Letters to the Editor
Letter: City audit and inadequate internal controls
I sent the following letter to Mayor Sue Kempf:
I planned to ask these questions at the July 23 City Council meeting public input, but the line was too long. This is probably better as I can receive written answers.
I am typically proud of Laguna Beach, but I am quite...
Letter: If nothing changes, nothing changes
Listening and speaking at the City Council meeting Tuesday night, I found myself thinking about how little progress Laguna Beach has made since I first ran for office in 2016 on certain issues that residents care about.
One of the main topics my campaign focused on in 2016 was traffic....
Letter: Let’s not lose focus on City Treasurer’s importance
I have reviewed Treasury functions as an external and internal auditor, and as an internal controls consultant. I also had a Treasury function report to me when I worked for an international organization. I’m concerned that recent Council decisions likely will result in reducing the Treasurer position pay to...
Letter: Thank you, Ketta Brown
Regarding the proposed plan for affordable housing on the Neighborhood Church property I want to thank Ketta Brown for her column (Be careful what you wish for) urging us all consider that the plan has yet to be formally submitted and that the city is required to build 394...
Letter: City revenue town hall meeting a spirited affair
The July 11 City town hall meeting to discuss methods for increasing city revenue was a respectful, full-house, spirited exchange between the public and city manager Dave Kiff, with councilmembers Mark Orgill and Bob Whalen in attendance.
Possible solutions are being sought for ballot initiatives for the next election. This...
Letter: Support our City Treasurer
Calling all residents. In a little over a year, the City Council is set to significantly degrade the opportunity for the residents to attract a top-quality treasurer to look out for their interests. Over the past year, the City Council has been working on a plan to downgrade the City’s...
Letter: Let Laguna Beach voters decide
The City Council will have to decide on Tuesday night whether it trusts Laguna's citizens on an important but somewhat complicated issue. Only a minority of two council members can prevent us from voting. Don’t let that happen.
What is the issue? Most Lagunans now understand many of the costs...
Letter: NCC’s housing application draft process requires community’s patience
For decades, Neighborhood Congregational Church (NCC) thrived, serving the needs of Laguna Beach families. But today, we live in different times. Churches all over the country are closing as they struggle to remain relevant to millions of Americans who identify as spiritual but not religious.
In 2020, our congregation decided...
Letter: No bang for the buck
Why would the city council take away the celebration of being American and watching fireworks? The environment? Cost? Sad dogs?
If the environment is concerning the city council, they could put solar panels on city buildings like other cities. All city cars could be electric. If Laguna Beach really aspires...
Letter: Response to Ketta Brown’s guest opinion
Having read Ketta Brown’s guest opinion in the Laguna Beach Independent last week regarding the proposed low-income housing project at the Neighborhood Congregational Church, I would like to highlight a few points she made.
Ketta claims that this project will go through “the ‘normal’ design review process.” I believe this to...