Re: Opposition to Design Review 25-1883, Coastal Development Permit 25-1885 – 30801 Driftwood Drive (APN: 656-212-03)
Dear Members of the Design Review Board,
I am writing as the owner of to express concern regarding the proposed project at 30801 Driftwood Drive, scheduled for public hearing on November 13, 2025.
I purchased this property earlier this year for $2.9 million with the intention of a complete remodel. My design team is now finalizing plans that carefully protect and even improve shared view corridors. The stakes recently placed at 30801, however, indicate a structure that would rise above the current ridgeline, directly impairing the ocean view from my home—both as it stands today and as it will be rebuilt.
The existing single-story residence at 30801 already enjoys expansive 180-degree ocean views. The applicant’s desire for increased interior ceiling heights and/or a steeper sloped roof can be fully accommodated by excavating downward a modest two to three feet while maintaining the current roof height. This straightforward adjustment would achieve the owner’s goals without compromising neighboring properties or the character of the neighborhood.
Laguna Beach’s view protection policies exist to prevent exactly this kind of incremental encroachment. I respectfully request that the Board require the applicant to revise the design to conform to the existing roof elevations.
I support responsible investment in our community and have no objection to the proposed improvements—provided they are implemented in a manner that respects established sightlines.
If my schedule allows, I plan to attend the November 13 hearing and appreciate the opportunity to include this letter in the record.
Sincerely,
Markus Imhof
Attachment 7
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November 10, 2025
Mike and Marcela McKibben
Laguna Beach, CA. 92651
Dear Design Review Board,
I’m writing you in regard to the proposed residential new build at 30801 Driftwood Dr. in South Laguna (Case #: DR 25-1883, CDP 25-1884 and REP 25-1884).
My wife and I were under the impression that all residents within a 300’ radius of the project would be invited over to the site on a specific date to review the plans and put forth any questions? We were only notified on 10/20/25 via a Notice of Public Hearing mailed to our home. Are affected neighbors no longer invited to review building plans at the site? We can see the story poles from our living room!
We took it upon ourselves to reach out to our affected neighbors, Tony and Bobbi Speranzo at Driftwood Dr. and Joyce and Henry Brodt at Ocean Vista Dr. to see if their views and privacy would be impacted. In all fairness they told us to wait until the story poles went up to get a better idea. Now that the poles are up and we’ve toured the affected properties again it’s apparent that the owners of 30801 Driftwood Dr. (the Loloi’s) have no idea how much their project would affect the neighboring properties. The Speranzo’s ocean view has been reduced by approximately 60%! That’s totally unacceptable! The Brodt’s view of beautiful Aliso Peak has been completely compromised. 100% blocked by this project from their outdoor seating area and primary view of Aliso Peak. I could almost reach over the Brodt’s fence and touch the story poles, that’s how intrusive this project will be. Again, It’s unacceptable! Since this is a new build, a viable solution would be to grade down the lot and pull in the side set backs. We’ve recently been shown the plans for this project and there is so much wasted space throughout the interior of this project with breezeways etc. to the detriment of the neighbors! If you haven’t visited the site and more importantly viewed the impact it could have on the neighbors I beseech you to do a site visit and see for yourselves.
Best regards,
Mike and Marcela McKibben
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From: Sheila Jamison
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 3:52 PM
To: Balmer-Csira, Nancy CD <[email protected]> Subject: Design Review 25-1883, Coastal Development Permit 25-1884 and Revocable Encroachment Permit 25-1885
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] To Design Review Board,
Our names are Brent and Sheila Jamison and we oppose this project as planned. Our family home at Driftwood Dr. is to the project listed above. The proposed plans will have a negative impact on our home and property. We are asking that you deny the permits at this hearing and request plan changes that will work with all the neighbors.
Thank You
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From: Glenn Reinus
Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 6:00 AM
To: Balmer-Csira, Nancy CD <[email protected]> Subject: 30801 Driftwood Drive | APN: 656-212-03
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Members of the Planning Commission,
I am writing as a resident and homeowner at Driftwood Drive to express my strong opposition to the proposed project at 30801 Driftwood Drive.
My family purchased our home in 2021 specifically for its unobstructed ocean view, close proximity to the beach, the welcoming single-story neighborhood character, and the tight-knit community that defines this area. The single-story profile of our street has always been a defining feature that preserves sightlines to the ocean for everyone who lives here.
