Letters to the Editor
Jahraus Park renovation should honor its history
While I am thrilled that Jahraus Park will be renovated, as a former longtime Laguna resident, I take issue with two omissions in the recent article.
First, I think you owe your readers a little background on the importance of the Jahraus family. Their many accomplishments include helping establish the water district that brought a reliable source of water to Laguna Beach; establishing the Laguna Beach Lumber Company, which provided the materials used to build the town; and, most importantly, negotiating with Mr. Heisler for our beautiful park and then holding Mr. Heisler accountable when he wanted to back out of the deal and develop the property for housing.
Second, the “water fountain” is not just a water fountain. It is a fabulous sculpture by Ruth Peabody, executed in 1933, and I believe it is the oldest piece of public art in our town. I loved it as a child and I still do.
Laguna Beach is Laguna Beach because of all the wonderful people who gave their energy and commitment to our town. They deserve to be honored, and I am so pleased that the secret little Jahraus Park will be celebrated and improved. I look forward to attending the dedication.
Hedy Buzan Williamson
Laguna Woods
Where is a carless visitor supposed to smoke?
Laguna Beach’s smoking ordinance leaves a curious problem for visitors.
Consider an adult who flies into Orange County, takes a rideshare to Laguna Beach and stays at a smoke-free hotel. Smoking is prohibited on the city’s streets, sidewalks, beaches, parks and other public places. The hotel prohibits smoking on its property. Rental car companies generally prohibit smoking in their vehicles.
Where, exactly, can that visitor legally smoke?
This isn’t an argument for smoking on beaches or crowded sidewalks. It’s a request for a practical accommodation: a small, responsibly located designated smoking area, coupled with proper disposal and clear notice of Laguna Beach’s broad restrictions before visitors arrive.
A city can strongly discourage tobacco use while recognizing that adults still legally use tobacco.
Good public policy should account for predictable real-world situations. Laguna Beach should provide visitors without cars with a lawful option rather than effectively providing none.
Jacob Sigo
Washougal, Wash.
