Hopeful Cast Members Flock to Pageant of the Masters Auditions
Karin Wyman-Vardaman Selected as New Executive Director for Laguna Canyon Foundation
By LB Indy Staff
The Laguna Canyon Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving and protecting the 22,000-acre open space surrounding Laguna Beach, has named Karin Wyman-Vardaman as its new executive director.
“After an extensive search process, we are thrilled to have found our next leader,” said Michelle Kremer, board president for Laguna Canyon Foundation. “Her deep connection to the region, along with her broad conservation background, makes Karin an
ideal fit to further advance the mission of our organization.”
For more than 35 years, Vardaman, a Laguna Beach native, has been involved with nonprofit leadership, environmental education and field conservation experience. Her background includes serving as Pacific Marine Mammal Center’s (formally Friends of the Sea Lions) Director of Animal Care and Operations in the 1980s and senior firector at the Ocean Institute for nearly two decades.
“I’m deeply honored to serve Laguna
Canyon Foundation’s most meaningful mission and give back to the treasured open spaces that gave me so much joy as a youth growing up in Laguna Beach,” Vardaman said.
In 2021, Vardaman was listed as one of “Forbes 50 over 50 Women Making an Impact” for her game-changing work in wild wolf conservation and coexistence through the nonprofit Working Circle, which she founded in 2016. Wyman-Vardaman’s start date was Dec. 11, 2023.
Laguna Police Nab Commercial Burglary Suspect
By Clara Beard |
LB Indy
Laguna Beach police have arrested a 29-yearold Chino Hills man for burglary, possession of stolen property, and other drug-related charges after a traffic stop on Laguna Canyon Road.
After the Jan. 4 stop at 3:46 a.m., officers determined that the driver, Joseph Hernandez, had approximately $20,000 of stolen equipment in his possession. The goods were returned to their original owners.
The passenger, a career criminal currently on probation and also from Chino Hills, is being investigated by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for related charges.
This solitary traffic enforcement stop cracked this particular burglary and various others that happened since November 2023, authorities said.
The Laguna Beach Police Department has increased patrol checks along Laguna Canyon Road area due to multiple recent commercial burglaries.
The officer saw a vehicle leaving a closed business and conducted a traffic enforcement stop based on a vehicle equipment violation, according to a police release.
The officer observed various items in the vehicle, which elevated the officer’s suspicion, police said.
Hernandez’s bail was set at $53,500.
Anyone with information regarding the burglary and thefts is asked to contact the Laguna Beach Police Department at 949-497-0701.
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Local Realtors Keep 10-Year Holiday Tradition Alive
By LB Indy Staff
A few REALTORS and friends of Laguna Beach relator June Campbell have carried her legacy of adopting a family at Christmas each year since her passing in 2013.
This year, with Sande St. John’s help, the group adopted a local family from the Laguna Beach Adopt A Family Program.
Liz Comerford, Michael La Riche, Tracy Lineback, Kathy Olex, Nancy Pooley and Suzanne Taylor provided a bevy of gifts for the family of four.
All the gifts were wrapped and delivered to Santa’s house on Forest Ave. on the afternoon of Dec. 23.
Campbell was an active real estate agent in Laguna Beach, selling homes even into her 80s. Legend has it that Campbell sold many local houses three times over during her career.
Many will remember her exuberant personality, professional success and adventurous nature. She had many friends and a lifelong love of animals.
Born Oct. 26, 1924 and raised in St. Louis, Mo., Campbell studied chemistry at the University of
Chicago. She served in Hawaii during WWII as a marine and migrated to California shortly thereafter.
Campbell was a fierce advocate for equal rights at a time when it was dangerous to do so. In 1978, during the campaign against the Briggs initiative, a law that threatened gay rights and would have permitted the firing of gay teachers in public schools, many people were hesitant
to be identified as gay-friendly. Campbell had supporters of equal rights send checks and cash through her and routed them to the cause.
Campbell’s presence as a gay female REALTOR in Laguna Beach from the early 60s until 2012 cannot be ignored. She was a generous mentor, taking many fledgling REALTORS under her wing. Campbell was also well respected
for her honesty and astute protectiveness, where her clients were concerned. Her influence and help to other gay women in business was considerable.
One of her favorite projects as a REALTOR was to adopt needy families during the holidays and shower them with gifts.
One of June Campbell’s (above left) favorite projects as a Laguna Beach realtor was to adopt needy families during the holidays and shower them with gifts. The tradition has continued for 10 years Submitted photo
Featuring the music of Joni Mitchell, David Crosby, Neil Young, Linda Ronstadt,
Laguna Beach Business Club 2024 Speaker Series: January
The Laguna Beach Business Club Jan. 18 meeting speaker is Laguna resident and artistic director of Philharmonic Society of Orange County, Tommy Phillips. The LBBC holds monthly breakfast meetings starting at 7:30 a.m., hosting speakers that discuss topics valuable to achieving success in your personal and professional lives.
Phillips will discuss the upcoming Laguna Beach Music Festival.
For over twenty years, Phillips has held artistic positions and programming consultancies at orchestras across the country, including the San Diego Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, Charlotte Symphony, Pacific Symphony, and Mainly Mozart Festival, among others, Phillips has guided music directors, helped build strong artistic foundations, and has worked to connect institutions with their respective communities.
Following his passion for cultural exchange and musical ambassadorship, Phillips is also the co-founder of Black Cats Production Company, an
Town Crier
IN AND AROUND LAGUNA BEACH
international touring and performing arts organization bringing performing ensembles to China and Chinese ensembles to the United States. His past clients include violinist Joshua Bell, the Shanghai Quartet, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and France’s Malandain Ballet Biarritz.
During his eight years with the San Diego Symphony, Phillips oversaw the strategy and implementation for all artistic programs, festivals, recording sessions, commissioning projects and national and international tours. He
Nothing beats a warm and cozy bowl of pasta on a cold day.
Look no further than our restaurants. We offer a fine dining experience with a touch of Italian flair. Our menu features a variety of dishes, from seafood and meats to salads and desserts. You can also enjoy our selection of wines and cocktails. Come in and dine with us today!
also developed and produced largescale multi-media concerts (including the first-ever Live-to-Film world premiere of a major motion picture with live orchestra) and built key relationships with major brands such as Disney, Paramount and Comic-Con. Club meetings begin with a buffet breakfast and networking roundtable. Meetings are hosted at Nirvana Grille, 303 Broadway St., #101, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Non-members are welcome. The non-member guest fee is $30, payable by check to the
Laguna Beach Business Club or by cash on the day of the meeting. Space is limited. Guests be sure you receive RSVP confirmation. For more information about the LBBC or to register to attend the meeting, please visit the website at lagunabeachbusinessclub.com or Info@ LagunaBeachBusinessClub.com.