Currently, my wife and I are in the middle of a remodel of our own home. When we first designed the project, we explored a two-story option that would have given us additional space. After extensive conversations with our neighbors, we learned how significantly that height would have impacted their views and, by extension, their property values. Rather than proceed with a design that prioritized only our needs, we chose to revise our plans. Through thoughtful compromises—lowering rooflines, relocating second-floor elements, and using strategic window placements—we were able to achieve nearly all of our goals while fully protecting our neighbors’ ocean views. The process required creativity and collaboration, but it proved that respectful solutions are possible.
The proposed project before you does not reflect that same level of care. It would permanently block long-held ocean views for multiple neighboring properties and set a precedent that could erode property values across the block. View preservation and thoughtful design are not optional niceties in a coastal neighborhood—they are fundamental to maintaining the quality of life and equity that residents have invested in.
I respectfully urge the Commission to deny the project in its current form and to require the applicant and architect to return with a revised design that incorporates meaningful compromises, just as my family and so many others have done. Solutions exist that can accommodate the homeowner’s objectives without denying neighbors the views they purchased and have enjoyed for years.
Thank you for considering my concerns and for your commitment to balanced, community-sensitive development. I am happy to discuss this further or provide additional information about our own remodel experience if it would be helpful.
Sincerely,
Glenn Reinus
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Aaron Peluso
Driftwood Dr
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
November 11, 2025
Design Review Board
City of Laguna Beach
505 Forest Avenue
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Re: Opposition to Design Review 25-1883, Coastal Development Permit 25-1885, Encroachment Permit 25-1884, and Revocable Permit – 30801 Driftwood Drive (APN: 656- 212-03)
Dear Members of the Design Review Board,
I am writing as a nearby resident and stakeholder to formally oppose the proposed project at 30801 Driftwood Drive, as noticed for public hearing on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the City Council Chambers.
Two years ago, my family invested more than $2 million to thoughtfully remodel our home.
Central to that investment was preserving and modestly enhancing the limited ocean view corridor available to us from our downstairs living area—a narrow sightline down the street that is otherwise obstructed on all sides. My wife and I both work from home, so this sliver of ocean is part of our daily environment: it is the backdrop to every video call, the light that fills our office, and the quiet reward after long hours at our desks. We went to extraordinary lengths during our own design review process to ensure our remodel did not impair the view of any uphill neighbor; in fact, by relocating a balcony, we slightly improved one neighbor’s vista.
It is therefore disheartening to see stakes now marking a building envelope at 30801 Driftwood Drive that would materially diminish the very view corridor we worked so hard to protect. The proposed structure appears to raise roof elevations solely to achieve taller interior ceiling heights—an objective that can be fully accomplished by excavating downward a modest two to three feet while retaining the existing roof ridgeline. The current single-story home already enjoys sweeping 180-degree ocean panoramas; elevating the structure is neither necessary for the owner’s enjoyment nor consistent with Laguna Beach’s long-standing view-protection policies.
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Laguna Beach Municipal Code § 25.05.070 and Design Review Guidelines emphasize that new construction must not unreasonably impair established public or private views, particularly within the Coastal Zone. The subject site lies in a non-appealable area of the Coastal Zone, yet the proposed height increase triggers review precisely because it risks view encroachment. The applicant’s own submittal acknowledges the need for a Revocable Low Density Zone Design review; I respectfully submit that the Board should exercise its authority to require a compliant alternative that maintains the existing roof elevations.
I welcome the applicant’s investment in the neighborhood and have no objection to improvements within the maximum roof elevations of the existing structure. I simply ask that the Board direct the applicant to revise the plans to work within the general roof elevations of the current structure—achievable through minor excavation—thereby preserving the small but cherished ocean view my family secured through considerable expense and careful design.
Thank you for your consideration. I intend to attend the November 13 hearing and speak during public comment, but I submit this letter for the record in advance. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely,
Aaron Peluso
Owner
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Law Office of Molly K. Zurflueh
Attorney-At-Law
Laguna Beach, California 92651
November 12, 2025
VIA EMAIL
Laguna Beach Design Review Board
City of Laguna Beach
505 Forest Avenue
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Re: Written Submission Regarding Proposed Project at 30801 Driftwood Drive, Laguna Beach – Request for Modifications
Dear Members of the Laguna Beach Design Review Board:
I am writing on behalf of my clients, Joyce and Henry Brodt and Tony and Bobbie Speranzo, the owners of properties at Ocean Vista Drive and Driftwood Drive, who are directly and adversely impacted by the proposed development project at 30801 Driftwood Drive (the "Project"). As neighbors to the Project site, one residing immediately to the north on Ocean Vista Drive and the other directly across the street on Driftwood Drive, my clients have significant concerns regarding the Project's design, particularly its impact on privacy and view equity in the neighborhood. We respectfully request that the Board require modifications to the Project, including reducing the overall height of the structure, relocating the structure farther from the northern property line, and retracting the extended eaves, to align with the City's Design Review Guidelines and mitigate the substantial view impairments imposed on adjacent properties.
