LBHS Theatre’s ‘Mean Girls’ a Must See This Weekend Pageant of the Masters
By Sophia Callisto, Special to the Independent
On Friday, March 8, the LBHS Theatre Program opened its Spring musical production of Mean Girls, and it was—you guessed it—so fetch. The cast and crew of nearly 60 students and staff have been working for the past 10 weeks under the direction of Meghan Minguez-Marshall to bring this production to life.
Mean Girls, originally a film written by Tina Fey and later adapted for the stage, opened on Broadway in 2018. It tells the story of Cady Heron, a naive teenager who transfers to an American high school after growing up homeschooled in South Africa. There, she encounters The Plastics, the school’s A-List girl clique. At the persuasion of her two new friends, Janis and Damian, Cady infiltrates The Plastics and devises a plan to take down the group’s infamous leader, the queen bee, Regina George. The story engages the audience in a raw and real look at the realities of social structures and stereotypes, interpersonal relationships, and the journey of one’s growth and personal
Residents’ Concerns in Deep End Over City’s Pool Project
By Jackie Connor, Special to the Independent
Laguna Beach city council members voted unanimously to explore options for building a new 25-meter community swimming pool as an alternative to pursuing joint use of Laguna Beach Unified School District’s (LBUSD) planned expansion of a 50-meter pool at Laguna Beach High School,
with the option to pursue both.
This comes after LBUSD announced they would spend $150 million to expand Laguna Beach High School’s facilities, despite decreasing student enrollment.
Mayor Sue Kempf and councilmember Bob Whelan, appointed as the subcommittee in October 2023, shared that after extensive discussions
with LBUSD, Sensible Laguna community members and city staff, Kempf and Whelan asked the community to weigh in on three options presented by staff: jointly use and help fund the $19 million 50-meter pool with LBUSD, and contribute upwards of $13 million toward the pool’s remodeling project; build a separate 25-meter community pool at an unde-
to Host Second Casting Call on March 28
By LB Indy Staff
The Pageant of the Masters is holding a second open casting call on Thursday, March 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Forum Theater on the Festival of Arts grounds. This casting call aims to primarily recruit female volunteers for its upcoming summer production, “À La Mode: The Art of Fashion,” which will run from July 6 to Aug. 30.
Following the successful turnout at the casting call held in January, the Pageant is still seeking women applicants of diverse ages and ethnic backgrounds, specifically those with heights ranging from 5’1” to 5’5” and 5’8” to 5’10.” Additionally, there are some opportunities for male roles as well. No prior theater experience is necessary, the only requirement is the ability to stand still and have fun. Volunteering in the Pageant also allows high school students to achieve 109 hours of community service in one summer.
This casting call will coincide with a Pageant rehearsal, offering casting hopefuls a glimpse into this year’s production and the process of making a living picture. Since rehearsals are typically closed to the public, attending the casting call provides a rare
termined location costing up to $13.3 million, which includes infrastructure and staff, or pursue a combination of both options.
Mayor Kempf shared that the subcommittee aimed to make sure LBUSD considered the city’s in reference to various aquatics programs, such as lap
POM, PAGE 11
Senior and powerhouse vocalist TJ Simmons (standing on table) plays Regina George in Laguna Beach High School Theatre’s performance of Mean Girls. Photo courtesy of LBHS Theatre
LBHS, PAGE 13
Easter Sunrise Celebration Keeps Growing in Laguna Beach
By LB Indy Staff
Last year, an estimated 250 people showed up at 6 a.m. to celebrate Easter at Laguna’s iconic Main Beach. This year’s celebration, hosted again at the same time and place by Laguna Beach United Methodist Church, is expected to draw a similarly large flock of early birds.
“This has become a celebration not just for our members but for the entire community,” said Rev. Mary Scifres, senior pastor at the church. “The Easter sunrise service is a literal moment of new hope dawning — and everyone is eager to share in that feeling, churchgoers or not.”
Volunteers will greet attendees with hot coffee and hand warmers. The service itself will include a praise band, many of whom have been playing at this service for years. Megan Waters, the music director at Laguna Beach United Methodist Church, described the music as “a unique blend of tradition and modernity. We infuse familiar songs, like ‘Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,’ with a contemporary feel, featuring keyboard, guitars, percussion, and some truly wonderful vocalists. And songbooks are shared with the crowd,
so that everybody can sing along.”
The service features a brief message and “open table” communion, where all are invited to participate, regardless of their tradition. Finally, people place flowers on a large cross, creating a beautiful springtime wreath.
“I love the spirit of the event,” said Chuck Kent, who attended for the first time last year and has since become a church member. “Much like Laguna Beach itself, the service is creative, warm, and welcoming to everyone. I especially like how little containers of bubbles get distributed so that, after the service, everybody gets to send little sparkles of joy skyward. It’s all pretty special.”
Easter this year is on Sunday, March 31, and the sunrise service begins at 6 a.m. at Main Beach in Laguna Beach. Attendees may bring folding chairs and, if they’d like, a flower for the community wreath. Coffee will be served starting at 5:45 a.m.
An indoor service will also be held at 10 a.m. at Laguna Beach United Methodist Church, 21632 Wesley Drive, Laguna Beach.
For more information, visit lbumc. org.
Blooming Flavors on the Coast
Enjoy Spring ParTea from March 25 through May 16 with a loose-leaf tea collection by Palais des Thes, savory canapés, and tea-infused cocktails. This Easter, join us in RAYA on March 31 as Chef Irving and his culinary team prepare a seasonally curated, four-course brunch.
Last year’s Easter Sunrise Celebration at Main Beach. Submitted photo
Village Laguna presents “Sawdust and Sand,” Doug Miller documentary at Rivian Theater
Village Laguna presents a special showing of “Sawdust and Sand: Douglas Miller’s Laguna Beach” at the Rivian South Coast Theater on Monday, March 25 at 7 p.m. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. The event is free, however reservations are required to be made online at www. events.rivian.com/sawdustandsand.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Miller’s photography and his recording of Laguna as it transitioned over 50 years, in the theater that has just been returned to a new version of its former self.
Miller and cinematographer, producer and director Jason Blalock will introduce the film and comment, and a representative of Rivian will point out highlights of their restoration efforts.
Photographer Doug Miller, ever-present at Laguna Beach events, has documented the days of our lives since arriving here in 1970, taking over 500,000 photographs, all accompanied by meticulously recorded identifications. A Sawdust exhibitor, he has painted over 20,000 canvases. A talented violinist with the “Moon
Town Crier
IN AND AROUND LAGUNA BEACH
Police,” he plays where inspired, always appreciated.
Cinematographer Jason Blalock produced this documentary featuring Miller and his work. In total it presents “a profound portrait of Laguna Beach and its people,” according to critics.
Jason Blalock works as a cinematographer on a variety of documentary projects, for CNN, Discovery, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, Time, and Vice. He grew up on El Bosque in Laguna Beach, and now lives in Oakland,
After 15 years of dedicated service at Davis Toft Law we bid farewell to esteemed partner Nicole Toft as she embarks on her journey to establish Toft Law Group. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence, Nicole will continue her passion for justice, specializing in litigation, corporate counsel, real estate, and estate planning. We wish Nicole the best as she ventures into this exciting new endeavor.
Calif.
The Rivian South Coast Theater is located on 162 South Coast Highway.
Celebrate Purim with Chabad Jewish Center
Israeli themed Purim bash will take place on Sunday, March 24, 5 p.m., at Chabad Jewish Center.
