It’s the Economy, stupid. (And Donald Tr ump should NEVER be P President again!)
By Bob Mister
The United States economy is the largest in the world. While the president can’t be credited solely with its success or failure, I think we can agree that the party in power, and the person who heads the party, makes a difference.
Here are some facts, something that the former Republican party, now the Trump Party hopes we forget.
Fact 1 Since 1929, when Republican Herbert Hoover presided over The Great Depression, the overall US economy has done significantly better under a Democratic administration than under Republican administrations, according to The Economic Policy Institute.
Fact 2 Under Donald Trump’s administration the United States had the largest budget deficit than any other administration in modern history.
Fact 3 In the last 60 years only Donald Trump left The White House with no net jobs created
Fact 4 Under the Biden/Harris administration there have been more net jobs created than in any 4 year period in history according to The US Labor Dept.
While the US economy is not exactly a business, there are 2,952,000 people who work for the government, including 2.25 million military personnel. If you look at the President as CEO of these people and his cabinet members as division heads, our government is the biggest corporation in the world.
Now here’s what is really troubling; Half of Trump’s former cabinet members or division heads say he is not competent to lead our government and economy again.
Lets look at Donald Trump, a great business man according to himself and his MAGA supporters.
1. He inherited $400 million from his father.
2. Here is what he has done with it. He owned 3 casinos and the number 1 hotel in the world in New York City, The Plaza Hotel. THEY ALL WENT BANKRUPT!
3. He started a for-profit college that failed and he had to pay $25 million to thousands of students who were cheated and lied to.
4. His Trump steak business failed after 2 months.
5. His Trump Airline couldn’t get off the ground and closed after 2 years.
6. He is currently selling watches for $100,000 and golden shoes and Bibles.
7. His Truth Social television network has lost 80% of its value since March.
The truth is he has only made money as a reality tv personality on “The Apprentice” where is favorite line was “You’re Fired!”
The bottom line is Trump is a Grifter and a Fraud who has left banks, investors, partners, workers and small business owners holding the bag for his failed businesses.
Why then do polls show that voters trust Donald Trump to lead the world’s biggest economy?
I’ll tell you. Because he and his MAGA Party have repeated his lies everyday for the last 8 years.
DONALD TRUMP IS A FAILED BUSINESSMAN, A LIAR AND A CHEAT. HE MUST NEVER BE THE CEO OF THE US ECONOMY AGAIN. OVER 80 MILLION VOTERS FIRED HIM 4 YEARS AGO AND I PRAY THEY WILL DO IT AGAIN IN NOVEMBER.
Historic Laguna Beach Mansion Found
Deteriorating, Vandalized
theindypoll
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION: Are you concerned about the use of fentanyl in Laguna Beach? Yes or No
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: Do you support city council’s decision to return to a Fourth of July fireworks display?
Yes | 70.45% (74 votes)
No | 29.55% (26 votes)
BY JACKIE CONNOR | LB INDY
Villa Rockledge, a cliffside mansion on Laguna Beach’s historic register, is showing signs of deterioration and vandalism. The damage was brought to light by Village Laguna President Anne Caenn at Tuesday’s city council meeting.
Caenn surmised the destruction in a letter saying the estate’s interiors had been stripped, windows were broken or
boarded up and trespassers had tagged the property, among other issues.
“It’s rather shocking what’s transpired over there,” said Councilmember Bob Whalen. “I would like to ask staff to look into…what the whole range of remedies would be for the city to exercise, including criminal…federal [laws] involved.”
Matt Schneider, assistant director of Community Development, reported
staff was working with the owner and have had an active case for several weeks to determine illegal construction. Villa Rockledge’s owner has boarded up the windows and placed “No Trespassing” signs.
“We went out late last week and weren’t able to access the site because the gates to the walkway and driveway
TOTAL VOTES: 100 • see
MANSION page 29
Above left: The historic 5,000 square foot Villa Rockledge. Photo/Compass. Center and left: Damage to property was discovered by a resident earlier this week. Submitted photos.
Steve Suer, President
CRIER
IN AND AROUND LAGUNA BEACH TOWN
LBBC October Speaker: Robert Boxberger
The Laguna Beach Business Club’s Oct. 17 speaker is Robert Boxberger, president of Experian, North America. Boxberger will discuss his enterprising career journey in leadership. The LBBC holds monthly breakfast meetings starting at 7:30 a.m. and hosts speakers who discuss topics valuable to achieving personal and professional success.
In addition to his corporate experience, Boxberger founded and scaled a successful startup, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to drive value from concept to execution. His expertise spans digital transformation, fintech, and AI-driven solutions.
Club meetings begin with a buffet breakfast and brief networking roundtable. Meetings are hosted at Nirvana Kitchen + Pantry, 303 Broadway Street. Non-members
are welcome. For more information about the LBBC or to register, visit lagunabeachbusinessclub.com or email Info@LagunaBeachBusinessClub.com.
Honoring the Dead: Fascinating insights into rituals around the world
Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is a well-known tradition for honoring the dead. But what about Qing Ming in China? Viking burial customs? Or Nawia, the Slavic belief in the land of eternal happiness? Susi Q’s Director of Aging in Place Rickie Redman will lead a free discussion on Oct. 15 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. of dynamic multicultural practices around the world – and perhaps a new way of honoring your lost loved ones. Register online at thesusiq.org. To RSVP by phone, call Christine Brewer at 949-715-8105 or email christineb@ thesusiq.org.
AAUW to Host Literary Luncheon at Dana Point Yacht Club
The American Association of University Women Laguna Beach Branch will hold its annual Literary Luncheon on Sunday, Oct. 20, at the Dana Point Yacht Club. The luncheon is the branch’s primary fundraiser,
providing scholarships to deserving girls and women. Speakers at this year’s luncheon will be three California women authors: Belinda Huijuan Tang, “A Map for the Missing;” Mansi Shah, “A Good Indian Girl,” and Rufi Thorpe, “Margo’s Got Money Troubles.” Two scholarship recipients will also speak, discussing the scholarships’ impact on their lives. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. with a silent auction, a no-host bar, book sales, and a meet-and-greet book signing with the authors. To purchase tickets, visit lagunabeach-ca.aauw.net. For more info, email fblagunabeach@ gmail.com.
Wildfires and You with Laguna Canyon Foundation
On Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Susi Q, Laguna Canyon Foundation’s Deputy Director and Senior Director of Conservation Alan Kaufmann will share insights about fire behavior designed to keep homes safer. Kaufmann oversees LCF’s habitat restoration, fuel modification, land management and trail programs. He works on wildland fire, trail and weed management crews and researches the use of prescribed fire and mechanical thinning to restore ecosystems. Register online for the events at thesusiq.org. To
RSVP by phone, call Christine Brewer at 949-715-8105 or email christineb@ thesusiq.org.
Just Gather to Offer Mind Shift Classes
Just Gather, a local nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental wellness and positive mindsets, is hosting a six-week workshop on achieving a permanent mind shift. Sign up for Gratitude 101 introduction classes, starting Oct. 19, by emailing michellehighberg@ yahoo.com. Classes will be held at the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center, 235 Forest Avenue. Find out more by visiting @schoolofgratitudeoc and @ justgatherwellness on Instagram.
Help Sean Recover And Rebuild After Spinal Injury
Longtime Laguna Beach High School golf coach, Sean Quigley, suffered severe spinal cord injuries when he was hit by a vehicle while out cycling near his home in Laguna Niguel. According to a GoFundMe supporting the local coach and cyclist, Sean has undergone three surgeries since the collision late last month. Doctors say he has a 5%
No Praise for Stefanik
In his guest opinion on Sept. 20, Mr. Monda praised Rep. Elise Stefanik for her demand for a “yes” or “no” from college presidents about whether “calling for the genocide of Jews” constituted a violation of the school’s code of conduct. Praise for Stefanik is misguided if one is concerned about antisemitism. Stefanik has echoed the rhetoric of the “great replacement theory” and used it in her campaign ads in 2021. This is a white supremacist theory that inspired the Charlottesville chant, “Jews will not replace us,” and the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Stefanik has also engaged in the use of antisemitic trope of the nefarious Jewish power broker, claiming that George Soros is funding “Far Left” campaigns to support “terror groups.” She also is a strong supporter of Donald Trump, who has espoused antisemitic conspiracy theories involving Soros,
downplayed the white supremacist march on Charlottesville, and dined with Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes. Meanwhile, Mr. Monda unfairly accused then-Mayor Bob Whalen of ignoring “the reality that it was Hamas who attacked the Jewish people on Oct 7.” Mayor Whalen had pointed out that the resolution adopted on June 27 included that “the lives of innocent civilians” be protected, and that “the humanitarian crisis” and suffering be brought to an end, presumably referring to what Palestinian civilians are experiencing in Gaza. Monda engages in the categorization of worthy and unworthy victims when he expresses sincere concern about U.S. Jewish college students who are not feeling physically and emotionally safe on some U.S. campuses, while simultaneously criticizing Mayor Whalen for briefly mentioning the goal of relief for Gazan civilians, who are experiencing repeated evacuations, with only what they can carry, to “safe” zones where bombs continue to fall, the physical destruction of homes, hospitals, schools and water/ electricity infrastructure, a lack of adequate food (due to blockade of
relief supplies), and over 40,000 deaths thus far. Make no mistake: the events of October 7 in Israel were horrific and are to be unconditionally condemned, and those who lost loved ones or had family members kidnapped deserve our collective sympathy and support. While I do not claim to be optimistic, let us hope that diplomatic efforts can bring about a prompt end to the current escalating violence, bloodshed and misery that is impacting Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, and the return of the surviving hostages to their homes.
Gary Stewart, Laguna Beach
Mancuso Stands with Science I am writing to express my strong support for Judie Mancuso’s position against using Roundup in Laguna Beach’s Greenbelt. The issue extends beyond human health; it’s about protecting and restoring biodiversity, significantly reduced due to industrial farming practices and chemical overuse. These actions have left our ecosystems—and human health— vulnerable. It’s time to embrace sustainable, long-term solutions.
CITY HALL MEETINGS: Oct. 16 - Administrative Design Review Meeting at 3 p.m. | Oct. 21 - Heritage Committee at 6 p.m.