CRIER, PAGE 18
California Design General Contractors
Tommy Phillips, Laguna resident and artistic director of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, will speak at the Laguna Beach Business Club’s Jan. 18 meeting at 7:30 a.m. Photo courtesy of Tommy Phillips
The South Laguna Community Garden Park is hosting a pruning workshop on Jan. 20. Photo courtesy of the Garden Park.
Truly Missed
It was so sad to hear of the passing of Skip Hellewell. Over the past six years, I have enjoyed and looked forward to reading his “Finding Meaning” column. His insights and wisdom brought added color to our weekly paper and made us all take time to reflect on what small and simple things truly have meaning in our lives and in our world.
He put things in perspective for us.
He also dedicated himself to his community and was an active volunteer in various organizations, as well as one of our most beloved historians of all things “Laguna.” He loved our town and its people with all of its colorful diversity.
He will long be remembered for his selfless service, dedication to family and example of goodness!
“There’s meaning in that.”
He will truly be missed.
Beth Garlock, Laguna Beach
theIndyPoll
Jan. 17 - Planning Commission Meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 19 - City Council Annual Planning Meeting at 8:30 a.m.
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
SECOND AND FOURTH THURSDAYS, 5 PM
LOUIS WEIL: lweil@lagunabeachcity.net
KRISTINE THALMAN: kthalman@lagunabeachcity.net
DON SHERIDAN: dsheridan@lagunabeachcity.net
JESSICA GANNON: jgannon@lagunabeachcity.net
TOM GIBBS: tgibbs@lagunabeachcity.net
PLANNING COMMISSION
1ST AND 3RD WEDNESDAYS, 6 PM
STEVEN KELLENBERG, steve@kellenbergstudio.com
KEN SADLER: 616-0517, ken.sadler@cox.net
JORG DUBIN: 497-2618, jdubinart@cox.net
STEVE GOLDMAN: 203-554-2290, steveg415@ymail.com
SUSAN McLINTOCK WHITIN: 838-6317, whitinsusan@gmail.com
OTHER ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES: REP. KATIE PORTER,, 1113 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515. 202-225-2415 ASSEMBLYWOMAN DIANE DIXON, 19712 MacArthur Blvd. Ste. 150, Irvine, CA 92612. 949-251-0074 FIFTH DISTRICT SUPERVISOR KATRINA FOLEY
EDITORIAL
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Clara Beard clara@firebrandmediainc.com
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Tracy Powell
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ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION: Tel: 949 715-4100; Fax: 949 715-4106
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Tiffany Thompson
MAILING ADDRESS:
900 Glenneyre St., Suite B Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Tel: 949-715-4100; Fax: 949 715-4106 www.lbindy.com
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PUBLISHER
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
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CREATIVE & MARKETING DIRECTOR
Tracy Powell
PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING
Scott Sanchez
OUR LETTER POLICY
E-mail letters to: Clara@firebrandmediainc.com
Letters strengthen community ties and provide a community forum open to all. Due to space constraints we ask letter writers to limit their topics to local concerns, make their submissions exclusive to the Indy alone and be of 400 words or less. Letters should be submitted by Tuesday, 5 p.m. They may be edited for clarity, length or appropriateness as needed. We decline to publish letters that we perceive as personal attacks, even of public figures. We strive for civil discourse over ideas and issues, not personalities. Letter writers must supply their name and contact information. Published letters will only use the writer’s name and city of residence. E-mail letters are preferred.
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Sue Kempf Mayor skempf@lagunabeachcity.net
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George Weiss Council member gweiss@lagunabeachcity.net
Alex Rounaghi Mayor pro tem arounaghi@ lagunabeachcity.net
Ann Marie McKay City Clerk amckay@lagunabeachcity.net
Laura Parisi City Treasurer lparisi@ lagunabeachcity.net
Who You Work With Matters
Heidi Cleveland
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By Frank Aronoff | LB Indy
WINTER
SPORTS UPDATE
BOYS BASKETBALL (11-9)
Laguna played highly regarded Los Alamitos, considered among the top 10 public school teams in Southern California, on Jan. 3 at the Griffin’s gym and pushed the hosts before falling 80-69. Dylan McEachern scored 16 points, Mac Thompson 15 on three-point shots, Ryan Cheng and Sam Burchi each scored 10. Jack Halverson dished out 10 assists and scored nine points.
Last Friday, Laguna lost to a hot-shooting Edison squad 5545 in a Sunset League crossover contest. McEachern and Halvorson each scored 15 points, Mack Thompson added nine, and Sam Burchi five. Chargers (17-3) now lead the all-time series 8-7. Sunset Wave League play began this past Wednesday with Marina. Breakers are at Corona del Mar this Friday, Jan. 12.
Remaining Dugger Gym games (all at 7 p.m.): Friday, Jan. 19 at Fountain Valley, Tuesday, Jan. 30 versus Corona del Mar and Thursday, Feb. 1 versus Huntington Beach.
Sports/Schools
SUBMISSIONS WELCOME BY 5 PM TUESDAY
GIRLS BASKETBALL (6-12, 0-1)
Laguna lost a tough opening league contest 41-39 to Huntington Beach this past Tuesday, Jan. 9 at Dugger Gym. Breakers held a 36-35 lead late in the contest. Earlier this month in on-league action, Laguna was swamped 76-22 at Los Alamitos on Jan. 4 and lost 47-36 to Corona del Mar on Jan. 6 at home. This past Monday, the squad lost 63-48 to Capo Valley Christian at Laguna.
BOYS SOCCER (3-8-1)
Breakers lost their two Sunset League crossover matches last week, losing 2-1 to Los Alamitos on Jan. 3 and 6-3 to Newport Harbor on Jan. 5 (9-1-1).
GIRLS SOCCER (7-3-1, 0-1-0)
Laguna was off until Jan. 4, when they lost a non-league Sunset crossover match at Marina 2-0 but held Newport Harbor (11-4-2) to a 1-1 tie on Jan. 6 at Guyer Field. The squad dropped the Wave League opening match to Edison (8-5-2) on Tuesday, Jan. 9, by a 2-1 score.