Interactive Megillah Reading (Scroll of Esther), delicious buffet including falafel, shawarma, hummus, salads, dips and Hamentashen pastries, Israeli music and dancing, L’Chaim and wine tasting for the Adults, Photos at the Western Wall, Face Painting, and Israel themed Crafts/treats for the kiddos. Come in costume and win a prize.
This year, Purim holds heightened significance as Jews in Israel and worldwide experience one of the most difficult times in recent history. It also brings hope of the Jewish people overcoming the present challenges and a brighter future, as in the story of Purim, when the table was turned and with miracles from the Almighty, the Jews were victorious over their enemies.
Purim is observed by readings of the Megillah, sending gifts of food to
friends, giving charity to the needy, and enjoying a festive meal. It is also customary to eat a delightful cookie called Hamentashen, a triangular pastry filled with poppyseed, jelly, chocolate, etc.
To RSVP and for a complete schedule of Purim services and more, visit www.chabadoflaguna.com or call (949) 499 – 0770.
Chabad Jewish Center is located at 30804 S. Coast Highway, across from the Montage Resort.
Adult Indoor Pickleball Courts
Opening at the Boys & Girls
Club
Starting Monday, March 18, Boys & Girls Club of Launa Beach will be opening the doors to the community for indoor pickleball.
The Boys & Girls Club has three courts with absorption reducing playing surface to reduce impact immediate injuries and long-term injuries. The courts make it possible to play pickleball rain or shine.
Pickleball days and times: Mondays and Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost per player: $10/hour for doubles play (beginning at 9 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays)
Photographer Doug Miller will be featured in a showing of “Sawdust and Sand: Douglas Miller’s Laguna Beach on March 25 at the Rivian South Coast Theater. Submitted photo
CRIER,
Due to printing logistics, home delivery of the paper for next week will take place on Saturday, March 23rd. Bulk copies will be available at our more than 100 locations on Friday as usual.
VIEW THE FULL ISSUE OF THE INDY ONLINE AT LAGUNABEACHINDY.COM
Letters
LETTERS CAN BE MAILED TO: EDITOR@LBINDY.COM
New Preschool Fee Needs Recalibration
I applaud the Laguna Beach Unified School District for opening a new preschool this coming fall. One of the benefits of this preschool is its long hours, benefiting working parents. It does seem, however, that an organization willing to spend megabucks on an extravagant new pool could maybe afford to give a break to those working parents who can’t afford $1,200 a month! Why is this fee not calibrated to income level? I hope they reconsider these fees and allow for suitable adjustments to these fees for those who need it.
Rosemary Boyd, 57-year resident of Laguna Beach
Response to Billy Fried’s Column I understand that Indy policy is to avoid comments, good or bad, about local businesses. Perhaps an exception in this case? Regarding Billy Fried’s Guest Opinion of March 8, he describes our local Ralph’s Market as “foul” and that it falls short in several aspects. As an 18-year resident of Laguna Beach and a frequent shopper at Ralph’s, I feel compelled to comment.
The meat and fish department at Ralph’s is fine, as are the produce and deli selections. The store is well-kept, and the knowledgeable staff is always willing to help provide what I am looking for, with a great attitude. The selection is quite large considering the store’s size limitations. My family does not possess vast wealth as perhaps Mr.
Fried does, but our meals are handmade with fresh ingredients. Not much highly processed food at our home.
I always feel welcome and safe visiting Ralph’s. The team at Ralph’s is an important part of my Laguna Beach community. From the friendly parking lot security guard, efficient checkout cashiers, and considerate baggers, I feel like I am among friends.
Mr. Fried doesn’t like the “sketchy” people milling about. They are all over—everywhere! We recognize that Ralph’s is not the cause of this, right? The presence of “sketchy” individuals is influenced by various factors, including socioeconomic challenges, mental
LETTERS, PAGE 11
theIndyPoll
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION
Should the city remove the lemon-scented gum tree at the roundabout at Catalina and El Camino del Mar?
-Yes, 23.81% (15 votes)
-No, 76.19% (48 votes)
TOTAL VOTES: 63
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION
Are you on board with a new 25-meter community pool being constructed in Laguna Beach? - Yes - No
TO VOTE, VISIT THE POLL TAB AT LAGUNABEACHINDY.COM. SUBMIT POLL QUESTIONS TO CLARA@FIREBRANDMEDIAINC.COM.
The LagunaBeachIndy.com poll is conducted using Crowd Signal polling software. To minimize
to block duplicate votes by cookie and IP address.
While we cannot control users who change locations and use separate devices on different networks, this
deter participants from voting multiple times. No polling software available online can block all attempts at
around most blocking methods. For this reason, we can’t fully verify the accuracy of this poll. Language from Crowd Signal’s software settings: Voting in a poll is rate limited by IP, even when no blocking is enabled. This means that a large number of votes coming from a single Internet address will trigger a cooldown block to help prevent cheating. Sometimes
is tripped by many people at one location (for example in schools and offices) voting in a short period of time.
CLARIFICATION: In the March 8 edition of the Indy, it was reported that the Blue Bell Foundation for Cats receives pro bono services from Laguna Beach Veterinary Medical Center. The nonprofit receives a discounted service, however it is not pro bono. The Indy regrets the error.
CITY HALL MEETINGS:
March 18 - Heritage Committee at 6 p.m.
March 20 - Administrative Design Review Meeting at 3 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
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. Santa Ana Blvd.,
EDITORIAL
MANAGING EDITOR
Clara Beard clara@firebrandmediainc.com
DESIGN
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Tracy Powell
SALES
ADVERTISING SALES TEAM
Carol Josepher
Chris Mattingley
Dawn Lindeman
Mara Hertel
PRODUCTION
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Tina Leydecker tina@firebrandmediainc.com
ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION: Tel: 949 715-4100; Fax: 949 715-4106
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Tiffany Thompson
MAILING ADDRESS:
900 Glenneyre St., Suite B Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Tel: 949-715-4100; Fax: 949 715-4106 www.lbindy.com
A publication of
PUBLISHER
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Steve Zepezauer
CREATIVE &
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Tracy Powell
PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING
Scott Sanchez
OUR LETTER POLICY
E-mail letters to: Clara@firebrandmediainc.com
Letters strengthen community ties and provide a community forum open to all. Due to space constraints we ask letter writers to limit their topics to local concerns, make their submissions exclusive to the Indy alone and be of 400 words or less. Letters should be submitted by Tuesday, 5 p.m. They may be edited for clarity, length or appropriateness as needed. We decline to publish letters that we perceive as personal attacks, even of public figures. We strive for civil discourse over ideas and issues, not personalities. Letter writers must supply their name and contact information. Published letters will only use the writer’s name and city of residence. E-mail letters are preferred.
FOR
949-715-4100 delivery@firebrandmediainc.com
Sue Kempf Mayor skempf@lagunabeachcity.net
Bob Whalen Council member bwhalen@lagunabeachcity.net
Mark Orgill Council member morgill@lagunabeachcity.net
Ann Marie McKay City Clerk amckay@lagunabeachcity.net
Laura Parisi City Treasurer lparisi@ lagunabeachcity.net
BY Barbara Lebow
• 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
By Frank Aronoff | LB Indy
SPRING
SPORTS UPDATE
BASEBALL (6-5)
Laguna dropped a pair of nonleague games, losing 1-0 last Friday, March 8, giving up the lone run in the top of the seventh inning against Huntington Beach (6-2). Becker Sybirski took the loss in the pitcher’s duel.
