Mailbag: 'Mean-spirited' fire pits column overlooked health hazards

I moved to Corona del Mar in the '90s, and some things have changed since the '60s, notably what we know about health. The American Lung Assn., the Air Quality Management District, the Environmental Protection Agency and researchers around the planet all want you to know that burning wood is bad for human health. Not only does wood smoke contain known carcinogens, much like tobacco smoke, but it's well known and accepted that even short-term exposure aggravates lung disease and triggers asthma attacks.

Did you ever consider that the populists you so lazily criticize might have a moral and legal obligation to make public beaches accessible for everyone? You want to share your conservative outrage, Wu. I suggest you do more homework next time.

Barbara A. Peters

Newport Beach

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Adams' principal is tops

I wanted to thank you for reporter Britney Barnes' informative article about the positive things Principal Gabe Del Real is doing for Adams Elementary School ("Adams Elementary gets money for books," March 18). He is an exceptional leader and has implemented a number of new programs to truly emphasize the importance of math and reading to the student body, along with all of the other important academic subjects.

As a side note, my son, Stephen Mack, was set to receive an award Friday for having read more than 2 million words thus far in the school year. I believe part of the reason for Stephen reaching this goal is due to the constructive programs that Del Real has brought to Adams.

Karen Mack

Costa Mesa

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Grammar and manners

Re "Advice for my friend and me," March 17:

June Casagrande wrote that it's just a bad idea to point out people's language mistakes because a large number of people hate to have their mistakes pointed out.

She explained how whenever she has a friend say something like, "My parents invited Tom and I," her best judgment tells her to keep her yap shut. She also showed how an easy litmus test is to just drop "Tom and" in order to determine whether "My parents invited I? Or my parents invited me?"

I heartily salute Casagrande's column and appreciate her reminders of proper grammar in our daily communication. Maybe I'm one of the small minority of those who don't mind being shown rules for proper grammar. I encourage her to feel brave in her column and to point out our grammatical errors where she can spot them.

Vyto Baipsys

Costa Mesa

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Harbor basketball suspension