office Protests Website Link
Supervisor Jim Silva’s 2nd district office has protested to Supervisor Tom Wilson’s office regarding an Internet link to the El Toro Airport Info Site. The link is one of ten from Wilson’s website at the County - to other sites that inform the public on the El Toro issue.
The objection arose because the anti-airport website contains a link to supervisorial candidate Dave Sullivan’s website - as well as a link to Jim Silva’s web page - as part of its balanced reporting. Only the Sullivan link was protested. Curiously, no complaint was made of the fact that the county’s official El Toro Master Development Program website also links to the El Toro Airport site.
The matter hopefully was resolved today, when the Assistant County Counsel issued a 5 page opinion that “the links provided represent a genuine attempt to provide access to a full spectrum of views regarding the El Toro reuse issue, and constitute a fair and objective presentation of facts regarding the issue.” The link to the El Toro Airport info Site is “a lawful expenditure of County funds.”
OC Weekly, August 28, 1998
Group Therapy
Airport foes share their pain online
Click for the full text of the OC Weekly article by Wyn Hilty, author of the computer oriented Byte Marks column.
Newport/Costa Mesa Daily Pilot, August 25, 1998
"City hires PR firms for airport battle"
"Newport council approves contracts with two companies to help win
public support for El Toro"
"NEWPORT BEACH -- City Council members Monday night gave their wholehearted support for a plan to kick off a full-blown public relations campaign in the battle for a commercial airport at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. Newport Beach will spend $175,000 for a three-month contract with Fleishman Hillard, which will handle media relations, and Hill & Knowlton, which will deal with community outreach. The money will come out of funds already budgeted for the airport fight. Deputy City Manager Peggy Ducey said she is working on bringing together a coalition of airport supporters to pay for the annual contract, which could be $700,000 to $1 million."
OC Register, LA Times, Newport/Costa Mesa Daily Pilot, August 22, 1998
“Airport opponents sending mailings in Newport Beach”
“They suggest joining forces to fight John Wayne Airport expansion”
The El Toro Reuse Planning Authority, ETRPA sent mailings to 45,000 Newport Beach homes and businesses. The mailing “urges Newport Beach residents to join with the south in developing a regional airport outside of Orange County.”, in locations such as Ontario where a new expansion opens next month. Click for the full text.
“The south-county letter suggests the two sides stop spending money fighting each other and team up instead to oppose an El Toro airport and expansion of John Wayne.” “‘We need to think about a regional airport plan that does no harm to any resident of Orange County,’” wrote Paul Eckles of ETRPA.
“Meg Waters, a spokeswoman for the [south county] reuse group said, ‘Either we can go to war or work it out, and our preference is to work it out.’”
Newport Beach leaders, who are preparing to launch a costly pro-El Toro Airport PR campaign were blunt in rejecting the “olive branch”. “Newport Beach Mayor Tom Edwards called the pitch ‘baloney’.” He went on to say, “‘They should bug out of our business.’”
Unsafe at Any Cost? See the latest edition of the Project 99 Newsletter, to find out how County officials have claimed that the Marine Coprs Base at El Toro can be converted to a huge international airport with complete safety, and at practically no cost -- Even though the 50,000 member Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), says otherwise.
Orange County officials, attorneys and consultants are utilizing an averaging statistic called CNEL decibels to characterize the noise from a proposed El Toro Airport. By averaging the blasts of aircraft noise with the relatively quiet minutes in between, they seek to minimize the apparent impact. The attached article from Greensboro North Carolina - where FedEx operates an air cargo hub -should be a warning to Orange County residents.
Plans for El Toro call for building one of the world's busiest air cargo operations here. FedEx has already purchased an 11.7 acre parcel in the Irvine Spectrum for what will be its largest distribution center on the west coast.. That means around the clock arrivals from the south and takeoffs to the north with heavily loaded jet freighters.
Neighbors of the Greensboro Airport FedEx facilty are protesting the CNEL method by which officials measure noise. "Typically, noise levels get averaged out... that doesn't account for a single loud airplane at night waking them up."
"'Telling our small children, who are awakened at night crying in their beds because they can't sleep and are frightened by the roar of overhead jet engines, that the noise is not so bad if you average it out over a 24 hour period won't get them to sleep at three in the morning,'" said a parent.
Website Direct, August 19, 1998
Irvine Mayor Sends Silva Criteria for Accurate Flight
Demos
Irvine Mayor Christina Shea, writing on behalf of the City of Irvine, has spelled out some of the requirements for an "accurate" aircraft noise demonstration. "Since it is unlikely that curfews or operational restrictions will be imposed on a new airport by the Federal Aviation Administration," ... the demonstrations should "operate over a 24 hour period."
