Fair Game
By TOM JOHNSON
Local Rotary Club is bringing in some voices you need to hear…and lots ahead this weekend
City Council meets this evening with the Regular Meeting beginning at 5 p.m. The are several items that will figure to draw particular interest.
The first item of the Regular Order is consideration as whether to authorize the release of records exempt from disclosure under the California Public Records Act.
Specifically, this deals with whether the Police Department should accommodate a Public Records Request seeking to obtain the police officer’s body-worn camera video and related LBPD dispatch call logs in the instance of City Manager Shohreh Dupuis who was recently pulled over while using her cellphone while driving her vehicle.
The city’s claim is that they are not required by law to do so and they feel supported by a California Supreme Court ruling “interpreting the Act.”
The problem is that a small but extremely vocal group of residents seems intent in getting their hands on that information. It’s a group that has continually battled Dupuis in her role as City Manager.
Another item that would seem to be of interest relates to the contracted City Attorney position. Phillip Kohn, from Rutan & Tucker, who has served the city in that role dating back to October 1982, has indicated his plan to step aside at some point in 2023. Indicators, however, say they don’t expect it until sometime after June.
Still, the city, in anticipation of such a move, is expected to direct staff to prepare a Request for Proposal for a new appointment/contract. The particulars currently include a monthly retainer totaling $15,000 a month for 60 hours of general matters, with an hourly rate of $280 per hour over that.
Additionally, the 2022-23 City Fiscal Year Budget includes $900,000 for services with Rutan & Tucker.
Rutan & Tucker has represented the city since March 1979, however, the RFP will be an open process.
That item falls on the Consent Calendar and will be considered in combination with all other items on the Consent unless someone chooses to pull one for further discussion.
Other items on Consent include a proposed Resolution declaring a local state of emergency caused by local winter storms that would request the Governor of the State of California and President of the United States to assist and aid the city, individuals and businesses affected with state and federal aid.
Like everywhere around SoCal, there has been considerable damage throughout the community that includes flooding in the canyon, various mud and debris slides, beach erosion and a damaged lifeguard tower from one particular storm surge.
Next up, under the Regular Order will be:
–The release and update on 2022 Crime Statistics by the LBPD.
–The potential approval for the recommendation of a third amendment with Waste Management to add an additional one-year contract extension for service to tie the city over until a new RFP is completed.
–The approval of the 2023 Summer Parking Management Plan and Transit Services (includes lease agreements at Mission Hospital, Laguna College of Art + Design and the Festival of Arts, use of the Act V lot with discounted parking and operation of the summer trolley service and expanded Laguna Local on-demand).
–The discussion of the fee schedule, reservation system and more for the city’s Community and Recreation Center on Coast Highway.
–And, finally, there will be an appeal of an approval from Design Review, which included a variance at 705 Marlin Drive.
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City staff issued this update yesterday: The Public Workshop scheduled for this Thursday (March 23) to discuss plans for The Promenade on Forest has been postponed and a new meeting date will be provided in the very near future.
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Congrats to Stu News Newport and Stu News Laguna editor Lana Johnson who was recognized at the Second Annual Women’s History Month Appreciation Brunch this past Saturday. The event, hosted by Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley, was held at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.
Lana was awarded as the recipient in the Print Media category as a Woman Making a Difference.
Supervisor Foley recognized “women storytellers whose significant contributions tell (their) stories. This timely theme honors women in every community who devote their lives and talents to producing art and news, pursuing truth, and reflecting society in Orange County decade after decade.”
Lana certainly fits that bill and her team here at Stu News couldn’t be prouder of this deserving recognition.
In creating The Salt Horse, Sam Savage Breit pays homage to back-to-the-land lifestyle
By DIANNE RUSSELL
Photos by Mary Hurlbut
The Salt Horse, a farm-to-table specialty grocery store, may be the best kept secret in Laguna, but hopefully for owner Sam Savage Breit, it won’t be much longer. Open since October 2022, it shares a building (that previously housed two plant nurseries) with Business and Pleasure. The names of both shops – Business & Pleasure (which sells unique beach accessories) and The Salt Horse – are mysterious and could represent a multitude of endeavors.
However, the focus of The Salt Horse is not at all secretive – the main goal is to serve the community by sourcing the freshest and most sustainable, nutritious, organic and seasonal produce from California family farms. At its core is a farm-to-table concept for down home living in a modern world and the celebration of the stories behind the food – the people who grew it, raised it, caught and created it.
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Sam Savage Breit opened The Salt Horse in October 2022. The logo was designed by local artist Gulliver Farnan.
Stories
The name of The Salt Horse has special meaning to Breit, one that she was unaware of until she started researching the name.
“I did a search of the name to be sure it wasn’t being used anywhere else,” she said. “The salt represents the essential seasoning that can make or break a dish and salt to the earth people who I have the pleasure of working with. The horse represents the farm, the original way food was delivered, and hard- working people, which you have to be to be in this industry. I discovered that it is an Irish nautical slang for corned beef.
“Immediately I knew this was serendipity and must be the name of my dream business. You see I was named after my grandfather, Samuel Savage, a deep sea diver from Ireland. Family is a huge inspiration for also why I founded The Salt Horse. Inspiring people to gather, tell stories and create food memories.”
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Hand-curated artisan goods and specialty foods. The beautiful macramé pieces hanging from the ceiling were made by local artist Jim Olarte.
When entering The Salt Horse, it’s obvious the space is all about food – but on a deeper level – its benefits, where it came from, the story behind it, its relationship to health and well-being, how it affects the planet and how it connects families around the dinner table.
Sounds like a lot to ask of food, but Breit breaks it down. “We are what we eat. Food affects the mind, body and mood. It either energizes or depletes,” she said. “We need to get into a ritual of recognizing the value of health and the choices we make and what are we going to grow, because we’re stripping the earth.”
However, according to Breit, there is a solution – sourcing local markets.
“When I select a vendor, I want to make sure the farm is using organic farming practices, taking care of the environment and not spraying pesticides,” she said. “It makes a difference, and we have to be conscious of our decisions. It’s a very important question, because it affects our health and well-being. Over the years, how food is produced has drastically changed, it’s full of chemicals and artificial ingredients. Once people become educated about organic food, they can taste the difference – it’s a sensory experience.”
The Salt Horse carries other items such as salsa, fresh goods, dips and they offer charcuterie boards.
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Breit created her dream business
Pursuing a dream
“My passion is to create a more sustainable food system for our local communities and transform the grocery business through mindful and valuable innovation,” Breit stated on her website.
How did this vision become a reality?
“I wondered where I was going to start my startup business,” Breit said. “I emailed Business & Pleasure and said, ‘I’m very passionate about food, I’m trying to create my dream business, can I sublease part of this beautiful building?’”
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LPAPA’s “19th Annual Best of Plein Air” Gallery to be on exhibit until April 3
Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA) is presenting their 19th Annual Best of Plein Air exhibition and sale as a unique virtual and on-site gallery exhibition of works created “en plein aire.” More than 371 entries by 140 artists were received for this show with jurors: LPAPA Signature Artist Suzie Baker; LPAPA Signature Artist and Board Member Anthony Salvo and LPAPA Executive Co-Director Bonnie Langner.
Chosen were 52 original paintings created by LPAPA Signature and Artist members for the show’s coveted LPAPA Gallery spots. An additional 31 top-scoring semi-finalists were included in the online exhibition. Jean Stern, Director Emeritus of The Irvine Museum, served as awards judge.