GIRLS WATER POLO (6-7, 0-1)
It was a tough week for the Breakers as they dropped two competitive
contests, falling 15-13 at Foothill on Jan. 4 and 9-6 at Mater Dei on Jan. 6. Against Foothill, the Breakers took an early lead and trailed 5-4 at the midpoint. The Knights were very efficient in their shooting, which was the difference. Ava Knepper scored five goals, three assists, two steals and three drawn exclusions to lead the team. Kara Carver scored four goals and drew four exclusions in the effort.
On Saturday at Mater Dei, Laguna and the Monarchs were tied at the intermission, and the Breakers led until late in the third period before defensive errors led to the host’s victory.
Presley Jones led Laguna with three goals, two assists and a steal. Sienna Jumani had 13 saves in the cage.
This week: Laguna traveled to Corona del Mar (1-1, 10-4) this past Wednesday for a Surf League match and is on the road this weekend at the 22nd Santa Barbara TOC. Laguna opens play on Friday facing San Clemente at Dos Pueblos High School. Should the seedings hold, Laguna would play Foothill later that day. The tournament concludes on Saturday at Santa Barbara High School. Laguna has won the event four times and
Barron Zepeda in his first-place winning match at Irvine’s Pena Classic. He competed in the 120- pound weight class. Photo courtesy of the Laguna Beach High School Wrestling Team.
Street Beat
EXCERPTS FROM POLICE LOGS
Thursday, Jan. 4
Burglary, possessing a controlled substance and paraphernalia, burglary tools. Joseph Hernandez, 29, of Chino Hills, was arrested on suspicion of burglary, possessing a controlled substance and paraphernalia, along with burglary tools. He was held on $53,500 bail.
Bench warrant. Wesley Tyler Smith, 41, of Santa Monica, was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant. He was held on $2,500 bail. Defrauding an innkeeper, assault. Alan Gardner Tanner, 45, of Tustin, was arrested on suspicion of defrauding an innkeeper of $950 or less and felony force or assault with a deadly weapon. He was held on $200,500 bail. Disorderly conduct. Lisa Leah Bird, 62, Laguna Beach, was arrested on suspicion of alcohol-related disorderly conduct. She was held on $500 bail.
Possession of a controlled substance. Julian Kanuha Kanaeholo, 41, of Mission Viejo, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance. He was held on $500 bail.
Friday, Jan. 5
Vandalism. Vincent Bruce Morales, 20, of Anaheim, was arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism and
defacing property. He was held on $20,000 bail.
Bench warrant. Edwin G. Cisnerosavlarez, 27, of Santa Ana was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant. He was held without bail.
Domestic with minor injury, possible willful cruelty to child. Isaiah Lee Cuellar, 24, of Riverside, was arrested on suspicion of felony willful cruelty to child (possible) and domestic violence with minor injury. He was held on $50,000 bail.
Domestic with minor injury, possible willful cruelty to child. Angelina Monique Fisher, 28, of Perris, was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence with minor injury and failing or refusing to provide blood or saliva. She was held on $50,000 bail.
Domestic with minor injury, failure to provide blood or saliva. Mohammad Baghalzadeh, 54, of Laguna Beach, was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence with minor injury and failing or refusing to provide blood or saliva. He was held on $50,000 bail.
Saturday, Jan. 6
Disorderly conduct. Christopher Anthony Rivituso, 40, Las Vegas, was
arrested on suspicion of alcohol-related disorderly conduct. He was held on $500 bail.
Hit and run, DUI. Randi Rachelle Mccarthy, 42, of Huntington Beach, was arrested on suspicion of a felony hit and run resulting in death or injury and drunk driving with a blood alcohol level on or over .08. She was held on $200,000 bail.
Sunday, Jan. 7
No arrests were made.
Monday, Jan. 8
Bench warrant. Rachel Marie Heiden, 33, of Huntington Beach, was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant. She was held on $500 bail.
DUI. Samuel Nicholas Ostgaard, 31, of Silverado, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, obstructing an executive officer
and a peace officer, and possessing a controlled substance. He was held on $25,000 bail.
Tuesday, Jan. 9
DUI. A 32-year-old Laguna Beach man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs. He was held on $2,500 bail.
Wednesday, Jan. 10
Possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia. Christian G Villanuevazavala, 30, of Los Angeles, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance and paraphernalia. Bail information wasn’t immediately available.
Possession of a controlled substance and burglary tools. Anthony Brian Haas, 44, of Stanton, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance and burglary tools. Bail information wasn’t immediately available.
Right Here - Right Now
BY SUSAN MCNEAL VELASQUEZ
Have you ever wondered if you picked up the wrong nametag at the registration table of life? Do you think your older sibling was telling the truth when he or she told you that you were adopted? Do you sometimes feel out of touch, in the wrong parade, were dropped off on the wrong planet, missed the bus or got off at the wrong stop?
If asked for a running commentary on your moment-to-moment experiences, most would respond with mixed reviews. It was okay. Acceptable. Terrible. Awful. I’ll give it a seven. It wasn’t all that bad. Great. These evaluations are simply the stuff of life.
In everyone’s life, there have been or will be; if it hasn’t happened yet, at least one event you know has your name on it. It is that moment that changes the quality and experience of your life forever.
I will go a step further by asking you to bring your mind into the present and answer this question. Who is presently a part of your life that you can genuinely say: “I wouldn’t have missed the experience of you for the world.”
What projects, opportunities or tasks are you presently involved in that you can honestly say: “I wouldn’t have missed the experience of doing this for the world.”
If you can discover just one person or one task that you wholeheartedly accept and value, you can then connect yourself to the basic rightness of your life. Why? Because every single event and experience that you have had in your life had to happen exactly when, where and how it did so that you would be in the right place to meet that special person, land that ‘I was made for this’ job, live in your personal paradise, birth the baby, idea, business, or relationship that infuses your life with love.
When you are willing to admit that life has, in fact, come and singled you out to engage, invest,
decide, choose, stand up, stand out, contribute, and be forever altered by the events that have been delivered to your doorstep, you can no longer sit on the sidelines and pretend that you are not in the game. You have been chosen to be a part of the team, even if your expectations of what you thought was the program you
signed up for initially have not been up to your notions of what you deserve.
When you find yourself impatient with life, numbed by the mundane or longing for the magic of synergistic life events, remember this: What you are seeking is also seeking you.
