Marijuana don't hurt Laguna

In a recent survey of 200 Laguna Beach 11th graders, more reported smoking "pot" than at other Orange County high schools.

At least our kids were honest, although we also hear a lot of them said they smoked, but really don't.

We should be happy they didn't report doing a lot of hard drugs, like other high schoolers reported. Marijuana has, and is, smoked all over Laguna and has been for 50-plus years.

Parents and school authorities shouldn't panic but rather show a sophistication about marijuana, which should be legalized and should be a low priority for our police as far as enforcing stupid marijuana laws.

One millionaire told me there's probably at least 200 millionaires in Laguna who smoke pot. Big deal.

MTV Laguna Beach is great for Laguna. Summer trolley riders are up 33%.

This is not Coto De Caza. If you think it is, move east. We are a community that includes 60-plus restaurants, hundreds of small businesses and numerous hotels.

Children are very wise by the time they watch MTV's "Laguna Beach" and these same children grow up, travel and may even want to live in Laguna. We are a residential beach resort.

Each of us should do whatever we can to support our merchants, cafes and hotels.

We have a beautiful ocean, remarkable beaches, seals, whales, pelicans and, hopefully, lots of young visitors.

We should be happy that MTV even cares about Laguna Beach, even though it may not depict us exactly like we are.