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Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Laguna Beach prep star commits to the University of Washington in what he hopes leads someday to an NFL career

We’ve spent an inordinate amount of time in this column recently talking about football at Laguna Beach High School. The program is on a roll, putting together an 8-1 overall record this season so far, 2-0 in Pac 4 league play, with the championship on the line tonight at Westminster (7-2).

LBHS is not only the defending champion, but the defending CIF Champions.

There are a number of very good players on the team, but one, Jackson Kollock, a junior quarterback, draws much of the headlines. And for good reason. He’s a special player, with an extremely promising future.

On Monday of this week (Oct. 23), Jackson, according to his dad, Ryan, officially committed to play for the University of Washington beginning with the 2025 season.

Jackson was also pursued by a number of other schools including Cal, Colorado, Colorado State, Minnesota, UNLV and Campbell…with a number of other schools still pursuing him with no offer yet that also included UCLA, Oregon State, Stanford, Duke, University of Kentucky, Princeton, U Penn, Colombia, Dartmouth, Texas A & M, and Michigan State.

You don’t get that kind of attention by being so-so.

I asked his dad why Washington?

“Before we went up there, it was a top school on our list because of its great education, location – being on the West Coast and a direct flight, and they are building a very strong and competitive program,” said Ryan Kollock.

“Big goals for Jackson are to win the National Championship and the Heisman Trophy. Washington is a program that can help him accomplish both and help him develop into a first round draft pick in the NFL (which is his dream),” added Ryan.

So, what’s the plan for Jackson moving forward?

“(Washington coaches) want him to get as many reps as possible while in high school and to continue to grow as a leader and signal caller. They would like to see him come up ASAP (Spring semester 2025) and get to work with the team. They have a very competitive quarterback room with lots of competition. They believe ‘Iron sharpens iron’ and he is going to have to go in, compete and earn his players’ and coaches’ respect. They are going to put the best, most prepared guy on the field and he will have a chance to become their guy. They are excited because they see him as a guy who has not even come close to reaching his potential and has so much room to grow. He is a very hard working and humble guy who is willing to do whatever it takes to win,” added a very proud dad.

But Ryan agrees that there are still some things for Jackson to accomplish at LBHS before the day comes when he sets off: “The goal for Jackson is to just get better every day and level up his play and knowledge of the game. That includes being a leader on and off the field, refining his throwing skills as well as physically staying healthy, strong and fast. He would love to break the CIF passing and TD records for Orange County. He Is currently leading the county in both. The goal for the team is to win a second CIF Championship and go on to win a California state title.”

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Breakers’ star QB Jackson Kollock (12) leads Orange County with 38 passing TDs so far this season

If you haven’t seen the team play, I suggest you attempt to when the playoff schedule is released. It’s good times up at Guyer Field.

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What were you doing 30 years ago today? If you lived in Laguna Beach, chances are you, or those loved ones around you, were worrying about a fire that burned some 16,000 acres, destroying or damaging more than 400 homes and causing more than $500 million worth of damage.

The fire started on October 27, 1993 as a brush fire in Laguna Canyon. A fire break was established early on; however, embers jumped it sending fast moving flames down into Laguna Beach and Emerald Bay.

It was a scary time for everyone!

It’s certainly the reminder that people still turn to today when talking about preparing the community with the best fire prevention plans.

It’s a good reminder for everyone to get on board with fire safety.

• • •

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center Visitor Yard has been temporarily closed to the public while the Center undergoes major renovations and expansion. The closure began last weekend and is expected to last until the Fall of 2024.

During this time, PMMC remains committed to providing educational and engaging content to their audience through online resources, virtual programs and social media channels. Patrons may stay connected on social media @pacificmmc or www.pacificmmc.org for updates and virtual experiences.

Until they reopen, PMMC will be housing their patients at a nearby temporary facility. The space is at the Friends of the Dog Park in Laguna Canyon. This temporary structure will include a triage unit, field hospital and additional pools which ensures the continued ability to care for the marine mammals in need.

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The World Affairs Council is planning a new gala set for December 16 at the Westin South Coast Plaza. It will feature keynote speaker H.R. McMaster, the former National Security Advisor of the United States.

Laguna’s own Jayne Herring is co-chairing the event along with Dr. Mark Chapin Johnson, and serving as the newly elected vice chair of the chapter.

She’s also obviously hoping that her local friends and neighbors will consider joining in with sponsorships, silent auction packages, and, of course, table and ticket purchases. The gala will benefit Academic World Quest, which prepares the next generation of leaders, scholars and decision makers to thrive in a complex and rapidly changing world where our national interests are intertwined with the global community.

For more information, go here.

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Reminder – Artist applications for the 2024 Summer Fine Art Show at the Festival of Arts Laguna Beach close next Tuesday, Oct. 31.

 Artists interested in applying are required to submit five digital images per media and complete an online application on the Festival’s website at www.foapom.com/apply. The deadline Tuesday is 4 p.m. 

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There are Halloween events all around town, with lots of ways to enjoy trick-or-treating and more…

–Spooktacular Splash & Cinema today (Friday, Oct. 27) at LBHS & Community Pool: From 6-9 p.m., enjoy a night of aquatic adventure, creativity and spine-tingling fun that starts with pumpkins and ends with a chilling movie. There’s the Pumpkin Plunge (The pool is filled with floating pumpkins and it’s your mission to fish them out.); Pumpkin Decorating (After you’ve rescued your pumpkin, head over to their creative station to decorate your pumpkin.) and Spine-Chilling Cinema (As the night deepens, you’ll gather around the pool area for a family-friendly Halloween movie screening under the stars.). Click here to register online and for more info.

–Pageant of the Monsters, October 27, 28, 29 and 31 from 6-9:30 p.m. at the Festival of Arts grounds. Tours begin at 6:45 p.m. “Maze of the Minotaur,” awaits – a family-friendly haunted house with an artistic twist. There will also be spooky side shows, up-close encounters with The Reptile Zoo, face painting and airbrush tattoos, an Exquisite Corpse Drawing Game, arts & crafts, photo-ops, selfie stations and music, too. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are $20 in advance for adults ($25 at the door); $10 for children 12 and under. For more info, www.foapom.com/monsters.

–Monday, Oct. 30, stop by the Promenade on Forest as contest-winning pumpkins will be displayed until November 1! Awards will be given for the most original, scariest, best overall and Mayor’s Award.

–Tricks and Treats, Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Susi Q Center, 380 Third St. Free trick-or-treating for Laguna Beach preschool kids. Join in for a morning of treats, music and photo opps. Costumes are encouraged.

–Oak Street Halloween Block Party, Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 4:30-9:30 p.m. During this time, Oak Street and Brook Street will be closed from Catalina Street and Temple Terrace. Please use alternate routes and watch out for children and pedestrians.

• • •

We started this Fair Game column talking football, and we’ll end it talking about a little different group of football players. Laguna Beach also has a Pop Warner 13U feeder team that has made it all the way to the OEC Championship Bowl Game set for kickoff this Sunday at 5 p.m. in Tustin. They will play Los Alamitos for all the marbles.

Good luck guys!

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Photos courtesy of Nicole Bogdan

The undefeated team poses for a photo in advance of the big game

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Earlier in the season, 7th grader Charlie Christian finds a big hole against Norwalk

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Laguna Beach 7th grader Luke Bogdan (white jersey) flattens a Santa Margarita opponent

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Eighth grader William Golden steamrolls Newport-Mesa opponents

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Council OKs parallel plans for Lang pickleball courts: Start process to relocate, while also studying additional sound mitigation measures

By SARA HALL

City Council this week unanimously agreed to direct staff on parallel plans for the future of the pickleball courts at Lang Park.

Councilmembers voted 5-0 on Tuesday (Oct. 24) to direct staff to start the process of possibly relocating the Lang pickleball courts, including converting one tennis court at Alta Laguna Park, by conducting the necessary studies; while also researching additional sound attenuation solutions and quieter equipment that could be installed at the current Lang courts.

There was some back and forth about what to do before they decided on pursuing both plans. There’s no simple solution, they agreed.

This is a tough decision, said Councilmember Alex Rounaghi.

“It’s not really an easy call one way or another because someone’s going to win and someone’s going to lose,” he said.

The item was brought forth under councilmember requests, with Councilmember George Weiss proposing to remove and relocate the Lang Park pickleball courts.

There have been concerns raised about noise from residents of the adjoining apartments, Weiss explained. In hindsight, they should not have placed pickleball courts so close to the residential area, he said.

“This is a difficult process we’re going through because I don’t want to take anything away from people and the enjoyment of a sport they love,” Weiss said. “I’m for pickleball, but I’m also for the residents who have seen these impacts for the last two years and I just don’t think it’s fair on them or exposing them to noise they shouldn’t be experiencing.”

They have to solve this while still being sensitive to others, he said. Weiss also said he has “no doubt” the city will create more pickleball courts in the future. He confirmed that the Lang courts should remain until they are replaced elsewhere.

“I want to keep the pickleball courts nets up until we replace that capacity. That’s my goal. Not to do a net reduction,” Weiss said.

While researching this topic, it didn’t take long to find out that they made a “big mistake” by putting the pickleball courts in this location, added Councilmember Mark Orgill. Even with extensive sound mitigation, the minimum recommendation is to be several hundred feet away from homes, he pointed out.

These residents are definitely impacted by the pickleball court noise, added Orgill, who said he stood behind the wall three times to find out what the noise sounded like.

“All sound is not created equal,” he concluded.

It might be under the acceptable decibel level, but “it’s extremely annoying” and he would not want it next to his own home. Where he lives in town, Orgill said he can hear noise from the roads, restaurants and nearby performing arts.

“None of it bothers me like that pickleball court noise would bother me,” he said. “It’s something that we need to figure out. I would like to see if we can all work together and understand one another and be sensitive to the effects that it has on this neighborhood.”

Mayor Bob Whalen also agreed that the current spot was not the right location for pickleball courts.

He suggested they look at converting another court up at Alta Laguna Park, revert the Lang courts back to tennis, and direct staff to look at a long-range plan for pickleball courts, either still in Lang Park but away from the apartments or elsewhere.

Whalen made a motion to direct staff to take the appropriate steps (including research, any necessary environmental studies, scheduling with the contractor, etc.) to convert an additional court at Alta and revert the courts at Lang back to tennis. This will ensure that there is no net loss of either pickleball or tennis, he explained.

He also recommended staff look into the feasibility of pickleball courts on the other side of Lang Park, as well as at Moulton Meadows Park, as suggested by Weiss.

Alternatively, Mayor Pro Tem Sue Kempf recommended raising the fence at Lang another eight feet and adding more sound attenuation up higher.

“I think that would be hugely helpful,” she said.