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Photos courtesy of LPAPA
First place 2023, “Jitterbug” by Geoff Allen
This year’s award winners included 1st Place Jitterbug by Geoff Allen, 2nd Place Morning Glow by Mark Fehlman, 3rd Place La Jolla Cove by Michael Hill, Honorable Mention Sunset Trail by Jason Li and Facebook Fans People’s Choice Award Crystal Cove’s Legacy by Mark Fehlman. The 1st Place award-winning artist will also receive an invitation to participate in LPAPA’s 25th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational, October 7-15.
LPAPA’s Senior Executive Director, Rosemary Swimm said, “In creating a work of art for the “Best of Plein Air” show, LPAPA artists are challenged to create their best plein air painting, knowing that they are competing against the best of the best artists. Only works created in plein air are included in this show.”
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Second place 2023, “Morning Glow” by Mark Fehlman
Proceeds from the sale of artwork benefits participating artists, and the nonprofit LPAPA, helping to sustain LPAPA’s mission that is dedicated to painting the landscape, preserving Laguna’s artistic legacy and promoting the plein air painting tradition. LPAPA strives to enhance the livelihood of its artist members and inspire the next generation of plein air painters.
The LPAPA Gallery is located on Gallery Row in Laguna Beach at 414 N. Coast Highway. Gallery hours are Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and by appointment. They can also be reached at 949.376.3635, or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Learn more about Best of Plein Air Art Show by clicking here.
LBUSD technology chief recognized by Association of California School Administrators
Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) Chief Technology Officer Michael Morrison has been named 2023 Technology Administrator of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 17, which covers all school districts in Orange County.
ACSA is the largest umbrella organization for school leaders in the nation. Region 17 focuses on serving educational leaders in the pursuit of equity and excellence to meet the diverse needs of all students in Orange County. One of ACSA’s priorities is to ensure that school leaders are recognized for their excellence and dedication to public education; administrators of the year are selected for their outstanding performance and achievement in their respective categories.
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Michael Morrison (front row, second from left)
“Mr. Morrison’s technological leadership and innovation have paved the way for new methods of teaching that engage our students and inspire our staff to explore different tools and platforms for experiential learning,” said Superintendent Jason Viloria, Ed.D. “He has been leading our technology initiatives for nearly a decade, but the impact of his work will extend far beyond his time with LBUSD,” he added.
Morrison was nominated by Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board Victoria Webber and Thurston Middle School Principal Joe Vidal, and surprised with the award announcement by Dr. Viloria, technology services staff, school district and site administrators.
“It is an honor to receive this award from ACSA. I really believe in the work ACSA does in creating opportunities to connect with colleagues and learn from each other’s expertise. I am lucky to be in a district that supports creative solutions because nothing I’ve accomplished could have been possible without the remarkable team in LBUSD and a supportive Board of Education.”
ACSA Region 17 will recognize all award recipients at the Orange County Administrators of the Year banquet on May 8 in Irvine.
Council agenda includes facility reservation program for South Laguna campus, summer parking management plan, disclosure of records
By SARA HALL
Laguna Beach City Council will consider a variety of interesting items during their meeting next week.
At tonight's meeting (Tuesday, March 21), during regular business, on the consent calendar, and during extraordinary business, council will hear and/or consider: A facility reservation program and license agreement policy and associated fee schedule for the former St. Catherine campus; 2023 summer parking management plan; waiving the exemption under the Public Records Act and authorize the disclosure of certain records; an amendment to the solid waste franchise agreement and a second reading of the bluff overlay district and major remodel ordinance.
Last up during regular business, council will consider approving the interim use facility reservation program and the license agreement policy and associated fee schedule for the Laguna Beach Community and Recreation Center (former home of the St. Catherine of Siena parish school campus) located at 30516 Coast Highway. Council will also consider approving limiting large events with more than 40 participants and other special events to two days or less (per event) and require a temporary use permit for such events.
On January 24, council voted 4-1 in favor of the interim use plan for the property. Councilmember George Weiss dissented, saying that he liked the idea but thought it was premature.
The interim use plan approved in January takes advantage of the available office spaces and recreational areas without making any structural changes on the property, which provides approximately 39,500 square feet of indoor space.
Use of the property will include most available classrooms, opening and emergency operations center and training room, a police department and marine safety substation and relocating fire department administration from city hall to the property’s administrative area.
Recreational programming includes indoor pickleball, youth recreation classes, adult drop-in basketball, cultural arts programming on the stage and wedding ceremonies performed in the chapel. Long-term uses of the property will be considered as part of a comprehensive city facilities master plan.
The action in January also directed staff to develop an interim rental program and fee structure with an agreement that is mindful of any long-term uses prioritized as part of the facilities master plan.
The facility reservation and rental program will provide residents, nonprofit serving Laguna Beach, and other community organizations the opportunity to use the facility in coordination with the city’s recreation programming and other planned civic uses. These organizations can reserve the space in the gymnasium, indoor classrooms and the grass field for sports practices on an hourly basis, Monday through Friday, at a set fee per hour. Weekend rentals may also be available in the future, depending on staff availability and community interest.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
A facility reservation program and license agreement policy and associated fee schedule for the former St. Catherine campus is on the council agenda
Staff is proposing the reservation program be managed on a first come, first serve basis that gives priority to: City-sponsored programs and events; Laguna Beach nonprofit organizations; Laguna Beach Unified School District-sponsored programs; local individual groups and residents, and sports clubs and for-profit businesses.
The proposed hourly rates are consistent with what’s currently charged for indoor space at other Laguna Beach facilities and comparable to fees charged by other Orange County cities.
The proposed hourly rates are:
–Local nonprofits (including LBUSD events) will be charged $42 for classrooms, $25 for the field, $55 for half the gym and $85 for the full gym.
–Local individual groups will be charged $62 for classrooms, $40 for the field, $75 for half the gym and $115 for the full gym.
–Businesses will be charged $88 for classrooms, $50 for the field, $115 for half the gym and $150 for the full gym.
According to the staff report, city employees will have complete authority over the facility, equipment, participants and activities, including the authority to request changes to an activity. An additional fee of $25 per hour will be charged if additional city staff is required for the activity.
Vehicles must be parked within the existing capacity of the property and coordinated with other city activities. All equipment is removed at the end of event and all trash is placed in appropriate containers as designated by city staff.
Fee-based classes or programs (other than recreation programs), receptions, fundraising events, in events for sales purposes cannot participate in this program.
The proposed license agreement program is provided to govern the use of approximately six general purpose classrooms that will be available for weekly or monthly rentals under a license agreement program, Organizations will be able to utilize the space for short-term, non-recreational use, like meetings or training programs.
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Touring the St. Catherine of Siena School property
Photos by Mary Hurlbut
During a recent tour of the St. Catherine of Siena School property (three open houses were conducted on March 8, 9 and 11), guests were able to view the property as well as many of the interior spaces.
On January 24, City Council voted 4-1 in favor of the interim use plan, taking advantage of the available office spaces and recreational areas without making any structural changes on the property, which provides approximately 39,500 square feet of indoor space.
Use of the property will include most available classrooms, opening an emergency operations center and training room, a police department and marine safety substation and relocating fire department administration from city hall to the property’s administrative area.
Recreational programming includes indoor pickleball, youth recreation classes, adult drop-in basketball, cultural arts programming on the stage and wedding ceremonies performed in the chapel. Long-term uses of the property will be considered as part of a comprehensive city facilities master plan. City staff is planning to use the kindergarten classroom and connected secured playground space and restrooms for early education classes through the city’s recreation program.
Special events with 40 or more participants on the outdoor spaces, like the field or playground, would require a separate temporary use permit and an application fee. They would be reviewed by city staff on a case-by-case basis.
There is no immediate use proposed for the former chapel space. City staff is reviewing opportunities for weddings and small community meetings to be offered at this location. A proposed plan is expected to be presented to council later this year.