HOW TO CONTACT THE CITY COUNCIL:
Sue Kempf Mayor skempf@ lagunabeachcity.net
Alex Rounaghi MayorProTem arounaghi@ lagunabeachcity.net
George Weiss Council member gweiss@ lagunabeachcity.net
Bob Whalen Council member bwhalen@ lagunabeachcity.net
Mark Orgill Council member morgill@ lagunabeachcity.net
Ann Marie McKay CityClerk amckay@ lagunabeachcity.net
Laura Parisi CityTreasurer lparisi@ lagunabeachcity.net
PUBLISHER
Steve T. Strickbine
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Nadine Johnson
EDITORIAL
MANAGING EDITOR
Clara Beard clara@firebrandmediainc.com
DESIGN
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Tracy Powell tracy@firebrandmediainc.com
SALES
ADVERTISING SALES TEAM
Carol Josepher Adrienne Kruse
Joe Rafael
Mara Hertel
PRODUCTION
PRODUCTION MANAGER
• see LETTERS page 13 PUBLISHED
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.ne | TOM GIBBS: tgibbs@lagunabeachcity.net
PLANNING COMMISSION | FIRST AND THIRD 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
“Bob has been a leader on Council. He is smart, prepared, creative in his approach and a great colleague. I strongly support his re-election.”
- Sue Kempf
We All Support BOB WHALEN
Mayor Sue Kempf • Mayor ProTem Alex Rounaghi Councilmember Mark Orgill
“I support Bob Whalen’s re-election to City Council. Bob has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment and ability to improve public safety, protect our environment and maintain the City’s sound financial position. Bob has accomplished so much by forging consensus and finding balanced solutions that unite rather than divide our community.”
- Alex Rounaghi
“We are very fortunate to have Bob on the Council. He has a deep background and experience in local government that really benefits us as a Council. And, as a long-time resident, he understands what is important to our community members and works in their best interests.”
- Mark Orgill
ENDORSED BY
State Senator, Dave Min
Assemblywoman, Cottie Petrie-Norris
OC Supervisor, Katrina Foley
Laguna Beach Firefighters Local 3684
NOVEMBER 5
AND....Gregg Abel, Kathleen Abel, Thomas Addis, Wendy Aird, Nicole Anderson, Peter Anderson, Faye Baglin, Wayne Baglin, Donna Ballard, Brad Barrett, Liza Barrett, Marlo Bartels, Rick Balzer, Bob Beck, Sue Beck, Walter Bell, Kristin Bell, Anne Belyea, Richard Belyea, Jeffrey Benedick, Carolyn Bent, Dr. Tom Bent, Jamie Blakely, Barbara Bowler, Kelly Boyd, Michelle Boyd, David Braff, Katharine Brown, Diane Brumbaugh, Mike Brumbaugh, Michael Bryan, Michael Byrne, Tim Carlyle, Lyn Carlyle, Steve Chadima, Dr Janet Chance, Jen Chapman, Jon Chapman, Suzi Chavel, Lisette Chel-Walker, Mark Christy, Leticia Christy, Mary Clifford, Sally Coursen, Walt Coursen, Donnie Crevier, Laurie Crevier, Jason deBrettville, Joy Dittberner, Mick Donoff, Sharon Donoff, Ranney Draper, Mark Draper, Jorg Dubin, Jill Edwards, Steve Edwards, Leslie Elliot, Karen Ellis, Leanne Englander, Cody Engle, Deborah Engle, Michael Ervin, Sandy Ervin, Rich Fair, Lynne Fair, Cindy Fletcher, Ben Frydman, Lisa Gallas, Nancy Gibbs, Tom Gibbs, Joan Gladstone, Glenn Gray, Kathryn Burton Gray, Jane Hanauer, Joe Hanauer, Dan Haspert, Ashley Hathaway, Lori Hathaway, Tyler Hathaway, George Heed, Jerry Hornbeak, Renee Hornbeak, Paula Hornbuckle, Linda Hughes, Marshall Innins, Elizabeth Innins, Angela Irish, Alix Jirard, Bill Jirard, Michael Johnson, Anne Johnson, Marv Johnson, Kathy Jones, Mike Jones, Jan Kaplan, Ken Kaplan, Ellen Kempler, Roger Kempler, Diana Kersten, Cheryl Kinsman, Michael Kinsman, Cherylin Kirby, Ian Kirby, Cort Kloke, Diane Kloke, Pat Kollenda, Cathy Krinsky, David Krinsky, Tom Lamb, Morgan Lamb, Vicki Lamb, Mary Lawson, Matt Lawson, Barbara MacGillivray, Greg MacGillivray, Thomas Magill, Lisa Mansour, John Mansour, Dana Marron, Armando Marron, Barbara McMurray, Ken McMurray, Gwen McNallan, Carla Meberg, Jeff Meberg, Gregory Mech, John Meehan, Jeanne Meyers, Angie Miller, Heidi Miller, Penny Milne, Bob Mister, Stephany Mister, Gary Monroe, Leslie Monroe, Jon Moore, Mia Moore, Brian Muehlbauer, Coby Naess, Janelle Naess, Debbie Naude, Paul Naude, Larry Nokes, Cathy Nokes, Carol Normandin, Barbara Norton, Dora Orgill, Bill O’Hare, Theresa O’Hare, Paula Olson, George Orff, Sharon Orff, Derek Ostensen, Natalia Ostensen, Ken Parker, Elizabeth Pearson, Anne Petronave, Lance Polster, Mark Porterfield, Monica Prado, Cindy Prewitt, Ann Quilter, Chris Quilter, Teddie Ray, Kavita Reddy, Suzanne Redfearn, Beth Renner, Bill Renner, Billy Renner, Tommy Renner, Maggie Renner, Molly Renner, Carrie Reynolds, Mike Reynolds, Emily Rolfing, Glenn Rosen, Ali Rounaghi, Robin Rounaghi, Jeff Rovner, Dave Rubel, CaryRubel, Ryan Sabol, Ken Sadler, Annie Sadler, Kirk Saunders, Mary Kate Saunders,Ed Sauls, Lisa Sauls, Wendy Schirripa, Dan Scinto, Francine Scinto, Peggy Sexton, John Sganga, Linda Sharp, Marcus Skendarian, Morris Skenderian, Stephany Skenderian, Ivan Spiers, Sande St. John, Marrie Stone, Lea Stone, Zeda Stone, Linda Supowitz, David Supowitz, Keith Swayne, Cheryl Sykes, Sasha Talebi, Kristine Thalman, Sean Tiner, Diana Tomei, Jeff Tomei, Edie Tonkin, Duane Vajgrt, Becky Visconti, Jinger Wallace, Louis Weil, Kirsten Whalen, Susan Whitin, Kristin Winter, Ralph Winter, Josh Wolff, Peggy Wolff, Robert Zur Schmiede... and many others
schools & sports
FALL SPORTS UPDATE
CROSS COUNTRY
The league cluster meet slated for Oct. 2 was cancelled due to heat and will not be rescheduled. The league finals will be on Nov. 6. For more information,visit lbxc.org for girls team info and lagunabeachcrosscountry. com for boys.
FLAG FOOTBALL
(5-10, 3-8)
Laguna lost a pair of league contests recently dropping a 41-6 contest to league leader Woodbridge (16-6, 110) on Oct. 2 at the Warrior field and a 34-19 loss to Rosary Academy at Laguna on Oct. 7. Kayleigh Thomas was the standout against the Royals (14-8, 7-4) with nine catchers for 104 yards and a score. She also had a 50yard interception return for a score.
FOOTBALL
(6-0, 1-0)
Defense made plays as Laguna held on to a 7-6 win over a determined
Northwood squad (5-1) last Friday night at the Irvine HS Stadium in a contest filled with suspense and drama expected in a showdown of undefeated teams. The host Timberwolves had dropped four straight meetings with Laguna giving up five touchdowns in
each encounter and were not looking past the Breakers this year.
Jack Hooper took the opening kickoff 34 yards from the Breaker 10 to start the initial drive from Laguna 44-yard mark. The Breakers learned quickly that the Northwood defense would be stingy, and it took 11 plays to march 41 yards to the Northwood 15. Pass coverage was exceedingly tight as Laguna lost the possession on an end zone interception returned 27 yards into the field of play. The Breakers allowed only one net yard to the Timberwolves and forced a punt.
On Laguna’s second possession, Jackson Kollock learned how difficult passing would be with the exceptional Northwood secondary. Once again, the Timberwolves intercepted the ball, ending Laguna’s last first-quarter try. In 14 plays, the confident hosts marched down to the Breaker 4-yard line, but their field goal attempt was wide right. Laguna took over possession and for it all on the third play as Kollock tossed a perfect pass deep to a well-covered Luke Jolley, who snagged the ball and avoided the
defender for a 78-yard score. Jolley’s point after touchdown was perfect, and the Breakers would lead the rest of the game.
Northwood didn’t give up and marched 53 yards in 11 plays to score with less than a minute remaining in the half.
The Timberwolves point-after try failed as a trio of Laguna linemen (Leo Adjemian, Henry Rounaghi and Ollie Lyles pressured the Northwood to attempt, with Lyles getting a hand on the ball for the block.
Northwood got the ball to open the second half, but on their first play from scrimmage, Luke Jolley intercepted the pass and returned the ball to the Northwood 25-yardline. Momentum seemed to be with Laguna, but the Timberwolves dug in, and Laguna was unable to take advantage, turning the ball over on downs.
Northwood’s two remaining possessions in the third period were short and uneventful, while Laguna
• see SPORTS page 10
LAUREN’S PROMISES:
She has over a decade of
LAGUNA SPORTS UPDATE | BY FRANK ARONOFF | LB INDY
Senior lineman Ollie Lyles blocked an extra point try by Northwood in the second quarter of the league opener, which preserved the slim 7-6 Breaker lead, which was the final score. Photo courtesy of Laguna Football
Hallie Jones has a plan to keep Laguna Beach safe.
“Candidates all talk that ‘public safety’ is a priority while campaigning for office, but Hallie Jones is the real deal, with a substantial track record of helping the Fire Department mitigate our extreme wildfire hazard throughout Laguna Beach…
…Laguna Beach firefighters know that Hallie is a strong supporter of fire safety and will be an effective advocate on Council for measures needed to protect this community.”
—Tom Padden, Laguna Beach Firefighters Association
Hallie Jones is endorsed by:
• SPORTS Cont. from page 8
had a good drive but not enough for a red-zone appearance.