Rounaghi agreed with the idea. He asked city staff to work with National Church Residences, the operator of the neighboring Vista Aliso (an affordable rental housing community for seniors), to make every effort to figure out how to mitigate the noise the residents hear from pickleball.

He also didn’t support the idea of shutting down the Lang courts. It brings people together and brings them joy, something they need more of in the community. It’s an important recreation opportunity for the residents of South Laguna, he added.

While Kempf and Rounaghi were leaning toward working on additional sound mitigation measures at the existing courts at Lang Park; Whalen and Weiss wanted to start the process of relocating the courts.

Orgill offered a hybrid motion (which was ultimately unanimously approved): Start the environmental analysis and other studies required in the process in case they have to move the courts, and, in the meantime, experiment and have staff research sound attenuation solutions, including like quieter equipment, and see what impacts that has in the interim.

If the additional work to remediate the noise at the current location doesn’t work, they have already started the process to move them, he explained, but if it’s satisfactory to the neighborhood then they don’t need to move forward with swapping the courts.

Whalen added to the motion that it should be brought back to council within 90 days.

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Pageant of the Monsters brings “Maze of the Minotaur” haunted house to life

These frightening photos are by Mary Hurlbut, who luckily survived to tell the tale

Be afraid, be very afraid! Last night (Thursday, Oct. 26) the dress rehearsal of the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters brought to life the much-anticipated Pageant of the Monsters haunted house: “Maze of the Minotaur.”

However, if you want to see the real monsters, you must visit FOA.

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Don’t look up. Watch out from above.

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Sacrificed to the monster

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Drums fill the night air with dread and doom

Only resurrected every five years, this spooktacular family-friendly Halloween event returns to Laguna Beach tonight, October 27, and continues on the 28th, 29th and 31st. Tickets are on sale now, by clicking here.

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Defeated by the monster

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Apollo

The Pageant of the Monsters’ creative team of artists and technicians conjured up the acclaimed Halloween Haunted House as part of the Pageant of the Masters 90th Anniversary celebration. Guests will be directed through the amphitheater, Pageant workshops and stage, which have been transformed into a series of eerie artistically presented vignettes inspired by ancient Greek mythology and the legend of the terrifying Minotaur.

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Don’t go in there!

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Creatures of the unknown kind

Those daring enough to enter the Pageant of the Monsters haunted house will find themselves descending into the chilling depths of the labyrinth where the monstrous Minotaur, a nightmarish fusion of man and bull, has been imprisoned. Guests will join the valiant Warrior Theseus who has been tasked with a harrowing mission: To rescue the Minotaur’s captives before they are devoured by the hideous beast. But the peril doesn’t end there; you must also navigate the labyrinth’s twisting passages and unearth its secrets to find a means of escape. It’s an A-MAZE-ing adventure!

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Beware of the sirens

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Greek warriors battling skeletons

After escaping the labyrinth, more ghoulish fun awaits on the Festival of Arts grounds. Tricks and treats abound, with spooky side shows, photo opportunities, face painting, games, art projects and more. Food and drink will also be available to purchase.

Now resurrected, creatures will roam the FOA grounds until Halloween night, and then retreat to where they came from. Don’t miss the chance to mix and mingle while you can, but will you live to tell the tale?

Tickets are $20 for adults in advance ($25 day of) and $10 for children 12 and under. This event is not recommended for children under 5. Tickets are available online at www.foapom.com/monsters, or by calling 800.487.3378. Costumes may be worn by guests ages 12 and under. Guests 13 and older are not permitted to wear costumes. The event will take place at Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.

Funds for this event are provided in part by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach.

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Tricks and Treats at 12th Annual Laguna Beach Parents Club Halloween Parade

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

Stu News Laguna photographer Mary Hurlbut has documented quite a few of the Laguna Beach Parents Club Halloween Walks and this year, she said, the 12th Annual had a huge turnout.

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Local families gathered in costume at 4 p.m. on the cobblestones at Main Beach

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Dad is the piñata

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Butterfly girl

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Crossing PCH to Forest Ave.Police Chief Jeff Calvert at far left dressed as a pirate and Chris Tebbutt in the center dressed as Mr. Incredible. LBPD Community Services Officer Rosie Santana, with K9 Cooper, is the Cola. For those who needed Trick or Treat Bags, Chris Tebbutt Real Estate had cloth bags plus markers and crayons to decorate them with while waiting for the parade to start.

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Trick or treating along Forest Avenue. Bags of treats had been dropped off at the stores that wished to participate, and gleeful children made their way up both sides of the street to 2nd Avenue and the courtyard of the Presbyterian Church.

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Harry Potter with his Nimbus 2000 works his magic to get some treats

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LBPD Park Ranger Knight and princess

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Orange Octopus in the fog at Laguna Presbyterian Church

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At Laguna Presbyterian Church, tricksters were met by a Ballerina and Cinderella plus billowing fog that hid the entrance to the festive party in the church parking lot.

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Dance music filled the air, and many lined up for the free cotton candy from Ballesteros Real Estate Group. Thermos water bottles were handed out by Jeleesa Peluso Real Estate. There were craft booths and face painting, yummy snack food and much more. No spookiness to be seen, only smiles and laughter.

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Fog machine at the entrance to the party 

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King Neptune rose out of the sea to make an appearance

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Mary busted by LBPD Officer Nicole Rice for stealth photography. Fun was had by all.

For more photos by Mary Hurlbut, go to slideshow below:

Be sure to visit www.lagunabeachparents.com to learn more about their regular events.

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The Angel Next Door offers a comedic escape from a dark world

By MARRIE STONE

Photos by Jason Niedle

This story is a part of our Arts section. Visit www.stunewslaguna.com/arts for more arts stories as well as our arts calendars.

If you haven’t been to the Laguna Playhouse lately, you haven’t been to the Playhouse. Artistic Director David Ellenstein officially took the helm this season and continues to delight audiences with his eclectic productions – each play an unpredictable departure from the last. “I am a great believer that every time the audience comes (particularly a subscription-based audience), it should be a surprise and completely different from the last time they came,” said Ellenstein. “So ‘eclectic’ is right. I like plays from all genres – old plays, new plays, comedies, tragedies, avant-garde, traditional, musicals, everything.”

But even Ellenstein couldn’t have predicted that The Angel Next Door would arrive at just the right moment. Earlier this month, the world was once again plunged into chaos with war erupting in the Middle East, more tumultuous domestic politics and a volatile stock market. In contrast, The Angel Next Door is pure delight. It delivers a healthy dose of non-stop laughs for our world-weary ills.

“People say over and over, ‘I haven’t laughed that hard in years,’ or ‘My face hurts from laughing so hard,’ or ‘It’s the funniest play I’ve ever seen,’” said Ellenstein. “This is not a play with a big message. It’s not a play with a social agenda. It’s a play [that allows] people to have a good time at the theater.”

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(L-R) Taubert Nadalini, Erin Noel Grennan, Thomas Edward Daugherty, James Newcomb, Barbara E. Robertson and Elinor Gunn star in “The Angel Next Door,” by Paul Slade Smith, directed by David Ellenstein and now playing at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach

Set in 1948 in a Newport, R.I. mansion, the cast of six is in for an emotionally wild weekend of misunderstandings fueled by impulsive lust and innocent love. New York City playwrights Arthur and Charlotte Sanders invite their protégé, Oliver, for a luxury getaway to celebrate his lucrative book deal. Oliver’s novel, The Angel Next Door, chronicles his intense love affair with Margot Bell, the bombshell Broadway star he met at a party thrown by Arthur and Charlotte the prior year. Everyone has assumed their romance inspired the book, which the Sanders plan to adapt into a play.

With Margot staying in a room adjoining Oliver’s, the weekend should be filled with Champagne, celebration and passion. But things aren’t quite as they seem in this madcap farce full of smart one-liners, crisp physical comedy and a script that breaks the fourth wall in all the best possible ways.

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(L-R) Barbara E. Robertson (Charlotte), Taubert Nadalini (Oliver) and James Newcomb (Arthur) are in store for an emotional (and hilarious) weekend in a Newport mansion

Ellenstein commissioned playwright Paul Slade Smith, whom he’d tapped twice before to write the equally well-received comedies The Outsider and Unnecessary Farce. Smith based The Angel Next Door on Ferenc Molnar’s 1924 Hungarian play, Play at the Castle, later adapted by P.G. Wodehouse into The Play’s the Thing (1926) and yet again by Tom Stoppard in Rough Crossing (1984). Smith translated the Hungarian work himself and, having done so, decided it needed some serious updating and an infusion of modern sensibilities. The 1940s set allows for fun aesthetics and grand costuming, as well as the fast-paced comedy that emerged from that time, but the humor and dialogue feel very modern-day.

One of Smith’s best decisions was creating Olga, an Eastern European maid whose deadpan delivery of judgmental one-liners and cutting comments about “theater people” steals the show whenever she takes the stage. Olga is played by Smith’s wife, Erin Noel Grennan, who appears in all his plays. Smith originally intended for her to play leading lady Charlotte, but Grennan is drawn to character roles and knew Olga would offer more comedic opportunities.

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Erin Noel Grennan as Olga (R) embodies her role as a reluctant servant to her needy guests. Barbara E. Robertson expertly plays the role of Charlotte (L).

“[Paul and I] are pet people and I do voices for all our animals,” Grennan said. “Our cat, Betty, is the direct inspiration for my take on this role. [Olga] is the personification of this cat – incredibly disapproving of nearly everything, brusque and full of opinions with a loud and abrasive meow. For whatever reason, I made [Betty’s] voice vaguely Eastern European. And that worked with this Hungarian play.”

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Inside City Hall

Dear Laguna Beach Community,

October 27, 2023, marks the 30th anniversary of the devastating 1993 wildfire that destroyed more than 400 homes in Laguna Beach. Those of us who were here then will never forget the howling winds, the smoky skies and the pure speed of the fire as it first hit Emerald Bay and then headed east where it leapt across Laguna Canyon Road, went through Canyon Acres and across Mystic Hills. Thankfully, and remarkably, no lives were lost but it was the wakeup call of a lifetime for the city.

None of us wants to see a fire like 1993 ever again. But that hope can only be realized if both the city and individual residents work together to mitigate risks. I would like to update you on the work that the city has been doing to improve fire safety by implementing many of the recommendations from our 2019 the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Report.

