that is consistent with the “ highest aesthetic standard ”. There is nothing scenic or aesthetic about a fire station . Congratulations , Planning Commission . You just approved a proposal which is a textbook example of what is NOT consistent with the General Plan . Doug Jolley , Laguna Beach |
I find it very interesting that one of the frequent requests on the website Nextdoor is for an easy explanation of Ballot Initative Q . I would dare say that
OBITUARY
Claudia Darr , 69 |
almost no one can agree on what it says . I would encourage everyone to read it !
You would need a degree in urban planning to understand all of it . Even then , you will find conflicting understanding of what it says . The following is just one problem with the drafting language . It seems to require more than 50 % of the “ Electorate ” to get a project approved . Remember that barely 50 % of eligible voters even vote in any election .
Those in favor of Q would argue that that ’ s not what the intent of the language was . However , it doesn ’ t matter what they think once the bill is enacted into law . It says what it says .
This would all be very funny if it were not for the fact that none of the language in the initiative could be fixed without another ballot initiative . It ’ s not like regular City Ordinances which can be fixed with an addendum .
Q is a solution in search of a problem . It will create so much uncertainty that we , the City of Laguna Beach , will be spending a fortune unwinding it .
Sorry Nextdoor , there is no easy explanation . If people don ’ t read Q , they have no business voting for it . If you do actually read it , you will understand why the folks against it are so up in arms .
Tom Papa , Woods Cove
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BY TOM OSBORNE
On a recent walk through our neighborhood , I encountered Dr . Myron Wacholder , a friend , retired physician , and fellow organic vegetable grower at the South Laguna Community Garden Park . I asked him where he was heading , and he replied , “ Aliso Peak .” Now Myron is my age , 80 , and the climb up the Valido Trail to that 683-foot summit is more challenging than it may sound . My recollection from having climbed up there a year ago is that the descent from the top
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can be treacherous because of the steepness and loose , gravely surface . If one stumbles there , it would not be pretty .
When I asked Myron about the trail conditions , he said there were new steps up to the summit . That bit of information about the new steps and Myron ’ s excitement about the hike incentivized me to try it . So I took off from our house on foot for Aliso Peak on a mid-September morning with high hopes , my walking sticks and a small flask of water .
A little over half an hour later , I made it up the repaired trail and new steps to the Aliso Summit . I tried and failed to take a selfie ( but got a great picture of my thumb ) to send to my wife , who was hiking in the Adirondack Mountains of New York with female friends . Some of our friends have said she ’ s taking a week ’ s vacation from me .
Back to my story , while marveling at the panoramic view from the top , another hiker arrived . We exchanged amenities and names , and I asked him to take a photo of
OSBORNE , page 22
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On Monday , Sept . 19 , Claudia Darr , a beloved partner , passed away peacefully in her sleep . She is survived by her two daughters , Rachel and Elizabeth . She was 69 years old . Born to Lorraine and Clyde Darr , Claudia graduated from UCLA with a bachelor ’ s degree in Political Science and went on to become a successful interior designer . She was endlessly creative and talented , gracing the cover of House Beautiful and Cottage Living . She was an avid marathon runner .
Claudia was a devoted dog owner , magnificent cook and exceptional grandmother . She had a green thumb with the most beautiful garden around , planting and tending to her roses daily . Her restaurant Le Petite Gourmet in Laguna Beach was a huge success , where she served not only as the owner but as the chef as well . Claudia also saved one of Laguna ’ s historic cottages and decorated it with all her light and love . She was a dedicated daughter and an incredible human being . Rest In Peace .
PAID ANNOUNCEMENT
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If there is one thing I have learned from the countless city council meetings I have attended , it ’ s that we need new ideas in this town . No more hidden agendas and trying to keep things the exact same .
I am proud and happy to say that I will vote for Alex Rounaghi . Alex knows our town and he and his family have watched it grow . He appreciates its unique character and recognizes the need to protect our town from fire , address parking demand , help our buildings downtown that have seen much wear and tear , and improve the safety of many areas . He is willing to listen and respects the opinions of those who are knowledgeable and experienced .
Since graduating from Laguna High , he has been involved in multiple positions to learn how government works including at the county and in our Laguna Beach city government . He clearly has integrity and will not be swayed by special interests . He has gotten some great endorsements from groups – like Police and Fire Department among others .
I say we need the dynamics of some new and young ideas . Alex has the ideas and the skills and experience to execute them . Ganka Brown , Laguna Beach
At first it seems we don ’ t need any more red tape bureaucracy . We now have in place height limits , parking requirements , dozens of other reg-
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ulations and rules , Village Laguna , Planning Commission , Design Review Board , Coastal Commission , and City Council . It is now a hard and long process to get a project approved in Laguna Beach . Just ask the folks at the Ranch and Montage 2 beautiful parts of this town . The City Council over many , many , months held multiple meetings and allowed any Laguna Beach citizen who wanted to speak at a Council meeting before approvals .
On the other hand , now that I think about I have lived in Laguna for over 70 years and in my youth we did have some big developers . They built the “ Housing Tract ” on Top of the World and they built houses on the “ Only 25 ’ wide lots ” of Arch Beach Heights . If “ Q ” was in place then we could have stopped those projects dead in their tracks . Whatever your view is please go out and vote ! Joe Jahraus , Laguna Beach
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This writer used to be a Republican . My first vote for president was Barry Goldwater in 1964 . Four years later , when I was a Captain in the Army , I voted for Richard Nixon . It wasn ’ t until I switched parties and voted for Independent John Anderson in 1980 , that I told myself there is more to a candidate than an “ R ” after his or her name . Which brings me to Judie Mancuso , a different kind of Democratic candidate running in the 72nd Assembly District ( which |
includes the coastal communities of Laguna , Newport , Huntington Beach and Seal Beach ).
For starters , Judie understands the critical connection between clean beaches and vibrant , local businesses . Personally , I view this relationship as vital to my family ’ s future health and welfare , and why I attended the rally Judie organized at Laguna ’ s Main Beach after last fall ’ s 25,000 gallon oil spill closed OC beaches . Despite the fact numerous local elected officials showed up , Judie ’ s current Assembly opponent , Diane Dixon , was nowhere to be found that day .
Second , Judie is against raising taxes . That ’ s why she opposes Prop . 30 , the tax on income above $ 2 million , on the ballot this fall . And lastly , Judie supports seniors like myself . She believes the $ 35 monthly cap on insulin is a game-changer . I couldn ’ t agree more . ( Interestingly , every GOP lawmaker in Congress , including our own Rep . Michelle Steel , voted against this provision in the new Inflation Reduction Act , but now she is campaigning like the cap was her idea . Go figure .)
Every election season is an opportunity to reset political priorities . I honestly believe Judie Mancuso ’ s priorities are right for Orange County . Even if you are a Republican who votes the party line like I used to , I urge you to take a serious look at Judie . I don ’ t think you will be disappointed .
Bob Mister , Laguna Beach
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