The Timberwolves’s one fourthquarter possession looked like it would give them the winning points as they drove 32 yards in five plays, with a 27-yard pass play providing the big pop. Laguna then stopped the next play for no gain with tackles by Henry Rounaghi, Leo Adjemian and Redmond Chesley. Northwood then tried two pass plays, one overthrown into the endzone and the other overthrown to the flat. The Timberwolves elected to try a 35yard field goal, but the fumbled snap was improvised by the Northwood quarterback, who completed a pass on what appeared to be a leaping drivesaving play, but it was two yards short of the first down thanks to a quick tackle by Rounaghi. Kollock was patient on his subsequent pass completions and Chesley was unstoppable running as the Breakers ran out the lock on 12 consecutive plays, including four first downs to escape with the victory.
is week: Oct. 11 - Breakers vs. #159 Fountain Valley at 7 p.m. at Guyer Field
The Baron’s ranking is misleading as they played a tough schedule after beating Ocean View 49-6 to open the season. Losses were to #121 Esperanza, #100 Marina, #36 Tustin, and #38 Edison. Last week, they narrowly lost to #119 Orange 21-14. Breakers will face a team nearly a mirror image of their squad. Lucas Alexander is the quarterback, and Luke Taylor is the main target. Laguna has played the Barons only once – back in their opponent’s first season of competition in 1966 with a 26-6 Laguna win. For the past 50 seasons, Fountain Valley has been in the Sunset League for football.
Next week - Oct. 18 at #98 Aliso Niguel at 7 p.m..
The Breakers’ last regular-season
road game will be against the Wolverines (4-2), who lost their league opener 20-10 to Dana Hills (6-0). Aliso is a deep squad, and Laguna is beginning to show the season wear with its thin bench. The Breakers will be without starting linemen Charlie Kelly, Hudson Mills and Sam Boxberger for the rest of the season. Laguna is 0-5 with Aliso Niguel dating back to the first years of Aliso in the 1990s.
See the Cal Preps website for ratings, schedules, scores, etc. at calpreps.com. Game video highlights are posted on Max Preps at maxpreps. com/ca.
GIRLS GOLF (2-9,
0-)
Laguna dropped another league match on Oct. 3 at Ben Browns,
losing to Rosary Academy 215-239. Alayna Votino and Yan Yee Cai from the Royals earned match comedalist honors with each shooting a score of 40.
Sofia Carr posted Laguna’s low score of 42 (her lowest score of the season). Additional Breaker scores included Alani Sciacca’s 48, Spencer Anderson’s 48, Sienna Herdmann’s 52 and Olivia Vermilya’s 59.
BOYS SAND VOLLEYBALL (7-2, 3-2)
Laguna defeated Pacifica Christian/ OC on Oct. 8 at Main Beach
#1 Kai Patchell / James Vermilya lost 17-21, 18-21 L
#2 Dylan Sweet / Perry Ribarich won 21-17, 21-11
• see SPORTS page 17
Local Club Home to National Champions
Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling Club members Charlie Herbert and Giulia Gallo are the newly crowned 2024 Bowls USA National Champions. Charlie Herbert, is the 2024 USA National Men’s Singles Champion, once again for Charlies as it is his sixth straight consecutive year for holding this distinguished title, a major feat in any sport. Giulia Gallo, PhD., and senior Microsoft Specialist, is the 2024 USA National Women’s Singles Champion, both bowlers competed for their titles in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Bowls USA National Championships, September 7 through 13, and were a part of the Southwest Division Bowls team from southern California. The team also included three other star bowlers from Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling Club, they were Tom Richeson and Chris Dodd in the men’s pairs, who finished in third place, and Manya Urane in the women’s pairs finishing in sixth place.
Thursday evening at the Club House on Cliff Drive fellow club members
gathered to celebrate their successes, both personally, and for the Club.
Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling Club are a members only club and accept membership from adults, 18-years and up, and provide an introduction to Lawn Bowling and the first lesson free, with two additional lessons following joining.
Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling Club is the largest lawn bowling club, by membership, in North America. Lawn Bowling is an international sport played in over 44 countries.
Laguna Beach’s General Plan has an anti-McMansion provision but our planning staff and Design Review Board disregard it?
George Weiss listens to the neighbors and tries to protect us from over-building.
Vote to re-elect George Weiss.
Lawn Bowls is a low impact activity that combines hand-eye coordination with cognitive skills and balance. The Health and Wellness Benefits of lawn bowling and published research have been made by the very best Doctors in Sports Medicine.
Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling Club will be the host club to next year’s USA Bowls National Lawn Bowling Championships in October 2025. lagunabeachlawnbowlingclub.com/ home
The Second Annual Laguna High School Pair Champions. Nate Jackson (Edison), Brogan Glenn (CdM), Connor McNally (Edison), Ben Brown (CdM), Corona del Mar won the event 21-18, 21-18 over Edison. Photo courtesy of Laguna Beach HS Sand Volleyball squad.
• Accountability
• Collaboration
SHERI MORGAN VOTE
• Communication
• Transparency
• Equitable Voice
• Quality Education
Join me in empowering our board and community. Our stakeholders should have a safe space to voice their opinion, express their ideas, and have a seat at the table, not bullied into silence or agreement.
“Sheri knows the District and sees what must change. Our kids deserve the best. Sheri will be ready on Day One. We need her on the Board.”
- Toni Iseman, Former Laguna Councilwoman and Mayor
As a concerned grandmother of children in the District, I believe Sheri, as a non-partisan representative, is dedicated to bringing our concerns and voices forward to truly represent our commnity. With her leadership, we have hope to regain an all encompassing, higher level of education that fosters growth and development for all students. Her vision could pave the way for meaninful, positive changes in our schools”
- Claire Fanarof, Retired AP English Teacher
community concerning LBUSD matters. Her experience and knowledge of District issues and being a parent of four LBUSD-schooled children (K-12) makes her “job-ready” to contribute for the betterment of education afforded to our children. “ - Stephanie Masaki-Schatz & John Schatz (Crystal Cove residents and Girl Scout leader alongside Sheri)
Loving Laguna (Continued from page 1)
More than 200 volunteers gathered on Oct. 5 to take part in the third annual Love Laguna citywide service project day. After a morning kick-off at the Susi Q, volunteers spread out across Laguna to work on numerous different service projects from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Some of the projects included public garden beautifications; beach clean-ups; assembling Halloween treat bags and sorting food donations for Laguna Food Pantry; Boys and Girls Club refurbishments; preparing and serving brunch at the Friendship Shelter; serving the local youth shelter; beautification of the Laguna Day Worker Center; and a creative project at Glenwood.
Inspired by Love Our Cities and in partnership with this national organization, Love Laguna Beach is now in its third year of serving the community of Laguna Beach. Next year’s Love Laguna event will be held on Oct. 4. 2025.
Have They Learned Nothing?
Let’s examine the claims that Chris Quilter made in his Oct. 4 Indy column titled, “Bye George?” starting with information from this paper. The Laguna Beach Independent published a Dec. 11, 2021 letter to the editor, “Mayor Bob Whalen Has Learned Nothing from Brown Act Violation.” In the letter, Orange County Senior Deputy District Attorney Steven Schriver, Special Prosecutions Unit, wrote: “In response to complaints concerning possible violations of the Ralph M. Brown Act by the Laguna Beach City Council, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) conducted a review of the City Council’s June 29, 2021 closed session regarding Hotel Laguna. Based on this review, there is substantial evidence that the city councilmembers violated the Brown Act with respect to the public notice of the closed session and/or the scope of the matters considered during the meeting.”
Quilter offered “to donate $1,000 to Village Laguna if anyone could prove that the council’s infamous closed session
in June of 2021 violated the Brown Act. Given the DA’s letter above, it is clear that Mr. Quilter owes Village Laguna $1,000. Councilman Whalen and others still refuse to answer questions about the closed session, despite Steven Schriver, Orange County Senior Deputy District Attorney, Special Prosecutions Unit writing, “For its part, the city council waived confidentiality with respect to the June 29, 2021, closed session and openly discussed the proceedings during its Aug. 24, 2021 meeting.”
Quilter also brings up former City Manager Shohreh Dupuis, who without any city manager experience, was promoted by the City Council majority of Bob Whalen, Sue Kempf and Peter Blake. They also defended her at every turn until it was obvious she had to go. Quilter writes, “Aside from adding insult to injury, how smart was it to give Dupuis more ammo for a hostile workplace lawsuit?”
Many do not know that the police chief works under the city manager. When Dupuis was pulled over for holding and talking on her cell phone while driving, it was inappropriate for her to invoke the name of Police Chief Jeff Calvert to pressure the officer. When the bodycam
video was released, the city spent extra money to fabricate context, issuing an expensive video press release available on YouTube.com. If the context of the video was to exonerate the city manager, it failed miserably. The video shows her invoking the name of the officer’s boss, which, to me, borders on creating a hostile work environment.
“Instead, the taxpayers are out $450,000 that could have been put to good use,” Quilter writes regarding part of the termination package granted Dupuis, inferring that Councilman George Weiss cost the city that money. However, the city council majority voted to settle before receiving the independent report about any hostile workplace accusations.
Quilter also writes about “speculation that she [Dupuis] wasn’t the victim of a hate crime, but slimed her own property in a play for sympathy.” The initial report was that feces was scattered on her house, and the entire community rallied in support. Something like $10,000 was offered as a reward to bring the criminals to justice. Then it was reported that the material was fish emulsion. Suspiciously, after over a year, the city has never corrected the misinformation nor reported publicly on
the findings of its investigation. Quilter also asks, “If anyone can prove Whalen and/or Kempf ever floated the absurd idea of replacing the library with a parking structure.” On April 12, 2022, there appeared on the consent calendar the possibility of the library property becoming city property and the city then to lease the building to the county for only three years. What was going to happen to the library after three years? One has only to view the 2022 Strategic City Planning Session video to hear then Councilmember Blake recommending that the library space be converted to a parking structure. Thanks to the leadership of Councilmember Weiss and outcry from the community, the agenda item was discussed, and the lease set at 25 years.
Weiss saved the library. I support the reelection of Councilmember George Weiss.
Gene is the Host of KXFM’s “Village Laguna Hour,” Treasurer of the Laguna Canyon Conservancy, President of the Top of the World Neighborhood Association, Treasurer of Laguna Residents First and serves as an alternate on the Coastal Greenbelt Authority.
BY GENE FELDER
Volunteers gather at the Susi Q before starting their service projects on Oct 5. Jim Collins/LB Indy
street beat
FROM POLICE BLOGS
Thursday, Oct. 3
Bench warrant. Jeronimo Anthony Miranda, 24, was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding felony bench warrant. He was held without bail.
Friday, Oct. 4
Disorderly conduct, possessing a cane sword. Benjamin James Hayes, 34, of Edmond, Okla., was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct and possessing, making or selling a cane sword. His bail was set at $20,500.
Saturday, Oct. 5
Obstructing a peace officer. Marc David Almera, 54, of Costa Mesa was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a public safety official. His bail was set at $500.
Sunday, Oct. 6
Contempt of court, Jose Antonio Moramartinez, 31, of Santa Ana was arrested on suspicion of contempt of court, drunk driving, and blowing on or over 0.08 percent BAC. His bail was set at $45,000.