Irvine officials asked that the demonstrations also use Runways 25 which go over their city. The county has said that west takeoffs on 25 will not be used - but Shea notes that, "departure and arrival decisions are made by pilots in consultation with air traffic controllers." The Allied Pilots Association has said that they will take off to the west on 25, rather than use the less safe easterly takeoff paths into rising terrain and unfavorable winds -as proposed by the county.
For more on how the demos should be conducted click here for a report from Bill Kogerman of Taxpayers for Responsible Planning.
Newport/Costa Mesa Daily Pilot, August 19,
1998
“Newport to consider hiring two PR firms”
“City staff recommends the companies to help win public support for
El Toro airport.”
“NEWPORT BEACH -- City leaders on Monday will consider hiring two Los Angeles-based communications firms to help them push for a commercial airport at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station.” The cost of the effort has been estimated at $1.5 million.
“City Council members will decide whether to hire the firms and, if so, how to pay for them. One possibility is a consortium between various pro-airport groups, including the city. The issue of hiring a public relations firm -- which would be in addition to the $865,165 spent on [Assistant City Manager Peggy] Ducey's salary and the city's other hired airport consultants -- arose after Ducey [who leads Newport Beach El Toro airport activities and doubles as Executive Director of the Newport Beach-run Orange County Regional Airport Authority, OCRAA] said she saw a need for someone to package the complex airport information and explain it to the public."
Website Direct, August 18, 1998
Reuse Process Called "Hogwash"
Supervisor Wilson Slams Grand Jury Report on El Toro Reuse Process.
Today’s Board of Supervisors’ meeting was another opportunity for Tom Wilson and Todd Spitzer to continue to hammer home the same message they deliver on a regular basis: “The County’s El Toro planning process is flawed, the County is not operating in good faith and the community is not represented.” As usual, it failed on a 3-2 vote.
When a grand jury report dealing with only a portion of the airport planning reached the supervisors, one observer noted that “Jim Silva and Chuck Smith hurriedly tried to get it passed.” Spitzer and Wilson objected over numerous issues not addressed, such as spending, litigation, noise, Cabaco, Gatzke, landfills et al.
Spitzer plans to prep a letter to the new grand jury to re-open its investigation of these items.
A press release from Wilson’s office stated that, “Highlighting three points which Supervisor Wilson felt the Grand Jury ‘failed in their role’ to examine, Wilson blasted the report for ignoring those most affected by any reuse of MCAS El Toro, withholding information from elected Supervisors, and not researching what constitutes proper planning practices. ’The bottom line is that the process does not let anyone of us [the Board of Supervisors] be accountable to our constituents,’ stated Supervisor Wilson.”
OC Register, August 14, 1998
"John Wayne Airport chief to leave for new post"
"O.B. Schooley will join consultants who won a key contract to do planning
work for an El Toro airport."
"O.B. Schooley, the director of John Wayne Airport, said Thursday that he will retire soon to become a vice president with company that has been awarded a key county contract in the planning effort to convert El Toro Marine Corps Air Station into an international airport... Orange-based P&D Consultants and 10 of its subcontractors have been awarded a two-year, $6.9 million contract to develop the master aviation plan for El Toro."
"'It's a great opportunity for me,' said Schooley, 50, who has been the JWA director since 1995 and a county employee 21 years."
"His position at P&D Consultants Inc. will not involve working on the El Toro contract for at least a year, and probably longer than that, he said. 'As a county employee I am prohibited from working for the county for a year,' Schooley said."
Newport-Costa Mesa Daily Pilot, August 13, 1998
"Shock waves at City Hall "
While many are wondering why [Newport Beach City Manager] Kevin Murphy
decided to leave his post he said: `It's been building for a long time.'
"NEWPORT BEACH -- City Manager Kevin J. Murphy's abrupt resignation from his 6 1/2-year post as the city's top-paid administrator has left a shocked community scratching their heads as to why." No reason was given for the action which has left the heavily pro-El Toro Airport city looking for an explanation and new management.
"The expensive effort to convert the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station into a commercial airport, the lack of money for infrastructure and controversial business-vs.-resident issues have also been the source of disagreement and bickering in public meetings."
