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Mailbag: The people and city leaders want two different things

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Happily, I attended the cultural arts planning meeting. All of the consultants and arts commissioners were there, with eight tables/topics set up for discussions.

After hearing a bit of their thoughts on the future of Laguna’s cultural arts, mainly in regards to a new cultural arts facility and building out/widening the Laguna Canyon, we went to group tables for input. Many great ideas were put forth from the community to the planners and commissioners.

Virtually everyone in the room agreed on two things — they did not want a new cultural arts center built. Instead they wanted a purchase and restoration of our historic theater and better use of the facilities that we do have. Building out (or widening of) the canyon was also not favored. We still do not want a big parking structure, but want wandering bike and footpaths.

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Hence, my amazement and dismay when I read that the planners and commissioners all reported back to our City Council members that people supported a new cultural arts facility and canyon road widening. Not true. We want our old one (the theater) back.

I also stated (with many agreeing) that I absolutely do not want our art museum moved, particularly to a flood zone. That building is not, but should be, a historic and protected building. If we want another modern museum, then go for it, but leave our historical one alone.

In the last year, we have seen two historic buildings beautifully restored — the Urth Caffé and the old bank building on Ocean Avenue. With a lot of pushing and support from museum members, our art museum was updated with beautiful bamboo floors and better lighting.

This is the direction people want to go — not building new monoliths to block out the natural light and spiritual/enchanted feel of our fabulous canyon and skies. Back in the 1920s, our artists came for the beautiful natural light found only rarely on our Earth. It is this light and natural beauty and resources that needs to be protected above all else, for it is Laguna’s history and uniqueness.

So, City Council and City Manager John Pietig, please know that people do not overwhelmingly support a new cultural arts facility now.

Joanne Sutch

Laguna Beach

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