DUI. A 61-year-old Irvine man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and blowing on or over 0.08 percent BAC. His bail was set at $5,000.
DUI. An 18-year-old Santa Ana man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. His bail was set at $2,500.
Monday, Oct. 7
Contempt of court, DUI, probation violation. Karen Marie Thompson, 56, of Glendora was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, violating probation and disobeying a court order. She was held without bail.
Bench warrant. Antionio Demar Murdock, 36, of San Antonio was arrested on suspicion of failing to appear on a misdemeanor charge. He was held without bail.
Tuesday, Oct. 8
No arrests reported.
Wednesday, Oct. 9
Possessing a controlled narcotic. Bryan Meredith Donoho, 38, of Laguna Beach was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled narcotic and paraphernalia. His bail was set at $3,000.
DUI. A 32-year-old Laguna Beach woman was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and blowing on or over 0.08 percent BAC. His bail was set at $5,000.
• LETTERS
Cont. from page 6
Industrial farming and chemical use have led to a dramatic loss of biodiversity, weakening ecosystems that once thrived. The loss of diverse plant, animal, and microorganism life threatens natural processes like pollination, water filtration, and soil health, which are vital to the planet and human survival.
Mancuso’s stance is supported by the World Health Organization’s findings that glyphosate is “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Beyond that, glyphosate and other chemicals disrupt ecosystems by killing not only invasive species but also the beneficial plants and animals that maintain healthy ecosystems. Pollinators like bees, critical for plant reproduction and food production, are particularly vulnerable, with declining populations threatening agriculture and ecosystems alike.
The solution lies in rewilding— restoring ecosystems by allowing natural processes to regenerate biodiversity. Rewilding promotes the return of native species, improves soil health, and strengthens ecosystems. Healthy soils, rich with microorganisms, cycle nutrients, store carbon, and support biodiversity. Chemicals like glyphosate destroy this balance, compromising soil fertility and ecosystem resilience. Protecting soil biodiversity is essential for ecological health, food security, and climate mitigation.
Laguna Beach has the chance to lead by rejecting chemicals like Roundup and supporting rewilding practices that restore biodiversity. By doing so, we can enhance ecosystem resilience, improve human health, and ensure a sustainable future. Biodiversity is essential for life on Earth, and preserving it is critical to our survival.
Mancuso’s call to reject Roundup is not only a responsible choice but also a necessary one. Laguna Beach can set an example by embracing rewilding and protecting the biodiversity that sustains us.
Mike Marriner Sr., Laguna Beach
School Board Experience Needed
The recent LTE from prior school board members is interesting, to say the least. While they are entitled to support whomever they prefer, it’s inappropriate and inaccurate to name-call other candidates “grievance
The Neighborhood Congregational Church (NCC), located at 340 St. Ann’s Drive, has rolled out its highly anticipated plans for potential affordable housing in Laguna Beach.
The plans to provide affordable housing on the property come after a state mandate assigning Laguna the task of planning for and accommodating the development of 394 housing units over the next five years.
In partnership with developer Related California, the NCC aims to completely remodel its property to accommodate 51-55 one to twobedroom units, a step back from the initially proposed 72 units, a spiritual center, a plaza, as well as other amenities.
Each residential unit is slated to have one parking space, while the church buildings, taking approximately 7,000 square feet, will have 35 parking spaces for the church and the public.
“The goal here is to replace an existing monument in the community with a new one for the future,” Related California Chair Bill Witte said in a media briefing.
The project design intends to use elevation changes around the site to blend into the surrounding
Go To Bag
I’ve got the essentials spread out on the dining room table. I’m down to which essentials I’ll put in the Go To Bag. The medicine is a must-have. Blood pressure tablets, anxiety pills, and I must not forget, the super-duper anxiety pills for the original anxiety pills that aren’t working enough. Then there’s the Post-It note with the hotline number to the 24/7 mental health therapists, who are trained to help save me from the claws of Western medicine. Damn those Flintstone vitamins. That was the gateway drug that got me into this mess…now I have a Go To Bag filled with drugs and no room left over for my superhero underwear.
I’ve decided to go commando. It’s a
neighborhood, a community plaza that extends Glenneyre Street, a two-story sanctuary space, a courtyard for privacy and buffer for neighbors, and a modern design for the spiritual center.
NCC Pastor Rod Echols said the idea behind the church providing affordable housing was created four years ago by its congregation. The
hope is to stay as a church community onsite, offer community benefits on its land and be financially sustainable.
“Three years ago, the city identified the NCC site in the Laguna Beach Housing Element as a housing opportunity site,” Echols wrote in an email. “We began to explore this option more intently at that point. There
were several steps to get to the point of the preliminary plans, including a comprehensive review of the options for the site, the selection of the developer, and most recently working with an architect to design the site. Throughout the multi-year process, there have been numerous votes of
• see NCC page 30
fresh start. I’ll feel free. Underwear is so restrictive. It’s time to cut loose and live a little. I’m done with American politics. I’m out of here. It’s a long overdue goodbye to the elephants and the donkeys. The country is divided 50/50 on which mascot to go with for the next four years. Who cares. Both animals partied away $8 trillion dollars in their former administrations. The national debt clock spins higher and higher as the elephants and donkeys tramp around the barnyard, baying and braying about fixing the mess with more tariffs or taxing the super-rich, namely, Bezos, Musk and Zuckerberg. I have to think they have Go To Bags, but not like mine. Theirs are filled with bearer bonds, not Flintstone vitamins et al. Meanwhile, back at my dining room table, I’m pouring over a map, deciding on the best route out of here. Yes, readers, I’m using a paper map
over Google Maps. It’s more dramatic with the gooseneck lamp’s intensive illumination of the escape route while I’m surrounded by loved ones crying over why my departure is taking so long. “Hey Pop Pop, quit jawing about it. Just go. I’ll look after things. The Porsche is in good hands. Oh, come to think of it, please make another sweep of the house for all your medications. I overheard Grandma talking about hosting a pill party. Ever since she got kicked out of the Red Hat Society, she’s been mad as a hatter about starting a competing group, which she calls the Green Beanies. She says she’ll show those old Red Hat biddies how to party hardy.
I reassure the family that I’ll leave in a quick and efficient manner. I want to make my exit by boat. But I don’t have a boat. I can’t call a friend with a boat because I don’t know any. I’d dash to the marina, but Laguna doesn’t have a
marina. My grandkids suggest I take a long walk off a short pier. But Laguna doesn’t have a pier. Well, it did until the late 90s when a storm took it out. As I look out the window at the grandkids securing a banner, “Born Free,” to the Porsche, I think there’s got to be a way. I wave back to the grandkids.
That’s it. The immigrants are coming to shore in droves to secure citizenship. And they’re coming by boat. For a little cash, I’ll make a deal to return a panga boat back to where it came from. Well, I guess that’s it America. I’m out of here. Oh, one last thing. As Ellen DeGeneres, the inappropriately labeled, ‘Queen of Mean’ says, “Be kind to one another.” Crantz tells the Indy that he would add to Ellen’s words of wisdom with “Or don’t be kind to one another, but expect to end up on the ‘King of Mean’s’ Revenge List sooner or later.
MARK D. CRANTZ
GUEST OPINION: PET PEEVES
BY MARK D. CRANTZ
Rendering of Neighborhood Congregational Church’s proposed affordable housing and spiritual center development, view from Glenneyre Street. Courtesy of Related California
BY
Things That Aren’t Here Anymore
In 1995, PBS Los Angeles aired a three-part documentary called “Things That Aren’t Here Anymore,” hosted by Ralph Story. He had been a familiar presence on LA radio and TV for decades. Using film footage and interviews, he took a nostalgic tour of such lost treasures of local culture as the Pacific Red Cars, Marineland and the Brown Derby Restaurant. The series was so successful it spawned a sequel three years later. In that spirit, we thought we would share a few lost Laguna spots with you. We invite you to visit historiclaguna.com for additional images of the buildings in this column. In an excellent Dec. 15, 2023 column
in the Indy, Annlia Hill mentioned the Streamline Moderne gem that was Earle M. Hatheway’s Ford dealership at the northeast corner of Coast Highway and Brooks. The architect was Manfred DeAhna. He began his career working for the prestigious Pasadena firm of Myron Hunt but had settled in Laguna by the mid-1930’s. His local works include the Hobie Building, Seacliff Laguna Inn and Victor Hugo’s. Hatheway Ford was one of his most important commissions. The sweeping curves characteristic of the Moderne style gave a fluid freshness and graceful elegance to the whole structure. The semi-circular showroom featured a half dozen large plate glass windows with views of the highway and the Pacific beyond. The building was crowned with a dramatic two-story obelisk. If only the structure was still standing; it could easily have been repurposed into an amazing restaurant or retail space. Diagonally across the street from Hatheway Ford was a dining establishment that made an architectural
statement of its own. The Ship Mates Drive-In was on the southwest corner of Coast Highway and Brooks where Jack-in-the Box now stands. It was built by Smith Construction Company for W.W. White and Earl J. Jones, two experienced LA restaurateurs. Remarkably, it was constructed in just thirty days in the summer of 1940! The owners wanted a nautical-themed, casual diner and that’s exactly what they got. According to an August 2, 1940 South Coast News article, architect J. Edward Esmay designed an 1,850 square foot wood and stucco building with a generous dining room that could seat 35 guests in blue leather upholstered booths and a semi-circular counter had seating for another sixteen. The structure was enclosed by large picture windows that captured the stunning coastal view. The real eye-catcher was a 20-foot tall ship’s mast that rose from the roof, accentuating that nautical motif. The unique eccentricity of a building like this is exactly why our town long banned chain restaurants with their
generic corporate architecture.
Finally, in 1950 Charles A. Haskins, President of the Bank of Laguna Beach, commissioned architect Don Williamson to design a beautiful modern facility on the corner of Forest Avenue and Second Street. The building still exists but is completely buried under a 1980’s façade and is indistinguishable from an expansive addition added at the back of the property. That’s a shame because what Don designed was pretty wonderful. Williamson was born and raised in Mexico City. His father was the director of the YMCA in the Mexican capital. Don did not live in the United States until his college years. He graduated from USC in 1936 with a degree in architecture and by 1949 he was living in Laguna Beach. He would leave his mark on the town both professionally and culturally. He designed several homes in the city. He also designed most of the buildings on the Festival of Arts grounds including
HUNTER FUENTES AND JON STORDAHL
HUNTER FUENTES JON STORDAHL
• SPORTS
Cont. from page 10
#3 Luke Singer / John Tavey won 21-8, 21-19
#4 Ben Goodwin / Nico Lerum won 21-15, 21-17
#5 Grey Bulloch/ Leo Pardun won 21-19, 21-12
4 MAN (Patchell, Vermilya, Sweet, Ribarch) won 28-20
Playoffs begin next week, with Laguna receiving a first-round bye in the 16-team league. Back on Sept. 27 Laguna held their 2nd Annual Pairs Championships at Main Beach Champs: Corona Del Mar #1 Team - Brogan Glenn/ Ben Brown (Won 21-18, 21-18)
Second Place: Edison High School
OBITUARY
#1 Team - Nate Jackson/ Connor McNally
Third Place Team: Huntington Beach High School #1 Team - Asher Mitchell/ Logan Hutnick.