LA Times, August 13, 1998
“Airport Foes Call for United Front”
“Instead of rallying behind a single tactic in their effort to block an airport
at El Toro , South county leaders are attacking on four fronts.” They are
backing an anti-airport
candidate in an effort to shift the balance on the Board of Supervisors
this fall, while at the same time mounting a ... countywide referendum to
halt El Toro planning.” Meanwhile, the City of Irvine is pushing a city ballot
on the Millennium Plan and investigating the purchase of the base.
“Some anti-airport leaders are quietly expressing concern that the efforts might dilute their resources... Others, however, cautiously defend the multi-pronged approach, saying South County should pursue any and all avenues to block the airport.”
Anti-airport groups coordinate through the El Toro Coalition. Paul Eckles, Executive director of ETRPA said, “‘I think that we have made some progress in trying to get the various anti-airport factions to work together, but it isn’t something you can just do and declare that it is done. It requires constant effort.’”
LA Times, August 12, 1998
“El Toro Jet Noise Analysis Isn’t Sound, Critics Say”
“The quietest commercial jet was used to sugar-coat report, they say.
Acoustic expert maintains that takeoffs, landings would be over more undeveloped
land than at other major airports.”
A consultant for the county told supervisors that residents near El Toro “wouldn’t be affected much by jet noise,” a position quickly embraced by pro-airport Supervisor Chuck Smith and “angrily dismissed as sugar-coated propaganda” by residents.
“Several pointed out that the Boeing 757 [used in the county analysis] is the quietest jet in use by U.S. airlines.” Other jets like the 747 and MD-11 are 2 to 4 times as noisy. “‘You can always pay consultants enough money to tell you what you want to hear,’ said Dave Kirkey of Coto de Caza.” Bert Hack of Leisure World, which is right in the airport approach path, reported that a 747 was measured over the community “between 86 and 94 decibels. That kind of noise, particularly at night, could have a devastating effect on elderly residents, he said.”
Courtney Wiercioch, said the 757 was used for the report “only to provide a snapshot”, a term that she has used repeatedly in connection with the planned $2 million noise demonstration that airport proponents have been pushing.
In a related matter, the board approved language for avigation easements that all home buyers in three new tract in Aliso Viejo will be required to sign. The 1,800 new homeowners, who will live in the current “no home zone”, will be unable to sue for damages unless the jet noise averages over 65 dB CNEL for a year.
Website Direct, August 10, 1998
"Noise Demonstration Considerations"
Bill Kogerman, Executive Director of Taxpayers for Responsible Planning, and a former Marine aviator, has summarized the considerations that must be part of any El Toro flight demonstrations. The Board of Supervisors is planning to spend $2 million on the demos at the urging of pro-airport leaders. As Kogerman reports, county El Toro Airport proponents have "publicly disclosed that the conduct of an aviation 'noise demonstration' need not be 'overly realistic'".
Kogerman insists that a demo include all aircraft types, and not just selected quieter models like the mid-range 757. Flights should be conducted over all of the communities that will be impacted by real-world flight paths, since many conditions cause pilots to deviate from straight lines in and out. The frequency of the flights must simulate real conditions. Finally, he insists on "a system for the certification of the events and results." Click here for the entire memo.
Click here to e-mail the Board of Supervisors with your position on the conduct of the demos.
LA Times Letters to the Times. August 9, 1998
"Newport Beach's Ulterior Motives"
The City of Newport Beach is pushing a $1.5 million PR campaign in support of an airport at El Toro. This is the latest in a long effort to move John Wayne Airport's problems to someone else's back yard. Click here to read four of the letters the Times received concerning this Newport Beach attempt to skyjack the rest of the county for its own "ulterior motives".
Website Direct, August 7, 1998
Candidate Statements Sought
Any candidate for elected office, who hopes to represent South Orange County, should be prepared to state a non-ambiguous position on El Toro Airport. Candidates should back up their words with evidence of deeds. The website's Elections 98 Section will publish statements that are received by e-mail only, from candidates or their offices. Please urge your City Council hopefuls to take a stand.
Please help us to obtain an unambiguous position statement from Assemblywoman Marilyn Brewer as to whether she supports or opposes the airport. Thus far, we have been unable to get a clear answer. Her 70th District includes Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, Irvine and parts of Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, Tustin and Santa Ana. Her local office number is 714-863-7070.
In a situation predictive of what can happen here, officials have "been urged to examine if it was a case of maladministration for the Civil Aviation Department to establish the flight path approaches to the new airport before consulting affected residents."
The Chinese press reports that "millions of residents ...suffered from noise nuisance." "They said they would consider putting forward an amendment on subsidiary legislation regarding the Civil Aviation Noise Control Ordinance to reimpose the midnight-to-dawn aircraft landing and take-off curfew that applied to [the old airport at} Kai Tak."
