Another year dawns in Laguna

Welcome to 2004.

First, feel free to catch your breath. 2003 went by remarkably

quickly, much as 2002, 2001 and 2000 all did. It just does not seem

that long ago that everyone was worried about the Millennium Bug and

Y2K.

Today, our worries are arguably much more serious. Our world, our

country and our hometown are all quite different than they were back

when computers threatened to crash when it suddenly was “1900.” Even

now, the country is on “orange,” or high, alert for terrorist

attacks, an unthinkable state of being just two years ago. In such an

environment, it is a sad truth that we all must remain vigilant and

careful as we go about our daily lives. We still live in a country

with a remarkable amount of freedom, including the freedom from

worry. But there is more worry in our lives today than ever before.

California also is still in a worrisome state, one that deeply

affects our city. Budgets are tight all over, programs are being cut,

class sizes increased. In this challenging world, the role of our

elected officials has become more important. The decisions they make

easily can spell the difference between a City Hall that can serve

its residents well and one that can barely make ends meet. With 2004

an election year, the decisions voters make have rarely been more

vital. Equally vital is that those running for City Council seats do

so with proper intentions and with squeaky clean ethics and

strategies. Voters should demand no less.

The election is only one of the important moments to come in 2004.

Water-quality concerns and the safety of our beaches will be debated.

Worries about how the city is developing -- too fast, too big, in the

wrong direction -- will continue. The threat of fires will reemerge,

even if now rain-driven mudslides seem much more likely.

But those are the more pessimistic thoughts heading into the new

year. And in Laguna Beach, there is no need for excess gloominess.

Much good will come with 2004. Neighbors will help neighbors.

Students will excel. Our youth and high school sports teams will

capture tournaments and titles. There will be untold numbers of good

actions, good moments and good results.

And 12 months from now, we will look back, amazed and what has

passed and how quickly it has gone.