Mailbag: Well-designed pedestrian bridge may be the answer

Let’s create a new way of thinking about Laguna Canyon’s entry, its safety and beauty. Imagine more green, more safety and continuous flow without sacrificing either. Here are some attainable solutions and wonderful examples of putting need and inspiration into reality.

•Green bridges are more than a just a storm water management tool. Green bridges can provide an elegant connection from one green space to another in a city, or they can serve as a safe area for pedestrians and wildlife to cross busy roads.

•Pedestrian green bridges are used throughout the world as a safe passage over a busy road or highway. What makes these bridges different from regular pedestrian bridges is the plants on the bridge that transform it into a park-like setting. These bridges can range in appearance from that of a highly manicured patio garden or lawn to a lush meadow path.

•Wildlife bridges are an important tool in protecting our wildlife and highways. Wildlife green bridges are often found near large state parks. These bridges have been integral in reducing the number of car accidents in those areas aiding herd migration.

•Sometimes green bridges serve as a piece of artwork. They can act as a reminder of what the environment was like prior to the creation of the city and the natural beauty that lies in the surrounding area.

Leah Vasquez

Laguna Beach

This letter was also sent to the Laguna Beach City Council and Laguna College of Art + Design.

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Thoughts on cross light and homeless shelter

I would like to add some thoughts to the letters published in the May 23 edition of the Coastline Pilot (“Canyon doesn’t fit needs of homeless” and “LCAD created the safety problem”).

Regarding the stop light on Laguna Canyon Road at the Laguna College of Art + Design, I’m wholeheartedly in agreement with the writer’s comments. I would add that it is somewhat unbelievable an overpass wasn’t considered. This would be the optimal solution.

The cost should be absorbed by LCAD, or shared with the city. Additionally, CalTrans states the signal will be activated by the push of a button, meaning every time someone pushes the button, traffic will stop. Lovely.

I invite the Laguna Beach City Council, LCAD staff and any police officer to spend 30 minutes at Coast Highway and Broadway Street between noon and 7 p.m. and count how many cars run the light going northbound — while speeding — and jump the light to turn right onto Coast Highway. This signal will save no one.

Regarding the proposed permanent housing for the homeless in the canyon, Laguna Beach has a two-fold homeless problem.

The first is a “transient” issue, and this needs to be addressed by law enforcement. These people know of Laguna’s reputation and are usually ne’er-do-wells who cause trouble, panhandle, buy and sell drugs, etc.

Laguna’s true homeless do their best to stay out of trouble and live through each day as best they can. Many suffer from social and/or mental issues and need extensive professional assistance.

First, the location being considered is not a good choice. Second, why isn’t this being addressed on a county level, where more monetary and professional resources could be utilized?

Granted, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo and Irvine don’t seem to have a homeless problem, but San Clemente, Lake Forest and other surrounding communities certainly do.

Third, and most important, the adage “if you build it, they will come” is by no means certain. Just ask Steve Lopez of the Los Angeles Times. Many homeless have no desire to have a permanent home, and just persuading them to give it a try can be a long, arduous process.

Though well intentioned, do the folks behind this really have a firm grip on what’s involved?

Kurt Mahoney

Laguna Beach

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Thank you for insightful columns

I read David Hansen’s column regularly and always find it insightful and entertaining. Thank you for the recent inspirational story about artist Donna Morin (“Second chance at an artful life,” May 16).

Pamela Knudsen

Laguna Beach