Surf City more than neighborly

This is in response to the “Sounding Off” of Dec. 29.

I must take umbrage at the characterization of our fair city. The writer is sadly misinformed and sounds judgmental.

Hey, dude, I have some news for you: Surf City is about diversity. Just as the ocean does not discriminate on whom she blesses with her bounty or punishes through her power, neither should you. We don’t. We choose to live here because we enjoy the natural beauty and the benefits that living so close to the ocean provides. We celebrate our surfing heritage because it makes us stand out. We want to share that with everyone.

How can you say the term “Surf City” does not support a family environment? Have you even been down to the beach lately? I’ll tell you what you’ll see: families, lots and lots of families. You’ll see families bringing their bikes so they can ride together. You’ll see fathers teaching their sons and daughters how to surf. You’ll see mothers playing with small children down by the water’s edge. It is not uncommon to see three generations of a family out enjoying the water. That’s not family-oriented enough?

Let’s talk about the stereotypical surfer, who the writer thinks “hangs out at the beach while under the influence of beer and marijuana.” I am sure there are a few, but they don’t even come close to describing the typical surfer of today. Demographically speaking, everybody surfs. Surfing is global.

And speaking about surfing, what other activity does our youth participate in that requires the level of personal discipline that surfing does? These “slackers” get themselves up before dawn and are in the water before most of us are even in the shower. Even in the winter. And they still make it to school and work on time. They acquire meteorological and environmental knowledge so that they can better understand their sport. What other activities encourage that kind of self-discipline and awareness? Video games? I think not. Surfers build on that self-discipline to become fit, involved, productive members of society who are protective of the environment. Is that the kind of element we want in our community? You bet.

As for the “skinheads,” I know a lot of guys around here who choose to wear their head bald. And they have tattoos. Some have a lot. Does that make them racist neo-Nazis? I think not. These guys are surfers, homeowners, small business owners, devoted to their families and great neighbors. Along with sports practice, they also go to the beach or to the skate park. Their kids are the ones you see at the beach. And Mom and Dad are right there with them.

My neighborhood in particular is a great example of the extraordinary diversity we have here. We have retirees, newlyweds, professional families, blue-collar families, grade-school kids, teenagers, college students, gays and lesbians, single, divorced, coeds, white, Hispanic, Jewish, black, Asian, Christian, born-again Christian, agnostic, Catholic, Republican, Democrat, independent. We throw a Fourth of July block party. Many of our guests have remarked that they do not even talk to their neighbors, let alone interact enough to throw a party. We have created a wonderful community and people can recognize it at once.

I take great pride in saying I live in “Surf City, USA.” I am often greeted with admiration, even a little envy, when I share that with someone. And when I tell them how open and diverse the community is and how friendly everyone is, they marvel.

So, I would like to close by saying that I think the writer of the “Sounding Off” needs to get out more. That is how you be a good neighbor: You go out and interact and relate to those around you, especially if they seem a little bit different.

Do you still think we are attracting the wrong crowd? I don’t. I think you have a little ZIP Code envy.

Finally, shame on the editor for publishing such an inflammatory letter. I hope that in the future you would give pause before airing such a narrow-minded and bigoted viewpoint. We need exposure to the benefits of diversity, not re-enforcement of negative stereotyping.

* CHRISTOPHER SMITH is a resident of Huntington Beach. To contribute to “Sounding Off,” e-mail us at hbindependent@latimes.com.