CHASING DOWN THE MUSE: Election brings change to U.S., Laguna

While I was out sailing …

The time changed.

The month changed.

My life changed.

Laguna changed.

America changed.

While I was out sailing …

We, the American people, elected a man with African-American blood as the 44th president of the United States. We broke down a racial barrier as old as our nation, and pushed the intelligence of our people to the forefront.

We, the people, voted to oust eight years of avarice and greed, lies and deception, chicanery and foolhardiness, and a blatant disregard of ethics and morality.

We, the people of the United States, voted to take back our country, and to rebuild ourselves in our own eyes and that of our global neighbors. We said enough! And now, with all due diligence, we must manifest the maturity and fearlessness to tackle a plethora of challenges.

How easy it might be to release a great sigh now that the election is over and to lull ourselves into believing that because we voted for change, change will simply be forthcoming. But it isn’t that easy. It isn’t the time to lay down or the time to relax, but to recognize that the political process does not stop with the marking of a ballot. It is up to us, the same American people, to continue to participate with our actions, our deeds and, yes, our words to support the changed direction we have chosen.

Here in Laguna, we are blessed with a continued sense that our small town feeling fuels. We know one another through commissions and committees, volunteer organizations, business clubs, SchoolPower, Laguna College of Art & Design, the festivals, the Design Review Board, and our ever lively, if not controversial, City Council meetings.

We voted to change the composition of our council with the election of Verna Rollinger, who brings an extra Village Laguna vote. This is a voice that some cheer and some chastise. It is to be seen how the loss of Mayor Pro Tem Cheryl Kinsman will affect local challenges that must be faced in the coming years.

Obviously, water quality continues to bear upon us with a sewage system that — even when “fixed” — fails. The Athens Group and its desire to build another world-class resort certainly heads up a development agenda. Those who still moan the loss of the trailer park at Treasure Island must on some level accept the benefits in both tourist dollars, “bed tax” income and global recognition that Montage Resort has brought to our city.

We are one of the places where most of our visitors would like to live. We have extraordinary sandy coves, a walk-about friendly downtown (even if some of us would like to see more diversity in retail options), and a climate that those in the Midwest and northeast begin to envy with a passion this time of the year.

So what faces us? What divides us and what unifies us?

Development creeps to the top of the list. What houses to allow? What houses to deny? What businesses to court and what to keep out of our fair city?

How to develop an “entrance” (if indeed we need one) to the city of Laguna Beach? Where to put all the darn cars? More signals? Slow traffic? Add buses?

Where to find additional dollars to expand our school programs? How to protect the air (stop wood-burning fireplaces)? How to protect the waters (see sewage issue above)?

How to balance desired views (get rid of eucalyptus) with those who want to live in a forest of trees? What is the fairest measure of neighborhood compatibility? If a family owns three acres — or even an acre — must they be limited to a home of less than 5,000 square feet?

For historical reference, in 1960, my father bought three acres on Fayette Place and built a 6,500-square-foot house. No one called it a mansion. Everyone called it a beautiful Cape Cod-style home.

While I was out sailing …

I learned new skills, while I practiced and refined old one. I made new friends and discussed politics both global and local. I had the great joy of utilizing tiny technology with my iPhone to pick up breaking election news. When Obama was declared the resounding presidential winner, I was able to broadcast that information to our fleet, all 150 boats, safely anchored in remote Bahia de Santa Maria, BCS.

I gained new confidence and shed outdated ideas.

The sea shifted from cold waters to warm. The sea life shifted from gulls to blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds.

The conversations changed from maybe to what now?

While I was sailing....

CATHARINE COOPER loves adventure and cherishes wild places. She can be reached at ccooper@cooperdesign.net