On Monday at El Modena, Laguna lost 7-1 as the Vanguards (7-4) scored early to take control of the contest. Noah Neufeld went 3 for 3 in the game.
This past week, they were at Edison and Los Alamitos in non-league contests, and the squad is home next on March 20 with Fountain Valley. League play begins on March 29 at Marina (4-3). Other league games will be with Corona del Mar (6-3) and Newport Harbor (3-5) all scheduled in April.
Statistical Leaders through 11 games:
Batting Average: .375 Noah Neufeld
Hits: 12 – Neufeld
Doubles: 3 – Dylan Yencho & Lucien Reed
Sports/Schools
SUBMISSIONS WELCOME BY 5 PM TUESDAY
Runs scored: 5 – Lincoln Adams and Becker Sybirski
RBIs: 6 – Neufeld
Innings Pitch: 26.1 – Sybirski
ERA: 0.00 – Branson Wade (21.2 innings)
Strikeouts: 29 - Sybirski
BOYS GOLF (3-2)
Laguna lost to Aliso Niguel 202—213 on Wednesday, March 6 at Aliso
Viejo County Club. Austyn Le from Aliso Niguel earned match medalist honors, shooting a one-under-par score of 34. Kiyan Arshadi lead the way for Laguna, posting a 38 score. Additional scores for the Breakers include Josh Bellisime 39; Chase Tyson 41; Luke Bo 47; Ranen Seeck 48 and Hudson Mills 49.
GIRLS LACROSSE (7-0)
Breakers picked up two more wins with a forfeit win over Laguna Hills on March 7 and an 18-3 romp at Capistrano Valley on Tuesday, March 12. As Coach Storke reported - paced by Tess Smialowicz’s eight ground balls and four goals, Laguna cruised to victory over an overmatched Capo Valley squad. Ruby Samson 4 Goals, Tessa D’Am-
ico 3 goals, Piper Halpern 3 goals, Kate Storke, Georgia White, Julia Winton, Po Andringa, and Cailin Mulvaney with one goal each rounded out Laguna’s scoring. Stella Hendricks posted an outstanding 66% save percentage.
Laguna is now 7-0 to start the season and faces SSCIF D-3 champs Huntington Beach on March 13 to start league play.
GIRLS BEACH VOLLEYBALL (0-3, 2-5)
The Breakers dropped their second league match, a 5-0 loss to Edison at Laguna on March 7, with three of the five pairs going to three sets in the close loss. This past Tuesday, they lost at Seal Beach to Los Alamitos. Newport, Edison and Los Al are all tied at 2-1 after round one of league play.
Match #6 – vs Edison on March 7 at Main Beach – Lost 5-0
#1 Arielle Tavey/Hannah Miller –lost 0-2
#2 Sienna Lee, Kaia Gamber – lost 0-2
#3 Layla Kollock/Savannah Farris – lost 1-2
#4 Elle Jumani/Zoey Bond – lost 1-2
#5 Aubrey Anderson /Sienna Brown – lost 1-2
Match #7 vs Los Alamitos on March 12 at Seal Beach - loss 5-0
#1 Sienna Lee, Kaia Gamber – lost 0-2
#2 Arielle Tavey/Hannah Miller –lost 0-2
#3 Layla Kollock/Savannah Farris – lost 1-2
#4 Elle Jumani/Zoey Bond – lost 0-2
#5 Maddie Rootlieb /Sienna Brown – lost 0-2
SWIMMING
Laguna dropped a non-league dual meet with Los Alamitos held at the Laguna Community Pool. The boys lost 115-29 and the girls 109-37. The only winner was Ava Knepper on the girl’s team, taking the 50 free in 24.77 and the 100 free in 53.07.
Laguna will host Newport on March 19 in a non-league meet and will host Edison to open Sunset Wave League play on March 26.
BOYS TENNIS (0-5)
Camps:
4
Cost per court: $20/Hour for singles play (four spots must be reserved for singles play)
Come and join us at Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach for a whole lot of pickleball fun whether you are a seasoned pro, or first timer. This adult program is designed to encourage community building and is a great way to stay active.
Visit www.bgclagunabeach.org/ adult-pickleball/ for more information and to reserve your court.
American Legion Sponsors
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Laguna Beach American Legion Post 222 and Auxiliary will once again sponsor the Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Laguna Beach High School baseball field. The hunt starts at 1 p.m. sharp on Easter Sunday, March 31. The American Legion has been sponsoring this Laguna tradition since 1946. Come early, at around 12:30 p.m., to meet the Easter Bunny and take photos. For more information, email Stephen Jeppson at lagunamath@yahoo.com.
A Focus on the Brain and Information Processing at the Susi Q This Month
Kristen Maahs-Kohlberg, Associate Director of the Community Outreach team at Alzheimer’s Orange County, is adamant that the food we put into our corporeal selves makes a major difference to our mental health.
“Nutrition plays a huge role in how we feel mentally, how clear our thinking is, and how sharp our focus,” she said.
And there’s a lot more to learn at Maahs-Kohlberg’s upcoming free presentation, Brain Food: Nutrition for a Healthier Mind, which will take place at the Susi Q on Wednesday, March 20, from 2 to 3 p.m.
With the advent of AI, not to mention the morass of social media these days, the brain needs to be in good shape to process information – and recognize disinformation.
That’s the focus of a special presentation, Fight “Truth” Decay: Combatting Misinformation, which will be held on Monday, March 18, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Susi Q.
Presented by Trudy Josephson, League of Women Voters, Orange Coast, the free session will offer suggestions about ways to find accurate and ethical information, no easy task in a biased and misleading news landscape. Visit www.thesusiq.org to learn about all the classes and clubs that are available to you, and to sign up for Brain Food and Fight “Truth” Decay. To RSVP by phone, call 949-715-8105, or email christineb@ thesusiq.org.
Aviary Gallery at the Hortense Miller Garden Plant Wisdom is an ongoing
series of drawings and paintings that celebrates plant life as beings, examining plant consciousness and communication systems. This work is a combination of observational drawing, studies of micrographs of roots and mycorrhizal fungi, abstract landscapes, and real and imagined plant and fungal forms. Inspired and guided by indigenous knowledge that affirms plant consciousness, as well as the writings of Suzanne Simard on
Mother Trees, these works explore connections among different species of plants, trees, and fungi, and look at plant intelligence through the complementary lenses of scientific inquiry and imagination, revealing an expanded dimension of plant life.
To reserve a place to enjoy this exhibit as well as tour the MidCentury Modern Miller house and garden go to www.lagunabeachcity. net, Hortense Miller Garden, or call
949-464-6645. Tours are available most Thursdays and Saturdays.
Hortense Miller Garden Community Open House
The Hortense Miller Garden is hosting an open house on Saturday, April 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. when no reservations are necessary. Bring the whole family. There will be
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*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 03/12/24. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).
GUEST OPINION:
What’s Religion’s Future? It Depends Who You Ask
By Russ GeRBeR
Old friends from my early career days recently found me through social media, and each time one of their messages arrived, I was whisked back 25-30 years, when we first got to know each other well.
Then I discovered just how much has changed over the years, not just in how they look (which comes as no surprise) but also in how some of them have a strong, outspoken interest in spiritual and religious matters.
Nothing even close to religion ever surfaced in all the years we knew each other and worked together—far from it.
Their interest in living a more spiritual life and connecting with a church was surprising news for another reason. It’s taking place in a world that we’re told is witnessing the twilight of religion. Statistics show a rise in the number of unaffiliated religious people. Commentators often point to religion’s uncertain future and an increasingly secular society.
