Locals Reclaim City--and It’s Scary

Traditionally, Sept. 1 has been the day to celebrate the departure of tourists from Laguna Beach. Locals reclaim the turf and a calmer scene, less street traffic, fewer crowded sidewalks, more familiar faces.

Last Sunday, dozens of local residents decided to share this joyful event by “visiting” downtown establishments, whooping and hollering in celebration. My Laguna friend and I were eating at an inn on Forest Avenue when the group arrived. The yelling and hooting started at the door and continued as members of the group filed into the restaurant, making individual conversations impossible.

The shouting continued and escalated as more bodies arrived, surrounding tables and climbing on chairs. Free beer was demanded by the intruders. Given a five-minute warning before the invasion, restaurant managers were reluctant to restrict passage or refusal of service for fear of threatened vandalism.

Such behavior was intimidating to many and a little scary since participants’ best judgment can be compromised by a mob. A holiday parade of locals moving in and out of shops and restaurants in the town would be welcomed by most if owners’ and patrons’ rights are respected.

Given one afternoon in Laguna Beach, which is more disturbing--the takeover by tourists or the takeover by raucous locals?

BEVERLY LEYMAN, Laguna Niguel