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Courtesy of City of Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen

On September 19, the city hosted a Wildfire Town Hall meeting to provide an update on the fire safety projects that have been completed in accordance with the report. The town hall was led by members of the Laguna Beach Fire Department, Public Works Department, Police Department and Marine Safety Department who reviewed the measures implemented to date to improve our fire readiness and resiliency. Those include enhancements to our emergency alert and notification system with an expanded outdoor warning system, implementation of updated evacuation plans, the addition of two helicopter fire hydrant filling stations, installation of fire lookout cameras in the wildland area, and public infrastructure improvements that include widening Bluebird Canyon, maintenance and expansion of the city’s fuel modification zones, and continued work to underground utilities in the community. Though we are pleased that many of the 42 objectives outlined in the report have been achieved, a number, primarily related to undergrounding power lines, are still in progress. If you missed the town hall meeting I encourage you to watch it on the city’s website at lagunabeachcity.net/townhall.

We have a number of utility undergrounding projects that are ongoing throughout the city. Construction for the Diamond Street Underground Utility Assessment District began in July 2023 and is expected to be completed in November 2023. This project will underground eight utility poles and improve evacuations in the Diamond/Crestview neighborhood. The Park Avenue Utility Undergrounding project is also underway, as it is a key evacuation route identified in the report as one of only two access routes to approximately 600 homes. This project will remove eight utility poles and 1,035 feet of overhead utility lines and is anticipated to be completed by summer 2024. The widening of Bluebird Canyon Road is complete and the undergrounding of 20 utility poles and 2,200 linear feet of overhead utility lines is scheduled to start construction in spring 2024. Undergrounding the remaining poles along Coast Highway has been funded and work will be ongoing over the next two years related to this project.

On Laguna Canyon Road, many of you have seen the construction work north of El Toro Road as you head toward the 73. This Caltrans project adds a continuous second outbound lane north of El Toro Road and removes 12 existing utility poles and more than 3,000 feet of overhead utility lines to improve the reliability of this major evacuation route. Anticipated completion is the end of 2025.

Last November, the City Council authorized more than $800,000 to design the undergrounding of SCE’s overhead utilities on Laguna Canyon Road, from El Toro Road to Canyon Acres Drive. Early this year the city retained a team of consultants to conduct the environmental review and obtain the entitlements for road, bike and pedestrian safety improvements that are proposed if the undergrounding can be completed. This critical safety project would reduce fire risk in the open space adjacent to the road and eliminate the risk of traffic accidents and road closures due to collisions with power poles. We are actively seeking grant funding from the California Office of Emergency Services, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Orange County Transportation Authority to make this project a reality.

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Donor underwrites purchase of protective vests for Laguna Beach Police K-9s

The Laguna Beach Police and Community Foundation (LBPCF) announced on Wednesday (Oct. 25) that they have completed the purchase of custom protective vests for two department K-9s. The purchase was made possible by a generous donation from board member Bob Roper.

“When my brother-in-law told me about the Tucson police outfitting their K-9s with protective vests,” said Roper, “I asked Chief Calvert if the Laguna Beach K-9s were equally well-protected. When he told me that the department was unsuccessful in securing grant funding for the vests, I immediately volunteered to underwrite the purchase of these essential tools.”

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Courtesy of LBPCF

LBPCF Board Member Bob Roper’s gift enabled the police department to purchase vests after previous grant efforts failed

The manufacturer, K-9 Storm, is considered the gold standard in K-9 protection. Each dog is measured in 27 different areas to create a custom vest that is perfectly fitted to them. The handler could have the dog wear the vest the entire shift if they chose to without worrying about tiring the dog with the extra weight or causing them to overheat. The vest is stab- and slash-resistant and provides underbelly impalement protection as well. Each comes with a lifetime warranty.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Bob Roper on this important project,” said Laguna Beach Police and Community Foundation President Glenn Gray. “The department’s K-9s are an essential part of effective policing, and these vests will ensure that they are well protected as they undertake often dangerous missions on behalf of the community.”

LBPCF is a federally tax exempt non-profit public charity under IRC Section 501(c)(3), and is able to accept tax-deductible donations to support their work.

Visit the foundation’s website at www.lbpcf.org to learn more, sign up for future updates and contribute to their efforts.

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From viewing to action: Coast Film & Music Fest expands offerings to include Environmental Summit with leaders, athletes and students

By THERESA KEEGAN

This story is a part of our Arts section. Visit www.stunewslaguna.com/arts for more arts stories as well as our arts calendars.

There’s a lot more than film and music happening at this year’s Coast Film & Music Festival. In fact, if organizers have their way, the message about protecting our environment will resonate far and wide following the festival’s inaugural Environmental Summit.

“We’re going to gather all the talented changemakers who come to the festival in one place, for one time,” said Ben Warner, co-founder and executive director of the CFMF. “With the Summit they’re coming to spend the whole day together, to talk about what they do with, and to protect, the environment.”

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Photos courtesy Coast Film & Music Festival

(L-R) Enich Harris and Ben Warner, co-founders of the Coast Film & Music Festival are launching an inaugural, day-long Environmental Summit

The November 9 event will bring together film directors, top-tier athletes and industry leaders who will discuss their experiences, their involvement in environmental programs that have worked, and the environmental challenges that remain. The day will provide a cohesive platform for a complex topic, reaching from the mountains to the sea and everything in between.

“The vision of the film fest is bringing the mountains and the sea together,” said Enich Harris, co-founder of the festival. “The Environmental Summit will bring together changemakers and creative minds to spark conversation and spark positive outcomes. We’re starting something fresh that might have a ripple effect for the people involved and the greater community.”

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The Environmental Summit will be held on Thursday, Nov. 9, before the screenings start at the Festival of Arts. In addition to the main outdoor screen, shown above, there will be showings elsewhere on the grounds.

As film and music fest co-founders, both Warner and Harris brought their own interest to the festival when it began four years ago. Warner had a career in the outdoor industry while Harris has extensive experience in the surfing world.

“So often the surf communities celebrate surf, and the outdoor communities celebrate outdoors,” said Harris. “This is the coming together of both tribes, because together we can do a lot more.”

With so much happening in and to the environment, organizers are hopeful the Environmental Summit will develop far-reaching solutions.

“These folks are basically the canaries in the coal mines,” Harris said of the speakers who will be participating in the summit. “They are most passionately affected by their everyday experiences. Not all, but many are realizing things are changing. They’re taking on self-declared roles in relating to changes in the environment. They’re using their voices and their platforms for education.”

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At last year’s festival, filmmaker Josh “Bones” Murphy (center) stands with Greg and Barbara MacGillivray after receiving an award named for their company

The summit participant line-up reads like a Who’s Who in storytelling, activism and industry leaders.

“We’re really lucky to have Jeremy Jones,” said Warner. The professional snowboarder, climate activist and founder of Protect Our Winters, knows first-hand the effects of climate change – and it extends well beyond his profession.

Josh “Bones” Murphy, filmmaker and storyteller, will be returning to the festival, moderating a panel about protecting the land and resources. Last year his powerful short film Our Waters, about a proposed salmon farm in Maine, won the MacGillivray Freeman Environmental Filmmaker Award.

“He’s so talented, and made such an impact to protect and save the fisheries,” Harris said of Murphy. “Those are examples of the stories we want to amplify.”

Obi Kaufmann, celebrated naturalist, artist and author of The California Field Atlas will be participating. Warner refers to him as a modern-day John Muir. Also joining in will be Dr. Chad Nelson, surfer, climber and CEO of the Surfrider Foundation.

Click open story button to continue reading…

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Lots of Halloween happenings, fun and frights in store, if you dare!

The City of Laguna Beach has some spine tingling and fun events leading up to Halloween on Tuesday, Oct. 31.

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Photo by Danielle Cavallucci

Pumpkins galore…join in all the activities

–Splash & Cinema Event, tonight (Friday) at the LBHS & Community Pool. You’re invited to the City’s Spooktacular Splash and Cinema event tonight, October 27 from 6-9 p.m. at the Laguna Beach High School & Community Pool! Come for a night of aquatic adventure, creativity, and spine-tingling fun that starts with pumpkins and ends with a chilling movie. Click here for tickets.

Pumpkin Plunge: A thrilling pumpkin hunt where the pool will be filled with floating pumpkins, and it›s your mission to fish them out.

Pumpkin Decorating Station: After you›ve rescued your pumpkin, head over to our creative station to decorate your pumpkin.

Spine-Chilling Cinema: As the night deepens, we›ll gather around the pool area for a family-friendly Halloween movie screening under the stars.

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Courtesy of FOA

Pageant of the Monsters

–Pageant of the Monsters, Maze of the Minotaur, October 27, 28, 29 and 31. It only comes back to life once every five years, so don’t miss it. A family-friendly haunted house with an artistic twist, but beware. For more information and tickets, click here.

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Courtesy of City of Laguna Beach

A pumpkin just waiting to be carved. Contest-winning pumpkins on display at Promenade on Forest Avenue.

–Monday, Oct. 30, stop by the Promenade on Forest as contest-winning pumpkins will be displayed until November 1! Awards will be given for the most original, scariest, best overall and Mayor’s Award.

–Treat-or-Treat for Laguna Beach Preschool kids, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 9-10:30 a.m. Susi Q (380 Third St.) is hosting a morning of treats, music and photo ops. Costumes are encouraged, but not required.

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Photo by Aly

Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and her “Evel Knievel” husband, Colin at last year’s Oak Street Halloween Block Party

–The Oak Street Halloween Block Party will be held on October 31 from 4:30-9:30 p.m. During this time, Oak Street and Brooks Street will be closed from Catalina Street and Temple Terrace. Please use alternative routes and watch out for children and pedestrians.

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Hobie, an adoptee from LB Animal Shelter, wins world’s cutest rescue dog contest

Thousands of voters in the 2023 People World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest presented by the Pedigree^® brand, chose the 5-year-old terrier mix Hobie over 8,000 other dogs. Hobie’s undeniable charisma also won the heart of celebrity judge and country star Miranda Lambert, whose MuttNation Foundation raises awareness about rescue pet adoption. Hobie’s prizes include a year’s supply of dog food and a $1,000 donation to the animal rescue of his choice.

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Courtesy of Laguna Beach Animal Shelter

Hobie beat out 8,000 other dogs to win his title

Hobie’s parents, Christin Bernhardt and her husband, Joern Riemer, felt their family was “incomplete” after their cross-country move from Boston to Coto de Caza, Calif., in the summer of 2022. So, the couple began searching for another dog to join them and their 15-year-old cairn terrier, Zoe. Browsing through rescue pets online, Bernhardt, 36, came across Hobie, a one-eyed terrier mix available for adoption at the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter. “He reminded me of the dog that I had when I was growing up in Germany,” said the senior director for a financial services company, who wound up adopting Hobie, with Riemer, in July that same year. We fell in love with him.”

When they found out the good news, Bernhardt said, “Joern and I both jumped up and down with excitement. We gave Hobie a big hug and told him that he’s now officially the world’s cutest!”

The pooch’s family has opted to donate the prize to PUP Laguna Beach, the fundraising arm of the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter, Hobie’s former home.

