Mailbag: Recovery from addiction is worth fighting for

Re “Owners of Costa Mesa sober living home Ohio House win legal status after 9-year battle,” Oct. 30

For nine years, we fought a battle we repeatedly lost, but we refused to walk away. We lost in courtrooms, in hearings, and in front of city officials. We were denied, appealed, denied again, and faced setback after setback. At every turn, we had a choice: walk away or stand up for what we believed in. We chose to stand.

Ohio House was never just about operating a sober living home. It was about fighting for men who are trying to rebuild their lives, restore their dignity and find a second chance. These are fathers, sons, brothers and friends. They are human beings who deserve a safe environment to recover.

We watched other homes close their doors. We watched the landscape of recovery housing in Costa Mesa change dramatically. But we refused to abandon our mission simply because the fight became difficult, expensive, or unpopular.

After nine years of fighting, the Costa Mesa City Council in late October voted unanimously, 7–0, in our favor.

I want to thank the mayor and every council member for recognizing the importance of what we do. This victory isn’t about defeating the city of Costa Mesa. It’s about finding a way forward together.

Most importantly, this victory belongs to every man who has walked through the doors of Ohio House looking for a better life, and every man who will walk through those doors in the future.

Recovery is worth fighting for. People are worth fighting for. And some things in life are simply too important to give up on.

Brandon and Ryan Stump
Founders
The Ohio House
Costa Mesa

‘Old’ cagers competitive on the court

Re He’s got game: Newport Beach man, 80, still king of the court, Oct. 30

At almost 78 years old, I have been coaching freshman boys’ basketball and varsity girls’ and boys’ golf at Sage Hill School in Newport Coast for the last 11 years.

I read the story about 80-year-old Ralph Deppisch playing basketball. Since I still play myself, the article was very interesting. Good for him!

We have one of the largest organized senior basketball groups in San Juan Capistrano. We play two separate groups on two full court games with 60 to 70 on one and 70 and over on the other (you can move between groups if you like). Several players are 80 and over.

We also have competitive teams that play tournaments around the country, most recently in the San Diego Senior Championship, the Huntsman Games in Utah, Masters Basketball Assn. Nationals in Florida (which our 70 plus team won last year) and Humana Insurance National Senior Games in Pittsburgh. Some participate internationally and have played in Italy, Spain etc. All types of players from pick-up guys to some former college players.

Great article to keep us old guys in the sports page! Thanks!

Bruce Loman
Newport Coast