"The noise level in Fo Tan's Greenwood Terrace was as high as 80.6 decibels, much higher than the 50 decibels suggested by the Director of Civil Aviation Richard Siegel."
Website Direct, August 2, 1998
Cox/OCNow Viewer Poll Heavily Against Airport
Adding to a string of polls that find majority opposition to an airport at El Toro, the OCNow Internet poll asked:
"Do you want to see OC’s international airport plan executed at MCAS El
Toro?" The response as of today:
"Yes 13%"
"No 86%"
"If not, why not?"
"More noise, traffic and
pollution at El Toro would hurt my neighborhood - 39%"
"OC needs neither the capacity
nor the expense of an airport there - 53%"
OC Register, August 1, 1998
“Airport foes question base-reuse information”
“Supporters of a non-aviation plan for the closing El Toro Marine Corps Air
Station are accusing their critics of misleading the public with shallow conclusions
drawn from faulty research.” In recent months, the Orange County Regional
Airport Authority, OCRAA, a pro-airport group led and funded by Newport Beach,
“has touted studies suggesting that the Millennium Plan of high-tech businesses
centered around a park will cost $1 billion more than its proponents assert.”
When asked, however, for these studies leading to the above conclusion, OCRAA refused, saying that “the work wasn’t yet completed.” OCRAA spokesperson indicated that “the next news conference is scheduled for Aug. 12, and final report will be written by the end of August.”
LA Times, August 1, 1998
"Anti-Airport Forces Aren't Anteing Up for Sullivan"
"Supervisorial candidate got only $17,500 in donations as of June 30.
Pro-airport incumbent Silva raised $52,025 and has PAC support 'in a big
way.'"
"Three months before the election, the campaign money that foes of a proposed El Toro airport had promised supervisorial candidate Dave Sullivan has yet to arrive." Those who oppose the airport are hoping that a Sullivan victory will reverse the 3-2 pro-airport balance of power on the Board of Supervisors. Bill Kogerman of Taxpayers for Responsible Planning was undetered and said, "'I think [Sullivan] will raise enough dollars to take Mr. Silva's seat.'" To contact Sullivan's campaign click here.
The Newport Beach based Airport Working Group, a PAC (political action committee), promises to raise big bucks for Silva. A political consultant for the group bragged, "'South County has met its match.'"
JULY
OC Weekly, July 31, 1998
El Toro Watch - "The Big Easement"
County officials claim that the El Toro airport would cost only $1.4 billion. Find out about huge costs they are not talking about! Visit this week's El Toro Watch!
LA Times, July 30, 1998
“Newport to Hire Firm to Give Wing to Airport Support”
“The city hopes a consortium of boosters will split the PR cost, expected
to be as much as $1.5 million.”
“After a series of setbacks in their publicity campaign for an airport at El Toro, the city of Newport Beach said it plans to bring on a top-gun public relations firm to try to turn the tide in favor of a new airport.” “...Without an El Toro regional airport there will be pressure to expand John Wayne Airport” once the artificial limits on that airport expire.
Newport Beach is also employing an election law attorney, and Bill Kogerman of Taxpayers for Responsible Planning questioned the purpose. A Los Angeles Times poll in May showed that the majority of citizens want a new vote on whether to build an airport at El Toro. “Last month, airport boosters tried to obtain legislation [in Sacramento] to make it nearly impossible for an initiative to be placed on the ballot next year.” Anti-airport leaders discovered and quashed the anti-democracy attempt.
LA Times, July 29, 1998
“New Homes Exempt From Noise Litigation”
“Residents who buy new homes in one area near the proposed airport at the El Toro Marine base will be unable to sue or demand soundproofing to reduce airport noise under an agreement approved Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors.” The Board voted to require home buyers to give up avigation easements to the county, to “pave the way for the Mission Viejo Co. to build 1,800 housing units in a section of Aliso Viejo that has been vacant for 20 years”, in the so-called airport buffer or “no homes zone”. The Aliso Viejo Community Association agreed to the deal in exchange for a reported million dollars in community infrastructure benefits from the company.
The measure brought before the Board was amended “to require explicit disclosure statements to prospective buyers”. However, some parties are concerned because “unsuspecting future homeowners would not have any recourse if the noise from an airport becomes unbearable.”
