SURFING SOAPBOX: Reality TV, Laguna style

Although the reality show “Laguna Beach” has moved, we may just have a better one to watch and that’s our own City Council meeting, which can be watched live on Channel 30. I watched Tuesday’s meeting from the comfort of my own home and what a show it was.

During public comments, a man stood up and announced he was a CIA double agent and went into a strange diatribe regarding our police department here in town.

Next up was someone stating they would rather see sand castles being made on our beaches during the day on the Fourth of July than a fireworks show at night.

But the real highlight came when the expansion of the Tabu Grill and the Roof Top bar came up. First was Tabu, which had a bevy of neighbors stand up and proclaim the area already has a parking problem and expanding its seating area would only add to the problem.

Now, we already know that much of Laguna does have an enormous parking problem, and I understand the concerns of homeowners and renters alike. But in my eyes what makes us a community (and I think someone said this as well) is the ability to work together to find solutions rather than ruling with an iron fist.

In the end, our City Council decided they had found enough compromise between the two parties and granted the expansion.

Next up was the Roof Top, in which nearby neighbors shared some of the same issues over parking as those near the Tabu Grill. However, while Tabu was merely trying to expand its business, it appeared the Roof Top was trying to salvage theirs.

I believe in finding solutions. I also believe in working together. What I don’t believe in is people or neighborhood groups trying to take one’s livelihood away.

It’s especially disappointing when business owners are so willing to work with their neighbors in finding solutions. Now the Roof Top will remain open and residents will continue to be able to enjoy it.

I applaud our City Council for being a good mediator between the two sides.

Peace.

JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach native, professional surfer and founder of the Aloha School of Surfing. He can be reached at [email protected]