Long, winding road to a stop sign

Rik Lawrence

The Parking and Traffic Committee finally got it right -- again!

A four-way stop at Glenneyre and Oak St. was approved for

recommendation to the City Council for installation.

This stop sign issue has been going on for over two years when

neighbors gathered over 150 signatures and first requested the sign.

The Parking and Traffic Committee approved the recommendation at that

time. But, for reasons unknown, when it arrived at Council for

approval, it was denied. Since then, Council has had a change of

heart.

Last year, the council recommended approving a stop sign at

Glenneyre and Brooks. When the neighbors asked for a stop sign at

Brooks last year, it was flatly denied. The reason is it was too

close to the one at Cress Street.

Now this third time around; after much confusion and being

continued for further study, it was finally approved again. But it

took a plea for help from council members at a regular meeting, and

gathering more signatures from neighbors, because staff could not

locate any of the old records. And by the way, this time it was

staff’s recommendation to “deny this request again!” Unexplainable.

Puzzling. Confusing.

Anyway, we look forward to the council agenda to implement this.

We do not look forward to two years of hassle and delays in

getting a stop light on Broadway at the Festival Grounds.

Now that grant funding is available, and the parking and traffic

committee has recommended moving forward with this item as quickly as

possible, can anyone explain why it would take two years? The Laguna

Beach Police department says this must be the location of the most

accidents in town. And in the past, when this was hoped for, there

was, as the old saying goes, “no money.” That’s a dead argument now.

What other obstacles will get in the way?

This could be an ideal time for cooperation between neighborhood

groups and associations to push staff and council to cut out some of

the fat along the way and get, something done to benefit all of

Laguna’s citizens and visitors. Together things can get done!

Especially where health and safety is concerned.

The Playhouse, the Arts Commission, the festival, neighbors,

Tivoli -- all need to be heard on this issue.

Two cents’ worth times a thousand can add up!

o7*Rik Lawrence is a Laguna Beach resident.

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