GIRLS
TENNIS
(2-5, 1-1)
Laguna Singles players picked up five set wins to help the Breakers edge Northwood on a set tie breakers 85/83 on Oct. 3 at the Laguna courts. Rebecca MacCallum won her sets 6-2, 6-2, 6-0 while Izzy Lobosco went 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 in her rounds. This past Tuesday, Laguna lost to the #1 OC team, Portola, 16-2, on the Bulldog’s courts. Rebecca MacCallum and the
John Richardson
January 27, 1936 - October 5, 2024
John Neville Richardson passed away peacefully on October 5, 2024, at his home in Laguna Beach. John was born on January 27, 1936, in Glendale, Calif., to Grace and Frederick Richardson. After attending high school in Alhambra and college at Occidental College, he met Ann Grover while living on Balboa Island. They married in 1960 and raised their family in the cities of Redlands and Upland. They moved to Laguna Beach in 1996.
John dedicated his professional life to social work. This included being “Home Parents” with Ann at group homes, providing young residents with a warm home environment in which they could grow up with nurturing adults. From 1968 to 1999,
John worked at Ettie Lee Youth and Family Services, serving in various positions, including social worker and executive director.
John’s family was at the center of his life. He shared his love of sailing, woodwork and baseball with his wife, children and grandchildren. He built several small boats and enjoyed sailing them in Newport Harbor. When John was sailing, listening to a Dodger game, or doing woodwork with his family, he was happy.
John leaves a legacy of service to others and will be remembered and missed by his daughters Carrie Hall and Sue Coe (David); his son Peter Richardson (Heather); his grandchildren Kenzie, Abbie, Aubrye, Jack, Harriet, Bryson, Porter, Henry, Jed, Zach and Taylor; and, his great-granddaughter, Eleanor. He is preceded in passing by his son Grant, and his beloved wife of 58 years, Ann Richardson. John will be laid to rest alongside Ann and Grant at Hillside Cemetery in Redlands, Calif. In lieu of flowers or donations, John asks that you take your family and loved ones out to dinner and enjoy each other’s company.
doubles team of Rachel Jolley/Chloe Balliet were the only set winners for Laguna.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
(5-23, 3-3)
Despite their record, Laguna has entered the season’s final weeks and still in the hunt for a playoff spot.
Oct. 3 #294 Irvine 25-15, 25-22, 25-12
The Breakers used the entire 15-member squad and had no issues defeating Irvine (3-17, 0-7) in their final regular season home game. With a pre-game ceremony, the team also honored their two graduating seniors, Middles Sadie Holmes and Baylie Bina. For the Irvine match, Holmes led in kills (6) along with Ivy Bianchi. Jordan Flynn had four service aces, while Sienna Utge recorded three aces.
Oct. 7 lost to #218 Foothill 19-25, 24-26, 28-30
Laguna had leads of 22-18 in set two and 23-15 in set three but could not finish a loss at the Foothill gym. Sadie Holmes led the attack with six kills and four blocks.
Up next: Laguna must win one of the remaining two matches to advance to the playoffs. Division assignment will be based on the numerical rankings based on the current season results of all of the 532 teams with 282 squads gaining automatic placement based on their league finish. Depending on where the nine brackets break in the final rankings, a limited number of at-large spots may also exist. Playoff brackets will be released on Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. on cifss.org.
Final Two Regular Season Matches:
Oct. 10 at #80 St. Margaret’s (Breakers lost first meeting 12-25, 25-17, 18-25, 10-25)
Oct. 15 at #108 Northwood (Breakers won first meeting 15-25, 20-25, 25-16, 25-19, 15-11).
BOYS WATER POLO (10-10, 3-0)
The Breakers had no trouble overwhelming Woodbridge 19-8 at the Warrior’s pool. Gavin Goode had five goals with Dylan Williams and Max Sauers each scoring four. The victory over Woodbridge (16-4, 1-2) leaves three regular season league games remaining: Oct. 10. University (8-6, 0-3), Oct. 15. at Portola ( 8-11, 1-2) and OOct. 16.with Irvine (10-10, 2-2). The league carnival tournament on October 21-13 will be a playoff to determine the SSCIF entries.
Also last week, Laguna lost to a good Long Beach Wilson squad 1411 at the Belmont Plaza pool in Long Beach. Dylan Williams had five goals to lead Laguna.
Scoring leaders after 20 games: 72 –Dylan Willams, 46 – Max Sauers, 31 – Gavin Goode, 25 – Sam Skenderian, 15 – Lucas Rose, 14 – Dane Seybold, 11 – Zach Hornstein.
Have a note on Laguna high school sports? Email Frank at frank@ twometer.net. Looking for 2024-25 High School schedules and scores? Check Laguna Beach High School on the Max Preps website or the schedules tab on the athletics website at lbhs.lbusd.org/athletics/schedules. To get scores on the school site –select the sport and level, click year, and move the “show older events” toggle under the 2024-25 year.
SUPERCHARGE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
BY TOM OSBORNE
Orange County Power Authority Invites Laguna Beach to Join
BY
“Now is an ideal time for Laguna Beach to join OCPA [Orange County Power Authority], whether independently or alongside several other cities considering membership.
OCPA has proven its financial stability and successfully procures renewable energy for its ratepayers while offering cost-effective options. By partnering with OCPA, Laguna Beach can provide its residents and businesses access to cleaner energy and potential savings, furthering the city’s well-established commitment to environmental stewardship.”
So wrote Dr. Kathleen Treseder to me a few days ago. Treseder is a nationally prominent biologist and climate science professor at UC Irvine. This brilliant scientist and civic leader is also on the City of Irvine’s City Council and serves on the board of directors of the
Orange County Power Authority. Our City Council should invite her to speak very soon to our staff, local officials, and citizenry in Laguna Beach about Community Choice Aggregation/ Energy (CCA/E). Readers, please join me in requesting this.
One of our council members told me last year that City Hall would be sponsoring lectures on this timely topic and related ones. So far, nothing has happened. Perhaps because of this, our city’s possible membership in OCPA has been postponed by at least a year because a one-year wait period is required after our council applies for membership in cleaner energy, a non-profit consortium serving our county. Meanwhile, I’m pleased to say, the City of Fountain Valley has just successfully completed its first reading of a measure to join OCPA. I spoke with Dr. Treseder and other OCPA officials Oct. 3 at the agency’s new headquarters in Irvine. The occasion celebrated about two years of the energy consortium’s work.
Approximately 150 guests, including mayors, other officials in the county, and community activists attended. CEO Joe Mosca provided an inspiring overview of OCPA’s work. He mentioned its 175,000 customers. “Basic Choice” is one of three energy options offered; accordingly, OCPA procures for its customers at least 44 percent clean (non-fossil fuel-generated electricity) at a saving of 3 percent LOWER than Southern California Edison’s rates. In the aggregate, Basic Choice customers have saved $2.5 million in their electricity bills in recent years and have prevented 2 billion pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. Mosca said that that was equivalent to removing 221,000 petroleum-fueled vehicles from the road.
Accolades for the agency have been pouring in. Here’s a sampler. For the second year in a row, OCPA has been recognized as one of the nation’s top procurers of green energy by the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory. Other recognitions include an Environmental, Social, Governance Honoree (Orange County Business Council), Sustainability Advocate of the Year (Asian Business Association of Orange County), and OCPA CEO Joe Mosca, who has been recognized among the 125 Most Influential People in Orange County. And on and on. The key point is that OCPA is in the vanguard of combatting climate change by procuring for customers affordable, cleaner energy. Much of California—reputedly America’s most environmental state—is currently being powered by agencies like OCPA. This includes many cities in San Diego and Los Angeles counties. Orange County cities have been “the hole in the donut.” The good news is that Irvine, Fullerton, and Buena Park (with Fountain Valley in the queue) have wisely chosen Community Choice Aggregation/Energy to meet
• see OSBORNE page 30
Laguna Beach Democratic Club Voter Guide
TOM OSBORNE
GUEST
GREEN LIGHT
BOB CHAPMAN
Laguna Beach
01/01/2024 - 9/30/2024
CLOSED SALES (216) UP +8% OVER 2023 (200)
BY SUSAN MCNEAL VELASQUEZ
The Freedom to Choose
I may have a brilliant new seminar idea. It will eliminate the tedious requirement of having to commit to self-honesty and the quest to progress through personal integrity.
I will call it
“Mediocrity Inc.” A seminar experience to teach the art of underachieving.
I can picture it now. No more tedious striving for improvement. Instant thriving. Instant gratification. No pressure to make any hard choices. No standards of behavior. No inner criticism. No pressure to meet other’s expectations. No impossible expectations of self.
On a physical level, you can eat and drink as much as you want without considering or worrying about weight or health restrictions. No more strenuous exercise routines and selfrecrimination when you don’t keep up
with it.
Your monthly expenses will decrease drastically as you stop purchasing all those hair products, cosmetics, vitamins and in-style clothing in favor of good old soap, water and a couple of sweat suits with elastic waistbands.
Next, you can dismiss the expensive trip to the hairdressers in favor of the do-it-yourself method. Just let your locks grow naturally. Mentally, you can relax. You can give up reading in favor of quick soundbites gleaned as you surf your way to enlightenment through TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Google Search.
At work, I recommend that you apply for the position that holds the least opportunity for advancement. Preferably, go for the job no one else wants. What better way to ensure infinite job security? Learn the basics, set up your daily routine and forget about ever altering it. This will free you up to spend your work days completely on automatic pilot, never harboring tiresome expectations to increase
your productivity or use any of your creativity.
You will never have to worry about losing your creative edge since you will keep your supply of creativity safely locked away in the recesses of your mind.
I am sure this strategy will ultimately guarantee brain health throughout your lifetime since you will not be burning up brain cells at the rapid pace that most success mongers do.
Emotionally, the world will be your playground. You can growl, argue, demand, command and whine your way through all your interpersonal encounters. Vent your frustrations. Complain loudly to anyone in earshot when your needs are not instantly met. Return to that blissful state of emotional immaturity when, in your mind, the entire world revolves around you. Let go of any impulse control. Display your temper for all to see.
