Laguna Beach City Council Selects Dave Kiff as City Manager
By Clara Beard | LB Indy
Laguna Beach City Council tapped former Newport Beach City Manager Dave Kiff as its new city manager during its Tuesday, April 9 meeting.
After an extensive final round interview process with eight city manager candidates, council unanimously Kiff ’s employment agreement this week, with his official start date slated for May 6. His contract duration is three years with two, 1-year extensions.
“I’m really honored to be here tonight and to receive the support for the contract. I’m really looking forward to it,” Kiff said at the council meeting. “Laguna is a very special place, and a place I’ve always felt embraced and comfortable and part of the community. I think it’s so terrific, at this point in my life, to be able to work here for the first time. I’m really looking forward to it, and I’ll see you on May 6.”
Kiff has worked with California legislature, as well as several cities and counties. He spent 20 years working for the City of Newport Beach, with service for nine of those years as the city manager. At that time, Kiff managed a $300 million budget, staff of
more than 700, and a range of city services for Newport Beach.
After an early retirement from Newport Beach and following a relocation to be near family, Kiff spent several years in Sonoma County, where he has served as the Director of the County’s Homelessness Services Division.
Kiff earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the California State University, Sacramento and a master’s degree
From left to right: Laguna Beach Councilmembers Bob Whalen, Alex Rounaghi, new city manager Dave Kiff, mayor Sue Kempf, and councilmembers Mark Orgill and George Weiss at Tuesday’s city council meeting. Photo courtesy of City of Laguna Beach
in government administration from the Fels Institute at the University of Pennsylvania.
Along with receiving standard city employee benefits, Kiff ’s annual salary will be $315,000 per year, with a monthly housing assistance stipend of $1,000, a vehicle allowance of $500 per month and a wellness stipend not to exceed $1,000 per year.
“Over the past six months, we’ve learned
The Festival of Arts Foundation Laguna Beach: Nurturing Local Talent, Realizing Dreams
By Rachelle Cano, Special to the Independent
Native Laguna Beach artist, writer, curator and graphic designer Vanessa Françoise Rothe and her European family moved to Laguna shortly after she was born. The vibrant Southern California artist retreat provided the ideal backdrop for her to cultivate her artistic sensibilities and creativity, a natural path for someone born into a creative family. Everything she needed to grow and bloom surrounded her.
“Kelly
In her cozy cottage gallery on Ocean Avenue in the heart of the village, Rothe opens up to me in early April about her artistic journey, reminiscing about her childhood, flooded by vivid memories of her family’s traditional Craftsman home with lush gardens, avocado trees and the city’s inspiring landscapes and ocean views. In a Proustian fashion of evoking memory through nature, she reveals how these early impressions of life in Laguna deeply influenced her throughout her life, guiding her to the main genre she
paints today, landscapes, having been an observer in Laguna’s paradise of endless natural beauty.
The proverb, “The apple does not fall far from the tree,” describes Rothe’s life as the daughter of legendary fashion designer Detlev Peter Rothe. Rothe praises her father’s brilliance in making one-of-a-kind, handmade leather bags and custom-painted silk clothing pieces that attracted rock star musicians, Hollywood costume designers,
Local Radio Station Ushers in New Leadership
By Clara Beard | LB Indy
KXFM announced today that Billy Fried, Cindy Obrand and Jonathan Tufano, well-known Laguna residents and long-time program hosts, have been appointed to the radio station’s board of directors.
The trio will replace station founder Tyler Russell McCusker and Chapman University Dean Jerry Price, also an original member.
Fried, Obrand and Tufano will begin their leadership roles at the not-for-profit radio station, which Billy Fried will now chair, effective May 1.
KXFM was founded in 2012 by then 22-year-old Tyler Russell (McCusker), a 2011 Chapman multimedia graduate and Palm Springs-based radio personality. Tyler and the McCusker family took over a dormant radio signal in Laguna Niguel, moved the FM to Laguna Beach, and introduced an eclectic format known as generational alt rock that is still broadcasting today.
Originally staffed by professionals during the day and community volunteers at night and on weekends, the station has become a Laguna Beach icon, with more than 60 volunteers now representing all styles of music and talk, with a charter to serve the city of Laguna Beach with local news, sports, weather, culture,
RADIO, PAGE 15
FESTIVAL OF ARTS, PAGE 3
KIFF, PAGE 15
Festival of Arts
PAGE 1
and others around the world to shop for their stage attire. Once the word got out that the Rolling Stones wore their custom hand-painted clothing on stage, and that Barbara Streisand was sighted in their PCH retail store, a rush of orders followed and the buzz of owning a oneof-a-kind painted silk garment gave the business the momentum it needed to carry this artisan family.
Rothe has salient memories of her father’s booming business being a family affair, a sort of ‘all-artistic-hands-ondeck,” that meant partaking in late-night painting sessions, creating these amazing original pieces of wearable art. Her sophisticated, French mother Jacqueline Ricaud Rothe modeled the clothing that relied on her approval since according to Rothe, she was definitely a woman of style and grace with impeccable taste. Rothe had the privilege of learning how to paint on silk at the tender age of ten, stretching out the fabric panel with her small yet dexterous hands over a table, pinning the edges down, turning the fabric into a canvas. Then, a high pigment, water-based paint was used to create these avant-garde pieces. After painting was complete, each piece would be baked to set the dye. What Rothe shares with me is a departure from the usual childhood finger-painting sessions, setting the stage for an extraordinary artistic journey.
She was not only inspired watching her father build his own small business from scratch, but had others in her internal sphere, like her French grandfather, François, an engineer, who was a huge influence in her life, constantly drawing her attention to all that is beautiful and interesting, from French history, to culture, language, and landscapes.
Inspired by this, Rothe later created “The Americans in Paris”, a fine art project where she brings up to 25 collectors and students to Paris and France to teach, along with leading fine artists from America, painting, and art history workshops in France, now celebrating its eighth successful year.
As a high school student, Rothe excelled in watercolor painting and volunteered at the Pageant of the Masters, painting backgrounds and props for the summertime show. She considers working at the Pageant a rite of passage for Laguna Beach art students. She confesses that she would have loved to have been a model, but she was too busy painting, bringing the tableau vivant (living picture) to life.
She fondly remembers her art teachers, Hal Akins and Bill Darnell at Laguna Beach High who urged her to apply for the Festival of Arts (FOA) Scholarship Program, and to include one of her watercolor paintings– a vibrant and colorful image of a scene from Beauty
and the Beast–with her application. Her support system included family, friends, and teachers but it was the validation she received as a young adult when awarded a first-year scholarship from the FOA Foundation that truly empowered her to soar. The scholarship program welcomes graduating seniors who attend school in Laguna Beach and are from various artistic disciplines, including Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Writing. The foundation has awarded scholarships and grants totaling over $3.5 million.
In March, Laguna Beach High School
Pamper Mom Along the Coast
seniors submit their applications for a first-year scholarship and recipients are announced during their graduation ceremony in June.
After Rothe went away to college, the FOA scholarship became a reminder through difficult challenges, that she was a talented artist, and she could pursue her dreams.
While at the University of San Diego (USD), Rothe enjoyed playing on the Division 1 volleyball team and studying
This May 12, join us in the Pacific Promenade Ballroom and indulge in a decadent Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet. Treat the special lady in your life to Spring ParTea through May 16 with a loose-leaf tea collection by Palais des Thes, savory canapés, and refreshing tea-infused cocktails.