A facility reservation program and license agreement policy and associated fee schedule for the former St. Catherine campus is on the council agenda this evening (Tuesday, March 21). The revenue for the new fees is estimated to be $150,000 annually and approximately $15,000 during the fiscal year 2022-23.
Here are some photos that were captured during one of the two-hour tours.
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Exterior of St. Catherine of Siena School
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Entrance to the courtyard
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Chapel entrance
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Chapel interior
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Olive tree courtyard
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Stairs to the 2nd and 3rd floors
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This space will be used for Emergency Operations Center training
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Police and Marine Safety substation
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Walking across the playground to the stairs (there is an elevator, too)
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Library on the 3rd floor
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Play yard with lunch tables
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Kindergarten playground
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This office space may be used for fire administration
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Outside of the gymnasium
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The gymnasium can be divided into two spaces with a drop-down wall
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Tour guide Michael Litschi, director of Transit and Community Services
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Field grassy area, where there was talk of turning this into a parking lot. City council chose not to do that in the interim plan, but it may come up for discussion again.
Lagunatics honors local heroes with a song and dance
Lagunatics’ 30th anniversary show went hunting for some real heroes for the “Roast of the Coast,” which opened March 10 at the Forum Theatre. Of course, after surviving a pandemic, this show, with a live audience, became even more special to the cast and crew who created and delivered it. Realizing that their singing and dancing silliness is welcome medicine, the Lagunatics’ cast also recognizes a moment to celebrate some unsung heroes in the community. Yes, of course they have a musical number about it.
Their “Hero” number will be sung by Yvonne Browning, and each night they recognize a “hero” from Laguna, each one nominated by some of their special community organizations. Nominees are from the city, LBPD, Marine Safety, LB Fire, LBUSD and from each of the public schools.
If you are a fan, please feel free to drop your heroes a note to let them know you are proud of their recognition. They plan on dancing and singing about them in hero costumes and capes just to show them how special they are.
When they asked Thurston Middle School Principal Joe Vidal, what size cape his nominee would need, he laughingly replied “enormous”…obviously indicating the size of his nominee’s contribution.
Heroes to be honored this weekend include:
–Friday, March 24: Bundy Kinder, Intervention Paraeducator El Morro Elementary School.
–Saturday, March 25: LBPD Officer Rosie Santana and K9 Cooper
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LBPD Community Services Officer Rosie Santana and K9 Cooper will be honored on Saturday, March 25
Past honored recipients include: Leslie Powley, Laguna Beach Marine Safety Lifeguard (March 11), Mo Howson, Superstar for their Special Sensory Performance (March 12) and LBFD Captain Crissy Teichmann (March 17).
Carol Normandin, past LBUSD School Board Member and TOW parent along with nominees Thurston Middle School Resource Officer Fred Yeilding and LBUSD football coach John Shanahan were schedule to be honored on March 25, but are unable to attend.
Get your tickets to these two shows so you can laugh and sing, and be sure to applaud these local heroes. For tickets and more information, see the website at www.nosquare.org.
Recognitions are sponsored by the State of California, Lodging Establishments and City of Laguna Beach, Patrick Quilter, Dorene and Lee Butler Family Foundation, Yvonne and John Browning, City of Laguna Beach, Chris Quilter, Tom and Carolyn Bent, FOA Foundation, Laguna Real Estate Charitable Assistance Fund, Goldstein Family Fund and the Hall Charitable Foundation.
LBCAC celebrates Women’s History Month
The Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center (LBCAC) continues to honor Women’s History Month with intimate concerts and movie screenings. Note: Simply Sammy (originally scheduled for February 25) has now been rescheduled to April 29.
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“She Said” - March 22
–Wednesday, March 22, 6:30 p.m.
She Said, Women’s History Month Film Festival
Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan star as New York Times reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, who together broke one of the most important stories in a generation – a story that helped launch the #Metoo movement, shattered decades of silence around the subject of sexual assault in Hollywood and altered American culture forever.
Free admission, but donations are appreciated. Limited Seating. To RSVP, click here.
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“Hidden Figures” - March 29
–Wednesday, March 29, 6:30 p.m.
Hidden Figures, Women’s History Month Film Festival
Three brilliant African-American women at NASA – Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson – serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race and galvanized the world.
Free admission, but donations are appreciated. Limited Seating. To RSVP, click here.
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Larry and Joe - April 15
–Saturday, April 15, 8 p.m.
Larry & Joe Fuse Venezuela And Appalachia
Larry and Joe were meant to be together. Larry Bellorín hails from Monagas, Venezuela and is a legend of Llanera music. Joe Troop is from North Carolina and is a Grammy-nominated bluegrass and old time musician. Larry was forced into exile and is an asylum seeker in North Carolina. Joe, after a decade in South America, got stranded back in his stomping grounds in the pandemic. Larry works construction to make ends meet. Joe’s acclaimed “latingrass” band Che Apalache was forced into hiatus, and he shifted into action working with asylum seeking migrants.
For tickets, click here.
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“The Trial of Ayn Rand” - April 18
–Tuesday, April 18, 7 p.m.
The Trial of Ayn Rand, Bare Bones Theatre presents a reading
Ayn Rand is the OG Mean Girl whose ideas are a gateway drug to right-wing politics. You be the judge in The Trial of Ayn Rand by William Missouri Downs starring Ava Burton and Ben Farrow. Limited seating. For tickets, click here.
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“Simply Sammy” - April 29
–Saturday, April 29, 8-10 p.m.
“Simply Sammy” - A Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr.
Starring Doug Starks
A 90-minute reflection of the music, memories and moments shared with the world’s greatest entertainer. According to Starks, “My conversations, common interest and motivations. My relationship went from fan to friend. Join me as I recount it. The music. The dance. The stories. The man. Simply put, Simply Sammy.”
For tickets, click here.
LBCAC is located at 235 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach.
For tickets and the LBCAC calendar, go to www.lbculturalartscenter.org.
LBCAC has installed a Patriot Air Purification System to ensure a virus-free environment.
Grant funding was made possible by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach.
LAM adds two more events to spring calendar and Shepard Fairey exhibit opens
Many exciting exhibitions are on view at Laguna Art Museum (LAM) and the museum has added more public programs, including innovative workshops and musical performances. On Saturday, March 11, a new exhibit opened.
Facing the Giant – Three Decades of Dissent: Shepard Fairey features a selection of key works that highlight how Fairey has developed an intentionally accessible visual style that speaks broadly by pulling from visual history to address critical issues.
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Photos courtesy of LAM
Fairey created viral art sticker campaign
It all began with a sticker. From 1989 onward, Fairey’s non-conformist attitude was established with the creation of his viral art sticker campaign Andre the Giant Has a Posse. The following 30 years saw Fairey develop a constant presence in the urban landscape, forging a global following and establishing himself as a leading artist who has influenced youth culture, fashion, identity, aesthetics and even politics. His bold, iconic images always convey a clear message, often depicting the struggle of oppression as a human experience and celebrating those who fight for change.
Poster Contest – New In The Lab @ LAM: Use your voice and speak up for a cause that is important to you! Inspired by Facing the Giant – Three Decades of Dissent: Shepard Fairey, create a mixed-media poster for a purpose.
Snap a picture of your “poster for a cause” inspired by this exhibit and tag @lagunaartmuseum on Instagram for a chance to win.
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Beautiful Oops! - Storytime on March 25
–Saturday, March 25, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Storytime - Beautiful Oops!
Bring your little ones to Laguna Art Museum for an interactive storytime and art-making experience unlike any other. Read-alouds will be supplemented with mindfulness exercises, art-making projects, or in-gallery activities that promote meaningful connections with caregivers and others.
