AIDS and a Community: The Impact on the Gay Lifestyle in Laguna Beach
As health-care professionals who have practiced in Laguna Beach for many years, we were disturbed by the recent article “Laguna Beach Gay Life Ebbs Away” (Dec. 9), depicting the effect AIDS has had on life in Laguna. The article does not capture the response to the AIDS crises that we have observed and does a disservice to the community.
The article also does not portray people living with AIDS accurately. Although all of us in Laguna mourn those we have lost to this epidemic, the story ignores the positive spirit and courage of those who fight this virus on a daily basis.
Laguna Beach certainly has not simply acquiesced to the current health crises as “life ebbs away” from our community. The article minimizes the efforts of many groups and individuals to provide support and care to those who need it.
We invite the Los Angeles Times back to Laguna Beach, and we encourage a closer look at our community. We believe that the view that “life ebbs away” from Laguna will be replaced by a concept of renewal and compassionate support.
ROSE SPARKS, Pharmacist
DENNIS CADA, Director of pharmacy
STAN MOLINARI, Director of cardiopulmonary services, South Coast Medical Center
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