Police Files
Missing woman found deceased after apparent drowning
Grace Justine Shen was reported missing by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at approximately 7:40 p.m. According to the OCSD, the reporting party told authorities that they discovered Shen and her vehicle missing, while leaving her cell phone and purse behind at her residence.
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Courtesy of OCSD
Grace Justine Shen
On January 19, Shen’s vehicle was located in Laguna Beach at Laguna Avenue and PCH. It was believed that Shen exited her vehicle and walked northbound on PCH at 2:33 a.m. to a destination unknown.
That all changed earlier this week when Shen’s body was found deceased from an apparent drowning in the ocean near the border of Dana Point and San Clemente. The OCSD says no foul play is suspected.
Shen was 70.
Council approves interim use programming for South Laguna campus
By SARA HALL
An interim use plan for a closed Catholic school property that the city recently purchased was approved this week, but not without some disagreement on the timeline.
Council voted 4-1 on Tuesday (Jan. 24) and approved an interim use plan for the former St. Catherine of Siena School campus at 30516 Coast Highway. Councilmember George Weiss dissented, saying that he liked the idea but thought it was premature.
Weiss’ comments were echoed by several public speakers, who urged the council to wait until after the scheduled open house events in February to approve an interim use plan. The city should first get community feedback and learn more about the local recreational needs, some of the speakers agreed.
While other residents and a majority of councilmembers were excited about the use plan and wanted to quickly make use of the new property.
“When we bought the property, it was clearly outlined by the city manager and staff at the time that there was going to be an interim use and a long-term use, and so this is not new,” said Mayor Bob Whalen. “None of these are long-term uses that we can’t end in a period of a week or two.”
The programming is essentially allowing immediate use of the gym and the already established facilities, he commented, and they heard from residents on Tuesday that there is a big need for that type of space.
“Let’s get it going,” he said.
The city spent $23 million on the site, they want to get use out of it immediately, agreed Councilmember Alex Rounaghi.
“I don’t think anyone here [on the dais] is thinking that the uses that we’re picking today are going to have any impact on the decision that we make in the future.
“We have to involve all the different stakeholders and make a really good decision,” Rounaghi said.
Long-term uses of the property will be considered as part of a comprehensive city facilities master plan.
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Photo by Steven Georges/Diocese of Orange
City council approved an interim use plan for the former Catholic school campus in South Laguna
The approved use plan 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.
Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Gavin Curran said staff tried to make the best use of the what’s existing at the campus.
“With the interim uses, we tried not to modify the property,” Curran said. “We really just wanted to take advantage of what was at the facility.”
The plan calls for opening the gym building four days a week with hours subject to change based on final programming. The recommendation included the immediate use of the two offices for recreation staffing and the remainder of the building for recreation programming.
Rounaghi suggested working to keep the gym open for use seven days a week, possibly partnering with the Boys & Girls Club to help staff it.
“There’s so much demand for gym space,” he said.
The program for the gym and the large performance stage could begin in the spring or summer with limited hours. Proposed programming could include: Adult drop-in basketball; indoor pickleball with temporary lines and nets; youth recreation classes and cultural arts programming on the stage. By summer, there could be portable skate ramps in one of the courtyard areas, wedding ceremonies performed in the chapel and opening the facility for extended public hours.
The gym could also provide space for fire and police training and a safe refuge location for residents forced to evacuate from their homes during an emergency.
In the main building of the campus, city staff suggested using the administrative area, the first floor of the building, and the employee lounge for city operations, which could include fire administration and an emergency operations center. The kindergarten room, library, and three classrooms on the second floor would remain available for community youth and programming.
No interim use was proposed for the lower building (the former middle school classroom area); staff recommended that the city allow nonprofit and other organizations to use the classrooms daily, weekly, or monthly through a use license agreement. Tuesday’s action also authorized the city manager 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 outdoor area includes a basketball court, play structure and tables. The plan calls for programming the space for summer or spring recreational activities, including a small mobile skate park.
Councilmember Mark Orgill suggested staff interview some young skaters before installing the skate park to ensure that the style of equipment is what they would want and would be used.
It’s definitely going to get utilized, noted Mayor Pro Tem Sue Kempf, because there’s a big demand for a skate park.
The mobile skate parks are very flexible, Curran confirmed.
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Fair Game
By TOM JOHNSON
City leaders commit tomorrow’s Saturday to working to build a better Laguna Beach with their Annual Planning Workshop
The Annual Planning Workshop for the City of Laguna Beach takes place tomorrow from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Susi Q Community Center, Multipurpose Room.
If you have something to say, get there early. Beginning promptly at 8:30 a.m. will be public comments for 30 minutes ONLY. Then, at 9 a.m. they’ll roll into the day’s agenda that will begin with a welcome by Mayor Bob Whalen and an overview of the day by City Manager Shohreh Dupuis.
Then the real work begins. The first half of the day has a workshop focusing on the city’s Mission, Vision and Values.
Next, following lunch break will be an afternoon session looking five years out financially, considering multiple circumstances, from good times to trying times.
Then there will be a review of City Council Priorities, offering a Q&A for those in attendance.
Following the last break of the day, they’ll resume and formalize the 2023 Strategic Direction, including other City Council Priorities for 2023 and a City Facilities Master Plan.
It should be a great way for interested residents to get involved, have their voices heard, and to actively interact with the new City Councilmembers and City staff.
No RSVP is required and there is no cost…just an interest in listening and/or participating.
• • •
Selanne Steak Tavern, the landmark historic home owned by legendary former Anaheim Ducks hockey player Teemu Selanne and local Orange County businessman Kevin Pratt, has selected pastry professional Theresa Ebilane as their new executive pastry chef.
And judging by her credentials, expect good things!
Previously, Ebilane served as the assistant pastry chef at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, and while working there, she was also assigned to a taskforce to assist with The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman’s Cayman Cookout and also assisted at The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage. She’s also done stints with the Boulevard in San Francisco and worked under James Beard award winner Emily Luchetti at Waterbar and Farallon, both also in San Francisco.
At Selanne Steak Tavern, where all confections are made in-house, her creations will be developed to complement the gourmet steak, poultry, seafood and sides created by Executive Chef Vince Terusa and his team.
Ebilane’s goal is to “highlight the bounty of seasonal Southern California ingredients as seen with her current winter citrus-influenced offerings of Meyer Lemon Crème Brûlée and Creamsicle with blood orange sorbet. She also enjoys chocolate artistry as well as creating whimsical, fun cakes and cookies that are contemporary but at the same time evoke comfort and nostalgia like her s’mores with warm chocolate pudding cake, graham crunch, caramel and toasted marshmallow ice cream.”
“Theresa is a seasoned culinarian who is always energetically pushing herself to create and execute delightful desserts that showcase layers of flavors and textures,” said Terusa. “We are pleased to have her add her special touches to the restaurant’s fine dining and hospitality experience.”
Selanne Steak Tavern is located at 1464 South Coast Highway.
B-t-w, I’ve gained five pounds just writing about her wonderful creations.
• • •
Share the Art of Romance, this summer’s Pageant of the Masters, has tickets on sale this week for the July 7 through September 1 run. Performances are nightly.
You can go to www.pageanttickets.com/ or call 800.487.3378. Use promo code VDAY23 to save 20% off your tickets. The offer expires February 14.
• • •
STAGED…it’s written by Martin Bergman and Rita Rudner, directed by Bergman and starring Rudner…are you with me? This Sunday is their world premiere of STAGED at the Laguna Playhouse.
Here’s the premise: Think about Taylor and Burton, Olivier and Leigh, or, perhaps in today’s world, Depp and Heard. Or as they might say in Hollywood, if a marriage lasts longer than it takes for milk to spoil, then it’s considered a success.
In STAGED, “after an acrimonious divorce, can a famous, high-maintenance acting couple work together again 20 years later? Rudner stars as the revered actress Fenella Fennington, along with Mike McShane, of Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves starring as her ex-husband Jarvis Haverly.”
It’s the delightful world comedy premiere of STAGED, which is the fourth new play that Bergman and Rudner have brought to the Laguna Playhouse. Their last Playhouse production, Two’s A Crowd, transferred to New York and enjoyed a successful run Off-Broadway.
STAGED runs Sunday through February 12. For tickets, go here.
The Big One: The life and legacy of Laguna artist Robert Young
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.
Longtime locals might remember the fierce winter storm that struck Laguna in 1978. That February, 25 eucalyptus trees came down in the canyon, flattening cars and smashing roofs. By then, Laguna Beach artist Robert Young (1936 – 2012) was seven years into his biggest project – a 15’ x 9.6’ acrylic and mixed media painting on stretched canvas that came to be known as The Big One.
