View issue has two valid sides

In the past, we have advocated neighbors working issues out with

neighbors when it comes to obstructing or maintaining the views

homeowners cherish.

We still believe this is the way to go. We still believe this is

the best way to maintain the type of community we want in Laguna. It

also shouldn’t be such an impossible task, considering those involved

are typically adult and generally respectable people. Unfortunately,

there are those times when the battle becomes the focus and the heels

dig in.

There are guidelines in place based on negotiations to assist in

those situations. But a pro-initiative group wants to go to the

ballot box with a more black and white legislation based on numbers.

A newly formed group, Restore All View Equities, wants to move

from a negotiations based on compromise to a formal city regulation

that the city would be responsible to enforce.

The arguments are already heated. A bit of understanding might

make it easier for each side to find a solution.

Some initiative proponents come off simply as anti-tree. That sort

of rhetoric will simply turn people off. Also, it can be a scary

prospect to hand over control of your landscaping to cold, heartless

predetermined numbers.

Anti-initiative folk can seem unrealistic when they say that the

trees were here first and neighbors should just work it out. The fact

is, people not only pay a lot, but many have worked their whole lives

and now have the rare opportunity for a piece of real estate in a

great community with an ocean view.

It really doesn’t seem fair that their dream can be taken from

them because a neighbor is being stubborn or inconsiderate.

The issue at hand is whether there should be a more cut and dry

ordinance.

Because the City Council decided already it didn’t want it,

Restore All View Equities wants the residents to decide. Many think

this is unnecessary. Perhaps, but if that group can get 1,600

Lagunans to sign a petition, it can get the initiative on the ballot.

If that happens, let’s hope beyond hope that both sides can live with

whatever the majority decides.