Exclusive Audi Dealership to Laguna Beach Residents
Laguna Photographer to Share Personal Retrospective of California Music Festivals Forest Avenue Promenade Plan Ignites Debate Over Resident Inclusion
By Clara Beard | LB Indy
The Music History Hall Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving American music, will celebrate the music, fashion and culture of Southern California Music Festivals from 1968 to 1971 in a special one-night-only event at the Rivian Theatre on May 3.
Through never-before-seen personal photographs by Laguna Beach resident Jan Nichols, a unique story unfolds about the Southern California festival experience at the height of the counterculture movement.
Nichols attended every music festival and “happening” in Southern California,
including a few up north like Altamont during the counterculture explosion.
With the eye of an artist, Nichols captured intimate and arresting photographs of concertgoers, musicians and not-so-undercover police officers as the country grappled with the youth-led
PHOTOGRAPHY, PAGE 20
Drone Light Show to Replace July 4 Fireworks
By Clara Beard | LB Indy
The Laguna Beach night sky will look a little different this Fourth of July as the city council unanimously approved a drone light show instead of traditional fireworks at Tuesday’s regular meeting. The July 4 drone show will be on a
one-year trial basis, allowing the city to return to fireworks in 2025 if the drones are deemed an unsatisfactory replacement.
“At the end of the day, this comes down to protecting our environment, veterans and our wildlife,” Mayor Pro
By Jackie Connor, Special to the Independent
Despite some dissent, Laguna Beach City Council agreed to a final plan from April to November to move the $2.7 million Forest Avenue Promenade project toward a more permanent state. However, some councilmembers expressed concerns about the level of community involvement and a lack of data-driven decisions.
The plan, presented by the new Promenade ad hoc committee made up of Mayor Sue Kempf and Councilmember Mark Orgill, will focus on securing the project as a permanent pedestrian plaza.
“Our effort and intent when we put this [the plan] together was to provide the community with as much detail as possible…and make sure at this juncture, that the community was going to be included,” said Orgill.
The ad hoc committee’s proposed scope involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including community members, city staff and consultants via workshops, focus groups
FOREST, PAGE 20
Tem Alex Rounaghi said. “I’m willing to try this drone show out for this year. Hopefully, going forward, we can design this show to make it a really cool experience for residents and visitors.”
A drone light show performs customizable synchronized patterns, shapes and
FIREWORKS, PAGE 18
Above left: Will Rogers State Beach in Los Angeles during an anti-war/ music “Be-In” in the summer of 69. Right: The Newport Pop Festival, Costa Mesa held on August 3 and 4, 1968. Photos courtesy of Jan Nichols
Tickets Going Fast for Laguna Beach Garden Club’s Annual Gate & Garden Tour
By Clara Beard | LB Indy
Laguna Beach Garden Club is gearing up for its popular Gate and Garden Tour on Saturday, May 4.
The annual event, which has sold out for three years in a row, features a thoughtful curation of Laguna Beach’s unique neighborhood gardens, all conveniently within walking distance of each other.
“We usually choose a cluster of homes in one neighborhood,” said Karen Nelson, who co-directs the tour. “It’s in North Laguna this year on the tree streets. And there are some pretty spectacular homes. There are some quaint ones. We try to pick a different slice of Laguna Beach every year. Also, we want it to be accessible to as many people as possible. So the walking part of it, which is four-tenths of a mile, is all downhill. So anybody can do it.”
Before the tour, participants gather at the Laguna Beach Water District, located at 306 Third Street. There, Cinco de Mayo festivities will be in full effect, with artisan margaritas, Mexican food, free spectacular homemade baked goods and refreshments, and exciting raffle prizes from local artists and businesses available before and after
the tour.
“It’s a full-on party,” Laguna Beach Garden Club President Jane Leary said. “And we have a whole bunch of really great raffle prizes—amazingly generous raffle prizes. Participants can have food and drink there and learn about the club. The Water District always has a booth where they give away a lot of free stuff. It’s just so much fun.”
While at the Water District, attendees can admire artist Matt Willey’s recently completed bee mural, which engages citizens in the movement to save pollinators.
Last Tuesday, the City of Laguna proclaimed the first Saturday in May “Laguna Bee Day” in honor of the garden club’s new mural. The day was specifically chosen to coincide with the Gate & Garden tour and mural unveiling earlier this month at the club’s host venue.
Depending on their ticketed entry time, garden enthusiasts will go by shuttle to the first garden and return to the Water District once the tour is completed. Entry times for the tour start at 10 a.m. and run hourly until the last tour sets off at 2 p.m.
Participants are encouraged
GARDEN CLUB, PAGE 20
Laguna Beach Garden Club President Jane Leavy and Gate & Garden Tour Co-Director Karen Nelson. Clara Beard/LB Indy
Animal Services to Host Workshop on Coyotes and Living with Wildlife
Laguna Beach Animal Services will conduct a community meeting at Alta Laguna City Park on Sunday, April 28 at 12 p.m. to discuss coyotes and living with wildlife. Animal Services Officer John Thompson will be providing helpful information to the community about coyotes and other wildlife, and answering any questions people may have.
