Laguna Dance Festival Celebrates its 19th Year with International and Homegrown Talent
By Clara Beard | LB Indy
The Laguna Dance Festival is back for three nights of captivating dance performances from international and local talents.
Led by founder and artistic director Jodie Gates, the festival runs Friday, Feb. 23, to Sunday, Feb. 25, with a complimentary backstage event on Thursday, Feb. 22, at the renowned Laguna Playhouse.
“The 2024 Festival represents the extraordinary talents here in Southern California and also the Pacific Rim, delivering an eclectic array of dance styles,” Gates said. “From contemporary dance and traditional Somoan movement to ballet and tap, each performance promises the highest level of integrity, expertise, and excitement.”
Laguna Beach resident for almost 20 years, Gates continues to delve into the meaning of artistry in the world and translate it into festival
performances.
“To curate a festival that has a diversity of dance talent, styles, artistry and energy - it takes time to piece it together,” Gates said. “And then there’s just the production components and all the logistics. But it’s really pieced together well. I have to say that our dynamic staff and board of directors are really phenomenal. Due to their passion and dedication and tenacity, I feel like we all make up a very good team.”
In addition to the regular programming, Feb. 24 marks a collaborative venture with the Laguna Beach Music Festival in partnership with Laguna Beach Live! and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County.
“I feel as though there’s something for everyone at this Festival,” Gates said.
Backstage with Black Grace New Zealand’s Black Grace
Laguna Art Museum Teams Up with California Artists for 42nd Annual California Cool Art Auction + Benefit + Bash
The annual auction opens via Artsy on Feb. 16, featuring a live auction and benefit on March 2
By Clara Beard | LB Indy
Laguna Art Museum’s highly-anticipated 42nd Annual California Cool Art Auction + Benefit + Bash starts Friday and runs until March 4 with both online and in-person auction events.
The auction, one of LAM’s biggest fundraisers of the year, will feature
works of prominent California artists, on view to preview in person at Laguna Art Museum with paid admission, now through March 2, or via Artsy beginning Feb. 16 at 9 a.m.
The museum will host the annual California Cool Art Auction + Benefit + Bash on March 2 from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Join over 100 California artists in support of raising money for Laguna Art Museum during a night that brings the vibrant spirit of California to life. The proceeds generated will play a pivotal role in
Persistent ‘Zoom-bombing’ Forces Council to Stop Meeting Early
By Tasmin McGill, Special to the Independent
Laguna Beach city officials and residents were bombarded with racial, homophobic, and antisemitic remarks during Laguna Beach City Council’s regular meeting on Tuesday.
Unidentified individuals spent their allotted time during public comment hurling hate-filled rhetoric from a Zoom screen either with a photo or just an alias, leading to an early conclusion of the meeting.
According to the statement released by Laguna’s Interim City Manager Sean Joyce, Zoom bombing is a tactic that is aimed at disrupting meetings on the video-conferencing platform and often includes the use of offensive material and language like what was used during Tuesday’s meeting.
“There is, unfortunately, right now a trend at city meetings to what we call ‘Zoom-bomb.’ In effect, to try to test the city government,” Laguna Beach’s City Attorney Megan Garibaldi explained.
Following the first three disrupters, the council decided to suspend public comments due to reaching the 30-45 minute time slot for non-agenda items.
LAM, PAGE 14
ZOOM, PAGE 15
DANCE FESTIVAL, PAGE 13
Los Angeles Ballet dancers will perform at Laguna Dance Festival. Photo/David Friedman
No Square Theatre Presents Alice by Heart: A Musical
By LB Indy Staff
To the naked eye, Alice by Heart may seem like another take on the famous Lewis Carroll story, but this musical is anything but. Set in 1941, in the debris after the London Blitz of World War II, the life of teen Alice Spencer is disrupted as she and her best friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in a London underground tube station. However, Alfred, suffering from tuberculosis, is quarantined. Alice urges him to escape with her into their cherished book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, but the nurse destroys Alice’s book as a punishment for visiting Alfred despite his quarantine. Alice becomes very defiant and declares she knows it “by heart” and will read to him anyway. The people hiding in the shelter slowly change into some of the book’s characters. This magical coming-of-age story explores the poignancy of first love, coming to terms with loss, and finding the courage to move forward.
Directed by Ella Wyatt, choreographed by Sabrina Harper, and music directed by Roxanna Ward, this show, with a rousing book and score by the writers of Spring Awakening, Duncan Sheik, Steven Sater and Jessie Nelson,
will be one of the first Orange County productions of the musical. The cast includes Brennan Eckberg, Diego Huerta-Gutierrez, Erica Farnsworth, Kito Garcia, Lexi Maerov, Marco LapayeseCalderon, Maverick Wyatt, Owen Stapp, Precious Montgomery, Rob Harryman, Roni Dvir and Sydney Penticuff. Alice by Heart will
run March 8 to 17 (Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m.) and will have a special Theatre on the Spectrum performance on Saturday, March 16 at 3 p.m.
No Square Theatre is in Historic Legion Hall, 384 Legion Street, Laguna Beach, two blocks south of Laguna Beach High School. The high school has ample free parking. Seating
is extremely limited, and the theatre has enjoyed a long run of sold-out events, so tickets must be purchased in advance. Drinks and refreshments are available for purchase.
For additional information on events, auditions, and classes and to purchase tickets, visit the website at nosquare.org.
Sydney Penticuff, Erica Farnsworth, Rob Harryman, Diego Huerta-Gutierrez, Precious Montgomery, Marco Lapayese-Calderon, Kito Garcia, Roni Dvir and Owen Stapp rehearse a scene from Alice by Heart. Photo courtesy of No Square Theatre
Surf industry pioneer Dick Metz to share stories, memories
Dick Metz returns to speak for The Laguna Beach Historical Society about his adult years in Laguna Beach on Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Susi Q. Last winter, he gave an excellent presentation titled “Boyhood Adventures in Laguna Beach,” which can be viewed on the society’s YouTube channel, @ lagunabeachhistoricalsociety.
Metz was the original owner of Hobie Surf Shops and, at one time, owned 22 retail stores in California, Florida and Hawaii. Along with Hobie Surf Shop on Forest Avenue, he owned two other stores in Laguna Beach and Spigot Liquor.
How does a busy person like this also make time for lifelong friendships, world travel and surfing?
Come join the historical society to hear Metz relay those areas of his amazing life. With a curious, sharp mind and a great sense of humor, Metz is a wonderful storyteller with a fascinating life who has been a big contributor in shaping business and surf industry culture in Laguna Beach and beyond. The event is
Town Crier
IN AND AROUND LAGUNA BEACH
LBBC to host ‘Dirty John’ journalist, podcaster and novelist
The Laguna Beach Business Club’s Feb. 22 meeting speaker is award-winning journalist, podcaster and novelist, Christopher Goffard. The LBBC holds monthly breakfast meetings starting at 7:30 a.m., hosting speakers who discuss topics valuable to achieving success in your personal
Goffard will discuss the events leading to the creation of a hit podcast and Netflix series, Dirty John, his life’s work as a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times and current projects.
At the Los Angeles Times, where Goffard has covered crime and courts extensively, he was part of the Pulitzer-winning team that exposed
also twice been a Pulitzer finalist for feature writing. His book, Snitch Jacket was a finalist for the Edger Allan Poe Award for Best First Novel in 2008, and his blockbuster podcast Dirty John was adapted for TV and ranked by Rolling Stone among the two greatest true-crime podcasts of all time.
Club meetings begin with a buffet breakfast and brief networking roundtable. Meetings are hosted at Nirvana Kitchen and Pantry, 303 Broadway St., #101, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Non-members are welcome. The non-member guest fee is $30, payable by check to the Laguna Beach Business Club or by cash the day of the meeting. Space is limited. Guests, be sure you receive RSVP confirmation. For more information about the LBBC or to register to attend the meeting, visit the website at lagunabeachbusinessclub.com, or email Info@ LagunaBeachBusinessClub.com.
