Guest column

"Time has come today." Do you remember the 1960's social commentary song containing that phrase? It was a hit performed by the Chambers Brothers. The song ended with an ever slower ticking clock and a deep rousing groan. There is a remake today. Perhaps it should be sung, "Time has come today - again."

Have the changes over time in our local community obliged a closed-in and adjacent enclave to become a legal part of the city of Laguna Beach? Is Emerald Bay ethically obliged by the factors of geography and participation to formally join the city?

The Supreme Court often considers precedent as part of the decision process. With precedent and proximity in mind, is geography destiny?

Irvine Cove, which is farther away from downtown Laguna Beach and adjacent to Emerald Bay, is by law part of the city of Laguna Beach. If those defending Emerald Bay's current noncity status use the former East Berlin geography as a defense, I ask how did that turn out? Okay, that is kind of a stretch from me for the sake of humorous spin, but hyperbole is fun.

What about participation? Emerald Bay residents pour considerable capital into the coffers of Laguna Beach's commercial sector, as well as into religious and private school organizations. Is that adequate to fulfill community responsibility? Individual responsibility - yes; community responsibility - no.

Many Emerald Bay residents contribute significant time to local schools, religious, non-profit and even city organizations and programs. Isn't that enough? Again, on an individual level - yes, but on a community level - no.

Hundreds of Emerald Bay residents have long and meaningful friendships and family relations with Laguna Beach residents. Isn't that enough? Almost. However, those friendships and family relations are a part of why Emerald Bay is obliged.

Additionally, most Emerald Bay residents regularly use city roads, lights, trash-removal services and the sewer system. (If one buys a cup of coffee in Laguna Beach, chances are, there is flushing involved.) Emerald Bay residents often go to town, receiving city police protection and enjoying the city's well maintained landscaping and public art works.

The schools and religious organizations are a large part of the heart of Laguna Beach. Emerald Bay residents contribute considerably to that heart. But those interconnecting religious and school cornerstones can be eroded without common city bonds that protect the land and ocean and create local harmony.

Emerald Bay also has considerable consulting, educational and volunteer talent that would help local community challenges. Joining the city would foster the growth of local harmony.

Geography and participation oblige Emerald Bay to become part of the city of Laguna Beach. Time has come today.

P.S. Emerald Bay residents have considerable financial assets. Outside pressure will not work. The decision to join will come from influential Emerald Bay residents who reflect, choose and take action. In a world that has an enormous disparity between economic classes, joining would be a concrete action of bridging. (If you are a resident, consider a vote note or e-mail to an Emerald Bay board member.)

Remember: Geography and Participation = Community.

Thackara has resided in Emerald Bay on and off since 1971.