My friends seem unmoved by that. They simply, naturally, wanted to be more selfless and compassionate, feel more secure and less materialistic, be a lot happier and healthier, and find that the path that most directly got them there was spiritual.
What brought about the change? I suppose there’s a long list of factors: maturity, education, parenthood (and grandparenthood), life experiences (mine as well as theirs), and a world that offers few solutions.
But I suspect there’s something else going on.
In our conversations, I sense a deeper, spiritual nature and outlook emerging. For some, it comes across
as having more patience at a time when they used to be in a rush. For others, it’s letting go of longstanding grudges and forgiving. Others have resolved to spend more time praying. Some now support worthy causes they ignored in the past. Still, others have become devout Christians and take their role and opportunity to heal suffering in society seriously.
Such changes are subtle and might go unnoticed for a long while. But over time, they add up to a transformation of character—a brighter outlook on life—the sense of discovering a buoyant, more genuine selfhood and realizing that the old way of thinking of themselves was superficial and is becoming a thing of the past.
Do these few isolated examples call into question the larger trend data regarding religion today? Not necessarily. But they suggest to me that while the tendency might be to buy into the perception that religion’s influence is diminishing, that’s not the full picture.
When experiences like my friend’s and others come into notice, it appears more is going on below the surface. It would be a mistake to overlook the invisible, spiritual influence
that’s gradually transforming hearts and minds, and the greater potential for change that comes with that. People who see themselves in a new light feel better about themselves and are likely to see and treat others in a new way. It has a ripple effect.
Although you’ll not find the word “religion” used anywhere in the Old Testament of the Bible, there’s no shortage of references to “light,” and according to the Bible, the source of that light is God, who saw it as good. Religion, at its best, is a lot like light. It’s the illumination and transforming power that comes with spiritual discoveries.
Some might see occasional glimmers of light and conclude that we’re drifting into twilight. The horizon looks dark. Others, like my friends, see these glimmers differently, as the beginning of a new day. To them, the future looks bright.
Russ and his wife moved back home to Southern California after working in Boston as the media manager for the Christian Science church. With a background in publishing, most of his time is spent writing, reading, volunteering and grandparenting.
The Breakers lost 14-4 to a talented Edison squad (9-1) in a match played this past Tuesday on the local courts. Luke Jolley swept his singles sets 6-1, 6-0, 6-1 with Laguna’s other set win coming in doubles 6-3 with a win by the team of Owen Britt/Sabastian Lambrinos.
TRACK & FIELD : Trophy Meet is this weekend:
Friday, March 15 (Field Events) and Saturday, March 16 (Track).
The Laguna tradition includes the featured race is the Eric Hulst 3200 Meter Run. Website: www.trophyinvitational.com
BOYS VOLLEYBALL (3-5)
Laguna suffered their worst match loss in the 21 years of the rally scoring format with a 25-11, 25-12, 25-11 defeat at the hands of D-1 #4 Huntington Beach last Thursday, March 7 at Dugger Gym. The previous record was only 35 points scored at Corona del Mar on April 28, 2021. The home game record had been 47 points scored against Huntington Beach back in 2006, with Thursday’s loss easily erasing that mark.
The day before, the squad lost to D3 #5 ranked J Serra 25-23, 25-23, 25-21 at the Lion’s gym. In the first two sets, Laguna held leads of 22-19 and 23-19 but could not finish the sets for a win. Kai Patcher had 14 kills, while Laird Garcia added 11 kills, a solo block and four block assists. Garcia also led the team in defense with 14 digs – remarkable for a middle blocker.
Statistical Leaders after eight matches:
Kills: 68 - Kai Patchell, 47 – Laird Garcia, 31 – Ryan Halloran
Hit %: .457 – Laird Garcia
Net Blocks: 8 – Kai Fong, 7.5 –Laird Garcia
Digs: 48 – Kai Patchell, 31 – Laird Garcia
Serving: Aces: 9 – Garcia & Patchell,
Serve % - Silas Richland
94.7%, Rotation Points: 34 – Silas Richland
This past week, the Breakers had a non-league match at Edison on March 13 and opened league play at Los Alamitos on March 15.
Next week, the Breakers are at Marina on March 20 and will host Fountain Valley (16-1) on March 22. 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.
health issues, drug and alcohol addiction, and government legislation.
It is unfortunate that Mr. Fried’s misinformation regarding our Ralphs’ Market has found publication. This undermines the hard work and commitment of the employees who work to provide the best quality and service.
Wanda Delgado, Laguna Beach
Ralph’s is a Community Meeting Place
My first disagreement with Billy Fried was his denigration of Ralph’s, my town square. I go there every day. I am greeted in every aisle by friends, neighbors and the staff. We laugh and joke, complain about the tourists and traffic, and congratulate ourselves on the weather and our good fortune to be here, in the crowded aisles, with our tiny carts filled with the necessities and surrounded by some of Laguna’s best.
David Powers, Laguna Beach
POM
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opportunity to experience the behindthe-scenes magic of the Pageant of the Masters. Guests will enjoy light snacks and refreshments and have the opportunity to meet the Pageant’s creative and technical staff, including Director Diane Challis Davy.
Nancy Martin, Casting Director for the Pageant of the Masters, emphasized the importance of height and other measurements in selecting volunteers for this year’s production.
“We are looking for people of all ages and sizes, but given this year’s theme, there are many roles for slender women who are between 5’1” to 5’5” and 5’8” to 5’10” tall,” said Martin, who is celebrating her 45th year as casting director.
“The most important measurement to me is the height, and the head size needs to be pretty close because the headpiece needs to be shared, and then shoe size,” she added.
The March 28 open casting call will take place backstage at the Pageant of the Masters Forum Theatre, situated on the Festival of Arts grounds at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.
For those unable to attend on March 28, private appointments for measurements can be made by contacting the Pageant’s casting office at 949-494-3663. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers age five and above are encouraged to apply.
The 2024 Pageant of the Masters production “À La Mode: The Art of Fashion” will run nightly July 6 through Aug. 30.
The City of Laguna Beach is dedicated to protecting the environment and the public from the harmful effects balloons have when improperly released or discarded.
Street Beat
Thursday, March 7
Contempt of court, drunk driving while on probation. Monica Isabel Villavicencio, 30, of Dana Point was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, contempt of court and driving while on probation of a blood alcohol level of 0.01 or more. She was held without bail.
Friday, March 8
Possession of a controlled
substance, appropriating lost property and passing a completed check with intent to defraud. Jesse Joshua Lara, 43, of Lancaster was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance, appropriating lost property under $400 value and passing a completed check with intent to defraud. He was held without bail.
Saturday, March 9
Defrauding an innkeeper. Edgar
John Argersinger, 60, of Huntington Beach was arrested on suspicion of defrauding an innkeeper of $950 or less. He was held without bail.
DUI. A 36-year-old Laguna Beach man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He was held on $2,500 bail.
Bench warrant. David Dominick Murano, 66, of Laguna Beach was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant. He was held without bail.
Sunday, March 10
DUI. A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He was held on $2,500 bail. Carrying a concealed firearm inside a vehicle, DUI. Efren Andrade, 37, of Ontario was arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed firearm inside a vehicle, drunk driving and blowing on or over 0.08 percent blood alcohol level. He was held without bail.
Trespassing. Edward Patrick Schillizzi, 68, of Laguna Beach was arrested on suspicion of occupying property without consent. He was held without bail.
Monday, March 11
Disorderly conduct. Sean Alexander
Baity, 45, of Los Angeles was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct due to being intoxicated by drugs. He was held without bail.
