Editor,
I recently wrote to all City Councilmembers and City Manager John Pietig about the temporary lifeguard office trailers at Main Beach. These trailers are a “blight” on Laguna. They are an ugly eyesore and are absolutely not becoming of Laguna Beach.
Yet, to date, I have only heard back from Councilmembers Verna Rollinger and Toni Iseman in support of my concerns and remedies. It is rather remarkable that only two councilmembers have responded in a timely manner about something that should concern the entire city.
I am deeply troubled that despite being called “temporary,” these trailers are going to be with us for at least 16 months (through next summer’s tourist season)! This may not only adversely affect Laguna’s image as a beautiful destination point, but may actually have a downside effect on our tourist trade and local economy. It is worth noting how much time, energy, expense and investment went into beautifying Heisler Park, and yet it seems that no consideration went into the aesthetics about this project.
I have suggested to council members and the city manager that the city should provide some window dressing by way of bringing in trees, flowers, landscaping, etc. to hide the trailers. Another idea would be to surround the project with fences in which artist murals can be painted. Perhaps the city can “turn lemons into lemonade” by having an artist contest for such murals. Anything will help short of moving these monstrosities out of sight. They just don’t belong in Laguna and don’t belong at Main Beach, no matter how good the intentions are.
I have a feeling that the community at large will share my sentiments. I hope we hear from the silent councilmembers soon about this.
Alan Boinus, Laguna Beach
