MAILBAG - Aug. 30, 2007

Aliso alternatives need wider dissemination

Thank you for providing our community with a report on Village Laguna’s letter to the City Council on the proposed development of Aliso Canyon (CP 8/16). I agree with most of what this civic organization envisions for the canyon and want to laud this volunteer group for taking time out to develop an alternative vision. It is a vision carefully crafted by long term residents who have a reputation for caring about our village atmosphere, our environment and our unique location

Earlier this year the Athens Group unveiled its own proposed vision for the redevelopment of Aliso Creek Inn and Canyon. As I understand their plan, the Canyon is to be redeveloped with approximately 45 private residences, a rebuilt 9-hole golf course and a resort with up to 75 rooms, about half of which will be in the form of cottages.

The Village Laguna proposal emphasizes these key recommendations:

1. “Residential development is not appropriate in the canyon which is zoned for hotel, recreation and open space for good reason.”

2. “The city should use the existing general plan and existing zoning as the guide for this development. The development proposals should not be looked at as opportunities for re-zoning or up-zoning.”

3. “Plans should include components that provide for moderate-cost facilities.”

4. “The YMCA parcel is a historical site and should be used as a youth camp facility as was intended when the land was donated in the 1930’s.”

5. “The existing topography should be preserved. Native plants should be used. Grading should be minimized.”

6. “Remediation and restoration of the creek should be a high priority

alternatives to creek channelization should be pursued

runoff

should be reduced to a minimum...groundwater contamination

should be prevented.”

7. “The architectural design should

be environmentally friendly

use nontraditional architecture (no more “Craftsman style houses!”

be appropriate in scale and density

(and) use natural materials.”

8. “Access should be open to the public — gated communities/areas should not be permitted. Laguna Beach parking permit holders should be allowed parking similar to the garage at Treasure Island.”

This is but a sampling of the community centric vision provided to the City Council by the members of Village Laguna. To me, this document deserved a wider audience.

To describe this as an issue of private property rights versus the “desire of a select group” to make the Canyon available to all is to distort the obligation our elected public officials have to protect the canyon so that it can be enjoyed by all Laguna Beach citizens.

As we experienced with the development at Treasure Island/Montage years ago, it will literally “take a Village” to make the Aliso Canyon development something that we can all be proud of years from now.

Al Baez

Laguna Beach

Laguna is losing ‘uniqueness’

First the iconic Woodys closes to make room for a generic Mexican chain restaurant. Then the Boom Boom Room announces it’s closing. Now the Rooftop at Casa del Camino is being threatened by the city with a shutdown.

Everything that makes our town unique is being systematically shuttered. No wonder the gay community is leaving in droves.

Next up: Every 30- or 40-something who embraced the rooftop for its cool vibe, amazing views, great food and drinks, and lack of a stale beer smell will flee for hipper sanctums. Finally we get a cool place where we can relax outdoors with friends and celebrate the amazing views of our coast and hills. Yet some joyless few want to shut it down on some ridiculous technicality.

Chris Keller and his team have done everything to coexist with their neighbors and taken a tired hotel and make it a great destination. Most people I know were just waiting for a place like this to open. To the Council: Save the Boom. Save the Rooftop. Hell, Save Laguna.

BILLY FRIED

Laguna Beach

Too few police on Laguna’s streets

In response to your article on Shoplifting in Laguna Beach:

Laguna Beach Police Dept. has not stepped up presence during our summer busy season. I have not witnessed this year one officer walking the streets any time I have been downtown or driving through.

The last several summers, we had officers walking and patrolling our streets and they were very visible. The shoplifting incidents should not be taken lightly; Laguna Beach does not want to become an easy target and attract more who want to take advantage of our local businesses. In addition, traffic control also needs to be addressed.

Bottom line “our officers need to be present on the streets; it shows we care about our city.”

DONNA GOURLEY

Laguna Beach

Merchants can help protect coral reefs

While I was shopping in Laguna Beach the other morning, I noticed many stores carry curios, jewelry, beads, etc. made out of coral. I felt obliged to write to educate store owners and consumers about the sale and purchase of coral (and other marine creatures.) Coral reefs are in a state of crisis. There are many reasons for this such as warming seas, disease, sedimentation, and over-harvesting in reef ecosystems. By stocking or purchasing coral, you are directly supporting the decline of coral reefs.

Additionally, corals and other coral reefs creatures are harvested in unsustainable ways such as cyanide fishing and dynamite. Stony corals are slow-growing and extremely important, ecologically. They provide habitat for fish and other creatures, provide coastal protection from storms, and support many local economies.

Many corals are harvested from developing countries which do not have the regulations or enforcement needed to protect their reefs. I urge you to find an alternative to real coral.

Patrons of your store who are aware of this serious environmental issue are not likely to purchase from your store at all. I know I didn’t. Your attention to this issue will show you care enough to not directly contribute to the decline of corals around the world.

MORGAN RICHIE

Laguna Beach

Make small changes to help the oceans

I’d encourage people to view the DVD “Altered Oceans” based on Los Angeles Times Ken Weiss’ Pulitzer Prize series. In it, I was taken aback to see the stomach of a dead bird cut open full of small plastic pieces such as the rings from water bottle caps. Apparently the oceans are full of shiny plastic debris that attracts birds who then ingest the items.

I have been guilty for many years of using many plastic bottles and plastic bags. I thought I was a good environmentalist as I would put the plastic bottles in my recycle trash bin and take many of the plastic bags to the grocery store to be recycled.

For me to buy bottled water is particularly egregious as all along I’ve had a reverse osmosis water filter system at home. Here’s my new intentions: I have purchase a refillable lexan water bottle and am just cleaning, drying, and refilling from home.

I was surprised to learn plastic bags are not really a great recyclable product. They are recycled into plastic decks and such which then are no longer recyclable.

My new intention is no more plastic bags from the grocery stores. I have purchased a few reusable grocery bags and the hardest part is remembering to take them into the store with me.

Particularly egregious is using the flimsy plastic bags that I have for years to put my fruit and vegetables in and whose use is over moments after I arrive home. So I now have a supply of lunch bag size paper bags to take my fruit and vegetables to the checkout counter. After I get home, I put the paper bags in the reusable grocery bags back into my car to use again.

Laguna Beach