Garden Park Spring Fling and Potluck this Saturday South Laguna Community Garden Park will host its 15th Annual Spring Fling Concert and Potluck on Saturday, April 27, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Garden Park, located at Eagle Rock and Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, located at 31610 Coast Highway. The Laguna Garden Band will be playing everyone’s favorites. Come and enjoy the beautiful spring blooms and tunes, sample healthy dishes inspired by the season, and meet your neighbors. Participants are encouraged to bring their own drinks and a potluck dish to share (serving 10 people). This is a reusable utensil
Town Crier
IN AND AROUND LAGUNA BEACH
“zero waste” event. For more information, visit SouthLagunaGarden.org or write to GardenPark@SouthLaguna. org.
mingling with the art. The reception will open the evening, followed by the Art Walk from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information, visit firstthursdaysartwalk.org.
Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling to Offer New Summer Camp for Local Youth
conjunction with the Laguna Beach Recreation Department.
Lawn bowling is an international sport played across six continents in over 40 countries. The world lawn bowling community is hopeful it will become an Olympic Sport in Brisbane, Australia, in 2032. This will open up a huge opportunity for youth starting in the sport in the US.
Bowls USA and Team USA would welcome some young exponents to the game.
This summer, in June and July, the club will offer two sessions over four days (Tuesdays and Thursdays for two weeks), each from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for ages 10 to 18 years. Following the summer program, the program will continue weekly after school through the fall and the spring.
Youth Rollers will develop their playing skills and game knowledge in each session through social play, modified games, drills and support instruction.
May Art Start at Hotel Laguna Come chase away May gray with art, wine and hors d’oeuvres at Hotel Laguna on Thursday, May 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. The featured artists this month are Kate Carmell and September McGee. Saxophonist Jake Brown will provide lively music to enjoy while CRIER, PAGE 16
This summer, in June and July, the Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling Club is introducing a Summer Camp Program for the city’s youth in
The LBLBC Youth Rollers program will allow teens to learn and build their confidence in lawn bowling in a supportive, relaxed, fun environment.
The city’s animal services department will host a public workshop on coyotes and living with wildlife this Sunday, April 28 at Alta Laguna City Park Photo courtesy of the city of Laguna Beach
Due to printing logistics, home delivery of the paper for next week will take place on Saturday, May 4th. 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
Bishop Samuelian Shined at State of the City Address
I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring the 2024 State of the City address. The event was well-planned, executed and held in a beautiful setting. My most meaningful takeaway was the convocation by our local Bishop Samuelian of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Bishop talked about arriving in Laguna as a child with his brother from a neighboring city to a community unknown to them. They were befriended by local neighborhood brothers who allowed them to join their group and discover the fellowship of our great city. His friends shared the wonder of the ocean including surfing. He was so grateful for the inclusion of our community that he stayed in Laguna, got married and had his family here. His four children are now attending our outstanding schools. The Bishop is still friends with his original neighbor, who welcomed him to Laguna.
He concluded his remarks by talking about the upcoming election season and the divisive atmosphere that could occur. He reminded everyone about what Laguna stands for and knew we would continue being the wonderful city that he has come to love.
James Kelly, Laguna Beach
Village Laguna’s Charm House Tour is Coming Up
Isn’t Laguna Beach such a wonderful town! Such special events and places include the Patriots Day Parade, Hortense Miller Garden, and the Village Laguna Charm House Tour, among
CITY HALL MEETINGS:
others.
If you want to really enjoy a day savoring some of the wonderful homes in Laguna Beach, the Village Laguna Charm House tour is coming up. It is the Sunday after Mother’s Day, May 19.
This year’s tour focuses on homes in Laguna Canyon. You may start your tour anytime between 12 and 3 p.m. The buses run continuously from the Festival of Arts grounds and transport you to the houses.
Over 100 people volunteer their time on tour day to greet participants. This event proudly presents an inside look at those homes whose owners have graciously agreed to share with the public. The Charm House Tour creates camaraderie and brings people together
LETTERS, PAGE 21
theIndyPoll
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION
Should term limits be set for Laguna’s elected officials?
- Yes 82.05% (32 votes)
- No 17.95% (7 votes)
TOTAL VOTES: 39
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION
Do you prefer to see a traditional fireworks display or a drone show this July 4? - Fireworks - Drones
TO VOTE, VISIT THE POLL TAB AT LAGUNABEACHINDY.COM. SUBMIT POLL QUESTIONS TO CLARA@FIREBRANDMEDIAINC.COM.
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May 1 - Administrative Design Review Meeting at 3 p.m. May 14 - Budget Workshop from 2 to 4 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
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CREATIVE &
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PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING
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OUR LETTER POLICY
E-mail letters to: Clara@firebrandmediainc.com
Letters strengthen community ties and provide a community forum open to all. Due to space constraints we ask letter writers to limit their topics to local concerns, make their submissions exclusive to the Indy alone and be of 400 words or less. Letters should be submitted by Tuesday, 5 p.m. They may be edited for clarity, length or appropriateness as needed. We decline to publish letters that we perceive as personal attacks, even of public figures. We strive for civil discourse over ideas and issues, not personalities. Letter writers must supply their name and contact information. Published letters will only use the writer’s name and city of residence. E-mail letters are preferred.