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Meet Rotary’s Student of the Month

The Rotary Club of Laguna Beach recently honored LBHS Senior Ariana Coulolias, as their October Student of the Month in the field of mathematics.

Coulolias has received the AP scholar with honors award and the CCA pathway for patient care award/certificate. She is also part of the student senate. In her spare time, Coulolias is an assistant manager at Gelato Paradiso, runs an aquaponics website and plays tennis. She also loves auto mechanics and working on cars.

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Courtesy of Rotary Club of Laguna Beach

LBHS Senior Ariana Coulolias

Coulolias would like to thank the Rotary Club for this award, her parents and her teachers, Ms. Quigley and Ms. Greco. She will receive a Rotary scholarship upon graduation at the end of the school year.

After graduation, Coulolias plans to pursue bioengineering at a four-year university and start a club for aspiring women in engineering. Her future goals include becoming a successful biomedical engineer, change the world in a good way and travel the world.

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Happy 20th LBHS Class of 2003

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

On Saturday, Oct. 21, the Laguna Beach High School Class of 2003 held their 20-year reunion at the Three Arch Bay Clubhouse from 5-9 p.m. They sold 154 tickets and invited 10 former teachers to attend, including their former principal and long-time Laguna Beach resident, Nancy Blade (she worked the check-in table for along with former LBHS Guidance Counselor Gretchen Ernsdorf).

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2003 Alumni (L-R): Hayley Renwick, Katie Gallagher, Bailey Francis (Monahan), Liz Chavez (Nelson), Stephanie Pearl and husband Christian Sharpe

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 (L-R) Alumni Kelly Noack (Jenett), Meghan Rider (Rowe), Candace Brindley (Bullard), Alex Anderson, Brittney Silva (Bullard) & Talia Engelhardt

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(L-R) Alumni Blake Hite, Andy Whalen and Evan Dineen

The committee purposely had lots of local Laguna Beach vendors and sponsors, including catering and bartending by Starfish Laguna Beach, Florals by LBHS class of 2004 alum Gary Samuelian of Flower Poppi in South Laguna, Laguna Beach Beer Company and photos by the Laguna Beach photographer herself, Mary Hurlbut.

In addition to the amazing tray-passed appetizers that Starfish provided, they kept true to the laidback Laguna vibe with two taco carts for dinner. Two class of 2003 alumni, David Bennett and Isiah Powell, played a mini-set of songs; Bennett played a very touching “Forever Young” tribute to six of the former classmates who have passed away. West Coast DJ, a company owned by LBHS class of 2001 Alumni Dakota Sottosanto, played all of their favorite high school songs, and a giant eight-foot photobooth cube made for some fun photos with former classmates.

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(L-R) Alumni Leah Edwards and Dustin Pettit with former LBHS teacher and coach Mike Roche and alum Stacey Hall

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Class of 2003 Reunion Committee (L-R): Alumni Paige Wylie (Nichols), Christine Cunningham (Anenberg), Katie Olsen, Kaydi Devlin, Hillary Wolett (Converse) and Ashley West

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2003 Alumni Chris Stansbury with his wife Kendra in the photo booth

According to one class alum, Hillary Wolett, “We honestly couldn’t have hoped for a better turn out! Laguna Beach artist Karen Petty even held on to our senior year photo wall that was displayed at our Grad Night back in June 2003. She kept it in storage for the last 20 years and it was definitely a highlight for many.”

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Alumni David Bennett and Isiah Powell performing a mini-set of music

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Alumni chatting during the tray-passed appetizers from Starfish

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Class of 2003 Alumni gather for a group photo

The reunion committee consisted of six 2003 alumni – Christine Cunningham (Anenberg), Katie Olsen, Ashley West, Hillary Wolett (Converse), Paige Wylie (Nichols) and Kaydi Devlin.

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Memory Wall that was made by a group of parents for the Grad Night in June 2003. Laguna Beach artist Karen Petty kept it in storage for them for the past 20 years.

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LBHS earns Gold distinction from College Board for success with AP programs

The College Board announced that Laguna Beach High School (LBHS) has been named to the Advanced Placement^® Program (AP^®) School Honor Roll, earning a Gold distinction. LBHS also earned an AP Access Award for providing all students with the opportunity to participate in AP, including students of underrepresented populations.

The AP^® School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

LBHS had 68% of seniors who took at least one AP exam during high school, 60% of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP exam and 24% of seniors who took five or more AP exams. Overall, 39% of all LBHS students took at least one AP exam during the 2022-23 school year.

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Courtesy of LBUSD

LBHS student Logan Teeple (right) shares the findings from his year-long research project focused on “The Future of Passenger Airplanes” exploring airplane design and fuel efficiency

“LBHS’ AP course offerings provide a rigorous and relevant curriculum for students and serve as one of several indicators of future college success, alongside dual enrollment courses and College and Career Advantage offerings,” said LBHS Principal Jason Allemann, Ed.D. “I appreciate our dedicated team of teachers for continually refining existing courses and introducing new ones, such as AP Human Geography, to ensure that our students have a variety of access points for AP exposure at all grade levels, including grades 9 and 10. I am consistently proud and impressed by our students’ level of preparation and their exceptional performance,” he concluded.

At LBHS, students have the opportunity to choose from a diverse range of 24 AP courses, spanning all disciplines, including core subjects and electives like AP 2D Art and Design or AP European History. This extensive selection ensures that students in grades 9 through 12 have ample options to participate in AP classes and pursue their academic interests. Furthermore, LBHS offers 24 honors courses, providing students with another avenue to explore advanced coursework and broaden their educational perspectives.

College Board’s Advanced Placement^® Program (AP^®) enables students to pursue college-level studies – with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both – while still in high school. Through AP courses in 38 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue – skills that prepare them for college and beyond.

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Crystal Cove Conservancy raises $710,000 for Education Programs during 21st Annual Soirée

On Saturday, Oct. 7, Crystal Cove Conservancy (The Conservancy) welcomed more than 250 guests and sponsors on the blufftop of Crystal Cove State Park’s Pelican Point for the 21st Annual Soirée. The annual event, with Title Sponsor, Bank of America, raised a record $710,000 in support of The Conservancy’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education programs, which bring more than 10,000 students to Crystal Cove each year.

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Photos courtesy of Crystal Cove Conservancy

Guests enjoying al fresco dining

As the sun set on the blufftop, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, al fresco dinner, a lively auction that helped raise funds for The Conservancy’s extensive education programs, and an after-party with music and entertainment from electric violinist Amy Serrano and DJ Marco providing a soundtrack to a magical evening under the stars. The evening also included remarks from special guests, including California State Parks Director Armando Quintero and Bank of America’s Senior Vice President Shari Battle.

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Crystal Cove Conservancy Board of Directors

Crystal Cove Conservancy President & CEO Kate Wheeler surprised guests when she announced the last tranche of funding had been secured for the North Beach Cottage Restoration Project, ensuring the restoration of the 17 North Beach Cottages, and allowing the first eight cottage rental units to be available for public reservation in the coming weeks.

“In 1995, no one knew what would become of Crystal Cove, the cottages, or the Historic District. Today we do,” said Wheeler. “They will all be restored. They will all be reopened. On Thursday, we closed a deal that will have Bank of America invest more than $10 million in the project, providing the final tranche of funding needed.”

Wheeler continued with a Champagne toast to celebrate the remarkable accomplishment and the impact it will have on The Conservancy’s education programs providing both earned revenue and new facilities for those programs.

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Guests bidding during the live auction

“Our students learn by working alongside scientists, engineers and researchers gathering data on real ecological restoration and research projects. They’re learning about the water cycle, and they can prove it because their shoes get wet and their clothes get muddy,” Wheeler said. “Our STEM education programs really do one essential thing, one kid at a time, in one park at a time – they allow students to see themselves as an essential part of the solution.”

Generous sponsors for the event included Bank of America as the Title Sponsor; Eva and Doug Le Bon; Marisla Foundation; Michael and Tricia Berns; Bonnie Gregory; Stacy Schlinger and the Schlinger Family Foundation, Karen and Alan Bedekar, Christine L. Carr LoveLight; Laura Davick, the founder of Crystal Cove Conservancy; Lucy Donahue; the Hexberg Family Foundation; Mara and Keith Murray; Stephanie Quesada and Vince Jackson; Teddie Ray; Wendy and Fred Salter; Michael and Sally Schreter; Karen and Eric Steen; Cyd and Steve Swerdlow; Shelley Thunen; Monette and Steve Zotovich; Archarios Foundation in Honor of Madeline Swinden; Jennifer Steele and Jay Bauer; Glenn Bozarth; Meriam Braselle; the Cheng Family; the Carol and James Collins Foundation; the Crevier Family Foundation; Michelle and Tim Dean; Barbara Hamkalo; Jenny and Will O’Neill; Doniel and Jerry Sutton; Sheets, Paquette & Wu Dental Practice; Spectra Company; Whittier Trust; Michelle and Claude Yacoel and several anonymous supporters.

This event was also generously supported by Brian Dobbin, Inc.; Buchanan Brand + Design; Davey’s Locker and Newport Landing Sportfishing; Firebrand Media, LLC; Foley Family Wines; Fork, Knife and Spoon Catering; Pacific Pearl Café; The Resort at Pelican Hill; The Ranch at Laguna Beach; Zinc Café; zpizza and Zotovich Vineyards and Winery.

For more information about Crystal Cove Conservancy, visit www.crystalcove.org.

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Laguna Board of REALTORS^® transforms garden at Waymakers Youth Shelter

With gloves, shovels, clippers in hand REALTOR^® and Affiliated Business Partner volunteer members of the Laguna Board of REALTORS^® donated their time, muscle and gardening skills to help transform the yard at the Waymakers Youth Shelter.

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Photos courtesy of LBOR

(L-R) Hunter Fuentes – Compass, Patty Truman – Berkshire Hathaway, Kendall Clark – Berkshire Hathaway, Cherese Denny – Coldwell Banker, Shawna Sundstrom – Nextus Lending, Paulo Prietto – Compass, Karen Sanchez – Pacific Sotheby’s, Candy Babcock – First Am. Natural Hazard Disc., Dave Eurton – Western Park Capital, Tracy Lineback – Berkshire Hathaway and Brendy Michael – Compass

The gardening revitalization project was a collaborative effort from the volunteers of LBOR membership and their Community Outreach Committee.  The beautiful flowering and drought tolerant plants were donated by The Standard Design Group Nurseries, our newest nursery in town.

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Succulent garden

Several succulents were donated by REALTOR® Patty Truman, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and Affiliate Dave Eurton, Western Park Capital. United by a common passion for nurturing the earth, their combined effort led to an extraordinary transformation.

