Candidate Toni Iseman is making outlandish claims that five local developers want to change the rules in Laguna, including raising the current building height limit above 36 feet. This is totally false. These developers are residents of Laguna Beach, just like you and me. Most of them only develop projects in other cities that would never be approved in Laguna Beach. Those that have redeveloped in Laguna are: Sam Goldstein with the beautiful and iconic Heisler Building, and Mo Honarkar, who has revitalized the Bartlett Center, now known as The Hive, along with the re-opening of Tivoli Terrace on the festival grounds.
Toni is making false and misleading statements about developers supporting the “other candidates.” Joe, Greg, and Walky are big developers, all of whom are supporting and contributing to Toni’s campaign. Why the double standard? Joe and Greg, longtime residents and local philanthropists, are working on plans to restore Hotel Laguna as the centerpiece of our town. You may know Joe’s work in town; he reimagined the old Pottery Shack, now The Old Pottery Place, which includes Sapphire restaurant, Laguna Books and other popular shops and properties.
Neither group of developers has any intention of changing Laguna’s rules, or as Toni puts it, “line their pockets and strip us of the rules that keep Laguna, Laguna!” These kinds of statements are simply fear mongering and irresponsible. Take it for what it is—an untrue and unfair hit piece by Toni and her supporters and a bad practice.
I support Sue Kempf, Peter Blake, and Cheryl Kinsman for City Council, to move Laguna forward with positive outcomes.
Kelly Boyd, Mayor of Laguna Beach