©2024 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C
Vanessa Rothe at the VRFA Atelier Gallery on 418 Ocean Avenue. Laguna Beach. Photo courtesy of Vanessa Rothe Fine Art Gallery
No Square Theatre Receives Festival of Arts Grant
No Square Theatre, Laguna’s local community theater, has received a $7,000 grant from the FOA Foundation. This gift will help continue support for No Square’s Theatre on the Spectrum program, which presents adapted sensory-friendly performances for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. Theatre on the Spectrum was launched in 2022 and, in its inaugural year, received a Laguna Beach Arts Alliance Art Star Awards nomination for Best Arts Program. No Square Theatre, a non-profit organization producing community theatre in Laguna Beach, provides performance opportunities and theatrical experience to local amateur performers, directors, and technical staff of all ages. In addition, No Square holds workshops designed for various ages, talents, and experiences. A typical season includes plays, musicals, concerts, several master classes with Broadway talent, and the popular musical parody of local life, Lagunatics for over 30 years. No Square Theatre is located in Historic Legion Hall, 384 Legion Street, Laguna Beach.
Earth Day Laguna Networking Event
Find out more about Earth Day and how some local groups address environmental issues on Monday, April 22, at 6:30
Town Crier
IN AND AROUND LAGUNA BEACH
Cast of “Alice By Heart” with members of the Theatre on the Spectrum audience at No Square Theatre. Photo courtesy of No Square
p.m. at the Rivian South Coast Theater. Sponsored by the education-focused Laguna Canyon Conservancy (www. LagunaCanyonConservancy.org), the public is invited to hear from presenters from the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Orange County Coastkeeper, Laguna Bluebelt Coalition, Laguna Ocean Foundation, Laguna Beach City officials, Laguna Beach High School
program will start at 6:30 p.m. There is no charge to attend, but advance reservations are needed at http://events.rivian.com/ earthdaylaguna.
Upcoming Catmosphere and LB Animal Shelter Adoption Event
Catmosphere Laguna cats and kittens will be featured for adoption at the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter, 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach On Saturday April 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adoption event dates will continue monthly throughout 2024 and are fun for the entire family with snacks and giveaways for all. Volunteer opportunties also available. The next adoption event is June 15.
FLOW (Fire, Land, Ocean, Water) teachers and students and LCAD art + sustainability program students. Short talks will be presented with accompanying videos or films on climate action, clean water, recycling, ocean and marine life protection. Groups will have information handouts and giveaways, and light refreshments will be served. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the two-hour
Catmosphere Laguna Foundation introduced Orange County’s first Cat Café & Lounge. Catmosphere Laguna Rescue is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit feline rescue that serves Laguna Beach and the surrounding communities every day of the week and is dedicated to finding forever homes for homeless, relinquished, abandoned and special-needs cats and kittens.
Contact Catmosphere Laguna Foundation at 949-619-MEOW (6369) or teamfeline@catmospherelaguna.com for more info.
CRIER, PAGE 14
California Design General Contractors
Edison Bulldozes Open Space
All Lagunans should be concerned about the Southern California Edison unpermitted grading bulldozing paths in the open space. We appreciate the updates we have received from Interim City Manager Sean Joyce, but hopefully, new City Manager Dave Kiff will insist on better compliance from Edison.
In January, the city stopped the unpermitted grading and told us that Edison agreed to use helicopters to replace wires and five utility poles in the open space west of Alta Laguna Boulevard and north of Park Avenue. However, Mr. Joyce emailed us on Wednesday, which included:
• On Monday, March 18, SCE resumed work to replace five utility poles in the open space.
• Using a helicopter to replace the poles was not viable due to the tall dense brush surrounding the poles. Edison plans to clear a small buffer area around each pole that will allow future pole maintenance to occur via helicopter.
- After the work is complete, SCE has agreed to obtain a full Coastal Development Permit.
“After the work is complete!” Is this any way to protect the “protected” open space?”
Mr. Joyce also emailed us, stating, “The Planning Commission will consider approving the Design Review and Coastal Development Permit at a notice public hearing, likely in the summer of 2024.”
The Summer 2024 Planning Commission meeting should be important for restoring the damage to the TOW open space, but it will obviously be too late to protect and minimize the damage.
The city manager and city engineer answered questions from the Top of the World Neighborhood Association (TOWNA) which included:
Q: Did the fire department know about the fire risk?
A: No.
Q: Have erosion control measures been monitored, and has the City deemed them effective?
A: The erosion control measures have been minimally effective.
Q: Can the City fence off or otherwise
discourage the public from using the Edison-graded paths as new trails in the open space?
A: Signs could be placed, although they may likely be ignored. A concern we have is that fencing may result in additional trails being created outside of the graded ones.
Q: We have yet to see a helicopter working; is that what SCE has agreed to do?
A: Use of helicopters is no longer being considered for pole replacement.
Hopefully, the new City Manager, Dave Kiff, will ensure that Edison’s work minimizes the damage to the open space before the work is complete and before the summer Planning Commission meeting.
Gene Felder, TOWNA President
LOCALS LIST!
Giving While Living
Last I read, hundreds of nonprofit organizations call Laguna Beach home. Whether your heart lies with housing and feeding the unsheltered, saving the oceans, protecting the environment, building up our public schools, growing community gardens, maintaining open space, protecting animals on land or sea, or Laguna’s legacy of supporting the arts: visual, fine, and performing, I could go on and on about the LETTERS, PAGE 15
theIndyPoll
LAST WEEK’S
QUESTION
As observed in Ann Christoph’s column last week, could South Laguna use a boost in public amenities and resources?
-Yes, 65.2% (15 votes)
-No, 34.7% (8 votes)
TOTAL VOTES: 23
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION
April is “distracted driving awareness month.” How much of an issue do you think distracted driving is in Laguna? - It’s a big issue and needs to be addressed. - It isn’t a problem in Laguna.
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 fraudulent entries and votes,
around
April 15 - Heritage Committee 6 p.m. April 17 - Planning Commission at 6 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
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
lagunabeachcity.net
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
Letters strengthen community ties and provide a community forum open to all. Due to space constraints we ask letter writers to limit their topics to local concerns, make their submissions exclusive to the Indy alone and be of 400 words or less. Letters should be submitted by Tuesday, 5 p.m. They may be edited for clarity, length or appropriateness as needed. We decline to publish letters that we perceive as personal attacks, even of public figures. We strive for civil discourse over ideas and issues, not personalities. Letter writers must supply their name and contact information. Published letters will only use the writer’s name and city of residence. E-mail letters are preferred.
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Sue Kempf Mayor skempf@lagunabeachcity.net
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Ann Marie McKay City Clerk amckay@lagunabeachcity.net
Laura Parisi City Treasurer lparisi@
DAY CAMP & SPECIALTY CAMPS
Our summer weekday camp offers a variety of experiences including:
Sports • Outdoor Activities • STEAM Activities • Field Trips • Character Development • Community Service Projects & More!
Does your camper have a special talent, hobby, or interest? We offer specialty camps to foster their passions and give them opportunities to explore new things.
ymcaoc.org/camp
HEALTHY KIDS DAY
Saturday, April 20th
Bring the whole family along for our Healthy Kids Day & Summer Kick-Off Event - a day of fun activities that celebrate kids being kids!