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(L-R) Kendall Clark – Berkshire Hathaway and Dave Moon – The Standard Design Group Nurseries

“We are so pleased to have this work done. We have never had the manpower to tackle this garden,” said Chelsea of Waymakers. She looks forward to the residents of Waymakers continuing to tend to the plants, and to watching their gardens flourish for years to come.

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Flowering and drought resistant plants donated by The Standard Design Group Nurseries

Waymakers Youth Shelter is a nonprofit resource, building safer communities by helping people find their way. Whether redirecting youth offenders, helping sheltered children get back on track, unifying troubled families, resolving community conflicts, or empowering victims of violence, Waymakers clears the path so clients can advance beyond crisis.

For more information on Waymakers Youth Shelter, go to www.waymakersoc.org.

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Pinnipeds & Pints…and a fond farewell

Last Friday (Oct. 20), the Pacific Marine Mammal Center said goodbye to their rockstar pups – Raindrop Miley and Kenny – with a fun educational event, Pinnipeds & Pints, held at the Little Red Barn. More than 100 visitors, volunteers and staff were in attendance. 

PMMC CEO Glenn Gray kicked off the night with an update on the major renovation project, highlighting the nearly complete temporary facility and the exciting progress on the water reclamation system.

Pinnipeds & Pints featured a science fair where Dr. Alissa Deming presented on “The Benefits of Low-Stress Survey Radiographs in Pinniped Rehabilitation and Postmortem Examination” and Dr. Kaylee Brown presented on “Spinal Abnormality in a Juvenile Northern Elephant Seal.” There were also a series of speed talks on Gillnet Entanglements in Sea Lions, Applications in DNA Sequencing and Environmental Enrichment Devices Reduce Habituation During Rehabilitation. Plus, they had animal care and rescue booths, among others.

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Photos courtesy of PMMC

(L-R) Bidding a fond farewell to Raindrop, Kenny and Miley

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Rendering of the new PMMC facility

Pup Posse Rides Again

The pups are on their way to SeaWorld San Diego’s Rescue Department for continued care until they are old enough to be returned to their ocean home. They will join three additional pups, also born during the domoic acid bloom that hit our coastal community last summer. Sea lion pups in the Channel Island rookeries congregate in a “pup posse” to explore their environments and find fish close to shore while their mothers are out foraging. Bringing these pups together will help develop natural behaviors and socialization. Once the pups get the “all clear,” they will be outfitted with satellite tags and transported to the Channel Islands near the rookeries for release early next year.

While PMMC is extremely pleased with their progress, they will be missed dearly.

The Center is Temporarily Closed to Visitors

PMMC has a lot of exciting changes happening there, with construction in full swing on both the temporary and permanent locations. Because of the improvements, it is now temporarily closed to visitors. Daily visitors are a highlight at their Big Red Barn. It will be quite an adjustment; however, they are merely a webcam away. Go to www.pacificmmc.org to watch.

This isn’t goodbye…it’s just a “Seal You Later.”

Catch the Next Wave at PMMC

The new facility will include state-of-the-art treatment room for surgeries, endoscopy, ultrasound, radiographs and other medical needs. Additional patient units and pools will improve patient care and increase capacity, better preparing the hospital for busy periods. The water recycling system will be incorporated into the organization’s educational curriculum related to water conservation. The expansion also doubles the square footage allocated to those and other educational programs, which already serve 35,000 students per year.

To learn more about the PMMC new facility, visit www.pacificmmc.nextwave.org.

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FOA Laguna Beach artist applications for 2024 Summer Fine Art Show close October 31

Calling all Orange County artists! The deadline to apply for the 2024 Festival of Arts Fine Art Show in Laguna Beach is quickly approaching. Applications to exhibit at one of the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious and highly competitive art shows must be submitted by Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 4 p.m.

Heading into its 92nd season, the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show showcases original artwork from more than 100 of Orange County’s top artists, attracting worldwide audiences of more than 200,000 during the two-month summer season.

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Courtesy of FOA

Artist Peter Levshin showing his artwork at the 2023 Festival of Arts Fine Art Show

Artists applying to the Festival of Arts must be able to show that they have resided in Orange County for at least one year prior to October 31, 2023. Studio or Gallery location does not qualify as residence. Jurying fees are $50 per medium submitted. Artists interested in applying for the 2024 Fine Art Show are required to submit five digital images per media and complete an online application on the Festival’s website at www.foapom.com/apply by Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023 at 4 p.m.

Juried by some of the most recognized names in West Coast’s art community, the 2024 Fine Art Show is slated to run July 2-August 30, 2024. The Festival jurors will score the submitted artwork, based on creativity and originality, excellence of craftsmanship; excellence in the use of design elements (color, line, shape, form, texture, space) and professional presentation.

The panel of art experts jurying for the 2024 Fine Arts Show include:

Kim Irvine: Executive Creative Director of Disneyland Resort

Jesse Colin Jackson: Artist and Associate Professor of Electronic Art & Design

Bradford J. Salamon: Artist, Filmmaker and Museum Curator

John Spiak: Director/Chief Curator of Grand Central Art Center

Victor Hugo Zayas: Los Angeles Paint and Sculpture Artist

To learn more about the jurors, visit www.foapom.com/about/exhibit-jurors.

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LBUSD Resource Center opens its doors with ribbon cutting ceremony

The Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), in collaboration with SchoolPower, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 18 to commemorate the grand opening of the Laguna Beach Family Resource Center (FRC). FRC will serve as a resource hub dedicated to building LBUSD family engagement by providing community activities, confidential counseling and support services for student success.

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Photos courtesy of LBUSD

Front row (L-R): LBUSD Superintendent Jason Viloria, Ed.D., SchoolPower Executive Director Sarah Durand, LBUSD Board of Education President Jan Vickers and Coordinator of Family Engagement Ivonne Redard.

Second row (L-R): SchoolPower President Iva Pawling, LBUSD Board Member Joan Malczewski, Ed.D., LBUSD Board Clerk Kelly Osborne, LBUSD Board Member Dee Perry and LBUSD Director of Social and Emotional Support Michael Keller, Ed.D.

“The grand opening of the Laguna Beach Family Resource Center marks the beginning of a new chapter of student and family support services in our community,” said LBUSD Superintendent Jason Viloria, Ed.D. “This center is not just a building, it is a symbol of our collective commitment to nurturing the limitless potential of our students and a celebration of the spirit of collaboration and compassion that defines our Laguna Beach community.”

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(L-R) Laguna Beach Family Resource Center staff LBUSD Coordinator of Family Engagement Ivonne Redard, LBUSD Community Liaison Alma Figueroa and SchoolPower Family Support Specialist Cara Borkovec

Located at 733 St. Ann’s Drive, overlooking Guyer Field at Laguna Beach High School, the center remodel was funded primarily by LBUSD, with support from SchoolPower donors. The new space features private offices and a comfortable gathering space for small groups. The redesign was completed with additional support from community partners Kim Duensing Projects, The Shipp Group, Carolina Vergara Landscape Studio and Nicol Architecture.

The Laguna Beach FRC will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Visit www.lbfamilyresourcecenter.org.

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Visit Laguna Beach welcomes Emma York as Director of Marketing

Visit Laguna Beach, Southern California’s premier coastal destination, announced the appointment of Emma York as director of marketing. In her new role, York will lead the storied destination’s core marketing functions, including creative, visitor marketing strategy, digital marketing initiatives, paid media strategy, among other responsibilities. She will report to Rachel O’Neill-Cusey, CEO and her appointment is effective immediately.

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Courtesy of Visit Laguna Beach

Visit Laguna Beach Director of Marketing Emma York

“There are so many different ways to tell the Laguna Beach story – an artist colony, seven miles of beaches and coves, a sustainable destination with more than 20,000 miles of wilderness to explore – there is no end to what we can promote about the destination,” said Rachel O’Neill-Cusey, CEO, Visit Laguna Beach. “Emma is the right person to help us tell all those stories and uncover the ones that are yet to be discovered so we can grow our relationship with our visitors and community alike.”

York is joining Visit Laguna Beach after nearly five years with Dana Point-based Burnham Ward Properties and Dana Point Harbor Partners as their director of marketing and communications. In that role, she oversaw the overall marketing and communications strategy to support the revitalization of Dana Point Harbor along with promoting the harbor as a tourist destination. Before that, she held marketing positions at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point and Chefs on Wheels in Adelaide, Australia.

“Laguna Beach is a dream destination to work for and represent, especially as it is my adoptive home that welcomed me with open arms when I moved from Australia,” said Emma York, director of marketing, Visit Laguna Beach. “I really fell head over heels in love when I became involved as a cast member in the Pageant of the Masters. It was from then on, I wanted to be able to tell all the incredible stories of this historical beach town. I can’t wait to get the opportunity to work with our devoted community to market this destination and tell our stories.”

To learn more about Laguna Beach, from seven miles of coves and beaches to home to more than 20,000 beautiful acres of protected wilderness, visit www.visitlagunabeach.com.

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Letters to the Editor

After initially favoring undergrounding, I have gone far to the other side

My home is in the Utility District 2014-2. I understood ballots were mailed but I have not yet received mine at 6** Bluebird Canyon, Laguna Beach 92651-3301.

My assessment is $29,691. Unless paid in full, it will incur a 7% compounded interest rate when paid off or sold.

After a poorly explained public meeting with limited and misleading information, I have written to the city council and to the city consultants (with) reasons I am voting NO.

Pre-COVID, I was an advocate who lobbied for undergrounding and paid $500 to the city for a study which was poorly done.

I can no longer support this poorly vetted project with terms that keep me up at night, a burden I’m unable to pay immediately to avoid the compound interest rate.

The calculated property assessment is by weighted dollars. Properties having a higher value reap the benefit.

I am one of many longtime residents who may lose my home as I have a very limited income with little savings and because there is no understanding of what hookups and panel upgrades will cost.

In addition, the large poles in my view will probably not be removed and any aesthetic benefits are questionable.

Even if I qualify for assistance with an extension until the house is sold, it is not tenable as my house has a mortgage with compounded interest over 5%. Therefore adding another 7% becomes 12% compounded and adding to that are unknown fees for a separate contractor to bring the underground lines to the house.

At the public hearing presented by Pierre Sawaya, it was clearly shown that the primary reason for undergrounding was not for safety but rather for aesthetics (70%).

This could not come at a worse time with rising interest rates in an unstable job market.

The entire City of Laguna Beach should have been included more than 10 years ago when interest rates were lower and some areas in the city were undergrounding with time for public input; however, due to the missteps of city management without public input during a particularly difficult time due to COVID, undergrounding has now become polarized and politicized and residents are placed in the middle in a battle between the haves and have nots.

Longtime limited income owners and renters will suffer the excessive cost of this piecemeal high interest rate undergrounding project that many don’t know doesn’t include property hookups.

