Locals decry health plan

The national debate over health care spilled onto the streets of Newport Beach on Tuesday when protesters picketed in front of the Balboa Bay Club and Resort to oppose government-implemented health-care reform.

The protesters voiced their disapproval of Rep. Loretta Sanchez, who was at the resort for a scheduled fundraiser at 8:30 a.m. Sanchez has shown public support for government-implemented health-care reform, much to the dismay of the picketers.

In a written statement on her website, Sanchez said, “I have made it clear all along that our health-care system needs significant reform, and that I believe a public option is necessary to reduce the overall cost of health care for the American people.”

Protesters staunchly opposed direct government involvement in the health-care system.

“My biggest problem with the bill is the rationing of the health-care system,” said event organizer Megan Barth. “If there are too many people in the insurance system, then there will not be enough doctors to take care of them.”

“We are here to stop [Obama’s] health-care reform,” said Lydia Sharp of Corona del Mar. “His agenda is frightening . . . Loretta Sanchez needs to rethink her political philosophy.”

Susan Newcomer of Newport Beach echoed these concerns.

“I hope that Sanchez strongly considers voting it down,” she said. “U.S. citizens should be able to choose their own health-care plans.”

Newcomer questioned the efficiency of government-implemented health care.

“It’s going to be absolute chaos,” she said. “It’s not health care; it’s carelessness.”

The protesters began to arrive about 7:30 a.m.

By the end of the morning, about 25 people had come out to raise concerns over the proposed health-care reform. Officials at the Balboa Bay Club declined comment regarding the protests.

Nine-year-old Isabella Mohr of Costa Mesa came to picket with her family.

She was perhaps the youngest protester at the event. “Why does Obama want health care to be bad?” she asked, sign in hand.

Mohr’s mother, Elisa Mohr, said America’s current health-care system trumps that of other socialized nations.