Plus, get a jump on planning your child’s summer adventure! Each one of our 5 fitness centers will be hosting an event! Learn more at:
ymcaoc.org/hkd
OVERNIGHT CAMPS
Camp E.L.K. and Camp Oakes
Pack your bags for a week of fun at one of our overnight camps! Have fun with friends while exploring nature and engaging in
activities that are sure to have campers learning something new, and creating memories to last a lifetime!
ymcaoc.org/camp
ADVENTURE GUIDES
The Adventure Guides program provides opportunities for families to engage in activities that promote nature, family, fun, and community. Join a father/daughter or father/son program today!
Receive
ymcaoc.org/ag
By Frank Aronoff | LB Indy
SPRING
SPORTS UPDATE
Many Laguna sports teams had to skip spring break due to the district calendar taking the traditional week later than most of the area public schools. The issue will still exist next year as the Breakers will be out-ofstep with the other Pacific Coast League schools and will face a similar scheduling challenge.
BASEBALL (9-10, 2-2)
The Breakers defeated Marina 3-1 at Skipper Carrillo Field this past Tuesday while Newport Harbor recorded a 2-0 shutout of Corona del Mar at the Tar’s diamond to send the Sunset Wave League into a 4-way tie after the completion of the first third of the league season. All teams were 2-2 entering the final two games of this week’s series. Laguna faced Marina (2-2, 8-11) at the Vikings field on April 10 and at Skipper Carrillo Field on April 12. Next week, Laguna has three games with Corona del Mar (11-8, 2-2) and concludes the league schedule with three games with Newport Harbor (2-2, 8-11) on April 22, 23 and 25.
Against Marina on Tuesday, the
Sports/Schools
SUBMISSIONS WELCOME BY 5 PM TUESDAY
Breakers got on the board early in the first inning as Becker Sybirski walked at the team’s first at-bat with Logan Pointon’s sacrifice, sending Becker to second. Noah Neufeld singled to right and the Breakers took the initial lead and never looked back. Two more runs were added in the third while Marina’s run came in the 6th as an error gave the Vikings a runner followed by a hit by pitch adding a second player on-base. Laguna pulled off a double play but then gave up the run off a 2-out single. Branson Wade struck out the final Marina batter to end their rally. Wade got into trouble in the final inning, giving up two hits after two outs, but a flyout ended the game, proving Laguna the big win.
Last Friday at Newport, the Tars had a big fourth inning to defeat Laguna 4-1. The Breakers had six hits but could not match their hosts in runs. Last week’s win over Corona del Mar on April 3 was the first for Laguna against the Sea Kings since 2005.
As of this past Tuesday, Laguna was 14-35 against CdM (1-11 in Sunset era), 11-22 versus Newport (8-5 in Sunset era) and 6-9 against Marina all-time (6-8 in Sunset era).
Statistical Leaders through 19 games: Batting Average - .352 Noah
Neufeld ; Hits: 19 – Neufeld; Doubles: 4 – Dylan Yencho and Noah Neufeld; Runs scored: 9 – Lincoln Adams and Becker Sybirski; RBI’s: 11 – Neufeld; Innings Pitch:49.2 – Becker Sybirski; ERA: 1.91– Branson Wade (W3, L2); Strikeouts 55 – Becker Sybirski
BOYS GOLF (3-8, 0-3)
Laguna dropped a 231-192 Sunset Wave League match to Newport Harbor on April 4 at El Niguel Country Club, par 36. Tyler Richardson from the Tars earned match medalist honors, shooting an even-par round of 36. The low score for Laguna came from Kiyan Arshadi with a 38 (+2). The other Breaker scores were Davis Dix 44, Hudson Mills 48, Chase Tyson 50 and Russell Franconi-Krychman 51. The Breakers return to the links on April 11 at Huntington Beach and are at Corona del Mar on April 16. Laguna returns to the local course on April 18 with Marina.
GIRLS LACROSSE (12-1, 0-1)
Unlike most of Laguna’s sports teams, the squad rescheduled their league game with Edison from April 9 to April 25 so they could have a spring break. The next league game is April 16 at Los Alamitos (1-0, 8-4). Last Thursday, April 4 , Laguna defeated
Sage Hill 20-4 at Guyer Field.
SSCIF D3 Poll for April 8: 1 –Glendale, 2 – Temecula Valley, 3 – San Marcos, 4 – Orange Lutheran, 5 – Laguna Beach, 6 – ML King, 7 –Murrieta Valley, 8 – Saugus, 9 – Aliso Niguel, 10 – Cate, Others: Great Oak, Northwood, Roosevelt, Thatcher.
GIRLS BEACH VOLLEYBALL (0-5, 5-8)
Laguna entered two pairs teams to the Sunset Surf League pairs tournament this past Tuesday with Layla Kollock/Hannah Miller falling to Edison #4s 21-8, 21-15 and Elle Jumani/ Zoey Bond losing to Newport’s #1 team Stevie Henderson/Vlad Kotzakov 21-19, 21-10. Edison’s Summer Witherby/Sammy Wood won the Surf League title.
SWIMMING (Boys: 0-2, 0-5, Girls: 0-2, 1-4)
The final 2024 season dual meet is April 16, when the squad hosts Marina at the Laguna Community Pool.
BOYS TENNIS (2-2, 2-9)
The team was off since April 2 due to the spring break. The scheduled league match with Marina during the
SPORTS, PAGE 18
• 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 Billy Fried
OPINION:
Welcome Home KXRN, Laguna’s Community Radio GUEST
Back during the holidays, I wrote a Christmas column saying I only wanted our beloved little radio station to survive. It was struggling due to unexpected market forces. But I knew the underlying asset was golden, and I didn’t want to risk losing a cherished and virtually impossible to get FCC broadcast license. Well,
Christmas came late this year, and I’m happy to report I’ve been showered with a humongous gift.
Beginning in May, I will be taking over active management of the station, as well as Cindy Obrand and Jonathan Tufano, two DJs who have been with the station from the git-go and are as passionate
about community radio as I am. I will serve as Chairman of the Board. Our founder, Tyler McCusker, is graciously handing us the reins as he pursues other ventures, and I want to thank him and his family for the decade of work they put in to enable our small community to have its very own low-powered FM radio station. That’s just so cool.
Some think radio is an anachronism, made redundant and irrelevant by the internet and its multitude of streaming services. But we vehemently disagree because terrestrial radio has a vital and almost sacred role in fostering and building community. No other medium has the immediacy radio can provide. No other medium can keep us as safe, informed, unified and surprised and delighted as radio.
Ask anyone who lives in a small town lucky enough to have their own radio station, and they will tell you that their life is enriched by it. It’s where they go for community news, culture, entertainment, the arts, public affairs, and to delight in the musical discoveries that their neighbors curate for them. Radio can energize and activate a town, keep you informed of happenings, of celebration, of emergencies. And, of course, make us feel more connected and less alone.
Call or visit your local financial advisor today
Angela L Choo, CRPS™ Financial Advisor
5.30 5.25 5.05 3-Month 6-Month 1-Year
1100 South Coast Highway 219 Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-497-5349 Call or visit your local financial advisor today
Angela L Choo, CRPS™ Financial Advisor
1100 South Coast Highway 219 Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949-497-5349
*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 04/08/24. 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). 5.30 5.25 5.05 3-Month 6-Month 1-Year
Laguna is particularly ripe for this medium. Our secluded location means we receive precious few radio signals from surrounding communities. Yet our diverse little town has an unbelievable roster of radio talent (many who came from major markets) who volunteer their time to do what they love – create magic in the studio, and put it out over the ether and into your ears. We have over 60 people doing this for free. How many other industries can boast that? My guess is none. That’s the pixie dust of radio.