“‘I have yet to meet a new homeowner who understands that they have waived the right to sue the county of Orange for property damage to their homes... waived the right to seek noise insulation... and signed away up to one-third of their home value in the event that El Toro opens up to commercial flights,’ said Ronald Steinbach, a South County real estate lawyer and advisor for the anti-airport group Taxpayers for Responsible Planning.”
OC Register, July 29, 1998
"Irvine selects L.A. sports group to pursue an NFL
expansion team"
"A Los Angeles-based sports organization was selected Tuesday by the City
Council to temporarily negotiate with the National Football League to bring
a professional football team to Irvine." "Southern California Sports
Group offered last month to put up $500 million to help Irvine finance development
of an NFL stadium on a portion of the El Toro Marine base." The group includes
former USC star Anthony Davis.
"The deal comes as Irvine moves aggressively to thwart the county's proposed airport at El Toro by pursuing plans to annex the base and investigating buying the 3,700-acre base from the Navy."
LA Times, July 27, 1998
“Clue to El Toro’s Future Could Lie in Past”
“Airport supporters and foes battled for 24 years over base in Navato”
“After a 24-year struggle with anti-airport forces, Marin County officials finally killed plans to build a civilian airport at the closed Hamilton Air Force Base at Novato [California].” The Air Force pulled out in 1974. With many parallels to what is happening in Orange County, “the Navato battle pitted cities against each other and against the county.”
After six ballot measures, both sides have agreed on a non-aviation reuse for the land. Meanwhile it has sat idle and decaying. “‘An airport of any kind is unacceptable,’ said Richard Dixon, ... who chairs the El Toro Reuse Planning Authority, an anti-airport group. ‘Reluctantly, I’d rather see a chain-link fence go up at El Toro than see an airport there.’” Hopefully, Orange County residents will soon agree to adopting the non-aviation Millennium Plan for their base, which closes next year.
“Charging that the Orange County Regional Airport Authority is nothing more than a ‘front’ for ...special interest’”, Taxpayers for Responsible Planning has “launched an investigation into the authority’s activities.” TRP “has issued a Public Records Act request to discern where funding comes from for the airport authority and on what grounds it is declared a joint powers authority.”
Newport Beach Assistant City Manager Peggy Ducey is the Executive Director of OCRAA.
Bill Kogerman of TRP “charged that the Orange County Regional Airport Authority , consisting of six North County and two Central County cities, is a ‘self anointed pro-El Toro airport advocacy group.’” He said that OCRAA is attempting “to sabotage” the non-aviation Millennium Plan.
OC Register, July 22, 1998
"2 more El Toro initiatives might be on ballot next
year"
"Airport foes say they are gearing up for a measure. Backers say they'll
do likewise if it's misleading."
"El Toro airport opponents said that they... are gearing up to circulate an initiative for an election as early as fall 1999." See July 21 LA Times story below.
Bruce Nestande, and "airport supporters, backed by Newport Beach millionaire businessman George Argyros, [who] sponsored the [1994] initiative",- which designated that there be an airport at El Toro,- are considering sponsoring their own new initiative. "'We have a whole array of options,' Nestande said."
"Recent polls show growing voter disenchantment with the county's airport planning, airport opponents note." Nestande's group has admitted to lobbying for a change to California law - to prevent voters from reconsidering El Toro plans next year.
Editor:- The latest announcement, that they might muddy the waters, by introducing a competing measure on the 1999 ballot, is seen as an attempt to confuse voters and cut into the anti-airport vote.
LA Times, July 21, 1998
“Airport Foes Hire Firm to Craft Ballot Measure”
“The 1999 initiative probably would offer a choice between aviation,
Millennium plans.”
“Airport foes have hired a political consulting firm... to begin crafting a 1999 ballot initiative asking voters to chose between a commercial airport at the El Toro Marine base and a non-aviation plan.” Steven Myers, a member of the “coalition of anti-airport business groups and individuals in South County” said that airport opponents hope to “put the initiative on the ballot before the Board of Supervisors takes a crucial vote in December 1999 on environmental documents and the final plan for the base.”
“A Times poll in May found that two-thirds of Orange County voters would welcome another chance to vote on whether an airport should be built on the 4,700 acre military base.” A pro-airport political consultant said that “an anti-airport measure could be passed ‘with some aggressive political engineering’”.
A group, lead by George Argyros, who is promoting an airport for El Toro, has been lobbying in Sacramento in efforts to prevent any new popular vote until mid-2000.
