Mailbag: Planning Commission needs spare member

It is true, very true, as Councilman Bob Whalen said, that "there is a steep learning curve when you go on the [Planning] Commission." ("Incumbents reappointed to Planning Commission," Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot, May 31.) The Planning Commission is important as well because it is so frequently a...

Commentary: Setting the record straight about view committee

The Steering Committee of the Citizens for View Preservation and Restoration (CVPR) would like to respond to the inaccurate and misleading statements made in May 29 letters from Lenny Vincent and Anne Cox.

Mailbag: Want a sterile Laguna? Just adopt these rules

Interests of silent majority need to be heard

Commentary: Council needs to look at makeup of view committee

Several years ago, I read in the paper about a whole street of beautiful old jacaranda trees in Buena Park that the City Council had decided to remove because their roots were affecting the sidewalk. Horrified at such a callous decision, I remember thinking, "Thank God I don't live in a city where...

Mailbag: Original Village Entrance plan deserves another look

Bonnie Hano's letter in the May 10 Coastline Pilot, "City needs a more modest plan," is right on target, especially when combined with two news stories in the same issue — one concerning residents' uproar about tree removal downtown and the other concerning undergrounding of utility lines.

Commentary: Fair objectives needed for view ordinance

The Citizens for View Preservation and Restoration (CVPR) has reviewed the view ordinance issued by the View Equity Committee on May 10. More about CVPR can be found at http://www.lagunaviews.net.

Mailbag: Incivility at skate park meeting shocking

I am a resident of a neighborhood adjacent to Arch Beach Heights. I attended the informational meeting regarding the proposed skate park at Moulton Meadows Park.

Mailbag: Teachers should not initiate inappropriate discussions

Re. "Parent urges district policy for sensitive topics" (May 3): Because no policy prevents them from doing so, currently district teachers introduce inappropriate discussions during class...

Mailbag: Boy Scouts exactly what gay youth need

I know my story is not unique, but that is all the more reason to tell it. I grew up in the Boy Scouts of America and from the time I was a small child my mother was the Den Leader of our Cub Scout troop until I went off to college, and I was proud to have earned my Eagle Scout badge.

Commentary: Mission Hospital seeks flexibility for ICU space

Meeting the evolving healthcare needs of our community requires both flexibility and investment.

Mailbag: Chef heard community 'loud and clear'

Re "Restaurant gives up foie gras fight," posted on coastlinepilot.com April 19:

Mailbag: Is more gun control needed?

In response to Marsha Bianchi's letter, "Times have changed since the 2nd Amendment," published in your April 12 edition:

Mailbag: Sea lion attack definitely a federal case

Reading Karen Klein's commentary had me fuming on Friday (Commentary, "Why bring NOAA into the sea lion killing?," April 5).

Commentary: Trees integral to Laguna's charm

Around 10 years ago the residents of Balboa Peninsula were stunned to awaken one morning to find the city cutting down all of its grand old ficus trees.

Mailbag: Show support for PMMC

Last month, former Arizona Representative Gabby Giffords, her husband Mark Kelly and his daughter were vacationing in Laguna Beach when Kelly's daughter's dog escaped from its owner and attacked and killed a young California sea lion pup, devastating Kelly's daughter and many beach goers who...

Mailbag: City needs a 'viable business district'

What is the most effective way for Laguna Beach to raise more revenues other than taxes and parking-fines? That's right honey, put-up a parking lot.

Mailbag: Village Entrance 'long overdue investment'

How many years does it take for a world renowned artist colony to build a Village Entrance? You know, that inviting reminder to tourists who support the very existence of its attraction and the revenue brought in to our town.

Mailbag: Parking problems in Bluebird Canyon still not resolved

In the March 15th issue of the Coastline Pilot, "Committee reports on parking, traffic," Barbara Diamond reported that Neil Katz told the council that one of the most significant accomplishments of the Parking, Traffic and Circulation Committee was the resolution of parking problems in upper...

Mailbag: Laguna streets not living up to 'progressive' history

I moved to Laguna Beach when I was 25. That was in 1962. I have pedaled its streets ever since then, including the 37 years I worked at Laguna Beach High School when I lived in upper Bluebird Canyon.

Mailbag: Businesses are part of parking solution, not problem

My friend Norm Grossman was quoted in a recent column by David Hansen, "City eyes more downtown private parking," suggesting that the city of Laguna Beach tax private parking because banks are "basically running the parking lot for free, as far as the city is concerned. The city is getting nothing...