Nominate women making a difference in Laguna Beach Nominations are now open for OC Supervisor Katrina Foley’s 3rd
Dick Metz stands outside his Honolulu Hobie Surf Shop in 1961. Metz will share stories from his facinating life at the Susi Q on Feb. 20. Photo courtesy of Dick Metz
Letters
LETTERS CAN BE MAILED TO: EDITOR@LBINDY.COM
Osborne’s column inspires reader to explore regenerative farming
After reading “Green Light” by Tom Osborne in the Feb. 9 Laguna Beach Independent, we realized his comments about the San Juan Capistrano Ecology Center’s approach to farming directly impact carbon control as it relates to climate.
Controlling carbon and its impact on the Earth’s climate is one of the main goals of the Citizens Climate Lobby. We learned a bit more about the process while visiting The Ecology Center and by watching the movie “Kiss the Ground” this week on Netflix. There are two means for reducing carbon in the atmosphere and reducing its impact on the heat that our planet and its humans must endure. One is reducing the amount of carbon that is introduced to the atmosphere, and the second is reducing the carbon that has been trapped in the atmosphere.
The move to EVs and clean energy, such as wind and solar, helps address the first case of controlling carbon introduction. Our visit to The Ecology Center introduced us to regenerative farming, which helps address the second case of pulling carbon out of the atmosphere by properly managing our farmlands.
Reducing carbon in the atmosphere is called a ‘Drawdown.’ The French Minister of Agriculture (Monsieur Le Foll) introduced the concept to the world at COP21 in 2015. To achieve a Drawdown, we can use one of the most powerful carbon capture technologies: the photosynthesis of plants and the microorganisms in the soil. Regenerative farming implements that effort and is being demonstrated by The Ecology Center. We were amazed by the climate impact that a properly managed farm can have on a large scale. On a small individual scale, it made us want to plant fruit trees in
CITY HALL MEETINGS:
our yard, and remove our backyard lawn and plant produce. The beautiful South Laguna Garden is also an example of this effort to improve our planet.
Pam and Doug Carrie, Laguna Niguel (We play and work in Laguna Beach)
Mancuso touts bipartisanship to achieve common goals
I was surprised that a letter published in response to my guest column about the Utility Tax I’m working to stop before it takes effect focused on my party affiliation. It seems irrelevant to me in this context, but I’ll clarify a few points for the record.
First and most importantly, the Utility Tax provision in AB 205 would be bad for most Lagunans, regardless of party, and we should all do our part to get it repealed. Current proposals could drive electric bills up for most of us by anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars a year, no matter how hard we work to conserve
LETTERS, PAGE 17
theIndyPoll
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION
Should the city seek more input from residents when it comes to future Promenade plans on Forest Avenue?
-Yes, 91.47 % (118 votes)
-No, 8.5% (11 votes)
TOTAL VOTES: 129
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION
Do you support changing the Downtown Specific Plan to allow more 2 and 3 story buildings?
- Yes - No
Feb. 21 - Planning Commission at 6 p.m. Feb. 22 - Design Review Board at 5 p.m.
Alex Rounaghi Mayor Pro Tem arounaghi@ lagunabeachcity.net
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
SECOND AND FOURTH THURSDAYS, 5 PM
LOUIS WEIL: lweil@lagunabeachcity.net
KRISTINE THALMAN: kthalman@lagunabeachcity.net
DON SHERIDAN: dsheridan@lagunabeachcity.net
JESSICA GANNON: jgannon@lagunabeachcity.net
TOM GIBBS: tgibbs@lagunabeachcity.net
George Weiss Council member gweiss@lagunabeachcity.net
PLANNING COMMISSION
1ST AND 3RD WEDNESDAYS, 6 PM
STEVEN KELLENBERG, steve@kellenbergstudio.com
KEN SADLER: 616-0517, ken.sadler@cox.net
JORG DUBIN: 497-2618, jdubinart@cox.net
STEVE GOLDMAN: 203-554-2290, steveg415@ymail.com
SUSAN McLINTOCK WHITIN: 838-6317, whitinsusan@gmail.com
lagunabeachcity.net
OTHER ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES: REP. KATIE PORTER,, 1113 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515. 202-225-2415 ASSEMBLYWOMAN DIANE DIXON, 19712 MacArthur Blvd. Ste. 150, Irvine, CA 92612. 949-251-0074 FIFTH DISTRICT SUPERVISOR KATRINA FOLEY, 333 W.
900 Glenneyre St., Suite B Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Tel: 949-715-4100; Fax: 949 715-4106 www.lbindy.com
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E-mail letters to: Clara@firebrandmediainc.com
Letters strengthen community ties and provide a community forum open to all. Due to space constraints we ask letter writers to limit their topics to local concerns, make their submissions exclusive to the Indy alone and be of 400 words or less. Letters should be submitted by Tuesday, 5 p.m. They may be edited for clarity, length or appropriateness as needed. We decline to publish letters that we perceive as personal attacks, even of public figures. We strive for civil discourse over ideas and issues, not personalities. Letter writers must supply their name and contact information. Published letters will only use the writer’s name and city of residence. E-mail letters are preferred.
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Who You Work With Matters Heidi Cleveland
“Words cannot describe how fortunate we felt having Heidi represent us with the sale of our Laguna Beach house: this was a vacation home with our main house out of state. Heidi was so instrumental in ensuring the house had all the permits filed with the City of Laguna, was present each time the house was shown and made herself available if any inspection or work needed to be done. Heidi made sure the house was listed prominently in the local newspaper, really worked hard showcasing the house, and in turn, found a buyer who we felt comfortable would take good care of our Laguna Beach cottage. Cannot say enough positive things about Heidi to truly describe what a wonderful, trustworthy, kind person we found her to be. She is a true gem, an attribute to her profession.” - REINALDO R.
Ideally situated just blocks from the ocean on one of the most desirable streets in the Village, this charming cottage embodies the best of the Laguna Beach lifestyle. Warmth and character abound, with three bedrooms, two baths, a loft area with an ocean view, and hardwood floors throughout. Enjoy views of the landscaped front yard and a wood-burning fireplace from the open living and kitchen area. The primary bedroom suite offers privacy as well as access to the peaceful and spacious backyard, ideal for relaxing. A newer roof, updated bathrooms, and central air conditioning add convenience to this enchanting home. World-class restaurants, art galleries, and stunning beaches are just minutes away from this coveted location.
Call today for a market update or confidential valuation of your home.
Heidi Cleveland
Realtor ® | DRE# 01956319
M 949.371.4333 | O 949.270.0440
heidi.cleveland@elliman.com
elliman.com
By Frank Aronoff | LB Indy
WINTER SPORTS UPDATE
BOYS SOCCER (8-13-1, 4-2-0 –2nd Place Sunset Wave League)
Laguna’s post-season run ended with a 3-1 loss on Feb. 9 in the rain against Foothill Tech (11-6-3) in a match played at the Ventura College stadium adjacent to Tech’s campus. Grant Regal connected for the team’s score. The Breakers had advanced to this round with a stunning 1-0 victory at Crean Lutheran (12-5-3) off a double overtime score by Jack Hooper as time expired.
Laguna was a very young team this season and will return their top two scorers for 2025. They should be very competitive in the Pacific Coast League.
