If you could change one thing about the city immediately, what would it be?

Ten years ago, Laguna Beach underwent a series of unprecedented disasters. The fires of 1993 were followed by mudslides and the El Nino torrents of 1997. Our city manager used to joke that he had the Federal Emergency Management Agency on speed dial.

What many of us remember is the good that came out of those tragedies--the ability of our citizens to pull together and work for our common benefit.

Lately, we have lost that feeling of working together. Instead, it seems that everyone wants to emphasize the negatives--to find fault without solutions, to blame others, and to point fingers.

If I could change one thing immediately, I would change our collective attitudes. We live in one of the best places on earth. This has been my home for 30 years. I am raising my family here and my business is here. I plan on living here for the rest of my life.

I hope we are able to rekindle the cooperative spirit that has characterized Laguna Beach.

I want to see more of Cheryl's commentaries--return me to the commentaries page!

Last updated 10/15/04.