Editor,
As I read the latest Indy and walk through downtown, I have so much to say and little space to do it so here goes.
Parklet: 20k to build. Tearing it down this morning. WTF city of LB? If you’re looking at a way to squander money, this was a perfect example of dumbfoundedness and waste.
Pot shops: Really? The epicenter of AIDS/HIV and no medications available here? Let’s put another women’s clothing store or overpriced eatery in instead? That’s what we need right? Crime? Worries of children gaining access?
Crime already here thanks to the ACLU and their lawsuit with the city and the ongoing homeless infiltration. Thanks, ACLU. But you’re not living here are you? Your kids are already either smoking pot or worse. Heroine is easier to get and cheaper than pot. Lesser of two evils? Dunno? But lets put another pub in and create more drunken people in town and on the road.
Short term leasing: I’m guessing most of the letters are coming from Emerald Bay residents or other gated communities? Twenty years of LB living, 15 working as a truck driver for a grading and demolition outfit. All I can say is the people living in E bay, Irvine cove or other glass housed (bubbled) areas. Really? A property owner should have the right to rent to anyone they choose. But not in their gated neighborhoods.
Traffic: Same ol’ same ol’ but the increased signage and better instructions for the masses has helped. Getting people out of their cars and onto trolleys is the horse to water thing so I can’t blame the city for that. What I can blame them and the narrow-minded people of this town for is the village entrance project. I know they want to get it right and make everyone happy with the final, long overdue project.
Let’s just hope that through all this bickering, another wet winter doesn’t sneak up on everyone here and say, “gotcha.” Flooding streets as a result of a flood control channel that is overwhelmed like before. Let’s get it done people and quitcherbitchin!
James Dane, Laguna Beach
Mr. Dane,
The “glass house bubbled areas” have their own community associations consisting of resident board members that help determine rental regulations, etc according to the community’s wishes. The recent change in Laguna Beach’s short term rentals was not affected and does not affect those who live in the “gated neighborhoods.”