Disorderly conduct. Edward Craig Kuhlman, 58, was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct due to alcohol. He was held on $500 bail.
Tuesday, March 12
No arrests reported.
Wednesday, March 13
Bench warrant. Kevin Steven Garcia, 19, of Garden Grove, was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant. He was held without bail.
Bench warrant. Byron Scott Curry, 38, of Irvine was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant. He was held without bail.
Bench warrant. Salvatore Edward Guido, 55, of Long Beach was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant. He was held without bail.
Possession of a controlled substance. Jordan Garcia Gutierrez, 24, of Santa Ana was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance. He was held on $2,500 bail.
This is a drive-thru event with a limited amount of pre -bagged STA certified compost.
Proof of Laguna Beach residency is required.
Bags are limited to 4 bags per household and are approximately 25 pounds each.
Supplies are limited and will be available on a first come, first serve basis for Laguna Beach residents only. For questions, please contact the Recycling and Solid Waste Division at (949) 464-6677. Visit the City’s website at www.lagunabeachcity.net/recycling for more information. This program is not for commercial use.
Mean Girls
identity. It contains strong themes and deals with these issues authentically through humor and a moving and impactful resolution.
“I am so beyond proud of the nearly 60 students involved in this production both on and behind the stage, many of which have been working on this since December,”
Minguez Marshall said, “We have engaged in fruitful conversations about the world of high school today and its impact on student’s mental health, as well as the importance of supporting your friends and standing up for what’s right. We hope the audience enjoys this epic story.”
The LBHS counseling team, along with the production team and cast, are even hosting talkbacks this week for students who have attended the show and want to dive into more discussion about the material.
Lauren Norrix, a junior and cheerleader at LBHS, plays Cady Heron. Senior and powerhouse vocalist TJ Simmons joins her as Regina George and a cast that commands the audience’s attention through every moment of the story.
“Playing Cady in my high school’s production of Mean Girls has been a highlight of my high school experience,” Norrix said, “Everyone is so talented, and we (cast and crew) have
worked so hard to bring this to life. We’re having a great time, and we hope you come to see the show.”
The quality of this production from beginning to end is astounding, which speaks not only to the brilliant creative choices of MinguezMarshall, the vocal direction of LBHS Musical Theatre teacher Lindsey Parker, and the rest of the production team but also the sheer level of talent in the cast and the crew. As an ensemble, the entire cast has a strength that prompted many audience members in attendance last weekend to liken their performance
to professional-level productions.
Shannon Hardin, a parent of one of the cast members, said, “LBHS Theatre’s current musical Mean Girls is just as good as you would see on Broadway. This level of production from a high school is stunning. From start to finish, you will be entertained.
It’s funny and sweet, with a touching portrayal of teenage angst. They have pulled off a truly brilliant rendition of this show. It is a must-see.”
Elizabeth Tedrow, a dance instructor at Broadway Arts Studio in Lake Forest who attended the production
last Sunday, said, “This production of Mean Girls definitely made fetch happen. The singing, dancing and acting are outstanding, and there is more than enough reason to make your way to see this incredible show.”
You can still see Mean Girls at the LBHS Artist’s Theatre this coming weekend, with shows on March 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. and March 17 at 2 p.m. The show is rated PG-13 due to mature themes and language. Ticket prices range from $10-25, are available in advance and online only, and can be purchased via GoFan at https://bit.ly/LBMeanGirlsTix.
LBHS’s performance of Mean Girls continues through March 17. Photo courtesy of LBHS Theatre
By LyNeTTe BRAsFIeLD
OBITUARY:
GUEST OPINION: DEAR SUSI Q
The Delight of Learning New Things, No Matter Our Age
Contrary to what Sherlock Holmes told Dr. Watson in “The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone,” “I am a brain, Watson. The rest of me is a mere appendix,” Kristen Maahs-Kohlberg, Associate Director of the Community Outreach team at Alzheimer’s Orange County, notes that the food we consume makes a major difference to our mental health.
Her upcoming presentation, Brain
Marcel Pitz: Owner of Dizz’s As Is Restaurant
It is with heavy hearts that the Pitz, McConnell and O’Keefe families announce the passing of Marcel Pitz, cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather.
Marcel was born on April 1, 1937, in Belgium and peacefully departed on March 3, 2024, at the age of 86, in Laguna Beach, Calif. He leaves behind his daughters Line O’Keefe and Chantale McConnell and son Dominic Pitz, all of Laguna Beach. He was preceded in passing by his wife, Monique, and his son, Marc Pitz.
Marcel is fondly remembered by his grandchildren; Michael, Adrian, Nicholas, Nathan, Nolan, Taylor, Makenna, Mason, Anika, Mia and Karina as well as his great-grandchildren Victoria, Valerie, McKayla, Harper and Charlotte, and yes, one great-great-granddaughter Gigi, Additionally, he is survived by several nieces, nephews and other family members across United States, Canada and Europe.
Marcel’s culinary journey began at the Liege Culinary School in Belgium. Marcel immigrated to Montreal, Canada, in 1957, where he met the love of his life, Monique Verpaelst. They had two daughters and one on the way when they moved to Laguna Beach in 1964 for the incredible
Food: Nutrition for a Healthier Mind, to be held on March 20 at the Susi Q, focuses only on the edible. But of course, it’s also important to feed fresh information to our little grey cells. Sherlock had a point.
It’s amazing the new things that we learn even into our sixties and beyond. Oh, and the things we have to unlearn.
For example, I was conned by books I read in kindergarten into thinking that when the sun went down, birds snuggled down into their nests for a good night’s sleep, waking in the morning to a brand-new day – and, if they were up early enough, enjoyed the pleasures of nice juicy worms.
it all started in 1889 when brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin founded their world-famous tire company. To help motorists develop their trips - thereby boosting car and tire sales - the brothers produced a small red guide filled with handy information for travelers, such as maps, information on how to change a tire, and where to fill up with fuel.
Eventually, that morphed into a guidebook for the finest restaurants and their star rating system.
Who knew? I didn’t.
weather after visiting Marcel’s parents there on a vacation. Marcel started his culinary profession in Laguna at Victor Hugo’s as a sous chef and then opened Dizz’s As Is Restaurant in Laguna Beach. They transformed the establishment into a beloved landmark for the last 40 years, serving exquisite continental cuisine in a charming 1920s cottage. He inherited his passion for the culinary arts from his father Richard Pitz, an esteemed pastry chef in Belgium. Instead of following in his father’s footsteps as a pastry chef, he decided he didn’t want to wake up at 2 a.m. to start baking bread. Instead, his saucier expertise led to Dizz’s success, where he crafted unforgettable sauces that became synonymous with Dizz’s legacy. Dizz’s stands as the oldest continuously operated restaurant in Laguna Beach, maybe even Orange County, under the same ownership, a testament to Marcel’s dedication and culinary prowess.
When Marcel wasn’t working hard, he also enjoyed the great outdoors. He loved camping, backpacking, fishing, hunting and skiing with friends and family. He was one with nature and could get himself out of any predicament, no matter how lost he may have been. He was a true adventurer. In addition, he loved sports, especially “futbol,” also known as soccer, which he loved playing, coaching, refereeing, watching, but most of all yelling at the refs because we know how many bad calls they made. Marcel actually started the AYSO program in Laguna Beach with a few other futbol enthusiasts.
Being born on April Fool’s Day made him the jokester he was. he was always playing jokes and laughing all the time right up until the end with his little wink to me.