Background and Project Impacts
The Project involves demolition of the existing structure and the construction of a new residence at 30801 Driftwood Drive, which, as currently proposed, features excessive height for the neighborhood, significant massing toward the northern boundary, and protruding eaves that encroach on neighboring views and privacy. The proposed 4 module structure includes a crawl space, extended eaves, and elevated ceilings. While the applicant enjoys a permanent, unobstructed 180-degree ocean view from their property1 which is protected by a recorded 1 In connection with a 1984 recorded easement (Orange County Recorder Document 84-372245) for view preservation, which runs with the land, the owner of 30801 Driftwood will forever enjoy an unobstructed ocean view over the residence at 30832 Marilyn Drive.
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30801 Driftwood Drive
2 easement, the design fails to account for the equitable sharing of views among neighbors, resulting in disproportionate harm to my clients.
Lack of Neighbor Communication
Until this week, the only communication the applicants had with my clients related to the Project was a neighbor meeting approximately two years ago where the applicants presented what appears to be virtually the same proposed plans. At that time, the applicants visited the Speranzo property at Driftwood Drive to see the impact of their proposed design. The applicant recognized that there would be a drastic impairment of the Speranzo’s views if they moved forward with the Project. As an example of the pattern of development designed to maintain views, Mr.
Speranzo showed the applicants the interior of his home and the low slope of the roofline which was thoughtfully designed and preserves the views of others in the neighborhood. Other neighbors also expressed their concerns with the design/elevated height of the roofline The applicant, Mr.
Loloi, then stated that he would not build a home that was objectionable to the neighbors. He stated that he would rather sell the house than attempt to build an objectionable structure.
Over the intervening two years, Joyce Brodt and the applicants spoke from time-to-time when they visited Laguna from their residence in Dallas, Texas. Periodically, Joyce would inquire with Mrs. Loloi about whether the applicants had any modifications or whether they were proceeding with the project. At no time did the applicants provide any details or information.
Indeed, Mrs. Loloi did not respond on the issue. Given these events, my clients and the many of the neighbors were surprised when the Project was staked recently. My clients immediately requested the plans and attempted to make sense of them. They then requested modifications to address their concerns. It was not until 7:34 pm on November 11, 2025, less than 48 hours before the scheduled DRB hearing, that the project representative asked to view the staking from my clients’ homes.
Impacts on Views and Privacy
For the Speranzo’s at Driftwood Drive, who live full time, directly across the street from the Project, the increased height and northern massing would obstruct approximately 40-50% of their existing ocean view. See attached photos depicting the impact. Their home was thoughtfully designed and situated in such a way as to afford them with expansive ocean and whitewater views while their low roof protects the views of the homes uphill and behind them.
The unique, terraced nature of the lots in this neighborhood and configuration and design of the homes affords all lots a truly special view. The Speranzo’s paid a premium to purchase their home and as with many of the owners in the neighborhood, they have relied on the design review guidelines which when properly applied, continue to afford all homes in the neighborhood with these incredible ocean views. As the proposed project is currently designed, the loss of view is not incidental but a direct consequence of the applicant structure's bulk and placement, which cuts into the Speranzo’s primary view corridor without regard for neighborhood equity. 127
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30801 Driftwood Drive
3 The impact on the Brodt’s, full-time residents at Ocean Vista Drive, located immediately to the north of the Project, also is severe. Their modest single-story home, rear yard, and small pool would be overshadowed by the looming new structure, which extends aggressively toward the shared property line. This design would entirely eliminate the Brodt’s south-facing ocean view and obliterate their cherished mountain vista from the backyard, an area where the family, including adult children and young grandchildren, spend the majority of their time. See attached photos depicting the impact. The extended eaves further exacerbate this intrusion, amplifying the sense of enclosure and view blockage. These features would not only diminish the Brodt’s enjoyment and value of their property but also disrupt the harmonious scale of the neighborhood.
