When Emmanuel Banuelos chose Crescent Bay Park for his surprise marriage proposal, he envisioned a romantic setting with ocean views, decorations, a mariachi band and a professional photographer. The clifftop park, known for its stunning coastline, has long been a popular backdrop for celebrations.
Racist comment halts the moment
During the ceremony, a woman approached the group and announced she had called police, saying, “(Police) are going down here. They’re going to make you tear it down. It’s every f—— single weekend. I’m sick and tired of it.” When the mariachi band began to play, she escalated, declaring, “This isn’t Mexico. Go back to Mexico.” The incident was captured on the photographer’s Meta glasses and quickly shared online.
Couple’s response
Despite the interruption, Banuelos and his fiancée continued with the proposal and said the event proceeded “mostly without a hitch.” Banuelos expressed disappointment, stating, “She lacked a lot of respect toward us and our culture. It’s very hurtful to hear things like that, considering we are residents here. I’ve lived here all my life.” The couple said they would welcome an apology from the woman.
City’s stance on inclusion and park regulations
Laguna Beach officials responded that the city has a long tradition of acceptance and inclusion, rejecting hateful language and behavior of any kind. In a statement, the city said, “Laguna Beach’s parks and beaches are open to everyone and are regularly the backdrop to celebrate milestones.” The city also clarified that while no permit is needed for casual gatherings, “pre‑planned setups and professional photography have specific rules and permit requirements” to ensure the public’s right to enjoy the coastline is not compromised.
What residents should know
Anyone planning a similar event in Laguna Beach should contact the Parks Department ahead of time to determine whether a permit is required. The city’s guidelines are intended to balance private celebrations with the community’s access to public spaces. Officials encourage respectful behavior and remind visitors that discriminatory remarks are not tolerated.
Community reaction
Local residents expressed support for the city’s inclusive message and called for greater awareness of park rules. Many praised Banuelos and his fiancée for handling the situation with grace and urged the woman involved to reflect on the impact of her words.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