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Robert Young’s acrylic and mixed media painting “The Big One” (1971-1978) is currently on display at the Laguna Art Museum through February 12
While the trees destroyed Young’s home and property, they spared The Big One. The story of how that happened, where The Big One went next, and Young’s enduring legacy was, in part, the subject of a talk last Saturday at the Laguna Art Museum (LAM). Young’s wife and daughter, alongside longtime friend and colleague Eric Johnson, gathered at the museum to share anecdotes and memories. Charlotte (daughter) shared her magical upbringing and what it was like for a millennial to be raised by an artist from the Silent Generation. Deborah (wife) told several stories about their 35-year relationship and how it all began. Johnson talked about Young’s unique approach to art, his process and how it influenced Johnson’s own work.
What follows are a few excerpts from their discussion that highlight the impact this artist had on our town, the kind of man he was and what he left behind.
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(L-R) Eric Johnson, Charlotte Young and Deborah Young gathered Saturday, Jan. 21 at LAM to discuss the life and legacy of Robert Young and his painting, “The Big One”
The Big One
The Big One began in 1971 when Young transported his passion for the ocean onto dry land. Too big to paint inside, Young constructed a scaffolding out of telephone poles to support the massive canvas.
“Over the years, people would come to the house and ask, ‘How are you doing on the big one?’ It kept that name,” said Deborah. “It felt right, because Robert did everything in a big way, starting out with building that structure underneath it, which helped save our lives.”
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Deborah Young standing with her late husband’s magnum opus, “The Big One”
Young wrote about The Big One and his process before his death. “I stretched the canvas in the spring of 1969 with a broken hand,” he wrote. “Since then, I have re-stretched it only once. It is a work in progress – a reflection on diving experiences, a study in color, a use of multiple techniques, a series of concepts, an attempt at a sense of wholeness.”
Young began by using washes to cover the surface. He traveled to Hawaii to explore the coral reefs of Molokai. After returning, he started recreating his experiences, relying on small forms of coral and photos he took while diving. “The metamorphoses I have gone through since then are many, and the painting keeps growing,” he wrote. “The canvas has been painted completely six times, some areas as many as 25 times. Various people say I’m overworking it. My feeling is, I’m just coming to terms with it.”
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Attendees at LAM’s talk look on at “The Big One”
Strange things began happening as Young worked it over. “I felt the light rays from the sun were not totally refracting against the surface color. I was getting a degree of light-absorption below the surface,” Young wrote. “I had over 50 fish swimming around in there. They kept changing and reappearing. All my light sources began to channel themselves toward the center of the painting and light started to emerge from within.”
Young said some fish became composites, changing expression and character. “The painting was in one way coming closer to the viewer, and in another perspective was opening out to a larger vista,” he wrote. “The early nautilus vortex was getting stronger, and the large elliptical circle was becoming more defined.”
It took years for Young to settle on a direction for the painting. As he discovered new techniques, he incorporated them into the work. “My approach, using dots and overlays, was slow and painful,” he wrote. “But buildup of brush work would eventually give me a more symphonic color range and achieve the feeling of a coral environment. When completed, The Big One will have over two million dots.”
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Close-up image from Robert Young’s “The Big One,” 1971-1978
“He finally found a metaphorical reef in his backyard, one small dot of color at a time,” wrote fellow artist and friend Dion Wright in 2012, following Young’s death.
The Big One found an apropos home at SeaWorld, originally in a restaurant on the premises. Eventually that building became the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. After Young’s death in 2012, Deborah decided to bring The Big One home. It was on display at the Festival of Arts grounds in 2013 and is currently being shown at LAM through February 12.
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New housing coordinator introduced, committee comments on recent affordable housing efforts
By SARA HALL
A local committee this week discussed the city’s housing needs, which was accentuated by a public comment from longtime renters who said they are being priced out of Laguna Beach.
The city’s effort to focus on affordable housing, a priority identified by the City Council, received staffing support recently with the hiring of a housing program coordinator, a new position within the city.
Taking on the new role, Jennifer Savage was introduced on Wednesday (Jan. 25) during the Housing and Human Services Committee meeting. Savage started in the newly created Laguna Beach position on January 17.
“In the short time that I’ve been working with her here at the city, I’ve been very impressed,” said Senior Planner Anthony Viera. She will bring a wealth of experience to the community, he said, when he introduced Savage. Her expertise is truly impressive, he added.
Savage joins the City of Laguna Beach with more than 17 years of experience working with counties, cities, consulting firms and school districts. She has directed future-focused efforts including developing housing elements, inclusionary housing programs and master plans.
She is an American Planning Association AICP certified planner and certified transportation planner. Savage holds a dual bachelor’s degree in economics and environmental studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master of Business Administration with a finance concentration from the University of Notre Dame de Namur.
Savage will be a leader for all of the committee’s initiatives, Viera said.
The housing coordinator’s primary responsibility is to develop the city’s housing programs including a senior and affordable housing program, according to the announcement in the city newsletter.
In the job posting for the new position, city officials added that the specialist will also lead the effort to develop and implement the city’s 6th Housing Element, support the creation of new market-rate and affordable units, serve as liaison to the Housing and Human Services Committee, develop tools to map and track market trends and stay current with changes to local and state housing legislation.
City Council has made housing a top priority for the entire community and it’s wonderful to now have a dedicated staff resource at city hall in the city manager’s office, Viera noted. This isn’t to say that the community development department (Viera’s department) won’t be involved, he noted, in fact the two departments will often work together.
“We see great opportunities for collaboration,” he said. “We’re really just augmenting our resources here at the city and I think there are a lot of great things to come.”
In her brief comments on Wednesday, Savage recognized Viera for his efforts on housing issues and building on that.
“I’m really excited to continue the great work that Anthony (Viera) has done on the Housing Element and making progress on the implementation plan already, even though it’s not quite to the finish line,” he’s done a great job on it so far, she said.
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Courtesy of City of Laguna Beach
Housing Program Coordinator Jennifer Savage was recently hired for the new city position
Later in the meeting, during committee and staff reports, H&HS Committee member Karen Martin suggested referencing the program in the Housing Element when speaking about a program or initiative for the committee, so they can “start a pattern of showing that the Housing Element has relevancy and legal teeth.”
Committee Chair Ketta Brown emphasized and reiterated the comment.
“That’s a brilliant suggestion,” Brown said.
She also recommended that community members contact the committee if they have interest in moving forward with the Housing Element. They’re already three years in and there’s still a lot to do.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Brown said.
The Housing Element needs to be updated every eight years. The 6th Cycle covers the city’s 2021-2029 planning period and assesses the current and projected housing needs for all economic segments of the community. It also includes policies and action programs that further the production of housing.
As part of the Affordable Housing and Housing Element Action Plan Subcommittee report, Brown noted that she and fellow committee member Jacquie Schaefgen attended the council meeting on Tuesday (Jan. 24) to comment on a potential opportunity. During the public hearing on the item declaring the former Ti Amo restaurant site as surplus property, they both requested that the council instead hold off on the action and consider working with an affordable housing developer.
Part of the reason for the request was so that instead of waiting several months for somebody to possibly approach the city regarding affordable housing on those sites, that they might be able to move forward more quickly, Brown explained.
Ultimately, council unanimously approved the resolution declaring 31729 and 31735 Coast Highway (also known as 31727 Coast Highway) as surplus property.
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LOCA initiates video series on Public Art with Laguna Honors its Artists, dedicated to Mike Hallinan by Mike Tauber
By DIANNE RUSSELL
Photos by Mary Hurlbut
Some of the art one sees around Laguna Beach is the result of two city programs: “Public Art and Murals” and “Art in Public Places.” The goals of the Public Art and Murals and Art in Public Places (adopted in 1986) initiatives are to create diverse art installations of the highest quality that will, over decades, reflect the city itself and its citizens, and improve the quality of life and to be a source of pride to all Laguna Beach residents.
There are more than 150 pieces of public art in Laguna, and Laguna Honors its Artists, which was installed in November 2022, is the newest mural in the City of Laguna Beach Art in the Public Places collection. Created by local artist Mike Tauber, it is dedicated to beloved artist Mike Hallinan, who made an immeasurable imprint on the city’s art community.
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(L-R) Julian Hakim, Greg MacGillivray, Mike Tauber, Barbara MacGillivray, Catherine Hallinan, Lisa Hall, Louis Weil and Marshall Innins
The new LOCA video series will be part of their Arts for Schools Program for both adults and youth to learn about public art. Laguna Honors its Artists will be the first in the series explaining the process behind public art, from inspiration to final installation.