Evoke the art of blaming and judging others relentlessly.
I will caution you here that this behavior could backfire and make you
very memorable, a stand-out from the crowd or worse yet you could be targeted as a ‘leader among leaders’ because you become brilliant in the art of mediocrity and arrogance without any restrictions.
Spiritually, you can give up meditating, chanting, praying and church services in favor of simply whining to the sky with upturned eyes every time your wishes are thwarted. Blame everything on God, your parents, or the government but never take it on yourself.
The only difficulty I can see with setting out to be mediocre is inherent in the definition.
Mediocre is defined as indifferent, commonplace, or ordinary. So far, so good. Moderation. Temperance. Uh oh. Temperance, as a noun, means control over one’s acts, thoughts or feelings. Moderation, restraint in action, thought or feeling. Sobriety, soberness, self-control, abstinence, and frugality.
• see VELASQUEZ page 29
Hunt For Your Next Treasure
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SUSAN MCNEAL
VELASQUEZ
GUEST OPINION: WISDOM WORKOUT
In the forthcoming election, there are 4 qualified candidates for Laguna’s City Council seats, however, only 2 have the history, knowledge, experience and commitment to face the challenges before us in the next 4 years.
Accordingly, we urge you to support and vote:
BOB WHALEN and HALLIE JONES for CITY COUNCIL
Sincerely, Morris and Stephany Skenderian
BY JIM KELLY
Laguna Beach’s School District’s Success
As our community navigates the upcoming school board elections, it’s crucial to look beyond the noise of criticism and consider the broader picture of our school district’s success and ongoing improvement. Laguna Beach Unified School District represents a complex system of educators, librarians, counselors, social workers, coaches, staff, students, and families — a system that works tirelessly to create an environment where every child’s educational experience is valued and individualized. It’s no coincidence that LBUSD is the highest-achieving district in Orange County, with a growing number of students transferring from private schools to culminate their educational journey at Laguna Beach High School each year. This level of achievement has been intentional. It requires navigating a
wide range of needs and perspectives, and it takes the dedication of an entire team. To lead a district that provides such an experience requires a steady vision and a focus on relationships that are built, maintained, and strengthened over time.
The district’s facilities master plan has been a topic of debate, particularly among members of Sensible Laguna. However, their arguments are inconsistent, most recently amongst themselves. At the most recent board meeting on Sept. 26, where the Laguna Beach High School Modernization project was discussed, the group’s socalled “2,000 strong members” were conspicuously absent.
Steve McIntosh’s public comments focused on the community’s use of the pool, saying, “What we’re forgetting is playing in the pool, this is from the community aspect. Playing in the pool means just that. That really doesn’t fit into a 3-foot lane. So from the community aspect, that’s what’s really needed so for everyone to kind of
dismiss that is kind of a big problem in my book.”
Meanwhile, his co-founder, Gary Kasik, commented: “You’re building a pool for the school, for the students, and for our student-athletes. That’s about competition, so take away the shallow lane. There were a lot of comments about how we’re building this for the community; the city has voted unanimously to build another pool.” On one hand, McIntosh wants the plan to focus on community use, while Kasik believes the pool should mainly serve student-athletes. These mixed messages make it hard to understand their real concern. Furthermore, Kasik’s claim that the city has voted to build another pool is misleading. While the city council voted unanimously to end the joint-use agreement with LBUSD, they have not committed to constructing a second pool. In fact, the city has openly acknowledged that they currently have neither a location nor the necessary funds to build a new pool. While it is easy to criticize and
perhaps easier still to propose solutions, real progress requires working together, understanding the nuances of our district, and finding a shared path forward. We live in a community that demands accountability, and LBUSD has consistently met that demand, continuously striving to support every student, every day.
As we consider who will guide our schools in the future, it is important to reflect on the kind of leadership that will genuinely serve our students, families, and community. As a resident, I will be voting for Jan Vickers and Lauren Boeck — leaders who understand the complexities of our district and are committed to fostering its continued growth and success. We should not waste taxpayer dollars on petty arguments that consume staff time and divert focus from what truly matters — providing the best possible education for all.
James Kelly is a trustee of the Laguna Beach Unified School District and a 36year Laguna Beach homeowner. He is writing this piece as a public citizen.
• ROOFING REPLACEMENTS/REPAIRS
• BALCONY DECK STRUCTURAL RECONSTRUCTION
• ROOFING WATERPROOFING
• EXTENSIVE DRY ROT/TERMITE REPAIRS
• SHEET METAL FOR HARSH COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS
• IN DEPTH SPECIFICATION/STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
• INTERIOR DAMAGE REPAIRS
• BALCONY RAIL SYSTEM DESIGNS/GLASS/CABLE
• PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES
• DOOR & WINDOW REPLACEMENT
• STUCCO/PLASTER RECONSTRUCTION
• RAIN GUTTERS/CHIMNEY CAPS
• SKYLIGHTS/ATTIC VENTING SYSTEMS
JIM KELLY
GUEST OPINION
• LIVE
Cont. from page 16
an expansion of the Irvine Bowl in 1953, the paraboloid roof covering the Festival grounds restaurant in 1957, and the Forum Theater in 1969. He directed the Pageant of the Masters from 19641978. For the Bank of Laguna Beach building he incorporated several unique features. According to a South Coast News story from September 1950, he designed brick louvres to mitigate, “… glaring south and west sunlight….” He installed radiant heating in the bank floor and the walls of the mezzanine level and an air exhaust system “… to keep the air constantly fresh….” The bank also featured the first drive-in window in Orange County. One of the only remaining features of the original structure are the remnants of the old bank vault still visible in the current occupant’s retail space – “The Vault.” Hunter was given a tour of the store by one of the owners, Gila Leibovich, who showed him the heavy metal safe door. They just celebrated their twentieth anniversary last July. Guess we know where the name came from. Clever! Every day seems to bring news of another historic structure in danger. Both the Aubrey St. Clair Bridge Hall and the Bill Blurock sanctuary building at the Neighborhood Congregational Church are in peril. Just this week we learned that the 114-year old Egan Homestead, the oldest home in South Laguna is facing demolition. Once gone they are lost forever. As G.K. Chesterton once noted, “The way to love anything is to realize that it may be lost.”
• CRIER
Cont. from page 4
chance of regaining the function of his lower body.
“He currently is the golf coach at Laguna Beach High School for both boys’ and girls’ teams and has been for almost a decade,” the Gofundme reads. “Sean has been a mentor and leader for the young men and women he has coached over the years, with his main goal of building good human beings for the future. Sean is strong and he is fighting his hardest, but he really needs your love, prayers, and if possible, your financial support to give him the best odds.” To view the full fundraiser, visit gofundme.com and search “Sean Quigley.”
• LETTERS
Cont. from page 13
candidates”. What’s becoming clear in this campaign is that most sitting and past board members consider any disagreement or opposing opinion disrespectful and unacceptable. The concept of civil discourse has been replaced with authoritarianism.
Sheri Morgan and Howard Hills are campaigning for “change,” fundamental change that is far from anything grievance based. I’d have to agree that a vote for anyone else will simply result in more of the same. More fiscal irresponsibility as Jan Vickers chaired the original $150 million facility master plan. More top state-tier salaries for administration leadership. More turning a blind eye to the special needs of unique students. More average “or a little bit better” test results.
More “doing what we want” and ignoring parents and community members. More rubber-stamping administration requests and policy changes. More unchecked deferral of critical decisions to administration leadership.
Sheri and Howard’s only “grievance” is the quality and breadth of education for our children measured against the near-top per-student spending in the state. With our community’s amazing resources, LBUSD should be a top-performing district, as it once was. Morgan and Hills are the only candidates with the necessary experience, skills and Laguna Beach history to take the district from good back to great. They are both fully committed to returning the district to the standard of excellence our community deserves.
Gary Kasik, Sensible Laguna
Don’t Embroil Our Kids in Political Tension
As the proud principal of Laguna Beach High School, I want to take this opportunity to address the concerns raised regarding the recent student-led Model United Nations (MUN) City Council Candidates’ Forum held at the high school on Oct. 1. It is important to clarify some of the misconceptions that have been circulated about this event, particularly the claim that the school district, including the board of education, imposed restrictions on the content of the forum.
First and foremost, this event was student-driven from start to finish. The idea for the forum was proposed,
coordinated, and run entirely by our talented students as part of their MUN program. The statement read at the beginning, regarding the exclusion of school board-related questions, was a decision made by the students in the interest of focusing on city council issues. It was not intended to be interpreted in any other way. These students demonstrated incredible leadership and responsibility by deciding how to best structure a fair and meaningful event.
Seeing that some adults in our community have chosen to politicize this student-led initiative is disheartening. To turn a student project into a campaign platform is disappointing, especially when it reflects a misunderstanding of the event’s intent. While we understand
that differing opinions exist about many issues, it becomes problematic when false narratives are introduced, particularly ones that undermine the integrity and efforts of our students. What’s even more unfortunate is that, historically, these types of behaviors may have been limited to political disagreements among adults. However, when they start to target and misrepresent the intentions of our students, it crosses a line. This is why I am reluctantly inserting myself into this dialogue. These young adults worked incredibly hard to facilitate an event that allowed for community engagement, and they deserve to be recognized for their efforts, not used as pawns in political disputes.
Jan Vickers: Sharing District Positivity
By Clara Beard | LB Indy
Currently serving her sixth term on the Laguna Beach Unified School District Board, Jan Vickers has thrown her hat into the ring in hopes of locking down a seventh.
“I am committed to LBUSD and want to continue working as a governing board member. I grew up in a teaching family and have strong beliefs in the value of public education, which serves to educate all students who enroll,” Vickers said. “I know my years of experience have taught me the importance of working as a member of the team - five board members working in unity with the superintendent towards mutually set goals through a shared vision.”
Vickers, who is the current board president, was first elected to serve in November 2000 and since then has been re-elected five times: 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020.
Vickers has lived in Laguna Beach since 1964 and has a bachelor’s in studio art from UC Irvine. She is credentialed to teach all levels with a specialist in early childhood. After leaving college, Vickers was a Festival of Arts exhibitor before becoming a preschool director, where she discovered how much she enjoyed teaching children. That start in education eventually led Vickers to a district leadership position.
Some of the board accomplishments
that stand out to Vickers during her tenure include collaborating with the city on shared use of school facilities, continued increase in course offerings at the high school, and expanding opportunities through college and career awareness with career technical education pathways and community college classes. Vicker is also proud of the district’s partnership with the Laguna Art Museum and Laguna College of Art and Design.
