SURFING SOAPBOX: The newspaper office of the past

Editor’s note: Cindy Frazier’s column will return next week with a new name.

It was with great sadness that I read that not only was my editor’s (Cindy Frazier’s) column, Lumberyard Logs, coming to an end, but so were the Coastline Pilot offices here in Laguna. Closing its doors once and for all.

I never really understood why her column was titled Lumberyard Logs (sorry, boss) and I have spent a lot of time thinking about it. My dad would call that idle time. However, I have quite enjoyed her column and often read it for inspiration.

In all honesty, I owe Cindy — “the boss lady” as I like to call her — a lot of gratitude. In a lot of ways she took me under her wing in a delicate way, showing me how to write a good column.

In many ways she has been like a teacher to me, one whom I look up to, much like my first editor, Geoff Griffin.

A lot of Laguna history has passed through that downtown office of the Coastline Pilot, and I remember meeting Jerry Ledbetter for the first time as a junior in high school.

From what I remember he was the classic grizzled newspaper editor — drinking coffee and reeking of cigarettes with a deep, trembling voice.

The Coastline Pilot was the first newspaper to write a story about my surfing career, and I remember it like it was yesterday. It’s truly amazing how quickly time passes.

I never thought that one day I would be able to look back as I am now upon a newspaper and have such great memories. In many ways this column that I write has shaped who I am and enabled me to grow as a person.

Perhaps even more importantly, the Coastline Pilot gave me chance at writing — something I will always cherish and appreciate.

Yes, in many ways this paper has become like family for me. Much like the town of Laguna is.

Peace.

JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach native, professional surfer and John Kelly Environmental Award winner. His websites include AlohaSchoolofSurfing and ECOWarrior Surf.com. He can be reached at Jamo@Aloha SchoolofSurfing.com