MAILBAG: Playground rocks are hazard to children

Several weeks ago, I took my two granddaughters to Top of the World Park to enjoy the new play equipment. Too bad the city didn’t provide some fun structural pieces for the older children. I’ve heard other complaints about that, but I guess that’s water under the bridge.

The main concern I have is the large rocks placed in the sand at the corner of the sidewalk by the swings. My 10-year-old granddaughter tripped on one of these hazards and broke her arm. Talking with my neighbor, I’ve learned of another child tripping on the same rock and severely injuring her arm.

Laguna Beach [officials] should take action to remove these dangerous obstacles before they are presented with legal action.

The playground has been open only a short time since its renovation and it’s apparent another serious injury is waiting to happen.

LORNA GIBBS

Laguna Beach

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Compassion is more than pity, handouts

Are we a compassionate community?

Since the ACLU lawsuit was filed at the end of December against the city of Laguna Beach for the improved treatment of our chronically homeless population, there has been much talk, much printed and many questions asked. Aren’t we compassionate toward the homeless here in our community? We provide them with food, a place to shower, do laundry, and provide clothes when needed. In the winter when the temperatures drop, we open our churches at night to give them shelter. And based on one of the recommendations of the Homeless Task Force, passed unanimously by the City Council in January 2008, a policeman has been assigned to work with them as an intermediary with the city.

So if we are so compassionate why did this lawsuit happen? We haven’t provided housing along with services for our chronically homeless.

This is a proven practice, as reported by HUD, across the country, to be the most effective way to end homelessness and costs less than leaving the chronically homeless on the streets.

As the newly formed City Advisory committee on the Homeless comes up with recommendations for City Council approval, I am moved to ask everyone to look at your own degree of compassion. Does it stop for you, at some point?

Karen Armstrong, an Oxford scholar, and one of the foremost original thinkers on religion in our modern world, was recently interviewed about her work on a Charter for Compassion. This two-page document is based on the fundamental principle of the Golden Rule: “Do unto others what you would like them to do to you,” and on the universal principle of empathy and respect at the core of all major religions. Armstrong believes we have moved away from this basic principle “” thus her motivation to create the Charter.

She reminds us that “”¦compassion doesn’t mean feeling sorry for people. It doesn’t mean pity. It means putting yourself in the position of another, learning about the other.” She wisely adds that compassion must be put into practical action by everyone.

If you believe in this ancient, universal principle, ask yourselves: Do you want others to have a place to lay down their heads every night as the same basic need and with some degree of the same privilege that you have?

DAGA KRACKOWIZER

Laguna Beach

Editor’s note: Daga Krackowizer is president of the Laguna Beach Interfaith Council.

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Homeless don’t treat parks with dignity

I do take issue with the “church leaders” who feel we must treat the homeless in our park with quote, “dignity and compassion.” I do not believe the homeless who use our beautiful Heisler Park to lounge around, become inebriated, erect old tattered umbrellas, leave their belongings spread around, and use the flower beds for toilets are treating the park with “dignity.”

We live across the street from Heisler Park and have not been happy with the activities of the homeless. We have seen them camp out for weeks at a time, and we are powerless to stop this activity. Why do we abdicate our civility and our laws to the pressure of the ACLU? I applaud Catharine Cooper when she stated in her article, “I realize the issue has to do with problems of the homeless, and I am sympathetic, but not inclined to believe that I, or the city, are responsible for providing housing for those who are without.” What happened to the idea that one takes responsibility for one’s own life?

We have also seen beautiful weddings and other celebrations performed in the park’s gorgeous setting. Why don’t we protect our parks for the many responsible families that so enjoy it and leave it as they found it? A rare treasure indeed.

ALICE BRYANT

Laguna Beach

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Faith-unaffiliated is new trend in United States

I’m not affiliated with any of the many churches in town. It’s not that I don’t have a faith, but my faith is in more practical down-to-earth things like humans, our potential to do good, and faith in the natural sciences. But I do read the “Faith” (half) page in this newspaper to keep up with what’s happening with my neighbors of other faiths.

Although bake sales and animal blessings don’t interest me, I do like to know about and listen to some of their speakers and to watch interesting movies that they present. What is lacking in “Faith” is news of the nitty-gritty of faith matters.

I have to go to reliable electronic sources to learn that there is a steady and increasing 10-year pattern of those who were formally affiliated with a church becoming unaffiliated. And even among the people who do remain affiliated with a faith, a sizable number are moving away from the more traditional churches to the newer charismatic churches. Also, among young Americans ages 18 to 29, 25% are unaffiliated with a church (2008).

Do you know that church unaffiliated Americans are the third largest group in the American population after Catholics and Baptists? In Laguna Beach that would make them the second largest group. Wow! Now that’s important faith news that I think the readers of faith would be interested in, if not concerned about.

NIKO THERIS

Laguna Beach

? Board should reject second story on home

I live in a home on Top of the World Drive across the street from the project proposed for 28911 Sommet du Monde (Variance 7616 and Design Review 09-022). I would like to go on record that I am very much opposed to this project.

It is important to note that the homes within the gated community (all but two at the south end) have sunken foundations that protect the view of the ridgeline of not only the neighbors but of all residents of Top of the World who enjoy the overall landscape as they take walks to enjoy this very special area of TOW.

In addition, it is clear the builder knew that if he had originally asked this board to approve such a large project when he first purchased the property, his chances of success were limited at best.

So the plan was to ask for approval of a much smaller single story project (which was approved) and then two years later, initiate a request to more than double the size of this home as well as add a three-car garage.

To further contribute to the destruction of the site, it is also proposed that two large trees be removed to enhance the view of the new property. I would like the Design Review Board to understand that the removal of these trees would, improve my view, however, I am opposed to such action out of respect for the history of the area as well as for the sake of my neighbors.

Although I do not begrudge [the builder] for attempting to seize this opportunity, I would be alarmed if this board, whose purpose as I understand it is to protect the natural compatibility of each community, would allow someone to expand in such a way, purely for profit. This is not a case of an individual homeowner seeking to expand their dwelling but a clear case of a builder seeking to maximize profit before moving on.

In my view, the approval to add a second story should be denied. Based on a site visit to the area, I trust the board would agree that the appropriate action would have been to build under the existing structure which would then align with the other homes on the ridgeline.

JOE WARD