• see VICKERS page 29
Incumbent Jan Vickers is running for reelection on the LBUSD Board. Photo courtesy of LBUSD
Support George Weiss and Judie Mancuso Responsible Leadership
Don’t “split” your vote!
A vote for George or Judie and not the other leaves the Whalen-Kempf political machine in power!
GEORGE WEISS JUDIE MANCUSO
• Principled advocate for Laguna residents
Fiscal responsibility
Council transparency
Independent of the Whalen-Kempf “machine” •
17 years successful legislative advocate in Sacramento
27 Sponsored bills SIGNED INTO LAW Can leverage clout in Sacramento to bene t Laguna where Whalen failed
Bob Whalen
Hallie Jones
The “face”of Roundup
Jones still advocates for public use of Roundup chemical tied to cancer (Over $2 billion in jury awards to cancer victims of Roundup)
Anointed choice of the Whalen-Kempf “machine”
Whalen and Kempf’s power grab for “one of their own”
• Whalen, Kempf, Rounaghi, their families and friends signed the nomination petition pushing unknown Hallie Jones for Council
BY MICHAEL RAY
Myths and Mendacity
BY MICHAEL RAY
A few new local myths are being floated by the usual suspects. The logic and purported facts behind the myths are so absurd they are embarrassing.
Let’s examine some, but let’s start with one number: six million. That is the supposed number of annual tourists descending upon Laguna (according to Laguna tourist authorities from a few years ago, not yet updated), and the resulting hordes clog up the place.
Parking structures attract tourists. For example, here is the current argument for not having any new parking structures: they attract the hordes. That’s right, the tourists don’t come for the beaches; they come because parking structures make them do it. As in, “Hey honey, let’s drive down from Irvine to Laguna to visit a parking structure there because, ahh, we don’t have enough in Irvine to visit.” This is so absurd it is laughable.
Local restaurants attract the hordes.
One intrepid writer (to this paper) stated, “The best data we can find from an independent consultant study [which he admitted was cooked up by he and a friend] suggests that perhaps 70% or more of the total annual revenue of our bars and restaurants comes from non-residents.”
Ahhh…right. There aren’t enough good restaurants in Irvine, Newport, Tustin, South Coast Plaza, or Spectrum, so Irvine residents drive 25 minutes to Laguna, have dinner and a few drinks (hey, it’s a night out!), and drive 25 minutes back home (please believe me, Mr. Policeman, I haven’t been drinking) all because our fabulous restaurants make them.
The intrepid writer even proposes that to compensate, our restaurants should pay a premium tax of 3%….as though their already paper-thin margins could be, well, you know, surreptitiously increased by an add-on tax at the bottom of the bill, like a “resort fee.” (And yes, the intrepid writer does recommend that).
Again, it is nonsense. The numbers are
nonsense. The logic is nonsense. Their proposal means the proponents know squat about the restaurant business.
The downtown promenade is bad for business. This is the biggest canard of all. The Promenade is the best thing to happen in Laguna for years. It attracts visitors from local resorts and Laguna residents from their hills above…and they eat there, shop there, and invite friends there. And once there, they buy stuff. Plenty of stuff. Even the longtime workers at Bushard’s will tell you their biz is up.
Councilmember George Weiss, the current frontman for the people who think these things, proposes eliminating the Promenade. In his pronouncements, he tries to fake you out by stating he merely wishes for the Promenade to exist on weekends, but not weekdays, meaning the facilities would become simplified steel structures to withstand their twice-weekly transport. This means they—and the street scene, at best will be mediocre, and probably ugly, so these people can claim the whole thing is horrible —”told you so” —and
once they obtain three votes in the city council, the Promenade will be gone.
And once again the south lane on PCH at Forest will be backed up (forever) by someone waiting for a fronting Forest parking space to be cleared by a car already parked there. Yeah, let’s have that.
And all of this, all the above, is being driven by a small group seeking to preserve what? Certainly not the out-ofthis-world unbelievably cool Laguna of the 1960s and 70s and Timothy Leary living near Canyon Acres---no, all that, just like the Boom Boom Room, has been outlawed by those same people, who think they know better.
So, what do they want instead of that unbelievably cool and real, old Laguna--a rotting business district? Cause that’s what they’re getting.
Michael Ray is a Co-Founder of The Discovery Cube; the O.C. School of the Arts; Sage Hill School; Art Spaces—Irvine; the Great Park Conservancy, and many others. He is a semi-retired principal of Sanderson-J. Ray Corp.
GUEST OPINION
Councilman Bob Whalen –Asset Or Liability? You Decide.
1. Bob Whalen wants to underground the power lines on Laguna Canyon Road for $150M when far less expensive measures can decrease the fire risk of downed utility poles while also retaining the Canyon’s rural, rustic nature without jeopardizing a key evacuation route for up to three years.
2. After years of promoting tourism, he now says he’s for controlling it –yet he wants to build a new $12M parking structure at the village entrance which will only invite more day-trippers. Over $700,000 already spent without any public support.
3. Voted to buy the Ti Amo fire station site for $2.7M without an appraisal, despite the protests of 60 residents. Site failed to be useable. Whalen said it could be easily resold. Still vacant after five years.
4. Sponsored and supported City Manager Dupuis despite her lacking the experience, credentials and degrees of other job candidates. Results: three years of turbulent mismanagement, their mishandling of the armed Hotel Laguna and 14West hotel invasions subjected the City to potential lawsuits that could have cost tens of millions. He negotiated her lucrative “retirement” package behind closed doors.
5. Seeks to serve 16 years on the City Council – opposes both term limits and the immediate return of Zoom for residents to participate in City Council meetings.
6. When asked in a public forum if he’d vote for a Council members’ oath to put residents’ interests first, he was the only candidate to say “No.”
• LETTERS
Cont. from page 24
As educators and community members, we must model respect and integrity. We should encourage our students to participate in civic engagement. When they do, we owe it to them to support their independence and leadership rather than embroil them in the political tensions of the adult world.
I invite everyone to take pride in our students’ accomplishments and respect the learning opportunities provided through such events. Let’s continue to support our young adults as they develop into thoughtful, capable leaders of tomorrow.
Jason Allemann, Laguna Beach High School Principal
Students Keep it Classy
We are writing on behalf of Laguna Beach High School’s Model United Nations program. Our program is entirely run by student leaders led by Secretaries-General Carter McKinzie and Lili Bazargan. Our vision is to educate students and our community about international relations and to increase political engagement.
Recently, our program held a forum for the four Laguna Beach City Council candidates. We take pride in the work of our staff and students who assisted in making this the most well-attended city council forum to date; however, we understand that some engaged community members were upset about certain topics not being addressed at the forum. First, we would like to elucidate our policy regarding the discussion of items under the jurisdiction of LBUSD’s Board of Education. With guidance from our advisors, Jonathan Todd and Jun Shen, we decided that it would be best not to omit questions relating to the jurisdiction of LBUSD’s Board of Education. At the school board candidate forum hosted by the Woman’s Club, we witnessed the polarizing nature of specific topics and the lack of decorum from the audience in response to certain issues. As a program, we decided to exclude those topics to ensure our students experienced a forum of respectful and civil discourse on topics under the council’s jurisdiction. Ultimately, the city council candidates did not disappoint, and we are grateful for their wonderful example of civic dialogue. No school board members or district administrators directed us to avoid or
include any topics in the forum held on Oct. 1.
As a former student board member (Carter McKinzie), I completely understand the complexities of issues facing our school district, such as constructing a new pool. During my time on the board, I heard from various perspectives about issues facing our district and strongly believe in the importance of open dialogue. Our forum aimed to focus on topics relevant to students and other community stakeholders.
Being a program that prides itself on open dialogue and collaborating with the community, we appreciate the opportunity to host this forum and hope it has proved valuable to the community’s stakeholders. We always appreciate feedback and encourage you to reach out to our program’s email at mun@lbusd.org or send a letter to Laguna Beach High School, Model U.N. Program, 625 Park Avenue. We look forward to continuing our partnership with our community.
Carter McKinzie and Lili Bazargan, Co-Secretaries General of LBHS Model United Nations
Survey Not Enough
What I left out of my Laguna Canyon “Cross” Roads column in last week’s paper was a discussion of the Protect and Connect Survey completed in June 2024. The survey was two-fold: an online questionnaire and what was described as outreach to various “popup groups” throughout the city.
A total of 2,672 people responded to the online survey. In response to a question about key challenges when traveling along the corridor, an overwhelming 86% of respondents mentioned congestion. Of the 18% “other” category, congestion again headlined the list.
In a more open-ended part of the survey, respondents were asked for thoughts on how to improve the corridor. A total of 1,777 respondents offered suggestions, which were summarized into seven categories. Maintaining Laguna’s character came first, while undergrounding utilities for safety and aesthetics appeared as number five.
Concepts, features and themes were presented to six pop-up locations, plus
Laguna Art-A-Fair recently reported a gleaming report card after its 2024 summer season. The fine art festival said it experienced a 20% increase in sales over 2023 and welcomed 258 new artist applications from eight different countries and 16 states
A higher percentage of new artists achieved significant financial success in their first year, highlighting the festival’s role in promoting emerging talent. Visitors also enjoyed the addition of a new onsite restaurant that enhanced the overall festival experience.
“Our 2024 season was truly exceptional,” said Kim Brandon, marketing vice president of Laguna Art-A-Fair. “Not only did we see substantial growth in sales and artist participation, but we also fostered a
supportive community where artists uplift each other. It’s inspiring to witness new artists thriving in their first year. We’re more than just an art festival; we’re a family.”
Laguna Art-A-Fair has opened its applications for the 2025 season. The show invites artists from all over the world to submit their work and plans to “develop a support program specifically designed for out-of-state and international artists to make participation more seamless and rewarding.”
“Last year saw a record number of artists vying for a booth, and we expect an even better turnout this year due to the success Laguna Art-A-Fair enjoyed this past summer,” said Robert Ross, president of the board of directors of Laguna Art-A-Fair.
• MANSION
Cont. from page 3
are locked, but we’re working to schedule an appointment to walk the site with both code and building staff and make an assessment if there was any illegal construction and vandalism,” said Schneider.
Sitting on more than half an acre, the ocean-front Mediterranean missionstyle property sits on a cliff between Moss Point and Victoria Beach. Villa Rockledge is a five-bedroom home with four guest villas designed by Arthur Benton, the architect behind renowed Riverside’s historic Mission Inn Hotel, and Frank Miller, the hotel’s developer.
Miller purchased the Laguna Beach property in 1887 and built Villa Rockledge estate for his second wife, Marion, between 1918 and 1922. The unique estate has rustic stone towers, ocean-front balconies with curved walkways and lush landscaping.