This project could have been supported as other improvements such as the Main Beach bond and the Treasure Island public walkway, with consensus of the entire community.

The State of California is promoting undergrounding, but neither they nor the utility companies are paying their fair share for this type of improvement, now being promoted as a safety issue when in fact it was not the reason given to the public by this city’s consulting team.

Laguna has been my lifelong home. It is where I dug water wells, worked on annexing the county property to the city, invested tax money towards supporting Main Beach redevelopment and the Treasure Island walkway with underground parking. It is the place I’ve called home for 60 years and served to create a public arts policy and continue to be a liaison with environmental and arts organizations. I have contributed and continue to contribute to my community and give voice to many who are deeply concerned about the future and how they can stay in Laguna, even if assistance is offered and promoted to be paid upon sale…yet there is no confirmation on this and the exorbitant compounded interest rate that will probably leave little or nothing.

This could mean it will be even more difficult to maintain our homes and, even in the event of its sale, to move elsewhere, pay for a care facility, at-home care or other necessities.

I’ve used most of my savings since 2020 for medical expenses and do not agree with supporting this unclear onerous plan and assessments.

Frankly, I’m frightened the way this has come down. It is costing me and others emotionally; worrying affects health and it affects the way I relate to my community. I may need to sell my house immediately but not sure where I can move knowing I will lose all meaningful reasons to enjoy living in my home, where I raised my children, served the community and created a business. Laguna represents my life and purpose, where I have friendship and neighbors whom I still cherish.

There is a better way and we need time to look at alternatives and ways to develop a broader plan.

Leah Vasquez

Laguna Beach

Village Laguna awards annual scholarship to impressive LBHS graduating senior

Every year since 1978, Village Laguna has awarded a scholarship to a Laguna Beach High School graduating senior who shows leadership and involvement in activities that protect the environment and promote humanitarian goals. For the ‘22-‘23 school year, Village Laguna was pleased to present the Bonnie and Arnold Hano scholarship to Uma Bhatia.

Uma has been very active in her school and community. In addition to being an outstanding scholar, she was president of Zero Trash Laguna, which spearheaded environmental initiatives on campus and in the city. She showed her involvement in environmental and humanitarian activities by participating in a marine conservation service trip to the Dominican Republic, rebuilding coral reefs, maintaining mangrove forests and protecting existing coral. Uma rounds out her profile with volunteer experiences at the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter, No Square Theatre, and tutoring elementary and middle school students. She was editor-in-chief of the high school newspaper and participated in school sports and music groups.

Village Laguna was fortunate to have Uma speak at our June General Meeting where she thanked us and informed us that she would be attending Johns Hopkins University, with the goal of attending medical school.

The Village Laguna scholarship committee is pleased that we had one of the largest groups ever of very qualified scholarship applicants. We look forward to hearing of their future endeavors and achievements and thank them for their applications.

Barbara Dresel, Scholarship Chair

Village Laguna

Laguna Beach

Just leave your clubs in the car

So sorry to read about your fall in Tuesday’s Stu News. Like you, I am in my 70s and know a bit about traversing concrete steps. More than once, I have stumbled on my stairs; but unlike you, I never have done a face plant. Just writing those words makes me cringe.

Going forward, here’s a tip: Leave your clubs in your car. I like golf as much as anyone, but you’ll never catch me lugging them up or down my stairs. As you unfortunately have discovered, when your bag is slung over your shoulder just about anything can happen when you least expect it.

Take good care, Tom, and don’t forget to watch your step.

Denny Freidenrich

Laguna Beach

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Halloween Safety Tips

By Nicole Rice, Community Services Officer, Crime Prevention, LBPD

This Halloween stay safe, have fun, and follow these tips to have a great holiday.

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Courtesy of LBPD

Kids enjoy trick-or-treating, stay safe this Halloween

–Wear something reflective, bring a flashlight, or wear a glow stick while walking at night.

–Always accompany children while trick-or-treating.

–Don’t eat candy until it has been inspected.

–Always use crosswalks and look both ways before crossing the street.

–Avoid distractions and put electronic devices away.

–If driving a vehicle, slow down in residential areas and be aware of your surroundings.

–Try to avoid wearing masks that can obstruct your view, choose face paint instead.

If you see something, say something.

Call 911 for emergency and 949.497.0701 for a non-emergency call.

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This week in Breakers sports

Friday, Oct. 27

7 p.m. – Football at Westminster

Saturday, Oct. 28

TBA – Girls Cross Country at League Finals (Central Park)

TBA – Boys Cross Country at League Finals (Central Park)

9 a.m. – Boys Water Polo Playoff Brackets Announced by CIF-SS

10 a.m. – Football Playoff Brackets Announced by CIF-SS

Monday, Oct. 30

11 a.m. – Girls Tennis Playoff Brackets Announced by CIF-SS

Past week’s results

Monday, Oct. 23

Boys Beach Volleyball beat Orange Lutheran, 5-2

Girls Tennis beat Newport Harbor, 15-3

Girls Flag Football lost to Newport Harbor, 26-0

Wednesday, Oct. 25

Boys Water Polo beat Los Alamitos, 14-9

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Laguna Food Pantry serves shoppers outside Laguna Beach, underscoring food insecurity in OC

In September, the Laguna Food Pantry (LFP) continued to experience consistently high demand, assisting nearly 4,500 families, and providing groceries that fed approximately 18,000 people. Additionally, 160 new families registered at the Pantry, highlighting the ongoing need within the community.

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Courtesy of Laguna Food Pantry

Laguna Food Pantry’s assistance is not limited to Laguna Beach

The Pantry is named the Laguna Food Pantry for being in Laguna Beach, but assistance is not confined solely to this town. Open to everyone, regardless of their residence, the Pantry welcomes all from any town and city. In fact, many shoppers come from outside Laguna Beach. In September, most shoppers hailed from Laguna Beach, Santa Ana, Lake Forest and Irvine, underscoring the widespread impact of food insecurity across Orange County.

Laguna Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 8-10:30 a.m. with a drive-through distribution system. Anyone in need is welcome to visit once a week to pick up free, fresh, nutritious groceries. If you know of anyone in need, please let them know.

To learn more about the Laguna Food Pantry, how to get involved, or ways to donate, visit www.lagunafoodpantry.org. Your donation is greatly appreciated and critical in continuing their mission of ensuring no one goes hungry in our community.

Laguna Food Pantry is located at 20652 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.

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Veterans to celebrate Veterans Day at Heisler Park Monument Point on November 11

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5868 and American Legion Post 222 will proudly celebrate Veterans Day and the 77th Anniversary of VFW Post 5868 at Heisler Park Monument Point on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. sharp. Musical prelude starts at 10:45 a.m. The public is invited. Seating is limited.

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Laguna Beach Honor Guard Presentation of Colors – Veterans Day 2022

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2022 F19 Flyover

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Vice Commander Richard Moore of American Legion Post 222 during 2022 Veterans Day observation

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Laguna Live! continues into the fall

Laguna Beach Live! looks forward to the exciting events scheduled for fall. Live! Music Matters returned to the Laguna Beach Library led by local musician Zach Churchill. On November 14, enjoy Musical Insights: Listening to New (Classical) Music at the Woman’s Club.

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Photos courtesy of Laguna Live!

Zach Churchill at Laguna Beach Library –Tuesdays through November 14

–Tuesday, Nov. 7 and 14, 11:30 a.m.

Live! Music Matters Returns

With thanks to grants from Festival of Arts, Assistance League of Laguna Beach, and Laguna Beach Rotary Club, Laguna Live! is delighted to announce the return of Live! Music Matters, their free interactive music program for children aged up to six years with caregiver involvement. The eight weekly sessions, led by local musician Zach Churchill, will run thru November 14* and will take place at Laguna Beach Library on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m.

*No session October 31.

Dates: November 7, 14, Time: 11:30 a.m., Venue: Laguna Beach Library, 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach. Cost: Free.

The Live! Music Matters sessions have been immensely popular with local tots and caregivers alike.

Testimonies from Happy parents:

“Amazing experience for kids and mamas, best part of our Tuesday.”

“We have loved coming every week, our child is only 11 months old, but he has learned how to use the egg shaker and sticks to make a four count!”

“Music class with Zack is the highlight of our week, he has a natural ability to engage with the kids and makes music so much fun.”

–Tuesday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m.

Beth’s Tuesdays

LBCAC, 235 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach

Last chance of the year to catch their monthly singer/songwriter showcase hosted by Beth Fitchet Wood. Joining Fitchet Wood on stage are Natalie Closner and Shaun Cromwell. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 at the door.

For tickets, click here.

–Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6-7:30 p.m.

Musical Insights: Listening to New (Classical) Music

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Anne Akiko Meyers

The event takes place at the Laguna Beach Woman’s Club on Tuesday, Nov. 14 from 6-7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and complimentary for children 12 and under. Presented by Laguna Beach Live! and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, the evening is an exciting introduction for the 2024 Laguna Beach Music Festival that features Anne Akiko Meyers with several new works and commissions for violin. Akiko Meyers is one of the world’s most esteemed violinist and has been described as “a musical wizard, with astonishing access to every kind of expressive color (The San Diego Union-Tribune).

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Madalyn Parnas Möller

As an artist founded at the complex intersection of musical heritage and unprecedented innovation, American violinist Madalyn Parnas Möller secures her place on today’s concert stage by bringing inimitable style and artistic vision to every performance. Since her solo debut at the age of 12 performing the Kabalevsky Violin Concerto, Parnas Möller’s concert record throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia affirms her dedication to performance and new repertoire.

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Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano

Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano approaches graduate seminars, adult-education classes, podcasts, and pre-concert lectures with the same philosophy: that offering context – rigorously researched, provocative, and humanistic – empowers listeners and musicians to make their own meaningful connections to classical music. As a faculty member at the Colburn School Conservatory of Music from 2003-22, she served as chair of music history and helped shape the degree programs of the institution. Today, Brown-Montesano is a lecturer in musicology at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.

The Woman’s Club is located at 286 St. Ann’s, Laguna Beach.

For tickets, click here, or call 949.715 9713.

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Oh the webs we weave

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Photo by Deborah Lambros

Don’t forget, it’s that time of year when spiders make their presence known

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LAM adds to the great line-up and announces Rising Inversion on November 2-5

Many exciting exhibitions are on view at Laguna Art Museum (LAM) and the museum has added more public programs, including the opening of the 11th Annual Art & Nature on November 2, a highly anticipated event. The end of October brings a Day of the Dead celebration.