Marcel will truly be missed by all.
A celebration of life will be held March 17 at 2 p.m. at Victoria Beach, with Dizz’s to follow.
Come to find out – only in the last few weeks! – that no, the only time birds sleep in nests is when they sit on their eggs or keep their chicks warm. At night, they sleep in trees or bushes or wherever they feel safest.
Maybe – in fact, I’m pretty sure –most of you already knew that! I’m ashamed to admit that I really didn’t. Maybe you have some similar experiences, though?
I mean, did you know that the Great Wall of China isn’t visible from space? That St. Patrick was born in Scotland, not Ireland?
I’m not embarrassed that I didn’t know why the Michelin Guide is called the Michelin Guide, but I do wonder why I hadn’t been puzzled before – after all, the Michelin logo, literally a roly-poly figure with several spare tires, hardly reflects the image of a fine diner.
According to the Michelin website,
GUEST OPINION:
And here’s a fact that really stunned me. This, from 23andMe: Researchers identified one genetic marker associated with feeling rage at the sound of other people chewing. Your genetic variants at this marker are associated with about average odds of having this trait.
I have it, all right. Of course, it depends on who is chewing and what they’re chewing. But how amazing that such a tendency is genetically predictable.
Regardless – eat those blueberries, devour that salmon, and crunch those nuts (just when I’m not around). And remember, you don’t have to read an encyclopedia to learn new facts and stimulate those synapses. Instead, I strongly recommend joining book, bridge, and mahjong clubs and discussion groups – there are a number of opportunities at the Susi Q to keep your brain active and nourished. Just check out the programs and classes by visiting www.thesusiq.org. See you at the Susi Q!
Vote for Joanna Weiss for Congress
By COTTIe PeTRIe-NORRIs, KATRINA FOLey, AsHLeIGH AITKeN AND sue KeMPF
Whether you serve in Congress, the State Legislature, on the Board of Supervisors, or in local office, serving as an elected official requires a deep level of collaboration, trustworthiness, reliability, and an understanding of our community’s needs. That’s why we endorse and plan to vote for Joanna Weiss to represent us in Congress on Tuesday.
she believes in the promise of Orange County.
Throughout her career, Joanna served her community with pro bono work, fighting for seniors, students with special needs, and survivors of domestic violence. She also taught our next generation at Chapman University School of Law. Joanna founded Women for American Values and Ethics (WAVE), a nonprofit organization that organizes residents on both sides of the aisle around our most critical issues: reproductive rights, voting rights, protecting democracy, and climate change. Joanna Weiss’s leadership in our community and her legal career led to her receiving several awards and recognitions, including the Anti-Defamation League’s Marcus
Born and raised in Orange County, Joanna graduated from UCLA and USC School of Law, where she was an editor of the Southern California Law Review. After law school, Joanna and her husband of 25 years chose to make their family’s home right here because WEISS, PAGE 18
Community Pool
PAGE 1
swim and accessibility for young children, in addition to how much more the city would be able to provide the community given a larger pool, but LBUSD did not make any concessions with the city and have moved forward with this project regardless of city needs.
“They said, ‘No, they voted on a 50-meter pool. They plan to build a 50-meter pool.’ It’s also very clear that not only are they going to build a 50-meter pool, they are going to pay for it themselves,” said Kempf. “… They are happy to have our contribution, but just to be clear, they are going to build their own pool, and they are going to pay for it themselves if we choose not to contribute.”
Despite the city staff ’s informal survey results showing a relatively even split between community preferences, the majority of public commentary was opposed to working alongside LBUSD, with concerns focused on the city’s ability to impact the expansion project.
“We are behind the times with this aged pool and the use of running multiple programs at the same time,” said resident Leilani Fitzgerald. “This pool means so much to the young … and older families in the community. I would love to be able to swim while my kids are practicing, but there is
GUEST OPINION:
room for water polo, swim team and lap swim at the same time.”
Between October 2023 and March 2024, approximately 45 residents wrote to the city council, with a majority opposing the expansion of the 50-meter pool, expressing concerns about accessibility for children and the aging population as LBUSD’s pool expansion would not include shallow lanes or options for a children’s pool or splash pad.
“That $90 million does nothing to educate our children whose math scores have dropped down to 50% of all high school students are meeting math standards, which is a far cry from when you were there when we were 58%, which still is not ideal…” said resident Sheri Morgan. “So none of these new dollars that they’re using for this pool has anything to do with our education of our students. As a city council, please think of the big picture and serve our elderly community and our youngest, but don’t let the superintendent decide the future of this town.”
As the city navigates alternatives, including crucial consideration for capital and operating costs and the impact on the existing aquatics program, the issue remains open for discussion, with deliberations expected in the coming weeks.
Prepare Your Pets for Rattlesnake Season
By DR. MATHeW COHeN AND DR. ROXANNe KRuGeR, LAGuNA BeACH VeTeRINARy MeDICAL CeNTeR
Rattlesnakes are most active from April to October and sedentary during the winter to conserve energy.
Snakes are scared of humans. Bites occur out of fear and are usually secondary to being accidentally touched or stepped on. They’re most active at dawn, dusk and night and generally try to avoid the warmest parts of the day. Rattlesnakes are found in brush, hiking trails, marshlands, sunny
areas, under rocks, trees and sticks.
Not all rattlesnake bites are venomous.
In some cases, they only give a warning bite and do not activate their fangs that hold the venom.
Symptoms of a rattlesnake bite in humans and dogs include bruising in the bite area, two puncture marks, pain, swelling of the bite area, and bleeding at the location of the bite. Bites are treated with antivenin.
Rattlesnake Safety Tips:
When walking in nature, stay alert and avoid tall grass, weed and brushy areas. Shake out sleeping bags and tents before using them, never hike alone and wear long pants and boots.
Do not let your dog off leash during rattlesnake season and in high brush areas or around hiking trails. If you see a snake in the wild, do not touch or taunt it.
Dog Rattlesnake Bites:
Dogs are most commonly bitten in the face or leg. The face is the number one area, as dogs “look with their noses.” The second most common area is the legs, as they are low to the ground, and when dogs are walking or running, this is the closest area to
Stop by Coast Hardware Today. Let's Build Something Together.
GUEST OPINION:
Ireland Then and Now
By NessA KAVANAGH
In 90s Ireland, gender separated our secondary schools, and the Catholic Church governed 95% of our educational institutions. Some of our teachers were nuns, who we referred to by their official title of “sister.” Many nuns made important contributions to Irish society; however, others, such as those in my school, held influential positions of power and adopted an authoritarian approach over their students, instilling fear and control through reli-
gious doctrine. My village was over 1,400 years old in Dublin, Ireland. The nuns resided in a magnificent 170-year-old gothic-style convent that adjoined our community church - both symbolized our village’s spectacular architecture, deep catholic faith and Celtic monastic history.
In 1845, Ireland suffered Europe’s most severe food crisis of the century; an estimated one million Irish men, women, and children starved to death during The Potato Famine, and approximately two million Irish fled their beloved homeland in “coffin ships” bound for North America. 30% dying on route. In 1857, amidst the famine recovery efforts, many nuns were invited to educate the impoverished girls of the region. While the nuns lived in the comfort of the village convent, most of the struggling community outside continued to suffer, working tirelessly to rebuild their lives and feed their families.
In Ireland, drinking alcohol is deeply ingrained in our social culture and closely tied to our customs and family gatherings. Age-old traditions such as “around the house” are still in place, where poetry and singing are shared in turn by one pub patron to
another. Years before Irish children reach the legal drinking age of 18, they are often very familiar with the pub environment through gatherings such as Sunday dinners, weddings, christenings, and wakes after funerals.