Storytime featuring Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg, with an activity that encourages participants to use out-of-the-box thinking and creativity to create beautiful pieces of art. Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach will be partnering with LAM to help spread the message of a growth mindset and how you can turn your “oops” into a beautiful work of art. Fee: Museum members: $7, Non-members: $14. All children receive free admission. Tickets are required for accompanying adults only. For tickets, click here.
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In celebration of Women’s History Month, March 26
–Sunday, March 26, 10 a.m.
Feminist Art and Craftivism
In celebration of Women’s History Month, join the Laguna Art Museum for a lecture on feminist art presented by Katie Ruiz of The Women’s Museum of California. From the suffrage sashes and banners of the early 1900s to the pink knitted hats of the modern Women’s March movement, textiles and craft have played an important role as a messenger for women’s activism. By celebrating craftwork as a tool of artistic and political expression, and not only as private acts of women’s labor, observers will see how impactful women have been in our society.
Advance tickets are recommended. Museum members: $7, Non-members: $14. For tickets, click here.
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What’s it worth?
–Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
What’s it Worth?
John Moran Auctioneers & Appraisers, in partnership with the Laguna Art Museum, invites the public to have up to five items professionally valued. Appraisers at John Moran Auctioneers will provide a verbal valuation of your treasures. Please find below a full list of items that may be valued. Items cannot be left unattended within the museum.
Guests to the “What’s it Worth” may bring items (up to 5), including Paintings, Sculpture, Prints and Multiples, Photography, Decorative Art and Furniture, Books and Manuscripts, Asian works of art and Decorative items, Clocks and Barometers, Coins and Medals, Handbags and Accessories, Ceramics and Glass, Jewelry, Judaica, Musical Instruments, Objects of Vertu, Pre-Columbian Art, Native American items, Western Items, African and Oceanic, Rugs, Silver, Collectibles, Stamps and Watches.
Photographs/cellphone images may also be evaluated if items cannot be brought into the museum. Advance tickets recommended. Museum members: $20, Non-members: $30. For tickets, click here.
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Phil Dike, “Laguna Beach Walk,” 1971, Gift of the Virginia Steele Scott Foundation, Laguna Art Museum Permanent Collection
-Sunday, April 2, 10 a.m.
Jean Stern Presents History and Development of Watercolor Painting
In this illustrated lecture, Stern will trace the history and development of watercolor painting. Stern will define various water-based media and discuss such variants as watercolor, gouache and tempera. He will review the historical evolution and show that water-based paint appears in ancient art dating back to the cave paintings of pre-historic societies. Also discussed will be the many forms of water-based media through history with examples from ancient civilizations including Medieval, the Renaissance and into the Twentieth Century. Mr. Stern will close the presentation by discussing the remarkable works of the California Watercolor Style, dating from about 1925 to the present and show examples of contemporary watercolor paintings of today.
The lecture consists of about 100 slides and lasts approximately 45 minutes with time for questions and answers afterwards. John Moran Auctioneers & Appraisers are the exclusive auctioneer/appraiser business for the 2023 John Stern Presents Lectures.
Advance tickets recommended. Museum members: $7, Non-members: $14.
For tickets, click here.
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Jenni Olson and Friends perform on April 16
–Sunday, April 16, 1 p.m.
Live! at the Museum, Jenni Olson and Friends
Join Jenni Olson and Friends, a flute, bassoon and harp trio, as they perform in the museum. She is joined by Christin Webb and Marcia Dickstein. Please arrive early to enjoy the museum’s exhibitions and social time. Live! at the Museum is presented in partnership with Laguna Beach Live! Laguna Live! concerts are partially funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.
Advance tickets are recommended. Laguna Art Museum members and Laguna Beach Live! Members: Free. Non-members: $14 per person. For tickets, click here.
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Earth Day Celebrations on April 22
–Saturday, April 22, 11 a.m.
Earth Day Celebrations: Storytime and Beach Cleanup with Project O
Join the Laguna Art Museum and Project O in celebration of Earth Day. Rich German, founder of Project O, will commence the celebration with story time by reading My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan, followed by a presentation and book signing by German and his book Blue Laguna, and wrapping up the day will be a beach cleanup. All supplies for the cleanup with be provided, but feel free to bring your own work gloves.
Project O is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization founded by noted entrepreneur Rich German and based in the coastal town of Laguna Beach, California. By restoring, protecting and sustaining the ocean and all that lives in it, we ensure the wellbeing of humankind now and for generations to come. Our various programs and projects include developing and supporting innovative partner programs for ocean conservation, and educating the next generation to protect the ocean and make cleaning up plastic pollution a priority.
Please wear appropriate clothes and shoes for beach cleanup.
Advance tickets are recommended. Youth 12 & Under: Free, Museum members: $20, Non-members: $30. For tickets, click here.
For more information about Laguna Art Museum exhibitions and programming, visit www.lagunaartmuseum.org.
Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach.
The Artists Fund of Festival of Arts announces March news
“Without Artists There Can Be No Art.” The Artists Fund is a nonprofit organization that provides Hardship Grants, Enrichment Grants and professional development seminars, to past and present Festival of Arts exhibitors, as well as art shows and events for the public.
Enrichment Grant awarded to Echo Baker
Provided year-round by The Artists Fund, the Enrichment Grant is an award to past and present FOA Exhibitors who are growing or expanding their careers. A recent award went to figurative painter Echo Baker who wrote, “I am extremely grateful for winning the Enrichment Grant from The Artists Fund! This grant helps pay my tuition to the annual conference of Portrait Society of America (PSA) in Washington DC this May.
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Courtesy of Artists Fund
“Portrait” by Echo Baker
“I have been a member of the PSA for about 15 years, and yet I haven’t been able to attend its annual conference, due to lack of funds and my teaching job at the college. The PSA annual conference is an excellent opportunity for portrait and figurative artists to congregate where over two dozen master artists demonstrate their craft, and share insights of their creative journeys. The conference provides a unique opportunity for me to learn from the best, and be inspired to bring my art to the next level.”
Art Stars – The Artists Fund recognized among nominees
The Artists Fund became a member of Laguna Beach Arts Alliance (LBAA) in 2022. The LBAA is a nonprofit collection of 27 local industry organizations that encourages collaboration, sharing of resources, and support for our audiences, community and city. A program of the LBAA is the annual Art Stars Awards event, which celebrates innovation, leadership, and patronage among several award categories. Nominees were named in March, and winners will be announced live at a ceremony in April.
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Lani Emanuel
Among the nominees are figurative painter, and current FOA exhibitor, Lani Emanuel, for Artist of the Year category. Highlights from her 2022 year include having a piece in the California Art Club Gold Medal Exhibition and a solo show of her adolescent female figurative works at Oceanside Museum of Art, where she won Best in Show at the Artist Alliance Biennial. Nominated in the Best in Collaboration category, is the trio of Festival of Arts Foundation, The Artists Fund at Festival of Arts and Third Street Writers for their “Art Inscribed” project.
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Photographer Christopher Allwine is among featured artists in
“Art Inscribed”
The project included a chapbook of poems alongside images of art by FOA exhibitors. A live reading was performed, and a book sale held on the Festival grounds, which sold out, and a second-printing was sold at the Farmers’ Market. Proceeds from sales supported The Artists Fund, who co-marketed the project, and the FOA Foundation, who provided initial funding. “We are grateful to have worked with our wonderful collaborators and to the LBAA for this amazing recognition!” said Artists Fund President Wendy Wirth.
For more information on the Artists Fund, go to www.theartistsfund-foa.org.
Sawdust Art Festival mixes it up with new classes and workshops for spring
Sawdust Art Festival is offering a variety of art classes for the coming months – a program that operates in the festival off-season. From watercolors to glass dragon flies, they offer myriad experiences from which to choose to get creative, so sign up now.