*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 04/08/24. 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).
KXRN Laguna Beach is secure for now. In the coming months, we will keep you apprised of the changes that will make the station even more hyper local, with the goal of making it an indispensable communication and information portal for our community. We will program more community shows that cover the panoply of Laguna life. And we will recruit you and your neighbors to share your gifts and talents over the airways.
We will deliver more highbrow music, more radio theater, more storytelling from our gifted writers, more laughs, more local arts and entertainment, more health and wellness, more on our local food scene, more hometown sports like surfing, mountain biking and skateboarding, more high school sports, more youth shows, more weather, community affairs, politics, and even cultural offerings from surrounding areas. And much more live, remote broadcasting from every nook and cranny of this remarkable place.
We want to be an invaluable guide for visitors, including advice on how to behave and not clog our roadways or neighborhoods. We want to be a critical partner to our local merchants and cultural institutions and, most importantly, a critical communication beacon for our police, fire, and marine safety personnel. One thing we won’t be is opinionated or biased, but instead, we
Wednesday, April 3
Forging anofficial seal. Ramsey Adam Bilbeisi, 43, Placentia was arrested on suspicion of forging an official seal which is a felony. He was held on $20,000 bail.
Possessing a controlled substance, theft. Michelle Brigette Goodman, 56, of Lakewood was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance, theft and appropriation of lost property. She was held without bail.
Carrying loaded firearm, possessing a controlled substance, carrying a concealed firearm in vehicle, transporting a controlled substance.
Christian Robert Mcelroy, 19, of Oceanside was arrested on suspicion of carrying a loaded firearm not registered with the owner, possessing over 28.5 grams of marijuana, possessing a controlled substance while armed, carrying a concealed firearm in vehicle, transporting a controlled substance. He was held on $45,000 bail.
Battery, destroying a wireless device, robbery. Dakota Keith Poplet, 22, of Laguna Niguel, was arrested on suspicion of battery on spouse, date, etc., destroying a wireless device
Street Beat
and felony robbery. He was held on $30,000 bail.
Court order violation. Dakota Keith Poplet of Laguna Niguel was arrested on suspicion of violating a court order to prevent a domestic. He was held without bail.
Battery, violating a court order, false imprisonment. Dakota Keith Poplet, 22, of Laguna Beach, was arrested on suspicion of on suspicion of battery on spouse, date, etc., violating a court order to prevent domestic battery on a person and false imprisonment. He was held on $11,000 bail.
Thursday, April 4
Resisting arrest. Bradley James Thresher, 38, of Mission Viejo, was arrested on suspicion of resisting a police officer. He was held without bail.
Parole violation. Charles Thomas Miller, 69, of Santa Ana was arrested on suspicion of a felony parole violation. He was held without bail.
Friday, April 5
Resisting arrest. Bradley James Thresher, 38, of Mission Viejo, was arrested on suspicion of resisting a police officer. He was held without bail.
Parole violation. Charles Thomas Miller, 69, of Santa Ana was arrested on suspicion of a felony parole violation. He was held without bail.
Saturday, April 6
No arrests recorded.
Sunday, April 7
DUI. A 56-year-old Laguna Beach woman was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. She was held on $2,500 bail.
DUI. A 46-year-old Santa Ana man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He was held on $2,500 bail. Trespassing. Johnathan Christian Hattaway, 46, of Santa Ana was arrested on suspicion of trespassing. He was held without bail.
Monday, April 8
Possessing a controlled substance, bringing a controlled substance into jail and identity theft. Krystal Joy Adams, 39, of Victorville, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance, bringing a controlled substance into a jail and identity theft. She was held on $20,500 bail.
Driving on a suspended license.
Vincent Lamont Robinson, 41, of Victorville, was arrested on suspicion of driving on a suspended license. He was held without bail.
Obstruction of a police officer, possessing a controlled substance and occupying property without consent. Joshua Tyrone Webster, 47, of Costa Mesa was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a police officer, possessing a controlled substance and occupying property without consent. He was held without bail.
Possessing a controlled substance, DUI. Darrian Robinson, 30, of Long Beach, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled narcotic, possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence of drugs. He was held without bail.
Tuesday, April 9
Identity theft, possession of a controlled narcotic, possession of burglary tools, possession of a controlled narcotic, and making a vehicle key. Luis Bojorquez, 40, of Long Beach, was arrested on suspicion of identity theft, possession of burglary tools, possession of STREET BEAT, PAGE 13
FREE COMPOSTING WORKSHOP
The Rotary Club of Laguna Beach Continues to Make a Positive Impact in the Community
The upcoming Grapes for Grads event highlights a year of popular events
Celebrating 93 years of service to Laguna Beach and beyond, the Rotary Club of Laguna Beach is dedicated to bringing positive and lasting change in both Laguna Beach and international communities.
The club actively supports the local community by engaging in hands-on projects and holding fundraisers that provide scholarships to local students and grants to nearby non-profit organizations delivering essential services within the city.
Grapes for Grads®, the club’s flagship fundraising event, is renowned as Laguna’s premier wine tasting experience, benefiting students from Laguna Beach High School and Laguna College of Art + Design through scholarships that recognize academic excellence and community involvement. Proceeds from the event also support the club’s student of the month program, honoring outstanding high school students.
Attendees at Grapes for Grads will enjoy a diverse selection of wines from California and beyond, complemented by culinary delights from local eateries. The event features live music as well as
GUEST OPINION:
art demonstrations by talented LCAD students. An online silent auction showcases a range of items, including artwork, trips, wine, and specialty items from local merchants.
The 17th annual Grapes for Grads will be held on April 28 from 1 pm to 5 pm at the Festival of Arts grounds. Tickets are available at grapesforgrads. com.
The Laguna Beach Classic Car Show, held in the fall, is another of the club’s popular fundraisers. Hundreds of classic car enthusiasts attend this annual invitational event, which attracts the best in class in each category. This year, the club will combine an Oktoberfest theme with the car show, which will be held on October 6.
The Rotary Club of Laguna Beach played a pivotal role in launching Love Laguna, an annual event that promotes community volunteering. Additionally, the club extends its impact globally by funding projects like clean water initiatives and literacy programs in international communities.
Made up of local business people from diverse age groups, the Rotary Club of Laguna Beach holds weekly lunch meetings every Friday at noon in the Forest Room of the Laguna Presbyterian Church.
Those interested in joining or learning more about the club are encouraged to visit lagunabeachrotary.org or contact info@lagunabeachrotary.org
Dear Susi Q: Celebrating Our Volunteers
By lyNeTTe BrASField
When I considered retiring, I researched potential volunteering opportunities. I’m not good with children, feared that I’d want to take all the dogs and cats home with me if I worked at an animal shelter, and didn’t feel strong enough to help at hospitals or hospices after going through the slow death of a very close friend from ovarian cancer.
Eventually, I settled on becoming a volunteer hiking trail guide and
helping at the Blue Bell Foundation for Cats, where all the fifty or so senior cats are supremely happy permanent residents.
Yes, I took the easy way out, doing only the tasks I loved, not, in my view, putting myself out at all. So I’ve always felt in awe of Susi Q’s Lifelong Laguna volunteers, who take on a myriad of responsibilities helping out some of the more vulnerable seniors in our midst. Volunteering in that way must be hard. I thought—such a major commitment of time and energy to help people age in place in their homes—such an emotional and difficult endeavor.