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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 Frank Aronoff | LB Indy
SPRING SPORTS UPDATE
BASEBALL (10-16, 3-8)
Laguna’s post-season chances ended with some tough losses to Newport Harbor this past week. The Breakers lost 3-0 to the Tars on April 22, giving up the runs off eight errors. Laguna lost 1-0 the following day at Newport despite outhitting the Sailors 5-3. Last week, the Breakers dropped their previous game, with Corona del Mar falling 8-2 on April 19 at the Sea King’s diamond. The 2024 season concluded on April 25 with Newport Harbor.
Statistical Leaders through 26 games: Batting Average - .324 Lucien Reed ; Hits: 23 – Reed; Doubles: 5 – Reed; Runs scored: 12 – Becker Sybirski; RBI’s: 12 – Neufeld; Innings Pitch: 61.2 – Becker Sybirski; ERA: 1.47– Branson Wade (W3, L34); Strikeouts 63 – Becker Sybirski
BOYS GOLF (3-12, 0-5)
Laguna dropped two recent Sunset Wave League matches, losing to Marina 188-208 at Aliso Viejo CC, par 35 on April 18. Diesel Roman from Marina earned match medalist honors, shooting a one-under-par score of 34.
Sports/Schools
SUBMISSIONS WELCOME BY 5 PM TUESDAY
Russell Frranconi-Krychman shot the low score for Laguna with a 40 while Kiyan Arshadi shot 41, Joshua Bellisime 41, Luke Bo 41, and Evan Kretschmer 45.
On April 22 at the San Clemente Muni course, Par 36, the Breakers lost to Fountain Valley 200-205. Evan Phi from Fountain Valley earned medalist honors, shooting a two-under-par 34. The low score for Laguna came from Kiyan Arshadi, who posted a 40, with Chase Ty-
son a 41, Hudson Mills 41, Russell Franconi-Krychman 41 and Joshua Bellisime 42.
Breaker JV squad under coach Tom Levinstein is 9-6 overall and 4-1 in league play.
GIRLS LACROSSE (12-4, 0-4)
The Breakers dropped two hotly contested league matches, losing 9-7 at Corona del Mar on April 18 and 8-7 in overtime to Newport Harbor on April 23. The regular season ends on April
25 against league champion Edison. CIF playoffs will be posted on April 27, 11 a.m. at cifss.org.
SSCIF D3 Poll for April 22: 1 – 1 –Glendale, 2 – Temecula Valley, 3 – El Dorado, 4 – San Marcos, 5 – Orange Lutheran, 6 – Murrieta Valley, 7 –Northwood, 8 – Laguna Beach, 9 –Saugus, 10 – ML King.
SWIMMING (Boys: 0-3, 0-6, Girls: 0-3, 1-5)
Chase Shipp captured the SSCIF D-2 Dive title this past Wednesday, April 23, at the dive center in Mission Viejo. Shipp easily defeated the D2 field, capturing the Breaker’s 38th individual CIF title, the first since 2021.
Shipp will compete in the CIF Diving Masters meet on April 30, hoping to make the cut for the State Dive meet next month, May 9, at Clovis High School near Fresno. The Sunset Wave League Swim meet was this past April 25, and results will be detailed next week.
BOYS TENNIS (3-3, 3-11) 2nd Place – SUNSET WAVE LEAGUE
The Breakers dropped their final two regular season matches, falling to Marina 14-4 on April 17 and Wave League
SPORTS, PAGE 17
Beat May Gray with art at Hotel Laguna!
425 South Coast Highway Laguna Beach You’re
Join us for Art Start with wine and hors d'oeuvres from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Hotel Laguna. Featured artists Kate Carmell and September McGee will be in attendance Come hear the exciting sounds of local saxophonist Jake Brown while viewing the art Enjoy the rest of the night at Art Walk from 6 pm to 9 pm Come Meet the Artists
Thursday, May 2nd at 5:00 PM
Chase Shipp won the SSCIF D-2 Dive Championship on Wednesday, April 24 at the Marguerite Aquatic Center in Mission Viejo. The junior became Laguna’s 38th Individual CIF champion in the school’s 89 seasons of athletics. Photo courtesy of Laguna Athletics
Heidi Cleveland at Douglas Elliman
Just Listed in the Village
667 Glenneyre Street, Laguna Beach
$2,995,000 | 3 BR, 3 BA | Approx. 1,450sf
Open House, Saturday & Sunday, 2-4pm
Nestled in the heart of Laguna Beach, this enchanting cottage embodies the quintessential coastal lifestyle, offering a harmonious blend of historic charm and modern convenience as the residence has been meticulously renovated, preserving its timeless allure. Conveniently located approx. two blocks from world-class beaches and the vibrant downtown area with its eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, and art galleries, this peaceful home epitomizes the coveted Laguna Beach lifestyle. Web# LG23147319
464 El Bosque, Laguna Beach
$4,250,000 | 3 BR, 2.5 BA | Approx. 1,903sf | Approx. 6,480sf Lot
Heidi Cleveland
Realtor ® | DRE# 01956319 M 949.371.4333 | O 949.270.0440
heidi.cleveland@elliman.com
Meander up the pathway to this enchanting 1933 home, ideally situated on El Bosque in the heart of the Village of Laguna Beach. Beautifully restored by Andra Miller with exquisite attention to detail while retaining its original character, the floor plan encompasses a spacious, light-filled living room with open beam ceilings and numerous living areas on the expansive lot with mature landscaping for a peaceful retreat. Located just minutes from world-class beaches, restaurants, and galleries, 464 El Bosque embodies the best of the Laguna Beach lifestyle. Web# LG24077365 elliman.com
By Billy Fried
On the Can in Japan
I’m high over the Pacific, returning home from a three-week visit to Japan with my daughter. It was my first time back in 41 years, which is reprehensible, considering how much I always loved the place. If it takes another 41 years, it will be over my dead body!