Laguna Honors its Artists, which is located on the Cleo Street side of the Taco Stand on PCH, has a unique and inspiring background and seems the perfect piece of public art to kick off the video series.
The mural project was funded by development fees, as required by the city’s Art in Public Places ordinance and supplemented by cash from the Cleo Street Beautification Committee.
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(L-R) Mike Tauber and Greg MacGillivray
As The Taco Stand (formerly Taco Bell) was being proposed for re-development, a plan was needed to fulfill the art requirement. With the help of the Cleo Street Neighbors group, all the elements soon came together.
The group, led by Greg and Barbara MacGillivray, along with architect Marshall Innins, contacted the new owner, Julian Hakim, and succeeded with their proposal to raise funds and oversee a tile mural by Tauber.
“When Julian decided to remodel, we thought a mural was a good idea,” said Greg MacGillivray.
The project soon took off and gained momentum.
“The city wholeheartedly embraced the idea right away,” Tauber said.
“We are so happy to be connected with a community where residents are so welcoming,” said Hakim. “We wanted to do anything we could to contribute.”
The MacGillivrays rallied the members of the neighborhood to contribute, and Travis Fidel, representing his family who are in close proximity to restaurant, said, “When the MacGillivrays approached us, we were more than happy to contribute. We all love the mural and the new Taco Stand.”
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Travis Fidel, representing his family who contributed to the mural
The MacGillivrays requested that Tauber find visual inspiration from a past Laguna Beach artist, thus illustrating the connection between generations of artists and reinforcing the legacy of Laguna Beach as an arts colony.
“I was very honored and said, ‘yes’ immediately,” Tauber said. “The MacGillivrays offered me several names of past artists to take inspiration from, and Michael Hallinan stood out to me right away,” said Tauber. “I knew Mike and so many people enjoyed taking his classes. Catherine, his wife, gave me some of Mike’s work. I found two that worked together and combined them into a 5 x 10-foot rectangle. The left side is a eucalyptus and the horizon and the right side is palms and the horizon. It’s both tropical and reflective of our coast. A fun fact is that Greg requested that it have a curling wave, so he drew it and got what he wanted.”
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(L-R) Tauber, MacGillivray, Hakim and Innins
Architect Marshall Innins, who designed the new Taco Stand, had a special perspective. “I used to come to Taco Bell in the 1970s. It was a challenge to change it and upgrade it, yet make it more iconic. Julian jumped right on the band wagon.”
“It was so exciting to watch the whole mural project that honored Mike Hallinan,’ said Barbara MacGillivray.
“It was great to see the neighborhood and business partner for this,” Lisa Hall, Hallinan’s daughter, said. “It’s nice to watch all the folks stop and take it (the mural) in. Thank you for the partnership.”
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(L-R) Barbara MacGillivray, Catherine Hallinan and Lisa Hall
“It is hard to put into words what this means. It’s overwhelming, it’s such a tribute,” said Catherine Hallinan.
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She loved playing at life
Patricia Whiteside Phillips
March 15, 1934 – January 12, 2023
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Photo by Terry Whiteside
Patricia Whiteside Phillips, working at her home studio
Ebullient art activist and teacher, Patricia Whiteside Phillips passed away Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023. Her colorful life culminated in participating in more than 50 art exhibits across the country, four decades showing at the Sawdust Festival, Art-A-Fair and Festival of Arts, and inspiring thousands of kids of all ages to make art.
Pat was born in Chicago to Frank Bloom and Mildred V. Northmore Bloom on March 15, 1934. She spent her elementary years in Chevy Chase, Md., as her father was a prominent Supreme Court Trial Lawyer. President Franklin D. Roosevelt invited him to join the recently established National Labor Relations Board as the Chief Trial Examiner. Pat’s mother was a silent movie actress and ceramic artist who encouraged her daughter’s dramatic and artistic development. After the death of Pat’s father in 1948, her mother, Mildred, moved with Pat and her sister Susan to California to be closer to her family. Pat’s socialite aunt took her under her wing, grooming her for high society entertaining and sending her to finishing and modeling school during her high school years. Pat wanted to be like her mother, an actress in movies and an artist.
She studied art at Scripps College in Claremont, Calif., where she met the father of her two daughters, Davis Gilbert Whiteside. They married at St. Mary’s Church in Laguna Beach in 1957. She obtained her teaching certificate from UC Berkeley before marriage and received a secondary teaching credential at UCI after her divorce.
Pat arrived in Laguna Beach in 1966, a fresh divorcee raising her two daughters as a single mom. When her daughters were grown, she married her second husband, Raoul D. Phillips, in 1987, again at St. Mary’s Church. He was the true love of her life.
In 1999, her grandson Cullen was born, becoming her new obsession. He fueled her desire to connect with preschool artists.
She had a 25-year career as a high school art teacher in the Santa Ana Unified School District working for Saddleback and Santa Ana high schools. As a teacher, Pat worked to inspire and encourage students to be creative and broaden their skills and knowledge about art and life. She worked to advance the students’ artistic confidence by showcasing their talents in public exhibits throughout the county. Pat established the “Art Attack Club” with her high school students to introduce art as action storytelling to express their family, culture and community. She was a role model to many of her students who later became teachers. She was annually voted “favorite teacher’ by her students from the mid-1970s to her retirement in 1994.
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Photo by Terry Whiteside
Patricia Whiteside Phillips at the Hotel Laguna during the Christmas holiday
Always eager to learn, she continued taking art classes throughout her life. Mid-career, she obtained an Art MFA from the Claremont Graduate School in 1983. She studied photography at Cal State Fullerton, Cypress College and was deeply inspired by her teacher Jerry Burchfield. Through Burchfield’s classes, she developed a niche in her mixed media projects where she could combine her painting skills with photography.
In retirement, she was busier than ever as an officer and then board member of local Laguna art groups: The Arts Alliance, Community Art Project (CAP) and LOCA. She was also a founding member of The Orange County Center for Contemporary Art. Pat missed working with and inspiring children after retiring. She found her way back into teaching as a board member of LOCA, which enabled her to develop art programs for the Boys & Girls Club and the program “Kids Art at the Library” in Laguna Beach.
Between her volunteer activities, Pat loved to exercise by taking long walks along the beach and swimming in the ocean, which also provided inner peace and reflection for her active mind.
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Courtesy of Whiteside family
Patricia Whiteside Phillips at Victoria Beach in 1956
The world has lost one of the most creative artists and thinkers who never stayed on the path with others, but found a way to meet up with them in the end. She talked endlessly to everyone she encountered, problem-solving their issues whether requested or not, and attempted matchmaking with strangers and friends based on astrology. She had a great sense of humor and lived an abundant, blissful life. Pat didn’t live within the boundaries of the ordinary. She was, instead, extraordinary.
Pat leaves behind her loving husband, Raoul D. Phillips; two daughters, Katie Whiteside and Terry Whiteside; son-in-law Tony Hudgins’ grandson, Cullen; sister Susan B. Lobo and niece Kelina Lobo.
Pat will be laid to rest on February 2, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the El Toro Memorial Park Cemetery, 25751 Trabuco Road, Lake Forest. All family and friends are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please donate to LOCA, CAP, or OCCCA in memory of Patricia Whiteside Phillips. An art retrospective is planned for a future date, to be announced later.
Safety, environmental and community issues prompt robust and varied council discussions
By SARA HALL
Laguna Beach City Council members discussed a wide range of items during a lengthy and interesting meeting this week, covering new and old topics that impact multiple neighborhoods, tackle resident quality of life and safety concerns, and address environmental and social issues.
At the Tuesday (Jan. 24) meeting, notable items were both on the agenda during regular business and pulled from the consent calendar for discussion, including: Traffic calming measures for Temple Hills and Bluebird Canyon drives; accepting a donation to fund artwork for a pride lifeguard tower at West Street Beach; declaring the city-owned former Ti Amo restaurant site as surplus property; proposed modifications to the Village Entrance Landscape Plan; a contract with a consultant to develop a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan; and an ordinance prohibiting the sale, public use and distribution of certain balloons.
Councilmembers also discussed an interim use plan for the former St. Catherine of Siena School campus (see separate story in today’s Stu News Laguna for more details).
Up first during regular business, and the most discussed item of the night other than the St. Catherine’s interim use plan, council considered recommendations from the PTC Committee. The most contentious item of the bunch – and the reason why the item was even on the regular agenda instead of the consent calendar – was a proposal for traffic calming measures on Bluebird Canyon Drive.
Ultimately, the council unanimously agreed to install a speed table between 848 and 852 Bluebird Canyon Drive and come back in a year for review. They also directed staff to study the feasibility of a possible sidewalk.
Most speakers agreed that drivers dangerously speed along the road.
