Billy Fried

2 months ago | lagunabeachindy.com | Billy Fried

We all know that Laguna is a magical, beautiful place. And also that it’s never looked worse. Is this the decline of the empire? Empty storefronts, dirty streets, bliss-crushing congestion, filth on the beaches, sewer spills, sidewalk fixes that never end, DUIs and drug busts. More South Central than South County. I’ve heard people staying at the Montage are remaining on the property because there’s nothing appealing in town. It’s Deadsville at night.

2 months ago | lagunabeachindy.com | Billy Fried

I enjoyed reading Lauren Simon’s piece on her late dad Allan Simon last week. He was one of a kind. Self-made, curious and “always growing, because you have to,” he once told me. So, I’d like to add a few more personal observations on how he impacted the community he loved so much. Allan was born in the Bronx to a father who worked hard selling steel wool. But Allan was destined for something more.

Jan 9, 2025 | lagunabeachindy.com | Billy Fried

If a life well-lived is measured by the number of people whose lives you touched and changed for the better, then Stuart Bloom, who transitioned recently at the age of 84, lived the greatest life of anyone I’ve ever known. What an extraordinarily enlightened, compassionate and benevolent human being. Someone who shone his light for us all to see with grace, humility, humor and love. Stuart was born in Chicago in 1940 and raised in a loving family.

Nov 7, 2024 | lagunabeachindy.com | Billy Fried

As we process what this election means to our nation and our internal psyche, I’d like to cite the words of the philosopher extraordinaire, Annie: “The sun will come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow they’ll be sun.” And while there will undoubtedly be seismic changes in the way we are governed, it’s all in the abstract. Because what really matters – what truly touches our lives in fundamental, material ways – is what happens here.

Oct 24, 2024 | lagunabeachindy.com | Billy Fried

I have mostly sworn off negative columns, especially as I steward a radio station that is so positively welcoming to all points of view. But I’ve been writing this opinion column far longer than running a station. As a resident, I not only feel entitled to express my opinion but also feel it’s incumbent upon me to help Bob Whalen and Hallie Jones get elected. Hence, we have five thoughtful, cooperative and results-oriented members on City Council.