SURFING SOAPBOX: Trashing of El Morro continues

Driving north on Coast Highway and into the sunset passing by the old El Morro trailer park or driving south, I see a wind-textured greenish-blue wave peel off the point. One can only think that this stretch of coastline between Laguna and Corona Del Mar must be one of the prettiest along the coast of California.

What is sad is that nearly two years have passed since the state evicted the residents of El Morro. A nice beach side community that was one of the last surviving enclaves of the Southern California beach lifestyle has been reduced to nothing more than a cement foundation eyesore of rubble.

A stretch of coastline that was pristine in its beauty, enjoyed by its residents and visitors alike, now sits like a dump site that no one can enjoy. May I ask, after nearly two years of it laying in wait to be developed, what exactly was the hurry in getting the residents out?

I’ve heard the complaints about how some of the trailer residents trashed their home upon their removal (and I don’t agree with the residents trashing the property) but may I ask: “What exactly has the state done to clean it up?”

It’s a modern day dump site that sits on a multi-million dollar stretch of beach, reminiscent of something you may see in a Third World country but not that of the affluent Orange County.

I feel sorry for all those who used to live in the unique beach community once called El Morro who now probably drive by looking at the rubble, shaking their heads and remembering past memories. Let’s just hope we don’t have to continue shaking our heads and remembering the good old days of Laguna Beach.

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.