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Mixed Media Magic, March 23 and March 30
–Thursday, March 23, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
–Thursday, March 30, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Mixed Media Magic with Charleine
Immerse yourself into Charleine’s world of vibrant color and magic, where you will learn how to use color, acrylic paint and mixed media to create a truly beautiful, impressionistic style, work of art. Step by step, Charleine will show you how to build your composition using a bold, expressive style and how to work with color and abstract themes. Absolutely no experience is necessary (although this is a great way to “loosen up” if you do have experience). All materials for this class will be provided, including canvas, paint, collage, professional brushes and instruction. Please ensure that you wear comfortable, “not your best” clothes as things can sometimes get a bit messy. Fee $95 per student, all material included.
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Drypoint Etching
–Friday, March 24, 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Drypoint Etching with Hedy Buzan
Learn this fascinating printmaking process with long-time artist and printmaker, Hedy Buzan. Step by step, Buzan will show you how to print line etchings using the drypoint process. You will start the class by drawing a simple design (either from a favorite photo or picture that you bring with you, or from an image Buzan will have). You will then transfer it onto a plate, which is printed onto paper using an etching press. Buzan will also demonstrate how to create prints at home without using a press. Your beautiful, finished print will be mounted on matt board, ready for you to frame and hang on your wall.
Cost: $125 per student. This 2.5-hour class includes all materials and matboard.
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Learn to paint aspen trees in oil in a two-day workshop
–Two-day workshop: Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25, 2-4 p.m.
Aspen Trees in Oli with Cydette Vikander
Learn how to paint enchanting aspen trees in oil paint, during this inspiring, introductory class taught by artist Cydette Vikander. Under her gentle guidance, and following supplied reference material, you will sketch out your image initially in paint and then slowly start blocking in color using both a brush and palette knife. You will learn about the viscosity of oil paint and how to layer and apply it, how to use a color palette, how to hold your brush/palette knife to allow for bold, decisive strokes and how to mix color that will result in a rich, deep pigmentation in your painting. This is an inspiring class that will take the fear out of oil painting. Suitable for both beginner and those with experience. Price includes all materials and a glass of wine to help. Cost: $150 per student. This two-day workshop includes all materials and a complimentary glass of wine.
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Make a wall pocket vase
–Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
–Sunday, April 2, 10 a.m.
Wall Pocket Vase with Barbara Lolli
Learn how to create a wall pocket vase using colorful frit (small pieces of glass), glass powder and sheet glass in this intro to the art of fused glass. Glass artist Barbara Lolli will guide you step-by-step on how to design, assemble and prepare your glass art for firing. The firing of your pieces will be done offsite and will be available for pickup at the Sawdust, or mailed to you by USPS priority mail at a small extra cost depending on the size of the piece. Cost is $125 per student. This three-hour class includes all materials and firing costs.
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LOCA marches into spring
LOCA has put together an interesting and diverse mix of events for the end of March and going into spring. There are new art programs and collaborations between LOCA and LPAPA – Artful Afternoons and paint togethers. Here comes spring!
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Debra Huse, Virtual Paint Together
–Tuesday, March 21, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
LPAPA and LOCA - Debra Huse: Virtual Paint Together
Register to join LPAPA Signature Artist Member Debra Huse in this fun and informative LPAPA+LOCA live-streamed Mentor Paint Together session on “Get the Glow.” In this Virtual Paint Together, Huse will demonstrate her oil painting process, brush stroke by brush stroke, in creating a beautiful sunset painting. Sunsets are beautiful, but sometimes difficult.
Registration fee: $25 for LPAPA and LOCA Members, $50 for Non-members. For tickets, click here.
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Casey Parlette in his shop
–Wednesday, March 22, 5:30-7 p.m.
Meet Casey Parlette - Wildlife Sculptor, wood, metal and stone
Laguna Beach Community Center, 380 Third St., free onsite parking
LOCA is combining “Art + Dining” into one unique, mid-week experience in downtown Laguna Beach.
Casey Parlette creates representational and stylized sculptures and wall installations of ocean life, fish, insects and more. His shark sculptures were recently displayed outside Laguna Beach City Hall, and his octopus sculpture and kelp bench are on permanent view at Heisler Park. Parlette will present samples of his work, and share stories about his newest wall installation, Pelicans, for the newly renovated Coast Inn in Laguna Beach. All attendees will qualify for our drawing to win one of two signed copies of his book A Natural Eye.
Free to LOCA Members, Non-members $20. Advance registration is required, so email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Artful Afternoons at the Library
–Thursday, March 23, 3-4 p.m.
Artful Afternoons at the Library
Laguna Beach Library 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach LOCA Arts
Education is offering free art workshops for kids at Laguna Beach Public Library. Young children ages 4-6 will enjoy Artful Afternoons on Thursdays, March 23, 30 and April 6 from 3-4 p.m. LOCA teachers Reem Khalil and Allison Keefe will introduce books, stories and pictures as inspiration for the art projects.
Nature-themed books are the focus this spring. The workshops are free and no registration is required.
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Whitewater
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
The sea foam gathers, seemingly trapped between the beach and the pounding waves
Dennis’ Local Almanac
By DENNIS McTIGHE
Laguna latitude
Here on Sunday, the 19th, the sunrise occurred at 6:57 a.m., and our sunset this evening will be at 7:03 p.m. The Vernal Equinox is today, an event in which the entire globe is supposed to see exactly 12 hours of sun – which includes both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
However, here at our latitude, the exact 12 hours happens a few days before the 21st, more like the 16th or 17th. The same goes for the fall when the actual 12 hours happen around September 24th or 25th instead of the 21st.
At any rate, the beginning of spring has arrived in our hemisphere while the beginning of fall is officially underway in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s all about how much the Earth is tilted toward the Sun. The Equator sees an equal amount of sun the whole year at around 12 hours.
Over the course of the next several days, our first significant long period Southern Hemisphere groundswell is expected to make an appearance at our local south facing beaches with sets approaching 8-10 feet – at some spots. These swells are traveling a long distance, upwards of 6,000-7,000 miles from their source to their landfall here in Southern California. It will take a week or more for them to travel those thousands of miles to reach our beaches.
The strong systems that produce these big swells are born in a region known as “The Roaring 40s,” where most of these lows form in a belt from 40-50 degrees south latitude from the Equator, hence the moniker. It is much like our hemisphere’s storm belt, in which most storms are born in that area. It is roughly at 40-50 degrees north latitude where these storms begin their long journey to the east or ENE across the Pacific, eventually winding up at their landfall on North America’s Pacific West Coast (somewhere between the Mexifornia border all the way up to Southern Alaska’s west coast).
Southern Hemisphere storms travel to the east or ENE as well but do not encounter major landforms as they push on. They pass under South America’s southern tip known as Tierra del Fuego and continue their journey into the Atlantic passing to the south of Africa’s Cape Town and eventually, on occasion, going full circle.
Not every storm down there produces large swells that make it all the way up here. Don’t get me wrong, as all storms down there do push swells of varying strength ahead of these systems, but it’s all about the direction in which these lows are moving. Storms that are moving straight to the east won’t push swells our way as a rule, affecting the beaches well to our south like in Mainland Mexico, Central America and much of the west coast of South America.
It can be totally flat here in Southern California, but in a place like Puerto Escondido, the waves can be 20 feet far to our south way down there in Southernmost Mexico and points beyond. However, if that storm is pushing to the ENE, that opens up a much wider swell window – and that’s when it gets huge up here as well.
One such storm in July 1996 was so strong when it was about 600 miles south of Tahiti, giant waves were recorded from Tahiti all the way north to the coast of Alaska. That very swell produced sets up to 15 feet here in Laguna on July 24, 1996, with sets as big as 25 feet at Newport’s Wedge.