Mayor Pro Tem Sue Kempf lived in the neighborhood for a long time and often walked that stretch of Bluebird Canyon.
“Speed aside, it’s a dangerous place for people to walk,” she said, noting that there’s no sidewalk and a lot of cars parked on the street, forcing pedestrians onto the road. “When you’re walking there, you have to really pay attention because you’ve got to look behind you all the time. Even when people aren’t speeding, it’s not a safe place to walk and it’s not a safe place for kids to walk – at all.”
A speed table is essentially a longer version of a speed hump. Speed humps are lower, longer, and gentler than speed bumps, which are often used in parking lots.
Speed tables have flat tops and, according to the National Association of City Transportation Officials, can be used in emergency response routes. Much of the local opposition to a speed table, hump or bump on Bluebird Canyon in the past has been the concern that it would slow down fire trucks. Although there could still be a delay of approximately seven to 15 seconds for fire engines because it sits on a grade in this particular location, according to Laguna Beach Fire Chief Niko King.
As an example of a speed table, Public Works Director Mark McAvoy pointed to what’s currently installed on Temple Hills Drive.
It has the same effect as a speed hump, which is more gradual and less likely to damage vehicles (compared to a speed bump), McAvoy said. Signage indicating the speed limit and upcoming speed table are also typically installed.
“That would be this location’s design,” he said.
Speed tables also commonly connect sidewalks as a raised crosswalk, he added. Following up on council questions, McAvoy confirmed that a sidewalk would be challenging to install, but possible. It would likely require a lot of private improvements and they would lose some of the on-street parking, he added.
It is feasible, but there would be some trade-offs, McAvoy said.
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Courtesy of City of Laguna Beach
A map of the location for the recently approved speed table on Bluebird Canyon Drive
Councilmembers also voted 5-0 to direct staff to return with a speed study update in July for Temple Hills Drive and install a parking restriction on Brooks Street, but the Bluebird Canyon item was the hot topic.
For more than a decade, the idea of slowing drivers down, more enforcement, traffic calming measures and/or a speed hump or bump on Bluebird Canyon Drive has been raised and considered several times.
Recently, on March 1, 2022, Councilmember George Weiss brought the idea to the council on behalf of residents after the PTC denied a request for a speed hump in 2019 and the original requestor had to wait two years before requesting it again. Resident Keith Lee wrote in his 2019 request that his neighbor had been struck, his own vehicle was totaled and he has daily concern for the safety of pedestrians.
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Gallery Q is Mixing it Up in latest show – art by new and established artists in many mediums
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.
Both the display and those in attendance at Gallery Q’s recent opening celebration took the exhibition’s title to heart and really were “Mixing it Up.”
“The looseness of that title made submissions (for the juried show) broader,” said Bill Atkins, art director for Gallery Q. “I wanted to make sure a lot of people are participating.”
Participate they did. In fact, with more than 80 pieces selected to be displayed in the show, it was one of the most successful openings organizers have ever had at the gallery, which is located throughout the Susi Q Community Center.
Pieces on display ranged from sculpture and textiles, to watercolors, pastels and everything in between. The experience of the 50 artists whose works were chosen also represented a broad swath of experience.
Some, such as Tom Lamb, whose patterned aerials are displayed at the Festival of the Arts as well as collected internationally, are well known to area art aficionados. But others were new to the art scene – some even displaying their work for the first time.
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Photos by Theresa Keegan
The opening reception for “Mixing it Up” at Gallery Q, held January 20, brought many visitors throughout O.C. to the Susi Q Community Center, including into the library (which served as an additional gallery). The show is on display through March 9.
“It’s kind of fun having people look at my paintings,” said newcomer Jeri Silva. The octogenarian was encouraged by her grandchildren to submit some of the work that she’s created over the years.
“She’s been painting her whole life,” said granddaughter Hannah Miller.
Indeed, Silva’s painting of a golden sunset on The Strand literally glittered in the community center’s Great Room, where it was gathered with other scenic paintings. To its left was another piece of Silva’s, also of The Strand, but from a more traditional perspective.
“I used acrylics and oils to create a background glossiness for the piece Golden Sea,” she said. The show inspired a renewed commitment to her chosen field, which she had been shying away from recently.
“I could draw before I could walk,” she explained. “But I never thought I’d be showing. I never had enough confidence.”
Miller and her older sister, Maddie, 26, were so proud of their grandmother’s work they drove from their Yorba Linda home to be at the opening.
“Her art is really good,” said Maddie. “And I’m glad she’s in a show with such high-quality artists. When we saw this (show announcement) posted we made her know she had to it.”
Hannah, 21, was enjoying the opportunity to see other artists as well.
“This whole show is really good,” she commented.
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The opening night reception featured food, wine and musical accompaniment by Music for a New Century, which included pianist Jeffrey Briar and vocalist Samantha Morrice
Diverse offerings selected
Atkins was thrilled at the number of high-quality, submitted pieces the gallery received for this show.
“I wanted to see what would happen if I let the show title be wide open…I loved having slightly more than 80 pieces to display,” said Atkins. But he soon discovered such success also present logistical challenges, including finding room to hang so many pieces, as well as typing up each title card, but he said it was worth the extra work.
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A handcrafted tea pot by ceramicist Paulette Adams builds upon Laguna Beach’s ocean theme by replicating detailed shells and flowing seaweed
He was particularly thrilled members of Laguna Bluebelt Coalition submitted some of their high-quality photographs. Roger Su’s stunning photograph, The Legend of Goff Island had a place of honor centered on the mantle in the library room.
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Laguna Community Concert Band celebrates 23rd season with “Songs from the Heart” at the Artists Theater
The Laguna Community Concert Band opens its 23rd season at the Artists Theater on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. with a mix of vocal and instrumental music, “Songs from the Heart,” that tugs at our very heartstrings.
Lush orchestrations and thrilling vocals transport us to other times and places. “Moonriver,” sung by Laguna Beach baritone Gary Greene returns us to the ‘60s and Breakfast at Tiffanys. Lyric soprano Candice Carvalho’s “When I Fall in Love,” reminds us of the ‘90s and Sleepless in Seattle. Emcee and principal vocalist Lisa Morrice riffs on George Gershwin’s “They Can’t Take That Away from Me,” harking back to the ‘40s and the magic of Fred Astaire.
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Courtesy of Laguna Community Concert Band
Candice Carvalho
The concert band plays the hauntingly beautiful “Bring Him Home,” from Les Miserables, as well as lilting pieces from England and Ireland, and “God’s Country,” a majestic work that takes listeners on a journey of picturesque landscapes – from beautiful mountain ranges to breathtaking waterfalls.
As with all of the band’s performances, this concert is free. “As a group, we continue to evolve and enlarge our repertoire,” said Mark Lowery, co-conductor of the Laguna Community Concert Band. “Especially now, many musicals and concerts remain financially out of reach for so many. These free performances bring the joy of live music to everyone in the community.”
The Artists Theater is located at Laguna Beach High School at 625 Park Ave., Laguna Beach. No ticket is necessary to attend the band’s free concerts. The Laguna Community Concert Band rehearses at the Laguna Beach High School band room on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
For the latest news about the band and a calendar of concerts, go to www.lagunaconcertband.com.
Letters to the Editor
New tone at council meeting was appreciated; now we just need a proper leadership rotation and things will be fine
It was a pleasure to watch the first full meeting of the 2023 City Council on Jan. 10th where speakers were treated respectfully and the council had congenial discussions at the dais.
For the past four years what was allowed to take place at each City Council meeting was a failure of leadership and that lack of leadership falls to the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.
Many of us will not easily forget the part they both played in not maintaining civility and sadly this was perpetuated by rotating the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem positions between them for years and not allowing for the long-standing council tradition of rotating those positions through the council.
What we were put through during those four years is painful to remember. It’s especially painful for me because I was the target just about every time I spoke. It was painful for Village Laguna, the nonprofit civic organization whose main mission is to Preserve and Protect the Village Atmosphere and, without a doubt, it was painful to the residents of LB. We all endured the abuse for the last four years regardless of if you were the target or not. The Mayor’s and Mayor Pro Tem’s responsibility should have been to protect citizens from the perpetrator instead of protecting the perpetrator.
It’s evident that during these years, the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem had little comprehension of what it took to return to council meeting after meeting after being verbally abused time again and knowing to expect more of the same, but nonetheless some stood up to speak their truth in spite of the abuse. But sadly, many did not.
Hopefully this chapter is behind us now and, hopefully, come next December the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem will give up their tight grip on the council and allow the regular rotation to resume.
