SURFING SOAPBOX: City is tough on businesses

With time comes change. The Jolly Roger sat for years on the corner of Coast Highway, packed every morning with the regulars. Not that I ever ate there but it certainly had become a part of Laguna. One can only wonder why it has sat vacant now going on two or three years.

Astronomical rent “” or city red tape?

While that building is sitting empty and serving only the memories of yesterday, across the street another building sits empty. This is where the old Jamba Juice use to be “” and before that, in the good old days, the Laguna Cookie company.

The Royal Hawaiian looks to have finally finished their remodel “” one that saw the old Laguna landmark resembling more of an abandoned shack during its restoration and now looking like a brand spanking new establishment.

One can only wonder what the holdup was.

I’m guessing here, but between the businesses’ insane rents and playing by city rules, it must be pretty darn hard to stay in business in this town.

Now we have lost the most energetic and best Mexican restaurant in town, Javier’s. It may have appeared to be replaced overnight, but I’m not sure it ever will be.

I saw Javier Sr. in the gym a couple of weeks ago, and he said, “It kills me to drive by and see that someone else’s sign has replaced the old Javier’s sign.”

I’m sure many others feel the same way. Javier’s was one of the most happening spots for a good dinner and drinks, one that will be sadly missed.

Soon Laguna will be losing another landmark in the Cedar Creek Inn, which for years has been enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. We can only hope these incoming establishments will continue the great tradition that was before them.

Peace.

JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach native, professional surfer and you can listen to his new radio show on Extra Sports 1360 AM, Sunday mornings at 8. He can be reached at [email protected].