GIRLS WATER POLO (16-12, 5-1 – Sunset Surf Co-Champions)
Mater Dei was fearless in their shooting and easily defeated the Breakers 12-6 in the Open Division quarterfinals held on Thursday, Feb. 8 at the Monarch’s pool. The hosts started aggressively scoring on four of their first five shots to stun the visitors. Down 5-2 after the first quarter,
Sports/Schools
SUBMISSIONS WELCOME BY 5 PM TUESDAY
Laguna could not close the gap and were somewhat intimidated to shoot, scoring only on six of 26 attempts. Laguna’s previous two meetings were close contests, losing 9-8 on Dec. 29 at Newport and 9-6 on Jan. 6 at Mater Dei.
This ends the 2024 season with Laguna finishing sixth overall and giving up a school record 268 goals. The squad will return four starters next season and should clearly remain a top-10 program.
WRESTLING (3-2- 2nd Place
Sunset Wave League)
SS CIF Individuals
Three wrestlers competed in the Southern Section CIF Inland Division championships held on Friday, Feb. 9 at Fountain Valley High School. The team finished 25th, with Fountain Valley taking the title. Jackson Lawsky 113 weight class - went 5-2 on the day to finish 5th –qualifies for Masters Meet. Barron Zepeda 120 weight class – went 4-2 on the day finishing 7th –qualifies for the Masters Meet. Caedman Welch 144 weight class –went 1-2 in the competition and did not advan
left: Breakers wrestling coach Rich Ferrell, senior Jackson Lawsky, senior Barron Zepeda and head coach Bobby Morales. After competing in the CIF Southern Section Individual playoffs on Feb. 8 and 9, hosted at Fountain Valley High School, senior Jackson Lawsky placed fifth in the 113-pound weight class and will move on to represent LBHS in the 2024 CIF Southern Section Wrestling Masters Meet in Palm Springs on Feb. 16. Senior Barron Zepeda placed seventh in the 120-pound weight class. This is his second showing in CIF where he placed seventh last year in 2023. Zepeda is ending his high school wrestling career as LBHS’s most decorated wrestler and tournament placer since the program’s inception in 2018. Photo/LBHS Wrestling SPORTS, PAGE 14
pride ourselves on being as good at helping clients avoid litigation as we are at representing them when litigation is unavoidable.
From
Festival of Arts Now Accepting Scholarship Applications
By LB Indy Staff
The Festival of Arts has opened scholarship applications for the 2024/2025 academic school year to local students. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors living in Laguna Beach or going to Laguna Beach High School.
Since 1957, the Festival of Arts scholarship program has supported rising young artists by making it possible for students to pursue college studies in the arts. Last year, the Festival awarded six students with first-year scholarships totaling $120,000 and continued scholarships totaling $30,900 for nine students.
Many Festival of Arts scholarship recipients pursue successful careers in the arts, including Laguna Beach artist Vanessa Rothe. With many accolades to her name, including gallery owner, curator, fine artist, author, editor, lecturer and more, Rothe credits her Festival of Arts scholarship to her career success.
“I was so honored to be awarded the Festival of Arts scholarship soon after winning first place in the 1988 senior art contest at Laguna Beach High School,” Rothe said. “The Festival of Arts scholarship played a pivotal role in helping me pay for my first years at the University of San Diego, where I took one art class at a time along with my business and literature majors. The scholarship encouraged me to take fine art classes, and there was
one particular art class, a graphic design class, which gave me a skill I could use for the rest of my life.”
The four-year, highly competitive scholarships are awarded to students who excel in Film, Performing Arts (dance, music and theater arts- including performance and production), Visual Arts and Writing. A student may apply for any or all of the four categories but will only be awarded one scholarship.
The Festival of Arts Scholarship Committee includes Chair Pat Kollenda and committee members Wayne Baglin, John Connolly, Jacquie Moffett, and Jeff Rovner.
“Students with talents in multiple fields are encouraged to apply to more than one category,” said Festival of Arts Board Secretary and Scholarship Chair Pat Kollenda. “This is an excellent opportunity for students considering a career in the arts.”
“My advice for any young artist today would be to learn to draw well first. Do the hard work at a young age, get your classical training in drawing and really understand light logic and ‘values,’” Rothe added.
Scholarship applications are now available online at the Festival of Arts’ website at foapom.com/scholarships.
Original watercolor illustration by Vanessa Rothe, 1988 Festival of Arts Scholarship recipient, for the 1988 Laguna Beach High School yearbook. Image courtesy of FOA
GUEST OPINION:
Dear Susi Q Suggests Yoga for the Not-So-Youthful!
By Lynette BrasfieLd
Pretzels. I love to eat them, but I’m not too good at turning myself into one. So yoga has always been a bit of a stretch for me (pun intended). Nor am I Buddhist or fond of what’s commonly known as “woo-woo.” Give me straight talk
anytime.
Yet, when I finally started practicing yoga, I found I enjoyed the gentle ambience in the studio, so different from the sweaty competitiveness of a gym.
(Oh, that’s another thing I love about yoga, that it’s called yoga practice – takes all the pressure off those of us who tend to be
More serious practitioners recognize yoga as a spiritual and ascetic discipline involving a variety of breathing techniques, meditation and the adoption of specific bodily postures to achieve a sense of unity with the universe.
But for us oldies, it’s a lot less complicated. Yoga simply keeps us limber and helps with our balance. Instructors talk you through every pose and offer options for the less lithe.
When I first started practicing, I worried my lack of coordination would be a problem. Well, it is, and it isn’t. Bottom line – and I use the words bottom line advisedly – no one cares. People are worrying about their own poses, not yours.
But I get the hesitation. After all, I am cursed with legs and arms and eyes and ears that each march to the beat of a different drum. I tend to hear instructions on a kind of ten-second delay. I sometimes mistake my left side for my right and vice versa. I tremble, I wobble, I flap my hands.
Yet, I have become more comfortable with yoga poses. I can do plough, but not wheel. Pigeon I love, but not peacock. I’ve learned the difference between cobra and upward facing dog. This should be useful also if I find myself in a jungle.
I can now balance on one foot –called “tree pose” – for all of 10 seconds. I’ve been practicing alone at home. At least then, when I fall, no one hears me scream. (Or do they?)
If you prefer not to go to a traditional studio, Susi Q offers standing yoga. In that class, you don’t have to get up and down from your mat, an action which, for the less limber, might result in a chorus of groans audible all the way up Park Avenue.
Oh, and by the way, you’ll love Shavasana, the final pose of each class. This is what you do: You lie on your back with arms and legs akimbo. You close your eyes. You breathe.
It’s great. Try it at home sometime!
The Susi Q regularly offers Wayne’s Standing Yoga and other enjoyable exercise classes at its center, 380 Third Street. For more information on Living It Up and meeting the challenges that can come with time, visit www.thesusiq.org. Or email dearsusiq@thesusiq.org if you have a question you’d like to ask her or a suggestion about ways to thrive as an older adult.
Street Beat
EXCERPTS FROM POLICE LOGS
Thursday, Feb. 8
Bench warrant, possessing a controlled substance and narcotic, DUI. Hector Cruz Padilla, 39, of Huntington Beach was arrested on suspicion of two outstanding bench warrants, possessing a controlled substance, paraphernalia and narcotics, drunk driving and blowing on or over 0.08 percent blood alcohol level. He was held on $36,500 bail.
Friday, Feb. 9
DUI. A 29-year-old Aliso Viejo woman was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. She was held on $2,500 bail.
Bench warrant, possessing a controlled substance. Luis Alfonso Eliastorres, 42, of La Habra, was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant and possessing a controlled substance. He was held on $500 bail.
Contempt of court, possession of alcohol in public place. Kenneth Lee Koestler, 48, was arrested on suspicion of contempt of court and possessing alcohol in a public place. Bail information wasn’t immediately available. Bench warrant. Eric William Moen, 54, of Laguna Beach, was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant. He was held without bail. DUI, contempt of court. Carmen Yanina Escobar, 49, of Newport Beach, was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and contempt of court. She was held on $10,000 bail.