You are in the right place. It
is the right time. Your life is progressing, exactly as it should. Relax. Let go. Position yourself to receive the abundance that is all around you. Open your heart and mind to the opportunities waiting to be embraced here and now.
Susan is a local author who has resided in Laguna since 1986 and loves it! susanvelasquez.com
BY
Murray Horwitz & Richard Maltby Jr.
lost in overtime last year to Newport in the finals. Laguna is seeded sixth this year behind Orange Lutheran, San Marcos, Foothill, Mater Dei and Newport. Next week, Laguna travels for a pair of league matches with Newport on Tuesday, Jan. 18, and at Los Alamitos on Thursday, Jan. 18.
WRESTLING (1-0)
Laguna competed against 20 teams this past weekend at the Andrew Peña Classic at Irvine High School on Jan. 6, walking out with four tournament placers, including a champion and finalist.
Barron Zepeda (senior) won first place in the 120-pound weight class after winning three matches and
going undefeated. At the same time, James Kramer, Junior, took second place in the 157-pound weight class, earning three victories and one defeat in the finals. Jackson Lawsky (senior) and Mason Mikulin (So) also earned third place in the 113-pound weight class and 106-pound weight class, respectively. Both wrestlers amassed a 3-1 record in the event.
Breakers traveled to league favorite Marina for a match on Jan. 10. Results will be in next week’s paper.
Have a note/question on Laguna sports/correction/update? E-mail Frank at frank@twometer.net. Looking for the 2023-24 high school schedules and scores? Check Laguna Beach High School on the Max Preps website.
Native Son, Home Again
By Craig Lockwood, Special to the Independent
American novelist Thomas Wolf’s legacy truism that “You can’t go home again,” rests on the expectation that “home” will never be what it was when you left.
That didn’t stop Howard Hills from returning to Laguna after being away for years...more than once.
“As long as Laguna’s coves are still here,” said Hills, “Laguna will still be my home.”
Deep Local Roots
In 1999, local journalist Barbara Diamond wrote a feature article about Hills returning home after 18 years of service in Washington. Emphasizing his family’s long local history, she mentioned his grandparents’ 1922 arrival to our once-tiny village after a cold winter in Chicago.
Howard’s grandmother Julia, had fought for women’s suffrage, and became a local PTA mom. In 1942, six months after Pearl Harbor, Howard’s uncle Bob Hills left his LBHS graduation to serve in that war and another 38 years in the Navy.
Naval Career Hills, as a first-generation native and LBHS graduate, after law school and serving as a Peace Corps lawyer in Micronesia, was commissioned and served as a U.S. Navy Lieutenant
Commander. Today, Howard and his uncle Bob are included on the LBHS campus military service roster.
Cold War, Strategic Treaties
From 1978 to the end of the Cold War in 1990, Hills served as a U.S. legal expert shaping the strategic treaties with the Pacific Islands nations of Oceania.
After eight years as a Navy JAG international lawyer for the National Security Council in the White House, his most senior post was as General Counsel of a U.S. State Department agency operating in over 100 countries to promote democracy and free-enterprise economics. With his mission completed, it was time to come home.
Laguna Landfill
Relocated in Laguna Beach in 1999, Howard and his wife Lura enrolled their two youngest children and three grandchildren in the same local schools he attended. Hills’ contribution as a PTA dad and public education supporter was a continuation of his student activism while serving in 1969-1970 as LBHS Student Body President.
Reflecting on those years, Hills observes: “Our American civic values
NATIVE SON, PAGE 16
Laguna Medal Winners at Irvine’s Pena Classic. Left to right: Mason Milkulin, Jackson Lawsky, Barron Zepeda and James Kramer. Photos courtesy of Laguna Beach Wrestling
LBHS CHEERLEADERS FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT CHEER TEAM
Please support your local Laguna Beach High School. Our Cheerleaders are in need for donations to cover their team expenses.
Purchase a ticket, or more, to win a chance to stay at the luxurious Five Star ***** MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH RESORT.
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Purchase your opportunity drawing ticket(s) by January 31, 2024 by scanning the QR code on this yer. Increase your chance, by purchasing more than a single ticket.
GUEST OPINION:
Spill Response Suggestions are Neither Achievable or Realistic
BY ROGER BÜTOW
Charlene Thomas’ well-intentioned
“Tips for the sewer repair crew” letter to the editor in the Dec. 29, 2023 edition of the Independent offered suggestions that are, for the most part, neither realistic nor achievable.
They ignore the gamut of various, unique site conditions, compounding the challenges our crews face. One size does not fit all.
Some are outright impossible to implement due to the complex North Coast Interceptor (NCI) pumping sys-
OBITUARY:
tem’s functional elements and physical locations.
We are not “embarking on the crucial task of repairing old pipes,” nor for that matter, even modernizing our relay stations. That’s City Hall Kool-Aid.
On my 26-year watch, we have yet to invest any significant funds earmarked, i.e., specifically dedicated to Laguna’s future health and safety, our common heritage, although we have millions in surplus each budget cycle.
The City has basically taken a bandaid approach: Deferred maintenance, repairing things as they’re either on the verge of failure or delaying work orders until a calamity hits. A dominantly reactive, not proactive approach.
The millions that ex-Mayor Bob Whalen alleged recently, extolled in damage control mode through media, aren’t upgrades.
In fact, they’re only routine operation and maintenance efforts. Our budgeted overhead is in the low, single-digit millions, the price of being in the wastewater utility industry.
In the 95,000-gallon Bluebird event, crews were in the former mode, rehabbing a valve (on the verge), and
we’ll only know the whole truth after the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board issues its final report. They might impose a fine, especially if we were found lacking, but right now, conclusions from the general public are premature.
By mandate, we must have generic spill response standards and plans on file with the SD Regional Board. Their staff peer reviews and requires periodic updating from all reclaimed and wastewater utilities under their compliance purview.
Residents should note that there’s actually a series, a daisy chain of pump relays, “lift stations,” that keep the ~ 2 million gallons/day wastewater system volumes moving.
The North Coast Interceptor (NCI) is, therefore, a type of “forced main” collection and transmitting system. Albeit under somewhat low pressure, yet still enough to keep the volumes moving over terrain that dips, rises, then dips again.
Keep in mind that it’s not just human excreted waste, but also toilet paper and anything else that goes down the drains of homes and businesses. So it’s not all water. There’s a lot of coarse detritus being pushed.