Johanna Felder
Laguna Beach
Add some color to your wardrobe to be more a part of our culture and history
I am always surprised to see so many people dressed in black, especially men in black T-shirts, when I’m out in town. Black is beautiful, but I thought it was a popular evening color.
Years ago, the owner of the Riviera hotel told his fellow Rotarians and others that he thought business owners and workers could wear colorful Hawaiian and other “beachy” friendly clothes because he said we are a beach town, famous for our wonderful beaches. After all, art is a big part of our culture with dozens of galleries, three summer festivals and a pageant, to say the least.
The next time you reach into the closet, pick something colorful and you too can be part of our culture and history.
Roger Carter
Laguna Beach
Sharing company while on a paddleboard
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Photo by Scott Brashier
Local Laguna porpoise and whale whisperer Rich German connects with a friend while out enjoying a paddle
Two exciting events at Chabad Laguna marking Tu B’shvat – the New Year for Trees
Chabad Laguna is holding two events during the first week of February. The Kaballah of Nature, taking place on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m., is an evening of insight and inspiration with guest speakers Rabbi Zalmy and Estee Berkowitz.
Zalmy is a Rabbi and professional wedding/family photographer and Berkowitz is a stay-at-home-unschooling Mom, with a passion for holistic health. Dine on fine wine, exotic fruits, soup and salads, as the mystical flavor of the New Year for Trees is being celebrated. Couvert is $18; Sponsor, $100.
Photos courtesy of Chabad Laguna
A youngster at the Community Tree of Giving
Next, the Tu B’shvat Resort is calling all kids on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a pour and mold soap making workshop with Lisa Pyka of Blue Wave Bath and Beauty, learn tree poses and relaxing breathing techniques, and enjoy healthy snacks and assorted tea tasting. This fun, hands-on workshop for children of all ages offers the opportunity to learn all about the holiday of Tu B’shvat and the wonderful lessons from the trees. Cost: $7 per child.
To RSVP to these events, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The 15th of Shevat on the Jewish calendar marks the beginning of a “new year” for trees. Commonly known as Tu B’shvat, this day marks the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle.
Chabad Laguna marks the 15th of Shvat by eating a variety of fruits, praising the bounty of the Holy Land
Chabad Laguna marks the 15th of Shvat by eating fruit, particularly from the kinds that are singled out by the Torah in its praise of the bounty of the Holy Land: grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. On this day, a “man is a tree of the field” (Deuteronomy 20:19) is remembered, reflecting on the lessons derived from the botanical analogue.
Chabad Jewish Center of Laguna Beach is located at 30804 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. For more information, call 949.499.0770, or visit www.chabadoflaguna.com.
Laguna Beach Garden Club’s monthly meeting and speaker series, special plant and planter sale on February 10
From baskets bursting with bright spring blooms, romantic heart-shaped containers planted with blushing pansies to sleek modern creations, unique container gardens will be auctioned to the public at the annual Plant & Planter Sale, on Friday, Feb. 10 in Downtown Laguna Beach.
In lieu of the regular speaker series presented monthly by the Laguna Beach Garden Club (LBGC), in February the public is invited to mingle with garden club members, get garden questions answered by certified Master Gardeners and bid on beautiful and imaginative arrangements donated by club members.
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Photos courtesy of LBGC
A container garden makes a distinctive Valentine gift
In addition to more than 50 container gardens, plants, crafts and a boutique of vintage garden objects and books will be for sale in the courtyard outside the Laguna Presbyterian Church Tankersley Hall. This is an opportunity to buy a distinctive Valentine gift for your special someone and beat the Valentine’s Day rush.
If you’re feeling lucky, enter the raffle to win one of many prizes donated by artists and local vendors. The public is welcome to this special annual Garden Club event.
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A variety of plants will be for sale in the courtyard
Join this program with social time and refreshments taking place from 9:30-10 a.m. and the meeting beginning promptly at 10 a.m. Meetings are held at Laguna Presbyterian Church in Tankersley Hall located at 415 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach. Non-members are invited to attend for free on their first visit.
For more information about the Laguna Beach Garden Club, visit www.lagunabeachgardenclub.org.
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church to hold program series, sponsored by We All Matter
On Fridays, Feb. 3, 10 and 24 from 6-8 p.m., St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is holding a series of programs sponsored by the non-profit organization, We All Matter. According to the non-profit, the series is focused on: “Building equity in the community by acknowledging history, customs, artwork and values of other ethnic groups. We seek to build bridges and not walls. We seek to eradicate any stereotypes and biases.”
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Photo by Roy Lindsey
MLK Jr. statue is located in the Martin Luther King Memorial Gardens, Washington, D.C.
According to Rebecca Lindsey of We All Matter, “Let’s talk more about how systemic oppression shows up. We’ll discover how resistance moves around in our environment [through] spoken words, actions and body language.
“At the February 3 free event, you’ll hear what happens when you stand up for others. On February 10, another free event, we’ll talk about strategies useful for changing the trajectory of our communities and society.
“On February 24, a $22.85 donation event, there will be an opportunity to plan steps for continuing the celebration of diverse ethnicities in our community.”
All events will be held in the Guild Hall at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, under the leadership of Pastor Lester Makenzie. It is located at 428 Park Ave., Laguna Beach.
For more information, visit www.stmaryslagunabeach.org.
Facing off
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Surfer barrels down a nice local wave
February is just around the corner, join LOCA’s workshops and Art Talks
LOCA is offering Art Talks and several workshops in February. Here’s what’s coming up.
–Wednesday, Feb. 1 from 1-4 p.m.
One-Day Workshop, Make a Valentine Card with Joy Vansell
Joy Vansell will show how to use collage cuttings from dictionaries, music books and photos to make Valentine cards. Vansell will have her wonderful collection of cuttings, but you should also bring anything that you would like to incorporate into your personal design. This class is held in the Art Room of the Susi Q Senior Center in the Laguna Beach Community Center. Members are $25; Non-members $50. To register, click here.
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Photos courtesy of LOCA
Make your own Valentine’s Day cards
–Tuesday, Feb. 7, 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Contemporary Landscapes with Cydette Vikander, Feb. 7 and 8
Laguna Beach Community Center, 380 Third St., Laguna Beach.
Two Day Workshop: Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb.7 and 8 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Working from photo references, students will learn what makes a strong composition and how to arrange it on their canvas. Participants will be using water mixable oil colors. Participants may bring their own supplies if they choose. Members: $50; Non-members $100. To register, click here.
Vikander’s work
–Wednesday, Feb. 8, 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Contemporary Landscapes with Cydette Vikander
Laguna Beach Community Center 380 Third St., Laguna Beach.
Two Day Workshop: Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 7 and 8 from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Working from photo references, students will learn what makes a strong composition and how to arrange it on their canvas. Participants will be using water mixable oil colors. Participants may bring their own supplies if they choose. Members: $50; Non-members $100. To register, click here.
–Thursday, Feb. 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Art Talk, Open Studio, Joy Vansell
LCAD Gallery, 374 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach.
Love is in the air at the Art Talks “open studio” event where everyone gets to create a valentine card to take home. Visitors may select from an amazing array of specialty decorative papers provided by Joy Vansell, who will be on hand to show how to arrange the cuttings and affix them to a card using glue stick. Plastic templates will be available, to create fitted envelope liners. The casual, “open studio” format allows everyone to work at their own pace, and come and go as desired. Members are free; non-members, $20. Fee: Advance registration is required, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Carole Boller
–Saturday, Feb. 25, 9-11 a.m.
LPAPA and LOCA - Carole Boller: Laguna Plein Air Paint Together
Heisler Park 375 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach.
Register to join LPAPA Artist Member Carole Boller for this fun and informative LPAPA+LOCA in-person Mentor Paint Together session on “Boller’s Bloomers: The Value of Plein Air Painting.” In this mentor session, Boller will demonstrate her oil painting process, brush stroke by brush stroke, of a lovely garden scene at Heisler Park in Laguna Beach. LPAPA and LOCA Members $25; Non-members $50. To register, click here.
Cost: Advance registration is required, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
LOCA Art Talks are for anyone and everyone who loves the visual arts. Their events, offered monthly in Laguna Beach and surrounding areas, are educational and informative, yet casual and fun. Attendees get to meet fascinating artists and industry leaders, and learn about their work and careers.
For more information about LOCA, go to www.locaarts.org.
Shelton Taylor and Scotty Wise make history with Club 222 by bringing ‘80s dance parties back to Laguna
By DIANNE RUSSELL
Picture this – an over-21 crowd waiting in a line all the way down the block just to get into a dance venue – a scenario reminiscent of the infamous Studio 54 in the ‘70s and ‘80s. However, this particular crowd is anticipating entry into Sueños on Ocean Avenue for the inaugural event of Club 222 on August 12, 2022.