–Laguna Art Museum unveils 11th Annual Art & Nature on November 2

Laguna Art Museum (LAM) will present the 11th Annual Art & Nature, an immersive journey into the symbiotic relationship between art and the natural world. The Art & Nature initiative addresses the environmental situation through a creative and unique lens – the artist’s perspective. Beginning November 2, this transformative multidisciplinary event will converge art, science and nature on a grand scale. Art & Nature is the museum’s largest public program of the year, bringing together thousands of participants to foster a love of nature, raise environmental awareness and discover cross-sections between science and the arts.

Debuting at Laguna’s Main Beach on November 2-5, Cristopher Cichocki’s 

Rising Inversion harnesses oceanic and planetary elements engaging in direct dialogue with the surrounding natural landscape of Laguna Beach. From dawn to dusk, this transformative installation morphs from a sprawling arc of sand and barnacles into a luminescent orb rising over the Pacific shoreline.

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Courtesy of LAM

“Aeonium, Bird of Paradise” by Gianne de Genevraye

Courtesy of LAM

Jane Bauman

–Friday, Oct. 27, 12:45 p.m.

Art Access: October

Join LAM for a day of immersive art education and enrichment. For their October Art Access excursion, they will have access to exclusive studio tours of two celebrated California artists, Jane Bauman and Gianne de Genevraye.

Itinerary:

–12:45 p.m. Depart Laguna Art Museum

–1:30 p.m. Visit Jane Bauman’s private studio

–3 p.m. Travel to Laguna Canyon

–4 p.m. Visit Gianne de Genevraye’s private studio

–5 p.m. Depart Laguna Canyon

–5:30 p.m. Return to Laguna Art Museum

The price includes transportation to and from the studios, as well as an intimate tour of each location. Beverages and snacks will be provided at each stop. Cost: $100 for Laguna Art Museum members, $175 for non-members. Contemporary Circle members may choose this event to use their complimentary attendance for two.

For tickets, click here.

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“Calaveras in Black Tie” by Vincent Bautista

–Saturday, Oct. 28, 11a.m.-5 p.m.

Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos Celebration

Self Help Graphics & Art brings their Barrio Mobile Art Studio (BMAS) to teach screen printing in the newly redesigned STUDIO/Lab.

Help LAM celebrate 50 years of Chicano/a/x and Latinx printmaking innovation and excellence in this hands-on silkscreen printing workshop and continue SHG’s 50-year tradition of working with artists and communities to celebrate Day of the Dead.

Participants will learn how to create a handmade stencil with their own design, and silkscreen images with vibrant inks on tote bags.

Founded in 1970 in the heart of East Los Angeles as a program that works towards equity and social justice through art, SHG and BMAS nurture emerging artists and present Latino art to a broad audience and address the vast demographic that is Los Angeles, while also expanding audiences and community beyond the East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights communities.

Limited number of tickets available. Tickets are free with museum admission.

To register for the 11 a.m.-1p.m. session, click here.

To register for the 3-5 p.m. session, click here.

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LOCA looks forward to fall events

Check out all the Custom Art Escapes LOCA has to offer – paint donuts, flowers, walk the city, there’s something for everyone.

Courtesy of LOCA

Projects have included “Bioluminescence” inspired by recent ocean phenomenon

–Families Love LOCA at the Library

LOCA’s Family Art Classes at Laguna Beach Public Library have been a smashing success. The “happy hour” 4:30-5:30 p.m. timeslot has made it convenient for parents and kids to enjoy a creative learning space, led by Allison Keefe. “We encourage parents and kids to work together,” Keefe said.

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Courtesy of LOCA

Self-portrait created in LOCA workshop at Youth Center

–Portraits

LOCA invites everyone to engage in fun art challenges on Instagram by sharing photos, and photos of artwork, that follow easy themes. The fall challenge invites all portrait subjects from people and pets to scarecrows and jack-o’-lanterns. All mediums are invited including collage, drawing, printmaking, painting, photography and sculpture. To participate now through November 30, post images featuring imaginative portraits to Instagram and be sure to tag @locarts and use the hashtag #locaartschallenge.

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Courtesy of LOCA

LOCA Art Talk with Ruben Flores – November 7

–Tuesday, Nov. 7, 3-4:30 p.m.

LOCA Art Talk with Ruben Flores, Laguna Nursery

Attendees will be seated in an outdoor setting, surrounded by plants and garden antiquities as horticulture artist Ruben Flores demonstrates how he uses rustic garden cuttings, berries and grasses for fall centerpieces and decorating. As a bonus, all attendees and LOCA members save 10% off all purchases at Laguna Nursery, November 6-10. Registration is required. Guests $20/free to LOCA members. 481 N. Coast Highway, metered parking on the street. To register, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

–Wednesday, Nov. 8, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Create a Fall Centerpiece, Ruben Flores, Laguna Nursery

In this hands-on workshop, Ruben Flores will teach how to create an eye-catching centerpiece using branches, stems, grasses and berries. Vessels and materials are provided, and students are also encouraged to bring in favorite cuttings from their own gardens. As a bonus, all attendees and LOCA members save 10% off all purchases at Laguna Nursery, November 6-10. Registration is required. Guests $150/$75 LOCA members. 481 N. Coast Highway, metered parking on the street. To register, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Photo by Mary Gulino

Heisler Park Walking Tour of Public Art

–Custom Art Escapes

LOCA continues to create exciting events and art escapes for both kids, families and adults to enjoy. Now, you can setup your very own art experience this summer. There are custom workshops for adults and groups, kids and families, and advanced sessions for those who want to improve their artistic skills with personal instruction. Designed for beginners to the most advanced student, lessons are in various Laguna locations, can be in your home or you can take a Zoom class.

“LOCA Certified” artists are offering classes and tours in a variety of Laguna Beach locations. Check out all the adventures and be inspired to receive individual attention, a wonderful time and unique access to some amazing artists. “Custom” Art Escapes are great activities for locals and visitors seeking unique art experiences in Laguna Beach.

This is just a sampling of the “Custom” Art Escapes LOCA offers, for the full listing, go to www.locaart.org/custom-art-escapes/.

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Photos courtesy of LOCA

Heisler Park Walking Tour of Public Art

–Heisler Park Walking Tour of Public Art

Instructor: Mike Tauber 

Enjoy a walk through this spectacular ocean-front park and get a close-up view of more than 14 works including sculptures, seating and floor murals in bronze, glass, metal, stone and ceramic. Unlike a regular docent – your guide Mike Tauber is a long-time Laguna Beach resident and artist who personally worked with many of the artists who made these pieces. The stories will amaze you!

Availability: Daylight hours. Available year-round.

Location: Heisler Park, Laguna Beach

Length of Time: 1.5 hours, 5 blocks

Fee: $290/event (1-12 people), To register, click here.

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Courtesy of LOCA

Watercolor & Ink Travel Journal Painting

–Watercolor & Ink Travel Journal Painting

Instructor: Mary Gulino

Have you ever wanted to capture the essence of a place by drawing or painting it? Join local artist, Mary Gulino, while she guides you through how to assess a scene and create a quick sketch, control paint flow and transparency with washes and glazes, and explore wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry painting techniques. Finally, each painting and inking will be brought to life with superfine permanent technical pens as you learn outlining and different texturing and shading techniques.

Availability: Upon Request

Location: Heisler Park, Laguna Beach or online over Zoom

Length of Time: 3 hours

Fee: $99 per person (min. 4, max. 8). To register, click here.

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Courtesy of LOCA

Paint-a-Donut Party

–Paint-a-Donut Party

Instructor: Lisa Mansour

Lisa Mansour, a Sawdust artist whose work can be seen at Quorum Gallery throughout the year, is offering this sweet treat. Gather your young friends and meet at Primi Donuts in Monarch Bay Plaza, Dana Point for a delicious snack and a painting lesson. Using one of Mansour’s donut paintings, you and your friends will “decorate” a donut using your imaginations and an array of acrylic paints and embellishments.

Availability: Anytime (two-week notice required)

Location: Primi Donuts, Dana Point

Length of Time: 1+ hours

Fee: $45 per person (Up to 12 people). Groups of four or more can be arranged with prior notice at their preferred park location and preferred day of the week (subject to artist availability.) To register, click here.

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LPAPA’s Post Invitational Gallery Show continues through October 30

Following the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational “Catalog Art Show,” which ended on Monday, Oct. 16, the LPAPA Gallery will host a post-invitational gallery show through Monday, Oct. 30.

The Catalog Art Show includes a showcase painting by each invited artist that will be published in the limited printing of 2023 collectible Invitational Art Catalog produced exclusively for this year’s event. (Catalog Art Collectors receive a complimentary copy of the printed 2023 Invitational Art Catalog).

The LPAPA Gallery is located in Laguna Beach at 414 N. Coast Highway, on Gallery Row between Jasmine and Myrtle Streets. Gallery hours are Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and by appointment. The gallery is open extended hours (to 9 p.m.) for First Thursdays Art Walk each month.

To view the catalog, go to https://lpapa.org/090423-invitational-catalog-art-show/.

Please feel free to contact them by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by phone at 949.376.3635 for assistance.

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Fall is in the air

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Leaves on the ground are a sign that autumn has arrived

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Laguna Canyon Riders hosts season kick-off meeting on October 30

Laguna Canyon Riders are holding their season kick-off meeting at The Ranch on Monday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend (at the middle school and high school levels) to find out more details about the upcoming season.

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Photos courtesy of Laguna Canyon Riders

2023 Team

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. with a Meet/Greet/Eat (optional), followed by the presentation at 7 p.m. Riders in grades 6-12 in Laguna Beach (or nearby areas) are invited to ride with the team.

The team is registered with USA Cycling. Participants ride with an expert coaching staff to build foundational skills, or train hard to be ready to race.

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Winning team collecting their prize, SoCal Enduro Junior Team Champions for 2023

Laguna Canyon Riders’ goal is to provide safe and competitive riding that builds strong bodies and strong minds. Their season runs January through June, in line with the racing season. Practice takes place Monday/Wednesday/Friday (except for holiday weeks).

Laguna Canyon Riders is proud to be the SoCal Enduro Junior Team Champions for 2023. They look forward to another successful season of racing next year.

For more information about Laguna Canyon Riders, go to www.lagunabeachmtb.org.

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Meet Pet of the Week Potato

This charming brindle pug, officially known as Potato, just as readily responds to Spud. And he is certainly an a-“peel”-ing addition for any household looking to increase the fun meter. He is friendly, playful and although the neutered male is 8 years old, he really plays like a well-behaved puppy. Nancy Goodwin, shelter director, is hoping to have Potato adopted as soon as possible.

Courtesy of the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter

Potato is older, but still loves to run and play

The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter adoption procedures are designed to make sure that both the potential family and the animal adopted are in the very best situation possible. Due to their approach to adoption, their return rate is five percent as compared to the national return rate of 50%.