In Loving Memory of Robert ‘Sam’ Rohloff
August 19, 1959 - December 24, 2023
Sam Rohloff, a vibrant soul whose zest for life was unmatched, left us on December 24, 2023. He was a man of many passions and an unwavering commitment to family and friends. Those who knew him best are left with cherished memories of a brother, uncle, and friend who lived life to the fullest, making every moment count.
Sam is survived by his sisters, Vicki Baker and Suzi Prescott. And their loving families Sam deeply cherished; Brothersin-law; Dan Baker and Mark Prescott, nephews and nieces; Logan Prescott, Sophia Prescott, Shaun Baker, Brittani DeRosia, Brandon and Kathlyn Baker and great nephews and nieces; Tyler and Raina Baker, Khloe, Lylah, Scarlett and Nash
Baker and Dylan and Ruby DeRosia.
Sam discovered early in life that his purpose was to spread joy and laughter. His infectious enthusiasm and unrivaled sense of humor left an indelible mark on all he encountered. Sam’s first taste of the spotlight came in school when he boldly declared recess as his favorite subject, eliciting uproarious laughter from his classmates. His father’s pride in that moment fueled Sam’s lifelong dedication to bringing smiles to those around him.
Sam’s love for travel was only surpassed by his love for family and friends. He embarked on countless adventures, capturing the beauty of the world through his passion for art, photography, and surfing. He had an eclectic taste in music and dress that mirrored the diversity of his personality. Whether he was riding the waves or exploring a new city, Sam’s spirit thrived in the exhilaration of new experiences.
His commitment to family and friends was unparalleled. Sam had a heart that overflowed with love, and he never missed an opportunity to express it. His hugs were warm, genuine, and accompanied by those three cherished words: “I love you.” Sam’s presence brought joy to gatherings, and his infectious laughter echoed through the lives of those he touched.
In October 2023, Sam found solace in his faith and was baptized at Saddleback
The scenario that Thomas proposes can’t be fully accomplished. Dominantly, in these situations, the crews have no idea how severe it’ll become. They can’t foretell the future. They can’t possibly predict blockages leading to spills, let alone how many vacuum or suction trucks they’d need to have in staged backup posture.
This valve repair effort had crews working overnight. Imagine how the immediate neighbors would feel, hearing trucks idling in such compressed environs, blocking tenants on Galen Drive? Starting it up from scratch might or might not be fast enough.
These suction trucks are maintained and constantly inspected by our vehicle maintenance department. Thus, the verification or certifications Thomas is alluding to are already part of the infrastructural and personnel Best Management Practices as required by regulations.
Frankly, I can’t recall any failed response occurrence exacerbated by backup truck failures. I’d add that they are radio dispatched and have connectivity with HQ back at City Hall, plus other crews in case of the need for a greater, more robust and expedited emergency response.
The Bluebird spill would have required several trucks in rotation. Most of these vehicles hold in the 10-15,000-gallon capacity range. The dispatcher can’t possibly know the eventual volume needing capture, but in hindsight, the math is easy: seven to 10 truck trips.
Church. His deep connection with God brought him great peace and strengthened his resolve to continue spreading joy in every way possible.
Sam Rohloff was more than just a character; he was larger than life, passionate, and endlessly fun. There was no off button to his energy, and even the serenity of “Quiet World” couldn’t silence him. His departure leaves a void that can only be filled with the memories of his exuberant spirit, laughter, and the love he shared so generously.
As we say our goodbyes, let us remember Sam with smiles and gratitude for the joy he brought into our lives. May his laughter continue to echo in our hearts, and may his spirit inspire us to live as boldly and passionately as he did. Sam Rohloff will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Please join us as we remember and celebrate Sam on February 10, 2024, at 4 p.m. at the Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach, located at 286 St. Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651. Reception immediately following service. Dress as vibrant as Sam’s personality. It’s a celebration of a life well lived. Please RSVP and send your favorite pictures for the memorial video to SamRohloffMemorial@gmail.com.
PAID ANNOUNCEMENT
That stated, Galen Drive, which terminates at the Bluebird Lift Station, is very narrow. The logistics of these oversized, cumbersome trucks, the dynamics of rotating and wheeling them in and out of that particular street, are very difficult.
The multiple backups would have to have been queued up and down Bluebird Canyon Drive; you could only get them in and out one at a time, and 100% guaranteed recapture or containment was pretty much impossible.
Last, although I don’t believe that our crews are getting the best training tools that money can buy (the City cutting educational corners), they are extremely conscientious and proud of their performance.
The real “waste blockage” is in the brains at City Hall.
Roger “Gonzo” Bütow is a 52-year resident of Laguna Beach. He’s co-founder and Executive Director of the unincorporated association known as Clean Water Now. A retired general contractor, since 2010, he’s been a professional land use and regulatory compliance consultant, plus provided environmental and construction advisory services. His contact information can be found at: www.clean-waternow.org.
GUEST OPINION:
Squid Vicious
BY BILLY FRIED
I just returned home from three weeks in Florida, caring for my mom (with my daughter) while her regular caretakers got a break. It was precious times, helping her through her day. She lost her mobility a year ago after suffering a stroke, and I fully expected a disability like that would make her depressed or even ornery. But I was wrong. She has embraced her predicament with grace. She goes with the flow, even though the most basic of functions are beyond her grasp.
For me, it was a ritual of love; a role reversal where she was the one naked, vulnerable and dependent. And the best thing was, she giggled through it all. Like a child. For some strange reason, just the act of lifting her out of her wheelchair elicited gales of laughter. To the point where her body goes limp, and she loses the ability to clench her butt cheeks to suppress an air biscuit. (Hey, an empty house is better than a bad tenant, right?). Which induced still more laughter. But required all of my strength to hold her up.
Of course, all of this left me pondering the vagaries of aging and the difference between a health span and a life span. Though her physical body is now a burden to her, my mother is perfect from the neck up, which I constantly remind her of.
She has all her faculties. Her five senses are fully engaged, and she can delight in the small things; a foot rub, the smell of fresh lilies, or singing along with Kermit the Frog’s rendition of “Rainbow Connection.” Sure, she may forget what she did yesterday. But she can remember meals she ate when she was 15. And riding the streetcar looking for all varieties of it. Food has played a big role in this New Orleans gal’s life. And at 91, it still does. Her tastes have changed, and her appetite has shrunk, but she will brave a hurricane to get her beloved raw squid.