Alignment with Laguna Beach Design Review Guidelines
The City's Design Review Guidelines emphasize view equity as a core objective to ensure that new developments contribute positively to the neighborhood's visual landscape. The Project, as submitted, contravenes several key provisions under Section 15, "View Equity," as outlined below:
• Guideline 15.1: Locate and design new buildings or site development to facilitate view equity, anticipating future views from neighboring potential development and to vacant or undeveloped land. The Project's extended eaves, elevated ceilings, crawl space, and massing do not anticipate or facilitate view equity for adjacent properties. Instead, it prioritizes the applicant's views at the expense of neighbors, failing to consider the longterm impacts on developed lots like those of my clients. • Guideline 15.2: Avoid blocking neighbors’ primary views. Locate major building masses and outdoor space to maintain primary views through and across the site from other properties. By increasing height with the elevated ceilings and a crawl space, and concentrating mass on the northern side, the Project directly blocks primary ocean from both neighboring properties and mountain views from the Ocean Vista property. Lowering the height and repositioning the structure away from the northern boundary would help maintain these views across the site.
• Guideline 15.3: Organize buildings to maximize views. Follow hillside topography or step a building down on a site with less topography to allow for view opportunities.
Avoid cutting into the horizon line of a neighbor’s view whenever possible. The site's topography and the terraced layout of the neighborhood offer the applicant opportunities to step down the building or reduce its profile, yet the design cuts prominently into the horizon lines of both neighbors' views, particularly the mountain view from Ocean Vista Drive.
• Guideline 15.4: Minimize mass to maintain neighborhood views. Create low-profile structures. Use transparent materials when feasible. Use a compact building footprint to maintain views above and along the sides of a structure. The proposed height and extended eaves create unnecessary mass that could be minimized through eliminating the crawl space, a lower profile and more compact footprint, preserving side-yard views and reducing the looming effect on the northern neighbor. Furthermore, reducing the unused 128
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4 internal space of the project at the junction of the four modules would better comport with this guideline and create a more compact footprint.
• Guideline 15.6: Maintain view corridors when feasible. Locate a building to retain view opportunities through side yards. A more compact footprint and relocating the northwestern-most module southeastward would preserve essential view corridors through the side yards, benefiting both clients without compromising the applicant's primary views. • Guideline 15.7: Design balconies and decks to balance view interests. Position decks or balconies to minimize view impacts on neighbors while maximizing privacy. Use materials that will enhance views. To the extent the design includes balconies or decks with extended eaves, these elements should be retracted to minimize overhangs that further impair neighboring privacy and views.
These guidelines collectively underscore the City's commitment to balanced development that respects the shared visual resources of the community. The Project's current form prioritizes individual gain over neighborhood harmony, warranting Board intervention in the form of modifications to enforce these standards.
To address these concerns and bring the Project into compliance with the Guidelines, we urge the Board to request the applicants to make the following modifications:
1. Reduce the Overall Height of the Structure: Lower the building's height to minimize its intrusion into neighbors' horizon lines and primary view corridors, thereby restoring a significant portion of the obstructed ocean views for both properties and preserving the mountain view for Ocean Vista Drive.
2. Relocate the Structure Away from the Northern Property Line: Shift the building mass southward to create greater separation from Ocean Vista Drive, reducing the looming effect over their home, yard, and pool while maintaining view opportunities through the side yard.
3. Retract Extended Eaves and Overhangs: Pull in any protruding eaves or similar elements to compact the footprint, enhance transparency, and further alleviate view blockages and privacy intrusions.
These changes are feasible, align with the Guidelines, and would equitably distribute view benefits without unduly burdening the applicant.
My clients value the unique character of Laguna Beach and in particular, their special neighborhood. They support responsible development that enhances the community. However, the Project as proposed undermines view equity and the quality of life for directly affected neighbors. We respectfully request that the Board deny approval unless the above modifications are incorporated.
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November 12, 2025
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30801 Driftwood Drive
5 Thank you for your careful consideration of this matter. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss these concerns further at the upcoming hearing.
Very truly yours,
LAW OFFICE OF MOLLY K. ZURFLUEH
By: __________________________________
MOLLY K. ZURFLUEH,
Attorney-at-Law
Attachments: Photos depicting impact
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6 Mountain View Loss from Brodt Residence ( Ocean Vista Drive) 131
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7 Looming nature of proposed structure as viewed from inside Brodt residence kitchen 132
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Ocean view loss - Speranzo residence
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Laguna Beach Design Review Board
505 Forest Avenue
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Re: Opposition to Proposed Project at 30801 Driftwood Drive, Laguna Beach Dear Members of the Design Review Board,
My husband Henry and I own property located Ocean Vista Dr. We have lived here Since 2013 When we remodeled our home, we carefully and thoughtfully planned considered our neighbors, views and privacy. We took great pains to be communicative and to include them in the process. It resulted in a lovely project that serves our family well but also respects the terraced design of the neighborhood and our neighbor’s views.
