MAILBAG: Sign rules unfair to garage sale organizers

A couple of months ago while I was walking about town on a Saturday morning, I watched a Laguna Beach City Public Works truck stop at a corner.

The passenger stepped out of the truck and crossed over to where two garage sale signs were posted. He proceeded to tear the signs down.

When I asked the man why he was doing this, he explained that the signs are illegal (posted on public property, such as telephone poles and street signs) and people do not take them down afterward.

I sensed in him a malicious glee as he was justified in his actions while undermining the spirit and success of the garage sale operators.

I was disturbed and disappointed myself by not speaking my objections to him.

Today, another Saturday morning, I saw the same action occurring as I was driving by. Now I must express my dismay at the mean-spirited timing of this action.

If city workers are cruising around to tear down unwanted signage, couldn’t they do it after the fact of this minor neighborhood event that promotes a reduce, reuse, recycle, win/win opportunity for sellers and buyers?

If it is such a bothersome violation, would it be more effective to seek out the sellers and notify them of their offense and inform them of acceptable signage practices?

I ask that our Public Works department reconsider these behaviors, and allow the public to work.

Please allow the local grassroots flavor of weekend garage sales and their helpful directional signs to remain posted during the duration of the event. I ask that all sign posters be responsible and remove your signs when your garage door closes.

MARY FRANZ

Laguna Beach

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