My first taste of alcohol was at the age of 12. I found myself in defiance against the “pledge,” a Catholic oath of alcohol abstinence that was a requirement for most Irish schoolchildren to take. I grabbed a bottle of gin and took a swig; it tasted awful, but asserting my non-compliance with an out-of-integrity system felt good. As teenagers in the ‘90s, my friends and I occasionally took a two-hour bike ride with a six-pack in tow to the waterfalls, rivers, and lakes of Sally Gap in the Wicklow Mountains. There, we improvised a “blood brothers” ceremony, swearing an oath to bond each other as sister and brother for life. On occasion, someone would pass a spliff of hash; Hard street drugs had not infiltrated our circle.
My mother’s upbringing was humble - born in 1945 in the countryside of Redgap, Dublin; she shared a small cottage with her five sisters in one bedroom and her parents and three
brothers in another. Another brother slept on a “settle bed” in the kitchen while her grandfather, created by a petition, slept in the next room. Her daily routine involved fetching water from a well, bathing from a basin, and enduring the harsh Irish winters by layering clothes to keep warm and with no indoor plumbing. My father worked as an electrician, and he was born in the heart of Dublin’s most historic urban working-class neighborhoods, “the Liberties.” He left school at 15 to learn his trade. My mother, too, left school early to enroll in a trade school. At age 14, she was finally old enough to escape the frequent abuse she and her classmates endured from the nuns; once, her arm broke from a daily beating with a chair spindle when she was just seven years old.
Growing up in Dublin was not for the faint-hearted. Our city faced a rising problem of street drugs and violence, which was always lurking in the shadows. By 1997, I had left. I was a youth ballet dancer, and my instructor recommended I write applications to schools overseas. At 17 years old, I moved to England
IRELAND, PAGE 17
The silent auction includes gift cards to local restaurants and boutiques, kids camps, unique experiences, and more!
your bids raise funds that help make the LBUSD student experience above & beyond.
Ireland
PAGE 16
alone to pursue a scholarship offer to a college in London.
I later learned that some of the childhood friends I had left behind fell victim to the violent crime. One tragically got murdered, and another, my blood brother, was severely slashed in a knife attack. We were kids full of spirit and with immense grit who adjusted instinctively to the hands we were dealt, mine like millions of my Irish ancestors before me, leading me abroad.
In 2021, the nuns of Clondalkin Village ignored a community-wide plea to protect the cherished Convent site from a proposed €30 million development project. Despite the community’s desperate outreach, the nuns sold the coveted land to an immigrant investment program. This prompts the question: Are nuns in Ireland still prioritizing their authority over the wishes of the community they serve?
Nessa Kavanagh is a Clinical Addiction Interventionist and the founder of www.lagunaintervention. com. She lives in Laguna Beach, California, and is an advocate for children in sports.
Crier
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light refreshments, a free art workshop for kids, entertainment, garden tours, a bee presentation and a plant sale.
Free parking and a shuttle to the event is available at The Church Of Christ Science, 635 High Drive, Laguna Beach. No reservations required.
For more information, go to www. HortenseMillerGarden.org.
Susi Q Offers Free Tech Support on Thursdays: Special March Presentation to Focus on iPhone Settings
Susi Q offers free tech support for all ages at the Center, 380 Third Street, every Thursday between 12 and 2. No appointment is necessary. All ages are welcome.
Lorraine Hornby is part of the team that volunteers its time at the Susi Q to help locals who find themselves flummoxed by the complexities of our computerized existence.
“There’s no reason to be embarrassed about what you don’t know about your phone and other devices,” Hornby stressed. “We’re carrying around powerful computers, and it can be overwhelming at times to attempt to comprehend their capabilities.”
The volunteer team answers a wide range of questions.
“Recently, I helped someone nav-
igate the DMV website to renew her driver’s license. We can help people find a file they’ve lost or organize their information on their laptops,” Hornby said.
Her best advice is simple: the most important thing is to slow down, take time to read error or odd messages, and not “just keep tapping.”
Hornby will give a special presentation titled “Tech Talk: Understanding Important iPhone Settings” on Thursday, March 28, from 1 to 2 p.m.
For more information, visit www. thesusiq.org. To RSVP by phone, call 949-715-8105, or email christineb@ thesusiq.org. Class size limited to 25 students.
Laguna Beach Business Club 2024 Speaker Series: Private Investigator Daniel Mulrenin
The Laguna Beach Business Club has announced its March 21 meeting speaker and private investigator Daniel Mulrenin. The LBBC holds monthly breakfast meetings starting at 7:30 a.m. and hosts speakers that discuss topics valuable to achieving success in your personal and professional lives.
Mulrenin will recount the details of his crucial involvement in the Rayford/Glass case investigation, spearheaded by the nonprofit organization Innocence OC. This led to the release and exoneration of two innocent men from 17 years of imprisonment.
After being honorably discharged from the United States Marines as a sergeant, Mulrenin became a police officer for the Los Angeles Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant after 28 years. In addition to various roles with LAPD, Mulrenin served as a detective working burglary, crimes against persons, street, and major narcotics cases, and detective commanding officer and officer-in-charge of LAPD’s Abused Child Unit.
Mulrenin’s expertise extended beyond LAPD as he served on a task force with the FBI, LASO and Orange County Sheriff ’s Department. He later became the officer-in-charge of LAPD’s Bomb K9 Unit, overseeing administration, training, and deployment of 25 Bomb K9 Teams as well as managing the explosive bunker at LAX. Transitioning into the private sector, Mulrenin has been a private investigator for 15 years and is a member of the Los Angeles Superior Court of Private Investigators. He has handled numerous cases involving robbery, multiple murders, and other criminal and civil matters.
Mulrenin and his wife have been Laguna Beach residents for 27 years. Club meetings begin with a buffet breakfast and brief networking roundtable. Meetings are hosted at Nirvana Kitchen + Pantry, 303 Broadway St., # 101, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Non-members are welcome! The non-member guest fee is $30 payable by
or
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
4/8 GILBERT O’SULLIVAN
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 / JACK TEMPCHIN
4/25 ISRAEL VIBRATION & Roots Radics 4/26 FIVE FOR FIGHTING wi
4/27 KIDS OF CHARLEMAGNE (S T eely D a N T ribu T e )
4/28 BOB ANDERSON (F ra NK S i N aT ra T ribu T
5/4 STEVE TYRELL
5/5 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS
5/7 BLUES TRAVELER
5/8 JUDY COLLINS
5/9 CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO
5/11 PAT BOONE
5/15 MR BIG - The Big Finish Tour
5/17 JOHN CRUZ
5/18 VENICE
5/19 THE LETTERMEN
5/22 THE WAILERS
5/24 DSB (J our N ey T ribu T e )
5/26 BLACKHAWK
5/31 YACHTY BY NATURE
6/1 STEELHEART
6/6 HOWIE DAY
6/7 ROBERT JON & The Wreck
6/9 GARY HOEY
6/14 AMBROSIA
6/15 CHEST FEVER (T he b a ND T ribu T e )
6/16 ELVIN BISHOP - Big Fun Trio
6/21 DESPERADO
6/22 DESPERADO
6/29 SKELETON CREW ( g raT e F ul D ea D T ribu T e )
7/5 WALTER MICHAELS BAND
7/6 SHINE ON
7/13 FAST TIMES - T he u lT imaT e 80 S T ribu T e !