Saturday, Feb. 10
Possessing a controlled substance. Frank Martin Beltran, 25, of Santa Ana, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a substance similar to toluene and a felony charge of transporting a controlled substance. He was held on $25,500 bail.
Disorderly conduct. Peter Norman Walker, 58, of Woodland, Colo., was arrested on suspicion of alcohol-related disorderly conduct. He was held on $500 bail.
DUI, contempt of court, driving on a suspended license and driving with a BA of 0.01 or greater while on probation. Ray Junior Moreno, 35, of Monrovia, was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, contempt of court, driving on a suspended license, and driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.01 or greater while on probation. He was held on $20,500 bail.
Sunday, Feb. 11
Trespassing. Justin Paul Sanders, 34, of Laguna Niguel, was arrested on suspicion of trespassing or occupying property without consent. He was held on $500 bail.
Monday, Feb. 12
Bench warrant. Steven Aaron Morales, 46, of Laguna Beach, was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant. He was held on $15,000 bail.
Tuesday, Feb. 13
No arrests recorded.
Wednesday, Feb. 14
DUI. A 59-year-old La Mesa was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. She was held on $2,500 bail. Bench warrant, possession of a controlled substance. Nathan John Turner, 43, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance and an outstanding bench warrant. He was held on $17,500 bail.
DUI. A 68-year-old Laguna Beach man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He was held on $2,500 bail.
Surveying 2024 Priorities for Laguna Beach GUEST OPINION:
Laguna Residents First conducted an online Survey Monkey poll circulated amongst registered voters in Laguna Beach in January 2024. A total of 370 people responded (12% response rate) to a question about what the top priorities for Laguna Beach in 2024 should be.
Respondents could select multiple priorities and were invited to write comments.
Top priorities: Reducing traffic congestion (61% selected as a priority) and undergrounding power lines in green spaces (52%) emerged as the top two priorities. Respondents supported undergrounding all power lines, starting with the most critical areas, i.e., Laguna Canyon.
Middle priorities: Creating more open space, parks and hiking trails, creating more affordable housing and reducing crime were each selected by 29% of the respondents. Several residents wrote that the city should stop accessory dwelling units or keep them within height limits; take better care of beaches and erosion, create more bike paths and pedestrian-friendly walkways, control e-bikes, add more pickleball courts and build a second pool.
Low priorities: Creating more parking emerged as a low priority, especially if the cost of this new parking is to be borne by taxpayers (8% selected as a priority) rather
ANDERSON, PAGE 18
Annual Women Making A Difference Awards, in recognition of Women’s History Month taking place in March. For Women’s History Month this year, Foley honors women in Orange County who transform the legal community and advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion.
Nominate a woman who you believe has made meaningful contributions in Orange County’s legal community and who lives or works in the 5th District: Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission
Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel. Nominations must be submitted on or before Mar. 1, 2024: https://bit.ly/ KF-WMD-2024
Holocaust survivor to speak at Chabad Jewish Center on Feb. 28
Chabad Jewish Center Laguna Beach will host 100-year-old
Holocaust survivor Dr. Jacob Eisenbach on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m.
Eisenbach, who lived through the horrors of the 1939 Nazi occupation of Poland, a labor camp and concentration camps, will share his story of survival, resilience and hope. He survived the war, married a fellow survivor and went on to build a family and practice dentistry for 60 years. His
book, by Karen McCartney, “Where you Go, I Go - The astonishing life of Jacob Eisenbach” is a fascinating and terrifying page turner, and his story is unforgettable.
Hear his firsthand experiences and powerful message in our timely battle against antisemitism, bigotry and hate.
Chabad is located at 30804 S. Coast Highway. Laguna Beach, across from the Montage Resort. Space is limited. Couvert $18, Students $10, Sponsor $100. RSVP online at www.chabadoflaguna.com.
GLBGOP February Members’ Meeting
The GLBGOP’s Members’ Meeting is Wednesday, Feb. 28 at Skyloft in
Laguna Beach. We look forward to hosting three elected officials representing three OC Coastal cities: Huntington Beach City Councilman Tony Strickland, Laguna Beach Mayor Pro-tem Alex Rounaghi and Newport Beach Mayor Pro-tem Will O’Neill. They will each discuss what is working in their cities and the challenges the cities face. It will be a great opportunity to hear different perspectives.
The event will start at 5 p.m. with a social hour in Skyloft’s Main Bar. The meeting will start at 6 p.m. in the newly remodeled Herb’s Room. Seating is limited. RSVPs
By MerriLL andersOn
GUEST OPINION: PET PEEVES
Curb Your Enthusiasm
By MarK d. CrantZ
Hello readers. It’s me, the Pet Peeves guy. Don’t get upset. I’m not back for good, just back for a visit. I’m still at the monastery, where I retired from complaining and took the vow of silence. It’s been two years now, and I’ve earned the right to say four words aloud. Here goes, “What the h_ _ _ Laguna?” Now we wait two more years for my fourword answer. Really? Forget waiting. Thanks to the Main Street carrier
pigeons, I’m sending my answer column in with mucho words.
Laguna Beach is all torn up. There are new sidewalks and curbs going in. My friends tell me it’s been difficult walking around. Bill 1 and Bill 2 are conjoined twins who believe in the workout buddy system. Bill 1 explains, “I walk three miles a day. Bill runs three miles a day. We finish tied every day. It’s a mystery.”
A supercentenarian who was here in Laguna Beach before Laguna Beach was here was out walking when he came upon a sign declaring “Open Trench.” He looked down and saw a youthful octogenarian in the open trench. “Do you need help, good sir?” The youthful retiree looked up and said, “No sir, I have a good Rivian under me. An extension cord should suffice.”
Larry David, the creator of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” is my hero and expert when it comes to complaining about stuff. He knows curbs because it’s in the name of his show. If I were to ask Larry David, and I didn’t, he would answer, “Watch your step. There’s a good reason why there aren’t any curbs in the countryside.”
That’s a good observation. So, I
went to investigate. I turned to Old McDonald, who had a farm, Ee-i-eei-o. “Why don’t you have curbs out here, Ee-i-ee-i-o?” Old McDonald answered, “On my farm, I had some cows with a moo-moo here and a moo-moo there. Here, a moo. There is a moo. Everywhere a moo-moo. Then, my no-good-for-nothing son-in-law decided to modernize the place. Here a curb. There a curb. Everywhere a curb-curb. And lo and behold here a cow plant. There is a cow plant. Everywhere a cow plant. Country kids who complained there was nothing to do really really complained. Cow tipping was out. Self cow tripping was in. Milk production went down the drain. Country kids left for the city to find out the new meaning of tipping here. Tipping here. Tipping there. Tipping everywhere. Ee-i-ee-i-o.
This brings me to my recent return and warning. Has anybody thought about the pavement outside the Sandpiper Lounge, aka, Dirty Bird. It’s one of a kind. Part cement. Part flagstone. Part brick. All uneven. For a drinking establishment, the way in and way out is a testament to those brave Lagunans who navigated across it without
breaking their necks and hearing “Last Call.”
I asked some old timers of the Dirty Bird how they managed to get across the pavement without injury.
One old-timer responded, “What? Never heard of the place. Never been there. Don’t tell my wife.”
Another anti-teetotaler slurred, “I’ve tangled with that sidewalk more times than I can remember. My doctor says my memory lapse is due to the unforgiving nature of flagstone and brick mixed together. What’s the question again?”
Now, about the warning I’ve come back to give you astute readers. Developers will want to pave over this patch of uneven cement. Village Laguna will want to keep this patch of uneven cement to preserve history. Which is right? Let’s go inside and hoist several libations to get a clearer understanding. Watch your step going in?
Crantz tells the Indy that, many years ago, his son and son-in-law went to the Dirty Bird. Crantz didn’t go because he falls asleep right after the area’s early bird specials. A different bird altogether.
