Editor:
As I drive around the village I marvel at the beautiful panoramas we enjoy every day. Our hills are green, our streets lined with trees and vibrant vegetation. The ocean waters are clean and our neighborhoods, for the most part, are preserved from rampant overdevelopment. To get to this point, it has taken the diligent efforts of all but especially those of our elected city leaders.
Think back at some of the proposals aimed to increase business and visitor turnover, but which could have caused major damage to our historic village: mansionization, huge parking garages, large dance halls and beer joints, hotel and condo towers on our coastline, etc. These failed because there were brave city council members willing to buck the “big money” interests and vote to preserve and protect our heritage.
This November we again have a chance to restore the right balance to our City Council. The best council members tend to be those that have no “interest” in further development but are ever vigilant in guarding our village character.
Looking back to past councils, one figure stands out among the current crop of candidates: Verna Rollinger! Verna has served our city well for almost 35 years as city clerk and city council member. When Verna was on the council, the council always listened to her wise advice and did the right thing for our neighborhoods and for our community. Verna also fought for the interests of our small businesses, which rely on our charm and scale to keep the tourists coming to Laguna.
I support bringing Verna back to the council this November. I recommend that you consider doing the same.
Armando Baez, Laguna Beach
What better way to promote a healthy lifestyle than to drive around denouncing large dance halls.
(That must be a typo)