SURFING SOAPBOX:Laguna has a rich history

So, is that it? Our past is just that — past? Out with the old and in with the new? It certainly appears that way, when everywhere I look another building is being torn down and a new one being built.

However, without our past what would be our history? Where would Laguna be today? The only small saving grace our town now has is our past — otherwise we would just be another Corona Del Mar.

Laguna Beach years ago in its prime was nothing more than a product of the people and characters that lived here. That is what made Laguna Beach “Laguna Beach” and gave it the image of a tightly knitted bohemian style town.

It was the great landmarks like the boardwalk, the “L” on the hill and the Hare Krishna temple that made Laguna the town that it is, along with legendary characters such as the famous sidewalk-walking Spacey Tracey, the original Greeter and counterculture freak Timothy Leary.

So, have we become too rich and famous to remember our past?

Is that it, new Laguna — or, should I say, the new MTV generation of Laguna Beach?

Isn’t it ironic that the oldest neighborhood block is being threatened with being torn down to make way for the building of the new senior center?

I can only say that I am happy we aren’t out there replacing the older generation of Laguna people with the younger generation. After all, my father turned 80 Thursday, and I would hate to see another vintage treasure, like my father, being replaced.

After all, he embodies everything that is good about Laguna.

Peace.