Laguna Beach welcomes first boatload of New Americans in daring midnight landing

"Unless you’re an American Indian, you’re a child or grandchild or great-grandchild of immigrants."

The arrival of New Americans to the shores of southern California has gone from the meanest dribble to a triumphant surge in recent months, bringing the promise of a new cultural richness to the already Utopian land of the free.

These bold and inspiring landings where the New Americans beach their panga boat and head for the hills and new lives in the USA have come ashore at some of the most monied stretches of coast in the US, including La Jolla, Malibu and San Diego. 

You’ll recall six or so months back when Malibu was put into a state of euphoria after a boat filled with twenty-five New Americans disembarked on its privileged shores.

The New Americans scattered once they hit the golden sands of what used to be Chumash lands, and just under the $100-million clifftop compound of chanteuse Barbara Streisand.

The location of the Malibu landing was significant.

In 2019, Streisand, who is a long-time donor to the Democratic Party, criticised Donald Trump for his plans to build a border wall.

“Trump only cares about this ‘wall’ in order to build a monument to himself. Just like the bankrupt ‘Trump’ buildings, the nation cannot afford to pay for his ego – not financially, not morally,” Streisand wrote on X. “Unless you’re an American Indian, you know, you’re a child or grandchild or great-grandchild of immigrants, even the president,” she said.

Wise words as usual from the star of Yentl, a terrific movie about a young Jewish woman, Yentl, in 19th-century Eastern Europe who, after her father’s death, disguises herself as a man to pursue her dream of studying the Talmud. She falls in love with a fellow student, Avigdor, but must navigate her hidden identity and his engagement to another woman. Babs was also fabulous in A Star is Born, where she plays Esther Hoffman, an aspiring singer discovered by aging rock star John Norman Howard (Kris Kristofferson). As Esther’s career rises, John’s declines due to alcoholism. Despite their love, his struggles lead to tragedy, but Esther continues her ascent, honoring his memory.

As I said, terrific, fabulous, must-sees, essential etc.