The City of Laguna Beach is dedicated
the environment and the public from the harmful effects balloons have when improperly
Dance Festival
takes center stage for a complimentary event on Thursday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m.
Experience the charm of on-stage rehearsals while gaining insight into the artistic process through Black Grace’s artistic director and choreographer Neil Ierema’s intimate exploration of the dance world.
“We are excited to include Laguna Dance Festival on Black Grace’s upcoming tour to the United States,” Ierema said. “The repertory program will span almost three decades of my choreography, and we are looking forward to sharing these works with Laguna audiences.”
Black Grace Performance
Black Grace, an ensemble of New Zealand dancers, will take the stage on Friday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m.
Choreographer Neil Ierema’s fusion of contemporary dance with traditional Samoan movement promises eloquent, spiritual, athletic and lyrical performances. The evening showcases two acts, including Handgame and Kiona and the Little Bird Suite in the first act and the thought-provoking Paradise Rumour in the second act. The night begins with a pre-show curtain speech at 6:30 p.m. and a 15-minute intermission between performances.
Los Angeles Ballet & Black Grace
On Saturday, Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m., the Los Angeles Ballet will collaborate with Black Grace for a special performance.
Los Angeles Ballet Artistic Director Melissa Barak said the company is thrilled to participate in Laguna Dance Festival.
“We’ll be presenting works that are new to the LAB repertoire, providing a glimpse into the innovative choreography that will define our future,” Barak said.
This performance also kicks off an exciting collaboration with the Laguna Beach Music Festival, Laguna Beach Live! and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County.
The collaboration will mix the artistry of dance with live music and showcase Los Angeles Ballet’s versatility, featuring a range of ballet styles, including classical, contemporary and neoclassical pieces.
The performances will include Nicolas Blanc’s contemporary ballet “Tableaux Vivants” and Barak’s compelling work “Reclamation,” adapted from film to stage.
The Festival will present a world premiere dance work choreographed by Jodie Gates, accompanied by live
music performed with solo cello.
“This will be the first year that I actually choreograph a piece,” Gates said. “The three dancers I’m working with will arrive this coming weekend and we’ll have five days to put it all together. Then we’ll meet on stage with our beautiful musician. After an hour of stage rehearsal, they will perform. I find that exhilarating. And it’s new for me. I’m a choreographer but I have yet to bring a world premiere to the festival.”
The evening kicks off at 7:30 p.m. with a 15-minute intermission between performances.
Syncopated Ladies and Los Angeles Ballet
The Festival culminates on Sunday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m., with an afternoon performance spotlighting the Syncopated Ladies and Los Angeles Ballet.
“The syncopated ladies are a tap group who have collaborated with Beyonce, whose music they’ll be performing to, along with Prince,” Gates said. “We’ve never brought that to the stage before. It certainly is an eclectic performance. And I think having Los Angeles ballet paired with them, for example, in the Sunday matinee will be a delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.”
Los Angeles Ballet’s performances will feature solos by recipients of its 2024 Young Artist Scholarship, which unfolds in two acts with a 15-minute intermission, followed by a post-show meet and greet with the dancers in the theater lobby.
The Feb. 25 matinee also will also feature select talented Young Artist Scholarship recipients.
Previous festival lineups boast a rich tapestry of national and international companies and artists, including Ballet BC, Malpaso, RUBBERBAND, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Parsons Dance, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Ballet West, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Black Grace, BalletX, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Abraham.In.Motion (A.I.M.), BODYTRAFFIC, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and representatives from San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and New York City Ballet, among others.
“I’m very lucky the Laguna community has embraced us over the years,” Gates said. “I’m grateful that the community and the individuals that work for the Festival have a common desire and passion. I love that people want to see more dance.”
Tickets are available at www.lagunadancefestival.org.
GUEST OPINION:
The Dark Days
By BiLLy fried
The Nazis were back in town this week, waving their freak flag. Last time, it was a Main Beach rally –where they were easily out-flanked by residents itching to drown out their message of hate. This time it was a coordinated sneak attack known as Zoom-bombing on our unsuspecting City Council – where they impersonated residents during Public Comments. It was a command performance of rancid tropes from anonymous keyboard warriors excoriating us on their downtrodden and miserable lives at the hands of “jews, gays, blacks and browns.” You know, those lucky elites who control everything. So I come not to bury Nazis, but to sympathize with them.
Thank you for foisting your little Hitler skit on an unsuspecting body of volunteer public officials so they could show the best of themselves under pressure while you sullied the
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In the Girls Eastern Division Section Championships at Marina, Laguna’s lone entry, Sasha Walshe, went 3-2 in her competition in the 120 weight class but did not advance to the Master’s meet this weekend. Laguna’s team score in this division was 56th among the 70 competing schools.
Lawsky and Zepeda will now advance to the SSCIF Master meet this Friday in Palm Springs, where the top finishers from the six Southern Section divisions will wrestle to determine the Southern Section entries to the State Meet held in Bakersfield on Feb. 22 to 24.
SPRING SPORTS UPDATE
BASEBALL
Laguna opened their 86th season of baseball at Laguna with a 2-1 home victory over El Toro on Saturday, Feb. 10. On Tuesday, Feb. 13, the Breakers opened the 43rd Newport Elks tournament with a tough 1-0 loss at Trabuco Hills as the Mustangs scored a walk-off run in the
meaning of free speech and any rights it confers. Thank you for showing the best of our new City Attorney, Megan Garibaldi, who stewarded us gracefully through the sticky shoals of First Amendment rights in public forums.
Thank you to Mayor Sue Kempf for holding back her considerable fury over the personal attacks and staying the professional she is. And for clearing the room of porous people before allowing the hate crimes to continue. Thank you George Weiss for your instant repudiation of the filth. You and I don’t agree on much, but on the big stuff – the stuff that really matters – we are comrades. As, of course, we all are in this town.
And to the faceless, hidden perpetrators with the Nazi names and the hate in their hearts, thank you. We see your pain at being born white in America. And how all the other people seem to be working hard, getting ahead, and having fun. Your parents must have told you about those good old days. Thank you for illuminating how much hate you are still harboring after all these years of so-called racial progress. Thank you for airing your grievances instead of letting them fester just beneath the surface.
Thank you for the stark reminder to those of us in Laguna that we must be ever-vigilant to guard against this kind of vile behavior. You gave us the perfect road map for installing guardrails. Thank you for letting our children know that racism is alive and well. Thank you for the reminder that
living in Laguna means embodying the full expression of our humanity, our philanthropy, and our compassion. Sure, we squabble about the little stuff – me a first among many – but this is our wake-up call to treat each other better. And with empathy. Because that is certainly what the world needs now.
And to the haters, we can only wish that you get a little love too. Because you’re clearly running a deficit. Probably not your fault alone. Sometime, somewhere, somebody blamed others for problems of their own making. And it struck a chord with you.
We’re sorry if the system left you behind and you are being kept down at the expense of others. We’re sorry/ not sorry that a tiny population of Jewish people are so vibrant, creative, and successful. We’re sorry/not sorry that Black people continue to make such a powerful positive impact on our culture across every sector. We’re sorry/not sorry for Latino and Asian people who come here for a better life (just as your forefathers did 200 years ago) and take the jobs you don’t want or can’t qualify for. And we’re sorry/ not sorry that you lost the Civil War. But we’re especially sorry that this young nation still has such a long way to go to embody the ideals set forth by our forefathers – that all people are created equal. Thank you for reminding us that some still believe they are more equal than others.
We are a forgiving lot in Laguna.
Though I doubt any of you will be invited for dinner soon, let’s start the healing now and lift you back up with a journey of self-empowerment and personal responsibility.