LA Times, Orange County Perspective, July 19, 1998
"The FAA and El Toro"
Click here for full text. The editorial observes that county reports and the position of the Air Line Pilots Association are at odds over the runways layout and flight paths for the proposed El Toro airport. "A bewildered public still really has little conclusive material about whether what the county plans to do is safe aviation."
"In the end it really will not be the county that determines operational flight patterns. The FAA will decide."... and that agency appears unwilling to do so until the planning process is further along.
Editor:- The Times fails to mention that, if and when the runways are built with FAA approval, individual pilots still must decide which of the available runways to request, and in which of several authorized directions they will take off, based on the weather at the moment.
OC Register, July 18, 1998
“JWA traffic drops for a sixth month”
“Officials say higher fares resulting from a limit on flights keeps
passengers away.”
“Passenger traffic... was down for the sixth consecutive month... passengers using John Wayne dropped 4.4 percent through June compared to the same period last year.” Other area airports recorded increased traffic.
“El Toro opponents seized on the numbers as proof there is no need for a second Orange County airfield.” Bill Kogerman, executive director of Taxpayers for Responsible Planning laid the blame on the agreement between Newport Beach and the County of Orange that artificially limits the number of passengers and flights from John Wayne. With airlines limited as to how many passengers they can serve, they tend to charge higher fares at John Wayne. Kogerman noted that “‘Without adding one single airplane, they could handle another 5 million passengers,’” were it not for the artificial limits set in an agreement which expire in 2005.
Even Bruce Nestande, head of the pro-El Toro airport Citizens for Jobs and the Economy said, “‘It’s the airlines fixing the prices to keep from breaking the (passenger) cap.’” that it turning people away from the Orange County airport.
LA Times, July 18, 1998
“Irvine’s El Toro Fight Takes New Direction: South”
“City hires consulting firm to explore the idea of O.C. and San Diego
jointly developing international facility in between”
Irvine is exploring whether the two counties can join forces to create a new passenger airport serving the needs of both. It is a step towards the “regional planning” of airports concept generally ignored by Orange County officials in their rush to build at El Toro.
“Plans to expand [San Diego] Lindbergh Field with a new international runway are meeting with opposition form the surrounding community, as are plans for a civilian airport at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station.”
“Peggy Ducey, a top Newport Beach official and executive director of a coalition of cities that supports the El Toro plan [said], ‘The fact is that no one wants to live near an airport.’”.
OC Register, July 16, 1998, Irvine World News, July 16, 1998
“Irvine council to look into buying El Toro base”
Two Irvine City council members “want the federal government to consider a
city offer for the outright purchase of the 3,700 acres of available land.”
“The remaining 1,100 acres have already been spoken for by the Department
of Interior which is setting aside the land ... as habitat.”
“Irvine, which opposes the proposed airport... would sell off the land to be developed according to the south Orange County cities’ non-aviation Millennium Plan.” The Register quotes one expert as valuing the 3,700 acres at between $74 and $370 million .
“‘It’s not for sale,’ said county Supervisor Charles Smith, an airport supporter.” However, Congressman Christopher Cox has “said he prefers the base to be sold to private interests for the highest and best use.”
LA Times, July 16, 1998 OC Register, July
16, 1998
“Millennium Plan is Off by $1 Billion, Says Airport
Backers”
“The cost to develop El Toro Marine Corps Air Station for residential and commercial use instead of aviation could cost $1 billion more than earlier estimates, a pro airport group said Wednesday.” “Newport Beach Assistant City Manager Peggy Ducey, [Executive Director of the Orange County Regional Airport Authority, OCRAA,] oversaw preparation of the study.” OCRAA is principally funded by Newport Beach and paid consultants $10,000 for the study which is being released in three reports.
“‘This is not some regional airport authority, it is the City of Newport Beach using that cover to try to puncture holes in the Millennium Plan,’ said Paul Eckles, executive director of the anti-airport group El Toro Reuse Planning Authority.” Backers of the Millennium Plan stood behind their analysis of costs.
LA Times, July 14, 1998
“El Toro Supporters Try New Maneuver”
“Airport: Backers seek legislation to change timing of any vote on
base reuse. Foes say gambit is ‘dirty trick’.”
“Proponents of an airport at El Toro want to make it virtually impossible for airport opponents to place a measure on the ballot - aimed at blocking the controversial project - before June 2000... A Times Orange County poll conducted in May ... found that two-thirds of voters want another chance to cast ballots about whether an airport is built.” However, Bruce Nestande, former county supervisor, who heads the pro-airport Citizens for Jobs and the Economy has been pushing for a change in state law to put off any such vote.
