Rasner’s removal is good lesson It is...

Rasner’s removal is good lesson

It is most gratifying to have such an overwhelming vote for

dumping Bruce Rasner from the Festival of Arts board. Perhaps this

time the board will listen to what Lagunans are saying regarding the

moving or selling of the pageant.

But, I think, there’s another lesson to be learned. Lagunans do

not appreciate even the appearance of duplicity.

Rasner lives in Laguna Niguel. Yet he sent a campaign mailer in an

envelope using Kathleen Blackburn’s Three Arch Bay address. I don’t

know that this was a deliberate attempt to fool voters into thinking

that Rasner is a Laguna Beach resident. But the use of Kathleen

Blackburn’s address does leave that impression.

BONNIE HANO

Laguna Beach

Rasner endorsement rightfully ignored

Those concerned with protecting the Festival of the Arts and

Pageant of the Masters were flabbergasted that Bruce Rasner’s

re-election letter included endorsements from Laguna Beach

councilwomen Cheryl Kinsman and Elizabeth Pearson.

The election results were announced Nov. 12. David Young received

1,115 votes, Anita Mangels received 984 votes and Carolyn Reynolds

received 984 votes.

By contrast, Cheryl Kinsman and Elizabeth Pearson’s endorsed

candidate Bruce Rasner received 293 votes.

Instead of pursuing the goal of maximizing revenues, thankfully

members of the Festival of the Arts ignored these so-called leaders’

endorsement. By this overwhelming vote two new board members are

elected to support long-serving board member Young in preserving and

protecting the cultural heritage of Laguna Beach.

GENE FELDER

Laguna Beach

Remember the Fire Department

Laguna Beach is a fortunate city. We have so many groups doing so

much that we often forget to thank them for their efforts.

On Thursday, I attended a luncheon at the Hotel Laguna hosted by

the Laguna Beach Exchange Club to honor our Fire Department. Eric

Lether, who has been with the Laguna Beach Fire Department for three

years, received the award for firefighter of the year. John Luna,

with the department for more than 20 years, received the award for

reserve firefighter of the year. The next time you see one of our

local firefighters, tell them how much you value their work.

Another local group is in the planning process for the American

Cancer Society Laguna Beach Relay for Life to be held in June, 2004.

The event is being coordinated by Laguna residents Penny Svenson and

Michelle Struss. You can e-mail them at lpa1@cox.net. They need

volunteers now to help make the event a success.

If you or someone you love has been touched by cancer, go to the

group’s next meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Wells Fargo Bank

Downtown. You don’t need to call first, just go. How hard can it be?

It will make you feel good inside.

CHERYL KINSMAN

Laguna Beach

mayor pro-tem