Then I interviewed a few of the volunteers, and I was blown away by the sheer joy they expressed about the time they spent with Lifelong Laguna members. Turns out they absolutely love volunteering and find it a privilege and a blessing, don’t find the commitment arduous in the least.
They love the connections that they make with the people they help. They spoke of learning new things themselves as a result of their conversations, from model train
building to classical music to World War II planes, and raved about the great friendships they’ve made.
Volunteer Hymie Pikoos, who is 81, told me: “There’s an old Jewish saying, ‘You have to give to get,’ and I’ve found that’s so true with volunteering. Doing good deeds, that’s what makes me tick right now, keeps me busy and gives me joy.”
Among many other activities, Lifelong Laguna volunteers walk with members, play board games, shop, ferry them to the Susi Q for programs, medical appointments, the library, and art classes, deliver groceries, and pick up meds—but the best of all is the companionship they offer.
Long-time volunteer Debbie Naude said: “When we visit, we’re not just checking off a box, the way a home health care nurse might. We have conversations with them about their lives and their interests. Because of those conversations, I’ve been introduced to new books, movies, and great places to travel. Volunteering has been a gift to me.
“I’ve learned so much from the people I’ve met. I love to hear about
their lives and travels and look at photos from when they were young. The connection works both ways, they have made my life so much richer, broadened my horizons.”
Nancy Glenn is another dedicated volunteer. “Susi Q is such a wonderful resource. We’re such a unique small town and Lifelong Laguna fits right in. I love the new focus on End-of-Life issues that Rickie Redman has introduced. We all have to deal with loss. As volunteers we will face that with the people we’ve become so close to. That can be hard. But I’m still so grateful for the friendships I’ve developed.”
Susi Q volunteers are special. And so are the people they connect with. Lifelong Laguna members run the gamut from rich to poor, vulnerable to simply lonely, to those who’d like advice about modifications to make their homes safer.
We’re a community. We’re all connected. And Susi Q, offering many programs and events that aren’t restricted only to people over the age of 55, is increasingly the glue that binds our generations together in Laguna Beach.
If you’d like to volunteer, or become a Lifelong Laguna member, visit www. thesusiq.org, call Rickie Redman at (949) 715-8107 or email RickieR@ thesusiq.org.
photo credit: Ward Blackburn
photo credit: Ward Blackburn
photo credit: Mitch Ridder
LOCAL LAGUNA BEACH GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Empress Builders is a full-service General Contracting firm headquartered in Laguna Beach. Empress Builders can construct your new ground-up home, custom home renovations and remodels, and other home improvements.
• Transparent Cost Estimating & Budgeting
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Street Beat
will offer a balance of divergent (yet civil) opinions. Because if radio can do one thing, it’s to remind us that we’re all in this together. And, of course, embedded in all of this will be the best in eclectic and surprisingly delightful music (both live and recorded) from our many music lovers and musicians.
My role is to cheerlead and steward this little community asset for the next generation of caretakers. We have an amazing team who can carry this vision forward and ensure that this little signal at 104.7 will stand among the very best of community radio stations.
I’ll leave you with a quote from the lovely book, “Sex & Broadcasting,” written by radio legend Lorenzo Milam, and gifted to me by Cindy as required reading when I agreed to this crazy undertaking: “A radio station should not be just a hole in the universe for making money, or feeding ego, or running the world. A radio station should be a live place for live people to sing and dance and talk: to talk their talk and walk their walk and know that they (and the rest of us) are not finally and irrevocably alone.”
We invite you to walk and talk this path hand and hand with us. So, as we say in biz, stay tuned… to the new KXRN, Laguna’s Community Radio.
Billy is the CEO of La Vida Laguna, an outdoor adventure company, and beginning May 1, KXRN radio. Email: billy@ lavidalaguna.com.
a controlled narcotic and making a motor vehicle key. He was held without bail.
Bench warrant. Mark Anthony Marquez, 49, of was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant. He was held without bail.
Wednesday, April 10
Indecent exposure, probation violation, disorderly conduct. Juan Alejandro Sanchez, 30, was arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure, probation violation and disorderly conduct. He was held without bail.
Possession of a controlled substance. Cameron Samuel Petersen, 30, of Cerritos, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance. He was held without bail.
Trespassing. Nathan John Turner, 43, was arrested on suspicion of occupying property without consent. Bail information wasn’t immediately available.
Causing harm or death to an elder or dependent, assault by force, possessing a controlled substance and having a switchblade. Joshua Tyrone Webster, 47, of Costa Mesa, was arrested on suspicion of causing harm or death to an elder or dependent, assault by force likely to produce great bodily harm, possessing a controlled substance and having a switchblade. He was held without bail.
Beach Ceremony Set-Up, Tours, Vendors, Signature Cocktails, Apps & Mini-Desserts, Door Prizes & Grand Prize Drawing All prizes require guest to attend and be present for drawing Complimentary Tickets Available RSVP Required for Entrance Email - events@thehotellagunabeach.com for your tickets.
BUSINESS OF THE WEEK
Farmers & Merchants Bank
The home of strong liquidity, white-glove service, and a commitment to community
F&M Bank has been California’s Strongest, since 1907. That’s not changing, even in today’s economy. Some banks merge, change names, close locations, or reduce hours. At F&M Bank, we’ve been opening new branches and continuing investment in technology and infrastructure to better serve our clients.
Service is paramount at F&M Bank. While some banks will have you transact with a roboteller, or make an appointment, we have real bankers in our branches ready to greet you by name and offer you a fresh cup of coffee. Stop by to meet Warren Paez, Branch Manager; Kathy Reed, Regional Relationship Manager; Heba El Sabban, Operations Manager; and Fred Pasquariello and Sam Abed, Banking Relationship Specialists.
F&M Bank is known locally as California’s Strongest. We have strong liquidity, strong capital ratios, a strong loan portfolio, and a stable and diversified client base. In 117 years F&M Bank has never placed profitability above client safety. We offer a wide variety of personal and business banking products and services such as checking and savings, CDs and IRAs, home loans, and youth accounts. F&M Bank also has
a robust online and mobile banking application, including Treasury Management Services for businesses, to enhance client convenience and efficiency.
F&M Bank operates under the core principles of honesty, integrity, the home, the church, and service above self. Our employees take great pride in the communities we serve and it’s been that way for more than a century. In addition to volunteering our free time, we provided more than $4 million in community support in 2023 to charities, non-profit organizations, and religious entities.
If you are looking for a relationship
bank, F&M Bank would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Stop by our Laguna Beach branch off Glenneyre and Park Avenue (across from the library) to make this the last time you switch banks.
Call 949-900-8275 to speak with a banker or visit 401 Glenneyre Street, Laguna Beach.
Some account features and benefits may be subject to separate application, agreement, fees, and/or approval. Terms, Conditions and Limitations may apply. Account features and benefits are subject to change with or without notice. All loans subject to credit approval.
LBHS Students “Walking for Water” Meet the students helping fight the global water crisis. This year’s annual “Walking for Water” event, which will take place from noon to 3 p.m. April 21 on the high school football field, raises funds to build freshwater wells in West Africa and India so villagers can access clean water. This year’s event will unite students, faculty, and community members. To support the cause, there will be games for youngsters to play, clothing and other items for sale.
Walking for Water is a designated project of the 501 (c) (3) nonprofit Wisdom Spring organization. To learn more about Wisdom Spring or to participate in the April 21 event, visit http://wisdomspring.org.
