SOUNDING OFF: Sapphire remarks were misconstrued

As the past president of the [Laguna Beach] Chamber of Commerce and a 20-year resident, I felt compelled to write a response to last week’s letter to the editor, “Some Sapphire remarks insult gay community” [Coastline Pilot, Feb. 1]. This letter suggests that City Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider, Morris Skenderian and Joe Hanauer harbor an underlying prejudice to the gay community of Laguna Beach, past and present.

I love this town and am proud of its diversity, and over the last 20 years, I have seen our town grow “” for the better.

I have been in a committed gay relationship for almost 20 years with my life partner, Steve, and one of our best friends here in town is Elizabeth Schneider.

I can personally assure you that Elizabeth has no prejudice toward the gay community in any way, nor its effect on our town or its businesses.

She is compassionate and understanding, and also a great asset to our town “” she works tirelessly to help our community and takes all of her endeavors extremely seriously.

She is supportive of our diverse community and culture. Over the many years Steve and I have known her, she has never once shown any prejudice toward our gay and lesbian community “” or any citizens, for that matter.

In addition, most people who know Elizabeth would agree she is not one to mix her messages.

I admit I did not attend the City Council meeting, but after reading the letter, it was clear to me what message that Elizabeth, Morris Skenderian, Joe Hanauer and the owners of the Sapphire Restaurant were trying get across.

Both the Boom and Woody’s were businesses that attracted hundreds of people to come eat, drink and dance, but did not provide any place for them to park. Both establishments were allowed to stay open much later than Sapphire’s reasonable request of midnight.

Therefore patrons, forced to park in the adjacent neighborhoods, caused disturbances to Laguna’s midtown residents when returning to their cars after visiting Woody’s and the Boom.

Morris Skenderian and Joe Hanauer were referring to the Boom, Little Shrimp and Woody’s as business models that did not respect our residents’ right to not be disturbed by after-hours noise in their residential areas.

The Old Pottery Place is a wonderful addition to this city, and Joe Hanauer should be proud of building a beautiful center, with inclusive parking facilities. The Old Pottery Place is not only potentially profitable, but also respects and encourages our quaint little artist village’s diversity and history.

Business is very important to our city’s budget and our residents’ quality of life. New businesses, such as Mozambique and The Old Pottery Place, should not be penalized for the inconsideration or poor practices of past businesses. We should allow these new, respectful businesses to stay open for a reasonable time and thank them for their consistent concern for our residents and our community.

Laguna Beach is a city that welcomes everyone. Gay or straight, you are welcome to eat, dance, stay the night or shop in any of our town’s establishments. Any business, whomever they cater to, should be held accountable for its practices, good or bad.

We all should be proud of Joe, Morris and Elizabeth for their contribution to and support of Laguna Beach, and not try to twist the words of our community leaders to our own agendas, political or otherwise.

DAVE SANFORD is a board member of the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce and Civic Assn. and co-owner of Super Dave’s Print, Mail & Marketing.