Editor,
It’s very sad to see over and over again your paper prominently presenting (re: this week’s front page) the views of a few paranoid South Laguna residents purporting to represent the views of South Laguna residents – as if South Laguna residents are against the trollies, against the visitors and tourists enjoying our beaches and pretending that our wonderful coves are private beaches.
I have always treasured the diversity of South Laguna and going to the beach almost every day love to see the increasing numbers of Hispanic, Asian and black families coming to enjoy our beaches. Growing up in Laguna in the ‘40s and ‘50s, my family always valued Laguna’s diversity. I know that many of my friends and neighbors here in South Laguna share this view. Indeed this diversity sets our community apart from the much of the rest of OC and adds real value to the culture of our town.
While I realize intolerance is on the rise and even celebrated by certain political leaders and parties, I am confident that most of the residents of South Laguna don’t share this view.
It’s shocking to read your article stating that “what locals and city officials are calling a tourist tsunami… is driving some residents to the brink of considering vigilantism and blaming the free trolley bringing residents (God forgive) from Dana Point”. Give us a break!
This is not how most of us feel and if this is the way these self-appointed South Laguna spokespersons feel, I would respectively suggest they consider moving to one of the many wonderful exclusive gated communities just to the south or further to the north of us. There they can control and vet their visitors to their heart’s content and live in splendid isolation from the rich cultural heritage and diverse perspectives of our many visitors.
I’m convinced that most South Laguna residents welcome diversity, love to see the visitors enjoying our wonderful beaches and appreciate the good job that the city and county lifeguards and staff do to keep our beaches safe and clean.
It’s a sad state of affairs that we are apparently saddled with a few self-appointed intolerant spokespersons and a newspaper that are apparently determined to fuel fear mongering. Rest assured most of us here in South Laguna are happy with the popularity of our community and abhor the intolerance the aspiring vigilantes in our midst.
Mark Hildebrand, Laguna Beach
Mark, if you have any evidence of intolerance toward diversity you should present it in support of your allegations. I too balk at the use of the word “vigilante” but it can mean vigilance in defense of one’s rights rather than taking the law into one’s own hands. But it is a form of hate speech to accuse people with whom you disagree of race based hatred and racist motives if you can’t offer specific evidence. If you do have credible evidence I would stand with you in calling it out.
As for South Laguna’s need to find a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving rights of locals, I can tell you the reason some social media sources direct people to South Laguna beaches is that law enforcement is far more difficult to administer and easier to evade. Locals have always known that, and thanks to social media that still evokes the MTV show now so does the rest of the world.
I have seen people do things on South Laguna beaches that would not be tolerated on any other beach in town, and I am not talking about anything fun or exciting or non-conformist in a healthy way. I am a libertarian, not looking for conformity. Instead of intolerance there is a lack of civility and too much unrestrained and inconsiderate behavior that impacts the rights of others.
Again, if you are going to accuse your neighbors of racism you assume the burden of proof, otherwise it is race baiting, which is as morally offensive as racism.
Wow Mark,
So you automatically assume, that the problems,that have been shown in South Laguna,are Hispanics and blacks. I have never seen a letter that stated race. There are so many problems, with extreme disrespect, and civility. I live in, and walk this community everyday. I see the rudeness. Yet we should close our eyes. Howard is much more articulate than me. Diversity does not mean lack of manners. It is a people problem. Mark , my family has also lived here since the 30’s . I love Laguna , however we cannot allow our town to be destroyed by the people that visit.