“Citizens for Jobs and the Economy got its proposal [to change California law] added as an amendment to an unrelated [State Assembly} bill...” “The group’s chairman is George Argyros, a leading El Toro backer and a county business leader.” Airport opponents discovered the “gambit” and got it dropped but, “Nestande says his group is still shopping around for another sponsor.”
Paul Eckles, Executive Director of the El Toro Reuse Planning Authority, which developed a non-aviation Millennium Plan for El Toro reuse said, “This...would thwart the will of the people by making us wait the maximum amount of time to get a measure on the ballot.”
KNBC, posted July 13, 1998 (http://www.msnbc.com/local/KNBC/108684.asp)
"Study unmasks toxic Southeast L.A."
LOS ANGELES, July 10 - Southeast Los Angeles residents may be filling their
lungs with air pollution that far exceeds state health standards – up to
a filthy 70 times higher than established safe levels, according to a sobering
report presented to the AQMD Friday.
“The results of the study are quite disturbing,” said Carlos Porras, head of the clean air advocacy group, Communities For A Better Environment. According to the report, “Holding Our Breath –Environmental Injustice Exposed in Southeast Los Angeles,” pollution is worse in southeast Los Angeles because of smokestack industries and pollution from Los Angeles International Airport. CBE urged the AQMD to step up pollution regulations at LAX."...
LA Times, July 11, 1998
"Supervisor Accuses Airport Planner Over Letter"
Supervisor "Tom Wilson fired off an angry letter Friday to the county's chief El Toro airport planner, accusing her of withholding information. The letter, sent to El Toro planning manager Courtney Wiercioch, blasts county staff for failing to inform the supervisor... of a recent letter from the nation's largest pilots union that criticized the county's [proposed] takeoff and landing procedures."
The Air Line Pilots Association letter was addressed exclusively to a member of Wiercioch's staff. It apparently was leaked to pro-airport groups but withheld from Supervisor Wilson and the public..
On July 2, a small band of pro-airport pilots, lead by ex-Newport Beach mayor John Hedges, staged a diversionary press conference, calling the airport "safe". The conference and its newspaper coverage tended to confuse the puiblic regarding the air carrier pilots' true concerns regarding El Toro safety.. Hedges, and county staff also prepared a rebutal to the ALPA letter. It was not until the following day, that the ALPA letter, plus county rebutal, was released to the press and to anti-airport Supervisor Wilson.
LA Times, July 9, 1998
"Chaos Central"
"Glitches at Hong Kong's new airport snare travelers, cargo"
The article, about problems with Hong Kong's new $20 billion airport, includes facts about air cargo tonnage handled by the world's major airports. The data has serious implications for the El Toro area.
The county plan, Option C,
calls for El Toro to handle 2.02 million tons of cargo by the year 2020.
Much of this would be on night time flights. For comparison, the Times
article gives the following as the current ranking of airports, in terms
of millions of metric tons of cargo handled each year. El Toro is planned
to carry more cargo than any airport currently operating:
| 1. | Memphis | 1.63 |
| 2 | Los Angeles | 1.37 |
| 3 | Hong Kong | 1.3 |
| 4 | Miami | 1.28 |
| 5 | Tokyo | 1.27 |
Long Beach Business Journal, June 23-July 6, 1998. Website posted July
6
“Long Beach Airport embraces aggressive new marketing
plan; Officials confident facility will reach 41 flights a day in 1999”
“By this time next year, frequent travelers to the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle and Las Vegas may be able to reach their destination from Long Beach.” Long Beach’s tourism board has recently “teamed with local airport officials to launch an aggressive new marketing plan” aimed at attracting new carriers to serve these markets. In addition, the group is looking to attract the “six million trips per year now being exported from Orange County to LAX.” This approach is a departure from the traditional one that failed, which encouraged start-up carriers. Long Beach currently has 14 commercial flights per day, “five of those operated by cargo carriers (UPS, FedEx and Airborne Express); the remaining nine are operated by American Airlines to Dallas/Ft. Worth and American West to Phoenix.” The marketing plan is counting on “Boeing’s Long Beach area operations and the high demand for travel to Seattle,” on the increase in tourism after the opening of the Aquarium of the Pacific, and on “Orange County’s John Wayne Airport that has reached its passenger capacity until at least 2005.”
Dave Sullivan is "the man who could single-handedly kill the proposed international airport at El Toro' if he unseats pro-airport supervisor Silva on November 2. Sullivan and Silva also clash on preservation of the Bolsa Chica wetlands and mesa, a hot topic in the district.