Laguna Beach Business Club 2024 Speaker Series
The Laguna Beach Business Club is proud to announce our April 18 speakers, LBBC members, Katerina Burianova, founder of Katerina Burianova Architecture Inc. and Daniel Newberry, founder of Dan Newberry Fit & Laguna Beach Fitness Group. The LBBC holds monthly breakfast meetings at 7:30 a.m., hosting speakers that discuss topics valuable to achieving personal and professional success. New members Daniel and Katerina will
discuss their businesses and the unique paths leading them to business ownership. Meetings are hosted at Nirvana Grill, 303 Broadway St., #101, Laguna Beach. For more information about the LBBC or to register to attend the meeting visit lagunabeachbusinessclub.com, or email Info@ LagunaBeachBusinessClub.com.
California Native Plant Society Garden Tour May 4 And 5
The California Native Plant Society Orange County Chapter is hosting its annual garden tour, themed “California in My Garden,” on May 4 and 5. The tour will feature 22 private and public gardens throughout Orange County. South County gardens will be featured on Saturday, May 4, and North County gardens will be featured Sunday, May 5. Gardens will be available for viewing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Interested participants can register online at https://chapters.cnps.org/oc. The gardens will showcase how California native plants can serve as elegant foundation plants for the home landscape. Only gardens featuring at least 50% native plants are included in the tour.
Along with private homes, the tour features public gardens, including the Newport Beach Civic Center native gardens and art installation, an HOA Community Park in Irvine and the Moulton Niguel and Irvine Ranch Water District native plant demonstration gardens. “Gardeners and native plant lovers alike will not want
to miss this special event,” said Garden Tour Committee head Irina Ensminger. “We know participants will be inspired to grow California native plants in their home landscapes and go home with creative ideas for incorporating our amazingly biodiverse flora into their gardens.”
Guest speaker will discuss ways to protect democracy at LB Democratic Club Meeting
No one expects autocracy and authoritarianism to happen in their country until it’s too late.” This is the urgent warning from Kevin C. O’Leary, who will speak at the next Laguna Beach Democratic Club meeting on Wednesday, April 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Susi Q Center. O’Leary has formed a bi-partisan nonprofit that aims to put American democracy ahead of party preference.
“It is that acute and important,” said O’Leary, co-founder and executive director of Saving Democracy (savingdemocracy. us).
O’Leary is a research fellow at UC Irvine’s Center for the Study of Democracy and a lecturer in Political Science at Chapman University. As a journalist, he was the lead West Coast reporter for TIME, a Los Angeles Times reporter, and editor of OC Metro magazine. He has authored two books, Madison’s Sorrow and Saving Democracy: A Plan for Real Representation in America. A Coro Fellow in Public Affairs after college, O’Leary is a
graduate of UCLA. He earned his doctorate at Yale.
Members and guests are invited to attend the free event; refreshments included. The club welcomes new members, who may join the LBDC for $35 for the calendar year. Club members need not be registered Democrats – independents may join – but Democratic Party registration allows only members to vote on club matters, including candidate endorsements. Visit thelbdems. com.
Greater Laguna Beach GOP Meeting to Host Police Chief Jeff Calvert
The GLBGOP’s Members’ Meeting is Wednesday, April 24 at Mozambique in Laguna Beach. The guest speaker this month is the Laguna Beach Police Chief Jeff Calvert. Chief Calvert is a 25-year veteran of the Laguna Beach Police Force and Laguna Beach community. He will talk about his vision for the police force and how its members protect and defend our city. Calvert knows that interacting with the community is critical to our safety and his department’s success. The event will start at 5 p.m. with a social hour. The meeting will start at 6 p.m. in the newly remodeled Parrot’s Room. Attendees can mingle with fellow conservatives and enjoy Mozambique’s wonderful food and beverages. Seating is limited. RSVPs are required. Please RSVP at www.glbgop.com/ upcomingevents .
importance of your support. Thanks to our generous local businesses and big handful of renegade do-gooder families, many of these organizations can thrive and have thrived for years. However, these groups battle anew each year for their small pieces of the Laguna charitable cheese. They work to build enough money to fulfill their operating budgets and, with any luck, a little padding for the rough years. No Square Theatre, Laguna’s only community theatre, is one of those nonprofits that work hard for the money. *Cue Donna Summer* No Square Theatre recently lost a lifetime supporter, and just before he passed, he challenged this little theatre that could. He asked our board and supporters to match his $100,000 gift. Sadly, he didn’t live long enough to see No Square Theatre succeed with this challenge. However, we dedicate ourselves to meeting his challenge. Let’s be clear: this donation promises a wallop of impact for a smalltown community theatre like No Square. Not-for-profit board members know it, and estate planners know it. I hope Laguna Beach folks realize that putting local nonprofits in their estate plans has a ripple effect that speaks volumes about their legacy, as does the commitment of giving while living. RIP Jon Cobain. May your gift be a blessing and honor you for a life well lived. The No Square Theatre thanks you.
Carrie Reynolds, Board Member, No Square Theatre
entertainment, public affairs, and an array of unique personalities, programming and music.
With two young children, McCusker recently moved to Tucson to be closer to family and took a position teaching multimedia journalism at the University of Arizona. He attempted to lead the radio station simultaneously but said he found it too challenging.
“Laguna Radio is about and for Laguna Beach,” McCusker said as he announced his retirement from the station. “It was best when we were all local, living the radio dream, promoting concerts, introducing new music and personalities. I am so happy that Billy, Cindy and Jonathan will take over the operations effective May 1. It’s a team I’m sure can continue the legacy of Laguna community radio.”
Fried is a local entrepreneur and personality who has hosted his own talk show, “Laguna Talks,” on the station for 10 years. He also writes a regular opinion column for the Laguna Beach Independent. He founded the local outdoor adventure company La Vida Laguna in 2002 and continues to operate it today with his partner Doug Oyen.
“I am thrilled and honored to help
this little gem and it’s incredible roster of talented hosts enter its next chapter as a vital hub for community,” Fried said. “Radio is a magical medium when done right, and I believe Laguna enjoys a unique and special privilege to have its own station. I’m grateful for the vision and work Tyler and his family put in to get us here, and I can’t wait to see what we can do for the next 12 years.
Since the station began, Obrand has hosted “Radio Neighboring” as her alter ego “Ida Mae” on Saturday mornings. She previously worked in radio at KOKO, an iconic Telluride, Colo. community-based station founded in 1975 and still broadcasting today.
“Radio has a special place in my head and my heart, because when it’s good, it’s really good, “Obrand said. “I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work to make KXFM the best community radio it can be.”
Tufano will come aboard to help the station with operations. He has hosted “Deep Cuts” since the station’s inception, spinning only vinyl from his prodigious record collection.
“Radio has always been my passion,” said Tufano, who cut his DJ teeth as an undergraduate at the University of Connecticut. “It’s an absolute honor to help this station reach its full potential and see where we can take this little gem and make it even more vital to the community and perhaps even the plant. That’s the power of the medium.”
Kiff
PAGE 1
what it’s like to have a highly trained and skilled city manager with Sean Joyce,” Councilmember George Weiss said at the council meeting. “Now I think we have a master of coastal city management with Dave Kiff. I’m happy for the Laguna Beach community, and I’m happy to be working with and learning from Mr. Kiff.”
Kiff said he’s looking forward to living in Laguna Beach again with his partner Tom and their two dogs, Oscar and Moby.
