A Convenient, But Misplaced Target

Editor,

Thanks to Kelly Boyd for holding his ground against the tide of those that voted yes on asking the state to declare all of Laguna's coastline a marine reserve.

This may be a surprise to some people on the council, but some people do live in Laguna for the lifestyle of being able to walk out of their house and grab a board to go ride some waves or a speargun/ sling to catch some halibut or corbina for dinner.

This will not be a "time-out," as we all know that once you give up control more than likely, it is gone for good. Those that want to feel good about "protecting Laguna's marine life" know that. It is also ludicrous to compare the healthy sport of fishing or spearfishing with smoking, as anyone with common sense knows that fishing for your dinner cannot be compared to the consequences of smoking, one of which presents a public health hazard by imposing an unwanted toxic pollution on others.

It may be an inconvenient truth, as is said today, but those that voted at our expense will continue on feeling good about themselves while buying their fillets from the seafood department of a local store or having their favorite "Catch of The Day" at a restaurant.

It is an incredibly small percentage of our population that actually takes fish for consumption off the Laguna coast, yet, we present a more visible and convenient target for the majority on the council that voted for the ban. As they should know, restrictions and regulations are already in place by the Department of Fish and Game, as our fishing license fees go for enforcement and research to maintain fish populations through size and limits.

A ban on surfing for violating the aesthetics of the ocean is probably next on the list with these people, and our surfboards and spearguns will end up being wall hangers to remind our family of a quality of life only to be lived in memory. Frank Carri Laguna Beach