SURFING SOAPBOX: Some residents living in unreality

Where does it end — and where does it begin? There’s new Laguna and old Laguna and now there’s the brand new breed of “not in my back yard beach view” — or should I say “front yard beach view.”

I know firsthand just how special a front yard beach view is; I grew up with one. However, when does a beach view take precedence over a new public safety building for our lifeguards?

Those poor guys who guard our beaches are stuck in their headquarters over a sewer pump. Imagine the smell they have to endure and even worse: imagine how they feel when the sun goes down and they’re illuminated by a glowing green?

Way to support them. Just keep pushing it back to the Planning Commission; at this rate, we’ll all be green.

And then there’s the “you can’t park anywhere around the perimeter of my house” breed. Again, I get it — but it’s not reality.

Laguna historically has had parking problems and yes, it would be nice if we could rope off the streets around our homes. Believe me, I know. Maybe then my house wouldn’t get toilet papered again.

I believe public streets mean just that: “public.”

What we should begin endorsing is educating people to respect others and others’ private property. Because that’s really what were talking about, isn’t it?

I have always been a “pro” voice for our residents, but now I am wondering which voice it is we should be listening to. City Council, how — when their word isn’t good? New Laguna? Old Laguna? The “not in my back yard beach view” or the “not in my front yard beach view”?

Everyone has a point. It’s just too bad that our City Council can’t seem to listen to the right voice — the voice of reason.

Peace.

JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach native, professional surfer and founder of the Aloha School of Surfing. He can be reached at [email protected]