CITY FOCUS: Diving in on Brooks beach

Arts Commissioners got an earful Aug. 28 when they asked for public input on a proposed art competition for the entryway to Brooks Street beach.

Neighbors, surfing enthusiasts, environmentalists and artists all had their say.

The commission had planned for artists to present ideas for a bench and railing that would reflect the beach’s history as the site of what is believed to be the longest-running surf contest in the world, but halted the competition when resident Bruce Hopping suggested that a sculpture honoring young surfers would be more appropriate.

The commission decided to revise the art competition guidelines to reflect the new information.

During a well-attended special hearing, Hopping and others pledged monetary contributions to enhance the Brooks Street beach area.

Chad Nelson of Surfrider said that his group’s primary interest was to enhance beach access without negatively impacting the environment.

“We think a statue may be appropriate,” Nelson said, if it did not obstruct the view. He also hoped that someone involved with the surf contest would be called in to work on the competition and suggested that local surfers be included in the jury, so that they may select something that best fits their lifestyle.

Marcel Mead, who said he was an art school graduate and Brooks Street surf contest winner, presented a design he had made of a surfer in the barrel of a wave with Laguna in the background, potentially as part of a glass mosaic mural.

Rick Lawrence, who lives in the Brooks Street area, said he hoped the site would become an example for future street ends in Laguna, many of which he said were in “deplorable” shape.

Roger Butow of Clean Water Now! also spoke of the need to improve the site, describing people who have begun carving new steps into the sandstone at the site.

“Form and function are sometimes at war,” he said, but added that any building, even a public restroom, has the ability to educate and to be aesthetically pleasing.

“If there’s one place we’re really protective of, it’s Brooks Street,” he said. “This is actually part of our beach tribe — our culture.”

Butow is trying to form an ad hoc Brooks Street committee to work with city officials and the Beautification Council on a design he hopes will translate into other street ends.

“Brooks is more than ready for a makeover,” said David Vanderveen, who lives nearby. He cited the need for showers at the street end and said that local artists should be considered in the street competition. He asked that views not be obstructed and added that “dramatic resources come alive for things like this.”

Patty Slowsky, who said she has worked at the surf contest since 1974, spoke of the site’s history and offered to provide historical materials to the commission.

“You’ve got to start from the beginning,” she said. “I just don’t see it with one statue.”

Surfer Brandy Faber, who said he has also helped with the surf contest, also requested that those involved with the site’s history be involved with the competition.

“We don’t need to go after Surf City USA titles,” he said, indicating that “gigantic” statues were unnecessary.

Howard Hills, a Brooks Street resident, recalled when he was pulled from the water in 1956 because he wanted to “swim and surf like the big guys.” He noted that none of the suggestions were in competition with one another, but that the site was in serious need of repair. He also complimented those who have been working on the issue.

“We ought to build a statue to Bruce Hopping, is what we ought to do,” he said.

Hills said he would join with Vanderveen and any other interested parties if private fundraising was to take place.

Resident Scott Holt said he would also be happy to join in fundraising efforts.

Ted Taylor, who lives in Laguna Canyon, said that he liked the preliminary drawings and also requested a shower be built.

Resident Marilyn Johnson suggested that the city create a uniform identity for all of the beaches and that the commission include the neighbors in its process.