What a beguiling land of enchantment, beauty, and paradox!
I don’t think there is a culture that is more refined and civilized yet more burdened with rigid bureaucracy. Sure,
their trains run on time, but have you ever tried to buy a ticket? We bought Japan Rail Passes in advance, which were not downloadable or emailed, but physically sent by FedEx. Then we had to activate them when we arrived at the airport, which meant standing in a long line, showing our passports, and enduring an interminable wait while the clerk shuffled an ungodly amount of papers, stamped several of them, and finally issued us flimsy paper ID cards that could have so easily been
transmitted online. And if lost would be a crisis.
I won’t bore you with how difficult it was to subsequently put them to use, but it was worth the pain because their trains are the fastest, most comfortable, quiet and clean I have ever been on. You could perform a vasectomy inside them.
You see, if there’s one thing the Japanese absolutely excel at, it’s cleanliness. If we’re number one in customer service, they are numero uno in hygiene. This entire population has OCD. There are more hand sanitizers than humans. Everywhere you look, people are cleaning, sweeping, wiping, brushing, spraying, weeding, pruning, removing their shoes, donning slippers and somehow making trash disappear. Half the population wears masks - even when they’re alone. And they are especially vigorous when cleaning themselves. We spent a lot of time at onsens (hot springs), and the ritual of bathing beforehand was something to behold. Not that I was staring, but the Japanese clean themselves with something close to rapture. They sit on little stools and use soapy wash cloths on every crack and crevice as if they are buffing shoes after a shine. It’s a spiritual experience.
In fact, the Japanese have so perfected the art of hygiene, it may well become their greatest export. Once upon a time, Japan led the automobile industry with its ever-reliable Toyotas and Nissans. But now it’s Tesla. They led the TV industry with Sony and Panasonic, but now it’s Samsung. So I predict that Japan’s greatest export will soon be the mighty toilet. That’s right, this once mundane utility has been transformed into the Apple computer of human waste disposal. Your first encounter is confounding – the seat opens invitingly upon approach, it’s pre-warmed, and a whole bank of switches and buttons that resemble an airplane cockpit await you. They’re written in Japanese, but accompanied by stick figure graphics intended for simpletons. Also known as foreigners. You quickly discover that the one button that’s missing is the familiar flush. No need to manually do that, you cretin. Sensors take care of it the minute you stand or step away. In its place, there are seat warmers, privacy buttons that emit music to shield you from the embarrassment of unseemly flatulence. There are not one, but two buttons to perform what we call douching. One forward for women, and one aft for the rest of us assholes. It’s warmed, and the first time I tried it, I let out an involuntary squeal. It was a jarring sensation. The next time I kinda liked it. And now I crave it, having discovered that, in fact, toilet paper has never really gotten the job done. Plus a little tickle is a great way to start the day.
After mastering the rudimentary models, I then encountered what could
Thursday, April 18
DUI, driving on a suspended license. Kevin Johan Velazquez, 21, of Anaheim, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence with a suspended license. He was held without bail.
Bench warrant. Jordan Clawson Latham, 46, of Anaheim was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding felony bench warrant. He was held without bail.
Obstructing a police officer, possessing a substance similar to Toluene. Maxwell Anthony Knight, 19, of Chico, was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a police officer and possessing a substance similar to Toluene. He was held without bail.
Friday, April 19
Possessing a controlled narcotic, reckless driving, evading a peace officer and DUI. Hermes Obregon Noguera, 25, of Rialto, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled narcotic, reckless driving on a highway, evading a peace officer and DUI. He was held on $11,000 bail.
Street Beat
EXCERPTS FROM POLICE LOGS
Bench warrant. Jonatan David Lopezhernandez, 24, of Pasadena, was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant. He was held without bail.
Parole violation. Daniel James Moretti, 45, of Laguna Beach was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a peace officer and parole violation. He was held without bail.
Saturday, April 20
DUI. A 61-year-old Laguna Beach woman was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. She was held on $2,500 bail.
Burglary, vandalism. Sebastian Kent Taylor, 18, of Aliso Viejo was arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism causing damage of $400 or more and burglary. He was held on $70,000 bail.
Sunday, April 21
DUI. A 36-year-old Murrieta woman was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. She was held on $2,500 bail.
DUI. A 29-year-old Laguna Beach man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He was held on $2,500 bail.