“Returning to Laguna Beach to serve as City Manager is a tremendous honor for me,” said Kiff, a former 23-year resident of Laguna Beach. “I am deeply committed to serving the people and community of Laguna Beach. My goal is to work collaboratively with residents, businesses, and community organizations to ensure that Laguna Beach remains a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and visit.”
Kiff will replace interim city manager Sean Joyce, who stepped in to fill the position after former city manager Shohreh Dupuis left her post on Sept. 1, 2023, which she held since June 2021.
The city manager is the administrative head of the city government and is responsible for administrating all of the city’s affairs, which are under the city manager’s control.
Festival of Arts
PAGE 3
Business Marketing and Art. She excelled in her Graphic Arts course in the late 1980’s and ended up loving it, becoming a graphic artist for two decades. She skillfully blended her analytical and creative abilities, integrating her academic business skills with her natural artistic talents. Her self-marketing skills have taken her around the world, hosting workshops in France, lecturing on fine art, and exhibiting her original artwork.
Rothe humbly sighs as I commend her national and international press coverage, responding with sincere gratitude:
“The best feeling is to be celebrated by your hometown because you know you can go to New York and do great shows and it’s fine, but it doesn’t’ mean as much until your hometown says, “Wow! You really did well in the art world, and we had something to do with it!” She said.
Rothe recalls how the FOA board members followed her progress each year as she presented her work for her scholarship renewal:
“I would have to come into the Festival of Arts every year and go over my portfolio with them and they’d ask what I was working on, and I loved that aspect, you know, it was like having this group of people that cared about you and your work,” Rothe said.
I asked her if the caring and special attention she received from the board
of directors for the foundation kept her in the mode of going professional as an artist:
“Yes, it’s like having these people you looked up to as a child believing in you, giving you that continued support to keep you going and that came across to me as, yes, you’ve got something, you’re going to make it. That was very inspirational,” Rothe said.
After attending USD, Vanessa was offered a position to play professional volleyball in Switzerland and worked as a graphic artist near Zurich for six years. Living in Switzerland allowed her to spend weekends exploring European museums in Italy and France, gaining insights on the Masters she considers essential for any artist seeking a solid foundation. Having visited Europe with her French mother and German father, experiencing it as an adult opened a new window of knowledge and deepened her passion for fine arts. She became captivated with the Masters, studying their works in depth and analyzing their chronological progress. She connected this to the notion that all great artists undergo phases and are in a constant state of transformation, with each piece telling a part of their life story. Inspired by the Masters’ dedication and how each painting marked a level in their evolution, Rothe returned to the States fueled with a burning desire to continue learning and advancing her career as an artist.
When Rothe returned to California from her athletic and creative endeavors
abroad in her late twenties, she finished her bachelor’s in business marketing at UC Irvine (UCI) and double-majored in French literature (Rothe is fluent in French, her mother’s native language). Thus, she was truly equipped and ready to enter the professional world of art. Rothe wears many hats as a writer and editor for multiple art magazine publications, lecturer, graphic designer, curator and has authored and illustrated a series of books: Art School Approach to Oils
Vanessa Rothe original painting in the permanent collection of the Hilbert Museum of California Art. “Laguna Coastline, A New Perspective” 20x16” oil.
books, available in Barnes and Noble and Amazon. I asked her if she ever felt that ‘tug-of-war’ between the arts and the business world that can sometimes dissuade an aspiring artist from pursuing their dreams. She chuckled and blurted out:
“All the time! I still feel it today,” she said. “I am writing for American Art Collector, and I have a monthly column
FESTIVAL OF ARTS, PAGE 17
maximum of 15 gallons or 125 pounds may be transported per vehicle, per trip (Department of Transportation Requirement). It is illegal to exceed these limits. Multiple trips are
City Maintenance Facilities 1900 Laguna Canyon Road
Vehicles will not be permitted to enter drop - off area after 12:00 p.m.
Materials should be in original containers.
All containers must have lids, be sturdy and secure, non-leaking, labeled and protected from breakage. Materials will only be accepted from vehicles.
Pedestrian traffic is not allowed.
Waste is strictly limited to residents & small businesses.
Residents Only : Please bring proof of residency
Businesses Only : Please bring Business License Number
Alarm Clocks/ Answering Machines/ Cell Phones*/ Telephones/ Copiers / CD/ DVD Players/ Camcorders Video Game Consoles/ Radios/ Stereos (NO speakers)/ TV’s/ CRTs/ Flat Screens/ Computers/ Monitors/ CPUs/ Laptops*/ Digital Cameras/ Thermometers/ Display Boards on Exercise Equipment/ Home Use Medical Monitors/ iPods/ MP3 Players/ PDAs/ Microwave Ovens/ Programmable Kitchen Devices/ Printers/ Scanners/ Fax Machines
Batteries (Alkaline, Lithium, Mercury, NiCad, Small Lead Acid)/ Aerosols (Cans)/ Mercury Thermometers / All Lamps/ Light Bulbs/ (Rechargeable batteries which include lithium-ion will NOT be accepted.)
WASTE All oil and latex paints. 5 -gallon and smaller containers only! NO caulk,
Festival of Arts
16
in International Artist Magazine called Art Industry Insider, where I write about how to run a fine art business as an artist. I was a West Coast editor for the past sixteen years at Fine Art Connoisseur and did graphic design at night. This is how I support my own art business. I am blessed to have an art gallery in Laguna Beach and be able to display my work and take care of my family with multiple streams of income.”
“I encourage my two sons to pursue their own dreams no matter how difficult they may seem,” Rothe said. “I have been diligently raising two boys, then running to the easel, to writing, to painting, and doing graphics at night– this is my way of living a full life and demonstrating to my family that once can be successful if you work hard. Everything I do, I do for them. My husband Tom Ribarich is a successful engineer, (who also played professional volleyball) and encourages me to do all my artful jobs, while raising our boys, as he knows I can do both and I need both and bring in income to our family. I’m so grateful to be Laguna, watching my sons attend the same high school I attended and being their role model.”
Rothe is living proof that art can thrive despite the challenges of navigating the business side. With education and mentorship, artists can stay true to their artistic vision and find a place in the art community, offering audiences, collectors, and art appreciators from every walk of life, reflections of beauty and imagination.
One cannot be a budding Laguna Beach artist and not attend Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD). To complete her educational journey and pursue that final experience in learning, Rothe enrolled at LCAD for classical art training, which has solidified her as a fine artist who is classically trained and gave her the needed technical skills to paint many subjects. Unfortunately, drawing for long hours in the same position caused her to develop chronic back pain. Instead of giving up, Rothe found a way to alleviate her back pain by intuitively turning to easel painting, much of it outdoors en plein air (in the open air).
