HomeMy WebLinkAbout09 - St James the Great Episcopal Church - CorrespondenceReceived After Agenda Printed
March 14, 2017
Item No. 9
From: Harp, Aaron
Sent: Monday, March 13, 2017 8:05 AM
To: Brown, Leilani
Subject: FW: Agenda Item 9
From: Buzz[mailto:buzzperson123@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, March 13, 2017 8:04 AM
To: Kiff, Dave
Cc: Diane Dixon; Harp, Aaron; Avery, Brad; Duffield, Duffy; O'Neill, William; Peotter, Scott;
herdman@newportbeachca.gov; Muldoon, Kevin
Subject: Agenda Item 9
Dear Mr. Kiff,
Please provide the City Council with copies of this email to you expressing my opposition to the City
of Newport Beach expressing any opinion in the current business of what is the former tenant of the
property known as Saint James Church at 3209 Via Lido, Newport Beach.
As a 70 year resident, former planning commissioner and someone who grew up on Lido Isle during
the '50's and 60's, I believe it is not the City's business to be involved in that dispute because:
a) It is a private dispute involving private land between private citizens that offers no public benefit
to the City in whichever party prevails, and
b) The support by the City of one position over the other is tantamount to the City advancing one
side in a religious dispute is in violation of Article 6 and the First Amendment to the Constitution of
the United States which establishes and long recognized "wall" between the church and state.
It is absolutely wrong for the City to (as termed in the letter) "offer support for your congregation's
efforts to reopen the sanctuary at 3209 Via Lido and to again celebrate services and other church
functions," and I suggest that you consider your action fully before you go down this road and all
possible consequences.
Thank you for your attention.
Regards,
James C. "Buzz" Person
507 29th Street Suite A
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Telephone: (949) 673-9201
No Facsimile
email: buzz@buzzperson.com