And that is what we did for three weeks. Getting her in and out of the car,
headed to the same sushi bar, day after day, sometimes for lunch and dinner. And it’s always the same thing. Squid. Both nigiri sushi and hand rolls. No soy, no wasabi. A squid savant. She used to add a yellowtail handroll, but that no longer floats her boat. She just craves the chewy texture. Before sushi, she used to gnaw at bones. And gizzards. And knuckles. The more gristle, the better. Southern girl, remember? But now it’s squid on her lid 24/7, and I am fascinated watching her enter the zone of rapture when she takes that crackling first bite of premium Japanese nori, warmed and toasted for maximum crispness. She chomps down on the cone, and invariably, a slippery slice of squid dangles from her mouth. She jerks her head back like a sea lion swallowing a fish. Then, her eyes glaze into a silent stupor. There’s no interrupting her revelry. Some would call it mindfulness. Others might characterize it as sex. Then, there’s the sweet, nightly ritual at home following the meal. Some chocolate ice cream, and then off with her clothes and into her pajamas - with a lot of hygienic maintenance of the privates. Off with her makeup. Then, the mixing of two overpriced moisturizing oils and the gentle application to her face. I make sure to massage her gullet to prepare for tomorrow’s squid. Then brush her teeth, which she could certainly do by herself, but really, why bother? I lift her into bed, adjust her pillows, and give her a scalp massage. Ahh. But
then, the horror begins: “Put on Fox News.” You’re kidding me, mom. A Kennedy Democrat like you? I’m afraid it’s true. My mom has been neuro-linguistically programmed by the network to listen and obey. She sleeps with it on, and it tells her what to do and think, like the Manchurian Candidate. This, of course, keeps us from engaging in any kind of serious political debate lest we devolve into chaos, and I quarantine her from the squid. We don’t let it get that far, but I feel my greatest achievement to date is convincing her to choose Nikki Haley over Trump.
My work is done for now. But far from over. I see the future and ponder what I will be like at 91, if I get there. I don’t know where my mom gets the fortitude to soldier on with all the complications that go with mobility and function loss. But I’m grateful for the many squid who have given their lives for her joy.
Some have praised me for caring so intimately for my mom. But really, it seems instinctual. If you love someone, you just do it. And the beauty of doing it alongside my daughter is that she is fully indoctrinated into what’s next – why me, of course. So, as I always remind her, “Pay attention!”
Billy is the CEO of La Vida Laguna, an outdoor adventure company, and the host of “Laguna Talks” on KXFM radio – ursdays at 8 p.m. Email: billy@ lavidalaguna.com.
Native Son
12
really begin at the schoolroom’s door. Students need to learn the basic rights and responsibilities of citizenship in schools, or they won’t know as adults how to participate as citizens in state or national affairs.”
Recall to Duty Hills, himself a candidate in the 2018 School Board race, facing a sudden and unplanned assignment in Washington, had to withdraw and expend campaign funds on ads endorsing other candidates. https:// www.lagunabeachindy.com/lagunashoward-hills-called-back-to-washington-d-c/
“I received a call one day from a military aid in the National Security Council at the White House, asking me if I was the same Howard Hills who was legal adviser negotiating treaties with Pacific Island Nations thirty-five years ago…I almost said ‘no’ because I knew ‘yes’ meant going back to Washington.”
For the next three years, Hills served full-time as a Senior Adviser to a high-priority treaty negotiation team led by a White House designated Special Presidential Envoy, whose mission entailed negotiating three strategic alliance agreements with Pacific island democracies.
Howard’s expertise was relied on in both the Trump and Biden administrations, and he was trusted by both Democrat and Republican leaders in Congress.
With his efforts accomplished, Hills declined job offers and left Washington with hopes of some well-deserved and equally needed R&R.
Sought by National Media
Despite being a private citizen again, Hills was soon contacted by media who’d recently discovered treaties he helped negotiate. His impactful interviews for Voice of America urging some fixes during Congressional ratification sparked coverage by Reuters, New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal.
“These international agreements keep an area of ocean in the north central Pacific larger than the continental U.S. out of the path of conflict. Keeping our promises of economic support to the island peoples is smart diplomacy, strategically imperative——and a matter of honor for the United States.”
History Redux
“History,” observes Hills, “unfortunately does have a chance of repeating itself——China has studied Japan’s
imperialist playbook in the Pacific from 1920s and 1930s, and that’s a war we never want to fight again.”
It seems, for this Laguna native son, as Barbara Diamond noted of Hills after his return in 1999, you can go home again.
Local author Craig Lockwood is a lifetime member of the United States Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association and Society of Professional Journalists.
Howard Hills in Washington, D.C. from rooftop of Department of the Interior. Submitted photo
Ballesteros Group Creates Tapestry of Kindness During the Holidays
2/9 FAST TIMES (80 S C O n CERT E x PER i E n CE )
2/10 JOURNEY USA (J O u
2/14 OTTMAR LIEBERT & LUNA NEGRA
2/15 KARLA BONOFF
2/17 THE MOTELS
2/18 ALBERT CUMMINGS
2/22 SHAWN PHILLIPS
2/23 BEATLES VS STONES - A Musical Showdown
2/24 DADA 2/25 KEN GARCIA
2/29 FOOZ FIGHTERS / PEARL JAMMED
3/1 G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE 3/2 “2 E nglishm E n A bro A d ”
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By Mandy Franklin, Special to the Independent
Laguna’s Ballesteros Real Estate Group decided to turn their gratitude into action this year in a demonstration of the spirit of giving. Instead of hosting a traditional holiday party, they chose a more meaningful path by donating to a local cause. The Ballesteros Group joined forces with their clients, creating a tapestry of kindness that stretched across the community. Together, they embarked on a mission to support three families from Tony’s Treehouse with gifts under their trees. Tony’s Treehouse is a nonprofit organization based in Laguna Beach. It was founded in memory of a beloved little boy named Tony, with a mission to reach out to families and children in need.
As the holiday season approached, the Ballesteros Group worked diligently to ensure their adopted families experienced a Christmas filled with warmth and love. They gathered donations and gifts, transforming the humble act of giving into a collective outpouring of generosity. In the true
spirit of community, the esteemed clients of the Ballesteros Group enthusiastically joined the cause. They raised over $7,300, a testament to the power of unity and shared purpose. The funds would become the magic wand that turned wishes into reality for the three families of Tony’s Treehouse this holiday season.
