Surfing Soapbox: Readers pitch ideas

One of my favorite aspects of writing this column is getting the readers’ input in return. I’ve met a lot of nice and interesting people through this column and consider it to be just another means of passing on Laguna news or happenings.

Two weeks ago I wrote about some cool spring/summer places that I like to go to, and sure enough I got an e-mail from a lady letting me know of a couple secret gems of her own that are new or soon to open.

As she called it, “more hot stuff,” beginning with the Seven 4 One hotel that offers live music Friday and Saturday nights. Along with offering tapas, great wine and specialty martinis, I can say that I have been there and it is for sure a great place to check out.

The local coconut line has been buzzing about the news of a new café opening on the beach at Aliso Beach in April, and yet another establishment, Gallos, is set to open next to the ice cream shop at Forest Avenue and Glenneyre Street. I might also mention that it is being run by an avid surfer, which is always good.

Staying on the beach, we have another news item, this one pertaining to a new beach clean-up program.

Across Orange County, children looking to do some community service can get involved with a group called Help Blue Water.

For more information on this great new program, visit helpbluewater.com.

So there you have it: a couple of new places to try while supporting our local businesses and keeping our beaches and town clean at the same time.

JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach native, professional surfer and John Kelly Environmental Award winner. His websites include AlohaSchoolofSurfing and ECOWarrior Surf.com. He can be reached at Jamo@Aloha SchoolofSurfing.com