Villa Rockledge, once known as “Mariona,” was approved by California’s Mills Act to be sold for $27 million through real estate company Compass and was listed in early 2020.
The city has asked residents who have security cameras in the area to share footage with the police department to help unearth who is behind the vandalization.
• VICKERS
Cont. from page 27
“More recently, I’m excited about our robust support systems for students, families and staff dealing with all aspects of social, emotional and mental health,” she added. “Also, our expansion of transitional kindergarten and starting a preschool. We have a goal to be carbon neutral by 2030. Adding to that, I’m proud of our green school recognition and teaching gardens. Those are just a few.”
Vickers says that one of her main objectives as a school board member is to share what is accurate and vital.
“I need to make sure people in the greater community do their due diligence and not take statements/ statistics at face value,” Vickers said. “We teach our students to analyze and be critical thinkers, and we always need to do the same. Basically, my objective is to share the positive and the strength
of our district.”
Over the 20 years Vickers has served on the board, she’s worked with nine superintendents and dozens of board members. Throughout her experiences, she said she’s grown to realize that despite different viewpoints, board leadership always has a common goal: its students.
“It is a challenge when we have controversial issues as board members hear different opinions and viewpoints,” Vickers said. “Often, there are more than two sides, and each feels they have the best solution/request. Board members must study, ask questions, and discuss while filtering all the public comments and then make the best decision for the students. There really isn’t any “I” in our team members. We each have one vote, and although we find ourselves in agreement in this district, more often than not, the majority does decide.”
As board member Kelly Osborne isn’t seeking another term, Vickers is the sole incumbent in the November school board election. Margaret Warder, Sheri Morgan and Howard Hills are also campaigning for one of the two open school board seats.
10/12 PABLO CRUISE
10/13 JIMMY WEBB
• VELASQUEZ
Cont. from page 20
Synonyms of temperate include being moderate, keeping or held within limits: not extreme or excessive. Mild.
Marked by an absence or avoidance of extravagance, violence, or extreme partisanship.
It looks like there is no way to avoid the fact that everything comes down to freedom and also the responsibility of choice.
Choose success or mediocrity, but choose. Chaos or clarity. Choose. Drama or discernment. Choose. Involvement or avoidance. Choose. Victim or responsible. Choose. No matter how we approach it, momentto-moment choices woven together seem to be what ultimately creates the unique fabric of our lives.
Susan has been a local since 1986 and is still congratulating herself on the choice to become a part of this special town. Contact her at susanvelasquez.com
10/11 HENRY KAPONO 10/12 PABLO CRUISE 10/13 JIMMY WEBB
10/15 MARIA MULDAUR - W ay P ast M idnight 10/16 JIMMIE VAUGHAN 10/17 GROUNDATION
10/18 GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP 10/19 BRETT DENNEN - g olden s ate of M ind t our 10/20 THE YOUNG DUBLINERS 10/24 WAYWARD SONS 10/25 MIRAGE ( f leet W ood M ac t ribute ) 10/26 STRYPER 40th Anniversary Tour 10/27 FREDDY JONES BAND 10/30 THE MUSICAL BOX 10/31 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS 11/1 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS 11/2 VENICE 11/3 THE WINEHOUSE EXPERIENCE 11/7 MATTHEW SWEET ( a coustic t rio ) 11/8 COMMON SENSE 11/9 TYRONE WELLS
11/13 JOHN HIATT 11/14 THE SWEET 11/15 RONSTADT REVIVAL 11/16 JOSHUA RADIN & RON POPE 11/21 JEREMY PIVEN
11/22 SPACE ODDITY ( d avid b o W ie t ribute ) 11/23 RUFUS WAINWRIGHT
11/24 CTRL + Z ft M arc b onilla , t ho M as l ang , r ic f ierabracci , a lex M achacek & J onathan s indel M an 11/26 LEONID & FRIENDS ( c hicago t ribute ) 11/27 LEONID & FRIENDS ( c hicago t ribute )
11/29 THE PLATTERS 11/30 LEE ROCKER of the Stray Cats 12/4 LIVINGSTON TAYLOR and LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III
12/6 WHICH ONE’S PINK? (P ink f loyd t ribute ) 12/7 WHICH ONE’S PINK? (P ink f loyd t ribute ) 12/8 SANDRA BERNHARD
12/11 DAVID BENOIT (XMAS TRIBUTE) 12/12 KY-MANI MARLEY
12/13 ABBA Holly Jolly Christmas 12/14 THE HIGHWAYMAN SHOW 12/15 GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA 12/18 SAMANTHA FISH, JON SPENCER, CEDRIC BURNSIDE
10/17 GROUNDATION 10/20 YOUNG DUBLINERS
DADA
12/19 A VERY WHITNEY CHRISTMAS 12/20 FLOCK OF SEAGULLS 12/21 AMBROSIA (HOLIDAY SHOW) 12/22 GARY HO-HO-HOEY 12/27 BEATLES VS STONES 12/28 DRAMARAMA
12/29 L.A. GUNS 12/31 THE ENGLISH BEAT 1/10 TOMMY CASTRO & THE PAINKILLERS 1/1 1 AC/DC vs OZZY 1/12 BURTON CUMMINGS
COMING SOON
• OSBORNE
Cont. from page 18
the challenges of a warming world.
Laguna Beach, long regarded as an environmental leader in Orange County, should get on board with CCA/E and, in effect, engage in “best practices,” as climate changeinduced drought and wildfires repeatedly remind us to move quickly to renewables. Because municipalities greatly impact carbon emissions, please contact our city council members and urge them to accept OCPA’s invitation to join.
Tom is an environmental historian who chaired the work group that wrote Laguna Beach’s Climate Protection Action Plan (2009). With his wife, Ginger, he co-leads the Laguna chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. tomosborne@cox.net.
• NCC
Cont. from page 14
the NCC membership to approve the decisions we’ve made and bring us to where we are today.”
The preliminary plans come after several months of community meetings with immediate neighbors, parents of the Montessori School of Laguna Beach, El Mirador Community Association and Village Laguna to gather feedback and address concerns.
A preference for income-qualified people who work in Laguna Beach will be prioritized for affordable housing. A lottery system will be used to allocate the affordable housing units, prioritizing local preference households.
The project aims to provide affordable housing for households between 30% and 80% of the county median income - between $33,000 to $117,000 per year. The rent will range from $800 to $2,500.
“Our proposed development will help satisfy the city’s low-income mandates,” Witte said.
However, dropping the number of units from 72 to 55 is still not enough for some residents, who fear the project is too large for the area.
“The number of units per acre is tenement style,” resident Jacob Cherub said at Tuesday’s city council meeting. “We need our council and commissions to be involved with that process... because if we’re not careful, the project will rock the lives of the people in that neighborhood. It’s going to create a
housing development with the kind of units that, unlike Alice Court, are going to be borderline unlivable.”
The NCC will likely apply for state funding for the affordable housing component and then submit the full project package for city approval in November. If approved and funding secured, the project will begin construction in mid-2026.
More details on NCC’s preliminary affordable housing plans can be found at nccproject.org.
LETTERS
Cont. from page 28
a business group and a community workshop. In total, 456 residents attended the sessions, with 131 (29%) using the “sticky dots” provided to express support for undergrounding. A cursory review of the 1,777 respondents to the open-ended question on how to improve the corridor suggests about the same 30% rate, which correlates with the item appearing as number five out of seven in the summary list.
The survey summary concluded that safety emerged as a priority, citing concerns about the dangerous conditions on the canyon road, specifically cars that speed when there’s no traffic. Many expressed concerns about cyclists and pedestrians that would be out of the proposed pathways.
The project cost was cited as the most identified concern. Residents want to know how the project will be funded, how Caltrans and the utility companies will be involved, and how the cost will affect them.
Somehow, from all this data, the summary report concludes that “in terms of preferences around initial project features shared with the community, overwhelming support was seen for undergrounding utilities, with few opposing.” With the ranking of undergrounding at five out of seven and the 30% response rate in the popup groups, I certainly didn’t read the detailed survey results that way.
In any future survey, information about what the project will cost and how it will be funded must be provided to respondents. Otherwise, the survey may provide an interesting wish list, but the results won’t provide a basis for informed decision-making.
Mary Locatelli, Laguna Beach
NCC, Related to be Commended
I appreciate the thoughtful work Neighborhood Congregational Church and Related California have done to put forward a reasonable plan for much-needed affordable housing that also respects the character of the surrounding neighborhood. Laguna Beach needs to do its fair share. I see that a community plaza and the new spiritual center will be available for the entire community to enjoy. As a resident of Laguna and a homeowner near the proposed site, I feel that the project team should be commended for incorporating input from the neighbors and finding a middle ground to bring down the unit count while ensuring the project is still viable. I look forward to seeing this project move forward.
Frank Marmolejo, Laguna Beach
Is Laguna a Climate Refuge?
Denying the existence of climate change is selfi sh. It shows a complete disregard for fellow human beings and our shared future. When you deny climate change, you isolate yourself in a parallel universe and force your friends and neighbors into an awkward false empathy—similar to how one feels when dealing with someone detached from reality. It’s uncomfortable to discuss the facts when others refuse to acknowledge them.
I write this on the eve of Hurricane Milton’s landfall. At last, not just NPR but other mainstream networks are discussing the real impacts of climate change. Hurricane Milton, dubbed the “storm of the century” for Florida, strikes me as merely an average storm in what is now an average year in our new climate reality. While Ashford, North Carolina, was recently mentioned as a “climate refuge,” the truth is stark—there are no real climate refuges. Every place will be impacted, albeit in diff erent ways. Some locations will endure worse, but no area is immune.
For now, Laguna Beach may seem lucky, spared from the worst. But our community faces growing threats from rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and the increasing risk of wildfi res. Europe, Asia, Antarctica, and beyond are no longer canaries in the coal mine—they are disasters in the making.
I urge everyone in Laguna Beach, whether you own a home or are a landlord, to abandon natural gas. It’s the least we can do to help the next generation face a crisis that is ultimately our responsibility. We may not control global forces, but we can take small steps locally to reduce our carbon footprint and ease the burden on those who come after us.
Bryn Mathieu, Laguna Beach
YOUR PATH OF ADVANCED AWARENESS TO LASTING HAPPINESS
Sr. Veeder South, founder of Advanced Awareness,has developed two private happiness workshops: one for an individual; and one for a loving couple. You will learn how to utilize positive energy in your life that leads to lasting happiness. TO LEARN MORE: Email vsouth3@yahoo.com Call/text 949-235-6157 or visit www.Advanced Awareness.com. You will be happy you did.