Because of the overwhelming generosity of their clients, the Ballesteros Real Estate Group surpassed their initial goal, enabling them to extend their generosity and bless an additional two families in need. The ripple effect of compassion reached even further, leaving an indelible mark on the community and embodying the true spirit of the holiday season.
The true magic of the season wasn’t just the gifts but the intangible sense of community and the shared belief that everyone deserves a Merry Christmas. As the Ballesteros Group and their clients reflected on their collective efforts, they realized that the joy of giving had become the most precious gift of all.
ROBERT FRIPP & DAVID SINGLETON
3/3 WALTER TROUT R ECORD
3/7 THE BODEANS
3/8 THE TUBES
3/9 SUPER DIAMOND ( n E il D iam O n D T R ibu TE )
3/13 REVEREND HORTON HEAT D al E w aTSO n / J a SO n D w illiam S 3/14 COLIN JAMES
3/15 THE FENIANS S
3/23 THE HIGHWAYMAN SHOW (C
3/28 HERMAN’S HERMITS starring Peter Noone
3/29 HERMAN’S HERMITS starring Peter Noone
3/30 WAYNE NEWTON
3/31 LYNCH MOB – The Final Ride
4/4 THE KINGSTON TRIO
TE )
4/5 ULI JON ROTH - Interstellar Sky Guitar Tour
4/6 RONSTADT REVIVAL ( l in D a R O n STa DT T R ibu TE )
4/7 CINDERELLA’S TOM KEIFER
4/10 JOAN OSBORNE ACOUSTIC TRIO
4/11 JIMMIE VAUGHAN
4/12 ROGER CLYNE & THE PEACEMAKERS
4/13 TINSLEY ELLIS
4/14 THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS
4/18 SPONGE
4/19 RICHIE FURAY
4/20 GEOFF TATE 4/21 VONDA SHEPARD
4/25 ISRAEL VIBRATION & Roots Radics
4/27 KIDS OF CHARLEMAGNE (S TEE ly D an T R ibu TE )
5/17 JOHN CRUZ
5/24 DSB (J O u R n E y T R ibu TE )
5/31 YACHTY BY NATURE
6/14 AMBROSIA
6/29 SKELETON CREW
7/20 Y&T 50th Anniversary
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The Ballesteros Real Estate Group from left to right: Dusty Facinelli-Janisch, Rosie Baber, team lead Andrea Ballesteros, Andrew Butler as Santa, Mandy Franklin, founder and director of Tony’s Treehouse Becky Martinez, Maddi Chalabian and Sue Bottassi as the Grinch. Not Pictured, JJ Ballesteros. Photo/Mandy Franklin
Laguna Craft Guild starts new season this Sunday
The Laguna Craft Guild will have a show on Main Beach’s cobblestones on Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. until dusk. This is the guild’s first show of 2024.
The group invites the public to come meet local artists and find great gifts.
Pruning for healthy and beautiful plants
Is pruning judged by the number of branches chopped off and hauled away or by the beautiful and safe tree form resulting at the end of the day?
You will learn the beautiful and safe approach at the next South Laguna Community Garden Park workshop on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 9 a.m. Participation is free. Reservations are requested. RSVP at GardenPark@ southlaguna.org.
Gilbert Briseño, master tree artist and landscape contractor, will demonstrate pruning for the health and beauty of trees and shrubs while considering each plant’s role in the total landscape. He will demonstrate and give you an opportunity for hands-on learning while making the Garden Park more lovely. Bring your gloves, loppers and clippers. The garden park is located on 31610 Coast Highway.
‘All Pride, No Ego’: A book party in Laguna Beach
Jim Fielding, a former Laguna Beach resident and author of “All Pride, No Ego: A Queer Executive’s Journey to Living & Leading Authentically,” is having a book tour party on Thursday, Jan. 25, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Chris Tebbutt is co-hosting the evening, along with Michael Fullen and Sue Greenwood. The book party will be held at Sue Greenwood Fine Art, 330 N. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach.
In “All Pride, No Ego: A Queer Executive’s Journey to Living and
Leading Authentically,” celebrated corporate leader James Fielding delivers an inspirational leadership story told from the perspective of an out and proud LGBTQ+ executive. In the book, readers explore a call to action for authentic servant leadership that encourages people to own their truth and bring out the best in themselves and their communities.
3rd An’nual LPAPA
Signature Showcase Exhibition at the LPAPA Gallery
The LPAPA Gallery is pleased to present its third Annual “Signature Showcase” gallery exhibition featuring original plein air and studio works created by LPAPA Signature Artist Members. The show can be seen online at https://lpapa.org/3-010424signature-artists-gallery-art-show and in person at the LPAPA Gallery through Monday March 4.
LPAPA Gallery hours are Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment, with extended hours to 9 p.m. the first Thursday of each month.
The gallery is located on Gallery Row at 414 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California, between Jasmine and Myrtle Streets (there is a trolley stop on the corner of North Coast Highway & Jasmine).
Tickets Available for LBHS Theater Boosters January fundraising gala
Laguna Beach High School Theater Boosters are hosting a gala on Jan. 20 at the Woman’s Club called A Night at the Copacabana, featuring former Laguna locals and special guests, Mark Waters, Director of Mean Girls, along with his wife, renowned actress, Dina Waters and a plethora of high school talent. Mark will conduct a Q&A session with the audience about his experience directing Mean Girls. The play adaptation of the movie is this school year’s theater spring musi-
cal, which has just been cast and will premiere in March 2024. At the gala, dinner will be included, and a silent auction will be part of the festivities, along with some surprises. The gala promises to be a fun and memorable evening, with the feel of “A Night at the Copacabana” driving the decor and vibe. Please note that The Woman’s Club’s capacity is limited. Ticket information can be found at https://lbpab.org/theatre.
The LBHS Theater Boosters is on a quest to raise funds for the theater program this year. Not since before COVID have they had any major fundraising efforts. They hope this year’s gala raises enough money to help supplement the costs of our theater director, Meghan Marshall’s wish for her students to attend three thespian festivals while bringing awareness of the program back to the community. As many may know, the high school theater program has a rich history of great entertainment and widespread community support. The Boosters are trying to restore the program to its former glory.
LAGUNA ART MUSEUM EVENTS
Self Help Graphics & Art: Special Event and Celebration – Jan. 13 at 6 p.m.
