Beaches, Bathrooms, and Speeding Bikes

By Bonnie Donovan

In search of southern California sea glass

Last week, I accompanied a friend on a sea glass-and-driftwood hunting expedition at Leadbetter Beach. Equipped with a canvas bag, I anticipated collecting various natural treasures such as tree branches and glass bottle fragments that had been transformed into beautiful objects by Mother Nature. Surprisingly, I ended up gathering more plastic bottle lids and small, weathered pieces of plastic bottle tops, along with other forms of litter.

The source of this issue stems from individuals who exhibit laziness by abandoning, discarding, or neglecting their waste, consequently endangering our precious ocean life. It is disheartening to witness the detrimental impact of such irresponsible behavior on the marine ecosystem. The accumulation of trash in our oceans poses a significant threat to the well-being of marine creatures and the overall health of the marine environment.

Cleaning Up After You (and everybody else)

Responsible environmental stewardship

I encountered a woman during my stroll along the beach who took it upon herself to collect litter left behind by others. Her proactive approach in cleaning up the shoreline serves as a commendable example of responsible environmental stewardship. We need to emulate such actions and strive towards a cleaner, healthier marine habitat. Together, we can make a positive difference by taking responsibility for our actions and actively participating in efforts to preserve and protect our oceans.

We often face consequences and suffer losses as a result of the inappropriate actions of others, such as the misuse of showers and changing stalls at the beach. The waterfront, like many other places, is unfortunately plagued by drug use and various other illegal and unsavory activities. The repercussions of these behaviors are not just financial but also involve the loss of amenities that we have always enjoyed.  As previously mentioned, the Leadbetter Bathrooms, changing stalls, and showers with a lovely windbreak are now affected by these negative behaviors. It is important to address these issues to preserve the quality and safety of our shared spaces, ensuring that everyone can continue to enjoy them without disruption.

Remember, we used to have benches on State Street, which we lost due to homeless issues. Benches gone, homeless still there.

State Street Bench, circa 2017

Curious Street and Sidewalk Repairs.

It is quite noticeable that the focus of street and sidewalk repairs and/or improvements in town seems to be primarily centered around the implementation of the Bike Master Plan. This brings me back to the Showers at Leadbetter Beach, where they assert it is an ADA project, but could it be a strategy to clear the path for the bike route from the harbor through Leadbetter Beach?

Finally, this project went to the Access Advisory Committee on February 23, 2024, for an update from City Waterfront Staff. This update provided the committee with the latest information regarding the progress and status of the renovation project. The City Waterfront Staff presented details about the project, including any challenges or obstacles that have been encountered and how they have been addressed. The committee had the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on the project, ensuring that the needs and concerns of the community were taken into consideration. This update will help the committee stay informed and involved in the renovation project, allowing them to fulfill their role in advocating for accessibility and inclusivity in the community.

Attending meetings and actively listening to every question asked can be incredibly enlightening. During the Accessory Advisory Committee meeting, several important questions were raised, providing valuable insights. For instance, there was uncertainty about whether Megan Harmon still holds a position on the Coastal Commission. However, a quick internet search confirmed that she is indeed still a member. Another question that arose was whether the demolition requires review and approval from the Coastal Commission. I was impressed by the level of knowledge and engagement displayed by the commission members, who not only provided answers but also offered suggestions. One notable suggestion was the possibility of maintaining six toilets by removing a sink, showcasing their resourcefulness. However, one question stood out as the "smoking gun" of the meeting. It revolved around the proposed extension of a bike route. "How safe is it to walk out of the bathrooms to a speeding electric bike?

Leadbetter Restroom Renovation project on hold…for now.

Build That (Shower) Wall!

Could the repairs be strategically linked to the bike path network, indicating a potential bias toward promoting cycling infrastructure over other public amenities? This pattern of repair work being concentrated in specific areas may suggest a hidden agenda or favoritism towards certain projects, which warrants further investigation and scrutiny. This raises concerns about transparency and accountability in public projects, as the stated objectives of the renovation may not align with the actual intentions behind it. The connection between the bike path and the renovation of public facilities like showers raises questions about the decision-making process and the extent to which community needs are being considered in these developments.

• At City Council this week we heard that since the Sola bike route was put in the Emergency Services are having circulation problems. Safety is the most important role of the council, isn't it?

This demand is reminiscent of their previous requests for infrastructure such as streets, roads, sidewalks, hiking trails, and Nature Preserves. Ironically, they are now instructing beachgoers to shower at a pole, disregarding the need for privacy and convenience. This raises concerns about the impact on the overall beach experience. For instance, if customers at Shoreline Cafe witness people showering in plain view, it is only natural to question how they will react. The lack of privacy due to the absence of shower walls may lead to discomfort and dissatisfaction among beachgoers. Those interested in preserving the Leadbetter Beach Walls and Changing Area may wish to sign up here.

Passing Pleasure at Paseo Nuevo

On a local cultural opportunity, we’d like to direct the reader’s attention to a film currently playing at Paseo Nuevo which has been nominated in five categories for the upcoming Academy Awards.

Courtesy “American Fiction”

But before you treat yourself to the flawless film "American Fiction", visit a YouTube site and listen to the lyrics of the classic 1958 ballad "Stagger Lee" by Lloyd Price. I played it for my daughter who loved the film and my granddaughter, who appreciated the film. Neither had ever heard of "Stagger Lee", and so missed the brilliant choice of the main character of the film who takes the pen name "Stagg R Lee".

"American Fiction" is nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Jeffrey Wright), Best Supporting Role (Sterling K. Brown), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score.

It's a film adapted from the 2001 Percival Everett novel, Erasure, that follows a struggling author given a "leave of absence" from a University that very much resembles something akin to the UCLA English Dept. The focus is more on the fact that his work of fiction isn't "black enough” – so out of desperation because of extenuating family obligations, he writes a cliche'-ridden novel as a prank. This complicated family dynamic forms the core subplot and provides a serious basis to the film.

“American Fiction” is funny and smart, satirically busting the especially white perception within the publishing world of what black authors should be writing.   Jeffrey Wright is perfectly cast as writer Monk Ellison, who objects to all the recognizable stereotypes and dispels the myth with his spoof novel written using his pen name, Stagg R Lee. First-time director and co-writer Cord Jefferson has landed himself solidly in the A-list talent pool, and yes, the film's score is pretty darn good, too. You'll have to look up the song lyrics yourself... and I suggest you do before seeing the film.