Surfing Soapbox: City Council gets it right on Mozambique

My mom is always telling me how much people enjoy it when I go after the Laguna Beach City Council, and I always reply that it’s not a matter of “going after them.” It’s just a difference in opinion — that’s it, nothing more.

I don’t write about or, as some may say, “bash” the council for anyone’s entertainment.

I write what I believe in, end of story.

My belief is that the council has a very difficult job to do with little or no pay. They have a willingness to put themselves out there, where many are afraid to go.

The council constantly comes under fire on blogs in which cowards hide behind fake names and are able to write what they like without being held accountable, unlike real journalists and columnists.

In my opinion, these haters should have to use their real names and be held accountable just like the rest of us who are merely doing our best. Perhaps then we would have an even playing field with better and more qualified comments instead of some of the trash that is being spewed by the armchair quarterback.

It has never made sense to me that sometimes when two people disagree on something they come away as enemies with a lack of mutual respect for one another.

Frankly, if someone doesn’t have the nerve to use their real name there’s no reason to read it because there’s no credibility to it.

Attending Tuesday’s council meeting, I realized just how much the council put themselves out there. I don’t always agree with them, but I respect them for the tireless job they are doing.

Not to mention that they got it right when the council voted 4 to 1 to extend Mozambique’s food service.

I support your decision, because the last thing Laguna needs is another restaurant going out of business.

Peace.

JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach native, professional surfer and John Kelly Environmental Award winner. His websites include AlohaSchoolofSurfing and ECOWarrior Surf.com. He can be reached at Jamo@Aloha SchoolofSurfing.com