"This is a big problem," said Jack Larson of Corona del Mar. "It's also hazardous to our houses. I've had burning embers on our patio."
"Our house is full of smoke all the time," said Lisa Vallejo, also of Corona del Mar. "The house smells of barbecue. It's disgusting. I love a roasted marshmallow, too, but it's not worth it."
"It's a wonderful experience I've enjoyed many times, but I feel the cost is just too high," said Frank Peters of Corona del Mar, who lives near Big Corona State Beach.
No one spoke in favor of the fire rings.
The commissioners could have voted to do nothing, to ban all rings or to impose other restrictions.
Two commissioners argued that the group was rushing the process, and that perhaps other options or solutions should be considered.
Commissioner Roy Englebrecht said the city could lose revenue from parking and concessions if beach visitors skip Newport Beach because fire rings are removed. He suggested that staff explore cleaner options, such as converting the fire pits to gas and implementing a system that requires reservations and fees.
"We should not throw the baby — the fire rings — out with the bath water — the smoke," he said. "What we're trying to do is preserve memories ... We must find a way…"
Several audience members interrupted the hearing, asking for a chance to respond. One woman called out that she didn't understand who the commissioner was before Chairman Phillip Luger called for order.
Commissioner Tom Anderson said he thought scientific studies should be conducted to prove that the smoke was dangerous and indeed was causing the soot and mess described by neighbors.
Years ago, he said, neighbors near John Wayne Airport believed soot on their homes was caused by planes, but in fact studies showed it was mostly from rubber from roadways.
"I think this is just going to end up in studies," he said. "This is our first stab at it. This is a big deal."