Battery. Kathryn Jade Petrovich, 21, was arrested on suspicion of battery on spouse, ex-spouse, date, etc. She was held on $10,000 bail.
Monday, April 22
Disorderly conduct. Ricardo Cortes Velazquez, 31, of Laguna Beach, was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct due to alcohol. He was held on $500 bail.
Bench warrant, disorderly conduct. Jordan Douglas Krah, 41, of Alamo, was arrested on suspicion of two outstanding felony bench warrants and disorderly conduct due to alcohol. He was held without bail.
Tuesday, April 23
DUI. A 33-year-old Lake Forest man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He was held on $2,500 bail.
Bench warrant. Chad Alexander Robbins, 46, was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant. He was held without bail.
Possessing, transporting narcotic for sale, contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Sean Moore Miller, 19, of Capistrano
Beach, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance for sale, transporting narcotics for sale, possessing and purchasing for sale, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and possessing marijuana for sale. He was held without bail.
Bench warrant, possessing a controlled substance. Casey Van Franca, 52, of Laguna Niguel, was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant and possessing a controlled substance. He was held on $2,500 bail.
Wednesday, April 24
DUI. A 65-year-old Laguna Beach man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He was held on $2,500 bail.
Obstructing a police officer, trespassing. Christopher Damian Wooten, 28, of Laguna Beach was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a police officer and trespassing. He was held without bail.
Judie Mancuso, political nonprofit leader and Laguna Beach City Council candidate, invites you to join her for drinks, light appetizers and community conversation in the Rose Garden of the Hotel Laguna.
It will be a great opportunity for Laguna residents to mix, mingle and talk local issues in one of our town’s most iconic venues.
Suggested minimum donation: $25 https://www.efundraisingconnections.com/c/JudieMancuso2024/
Includes delicious appetizers and wine or non-alcoholic beverages, and a yard sign!
16th, 2024 • 5:30-7:30 pm To attend, send email to: rsvp@judiemancuso.com
LOCATION: 425 S. Coast Highway • Laguna Beach, CA 92651
GUEST OPINION:
This is Where We Live: Hop on the Trolley Tour During Heritage Month
By Hunter Fuentes
May is Heritage Month in Laguna.
A free trolley tour of architecturally interesting buildings and homes is just one of the activities planned to mark the month-long celebration. The city’s trolleys are a unique symbol of the town and serve both a utilitarian and a recreational purpose. They facilitate the movement of people through the city commuting from parking to our beaches and restaurants as well as providing a fun way to take in the sights. The trolley is the perfect vehicle for the historic architectural tour. This year’s tour, to be held on
By Jon stordaHl
Saturday, May 11 will focus on the career of Aubrey St. Clair, the architect most associated with the early period of Laguna expansion. There will be two separate tours, one departing from the Water District Building at 9 a.m. and a second at 11 a.m. St. Clair’s professional career began in Pasadena. The earliest commission of his we’ve been able to trace is a beautiful English Tudor style home built in that city in 1924, so we are celebrating the centenary of his career.
The tour begins downtown. St. Clair designed the three structures
that make up the civic center of our community. His Water District Building (1929) was the first civic building erected with public funds. Two years later he designed the Fire Station (1931). The final piece of this governmental grouping was the City Hall (1951), not completed until several years after the end of the Second World War. From there the tour will continue down Ocean Avenue past his two iterations of Laguna Federal Savings & Loan. The current Wells Fargo Bank Building (1961) was the second of the structures he designed for Laguna Federal. Just down the street is his earlier version, now occupied by Cabana restaurant (1945). The tour will then head south on the highway past the Isch Building (1928), the oldest surviving of his Laguna designs, and then to the Builder’s Guild (1936) which once housed the office of Aubrey St. Clair’s architectural practice. Next up are two religious facilities with St. Clair pedigrees: the First Church of Christ, Scientist (1938), now home to the Hare Krishna community, and the parish hall of the Neighborhood Congregational Church (1950).
The trolley tour, to be held on Saturday, May 11 will focus on the career of Aubrey St. Clair, (above) in 1934. The architect is most associated with the early period of Laguna expansion. Photo courtesy of Kathryn Crawford, St. Clair’s niece.
The second part of the tour will focus on some of his residential work. The trolley will pass homes in Lagunita, Victoria Beach, Woods Cove, El Mirador, Mystic Hills, the Tree Streets, and Crescent Bay. These homes represent a broad range of
• 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
Women’s History Month, Sober Living Homes, Climate Action Plan and
In March, we celebrated Women’s History Month by recognizing trailblazing women in our legal profession, building a more just, equitable Orange County for all.
Congratulations to Laguna Beach awardees: Jane Fulton as the Non-Profit Advocate; Michelle Reinglass as the Mediator; and Annee Della Donna as the Civil Rights Advocate of the year! Visit our website to learn about their work and their incredible fellow honorees.
At my first quarterly Roundtable on the Status of Women and Girls in Orange County, consensus among local women leaders declared mental health and
OBITUARY
more
wellness as top priority for all ages. I agree. Our next discussion in June focuses on mental health initiatives, services and how to close the gaps for women and girls to live healthier stable lives.
My office continues progress on our Fifth District priorities: public safety, reducing homelessness and the addressing affordable housing crisis, climate action, taxpayer oversight and supporting small businesses.
