Editor,
(This letter also went to council members.)
My experience at and the comments below are in addition to the polls you will receive from the Park Plaza team.
The following summarizes responses from residents, visitors, students and shopkeepers I interviewed during the 90-day Park Plaza trial:
- Several LBHS students came to sit, eat and talk. They all liked it. They said they would come during lunch time with friends and do homework.
- One local couple and another from London said they enjoyed being at Park Plaza people watching; they especially liked the “moveable” furniture.
- Several people sat while waiting for their friends or a spouse who were shopping or stopping for a drink at the White House.
- A number of people purchased food along Forest Avenue or Starbucks and brought it there.
- One observation: no negatives. No fights. No one sleeping on tables or furniture, dispelling “fear” of homeless occupation.
- Some suggested dimmer lighting at night.
- No one complained about traffic or noise
- Several enjoyed the view of sunset, sitting under trees and around flowers.
- A number brought pets.
- The book store and library staff was delighted and suggested poetry and book readings.
- The late John Gardiner was thrilled and thought it a fine place to speak and do readings.
- Some other suggestions; more shrub-like flowering trees, (summer shade ), fountain, umbrellas, moving the back end forward (intimate space).
- Others said they could see holding parties for small children, book reading hour, fashion shows, artist workshops, impromptu happenings, a vox humana etc.
- Temporary art: wall art /posters
- Future plan: To solve left turn lane concerns, make Laguna Avenue one-way going south by opening the south end of Main Beach paved area to connect with the Laguna Avenue cul de sac.
- Way finding signs: handmade craftsman-type to direct visitors to districts, points of interest and public restrooms.
Leah Vasquez, Laguna Beach