Here comes swell number one here in 2023 – on Sunday at 12 p.m., waves are beginning to arrive from the south, so stay tuned!
See you next Tuesday!
Lagunatics celebrates “30 years of Yucks” with an anniversary show that’s hilarious, nostalgic and quintessentially Laguna
By MARRIE STONE
Photos by Jeff Rovner
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 can’t laugh at yourself, life is going to seem a whole lot longer than you’d like. –Natalie Portman
Few things take the sting out of nasty local politics, impossible parking, rude tourists and sewage spills like humor. Fortunately, we live in a town that loves to laugh – and never harder than when it’s laughing at itself. Lagunatics founder and director Bree Burgess Rosen has been on hand for 30 years to show us how.
The annual parody show was the brainchild of Burgess Rosen in the early ‘90s. Since then, she and her team of creatives have sought out the town’s many Achilles heels and whacked away. They’ve remastered more than 400 songs with side-splitting lyrics over the course of those decades. “It’s comedy therapy,” Burgess Rosen said. “Not a cure for cancer, but pretty close.”
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Lagunatics performing “All That Beach” (a take-off on “All That Jazz”) at the 30th anniversary show now on stage at the Forum Theatre through March 26
Winnowing those 400 songs down to 20 for their anniversary show was no easy feat. Highlights include our fire-prevention goats, the beloved City Hall peppertree, those overfed sea lions at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) and the revenue-rich Montage Resort, to name just a few. “I have great memories of doing all these songs the first time around,” Burgess Rosen said. “With friends that have moved on and some who have passed, it’s bittersweet. But [we’re making] new memories with this 30th anniversary. After all, I’m doing this crazy thing about my favorite town and with some of my favorite people on the planet. That’s pretty sweet.”
Like every good revival, Lagunatics called back old cast members of yore to perform the numbers they were once famous for back in the day. With a cast numbering nearly two dozen, wearing costumes as zany as the lyrics, they dance, prance and sashay across the stage, making their audiences remember why we all love living here, warts and all.
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Many former Lagunatics cast members returned for the anniversary show, dusting off their costumes and vocal chords to revive their greatest hits
“If you’re local, it’s a must see because we’re laughing at everything that makes Laguna Laguna,” said Lynn Epstein, who began with Lagunatics in 2004 and performed with them for nine years. “The comedy in the show is brilliant. Whether it’s delivered through cleverly written songs, funny dance steps or costumes, everyone is entertained.”
Taking comedic aim at its theatrical competition, the “celebrated cultural cash cow” known as the Pageant of the Masters, “In the Nude” “stripped away the Pageant’s veneer of respectability to uncover the naked truth behind its success.” A trio of marble statues (played by Bridget English, Susan Geiser and Yvonne Browning) hold binoculars to zoom in on the titillating scenes. “It’s so artistic and voyeuristic!”
Speaking of cash cows, Bobby Pickett’s “Monster Mash” is recast as “Montage Cash,” with witty (and accurate) lyrics like, “The City Council had come to this conclusion: our tax base was going to get a big infusion.” Wearing a rhinestone-embellished tuxedo and holding a martini glass, Steve McIntosh brought the perfect booming voice to his role.
McIntosh first performed in the show in 2007 and remained in Lagunatics until 2014 (though he appeared on the No Square Theatre stage in other productions since). “It’s much like riding a bike,” he said. “When you get to the theater, it all comes back to you.”
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Music Director Roxanna Ward brought down the house with her comedy routines and piano improvs. “I never thought I’d grow a hair…there,” she quipped before busting out “Are You Older Tonight?” (a spoof on Roy Turk’s and Lou Handman’s “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”)
While the stage may feel the same, bodies change with time. “I can tell you, it’s a lot tougher both physically and mentally being well into one’s 60s than in the 40s,” McIntosh said. “The choreography is a tough one to figure out if you don’t do it often. Believe me, the aches have shown up and I’ve got a couple of braces that are now part of my costume underwear!”
Epstein may have felt the passage of time, as well. “I asked Bree, ‘Did you deliberately put me in every dance number that’s more than four minutes?’ My cardiovascular abilities have improved!”
“There are a lot of moving parts to a show like this,” McIntosh said. “Costume changes, set movements, props, curtains, entrances and exits. And did I mention [the] costume changes? There is nothing crazier than trying to make a two-minute costume change when you have a clothes rack with dozens of costumes on it in a small space with 20 other performers. It is basically controlled chaos. It’s part of the backstage ballet. Eventually you figure out everyone’s patterns of movement, so you know what lurks behind a corner when rushing to get in place for the next number. Nothing is more frightening than turning a corner backstage in the dark and coming face to face with a sea lion!”
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Tickets are selling out fast to Susi Q’s “Evening with an Author” featuring Susan Straight
Tickets are selling out fast for an “An Evening with an Author,” featuring renowned novelist Susan Straight at the nonprofit Susi Q Center. The event takes place on Wednesday, March 29 from 5-7 p.m., with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. for attendees who would like to network while sipping wine and enjoying light hors d’oeuvres prior to the program.
Straight’s most recent best-seller, Mecca, is included in the $25 cost of the program.
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Submitted photo
Novelist Susan Straight
Esteemed arts columnist, published short-story writer and podcaster Marrie Stone will be in conversation with Straight, who is renowned for her entertaining and insightful novels portraying the life and times of Southern California’s ethnically mixed communities.
The event is the first of a series of “Evenings with an Author” planned for the Susi Q. Author Janelle Brown is slated for June 6 and novelist Lisa See will be featured on September 13.
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Photo by Jeff Rovner
Straight will be in conversation with Marrie Stone
“We like to think of the Susi Q as the place where the generations meet,” said Nadia Babayi, executive director, “and this event is a good example of programming that attracts every age group. We’re thrilled at the response.”
The Susi Q is operated by Laguna Beach Seniors, established in part to enable older adults to “age in place.”
“In Laguna Beach, ‘aging in place’ means you’re supported in your lifestyle and your own home as the years tick by, instead of feeling the need to move to a senior community,” said Babayi. “In that same vein, we encourage all age groups to attend our programs so that older adults don’t feel isolated from the community at large.”
Register online for “An Evening with an Author” at www.thesusiq.org and click on Classes. To RSVP by phone, call 949.715.8105, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Susi Q offers a wide range of educational and fun programs, classes and clubs for older adults – though all ages are welcome. The Susi Q’s Care Management Department provides free consultation, education and practical resources for vulnerable seniors, enabling them to stay safe, informed and independent. For more information on the Susi Q, the portal to access the best of Laguna’s community resources, visit www.thesusiq.org.
Laguna Beach High School Class of 2003 is seeking alumni for 20-year reunion
The Laguna Beach High School Class of 2003 is holding its 20-year reunion on October 21 right here in Laguna Beach. Festivities will include food, drinks, dancing and a DJ.
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Photos courtesy of LBHS Class of 2003
Laguna Beach High School Class of 2003
The class is trying to reach alumni and parents of alumni to assist in passing on this information, so graduates can reconnect with their former classmates.
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Laguna Beach High School Nautilus Yearbook cover for the 2002-2003 school years
Visit their website for more information and to buy tickets. Check out their Instagram page for news, fun throwback photos and teacher cameo videos. Visit www.lbhsclassof2003.rsvpify.com. View their Instagram page: @lbhs20yearreunion2003.
Bringing wildlife to the streets: Artist to discuss process of creating natural sculptures in upcoming LOCA Art Talks
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.
If you’re walking around Laguna and suddenly feel you’re submerged under sea, chances are you’re walking past a Casey Parlette sculpture.
From beautiful kelp seaweed adorning the back of a bench to a bronze octopus overseeing the walkway by Diver’s Cove, his ability to bring the ocean onto land is unparalleled.