“Passionate” may be an overused word, but Laguna residents and brothers Shelton Taylor and Scotty Wise are nothing short of fervent about their new endeavor. As founders of Club 222, their spirited and heartfelt vision in bringing the dance scene back to Laguna materialized last year. Their business has gained momentum during the ensuing months by expanding to three venues.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
(L-R) Brothers Scotty Wise and Shelton Taylor in front of Sueños on Ocean Avenue. Wise is wearing a shirt designed by Michele Lantz.
“The first event was crazy,” Taylor said. “There were around 1,000 people, and a line all the way to the Union Bank sign.”
There’s no doubt that 22-year-old Taylor, who is a musician, and 24-year-old Wise, a photographer, have the brains, talent and confidence to not only bring the vision to fruition, but to continue to grow their original model. However, their concept encompasses more than music and dance. Of course, they want to succeed and make people happy, but their larger vision is to blend art and music into unique and varied experiences.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Photographer Scotty Wise
It all started with the spark of an idea.
For two and a half years, Taylor played in every restaurant in town (and in Los Angeles) including Sueños. “I’d been bugging Sueños to consider the idea of an after-hours spot. I didn’t understand why, if people love live music, the restaurant would be closing at 9 or 10 p.m. They finally said, ‘yes.’”
With the approval to go ahead, Taylor brought in Wise and Club 222 was formed.
“The first thing I did was call Scotty because of his personality,” Taylor said. “He’s a people person and would be the face of 222 and run the door. It was divine timing. So I said, ‘let’s try it out,’ but it wasn’t until two weeks prior to the first event that we started asking artists.”
Before that time, their sole venture had been a silent disco at Helen’s, a speakeasy bar in South Laguna. “It’s Laguna’s best kept secret,” Wise said.
Truly the face of 222, Wise said, “I go person to person and do ground marketing. I go to every business and to city staff and personnel and introduce myself.”
“Being a musician and living in Laguna, it’s so high end, musicians can’t play on the street anymore,” Taylor said. “This business is an artist’s vision. Over the past two to three years, I’ve played in every restaurant, venue and on every street corner in Laguna. I know all the locals from playing. I love art and the beauty that is natural to this place. However, there seems to be a war between art and commercialism, seeing art as an investment versus art (for its own sake). The solution would be to have venues to showcase them, so if you want to do art, you have a fair chance. So far, everyone appears to be receptive.”
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Photo by Christina Cernik
Opening night crowd in August 2022
“The model for Club 222 is to not only bring energy back to Laguna Beach, but also maintain consistency, so we’ll be around forever,” Wise said.
The brothers’ collaboration is a perfect match.
Taylor handles the business side. “An artist can still be a businessman,” he said. According to Taylor, “As the face of 222, Scotty can do exactly what he loves to do – dance, take photos and talk to people. He’s a celebrity photographer. At one point, almost every night, he was up in Hollywood meeting celebrities and staying at their houses. He’s part of the L.A. night scene.”
Background
Nowhere in their background was there a foreshadowing of the possibilities to come – in fact, just the opposite. Along with six younger siblings, Wise and Taylor were raised in a religious cult in the hills of Texas and every element of what they’re involved in now was forbidden by the cult.
“We broke free and came to a judgment-free zone that wasn’t like our past,” Taylor said. “Around five years ago, at the age of 17, I had already left home and headed for California. I came here to figure it out, and I was crashing on people’s couches, and then connections landed me in line for American Idol in LA. Then Scotty came out here.”
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Musician Shelton Taylor has been playing around town for several years
Taylor made it to the top 20 in American Idol.
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LCAD president to address residents and environmental group on February 6
On Monday, Feb. 6, Steve Brittan, president and CEO of Laguna College of Art + Design (LCAD), will be the featured speaker at the upcoming Laguna Canyon Conservancy (LCC) meeting.
Brittan will be presenting an exciting program that will give the public insight into recent developments on the college’s campus, their innovative academic programs, and collaborations with industry and institutions.
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Courtesy of LCC
Steve Brittan, president and CEO of Laguna College of Art + Design
Brittan has a prior extensive background in sustainable urbanization, including the creation of affordable housing in large urban cities, as well as his experience in the art and design in academia and the private sector. Neighbors of the college’s campus and students in high school considering a career in creative arts and design will want to attend this program.
LCAD students will direct guests to parking near the building and light refreshments will be served.
The program, coordinated with the LCC environmental group, will start at 5 p.m. and is being held at LCAD’s studio arts building at 2825 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. The public is invited, but space is limited, so reservations are required. There is no admission fee. Please RSVP online at www.lagunacanyonconservancy.org/LCAD.
AAUW Laguna Beach to hold 34th Annual Literary Luncheon
AAUW (American Association of University Women) is holding its popular Literary Luncheon event on Saturday, March 11 at the Surf & Sand Resort. Always a sellout, three women authors you won’t want to miss, Jennifer Coburn, Dori Jones-Yang and Maggie Shipstead, are the featured speakers.
Bestselling San Diego author Jennifer Coburn has written a mother-daughter travel memoir, We’ll Always have Paris, a handful of delightful women’s fiction novels and a self-help book, Take Back Your Power: A Working Woman’s Response to Sexual Harassment.
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Photos courtesy of AAUW
Author Jennifer Coburn
Her latest novel, Cradles of the Reich, a departure from light fare, is getting rave reviews. According to Donna Edwards of the Associated Press, “Every historical fiction novel should strive to be this compelling, well-researched and just flat-out good.” Cradles of the Reich explores a WWII-era Nazi breeding program through the lives of three very different and complex women. Coburn says that the devoted Nazi character, Hilde, was the most difficult to write. “I tried to walk the razor-thin line of exploring the psyche of a highly damaged person without excusing or justifying her behavior.” Coburn is currently working on a follow-up novel.
Author and journalist Dori Jones Yang, in her memoir When the Red Gates Opened (2020), shares her experiences during eight years as foreign correspondent and head of BusinessWeek’s Hong Kong news bureau. “The memoir was my capstone project,” she said. “It took me 30 years to get the perspective I needed to understand the long-lasting significance of China in the 1980s. I bring an interesting perspective on China,” she added, “one that may be different from what you read in the newspaper.”
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Author Dori Jones Yang
Yang’s early career as a journalist led her to writing her first book, Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time, a perennial favorite of readers of business books. Besides her memoir, Jones Yang has delved into historical fiction with Daughter of Xanadu and Son of Venice and youth literature with two middle-grade novels that introduce Chinese culture to American children.
Maggie Shipstead’s highly acclaimed novel, Great Circle, appeared on the New York Times bestseller list and was featured as Jenna Bush Hager’s May Book Club pick on the Today Show. New York Times reviewer, Lynn Steger Strong, said of Great Circle, it “starts high and maintains altitude. One might say it soars.” The epic novel, dense with interesting characters, adventure and soul-searching, tells the story of Marian, an early 20th century aviatrix, a woman before her time, and Hadley, a lost and searching actress tackling the role of Marian in a Hollywood movie.
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Author Maggie Shipstead
Shipstead’s earlier novels, Seating Arrangements and Astonish Me, are stand-outs among books that highlight women’s and family issues, Seating Arrangements also finding a place on the New York Times bestseller list. An avid traveler, Shipstead is a frequent contributor to Travel + Leisure magazine as well as other journals including the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Guardian, the Wall Street Journal, Condé Nast Traveler and more.
The varied works of these three authors and their takes on the struggles and rewards of the writing life are certain to make this 34th Annual AAUW Literary Luncheon another very special event.
AAUW is a national organization whose mission is to advance gender equity through research, education and advocacy. The Laguna Beach branch has 140 members from 18 cities, and is celebrating its 55th year of empowering women and girls, primarily through education.
The proceeds of the Literary Luncheon support college scholarships for girls from Laguna Beach, Dana Hills and Estancia high schools; scholarships for returning women undergraduates at Saddleback College, Orange Coast College, Laguna College of Art + Design and UC Irvine; summer STEM programs for local middle school girls and El Morro Elementary School tutoring.
The event will be held at The Surf & Sand Resort, located at 1555 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. for the silent auction, book sales and to meet the authors. Ticket price is $125 ($85 is tax deductible). To purchase tickets for the Literary Luncheon, visit http://bit.ly/AAUWLL2023. There will be no ticket sales at the door. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Look who’s having fun now
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Photo by Scott Brashier
Beau the Dog having a blast!
Laguna Beach FOA Foundation now accepting 2023 grant applications
The FOA Foundation has announced applications are now available for 2023 Art Grants. Nonprofit organizations with programs promoting fine arts in and about the City of Laguna Beach may apply. Grant applications are available online by clicking here, and the submission deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 28.