Public Safety:
In December, I initiated an E-Bike ordinance at the County of Orange, following a study in coordination with OC Public Works and OCTA. The ordinance will be heard at the OC Traffic Committee this month. Provisions include: grouping restrictions, strict sidewalk speed limits, helmets for minors, requirements for yielding to pedestrians and equestrians and for an audible alarm when overtaking, consequences for driving without a license when required, and more.
During the County of Orange’s annual two-day advocacy trip in Sacramento, my Chief of Staff and I strongly advocated for my County sponsored legislation Senate Bill 1334 carried by California State Senator Josh Newman. SB 1334 will close critical regulatory loopholes in recovery residences to better safeguard vulnerable individuals at risk for abuse and
Eugenia Jo Danielson
Eugenia Jo Danielson, born on November 29, 1964, in West Covina, Calif, peacefully passed away on April 6, 2024, in Phoenix, Ariz., at the age of 59. She was surrounded by her loved ones in her final moments.
Genia was a vibrant and caring soul who impacted thousands of people in a positive way. Known for her carefree spirit and adventurous nature, she always wore her heart on her sleeve. Her presence was a source of joy and comfort to all who knew her. In her career as a lifelong waitress, Eugenia worked at various establishments, from the Coffee Pot in Morro Bay to the Crystal Lodge in Lake City, Colo. She dedicated almost 20 years of her life to the Hotel Laguna in Laguna Beach,
exploitation by profiteering businesses, while better serving the communities in which recovery residences are located. Watch the first Senate Health Committee hearing on April 24 at 1:30 p.m. live or watch the recording here.
As Mayor of Costa Mesa, I led the development and implementation of a comprehensive Sober Living Home Action Plan and model ordinance in order to close policy gaps and combat bad actors across Orange County. Following Costa Mesa, the County of Orange adopted a similar ordinance. Even with reasonable rules to ensure a quality safe system of care, the number of facilities in Orange County remains the second highest just slightly fewer than in Los Angeles County with three times the population.
SB 1334 reflects my decade of dedication to improving care and treatment for residents challenged with substance use disorders, rooting out exploitive practices, and addressing the over-concentration of sober living homes in our communities.
Reducing Homelessness: So far, we voted to build 2,653 permanent supportive housing. As the Orange County Housing Finance Trust Chair, I’ve helped secure more than $12 million in federal and state funds to help build more housing. Stay tuned for our Point in Time count numbers released later this month.
Climate Action: As we celebrate Earth Month, Orange County is turning over a new leaf in combatting climate change.
Sustainability Officer Tara Tisopulos, with help from me and my Climate Resiliency Task Force. We are mobilizing subject matter experts from UCI, the Building Industry Association and Labor, climate change activists, and policy staff from state and federal offices. We must catch up to combat climate change and plan for a resilient future.
The county also finalized our first South Orange County Regional Coastal Resiliency Strategic Plan. This outlines our vision for creating a regional collaborative on coastal resiliency in south Orange County, to develop a coordinated, proactive, and regional response to coastal erosion.
I also recently met with Laguna Beach Mayor Sue Kempf and Laguna Beach Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi to learn about their study on building a microgrid for their city buildings, electrification of their city fleet, and solar power energy storage. We invited Councilman Rounaghi to pitch to our CPRG steering committee and discussed funding options.
where she was a valued member of the team. Her final days were spent at Juicy’s in Lake Havasu, where she continued to bring her warmth and dedication to her work.
Eugenia is survived by her brothers Chad Danielson and Mike Woodland; her son, Jason Boyd; Jason’s wife, Yulia (Hongyan) Boyd; and her 7-month-old grandson, Joseph Clark Boyd. She was the first to hold little Joe Joe, and the joy she felt in that moment was a fitting memory to cherish.
She is preceded in death by her father, Kennith Myrle Danielson, and her brothers, Clark Danielson and Kenny Danielson. Her wishes were to have her ashes spread on top of Uncompahgre Peak in Colorado, a place that held special meaning for her. This will be carried out in May 2025 to honor her memory and the life she lived.
Eugenia Jo Danielson will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched. She truly made the world a better place.
Last month, Orange County leaped forward historically in reducing carbon emissions by finalizing our first-ever Priority Climate Action Plan, a tool outlining our vision for building projects that address the climate crisis. This plan was developed, in part, by Deputy CEO Lilly Simmering, OC Waste & Recycling Director Tom Koutroulis and our County’s newly hired Environmental
Taxpayer Oversight: Due to the volume of local businesses seeking help from our office to obtain necessary health permits, we noticed lengthy waiting periods for county inspections and visits to restaurants, causing costly delays for business owners. I began working with my Chief of Staff Nick Anas, County staff, and local restauranteurs and chamber representatives to identify solutions to cut the red tape and streamline health permitting for small businesses and restaurants. I’m hosting a round table for restaurant owners and our county team in May. Email my office to attend.
I look forward to spring sunshine and flowers.
Keep up with our latest updates by signing up for my weekly newsletter: d5.ocgov.com.