“Most of my work is wildlife inspired,” said Parlette. “And around here, generally there’s a lot more interest in the marine life because we’re along the coast.”
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Photos courtesy of Casey Parlette
Creating an authentic sense of movement is a trademark of sculptor Casey Parlette, seen here with his piece “Lifted Spirits”
Keeping history alive
Although he’s always been creative, Parlette’s route to becoming a professional sculptor was circuitous, including a degree in anthropology from UCLA and stints as a commercial diver and professional lifeguard. Now known for his many public sculptures, as well as private commissions, Parlette’s artistic process and inspirations are the focus of an upcoming LOCA Art Talks on March 22.
“I was always drawn to making stuff,” he said, starting with a pocketknife in childhood that he used to carve wooden items. Later, on his days off from lifeguarding, he would visit an artist who worked in metal and blacksmithing.
“I just went and hung out and worked in his shop,” recalled Parlette. “I learned a lot about metal working – it opens your eyes to what’s possible. And as you do these things, you become more proficient. It just sort of expands and grows.”
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Learning what happens in an artist’s studio will be part of the LOCA Art Talks presentation by Casey Parlette
Learning the possibilities of many mediums
As a person who uses multiple media, including wood, metal and stone, he needed to master a variety of skills.
“One of the things that’s important to understand is everything that goes into making a piece of art,” Parlette said. And developing and conceptualizing a piece is as much of the artistic process as the finished sculpture. He’ll explain, during his talk, the unique set of opportunities and challenges in creating public art. Knowing the back story behind the pieces will add a level of appreciation for not only artists, but also for folks who walk past the sculpture.
“I’ll show how all these pieces come together – how the concept sketch relates to the actual piece – and how it evolves as it goes – the trial and error of some of these things.”
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The octopus sculpture in Heisler Park is one of the more popular public art pieces created by Casey Parlette
Parlette mentioned Strand of Life and Tidepool Kraken, the bench and octopus sculptures, on the north end of Heisler Park, overlooking Diver’s Cove, as examples of modifying an art piece. When the bench was originally planned, the area opened up, and then there was room to place another element, and he opted for the octopus. Ironically, that is often what people comment on, mostly because of its realistic capturing of movement.
“I think it’s really important, with wildlife or human form or whatever it is, to understand the anatomy of all this, but if you’re capturing life, you capture the movement,” said Parlette. “That requires getting out, spending time in that environment and seeing these things move.” As a diver he knows that as an octopus moves it unfurls, it doesn’t reach. And so his sculptures reflect that. The same knowledge is reflected in his turtle, shark and seaweed sculptures, as well as the many insects, beetles and reptiles he’s created over the years.
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Laguna high school students walk for water
Laguna Beach has a history of being a waterwise community, so it’s not surprising 25 of LBHS’ students have taken that motto to heart by “Walking for Water.” Last year, the $100,000 they raised helped underwrite the costs of building six freshwater wells in West Africa and India. This year, organizers of the next walking event, which will be held on Sunday, March 26 at the Laguna Beach High School track, hope to raise even more money.
“What would you do if you had to walk for hours every day just to fetch water, some of it contaminated, for yourself and your family?”, asked high school senior Cleo Washer. “Sometimes you might have to climb steep hills, like Park Avenue here in town, or walk on damaged roads for miles in sweltering heat. Imagine how much easier, and healthier, a person’s life would be if there was a fresh water well in their village,” she added.
“The ‘Walking for Water’ project is a nonprofit organization with local roots here and in Virginia,” founder Susan Hough of Laguna Beach said. “I’m so proud of what so many high school students have been able to accomplish. None of the work in West Africa or India could have been possible without the proceeds from previous annual walks,” said Hough. Through this project, “We engage youth to care for the world around them.”
Charitable donations to the March 26 walk, which takes place 12-3 p.m., will help pay for new wells in Togo, Africa.
Supporters can register for the 5 or 10k walk and encourage friends and families to donate in their name or pledge support to those already signed up to walk.
“Families with young children are encouraged to attend the walk,” Washer said. “There will be face painting and games, plus opportunities to meet with the high school students who truly are making a difference in people’s lives,” she said.
“If you can’t attend the walk, the students and I encourage you to help by donating to www.wisdomspring.org,” Hough said.
Laguna Live! presents Jazz Wednesdays with sensational vocalist, trumpeter and new events for spring
Laguna Live! presents Jazz Wednesdays and two exciting spring performances.
On Wednesday, March 22, join Laguna Live! for the last concert in their current series of Jazz Wednesdays when they welcome rising star, jazz vocalist, Rachel Avalon, and the ever-popular trumpet and flugelhorn player Tony Guerrero. Along with Mark Visher on Sax, Dave Siebels on keyboard, David Miller on Bass and Matt Johnson on Drums, Rachel and the Tony Guerrero Quintet will treat the audience to jazz standard greats.
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Photos courtesy of Laguna Live!
Sensational vocalist Rachel Avalon
A classically trained jazz vocalist, Rachel Avalon has experience performing anywhere from jazz festivals to dive bars to weddings to Carnegie Hall. New to the SoCal area from north Idaho, she is inspired by the classics. Since her Californian debut in winter of 2022, she has performed at Walt Disney Concert Hall alongside Grammy-winning musician Arturo Sandoval and with Jane Lynch at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
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Trumpeter Tony Guerrero
Tony Guerrero’s resume reads like a who’s who of contemporary music. He’s worked with a diverse roster of artists, including jazz legends Freddie Hubbard, Arturo Sandoval, Tom Scott and Joe Sample, rock icons Brian Wilson, Paul McCartney, Slash and Billy Idol, pop sensations Chance the Rapper, The Jonas Bros and the quadruple-platinum soundtrack to Disney’s High School Musical, as well as Hollywood icons Dick Van Dyke, Jane Lynch, Merv Griffin and more.
Doors open at 5 p.m.; the concert will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $37.50 and available at www.lagunalive.org, or call 949.715.9713.
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Gary Gould performs on April 13
On Thursday, April 13 at 5 p.m., Laguna Live! presents musician and educator, Gary Gould, and “World of Winds,” his eclectic program, featuring unique instruments with narration and music from around the world, including klezmer, Celtic, swing and Americana. The event will take place at the Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach, 286 St. Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach.
A multi-woodwindist, Gould’s long and successful career has seen him perform throughout the U.S. and internationally. As an instructor, he has won top awards for conducting bands at the high school, college and community levels.
For tickets, which are $10, visit www.lagunalive.org. Kids 12 and under are free,
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Shout Hallelujah: Maiya Sykes performs on May 10
“Shout Hallelujah with Maiya Sykes” takes place on Wednesday, May 10 at 6 p.m. at [seven- degrees], 891 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.
Laguna Live! brings back powerhouse, jazz and blues vocalist Sykes and her band for a concert illuminating the presence of gospel music in popular music over the last century, with arrangements by Gershwin, Cole Porter, Jimmy McHugh and more.
Sykes, who studied under Nina Simone and Betty Carter, had a four-chair turning debut on season 7 of The Voice. She has worked with The Black-Eyed Peas, Macy Gray, Michael Buble and Leona Lewis amongst many others. Sykes’ featured videos with internet sensation, Post Modern Jukebox, have more than three million hits.
For tickets, which are $37.50, go to www.lagunalive.org, or call 949.715. 9713.
25th Annual John Gardiner Poetry Contest announced
April is coming up, marking the 25th Annual John Gardiner Community Poetry Contest at Laguna Beach Public Library. The contest is open to all ages and submissions will be accepted from April 1-30.
Photos courtesy of Laguna Beach Public Library
John Gardiner
For all you would-be poets out there, prizes will be awarded in five age categories for up to $100 gift certificates. Public reading of the winning poems will take place on Saturday, June 3 at 11 a.m.
