Gays in Laguna Beach Are Apprehensive After New Wave of Violence

Three unrelated, brutal attacks on gay men have left some residents of generally tolerant Laguna Beach apprehensive about the possibility of a prolonged wave of anti-homosexual violence.

In a fourth incident early last Sunday, shots from a high-powered rifle were fired from across Pacific Coast Highway into an area near the Coast Inn, where a gay bar and several other gay-oriented businesses are located, according to Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Don Barney. No one was injured in the shooting, and police have no suspects.

Last week, community leaders and business owners met with police officials to discuss ways to stem the “gay bashings” that have plagued the homosexual cruising grounds of Laguna Beach this summer. The meetings were called by Laguna Beach Councilman Robert Gentry, Orange County’s only gay elected official, who said, “The leadership of the gay community here is taking these attacks very seriously.”

James Spreine, Laguna Beach’s deputy chief of police, blamed youths outside Laguna--believed responsible for two of the recent attacks--for creating the potential for a severe problem.

“We’re not going to tolerate it,” Spreine said. “We’ll pursue very actively anyone who assaults gays or anyone else in our community.”

In the first incident, early on June 19, two men were attacked and robbed by a gang of men while on the beach near Cress Street, near several gay bars and businesses. One of the victims, an Irvine man, lost his sight in one eye as a result of the attack.

Nightmares about the beating still plague the man, 42, who asked that his real name not be used. He and a friend were at a bar and had stepped outside for a few minutes for some fresh air when they were accosted by at least two men, he recalled. The attackers swung what looked like metal pipes and shouted: “Faggots! I’m gonna kill you!”

“It was a miracle that I wasn’t killed. There’s no doubt in my mind that they wanted to do that,” he said.

The second attack occurred July 14 in Heisler Park, where some gay men are said to hang out at night. Three young men described as “skinheads” bludgeoned a Los Angeles man with a pipe so severely that his head wounds required 80 stitches. Three suspects from Huntington Beach have been charged in that attack and are awaiting trial.

The third attack, also at the park, occurred early on July 31. The victim, who police said was a transient, was beaten by three youths from outside the community who fired gunshots before fleeing. The shots didn’t hit the man. Police believe they know who the attackers are, and they are being sought. Although it isn’t clear whether the transient is gay, police believe the attackers were out to victimize a homosexual.

Residents and visitors to the city who have heard of the attacks said they were being more careful when out at night.

“You bet I’m concerned,” said one Laguna resident who requested anonymity. He has decided “to stay out of Heisler Park,” he said.

Carlos Falcon, a Santa Ana resident visiting the gay bars area last Sunday, said that if he lived in Laguna, “I sure would not walk alone at night in this part of town.”