Mailbag: 'Yarn bombing' a delight at Sawdust

I just came from my annual token visit to the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach. I say "token" because I do it in honor of the artists and their effort, but usually do not find anything new and exciting there.

This year, however, was different. This year, there were wonderful new yarn and fiber pieces hanging in the trees!

What a surprise! And how fitting for the festival to honor some more local artists by displaying their works. It had me smiling all the way through the festival, watching for more pieces and looking at the other artists with a new, fresh eye. The weavers, clothing artists and, yes, even the painters and jewelers, seemed more appealing after seeing the wonderful way these "Twisted Stitchers" embellished things — trees, posts and bridges.

I often tell visitors about how the Sawdust began as a venue for the artists who were not deemed "worthy" of the Festival of Arts. How fitting that they are now including "not-for sale" artists who just want to join the fun.

I have already invited several friends to join me for a visit to the Sawdust this year, telling them that there is something new, current and exciting there. I came home and did some research on "yarn bombing" or "knit graffiti," and it certainly is new and popular. I went out and bought myself a season pass to the Sawdust.

Sue Lieberman

Dana Point

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Hospital's secrecy in land deal is troubling

Yes, Mission Hospital has "outbid" the city for a 7.8-acre parcel of land on Mar Vista Avenue that sits adjacent to the hospital. The property features a popular public trail connecting to Badlands and Aliso and Wood Canyons parks, and hosts the rare and endangered southern maritime chaparral. I consider this to be a blatant rejection of good neighborliness and, quite frankly, I am shocked that there has been no transparency of this transaction and the hospital feels under no obligation to let us know their dealings.

Over time the community has given the hospital munificent donations, and the success of the hospital is due in large part to our generosity and support. The "Donors Wall" in the hospital's entrance testifies to that effort. For the hospital to negotiate a deal behind closed doors at the last minute against the city, thus undermining the community that supports it, is not the way to treat us.