We, the undersigned, ask the City of Laguna Beach, CA to recognize the special character and value in the "straw bale" house being built by Kris Spitaleri at 140 canyon access drive. We ask that the city recognize the value that this remarkable project brings, and work with the Artist to give the time needed to complete this remarkable work of art. 

This house is a hand crafted work of art and love.  In a community that has been built around the love and culture of art, the straw bale house is an environmentally forward resource, bringing people together, to educate, inspire and delight visitors and the community. 

Part of this eco home's inspiring characteristics  is that it is built by hand and largely an individual artistic effort with volunteer help from the community. The amazing dedication and environmental innovation of this work of art results in challenges for completion.  Completion deadlines set by the city for the construction of traditional homes or structures cannot apply equally to an artistic piece like the strawbale house and variances should support such a project to match the unique character and artistic effort of the project itself.  

We respectfully ask the city council to recognize that this forward thinking and innovative home project have regulative relief and exception for this remarkable hand built dwelling, and its builder who has put immeasurable love, effort and personal dedication into its creation. 

In a community that has been built and matured on the love and culture of artistic achievement, from the numerous art galleries, theatres, performance venues and shops, to the world renowned art festivals and celebrations of artists and art for its sake,  we believe it would be a disservice to the community and its many artists to demolish the straw bale piece.  Not only would a dedicated artists work and inspiration be destroyed but a destruction act would crush the very unique charm and inspiring community that people admire, appreciate, experience and seek to be part of in Laguna Beach.