Approximately two years ago, the applicants held a brief meeting to discuss a potential project.
Neighbors expressed concerns about the height of the structure, and the loss of views. The meeting ended abruptly and neither the project representative, nor the applicant updated us at any time until the story poles went up. Over the last two years I have requested information about the design and have been met with silence. We were shocked as it appears no changes to the original design were made and the proposed structure will severely and negatively impact us.
It was my understanding that the City encourages applicants to participate in discussions with neighbors and to take steps to address any concerns-as we did with our remodel. That did not happen here.
Ocean and Mountain Views - The proposed structure’s height and massing are excessive, and the extended eaves are too close to our property. It appears that instead of building on slab like the existing structure, they are including a crawl space which unnecessarily raises the height of the structure. Now, it will loom over us.
Every evening my husband sits in our modest rear yard and enjoys the sunsets at they light up the mountains. This project completely removes that mountain view. It is incredibly sad to think we will not only be robbed of our south facing ocean view but that Henry will no longer have those sunset evenings to enjoy-and for what? What is the necessity for increasing the height to this degree? Why are these extreme, extended eaves necessary? Worse, it is inconceivable that the staff report which I reviewed today indicates that the project will not adversely affect us. No one has come to our home and viewed the story poles. We are perplexed as to how staff came to render that opinion. It’s cruel and unfair to not consider the impact on us. The elevated roofline and extended eaves obstruct cherished ocean and mountain views, not just for us but for several of the neighbors.
Privacy – The height and 4-part modular design are incompatible with the terraced character of the neighborhood. The house pops up above ours when all the other homes follow a stair-stepped manner where each house going from north to south is lower than the house above it.
The proximity of the structure to our home creates an imposing and looming presence, resulting in a substantial loss of privacy. Instead of enjoying the ocean view from our kitchen and dining table, we’ll be looking at this structure. In the rear yard, our modest pool is a major factor in visits from our grandkids. It has been a source of fun and joy for our family for many years. The current structure is sufficiently set back so as to allow us privacy and the enjoyment of our rear 135
yard. The new structure is much closer, with eaves extending even farther. It has both a patio and a large window facing our home, pool, and private areas. Yet, the project appears to have a lot of wasted open space in the middle of the 4 modules. The applicant could achieve the desired square footage by utilizing that space and pulling the project away from our home.
We respectfully request that the applicant be required to:
1. Reduce the height of the structure to preserve our view corridors and minimize visual intrusion.
2. Reduce and/or pull in the eaves to reduce bulk and mitigate privacy impacts.
3. Conform the design to the terraced nature of the homes along Driftwood Drive, ensuring architectural harmony and neighborhood consistency.
I have attached mountain view photos at the end of this document. Photos contained are even from the 1980's.
Thank you for hearing our concerns.
Sincerely,
Joyce Brodt
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November 11, 2025
Design Review Board
City of Laguna Beach
505 Forest Avenue
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Re: Opposition to DRB 25-1883 (30801 Driftwood Drive)
Dear Members of the Design Review Board:
Thank you for the opportunity to submit written comments in opposition to the proposed new home at 30801 Driftwood Drive (DRB 25-1883). My family and I are full-time Laguna Beach residents who moved here in 2019 intending to retire. We selected our home primarily for its ocean and mountain views, which are central to our daily life and to the value of our property.
Our home sits directly across the street from the subject property ( Driftwood Drive), with our principal interior rooms (kitchen, dining room, family room) and our primary outdoor living areas are oriented west toward the ocean. Our primary view corridor lies directly over the applicant’s existing home at 30801 Driftwood. If the project proceeds as submitted, it will drastically reduce our cherished ocean views and therefore our view equity.
Based on the plans submitted, the increase in the roof elevations is approximately 4 feet above the existing structure at its highest point, reducing my primary view by more than 50%. Even at the lower elevation, the increase of about 3 feet would diminish the view by nearly 40%. (Please see the attached photographs) Therefore, my view equity is significantly impaired, constituting a substantial loss for our family.
