SURFING SOAPBOX: Residents living in unreality

Where does it end “” and where does it begin? There’s new Laguna and old Laguna and now there’s the brand new breed of “not in my back yard beach view” “” or should I say “front-yard beach view.”

I know firsthand just how special a front-yard beach view is; I grew up with one. However, when does a beach view take precedence over a new public safety building for our lifeguards?

Those poor guys who guard our beaches are stuck in their headquarters over a sewer pump. Imagine the smell they have to endure, and even worse: Imagine how they feel when the sun goes down and they’re illuminated by a glowing green.

Way to support them. Just keep pushing it back to the Planning Commission; at this rate, we’ll all be green.

And then there’s the “you can’t park anywhere around the perimeter of my house” breed. Again, I get it “” but it’s not reality.

Laguna historically has had parking problems and yes, it would be nice if we could rope off the streets around our homes. Believe me, I know. Maybe then my house wouldn’t get toilet papered again.

I believe public streets mean just that: public.

What we should begin endorsing is educating people to respect others and others’ private property. Because that’s really what were talking about, isn’t it?

I have always been a pro voice for our residents, but now I am wondering which voice it is we should be listening to. City Council, how “” when their word isn’t good? New Laguna? Old Laguna? The “not in my back yard beach view” or the “not in my front yard beach view”?

Everyone has a point. It’s just too bad that our City Council can’t seem to listen to the right voice “” the voice of reason.

Peace.

JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach native, professional surfer and founder of the Aloha School of Surfing. He can be reached at Jamo@Alohaschoolofsurfing.com.