The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter is located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Road. Call 949.497.3552, or go to the website for information on adoption procedures, www.puplagunabeach.org/our-pets.php.

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Save the Date: Laguna Playhouse presents an evening with Academy Award-winner Richard Dreyfuss on January 7

Laguna Playhouse has announced that Academy Award-winning actor and author, Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws, The Goodbye Girl, Close Encounters of the Third Kind) will join Laguna Playhouse Artistic Director David Ellenstein to discuss his life, career and his passion for civics education, the topic of his new book, One Thought Scares Me…: We Teach Our Children What We Wish Them to Know; We Don’t Teach Our Children What We Don’t Wish Them to Know.

Following their discussion, Dreyfuss will take questions from the audience and autograph copies of his book. This special event will take place on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. and begin with a catered reception and the chance to win special memorabilia from Richard Dreyfuss’ career. At 5:30 p.m., guests will be invited into the Playhouse where the conversation begins, followed by questions & answers with those in attendance, and autographs for his book.

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Courtesy of Laguna Playhouse

Richard Dreyfuss will discuss his new book on January 7, 2024

Proceeds from this event benefit the Laguna Playhouse and the Dreyfuss Civics Initiative. Tickets include a copy of the book One Thought Scares Me…

Dreyfuss was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1947, and has been acting in American theater and films for more than 50 years. He won the Oscar in 1978 for his performance in The Goodbye Girl and was nominated again in 1995 for his performance in Mr. Holland’s Opus.

In his personal life, Dreyfuss has spent a lifetime championing the democratic process and the foundational blocks of our Republican Democracy. Oxford University accepted his proposal “to research the damage being done to America by the absence of teaching Civics.” He became a Senior Research Advisor at St. Antony’s College, Oxford, where he spent four years.

In 2008, he founded The Dreyfuss Civics Initiative (www.thedreyfussinitiative.org) to encourage, revive, elevate and enhance the teaching of civics in American schools. The nonprofit organization’s programs are meant to promote the advancement of civic education, civic virtue and the role citizens can play in the success of our country.

His recently published book eloquently articulates the causes and consequences of the lack of civics education in American public schools over the last 50 years.

Tickets for this one-night-only event are now on sale. Ticket prices are $150 for one ticket; $250 for two tickets (each ticket includes a copy of the book). The ticket price for admission is a donation split between Laguna Playhouse and The Dreyfuss Initiative and can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.com, or by calling 949.497.ARTS (2787).

Laguna Playhouse is located at 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.

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Providence Mission Hospital sponsoring Mission Viejo Medicare Senior Expo on November 2

Providence Mission Hospital is sponsoring a free Medicare Senior Expo which will feature a variety of health talks including, ways to lower drug costs, navigating healthcare, and diabetes and chronic condition management. The expo will be held on Thursday, Nov. 2 from 1-4 p.m. at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, which is located at 24932 Veterans Way in Mission Viejo.

Speakers will include local Providence Mission Hospital physicians, specialists and care teams, along with exhibitors from top Medicare insurance plans, insurance professionals and senior-focused, community health and wellness organizations. Join them for fun and prizes with light refreshments provided. There will be a free drawing without obligation.

All are welcome to attend this no-cost community event.

Courtesy of Providence Mission Hospital

Medicare Senior Expo at no cost takes place November 2

For accommodations of people with special needs at meetings, call 844.992.1260 TTY: 711 (M-F, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.). Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information. A licensed salesperson will be present with information and applications. They do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information that they provide is limited to those plans they do offer in your area. Contact www.medicare.gov, or call 1.800.MEDICARE or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all your options.

Providence Mission Hospital is a state-of-the-art, 504-bed acute care regional medical center in Mission Viejo, Calif. As one of the busiest designated adult and pediatric Level II Trauma Centers in the State of California, Providence Mission provides a full range of reputable specialty health care services with highly skilled teams treating a multitude of complex conditions. Services include a full range of expertise in cardiovascular, neuroscience and spine, orthopedics, cancer care, women’s services, mental health and wellness, head and neck, and a variety of other specialty services.

For information on classes, visit www.providence.org/OCmedicareclasses.

For additional information about Providence Mission Hospital, visit www.providence.org/mission.

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Cultural arts announcements, Stage on Forest this weekend

The winners of the Juried Fine Art Exhibition will be on display through November 16.

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Photos courtesy of City of Laguna Beach

Holiday Palette Winners

Holiday Palette Winners

The Arts Commission has selected four designs for the 2023 Holiday Palette Competition. The designs will be hand-painted by their artists onto 3’ x 4’ wood palettes and displayed from light poles outside City Hall this holiday season. They will also be added to the city’s temporary art collection and displayed each year, as the city desires, to celebrate the holidays and Laguna Beach’s vibrant artist community. Thank you to all participating artists and congratulations to Colleen Corbett, Jennifer Griffiths, India Hynes and Marcel Mead on having their designs selected.

Public Art Installation by Beau Stanton

Artist Beau Stanton is expected to complete installation of a new public art mural this week. The installation consists of an inlaid walkway mural for the pedestrian bridge connecting Laguna Canyon Road and Laguna Frontage Road near the main entry of the Sawdust Art Festival. Stanton is a graduate of Laguna College of Art + Design and is a multi-disciplinary artist who has created more than 60 public artworks in 25 cities across 16 countries.

Stanton has created a ceramic mural measuring 20’ x 14’ titled Coalescence. The mosaic is comprised of more than 1,000 hand-cut tiles utilizing a color palette that references the canyon and ocean environments of Laguna Beach.

Coalescence was selected through a review process by the City Arts Commission, via a call for artists that gleaned 30 applicants. This installation has been funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.

Stage on Forest – Upstream

–Friday, Oct. 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

–Saturday, Oct. 28, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Stage on Forest – Andrew Corradini

–Sunday, Oct. 29, 5-7 p.m.

Stage on Forest – Jason Feddy

–Children’s Holiday Palette Exhibition

Deadline: November 20

The Arts Commission invites artists to apply for its exhibitions, grants and programs. These programs are funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.

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Photos courtesy of City of Laguna Beach

Melody Nuñez, “Motherhood: VOID,” 2022 Juried Fine Art – First Place

The deadline for the annual Juried Fine Art exhibition has passed. Elected works of the Juried Fine Art exhibition will be displayed at Laguna Beach City Hall  through November 16.

This program is funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.

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LCAD presents solo exhibition of Cristopher Cichocki with Artist Reception on November

Laguna College of Art + Design’s Gallery (LCAD) is proud to present Primordial Water, a solo exhibition of multidisciplinary artist Cristopher Cichocki. Cichocki encapsulates the cycle of decay and renewal through examining relationships between humankind, the natural world and industrial mutation.

The exhibition opens on November 2 and runs through November 26. An Artist Reception will be held on Friday, Nov. 3 from 6-9 p.m. at LCAD Gallery.

LCAD Gallery admission is always free.

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Courtesy of LCAD

Cristopher Cichocki, “Cavern” (Bluebelt Typography), Video painting, 2023

Primordial Water weaves together a dynamic narrative between the artist’s recent multi-media painting, photography, video and sculptural works. Cichocki’s conceptual use of material invites viewers to contemplate a transmorphic timeline spanning throughout Earth’s elemental past, present and future.

LCAD Gallery is located at 374 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach.

Gallery Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

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Sawdust Art Classes introduces an Afterschool Art Program at Sawdust Festival

Sawdust Art Festival has announced its fall schedule, which not only hosts a selection of new and returning, vibrant classes taught by local Sawdust artists, but also launches an exciting and much anticipated afterschool program, “After School Art” at the Sawdust.

Fun and educational, the after-school program is aimed at youth ages 10-18 and will cover a wide variety of art forms that include printmaking, painting, ceramics and mixed media. Each afternoon explores a different medium, and some may offer two or three different activities, giving students a deeper understanding of how that medium works.

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Photos courtesy of Sawdust Art Festival

Afternoon Art Classes

Offering workshops through the end of November, “After School Art” is aimed at igniting the imagination of students and allowing them to explore their creative selves. Students can sign up for one or more classes, and those students who register for a four-week program will receive a complimentary tote bag filled with a variety of wonderful art supplies. Classes run from 3:30-5 p.m. on Wednesdays in October, and from 3:30-5 p.m. on Thursdays in November.

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Mixed Media Magic

Sawdust Art Classes’ fall offering is also brim-full with other artist-led art classes. On Thursdays (beginning Oct. 12), you can learn the photography techniques of a professional. Local photographer Mary Church will guide you through the key elements of photography, including perspective, composition, color, design and imagery. Charleine Guy teaches a vibrant and expressive workshop titled Mixed Media Magic; and in the evening, you can paint a live, classical ballerina with artist Michelle Burt who will demonstrate step-by-step how to convey the magical connection between shape and movement.

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Ballet drawing and painting transformation

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Master Glassblowing

Sawdust Art Classes have many expressive and informative classes offered every week that the Sawdust Art Festival wants to share with you (far too many to mention here!). Visit Sawdust online (click here) for detailed information on classes, times and listings. They can’t wait to share the magic of art with you!

–Wednesdays in October and Thursdays in November, 3:30-5 p.m.

After School Art

The afterschool program will run right through to the end of November. The classes cover a range of different mediums including printmaking, painting, and clay. Fun yet educational, each class is priced at $50, or $195 for four weeks which includes a free tote bag filled with art supplies.

–Saturday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Glassblowing

Encounter the magic of glassblowing with one of the master Sawdust glassblowers. In this truly unique experience, you will be taken through the glassblowing process step-by-step in our famous glass demo booth. You will receive individual, one-on-one instruction to create a beautiful piece of artwork.

Classes are currently available Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. However, they are happy to accommodate another day/time during the week. Please reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to coordinate.

–Saturday, Oct. 28 2 p.m.

Introduction to Jewelry Making

Make a fun, simple dangle earring using head pins and colorful glass, stone, or pearl beads. Learn how to use the essential jewelry making tool and about the many kinds of findings (the pieces that link beads together) used in jewelry.

Make a pair of earrings using colorful chain variations, eye pins and playful beads. Learn the art of wire wrap by making a spiral design with soft wire. We’ll use various types of wire, gauges and materials commonly used for wire wrapping. Leave with three completed pairs of earrings and the foundational skills to begin making your own jewelry. This class is geared for beginners. Wine is included.

Cost: $95

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Police Beat Primer

Compiled by Suzie Harrison

Police Beat derives from information in the daily police and arrest logs published on the City of Laguna Beach’s website and required under CA Government Code Section 6254 (f). Additional information is obtained through communication with the Laguna Beach Police Department’s Public Information Officer.

Information in the logs is deemed reliable and Stu News Laguna is not responsible for any mistakes made available as public record by the Laguna Beach Police Department.

Any person arrested is innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

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