If you need a diversion – a reminder of Laguna Beach’s quirky roots – go to Main Beach on any Saturday morning.
It’s like a cultural mashup of fitness, fellowship, proselytizing and protesting.
Consider June 4, for example. Despite a heavy overcast, there were lifeguard tryouts, a meditation group, a pro-life protest, support for the homeless, KelpFest, and of course, the usual volleyballers, dog walkers, runners, tourists, coffee drinkers and ocean swimmers.
It’s a sea of diversity. On paper, there’s really nothing to connect them. Except Laguna. Except the intangible thing that binds the soul.
For some, it’s the weekly activity with the regulars. Or maybe the joy of people watching. Giving back in service. Talking to strangers. Educating. Dreaming.
Say what you will about Main Beach – the outsiders, the bad restaurants, and those annoying flock of pigeons – but it is our life portal, our reflection that smiles back whenever we need it.
And on that Saturday, perhaps the best thing was KelpFest, our annual environmental festival that promotes all things kelpy. Anything that showcases shark eyes has to be the best. Frickin’ shark eyes … even in death, they follow you everywhere.
It’s always something on Main Beach, thankfully. Unfortunately, the name doesn’t do it justice – Main Beach. Kind of underwhelming, as names go. We should have a naming contest. I’ll start:
Center of the Universe. That’s my Main Beach. What’s yours?