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Mike Sprake reading the winning poems at last year’s Poetry Contest
Submission guidelines: Submit up to two (2) original poems with the theme: Downtown. Each poem should be more than 25 lines of text. Submit your poetry with the body of an email to Laguna Beach Library at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Include your name, address, phone number and grade level, or adult. No attachments, please.
This annual poetry contest is supported by the Friends of the Laguna Beach Library.
Laguna Beach Library is located at 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach.
Meet Pet of the Week Hugh
Hugh is currently taking over Pet of the Week. He is a 2 1/2-year-old Corgi/Terrier mix who is neutered. He is very loving, confident and friendly. He would do well in a home with other dogs, and loves to be around people.
Nancy Goodwin, shelter director, is hoping to have Hugh adopted as soon as possible.
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Courtesy of the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter
Meet Hugh, a friendly and loving companion to have by your side
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.
Laguna Playhouse announces its 2023-2024 season of shows!
Laguna Playhouse is excited to announce its 2023-2024 season of shows. This sensational season begins with the musical smash hit 2 Pianos, 4 Hands; followed by the legendary classic play turned iconic film, The Rainmaker, then the Playhouse presents a delightful new screwball comedy, The Angel Next Door. Next, they head to Harlem to celebrate the extraordinary music of Fats Waller with the Tony Award-winning musical, Ain’t Misbehavin’; then experience the power and resilience of the human spirit with the moving family drama, A Shayna Maidel; followed by a wonderful production of Moliere’s classic Tartuffe. They complete their season with one of the great whodunit mysteries of our time, Holmes And Watson.
A “something for everyone” season of shows all at your Laguna Playhouse. According to Interim Artistic Director David Ellenstein, “This is truly an exceptional season of plays and musicals as we head into our second century. Our subscribers and audiences are going to be moved, inspired, thrilled, engaged and mesmerized by the seven theatrical events we have planned for them over the coming year!”
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Photos courtesy of the Playhouse
“2 Pianos, 4 Hands” runs from July 5-23
“A rare jewel of real entertainment, 2 Pianos 4 Hands, written by Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt, not only hits all the right notes, but tickles the ivories and your funny bone too!” –The Daily Mail. 2 Pianos, 4 Hands runs from July 5-23, with a press opening July 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Get ready for an interlude of laughter and music as two men, or “four hands,” take you on a journey about their would-be careers as concert pianists. The talented duo trade stories about piano lessons, pushy parents and eccentric teachers while playing everything from Bach to Billy Joel.
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“The Rainmaker” runs from September 20 through October 8
Written by N. Richard Nash, The Rainmaker opens on September 20 with the press opening September 24 at 5:30 p.m.
“After nearly half a century, The Rainmaker still makes a handsomely staged case for miracles.” –Los Angeles Times
A classic tale of Americana, set against the backdrop of a western drought, The Rainmaker brings lonely souls together as they traverse the struggles of finding who they truly are and how they fit into the world. Laced with humor and charm, The Rainmaker still resonates today with poignancy, hope and courage. A firm part of the canon of 20th century dramatic literature, revisiting this story will prove to be a satisfying and uplifting theatrical experience encouraging audiences to believe in the unbelievable.
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“The Angel Next Door” runs from October 15 through November 5
The Playhouse introduces a brand-new play – The Angel Next Door.
It will run from October 18 through November 5 (Press Opening is October 22 at 5:30 p.m.) Written by Paul Slade Smith, it was adapted from Play at the Castle by Ferenc Molnar.
Capturing the sheer joy, sophistication, and wit of 1940s screwball comedies, playwright Paul Slade Smith (The Outsider, Unnecessary Farce) has brilliantly adapted Ferenc Molnar’s classic farce, Play at the Castle. The cast of characters in The Angel Next Door grapple with romance, misunderstandings, and comical situations which have the potential of major disasters and riotous laughter. Transferring directly from North Coast Repertory Theatre after its World Premiere, The Angel Next Door abounds with sharp, fast-paced dialogue that delivers non-stop mirth.
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Cultural Arts Updates: What’s happening in the arts around town?
–Banner Competition Winners
Congratulations to Tom Clark, Anne Girtz, Lovisa Kjerrgren, Wendy Duong and Tatyana Zen for having their banner designs selected for the 2023 Banner and Mini-Banner Competitions. The banners will be hand-painted by each artist and displayed at Main Beach and City Hall this summer. This program is funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.
To see all the winners, click here.
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Photos courtesy of City Hall
Front and back mini-design by Tom Clark
–Art That’s Small at City Hall
Awards Reception
Thursday, April 6, 6-7 p.m.
The annual Art That’s Small at City Hall exhibition is on display now through April 20, featuring artwork from more than 50 Orange County artists. The exhibit is free and open to the public during city business hours.
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“Acacia St” by Philip Womack
The public is also invited to attend the awards reception on Thursday, April 6 from 6-7 p.m. This program is funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.
LCAD hosts “Igniting Change: Design, Fashion, Innovation” on March 22
The LCAD Graphic Design + Digital Media program, in partnership with Group Y, welcomes Ryan Hitzel of Roark and Jesse White of Whitespace to share their stories and creative history. The event – “Igniting Change: Design, Fashion, Innovation” – is open to the public and takes place on Wednesday, March 22 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Festival of Arts Forum Theater, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.
Join them for food and beverages as they reconnect with industry and create new conversations surrounding design, lifestyle, action sports and innovation.
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Photos courtesy of LCAD
Founder and CEO of Roark, Ryan Hitzel
Ryan Hitzel is the founder and CEO of Roark, a global adventure lifestyle brand that produces apparel for rigorous adventures, inspired by far-flung destinations and culture. Before starting Roark, Hitzel worked as a graphic designer in action sports apparel and later as a creative director at Deutsch LA, where he won awards for his work on high-profile campaigns for brands such as Volkswagen.
Hitzel has drawn much of his inspiration from adventurism, fine art, global culture and the many places he finds himself in between chasing waves – often off the beaten path. Today, he resides in his hometown of Laguna Beach with his wife Dianne, son Henry and daughter Claire.
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Jesse White of Whitespace
Jesse White is a successful creative director with a diverse skillset in product design, advertising and marketing. He recently launched Whitespace Snowboards with his brother Shaun, which is focused on developing high-quality snowboarding products and promoting the positive physical and mental aspects of the sport. Previous partners include Target, Oakley, Ubisoft gaming and Burton Snowboards.
Evening schedule:
6:30 p.m. – Check In, Networking, Apps & Drinks, LCAD student exhibits
7:15-8:45 p.m. – Intro & Speakers
8:45-9:30 p.m. – Follow up Networking & Drinks
Tickets: $35 which includes event access to the talk, networking and apps/drinks ($40 at the door).
Special rates are available to Companies (5 or more) and LCAD Alumni. LCAD students are free
To register, click here.
Ocean Explorers program at PMMC brings the ocean into your home
Bring the ocean into your home with the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) Ocean Explorers program, an after-school remote learning experience.
Live instructors teach engaging and interactive content for kids ages 8-12 over four 90-minute classes.
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Courtesy of PMMC
Geared to ages 8-12, PMMC’s Ocean Explorers program is an after-school remote learning experience with engaging and interactive content
PMMC is now enrolling for Wacky Whales! Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a marine mammal scientist? Dive in with PMMC as you investigate together active research on some wacky whalers. Explorers will discover research techniques and methods used in the field, while experimenting with their own data.
For more information and to sign up, visit www.pacificmmc.org/oceanexplorers.
Pacific Marine Mammal Center is located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. For more information, visit www.pacificmmc.org.
Construction battles on
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
The work in the canyon fronting the Festival grounds area has obviously been impacted by the storms
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.
