MAILBAG: Park cost taxpayers millions, not good example

Billy Fried wrote championing the case for the private development of the village entrance (“Make Forest a pedestrian zone,” Coastline Pilot, May 2).

One argument he uses to convince us “a private developer can build the structure at no cost to the city” is Montage. He says, “And just as the Montage was willing to develop the lovely Treasure Island Beach Park”¦”

I guess Fried has forgotten that the “beautiful park” the Montage built cost the city of Laguna Beach (that’s all of us taxpayers) $9 million instead of the $2.4 million that had been budgeted. Not quite a case of private development saving taxpayers dollars.

BONNIE HANO

Laguna Beach

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Columnist Pribram has his vote for council

James Pribram has served this city well on the Environmental Committee in the past. I think it may be time for him to run for City Council. Being a local he shares the views of a majority of the locals. I believe it is time for the next generation to be involved in the council.

He has my support.

SCOTT ALAN

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Laguna still gay-friendly

With Memorial Day, July Fourth and Labor Day around the corner, Laguna Beach is a five-star cruise for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) men and women. West Street Beach, internationally listed, is 1,000 feet north of the West Street beach stairway and will see thousands of visitors and locals, especially if it is warm. With more sandy space than any of Laguna’s beaches, it promises volleyball, swimming, frisbee play and six nearby cafes along with the Village Green park north of Eagle Rock Way, ideal for barbecues.

Walking north on the beach, there is a new cafe at Aliso Beach, fire rings for evening parties and a nine-hole golf course, Laguna’s largest hotel rooms and swimming pool and dining facilities in Aliso Canyon. Walking farther north, outdoor dining is adjacent to Treasure Island Park and across the street, three cafes. Farther north, at Nyes is famous Dizz’s for dinner, established by a gay couple, Rick and Shannon.

Mountain Avenue beach has no shore break, like West Street, offers better swimming, and is next to the Garden of Peace and Love, the famous Mountain Avenue stairway, a coffee place, Laguna’s gay bar and the best bakery in town on the alley behind the bar. Nearby there are many cafes with fish tacos, Indian and Mexican food, etc.

Downtown, the bakery on Forest Avenue, and cafe and market on Ocean Avenue next to the bus terminal, the boardwalk, newly redone Hiesler Park, soon to be totally open, (north of the boardwalk) are all popular gay places. Crescent Bay Park near Seal Rocks is worth a drive or jog north.

Laguna Beach is an open society. Laguna is one of the most beautiful and friendly places in the world. Enjoy.

ROGER CARTER

Laguna Beach