Tibetan Monks Return to Laguna
After a five-year hiatus, the Drepung Gomang monks of India returned to Laguna Beach for their Sacred Tibetan Arts Tour on April 14 to 21. During their stay, the seven monks constructed a sand mandala (seen below) at the Sawdust Festival’s Healy House.
By Katrina Foley oranGe county suPerVisor
Photo by Mitch Ridder
GUEST OPINION: WISDOM WORKOUT
Spring Cleaning
By susan Mcneal Velasquez
Attics and basements were a staple of most houses on the East Coast, where I was brought up. The attic was often stifling hot, cramped and suffocating. You would ascend a steep, narrow stairway, a storage box held precariously in hand, and deposit it in the nearest empty space, relieved to get down the stairs as quickly as possible and back to fresh air.
Since attics tend to be places where we store things we have no immediate use for and want out
of sight and out of mind, we need to move our stored memories to a better location.
Imagine that your past occupies a place in the attic of your mind.
As the years fly by, memories of past challenges, defeats, upsets, and delights brought to you through family and work experiences, friendships, loves, and losses are packed away in boxes, taped shut, and placed into the storage space in the far reaches of your mind.
Whether your daily life routines have stayed fairly constant or you have moved many times into brandnew situations, the memories have come along as a consistent frame of reference and a testimony to your past triumphs and tribulations.
I invite you to shift your perceptions so that your past can be opened up, dusted off and activated as a valuable inheritance of experiential wisdom. Your memories, approached correctly, can help fund the creation of a vibrant future grown from the fertile seeds of your unique past experiences.
As a first step, I want you to use your imagination to conjure up in your mind’s eye a temple, a sacred space and put it in a pleasing
location. It may take the form of a church or a temple that you have visited in real life, or a place that you have seen in a photograph or movie. Once the temple is formed, stand outside of the entranceway. Do not enter inside just yet.
Your stored memories will be transported to this new location without you needing to do anything at all. They will arrange themselves inside your temple, in whatever way will be most beneficial to you.
From this moment on, your memories, whether you have held them as mistakes, heart hurts, achievements, validations, or disappointments, will now be housed in this sacred space.
This means that whenever you visit your temple of memory, you will practice the art of Spiritual Non-Interference. You will treat yourself with great tenderness, kindness, and compassion and finally let certain aspects of your life alone so that healing can take place.
Many of us can be compassionate with others but are far too harsh with ourselves. Moving your memories to this sacred temple will allow a new kind of light to permeate your soul.
Your past is not gone. It has been boxed, labeled, hidden, discarded, and abandoned in your memory. Relocating your memories to this sacred temple will allow the wounded places in you to experience incredible healing. Begin to soften and open to newfound levels of warmth in your soul.
Stand in front of the entrance into your sacred temple, step through the doorway and position yourself in the center of the room. Take in all that surrounds you.
Know that at this very moment, you are surrounded by the multiplicity of all the directions you have traveled. The circle of your life is being brought together right at this moment.
You are standing in the presence of timelessness. From this sacred point of view, your past, present and future are here and now.
This present moment is pregnant with your freedom to choose. Choose to own your freedom to embrace all that is beautiful about your life.
Susan is the author of Beyond Intellect: Journey into the Wisdom of Your Intuitive Mind. Reach her at: susanvelaquez.com.
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Youth Rollers is an excellent summer camp program where youth can participate and play with friends. It is also a fantastic opportunity for youth to join their peers in an exciting sport, relatively unknown here, with a pathway to representing the USA in under-18 and under-25 international lawn bowling events around the world.
Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling Club provides all bowling equipment. Participants should bring a water bottle and wear flat-soled shoes.
Interested youth bowlers can register at secure.rec1.com/CA/ city-of-laguna-beach/catalog.
More information can be found by emailing the Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling Club at youth@lagunabeachlawnbowlingclub.com.
Laguna Beach’s National Day of Prayer offers an inclusive day to manifest peace
At least 13 faith communities will participate in Laguna Beach’s National Day of Prayer. Locally, it is a designated day when people of all faiths or nonfaiths are encouraged to pray and meditate on peace within themselves and for the nation and the world. The theme is “Finding Peace through
song, silence, and prayer.”
Observed annually nationwide on the first Thursday in May, the Laguna Beach Interfaith Council is spearheading the event. The LBIC will acknowledge this day with a service on Thursday, May 2, from 4 to 5 p.m. It is a free public event offering messages, music, prayers, and more from leaders of many faith traditions. The service will be held at the tiny St. Francis by the Sea American Catholic Church, 430 Park Avenue, Laguna Beach, with refreshments and snacks to follow next door at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 428 Park Avenue.
With origins in the 1700s, the official U.S. National Day of Prayer was co-founded by Congress and President Truman and signed into law in 1952. Updated in 1988, one of the stated intentions of the National Day of Prayer is that it would be a day when adherents of all religions could unite in prayer. Although its current online complexion reflects a conservative Christian viewpoint, the Laguna Beach event organizers have made it a tradition to make National Day of Prayer in Laguna Beach one of inclusion, expanded thinking, and caring for our neighbors. For more information, email office@ncclaguna. org.