Though I know it might be hard to leave the warren and take direct sun, come down one Saturday to Main Beach, without the swastikas and arm bands, and witness the rainbow of colors, the panoply of dialects, and the people who look you in the eyes and say hello. You wouldn’t know an LGBTQ from an LMNOP. You’d be swept up in a wave of happiness, of smiles and ice cream and volleyball and basketball and whomping in the waves. Of kayaks on the horizon and lovers on the benches taking it all in. Take a stroll up the newly designed and expertly rendered Forest Promenade and see neighbors and kids running under a canopy of shade trees, with coffee, food carts, street buskers, mid-week farmer’s markets, outdoor movie nights and al fresco dining.
You’ll see the beauty of humanity inside a nurturing envelope called nature. And feel how we are all connected and just one giant matzah ball soup. Come on down to this marvelous place with peace and joy in your heart. Because if you come down with hate, you will be met with a far bigger, stronger, countervailing force called love.
Billy is the CEO of La Vida Laguna, an outdoor adventure company Email billy@lavidalaguna.com.
bottom of the ninth inning. Hunter Harrington took the loss in relief of Branson Wade. Laguna could only generate three scattered hits in the game and stranded four runners.
Jario Ochoa (24-25-1) is back for his third season as the team’s skipper.
Up next: Laguna met Esperanza in an Elks Tournament game on Feb. 15 and St Margaret’s in a non-league game on Feb. 16. Tournament play continues next week on Tuesday and Thursday.
BOYS GOLF Squad opens at El Toro on Feb. 26.
GIRLS LACROSSE (1-0)
The program begins their fifth season at Laguna and the third at the varsity level. Laguna hopes to improve from last year’s 8-8 season and started on the right path with a 16-2 win over Irvine this past Tuesday at Guyer Field.
Breakers were at Tesoro on Feb. 15 and are at Mission Viejo on Feb. 27. League play begins in mid-March.
GIRLS BEACH VOLLEYBALL (0-1)
New head coach Kalob Partida has been hired to run the Girls Beach Volleyball team for 2024, the program’s eleventh season of play at Laguna. Partida comes from JSerra where he was the assistant coach for the Lion’s program and runs a beach volleyball club program in South Orange County. Seven players from last year’s team that finished second in the Sunset Surf League opted not to play this season, forcing the team to rely on no seniors and only one returning starter for this season. Laguna opened play this past Tuesday, losing at Crean Lutheran 4-1. Pairs and scores were not available at press-time.
BOYS TENNIS (0-1)
The 90th season is underway with new coach Andrew Mateljan, and the squad lost a close 11-7 match to Tesoro on Feb. 13 at the local courts. Laguna faced Sage Hill on Feb. 15 and will face San Clemente on Feb. 27.
BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Lance Stewart returns for his fourth season on his current run with the Breakers and his 16th overall for Boys Volleyball at Laguna with an all-time record of 172-94, seven league titles, one SSCIF title and three State Regional titles. The 2024 Breakers return some key starters, with Laird Garcia and Kai Patchell providing the firepower for the squad. Silas Richland is back at setter with Ryan Loughlin, and Ryan Halloran is also expected to contribute. The 53rd season opens at the Portola Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 17, with Laguna facing La Habra and Northwood in pool play. Los Alamitos, Upland, JSerra, and Dana Hills are among the potential opponents in the 24-team event.
Have a note/question on Laguna sports/correction/update? E-mail Frank at fa1949@cox.net.
Looking for the 2023-24 High School schedules and scores? Check Laguna Beach High School on the Max Preps website.
The Rotary Club Unveils Grapes for Grads Logo
The Rotary Club of Laguna Beach has announced Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) graduating senior Gabriel Tanner has designed the logo for its 2024 Grapes for Grads wine-tasting event. The Rotary Club’s annual fundraiser provides scholarships to Laguna Beach High School seniors and undergraduate students at LCAD.
Each year, LCAD faculty select a student to design the Grapes for
Grads logo, which is used on all marketing and media pieces for the event. The Rotary Club unveiled the logo and honored Tanner’s work at a recent weekly club meeting, attended by both Tanner and LCAD’s Chair of Graphic Design+Digital Media, Dana Herkelrath. Tanner is majoring in graphic design and digital media with an emphasis in action sports.
“We are thrilled with Gabriel’s logo design and LCAD’s selection of this talented artist,” Jeffrey Redeker, event chairman, said.
“It’s with the college’s support that we have raised nearly $600,000 in scholarships for Laguna Beach students since the Grapes for Grads fundraiser inception in 2005.”
Grapes for Grads will be held April 28 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Festival of Arts grounds. The fundraiser will feature more than 40 wineries with over 85 labels, live music and a silent auction.
Tickets are available at www. grapesforgrads.com. Sponsorships are available, and the Rotary Club is accepting donations for the silent auction. For more information, contact Jeffrey Redeker at 949-371-795.
ZOOM
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However, the disruptions did not stop for long.
Once public comment opened on the second agenda item, someone claiming to be a 14-year Laguna resident began their comment by stating their opposition to a permanent Promenade following the previous commenters’ stances on the agenda item. However, the speaker quickly used the public comment platform to spew antisemitic and racial rhetoric.
Not even 30 seconds into the commenter’s allotted three minutes, Garibaldi attempted to steer the speaker back to the agenda item at hand by reiterating that this public comment section was for comments only related to the Promenade’s Ad Hoc Committee.
“As we have speakers that continue to use profane and hateful language and continue to make statements that we believe have no place in civilized society, we at the same time recognize that the Brown Act and the First Amendment have regulations that allow for free speech,” Garibaldi said. “This is frustrating for the council. This is frustrating for the community. It is embarrassing for us.”
Garibaldi further advised those attending the meeting in person and virtually to leave the room or mute their volume if offended by the
language of the speaker. She stated that they would be alerted when the comments were over.
However, that time would stretch for an additional 10 minutes following a 14-minute recess.
Within the last 10 minutes of the meeting, in-person attendees began to chant in an attempt to drown out the commenters. One even called out the potential use of fake names by the Zoom attendees.
“I thought the Brown Act said, ‘if it was disruptive, you could stop them,” one city council meeting attendee is heard saying off camera.
The comment calls into question how Laguna Beach will move forward to prevent situations like this.
It is expected that the city will adjust protocols to prevent Zoom bombing at future meetings and still allow residents to discuss topics about the development of the city through the platform, according to Joyce in the released statement.
“On behalf of my City Council colleagues, I regret the distressing incident of ‘Zoom bombing’ that disrupted our meeting,” Kempf said in the Feb. 13 statement that the city released shortly after the abrupt end to the meeting.
“Together, we will continue to uphold our values of inclusivity, respect, and integrity. We extend our gratitude to the dedicated staff and officials who handled the situation with professionalism and commend those who attended the meeting.”
• 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
LCAD student Gabriel Tanner speaks to Rotarians at the recent Rotary Club Grapes for Grads logo unveiling. Photo/ Ward Blackburn
GUEST OPINION: VILLAGE MATTERS
Too Late Smart
By ann CHristOPH
I was hoping I was wrong. Maybe that beautiful coast live oak tree in our neighborhood would survive a new owner who did everything not recommended for keeping that tree healthy.
We often saw the previous owner on our walks. He was a retired antiques dealer who had fascinating garage sales of all the pottery, paintings and other collectibles that hadn’t sold before. Some are now in my array of treasures. The beautiful oak provided a dark green canopy over the driveway and the main entrance to the house. There were a couple of cracks in the concrete driveway. “Should I take that paving out and put in a new driveway?” he
wondered. “No,” I advised. “Don’t do anything to change where the oak is growing. It’s doing well now, and they are so sensitive. Repaving the driveway could really harm its roots.”