Join us for a panel discussion with artists and administrators who will discuss the past, present, and future of Self Help Graphics & Art (SHG) as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Self Help Graphics & Art at a special closing reception for the exhibition. Discussion will include SHG’s support of artists and its role in the evolution of Chicano practices. Speakers are: Cultural leader and former director of Self Help Graphics Tomas J. Benitez; artist Alex Donis whose work is included in the exhibition; SHG Director of Artistic Programs and Education Marvella Muro, and artist Patssi Valdez whose work is
also included in the exhibition. The panel will be moderated by Rochelle Steiner, LAM Curatorial Fellow and Guest Curator of Marking an Era: Celebrating Self Help Graphics & Art at 50, which is on view at Laguna Art Museum.
Jean Stern Presents Genre: Painting Everyday Life – Jan. 14 at 10 a.m.
In this lecture, art historian and LAM Curatorial Fellow Jean Stern will discuss and share approximately 100 slides of works of art showing the history of Genre from ancient times to works of today. Afterward, Stern will take questions from the audience. Genre painting is defined as art representing everyday life, as opposed to religious subjects, formal portraits, and history paintings. Genre dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, and even earlier, where many public buildings and homes of the wealthy were decorated with murals and mosaic floors of ordinary everyday events. In the fifth century, with the advent of the Middle Ages, art of Western Civilization turned to religious subjects, usually murals and paintings of biblical stories that adorned church walls. This continued until the 17th century when a reappearance of the genre began in Northern Europe and continues to this day.
Art Workshop: Figure Drawing –Friday, Jan. 19 at 4 p.m.
Join Peter Zokosky, Chair of MFA Drawing + Painting at LCAD, for a figure drawing workshop. Learn the basics and build on your knowledge of how to draw the human form with a live model. Supplies included with purchase of ticket. Class Dates: Oct. 20, Nov. 17, Dec. 15, Jan. 19 and Feb. 16. Please note that the model will be nude.
More information about LAM events can be found at www.lagunaartmuseum.org/events.
CLASSIFIED SECTION
FIRE SAFETY INSPECTOR - LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651
Full Time - $75,252.00 - $105,864.00 Annually Go to GovernmentJobs.com to apply and for more information.
Are you passionate about serving your community? The City of Laguna Beach is currently seeking an individual who desires to serve our beautiful, seaside community as a Fire Safety Inspector
The Position: Under general supervision, the incumbent is responsible for coordinating and conducting vegetation hazard inspections; defensible space inspections, assisting with the presentation of education programs to the public, maintaining records and data-
bases on inspections, and performing related duties as required. This position may assist on a wide range of fire prevention initiatives and hazard prevention
perform basic fire inspections in residential, commercial, and school occupancies; on occasion, prepare fire prevention public information; completes reports, issues notices, prepares correspondence and performs related work as required. The Application Process: Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis with a first review on January 15, 2024. A completed City online application, an uploaded resume/CV, and list of three (3) professional references must be submitted by the close of the deadline for consideration. HUMAN RESOURCES ANALYST (GENERALIST)
LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651
Full-Time - $68,448 - $96,132 Annually Go to GovernmentJobs.com to apply and for more information.
The Human Resources and Risk Management Department is seeking a generalist who will perform a variety of tasks to support the Department’s needs, playing a crucial role in ensuring seamless coordination, effective communication, and efficient operations you will contribute to the overall success of the Department, the City as a whole, and the employees we serve.Examples of Duties-What you’ll do: Support the Human Resources & Risk Management Department with a variety of human resources and risk management analytical and administrative duties. Support the management of employee records (hard copies and e-files).
Manage a variety of correspondence from external partners including, DOT, DMV, EDD, NeoGov and others. Oversee HRIS data integrity, data entry and personnel file maintenance
Provide support with recruitment functions, including seasonal hires and high-volume recruitments
Provide administrative support to risk management functions, including uploading documents to third-party administrators
Provide regular reports to management on HR metrics and trends
Maintain and update internal HR policies, procedures, and practices in compliance with California and federal labor laws and regulations.
Provide complex administrative support to a department head and departmental staff.
The simple truth is that having Marcus represent us as our broker in the purchase of our home was not only a privilege, pleasure and honor, but in reality, a life changing event for us We have nothing but the highest regard for, confidence in, and respect for Marcus.”
- Sandy M & Tom L , Buyer
“Thank you, Marcus, for all your hard work, professionalism, and good deeds in handling the listing and sale of our family’s home, and loving it as if it was in your family.”
- Cheryl K , Seller
"Marcus is extremely knowledgeable, professional and fun to work with. He listens and works very hard in getting you the home you're looking for. I have recommended him to my friends and associates, and he has always delivered "
- Carrie & Rick R , Buyer
"Marcus has a wealth of knowledge on the real estate process, the local markets and the unique neighborhoods, as well as construction and architecture From initial contact to closing, Marcus was an expert in negotiation and communication It is clear he is highly ethical and well respected by his fellow agents. I really can't say enough good things."
- Tracy & Darren M., Seller
“Wow! Despite a challenging tenant, crumbling foundations, stubborn seller and a changing market – you pulled it off! Not only that, you did it with great style, perseverance, professionalism, and good humor the whole way through Thank you for sticking with us and making our dreams come true!”
- Lynn & Tex H , Buyer & Seller
"Marcus sold one of my homes It was a complicated transaction that involved a drawn-out escrow, period. Marcus' calm professionalism kept myself and my wife confident and he was able to close the deal. In the end we were so grateful, primarily because Marcus was able to help us through a tough escrow and close the deal; and additionally, because the buyers have become great friends of ours. We highly recommend Marcus."
- Catherine & Aaron T., Seller
“It has been a pleasure working with Marcus. Over the years, I have been involved in the purchase and sale of a number of properties and even though this was the largest of the sales, it was the least stressful and closed in the shortest period of time Thank you for putting the whole transaction together You made a potentially complicated process into a pleasant event I wish I knew more folks in the area to whom I could recommend your services. Your class is very appreciated ”
- Jim O , Seller
“You did a kick a** job. Best experience we have had when buying or selling a home and we have had a lot of brokers Your professionalism, market knowledge, and negotiating skills are unparalleled in our many experiences with other brokers ”
- Roger A., Seller & Buyer
Jimmie Russell
Realtor (949) 872-4522
CalRE# 02064811
Luke Sydnor
Realtor (949) 682-6078
CalRE# 02135102
Marcus Skenderian
Broker Associate (949) 295-5758
CalRE# 01115339