She paints in oils and was amazed with the ease of transitioning from the high pigment watercolor she had used through the years in high school. It came so naturally. A major Laguna art gallery called Wendt Gallery soon picked her up as an up-and-coming new artist. She was the only local artist they took from Laguna. The opportunity snowballed into more art exhibits, fine art auctions, and even an influx of more work assignments as an art writer and graphic artist for prominent art magazines. Her career took off because she believed in herself, years after others, including the Festival of Arts, had believed in her. She has since been honored to have exhibited and sold her work at some of the top fine art galleries such as Arcadia Contemporary in New York, Richard Schmid Fine Art Auctions, Abend gallery Denver, and Galerie L’Oeil du Prince, Paris. Rothe is currently inter-
viewing to be an artist with a top gallery in Orange County this week. Her latest collection merges fine art and fashion. She has carved out her own niche with her new figurative and impressionistic style drawings, oils and watercolors that portray haute couture. These captivating pieces led to her to being invited to exhibit them at the Fine Art and Fashion Exhibition in New York at the Salmagundi Club where she is a proud artist member. Rothe is thrilled to give lectures as well as live demonstrations at this famed art club on Fifth Avenue in New York. You can find some of these new fashion-inspired paintings on her gorgeous website under Figures + Fashion, along with all her other genres under the drop-down menu titled, “SHOP ART COLLECTIONS, or in the “AMERICANS IN PARIS” tab at vanessarothefineart.com
Rothe’s artwork, “Laguna Coastline, A New Perspective” 20X16” oil painting is now included in the permanent collection of the Hilbert Museum of California Art, where she is also an art history lecturer. She feels that reaching this high point in her career can be traced back to those who believed in her during her developmental years, especially FOA:
“I would like to thank the Festival of Arts Foundation for all their support at a young age when someone needed it and didn’t have the finances to fully support a college education,” Rothe said. “The meetings with the foundation were the most important and pivotal moments to me. I still remember one elderly gentleman at the end of this long conference table, looking at me and saying, ‘Wow, you really have something. Have you thought about going into illustration or fine art? And, you know… maybe one day you’ll make a difference.’ I feel that really stuck with me and I’ve made a difference. In addition to my own success as a fine artist, I’m so proud to have had the privilege of supporting numerous artists in launching their careers, both as a writer and as a gallery owner. By showcasing exceptionally talented individuals who might otherwise have gone unrecognized, I see it as my way of pay it forward within the artistic community.”
Rothe identifies as a landscape as well as a fashion themed painter with a realistic, yet slightly impressionistic style. She is drawn to painting en plein air in the world’s most beautiful locations where she has lived or visited, including Laguna where she feels “there is a painting everywhere”, and enjoys the freedom of designing fashions on her easel with thick strokes of color, her new series. Her collections are displayed at her 418 Ocean Avenue gallery reflects her experiences mixed with impressionistic imagination, exuding vibrant color palettes inspired by nature. I encourage you to visit her gallery, a serene escape from the modern world, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty that radiates through her artistic creations.
A more complete list of her work can be found under the About tab on her website. www.vanessarothefineart.com.
For more information or to apply for a FOA scholarship, please visit: https://www.foapom.com/about/ grants-scholarships/scholarships.
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
FIGHTING with S tring Q uartet 4/27 KIDS OF CHARLEMAGNE (S teely D an t ribute )
4/28 BOB ANDERSON (F rank S inatra t ribute )
5/3 OZZY vs AC/DC
5/4 STEVE TYRELL
5/5 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS
5/7 BLUES TRAVELER
5/8 JUDY COLLINS
5/9 CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO
5/10 TOMMY TUTONE / WHEN IN ROME
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
5/23 LISSIE
5/24 DSB (J ourney t ribute )
5/25 IN THE AIR TONIGHT (P hil C ollin S & g ene S i S t ribute )
5/26 BLACKHAWK
5/31 YACHTY BY NATURE
6/1 STEELHEART
6/2 CELEBRATING WHITNEY ( w hitney h ou S ton t ribute )
6/6 HOWIE DAY
6/7 ROBERT JON & The Wreck
6/8 THE ENGLISH BEAT
6/9 GARY HOEY
6/14 AMBROSIA
6/15 CHEST FEVER ( t he b an D t ribute )
6/16 ELVIN BISHOP - Big Fun Trio
6/21 DESPERADO ( e agle S t ribute )
6/22 DESPERADO ( e agle S t ribute )
6/28 THE BACON BROTHERS
6/29 SKELETON CREW ( g rate F ul D ea D t ribute )
7/3 IAN MOORE
7/5 WALTER MICHAELS BAND
7/6 SHINE ON (P ink F loy D t ribute )
7/12 YYNOT ( r u S h t ribute )
7/13 FAST TIMES - t he u ltimate 80 S t ribute !
7/14 THE CREAM OF CLAPTON BAND feat. Will Johns & Noah East
7/19 THE 5TH DIMENSION
7/20 Y&T
7/26 KEN GARCIA
7/27 BOB SCHNEIDER
7/28 BOBBY GRAY
8/1 CASH’D OUT (J ohnny C a S h t ribute )
8/3 CUBENSIS ( g rate F ul D ea D t ribute )
8/17 PIANO MEN: GENERATIONS ( b illy J oel an D e lton J ohn t ribute )
8/23 SUPER DIAMOND
8/24 SUPER DIAMOND
8/27 TAB BENOIT & ANDERS OSBORNE with Special Guest JD SIMO
8/29 THE PETTYBREAKERS
8/30 MIDGE URE
8/31 MICK ADAMS & THE STONES
9/8 An Evening with JOHN LYDON
9/14 JOURNEY USA (J ourney t ribute )
9/15 BENISE: Fiesta!
9/19 THE MAN IN BLACK (J ohnny C a S h t ribute )
9/22 JANE MONHEIT
9/25 ANA POPOVIC
9/27 DAVE MASON 10/3 ZEBRA 10/5 KIMBERLY PERRY (of The Band Perry) 10/16 JIMMIE VAUGHAN 10/18 GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP
10/20 THE YOUNG DUBLINERS
11/8 COMMON SENSE
11/15 RONSTADT REVIVAL
11/23 RUFUS WAINWRIGHT 11/29 THE PLATTERS 12/15 THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA 12/29 L.A. GUNS
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Laguna break was moved to Wednesday, April 17, so the Breakers will now play three consecutive matches: April 16 at Fountain Valley, April 17 - Marina, April 18 - Huntington Beach. The team will need two of the matches to make the playoffs.
TRACK & FIELD (0-3, 0-3)
The Breakers had individuals participating in recent local meets such as the Irvine Distance Carnival on April 6 at Irvine High School and the Orange County Meet this Friday, April 12. Sydney Sydney was third at Irvine in the 3200 run with a 11:25.42 mark. Other athletes did participate in the Ocean View Invitational on April 6. The Sunset Wave League meet is set for April 16 (Prelims) at Marina High School, with the finals on April 26 at the same site.
BOYS VOLLEYBALL (0-4, 3-13)
The Breakers were short-handed during spring break with only two starters available for their league match with Los Alamitos (3-1, 12-15), falling to the Griffins 25-12, 26-16, 25-19 in a contest played on April 9 at the North Gym due to the recent flood to Laguna home court.
Dugger Gym suffered catastrophic flood damage during the recent rains due to clogged drains on the 96-yearold campus, taking the 61-year-old gymnasium out of service. The school district has not released a timetable for the building’s re-opening this year.
Against Los Al, Kai Patchell served four aces, had nine kills and a block in the effort. Ben Goodwin dished out 19 assists and had a solo block. The final “home” match was Thursday, April 11, at the North Gym. The season concludes next week, April 17, at Fountain Valley.
Have a note/question on Laguna Beach 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.
Long Beach Edges Out Cal Poly at Best of the West
The conditions were perfect at Main Beach last Saturday for the second annual Best In The West NCAA women’s beach volleyball tournament that saw Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Long Beach State and the University of St. Katherine face off for the title. No. 9 Long Beach came home with the win, edging out Cal Poly by one match. Both schools swept USK 5-0. Laguna’s own Piper Naess #14 returned to her home court to play for Cal Poly during the April 6 tourney. Photos by Jim Collins
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