7/20 Y&T
7/27 BOB SCHNEIDER
7/28 BOBBY GRAY
GUEST OPINION: PET PEEVES
Hi Neighbor
By MARK D. CRANTZ
The Laguna Beach Unified School District released its 2023 Annual Report. I got this report by mail. It said, “Hi, Neighbor.” The postman parroted, “Hi, neighbor,” when he handed it to me and added, “$20, please.” I gasped. “What? Did the school district send this report COD (collect on delivery)?’’ The postman
chuckled. “No, no. It’s a suggested tip for delivering you good news. The kids are getting educated, and the schools are financially healthy. Good news, right? $20 please.”
Well, the postman always rings twice, I thought. I had never heard of tipping for good news. I probably should just hand over the $20 and be done with it. I don’t get much good news. Tipping could only amount to $40, $60 a year at most. “Well…you know…I got a better idea,” I said. “I’ll give you $20 if you give me $20 every time I get bad news.” The postman winced. “Cannot do, bro. I’ve seen your mail. If I agreed, I would be as bankrupt as the US Post Office. Look, I just want to keep pace with the coffee baristas.”
The report emphasized going beyond basic reading, writing and arithmetic. The school district shared its Living Library Initiative. “The Laguna Beach Unified School District invites the public to share their knowledge and life stories to foster a new generation of informed learners and leaders. The Living Library connects students with local experts
for brief sessions designed to cultivate a love for learning and curiosity. It allows students to explore various subjects and career paths, enhancing their education with real-world perspectives and tailored interactions.”
Sounds good, right? You’ve lived a lifetime. You probably have a lifetime of regrets, sorrows, misadventures and resulting jail time. Why not explain to kids how the deck is stacked against them? They’re never going to get ahead. The Man will keep them under their thumb with mortgages embedded by heavy laden interest; there will be ever-rising property taxes, irrespective of market value, then a lifetime paying tuition costs, and finally, another generation that will never leave home they now only dream of. Yes, let’s rip off the band-aid and tell them now.
I think I’ll volunteer. I participated once in this kind of initiative. Back in the 80s, I worked at a not-for-profit teaching hospital HMO. The Illinois HMO Executives Association hired a group of retired business executives to mentor working HMO employees and share their expertise in business,
marketing, and accounting practices. My assigned mentor was a retired marketing vice president of Spiegel Catalog. He was a nice man, regaling me with marketing stories peppered with advice. After a few months, my boss asked me how the mentoring was going. I knew this was a favored highlevel project, so I looked my boss in the eye and said, “He sure knows his marketing. In my marketing presentations, he has suggested to stand very still in my underwear, just like the catalogs required in his day.” Of course, this advice was never given, but it was the story I told the boss to suggest my time could be better spent elsewhere.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m in support of the Living Library Initiative. I’ve been stretching and folding myself to fit on a library shelf to wait for a teenager to check out a guy filled with many stories with perhaps a smattering of good advice between the pages of life.
Crantz tells the Indy that the stretching is easier than the folding up part. He asks organizers for a low library shelf. It will help.
cash/check payable to the Laguna Beach Business Club the day of the meeting. Space is limited. Guests, be sure to receive RSVP confirmation. For more information about the LBBC or to register to attend the meeting please either visit our website at lagunabeachbusinessclub.com or write at: Info@ LagunaBeachBusinessClub.com.
Laguna Art Museum upcoming events
Educator Night – Saturday, March 28 at 4:45 p.m.
Join Laguna Art Museum for our upcoming Educator Night! Educators will have the museum to themselves for an exclusive look at our new museum exhibitions, fun art-making activities and a chance to meet new educator friends. Leave with a free museum catalog, enter a raffle to win more prizes, and sign up free to a museum program. More information can be found at this link.
Jean Stern Presents: The Life and Art of Donna Schuster – Sunday, April 14 at 10 a.m.
In this lecture, art historian and LAM Curatorial Fellow Jean Stern will discuss the life and art of Donna Norine Schuster (18831953) in a slide-illustrated lecture. Schuster was a superb artist born into a wealthy family in Milwaukee. While many other women artists of
her generation could not get steady representation and income from a commercial art gallery, Schuster’s income was secure and as such, she was free to experiment with a variety of artistic styles. She arrived in Los Angeles in 1913 and quickly became a member of the California Art Club and in 1918, the Laguna Beach Art Association. She maintained homes in Los Angeles and for a while in Laguna Beach. She was proficient in oil paint and watercolor. The Life and Art of Donna Schuster comprises about 85 images and lasts approximately 50 minutes, with time afterwards for questions. More information can be found at this link.
What’s It Worth? – Jewelry Edition – Saturday, April 20 at 1 p.m.
John Moran Auctioneers & Appraisers, in partnership with the Laguna Art Museum, invites the public to have up to five jewelry items professionally valued. Appraisers at John Moran Auctioneers will provide a verbal valuation of your treasures. Please find below a full list of items that may be valued. Items cannot be left unattended within the museum. Guests to the “What’s it Worth” may bring items (up to 5) including fine jewelry, timepieces, and costume jewelry. Photographs/cellphone images may also be evaluated if items cannot not be brought into the museum. More information can be found at this link.
Panel Discussion: The Fine Art of Jewelry – Saturday, April 20 at 11 a.m. Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring esteemed experts and connoisseurs in the realm of
jewelry. Discover the secrets behind what makes a piece of jewelry truly exceptional, learn about the market trends shaping the industry, and gain practical tips on how to protect your jewelry to ensure its longevity and enduring beauty. Whether you’re an avid collector, a budding designer, or simply passionate about the artistry of jewelry, this panel discussion is a not-to-be-missed event. Moran Auctioneers and Appraisers will value your timepieces, fine jewelry, designer jewelry, costume jewelry, etc. Visit www.lagunaartmuseum.org/ events for more information about all events.
Veterinary
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the snake. The chest is the least common but also the deadliest, as it is closer to the heart.
If your dog gets bitten, carry it and keep the bite at or above heart level to reduce blood flow to the bite area.
The Laguna Beach Veterinary Medical Center is in the process of putting together a Rattlesnake Aversion Training class at the hospital. During these classes, the dogs will work with defanged rattlesnakes to learn how to avoid the sound of a rattlesnake when heard in the wild. If people would like to sign up, they can email us at lagunabeachvetmed@gmail.com. The Laguna Beach Veterinary Medical Center is located at 1855 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach. More information is available at www.lagunabeachvet.com.
Weiss
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Kaufman Jurisprudence Award.
Like us, Joanna knows that trust is the most valuable trait required for elected officials. She has earned our trust through honesty, good judgment, and integrity.
Having a reliable partner in Congress is key to advocating for our needs specific to Orange County: growing our economy, ending homelessness, creating jobs, protecting our coast, planning our infrastructure for a sustainable future, keeping our communities safe, and protecting our rights in the face of repeated attacks.
Joanna Weiss is not just the best candidate in this primary election, she is the only candidate who can defeat Scott Baugh, the likely Republican nominee, in November. The path to Democrats regaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives runs through this district, and we must do everything we can to keep this seat blue. Fortunately, we have a great candidate Joanna Weiss, who will be a wonderful, trusted representative for us in Washington.
Cottie Petrie-Norris is a member of the California State Assembly. Katrina Foley is a member of the Orange County Board of Supervisors and Chair of the Orange County Housing Finance Trust. Ashleigh Aitken is the mayor of Anaheim, the largest city in Orange County. Sue Kempf is the mayor of Laguna Beach.
Crier
