Opinion
Surprise Opposition to Council Vote

    Editor, It may have come as a surprise to you that the Surfrider Foundation opposed the city resolution recommending a marine reserve for the city's entire length. Let me explain why. Briefly, there is a process set up to establish marine reserves and we didn't believe that the city's resolution adequately took that process into account. Full Story
Praise for Council Vote

    Editor, As reported June 19, our City Council courageously approved a resolution asking the state to declare all of Laguna's coastline to be designated a continuous and consistent State Marine Reserve from Abalone Point to the rocky point south of Three Arch Bay. Full Story
Casting for Corroboration

    Editor, I admire a public figure who applies common sense to divisive issues. Mayor Kelly Boyd earned my respect by standing-up to the stupidity of a citywide Marine Reserve. He was right on with "The supporters (of the proposal) have no concept of what they are doing to the economy". I would add that it's more than the economy. Full Story
Exception Noted

    Editor, Tuesday's City Council meeting left me, like many others, with plenty of questions. One thing I know for sure: I take exception to the City Council's State Marine Reserve (SMR) "exception" of the Aliso Creek Ocean Outfall Pipe (ACOOP). If anything needs to be included in an SMR protected area, it is the ACOOP and Aliso Creek. Allow me to clarify. Full Story
Anglers Marginalized by Vote

    Editor, I grew up in a Laguna that embraced both sportfishing and marine conservation. Thurston Junior High sponsored a fishing club and we caught perch and opaleye from the rocks. In 1970, I attended the dedication of the Aliso fishing pier, which became my favorite hangout. I rode the city bus to get there. Full Story
Why Stop There?

    Editor, I just finished reading the fascinating story about the City Council's near unanimous endorsement of the idea of turning the entire coastline of Laguna Beach into a Marine Reserve. This is just another in a long series of brilliant efforts by our City Council! Full Story
Betrayal by a Defiant Mayor

    Editor, The June 26 edition quoted Mayor Boyd saying, "I will be fighting along with my fishing brethren..." to stop the city of Laguna Beach's endorsement requesting Laguna's entire coastline be declared a state Marine Reserve. Full Story
Fish-Free Menus and Markets, Too?

    Editor, For this to be effective "feel good" legislation, every person in Laguna Beach should be encouraged to refrain from eating anything from the ocean, lakes, rivers, etc. If we are going to restrict fishing here in Laguna Beach, then we need to be honest and not eat any fish until the waters of the world have been replenished. Full Story
The Gate-guarded Solution

    Editor, Recently, the South Laguna Civic Association and the Coastal Commission succeeded in preventing Billy Fried and La Vida Laguna from renting kayaks on Goff Beach. Really? Billy Fried. Really? Full Story
Political Support Hurt by No-Fishing Vote

    Editor, I write to you today as a 39- year resident of Laguna Beach. I am 100% opposed to the council sending a letter to the state of California stating the city of Laguna Beach is in favor of a complete closure of the entire Laguna Beach coast to any sort of fishing activities. Full Story
Potshots Over Pot

    Editor, I am very disappointed that our local government, the city of Laguna Beach, is interfering in the doctor-patient privilege of issuing prescriptions for legal drugs through legal dispensaries. Now, many people decry the theory of public option in healthcare as government interference in the doctor-pation relationship. Full Story