ORIGINAL: SoCal GliderGuider
As the crow flys the Fairview Park flying area is over 19,000 feet from the closest end of the runway. This is due west of the typical departure which is almost due south by ten degrees or so west. Actually further from the tower. Think that is a tad over three miles.
True enough (3.24 NM at its closest) , but in this case it is entirely (and well) within the Class C airspace of one of the busiest general aviation airports in the US, and that trumps the distance. Still close enough, especially when you realize that the park lies directly below the VFR approach route that the SNA tower gives most pilots approaching from the west.
Again Hugh, PLEASE CALL THE FAA. Tell THEM how wrong they are. I am certain they will listen to you and accept just how wrong they are.