SURFING SOAPBOX: Pile of gifts for Laguna

Home at last. What more can I say “” there’s nothing better than coming home to Laguna Beach. Especially this year after traveling more than ever.

More importantly, it is this time of the year that means so much.

The holiday season. A cherished time to be with family and friends. Looking back on my year, 2007 was more than enough of a Christmas present and I would like nothing more than to spend Christmas Day with my family and friends. The older I get, the more I look forward to these special days.

However, some Christmas presents I would like to pass out begin with new homes for those who lost their homes in the June 1, 2005, Bluebird Canyon slide. A new headquarters for the lifeguards. A new City Council that will actually begin listening to the residents and follow through on what they say they will do.

Yeah, I know you drive a Prius so that means you’re “environmentally conscious.” Too bad our ocean doesn’t know that. I mean, what good is a marine reserve when you allow them to dump toxic sendiment off our coast? Yeah, I know the subcommittee is really working hard in finding a remedy. But I never heard of a subcommittee made up of two council members.

Perhaps we could find some parking solutions for the Woods Cove neighborhood.

A great present would surely be that of a cleaned-up Aliso Creek, and while we’re working on that one, perhaps we could find an alliance between all of the hard-working environmental groups here in Laguna. That would be a great present to our community and our environment.

My last present is to Laguna Beach, and may this Christmas Day be a special one to all of you.

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]