MAILBAG: Much, much more went into ‘Beauty’ awards

Many thanks to the Coastline Pilot for putting the very well-earned Beautification Awards on the front page. (“Thanked for beauty,” March 27.) Everyone involved deserves rounds and rounds of applause.

We would like to point out that the beautification award is not just an award for a nice-looking property. Once the property is chosen it is observed over a two-year time period to see how it is maintained and continues to improve. We would like to acknowledge Elinor Henry and Rik Lawrence, who took on this exacting and time-consuming task. They then constructed and presented a beautiful slideshow that was shown at the award ceremony.

We would also like to thank Scott Alan and his dog, Ruby, who did the equally exacting research connected with it. Finally, thanks to all the Beautification Council members for their great dedication and commitment to Laguna Beach.

CHLOE ECHTERNACHT and ALAN L. ROBINSON

Laguna Beach

Editor’s note: Chloe Echternacht and Alan L. Robinson are members of the Beautification Council.

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Bicycles must become part of transport plan

I am alarmed to hear that there is city opposition to the recommendations in the Climate Protection Action Plan, to be adopted at the City Council meeting April 7, to improve bicycle infrastructure in Laguna. We desperately need to find alternatives to automobile transportation in the city. Laguna needs to be in the forefront on weaning itself off cheap oil and the private automobile.

There are viable alternatives out there. Electric bicycles have now come of age and are a viable means of transportation for distances up to 10 miles. The bus system is usable. I do not own a car, and I am able to travel quite handily by bus, bicycle and on foot, and I feel much better for doing so. I recommend that everyone try this, and I will give bus riding classes for anybody that needs help.

CHARLES ALBAN

Laguna Beach

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Streets should be green, not mean

Action alert! Our City Council will vote on the Environmental Committees’ “Climate Protection Action Plan” at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The plan includes bicycle planning because bikes do not add green house gases.

The staff report recommends a yes vote, but with all references to bicycles being deleted. Our city staff want to delete references to biking because of liability.

Current data on cities that have planned for safer streets for bikes show positive results for bicyclists and people on foot. What makes planning for safer biking and greener streets a liability? When streets are safer for people on bikes, they are also safer for people on foot.

Plan to attend the council meeting Tuesday night to support safer, quieter and greener streets in Laguna Beach.

MICHAEL HOAG

Laguna Beach

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Sticker citation not fair to wedding guest

I was a visitor to your city Feb. 15 for a wedding at the gazebo. I was impressed that your parking meters take credit cards for payment.

Soon after I had parked there apparently someone removed my renewal tab from my license plate and then a Laguna Beach parking officer noticed the missing renewal tab and issued me a citation.

Obviously I was not cited for failing to renew my license because a check with DMV by the officer let the officer know that the car was licensed.

Having to pay a fine for someone else’s illegal actions is most frustrating.

In addition to the fine, I had to pay $18 for a new tab to DMV.

If Laguna Beach cared about people, the action by the parking officer could have been a “reminder note” and not a citation.

Life at times is really impersonal and unfair, this time in Laguna Beach.

BRUCE FARR

Helendale