He left it as it was, and the oak continued to thrive. But he put the house up for sale, and the first thing the new owner did was to repave the driveway. I shuddered as I walked by and saw the dirt exposed and the concrete already gone. The workers thought they were doing such a good job. A pile of cut roots was off to the side, and they were compacting the soil. Some trees might be able to tolerate that, but not coast live oaks. An arborist explained to me that their branches and root systems work together. The branches are designed to spread out and balance the tree and shelter the roots. The branches even touch the ground and support the tree when they are growing in the wild. The root system is a network close to the surface that collects the moisture that drips from the canopy. Disturb that network of roots, and the tree is cut off from its water and nutrients.
The project has made for a very smooth driveway that will last a long time, but it was a death sentence for that beautiful tree. I left a brochure on the proper care of oaks, but it seems to have gone unheeded. The next disturbance was to the remaining planting area around the tree--irrigation was installed and ornamental plants were dug in. More damage to the roots, and of course, watering this tree, which is
adapted to hot, dry summers, is just a way to promote oak root fungus. The new owners must have liked the tree because there’s a swing installed from one branch, and the trunk is wrapped in holiday lights. But they didn’t realize those things were not the way to show their appreciation. Now, the tree is dead.
Lest I sound too preachy, I have to own up to having presided over the death of nearly all the mature trees in my own yard. Even though I tried to keep irrigation away from the native Toyon, adding watering where there had been none before contributed to oak root fungus.
The Toyon was the first to go. Once that fungus got started, it took the Olive and eventually the Cedar. Fill produced when the utilities were undergrounded was piled around the trunk of the Avocado. I didn’t notice it. That tree died, too. There are so many things to do wrong, and it takes way too long to learn.
Now we’ve discovered a new way to harm trees—put in artificial turf. That plastic grass is not just a carpet laid on the surface of the ground; there’s the preparation of the subgrade.
First, we must kill the existing lawn with Roundup—maybe two to three applications. Then, excavate and remove two to three inches of existing soil and tree roots. A new sub-base of granular material is installed and on top of that is a “weed blanket”, a fabric with herbicides embedded in it. It’s only then that the green imitation turf
is installed. Now that any trees surrounding the area have had their roots damaged, they get to suffer the change in the horticultural environment—no watering at all and dealing with the leaching herbicides from the weed blanket.
Guess what? We start to see stress in the leaves and a decline in the health of the trees. It turns out that that’s what may have happened to the Eucalyptus tree at the roundabout at El Camino del Mar. Here’s what the consulting arborist pointed out in their report to City Council on Tuesday.
“We were also informed that in 2021, the owners of the home at 387 El Camino del Mar removed the living grass in their front yard and replaced it with artificial turf, which likely led to the loss of numerous surface feeder roots during the grading activities necessary for the turf installation.”
We hope the damage is not significant enough to warrant cutting down the tree. The council will decide, with the evaluation of arborists to guide them. For now, it has a temporary reprieve because of the canceled council meeting on Tuesday night. Removing that lemon-scented gum would be another human-caused loss of life and beauty, another unnecessary sadness.
Ann is a landscape architect and was Laguna Beach’s mayor from 1993 to 1994. She is also a long-time board member of Village Laguna, Inc. LAM PAGE 1
fueling the museum’s exciting phase of growth. Exclusive artworks will be available on Artsy before and during the event.
“The 42nd Annual California Cool Art Auction + Benefit + Bash stands as a testament to the boundless creativity and generosity within our community. We are eager to welcome guests to the museum on March 2 for this extraordinary event in support of our exhibitions and education programs,” said Julie Perlin Lee, executive director of Laguna Art Museum. “With an impressive array of artworks and an esteemed guest list, the evening promises to be unforgettable.”
The impressive lineup of prominent California artists includes Laddie John Dill, Shepard Fairey, Ed Ruscha, Astrid Preston, Elizabeth Orleans, Cristopher Cichocki, Blue McRight, Ed Moses and more.
To keep the night lively and extra entertaining, a friend to Laguna Art Museum and the best in the business,
local auctioneer Zack Krone has been secured for the event.
Registration for the online auction will open on Feb. 16 via Artsy to participate, register at artsy.net. For more information, registration and to purchase tickets to the March 2 event visit www.lagunaartmuseum.
org/auction. Presale tickets to the event on March 2 are available for $215 through March 1. Tickets for the event will be available at the door on March 2, pending availability. Laguna Art Museum is still seeking sponsors for the 42nd Annual Art Auction + Benefit + Bash. Those
interested may contact Crystal Tosello at ctosello@lagunaartmuseum.org.
For more information about the 42nd Annual California Cool Art Auction and Laguna Art Museum, visit lagunaartmuseum.org.
Sarah Genn, My Heart is a Thousand Colors (Light Punk) and (Hickey), 2024, Courtesy of the artist
energy. The increase would be especially dramatic for those with limited fixed income who do not qualify for discount programs, including seniors, and those living in smaller homes such as cottages and artist studios. AB 205 was adopted quickly as a budget trailer bill. At the time, no one knew the proposed fixed utility charges would be astronomical. Once they came to light, lawmakers swung into action to stop the damage before it was done by introducing AB 1999 to repeal the utility tax. My guest column was about supporting them in that effort.
I am and always have been a Democrat who reaches across the aisle. The 73 bills sponsored to date by my nonprofit, Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), have been authored by legislators from both parties. Twenty-four of those bills have been signed into law by Republican and Democratic governors. Since SCIL is all about saving and protecting animals and the planet, causes that people from every political persuasion care about, we bring bipartisan coalitions together all the time.
Laguna Beach City Council is a nonpartisan office and, if elected, I will bring this same spirit of pragmatism and cooperation to everything I do. In my 29 years as a resident and five as vice-chair of the Environmental Sustainability Committee, I can say that most people I’ve met, regardless of party, have the same priorities. We want to live in a safe, beautiful, and sustainable town with clean air and water and infrastructure ready for the future. And we want leaders who will advocate for us on issues big and small, promote civility and respect, and work to keep Laguna Beach wellrun and financially sound. These will be my goals.
Judie Mancuso, Laguna Beach City Council Candidate
City Council needs term limits Change is an everlasting reality so... Laguna Beach City Council, please put “Term Limits” for all our elected officials on the ballot now!
Sam Goldstein, former Liberate Laguna PAC member
Water boiling over
In ancient times, philosophers and scientists believed four classical elements of fire, water, earth and air could be used to explain the nature and complexity of all matter.
Let’s use two elements, fire and water, to explore some complex matters currently facing Laguna Beach.
According to CAL FIRE, the fire is close to home because Laguna sits squarely in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone. Additionally, massive rains like the atmospheric rivers we have recently experienced produce wildfire fuel.
Fire stations are crucial, and while the cost to build a new one depends on many factors, multiple online sources indicate it would be about $10 million.
Turning to the water discussion, let’s focus on competitive and community swimming pools here.
The city is actively evaluating whether to build and operate its own pool or join the school district in the $16 million Olympic-sized facility the school board approved at the high school (HS).
One might think that could make sense and be an easy decision, but for the city, it certainly is not. A pool that size more than doubles the annual operating costs for the city to $1.2 million, and as designed, it would completely eliminate the baby/wading pool.
Even worse, despite doubling the size and tripling capacity, the massive pool still doesn’t handle the rush hour period directly after school because it solves the wrong problem.
Too many kids are trying to get in during a tight time window who must wait until HS activities are done. Resident swimmers are also excluded after work because they cannot swim while school-age kids are in the pool.
Meanwhile, before and after this traffic jam period and nearly all
LETTERS, PAGE 18
Town Crier
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are required. Please RSVP at www. glbgop.com/upcomingevents. All are welcome.
