LBindy_7.12.24 | Page 17

lagunabeachindy . com JULY 12 , 2024 17
GUEST OPINION :

Why Not Ticket Distracted Jaywalkers ?

By ROGeR BuTOW
AB 2147 , passed in 2022 , is the so-called “ Freedom to Walk Act .” It was built on AB 1238 , passed in 2021 , which was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom .
In my opinion , the title is misleading .
Their mutual purpose was to decriminalize and curtail perceived systemic racial profiling and alleged targeting by law enforcement .
Random enforcement , though , or worse , voluntary compliance , leaves chaotic conditions in place and doesn ’ t bring significant change that begs for adherence in urbanized environs .
What constitutes an infraction , and under what circumstances can sanctions ( fines from citations ) occur , haven ’ t been socialized accurately .
AB 2147 specifically allows for officer discretionary intervention . It doesn ’ t change the existing law that requires pedestrians to avoid potentially hazardous situations .
“ Distracted jaywalking ” shouldn ’ t be proposed as a “ tip to pedestrians ,” as our city-distributed statements contend . Deterrence drives compliance , not a naïve strategy of reversing ongoing abusive acts couched as a polite request .
After 52 years of watching pedestrians cut across PCH or transit even though the signal was red , I think that only by ticketing can we stop the pell-mell behavior , including those who weave through both parked and mobile cars at will .
Compounding the problem are the drivers who are unlawfully using their electronic devices .
Media exacerbated the confusion and gave the mistaken impression that pedestrians are also “ free ” to create and trigger negligent traffic accident conditions , even “ free ” to be injured or die themselves .
“ AB 2147 prohibits a peace officer ,
BUTOW , PAGE 21

Crier

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band said the grant will significantly bolster the band ’ s ongoing efforts to bring the magic of live music to the Laguna Beach cultural arts scene .
The FOA Foundation , an independent nonprofit endowed by the Festival of Arts , makes awards annually to art and educational programs in Laguna Beach and the surrounding area . On average , the foundation assists over twenty organizations each year .
“ We are grateful for the FOA Foundation ’ s continued support ,” said director Mark Lowery . “ This grant recognizes our dedication to the arts and energizes our mission to share high-quality live musical experiences with our community .”
In celebration of this support , Laguna Community Concert Band will perform at Festival of Arts on Sunday , July 21 , at 1 p . m . on the main stage . The program will feature John Williams ’ stirring march from the movie “ 1941 ” and a symphonic

Aquagrom Kids Swim for Ocean Conservation

The 2023 Aquagroms . Photo courtesy of Alia Marriner
By Clara Beard | LB Indy
At just 12 years old , Alia Marriner and friend Cedar Reckas have already completed two aquathons – a homegrown swim , climbing and walking event through Laguna ’ s coves from Crescent Bay to Aliso Creek .
Reckas and Marriner were the only kids to complete the arduous Aquathon , which gave Marriner the idea to start the Aquagrom , which is “ basically an Aquathon for kids .”
In its second year , the Aquagrom is an invite-only swim and walk from Crescent Bay to Victoria Beach , done by groms , aka kids . Not only are the groms adventuring through Laguna ’ s coastline , but they ’ re also fundraising for the Surfrider Foundation .
The group of 25 groms will head out once again this Saturday at Crescent Bay at 8:30 a . m ., and will start the swim at 9 a . m . The Aquagroms plan to finish the swim at Victoria at around 12 p . m . and celebrate the event ’ s tribute to George Gershwin that includes excerpts from “ Rhapsody in Blue ” and “ An American in Paris .” Vocalist Lisa Morrice will join the band on selected numbers to perform crowd favorites including Big Band hits and modern classics .
The LCCB-affiliated Laguna JaZz Band will perform at Festival of Arts on Wednesday , July 17 , at 5:30 p . m ., and on Wednesday , Aug . 14 , at Susi Q at 6:30 p . m . This fall , the Laguna Community Concert Band will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a performance on Sunday , Oct . 6 , at 7 p . m . at the Laguna Playhouse .
Laguna Community Concert Band performances are always free , although donations are accepted . Festival of Arts admission is complimentary for Laguna Beach residents , active military , Festival of Arts members , and children five or younger , and $ 15 for residents from surrounding areas .
second year with a party .
“ I ’ d like to thank our sponsors Victoria Skimboards , Laguna Surf and Sport , Hobie , Catch Surf , Thalia Surf Shop and Gina ’ s Pizza for helping us with prizes ,” Marriner said . “ These groms and I care so much about the ocean . We ’ ve grown up by the ocean , and we feel that it ’ s our duty to protect it . It pains us to see humans trashing it like it ’ s a landfill . This is why all the groms have gotten together to do a swim , raising money for the Surfrider Foundation .”
The Surfrider Foundation works nationally to protect ocean life . Its main goals are to find natural solutions to climate change , reduce plastic pollution and encourage sustainability among local businesses . Last year , Marriner and the Aquagroms raised $ 16,000 for ocean conservation . To help the Aquagroms fundraise for ocean conservation , visit gofundme . com and search Aquagrom 2024 .
GUEST OPINION : PET PEEVES

Leave It to Beaver

By MARK D . CRANTZ
A Trilogy-Part One
It was an oft-heard Laguna story . A family moves from somewhere else and relocates to Laguna Beach . The time was the 1960s . The job was retail lumber . And leave it to the Beaver family to jump at the chance . The Beaver family took to many highways to get here . Before the road trip of their lifetimes , the Beavers took a big , toothy photo of themselves and sent the picture to their new address on Blue Bird Canyon . The Beavers were excited to see whether the picture of themselves or their real selves got to Laguna Beach first .
While the Beavers poured over the glove box travel maps en route , a small group of artists started an art festival in a five-acre grove of eucalyptus trees . They dreamed of becoming great artists in many different mediums . They knew their dreams took time , but their landlords did not share the time dreams take and insisted on rent due on the first of the month . The money raised at the art festival would fulfill the landlord ’ s dream while theirs continued to percolate .
Meanwhile , the Beaver family had nine different state maps to contend with . Not one of the state maps could ever be refolded back to its original position . The 1960s were pre-Google Maps , and folding was necessary . The paper maps frustrated the Beavers , who , in a frenzy , tore the maps to smithereens . Seven days in and 90 miles along their way , the Beavers stopped and resupplied themselves with new paper maps .
Back in Laguna Beach , the artists couldn ’ t agree on the name of their new festival . The group of 16 budding artists offered up different festival names . “ Let ’ s call it , The Greatest Show on Earth .” The other artists shook their heads no . “ That ’ s
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