“The FOA Foundation is looking forward to receiving applications from the many talented organizations here in Laguna Beach,” said Kathy Jones, FOA Foundation president. “We look forward to helping fund programs that provide enrichment to our community.”
The Laguna Beach Festival of Arts Foundation (now named the FOA Foundation) was established in 1989 to preserve and promote the fine arts and all other artistic endeavors in and about the City of Laguna Beach, Calif.
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Courtesy of FOA Foundation
FOA Foundation annually distributes grants to local nonprofit art organizations
The FOA Foundation is comprised of a board of trustees who oversees and administers the program including Kathy Jones (president), John Campbell (vice president), Bob Earl (treasurer), Jacquie Moffett (secretary), Jeff Redeker (board member), Jeff Rovner (board member) and Kirsten Whalen (board member).
The FOA Foundation, co-founded by John Rayment and David Young, was designed to hold these funds in a permanent endowment. The earnings and income from this endowment would be distributed annually in the form of scholarships to graduates of Laguna Beach High School, and as grants to nonprofit art organizations and educational institutions in and about the City of Laguna Beach. The FOA Foundation operates independently from the Festival of Arts. In 2007, the Festival of Arts assumed the financial responsibility of the art scholarships, enabling The FOA Foundation to focus on its grant program for local nonprofit art organizations.
For more information on the grant application process, contact Kathy Jones at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
“Art in Public Places” – Water Wall by Francesca Zobeck
By DIANNE RUSSELL
Photos by Mary Hurlbut
Some of the art you see around Laguna Beach is the result of two city programs: “Public Art and Murals” and “Art in Public Places.” The goals of the Public Art and Murals and Art in Public Places (adopted in 1986) initiatives are to create diverse art installations of the highest quality that will, over decades, reflect the city itself and its citizens, and improve the quality of life; and to be a source of pride to all Laguna Beach residents.
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Ceramic tile mural depicting ocean and marine life
Water Wall, a ceramic tile mural by Francesca Zobeck, was installed in 2005 at the top of the Anita Street Beach Access stairway. It was funded through city lodging establishments, the City of Laguna Beach and a donation by Zobeck. In creating the piece, Zobeck wished to celebrate the arts in the city with an abstract representation of the ocean and its marine wildlife off our shores.
The installation has been covered for months due to a Laguna Beach water quality department project that replaced an aging sewer lift station at Anita Street and improved coastal access at that location. Now it’s on view again for visitors and residents to enjoy.
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The mural, which was installed in 2005, was unveiled after the city project was completed
The lift station, which collected wastewater between St. Ann’s and Calliope streets, up to Temple Terrace, had been in its current location since 1950, when it replaced the original lift station built in 1932.
This is the 89th article in our weekly series featuring Art in Public Places. Since there are more than 100 pieces of public art scattered throughout Laguna, it will take a while to cover them all.
For a map of Art in Public Places (not every piece is listed), click here.
To apply for the Arts in Public Places program, click here.
Opening reception for Peep Show: Susan Tibbles, Works from the L.A. Times Opinion Collection at LCAD Gallery on February 2
On Thursday, Feb. 2 from 6-9 p.m., an opening reception for the exhibition Peep Show: Susan Tibbles, Works from the L.A. Times Opinion Collection will be held at LCAD Gallery. The exhibition runs through March 19. LCAD Gallery admission is always free.
Susan Tibbles is one of those rare individuals whose work bridges the gap between Fine Art and Illustration. Her assemblages of found objects, words and imagery create a visual vocabulary all can understand. Her work speaks for itself, compelling the audience to look and listen.
For the past 30 years, Tibbles distilled controversial and complex subject matter and politics into captivating and uncanny images. She not only captures the essence of the subjects she is dealing with, but she also does so with a subtle, yet powerful aesthetic sensibility.
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Courtesy of LCAD
Illustration exhibition runs from February 2 through March 19 at LCAD Gallery
“Susan’s work expands on illustrative norms, elevating it to an extraordinary level by incorporating dimensional objects and imagery from Americana that evokes profound responses in unexpected and delightful ways,” said LCAD Illustration Chair Michael Savas.
Tibbles’ work has shown in both museum and gallery exhibitions across the United States and Europe, along with op-ed pages of various publications including the Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Washington Post and the Baltimore Sun.
LCAD Gallery is located at 374 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach.
Gallery Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday.
For more information, contact Gallery Manager Bryan Heggie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Laguna Art-A-Fair invites local and global artists to compete for a change to exhibit at 2023 festival
The Laguna Art-A-Fair’s 57th Annual Call for Artists deadline is fast approaching on Monday, Feb. 6. The Call for Artists exhibitor application to compete for participation in the highly coveted festival is now completely online to make it more convenient.
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Courtesy of Laguna Art-A-Fair
Laguna Art-A-Fair will be open daily June 30-September 3
Laguna Art-A-Fair is a “juried” show, meaning that any artist hoping to exhibit must first submit samples of their work to be reviewed by a panel of judges. There are no residency requirements or limits to the number of mediums one can submit. The jury panel is comprised of nine jurors. An Olympic scoring system is used that eliminates the highest and lowest scores, then adds up the remaining scores for a total jury score.
The festival is lauded for its high-quality fine art exhibits in multiple mediums. Laguna Art-A-Fair continues throughout the summer and hosts approximately 120 artists. Tourists, patrons and artists from California, the U.S. and indeed the world, flock to the beautiful festival grounds located at 777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, just a few blocks from downtown Laguna Beach. Attendance varies from approximately 30,000-50,000 for the run of the show.
You can find the online exhibitor application at www.art-a-fair.com/call-for-artists.
Laguna Art-A-Fair will be open daily June 30-September 3.
Tenth Annual Art & Nature Festival exhibitions wind to a close with celebration and events
Laguna Art Museum’s (LAM’s) 10th Annual Art & Nature Festival celebrates its close on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. However, the exhibitions are still on view, featuring groundbreaking, immersive exhibitions including The Sea Around Us by artist Rebeca Méndez, Pyramidion by artist Kelly Berg, The Big One by artist Robert Young and Five Summer Stories: The Exhibition. The museum has announced new Art & Nature public programs, including innovative workshops, panel discussions, nature excursions, immersive yoga and an exhibition-closing celebration.
In addition, a special artist panel will take place on Friday, Jan. 27. Join artists Lita Albuquerque, Kelly Berg, Laddie John Dill, Rebeca Méndez and Phillip K Smith III in a discussion of their Art & Nature projects and the impact of the Southern California environment on their artistic practices, moderated by LAM Curatorial Fellow Rochelle Steiner. A Champagne reception will commence the celebration starting at 5 p.m. and the panel will be held at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $30 for museum members and $40 for non-members.
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Photos courtesy of LAM
See Rebeca Mendez’s installation of “The Sea Around Us” through Sunday, Feb. 5
On view through February 5, immerse yourself into the depths of the Pacific Ocean with Rebeca Méndez’s groundbreaking installation of The Sea Around Us. This 360-degree video art installation drops you straight into the depths of the ocean usually untouched by humans. Surrounded by vivid depictions of sea life, oozing barrels of DDT descend around you, creating a sense of ominous calamity and immersing you into the thick of the conflict of environmental wrongdoing.
This moving experience inspires awe and strengthens the bond between sea and viewer, inspiring the courage to face environmental misconduct, take restorative action and avoid repeating transgressions against our natural resources.
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Kelly Berg’s “Pyramidion”
Pyramidion is an interactive sculptural experience that invites viewers to contemplate the layered history and unique geology of Laguna Beach. The Big One by artist Robert Young is thought to still hold the record as the largest painting ever created in Laguna Beach and is on display in the California Gallery. Pyramidion and The Big One are on view through February 12.
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Visitors have until March 12 to see the “Five Summer Stories” exhibition
Five Summer Stories: The Exhibition, presented in partnership with MacGillivray Freeman Films and Coast Film Festival in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic surf documentary, includes a sneak peek of the film and historic imagery, clothing and items from the era of the film. The exhibition is on view through March 12.
The Art & Nature Festival is the museum’s largest public program of the year, bringing together tens of thousands of participants to foster an appreciation of nature and raise environmental awareness.
–Friday, Jan. 27, 5-8 p.m.
Art & Nature 10th Anniversary Artist Panel
Laguna Art Museum celebrates the 10th anniversary of its signature Art & Nature initiative with a special artist panel. Join artists Lita Albuquerque, Kelly Berg, Laddie John Dill, Rebeca Méndez and Phillip K Smith III in a discussion of their Art & Nature projects – and the impact of the Southern California environment on their artistic practices – moderated by LAM Curatorial Fellow Rochelle Steiner. A Champagne reception will commence the celebration taking place from 5-8 p.m. and the panel will be held at 6 p.m.