The Honarkar Foundation presents works by Gerard Basil
The Honarkar Foundation for Arts & Culture is presenting an exhibition of works by local artist Gerard Basil, which runs through Sunday, Feb. 18. This exhibition is described as a wake-up call to the trajectory of our nation. It’s imperative to preserve not only our past but, more crucially, safeguard the exceptional qualities that define America for future generations. Each piece in this collection encapsulates not just tangible objects and forms but the intangible spirit of America — its ideals, beliefs, and the vast realm of opportunities that have made our nation a beacon of hope. Basil’s sculptures become powerful reminders, urging us as responsible stewards to champion the very freedoms and experiences that colored our childhood, creating the foundation for an exceptional American legacy. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily and is located at 298 Broadway, Laguna Beach.
2/16 PRINCE AGAIN (P rince T rib UT e )
2/17 THE MOTELS
2/18 ALBERT CUMMINGS
2/22 SHAWN PHILLIPS
2/23 BEATLES VS STONES
2/24 DADA
2/25 KEN GARCIA
2/29 FOOZ FIGHTERS / PEARL JAMMED
3/1 G.
3/3 WALTER TROUT r ecord r elease P ar T y
3/7 THE BODEANS
3/8 THE TUBES
3/9 SUPER DIAMOND
3/10 DOUG STARKS Himself ( e vening of m U sic & c omedy )
3/13 REVEREND HORTON HEAT
3/14 COLIN JAMES
3/15 THE FENIANS s T . P aT ’ s d ay c elebraT ion
3/16 ARMAGEDDON / MOTLEY 2
3/17 ROD The MOD (
/ FRAMPTON COMES ALIVE (P
3/21 X 3/22 X 3/23 THE HIGHWAYMAN SHOW ( c ash , n elson , J ennings , K
3/24 NELSON
3/28 HERMAN’S HERMITS
3/29 HERMAN’S HERMITS
3/30 WAYNE NEWTON
3/31 LYNCH MOB – The Final Ride
4/4 THE KINGSTON TRIO
4/5 ULI JON ROTH
- Interstellar Sky Guitar Tour
4/6 RONSTADT REVIVAL
4/7 CINDERELLA’S TOM KEIFER
4/10 JOAN OSBORNE ACOUSTIC TRIO
4/11 JIMMIE VAUGHAN
4/12 ROGER CLYNE
& THE PEACEMAKERS
4/13 TINSLEY ELLIS
4/14 THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS
4/18 SPONGE
4/19 RICHIE FURAY
4/20 GEOFF TATE
4/21 VONDA SHEPARD
4/25 ISRAEL VIBRATION & Roots Radics
4/26 FIVE FOR FIGHTING wi T h s T ring Q U ar T e T
4/27 KIDS OF CHARLEMAGNE ( s T eely d an T rib UT e )
4/28 BOB ANDERSON ( f ran K
5/5 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS
5/7 BLUES TRAVELER
5/8 JUDY COLLINS
5/9 CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO
5/15 MR BIG
5/17 JOHN CRUZ
5/18 VENICE
5/19 THE LETTERMEN
5/22 THE WAILERS
5/24 DSB (J o U rney T rib UT e )
5/31 YACHTY BY NATURE
6/6 HOWIE DAY
6/14 AMBROSIA
6/16 ELVIN BISHOP
Big Fun Trio
PAGE 17
weekend long, this massive body of water would sit virtually empty like a huge lake.
To support the city, analysis confirmed by staff shows a pool the same size as the one currently at the HS with a small extra space for the baby/ wading pool would accommodate all the programs it administers and support all community needs. These programs represent 70% of all activity at the current pool and everything except HS usage.
If the city builds its own pool, all programs will move there except HS activities.
Interestingly, HS competitive regulations are exceeded by a pool that could be up to 30% smaller than what was approved and save the district millions of dollars that could be used to support STEM or other educational
11
than by those who directly benefit from new parking: commercial property owners and developers (23%). Adding more restaurants and bars (15%) and increasing tourism (4%) ranked low; as both of these were likely linked to increased congestion. One resident commented: “There are simply too many people crowding the city and congesting our roadways. The cost of this is enormous to the people who live here. The current government supports endless growth at the expense of the people who live here.”
Half of the respondents added comments and three major groupings emerged.
Several suggested improving city government with term limits, rotate mayor/pro tem positions
programs.
Over an expected 50-year life of the pool and assuming a 3% inflation rate, the city would spend over $135 million just to operate the Olympicsized pool.
Alternatively, if the city builds and operates its own pool, it would save about $60 million, including construction costs over the same period.
As a taxpayer, what do you want the city and school district to do?
Both can and should have a new pool, so let’s optimize the solution for both entities to save millions of dollars for both that can be used to address many other needs.
The district can get a new pool, save millions and support all of its needs. The city can also get a new pool and have money left over to build fire stations and address other critical needs.
There are viable options, but they will require cooperation and compromise by everyone with a vested interest.
Steve Brown, Laguna Beach
amongst all councilmembers, reduce taxes, reduce City Hall headcount, improve the permitting process and update the municipal code.
Make landlords clean-up building facades and pay a fine for chronically vacant buildings.
Use more green energy, increase street lighting, protect Rimrock Canyon, be open to sustainable housing and entertainment concepts, and build a pedestrian sidewalk in South Laguna.
Laguna Residents First (LRF) is a California PAC No. 1421491 dedicated to empowering residents to preserve and enhance the unique value and charm of Laguna Beach.
Merrill Anderson is a board member of LRF and has 40 years of experience in survey research.
Village Laguna opposes Zoom bombing
At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, the council and attendees were subjected to repetitive, hateful comments which included cursing, racial epithets, antisemitic and homophobic statements by callers on Zoom.
Like other organizations in our town, Village Laguna is in firm opposition to those who intentionally use disruptive methods to prevent our city business from taking place.
Village Laguna appreciates our City Council’s efforts to uphold our values of inclusivity, respect and integrity. We very much support the right to
free speech and the right to engage in a democratic process using civil discourse. Unfortunately, what we experienced Tuesday night was anything but, and the meeting was closed and will be rescheduled.
Unfortunately, Laguna Beach residents, and not the perpetrators of the Zoom bombing, are being punished. We understand why the city has decided to shut down the Zoom capability for all city meetings, but we hope this is only temporary and that a way to safely restore this important community participation tool will be found as soon as possible.
Anne
Caenn, president of Village Laguna
CLASSIFIED SECTION
PARKING SERVICES OFFICER
LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651
Part-Time - $26.16 - $31.81 Hourly
Go to GovernmentJobs.com to apply and for more information.
The City of Laguna Beach is excited to announce that we are accepting applications for the position of Parking Services Officer (Part-Time). This position reports to a professional services administrator. As a Parking Services Officer, you will patrol an assigned area of the City to enforce laws and ordinances related to the parking of motor vehicles, issue parking citations, and
tow vehicles in accordance with the relevant state and city codes. You will also assist with traffic control and perform related work as may be required. This position requires shift work, which includes weekends, holidays, and evening hours. Application / Selection Process: Application/ Selection Process: Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis with a first review date of February 29, 2024. Applications will be screened carefully and selected candidates will be invited to undergo a department interview. The appointed hiring authority will further review the job-related qualifications of those deemed eligible for hire before making selection decisions.
overall goal of providing protection to life, limb and property. Ocean Lifeguards guard an area of beach from an assigned station, patrol a section of the beach, participate in marine and other related emergencies, and make rescues and prevent marine accidents. A qualified applicant must be at least 16 years of age as of June 10, 2024.
IMPORTANT TESTING INFORMATION:
Candidates must successfully pass a mandatory swim test at the Main Beach Lifeguard Tower. Testing will occur on the following dates: Saturday, February 24, 2024 – Applications MUST be submitted by Thursday, February 22, at 5:00 P.M. (PST) to participate. Saturday, March 30, 2024 – Applications MUST be submitted by Thursday, March 28, at 5:00 P.M. (PST) to participate.