LA Times, July 4, 1998
“Pilots Reiterate Their Concerns About El Toro Runway
Safety”
“The nation’s largest air pilots union on Friday reiterated its concerns about the project and suggested that the county radically redesign the base’s runways.” Click for full text of the ALPA letter.
“The union’s position comes as a blow to county planners, who had hoped ... new studies would prompt the Air Line Pilots Assn. to reconsider its stance and support the proposed design of the airport.. But the union stated in a letter to the county that it remains worried some jetliners will not be able to clear the hills and mountains located to the north and east of the base.”
“The union has called on the county to drop the current tarmac design,” and build two new longer, widely-spaced runways on a south-east to north-west reading. The pilots also repeated their call for the closing of John Wayne airport if El Toro is built. The county promptly rejected the union’s proposals. While the ALPA plans would increase aircraft safety, they also would increase the airport’s environmental impacts..
LA Times, July 4, 1998
“El Toro Foes Find Allies Fighting Worldwide”
“Anti-airport forces in South Orange County, employing the wonders of the World Wide Web, have tapped into a community of like-minded people around the globe who are fighting their own airport battles.” The article states that citizen’s group, opposed to airport expansion in their communities, are sharing strategy and technical data over “a vast network”.
Website Direct July 3, 1998
Air Line Pilots Association Objects to El Toro Plans
The Air Line Pilots Association, "representing 50,000 pilots who fly for 49 airlines in the U.S. and Canada" has renewed its objections to county plans for the El Toro Airport for safety reasons. The ALPA said, "ALPA supports the concept of moving air carrier operations out of John Wayne Airport due to its undesirable margins of safety. However, in our professional view, [county El Toro plan] Concept C provides the same, or perhaps worse safety margins."
ALPA recommended two alternate airport designs that would meet its safety criteria. Both require expensive redesign and rebuilding of runways and would spread the environmental impacts to additional residents.
ALPA took strong exception to proposed takeoffs into the mountainous terrain to the east of El Toro.
Concerning takeoffs to the similarly mountainous north - that county staff proposes to avoid noise and political backlash from central county residences,- ALPA wrote that these would be "hazardous for heavier aircraft under normal operations, and for any aircraft experiencing an engine failure on takeoff... We know of no other airport in the country where such a significant terrain mass is overflown within three miles of takeoff by a commercial aircraft."
The July 2 letter was withheld from the public by county officials while they prepared a rebutal and controlled the publicity spin. It is apparent that yesterday's press conference, staged by a small group of pro-airport pilots, was a ploy timed to soften the impact of the ALPA message.
Courtney Wiercioch, in her written reply to ALPA, chided the ALPA for proposing alternate runway configurations and flight paths that would expose more residents to noise. Critics note that El Toro's unsuitable location is not the pilots association's fault but the result of a bad decision by the county to build an airport there.
LA Times, July 3, 1998, OC Register July 3, 1998, Website Direct, July 3, 1998
Airport Supporters Claim El Toro is Safe But Major Pilots Association Rebuttal is Due
“Jets that lose use of an engine while taking off from the proposed El Toro airport would be able to land safely without smashing into hills to the north and east of the tarmac, a group of airport supporters said Thursday.”
“The 14 current and retired pilots”, including former Newport Beach Mayor John Hedges, “calling themselves Commercial Pilots for Airport Safety, based their conclusion on [a computer] analysis of a worst-case study in which an engine blows out during takeoff.” The study was done for the County of Orange.
The press conference, by the largely Newport Beach-area group, apparently was scheduled to soften the sting of a critical statement, expected from the 50,000 member Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). The ALPA represents approximately 80 percent of all commercial airline pilots in the nation.
LA Times, July 1, 1998
“Protocol Cited in Vote to Deny El Toro Closure Pact
to Cabaco”
“Board’s action could delay conversion by months, cost millions in
lost leases.”
“In a move that one official said could delay by months the county’s plans to take over El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, the Board of Supervisors voted not to hire the firm that was the top contender to oversee the base closure next year. Supervisor Todd Spitzer, the crucial vote, rejected the proposal on grounds that the county staff had not followed procedure in choosing Cabaco Inc. and its designated manager, Col. Jim Ritchie, to oversee the transition from military to county ownership.”
“Spitzer said that by not following procedures, the county may have violated the federal law that governs awarding of such contracts.” One observer close to the facts called the process “tainted” but Supervisor William Steiner said that “Cabaco was to blame”. Supervisor Jim Silva voted in favor of the Cabaco contract.
