Letter: In Response to Michael Ray’s Column

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In a column that appeared in the Dec. 6 issue of the Laguna Beach Independent, Michael Ray describes his relationship with Councilman Peter Blake, which began when Ray became a customer of Blake’s. Repeated purchases encouraged the evolution of a friendship, and, eventually, Blake became a family friend to the Rays and, in the eyes of Michael Ray, a mentor to his children. Given the behavior of Peter Blake at City Council sessions and his rude comments and bullying behavior shown to many, I question the wisdom of having Blake act as a role model. He is insulting to those who have opinions that differ from his.

Laguna Beach is surrounded by a number of other attractive cities. Tourists, however, flock to Laguna Beach. Our city stands out. When asked where I live, I reply Laguna Beach, and the response is always the same: “Oh, How lucky you are.” We don’t have the neatness of Irvine; we don’t have the name-brand stores of Newport Beach. We don’t have as many trees as can be found in other towns nearby, but we have very special qualities. Blake does not seem to value the village ambiance, the history, and the charm of Laguna. Both he and Mr. Ray seem to think that modernizing Laguna will make it more appealing. Many others and I recognize that it is the resistance to conversion to a cookie cutter town that makes our Laguna so special. We who protest the massive projects that are being proposed are not bullying anyone. We behave politely. We voice our opinions. We want to have Laguna in the future still elicit that verbalized reply of awe and admiration from others when they learn that we are among those so fortunate to be able to live in Laguna Beach. And, for those unhappy with the charm and aura and character of our Laguna Beach, there is ample opportunity for them to sell their property and move to another place that is already like what they think they would like to see in Laguna. That choice could be a win-win for all.

Lorna Shaw, Laguna Beach

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