The Laguna Beach Design Review Guidelines state as a Design Objective that “the design of a building should contribute to view equity in the neighborhood” and direct projects to “locate and design new buildings or site development to facilitate view equity,” to “avoid blocking neighbors’ primary views,” to “follow hillside topography or step a building down,” and to “minimize mass to maintain neighborhood views” (Design Objective; 15.1–15.4). The proposal, as designed, fails to meet those standards in the following respects:
• View equity and view corridors. The proposed massing and higher roofline will block the primary ocean views that we and our neighbors currently enjoy. The design does not locate major masses or outdoor space to maintain primary views “through and across the site,” contrary to 15.2.
• Topography and stair-stepping. The roofline does not stair-step with the neighborhood topography and appears higher than uphill adjacent home. The Guidelines require following hillside topography or stepping a building down to preserve view opportunities (15.3). This community specifically was designed for such a stair-stepped pattern. All of the lots and homes on those lots were configured in such a way so as to afford each home 141
with an expansive ocean view, over the roof of the structure across from it. It is a unique and brilliant neighborhood design that should be preserved. • Massing and neighborhood compatibility. The proposed increase in height and bulk is inconsistent with the low-profile character encouraged by the Guidelines, which call for minimizing mass, creating low-profile structures, and using a compact footprint to maintain views (15.4). The staking indicates there is a large mass of the structure on the north side, which removed a considerable chunk of our ocean view. Furthermore, the design incorporates four modules with a significant amount of wasted space in between them.
• Privacy and looming impacts. The siting, extended eaves, and height create a looming effect over neighboring properties that blocks views and intrudes upon privacy. The Guidelines specifically address locating buildings to retain side-yard view opportunities and positioning decks and balconies to minimize view impacts and maximize privacy (15.6–15.7).
To bring the project into compliance with the Design Review Guidelines and to reasonably preserve view equity and neighbor privacy, I respectfully request that the Board require the applicant to:
1. Reduce the overall height of the proposed structure so it does not intrude into our primary view corridor.
2. Reconfigure the height and massing to stair-step with the natural topography and align with the heights and pattern of adjacent home heights.
3. Pull the structure back from property edges where necessary to preserve side-yard view corridors and reduce looming/privacy impacts.
4. Reduce overall mass through a more compact footprint, eliminating wasted internal space, and implementing lower-profile design elements; where feasible, use materials and design details that lessen visual obstruction.
Our view is integral to our daily life and to the value of our property. The Guidelines prioritize view equity, stair-stepping with topography, minimizing mass, and protecting privacy. The proposed design does not satisfy those objectives. We urge the Board to require meaningful design changes that preserve view corridors and respect neighborhood scale.
Thank you for your consideration.
Anthony J. Speranzo
Driftwood Drive
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Regarding DRB 25-1883/1884 and 1885 (30801 Driftwood Dr.) November 10, 2025
Dear Design Review Board Members,
We purchased our home on Driftwood Drive nearly six and a half years ago with a clear vision: to create a true family home, a place for love, laughter, and togetherness. For us, a home has always meant more than walls and a roof. It’s a gathering place where both family and friends, many of whom we consider family, come to connect and find comfort.
When we chose our home in Laguna Beach, we prioritized three things:
#1. Ocean view #2. Location-we loved Laguna Beach and #3. a kitchen/dining area to gather together. From the moment we moved in, our home became the heart of our extended circle. It was instantly embraced as the family home by those closest to us.
Over the past six and a half years, we’ve experienced profound loss.
Three dear friends passed away from cancer. Yet during their final months, each of them and their spouses visited our home regularly.
They came to sit, to breathe, and to find solace in the serenity of our precious ocean view. That view became a refuge for them, a source of peace in the midst of unimaginable hardship. Though they are no longer with us, the memory of what this home and the view meant to them remains deeply important to us.
Today, another close friend is in the final stages of her battle with cancer. She and her spouse visit almost weekly, simply to sit and take in 149
the view. We consider our home, and especially our view, a gift we are privileged to share. It is a source of healing.
We respectfully urge the Design Review Board to require modifications to the proposed plans that would preserve this cherished ocean view. Specifically, we ask that the large, elevated skylight be removed and that the overall height of the structure be reduced to match the current building envelope. This could be achieved by eliminating the crawl space, modest excavation, or lowering the ceiling height. Additionally, the new massing proposed at the northern roofline poses a significant obstruction and should be reconsidered or removed.
This view is not just ours. It has been a comfort to many, especially in their most vulnerable moments. We ask that you help us protect it.
With sincere
gratitude,
Roberta (Bobbie)
Speranzo
Driftwood
Drive
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