This is also an occasion to visit and celebrate Rebeca Méndez’s The Sea Around Us with the artist before it closes on February 5.
Advance tickets recommended. Museum members: $30; Non-members: $40, click here.
–Saturday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m.
Storytime Saturday
Bring literature to life during a participatory storytime that will have you making and moving. On the fourth Saturday of each month, you’ll craft a storytelling experience inspired by a museum artwork or exhibition to foster children’s understanding of art’s role in their lives. Read-alouds will be supplemented with mindfulness exercises, art-making projects, or in-gallery activities that promote meaningful connections with caregivers and others. Sessions are designed for PreK-2 learners and their families.
Laguna Canyon Foundation partners with LAM to talk about protecting animal and plant habitats
Storytime featuring The Lumberjack’s Beard by Duncan Beedie, with an activity that encourages us to protect animals’ homes. Laguna Canyon Foundation will be partnering with LAM to discuss ways to protect animal and plant habitats. Museum members: $7; Non-members: $14; Youth 12 and under are free. All children receive free admission. Tickets are required for accompanying adults only. For tickets, click here.
–Sunday, Jan. 29, 11 a.m.
The Big One Kids’ Workshop
Celebrate the beautiful creatures of the ocean as Robert Young did in his various art pieces. Led by their education staff, you will create your own under-the-sea masterpiece inspired by Young’s vibrant painting, The Big One, currently exhibiting as part of Laguna Art Museum’s Art & Nature.
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Create an underwater masterpiece
Advanced tickets recommended. Limited space available. Youth 12 and under are free; Museum members: $7; Non-members: $14. Children must be accompanied by at least one paying adult. For tickets, click here.
–Saturday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m.
Immersive Yoga Experience
Surrounded by the underwater seascape of The Sea Around Us by Rebeca Méndez, this is a one-of-a-kind immersive yoga class experience at 10 a.m. on February 4. Tickets are $20 for museum members and $30 for non-members. Admission is free for children under 12. Children must be accompanied by at least one paying adult. For tickets, click here.
–Saturday, Feb. 4, 6 p.m.
Closing celebration of LAM’s 10th Annual Art & Nature Festival
For the closing celebration of the Laguna Art Museum’s 10th Annual Art & Nature Festival, join past Art & Nature featured artist alumni and Curatorial Fellow Rochelle Steiner, as they discuss the previous years’ installations and the importance of Art & Nature. Champagne and hors d’oeuvres will be available during this final opportunity to see the exhibitions in their entirety. The celebration will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 for museum members; $30 for non-members. For tickets, click here.
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Live! at the Museum, February 9, Douglas Masek
–Thursday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m.
Live! at the Museum, Douglas Masek and Bryan Pezzone
Join this duo consisting of a saxophone and keyboard as they perform in the museum. Please arrive early and 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 recommended. Laguna Art Museum members and Laguna Beach Live! Members: Free; Non-members: $14 per person. For tickets, click here.
–Sunday, Feb. 12, 2 p.m.
Jo Situ Allen leads Mixed Media Collage Workshop
Inspired by Robert Young’s painting, The Big One, local artist Jo Situ Allen (aka Dirty Eraser) will lead a mixed media collage workshop using found images, objects and reproductions of marine life from The Accidental Naturalist, her book on native California species. She will share some insights about the wonderful species found just off the beaches of Laguna. Energized by the intuitive flow of the ocean, students will create their own magical underwater landscape through colors, forms and textures. The Oceanic Flow workshop will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase through the Laguna Art Museum website and the cost is $20 for museum members and $30 for non-members. Children under 12 can attend the workshop for free, but must be accompanied by at least one paying adult. Supplies for the workshop are included with the ticket.
For tickets, click here.
For more information about the 10th Annual Art & Nature Festival and Laguna Art Museum exhibitions and programming, visit www.lagunaartmuseum.org.
Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach.
LAM announces 41st Annual California Cool Art Auction, Benefit & Bash on March 4
Laguna Art Museum (LAM) has announced the 41st Annual California Cool Art Auction, Benefit & Bash which will take place February 18 through March 4. Bidding for the annual auction will open online on February 18. The auction will feature works from 125 California artists on view to preview in person at Laguna Art Museum with paid admission, February 18 through March 4.
The auction will culminate with an exclusive Benefit & Bash at the museum on March 4 beginning at 6:30 p. m., connecting artists, collectors and the community in a celebration of California culture. The museum’s largest fundraiser of the year has been reimagined to offer the preeminent California Cool experience, with a creative California-inspired culinary and cocktail experience, a special performance by musical guest and Laguna local, Grammy-nominated, Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats, an artistic photo opportunity on the red carpet with photographer Tony Pinto and the chance to meet many of California’s most notable artists supporting the museum and participating in the auction. Online auction bidding will continue through the evening, concluding at 8 p.m. on March 4.
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Photos courtesy of LAM
Charles Arnoldi, “La Croix,” acrylic & charcoal on canvas, 80” x 72” (2022)
The museum-curated auction will feature works by more than 125 of California’s most sought-after artists including Lita Albuquerque, Charles Arnoldi, Billy Al Bengston, Kelly Berg, Alex Couwenberg, Joe Goode, David Ligare, Jean Lowe, Andy Moses, Gwynn Murrill, Fabia Panjarian, Ruth Pastine, Astrid Preston, Ed Ruscha, Beth Waldman and many more. Proceeds from the annual auction provide vital support to the museum, directly benefiting major initiatives, education programs, exhibitions and community engagement.
“This is Laguna Art Museum’s most fashionable, fun and highly anticipated event of the year. We have reimagined our 2023 event to be the coolest ever,” said Julie Perlin Lee, executive director of Laguna Art Museum. “The artworks and the guest list alone will be worth showing up for, and supporters can expect a high-energy evening for the benefit of the museum’s dynamic 2023 education and exhibition initiatives.”
Registration for the online auction and in person preview at Laguna Art Museum, open on February 18. For more information, registration or to purchase tickets to the exclusive event on March 4 at 6:30-11 p.m., click here. Tickets are on sale now.
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California Cool 2022 at LAM
For more information about the 41st Annual California Cool Art Auction and Laguna Art Museum, visit www.lagunaartmuseum.org. To stay connected and learn about upcoming events, follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Laguna Art Museum exists to engage and enlighten people of all ages through art that embodies and preserves the California experience. Laguna Art Museum presents exhibitions relevant to California art and artists throughout the year and is home to the annual Art & Nature Festival celebrating the museum’s unique relationship to the environment.
For more information, go to www.lagunaartmuseum.org.
Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach.
Jazz Wednesdays presents “The Soul of Jazz: A Jazz Tribute to the legends of Soul and Groove” on February 8
Laguna Live! kicks off their Jazz Winter Wednesdays season on Wednesday, Feb. 8, with 2023 Grammy®-nominated Bijon Watson and acclaimed vocalist Maiya Sykes with “The Soul of Jazz: A Jazz Tribute to the legends of Soul and Groove.”
The event will be held at [seven degrees], 891 Laguna Canyon Road, from 6-8 p.m. (Venue capacity has been reduced to 50% for comfort and safety.) Doors open at 5 p.m. for the bar and social hour. Lite Bites are available to pre-order.
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Photos courtesy of Laguna Live!
Maiya Sykes performs with Bijon Watson on February 8
Join Watson and Sykes along with the Laguna Live! All-Stars as they perform a Jazz Tribute to legends of Soul and Groove playing the music of Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, The Doobie Brothers, Chaka Khan, Joe Cocker, Dionne Warwick and others.
Watson and Sykes have performed on stages worldwide to capacity audiences. Sykes is known for her appearances on The Voice®, and with the immensely popular group Post-Modern Jukebox. She is a sought-after recording artist who can be seen performing with an amazing array of artists as well as on The Hour of Power and wowed Laguna Live! audiences on August 18, 2022 with her “Blues” concert.
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2023 Grammy-nominated Bijon Watson
Watson most recently garnered a Grammy® nomination this year in the Best Large Jazz Ensemble category for his group the Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra that he co-leads with Pianist/Composer Steven Feifke. Watson has performed or recorded with artists such as Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Justin Timberlake, Prince and Stevie Wonder, to name a few.
Prices are as follows: Concert $37.50; $150 for full season.
Tickets are available at http://lagunalive.org/, or by calling 949.715.9713.
Our ocean is waving hello to the surf crowd
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Photo by Scott Brashier
The recent storms and king tides have done nothing to hurt those desiring to enjoy the water
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.
