Scott is someone to be proud of...

Scott is someone to be proud of

One should read the coverage of charges against local teacher and

coach Rick Scott (“Former coach to be arraigned” Coastline Pilot,

Nov. 7) with one fundamental thought in mind: he is innocent until

proven guilty.

As stated by the lead detective in the investigation, “we always

begin with innocence.” And so should we all.

My second point goes to Scott as a valued member of our community.

I have come to know him well from two perspectives: as a former

school board member who pushed for his retention as a full-time

teacher in 1991 and as a parent who has seen his work directly on the

pool deck and in the classroom with some of my children.

There is no question that Scott has been a model teacher at

Thurston Middle School and outstanding water polo coach at the high

school. He has made a profound and constructive difference in the

lives of hundreds of our children in Laguna Beach Unified School

District.

That record should serve him well and give comfort to his family

and many friends and supporters through this ordeal.

CARL E. SCHWARZ

Former trustee,

Laguna Beach Unified

School District

Aliso Viejo

Rick Scott’s dedication to water polo and swimming on behalf of

the students registered with Laguna Beach School District schools has

established a standard for the ancient Greek philosophy of education:

the integration of athletics and academics that imprint young people

with the importance of regarding the body as the most venerable of

all creations in the civilized world.

His respect for the human qualities of principle, integrity,

virtue and dignity have imprinted upon all your students a lifelong

sense of character to be carried with honor throughout their lives,

affecting their personal and professional endeavors.

This is a personal commitment to Scott and all he represents, as

an athlete, teacher and coach, that shall not be forgotten nor

compromised, extended to Scott with profound and esteemed regards.

Keep the faith.

BRUCE S. HOPPING

Chairman, Kalos

Kagathos Foundation

Laguna Beach

Let’s commend the service businesses

I often read letters and comments justifiably lamenting the loss

of businesses in Laguna that cater to the needs of residents. I

myself have watched them close, one by one, to be replaced by yet

another gallery or store selling “high end” tourist items such as

candles and decorative pillows.

I rarely hear about the wonderful personalized care still

available right here.

Thanks guys. You make it a joy to shop Laguna.

P.F. STEINBERG

Laguna Beach

Eucalyptus trees are real problem

Gene Felder’s “Definition of a personal attack” (Coastline Pilot

Nov. 7) may be somewhat accurate in its literal or legal

interpretation, however the writer confuses the term “personal

attack” with “responsive criticism.” By presiding over the Top of the

World Home Owners Assn., by actively bombarding local newspapers with

his opinions and by continuously scrutinizing his neighbors’ every

move, Felder invites response.

The letter following Felder’s by Andy Wing was more poignant and

his point about eucalyptus trees should be reviewed by all concerned

home owners.

Imported into California from Australia over 100 years , this tree

weed has destroyed natural views for many in coastal communities.

The gum tree is saturated throughout its flaking bark and shedding

leaves with natural oils that provide abundant fuel for the

inevitable fires that continue to ravage California. The great fires

of Berkeley, Laguna and last month in San Diego owe much of their

uncontrollable rage to the indiscriminate and selfish cultivation of

this immigrant from down under.

DAVID WARD

Laguna Beach

Beginning days of Laguna Beach

Many wonder why settlers could homestead in Laguna Beach, a

relatively small triangle of land that was not included in the

Mexican land grants?

According to Merle and Mabel Ramsey, who wrote “The First 100

Years in Laguna Beach 1876-1976” , it was because at the time there

was a family living here.

Here’s a passage from the book:

“The Mystery of Laguna Beach. There has been a mystery of why the

land surrounding Laguna Beach was given by Mexico as land grants

while the area of Laguna Beach remained government land and subject

to homestead.

“When Governor Alverado granted Rancho San Joaquin (now Irvine) to

Jose Sepulveda and Rancho Niguel to Juan Avila the land between the

two grants west to the ocean was not included. Research revealed that

it was not granted at that time as it was inhabited by the Acunna

family and Ysidoro Olivaries with his two sons. There is no date as

to their arrival.

“The Acunnas later migrated to EI Toro. Olivaries worked for 70

years on the Rawson Ranch (the Moulton Ranch later) and broke horses

to ride until he was 90 years old. During this time he built a home

and homesteaded 50 acres (missed in survey) between the Irvine and

the Moulton ranches. Born in San Diego in 1826, Ysidoro Olivaries

died in 1933 at the age of 107 in the Orange County Hospital. He

willed his land to the Daguerre family. The land now belongs to

Leisure World-Laguna Hills.”

GENE FELDER

President

Laguna Beach

Historical Society

The Coastline Pilot is eager to run your letters. If your letter

does not appear, it may be because of space restrictions, and the

letter will likely appear next week. If you would like to submit a

letter, write to us at P.O. Box 248, Laguna Beach, CA 92652; fax us

at (949) 494-8979; or send e-mail to coastlinepilot@ latimes.com.

Please give your name and include your hometown and phone number, for

verification purposes only.