Week in Review : MAJOR EVENTS, IMAGES AND PEOPLE IN ORANGE COUNTY NEWS : CITIES : Laguna Backs Down From ‘No-Nukes’ Law
“What’s this under the front seat? A small thermonuclear device, eh? Awright, buddy, outa the car! This ain’t Seal Beach. You’re in trouble now. You have the right to remain silent, you have the right. . . . “
That might have been the reaction under a proposed ordinance if Laguna Beach police had caught you hauling, processing or setting off a nuclear device in their town. That and a $500 fine, six months in jail, or both.
But, actually, the Laguna Beach City Council backed off a proposal to make the city a nuclear-free zone last week. Councilwoman Lida Campbell Lenney proposed the ordinance, arguing that it wouldn’t just prevent nuclear weapon types from hawking their wares in city limits, it also would send the federal government a message--stop the arms race.
But Lenney delayed action for two months Wednesday night, saying she needs the time to convince reluctant fellow council members of the need for the law.
Three council members said Wednesday that they don’t like the idea of a law against nukes. A resolution, they said, would be easier to swallow.
With or without the law, residents presumably would ask, please refrain from dropping bombs in our city.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