LBHS Alumni All-Class Reunion Picnic on the Horizon
The Laguna Beach High School Alumni All-Class Reunion picnic will
take place on Saturday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The LBHS Alumni Association organizes the annual all-class picnic every first Saturday in May. The location is at the Heisler Park oceanfront picnic tables, cross streets Cliff and Myrtle. Dues and donations benefit scholarships for graduating LBHS seniors who are descendants of alums. All classes are welcome to this annual fun event. For more information or questions, visit LagunaBeachAlumni.org or contact Amanda Horton, Class of 93, at 949-422-6122.
May is Laguna’s Heritage Month: Schedule of Events
Opening Night Celebration: Thursday, May 2, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Join the Heritage Committee in Celebration of Heritage Month at Tango Restaurant, 305 Forest Avenue, Suite 103. Light Hors d’oeuvres provided. No charge.
Trolley Tour: The Works of Local Architect Aubrey St. Clair: Saturday, May 11
Celebrate the works of Laguna Beach architect Aubrey St. Clair with a free guided trolley tour. The trolley loads at 306 Third Street (Laguna Beach Water District) at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and departs at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Email clark@collinsone.net or go to historiclaguna.com to sign-up. Space is limited and confirmation is required.
Historic Project Forum: Thursday,
May 16, from 6 to 8 p.m
Design, construction and real estate professionals share experiences with historic properties, including Mills Act calculations and a Q&A portion. Find out about the rewarding process of historic preservation. The forum will be held at the City Chambers, 505 Forest Avenue.
Laguna Beach Living History featuring No Square Theatre: Saturday, May 18
Celebrate Heritage Month with the Laguna Beach Historical Society and a special performance by No Square Theatre from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Murphy Smith Bungalow on 278 Ocean Avenue.
Public Tours of the Hortense Miller Garden
For more information or to schedule a docent-led tour visit hortensemillergarden.org/visit.
You may also call (949) 464-6645 to book a free tour most Saturdays and Thursdays from 9:45 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Crystal Cove Historic District – SelfGuided Walking Tour
This charming, quaint Historic District will take you back in time. For more information, including park hours, activities and parking information, visit crystalcovestatepark.org
Contact Heritage Committee Staff Liaison Heather Steven at (949) 4970332 or hsteven@lagunabeachcity.net for more information.
GUEST OPINION: PET PEEVES
Fresh Faces
By MarK d. crantz
Fresh Faces. Ahh, I don’t think I’m the right guy to write about that. I’m old. My face is older. How’s that possible, you ask? Well, not that it’s any of your business, but my butt looks younger. That’s a good thing. Otherwise, I’d be mistaken as a twin. That’s why I keep my pants on. We don’t need two of me writing about.
Fresh Faces are young artists with young faces with young art that will be displayed at Festival of Arts South. The exhibit is displayed in Active Cultures on South Coast Highway from April 9th through June 10th. Now, I like Active Cultures. I walk by it everyday. I don’t go in there any more because it’s named Active Cultures. I’m not active. They may as well have a sign on the door that says, “Welcome Everyone. Except Crantz.” So, I walk by and wave at all the active, fresh faced yogurt eaters. I hope to live long enough to see an Inactive Cultures. “Welcome Crantz. Drop your drawers. The bottom guy can come in. The top guy keep out. You’ll scare the customers.”
Fresh Faces is a great idea. These young people are super talented. They work in different mediums, I.e., painting, photography, glass, mixed media and more. I’ve tried these various mediums with little success. In elementary art class, my art teacher told my Mother, “Mark will never be a great artist. He eats paste. None of his projects stick together.” Now, I’ve
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champion Huntington Beach 13-5 on April 18. Laguna ended up second in the Sunset Wave League with Fountain Valley’s 10-8 upset of Newport on April 18, sending Laguna into the SSCIF D3 team playoffs next week.
The schedule will be posted at 11 a.m. on April 29 at cifss.org. The first round match is set for May 1.
This past week, the Wave League individual tournament was held at Huntington Beach and Luke Jolley lost in the finals to Newport’s Ryan Honary 6-4, 1-6 (6-10) in the showdown of the league’s top players.
TRACK & FIELD
(0-3, 0-3)
The Sunset Wave League Finals were held on April 26 at Marina High School – details next week.
BOYS VOLLEYBALL
(0-6, 5-17)
Final 2024 Season Leaders: Kills: 278 - Kai Patchell (59 sets)
Hit %: .369 – Laird Garcia (113 kills, 42 sets)
Blocking: 21.0 – Kai Fong (62 sets played)
Serving Accuracy: .954 – Silas Richland (151 serves)
Aces: 27 – Kai Patchell
Points: 312 - Kai Patchell (278 kills, 27 aces, 7.0 net blocks)
Assists: 326 – Silas Richland (41 sets played)
Digs: 143 – Kai Patchell
Laird Garcia finished his career 16th all-time in the Rally Scoring era (2004 -) in points scored (kills, aces and net blocks).
Two set records were set this season: Set Assists in a set (game) to 15 points: 14 by Ben Goodwin versus Bolsa Grande (Old record 12 by George Knapp vs Laguna Hills in 2018
Hit attempts in a 2-set match: 34 by Kai Patchell vs. La Serna. The old record is 32 by Robbie McKnight vs. Corona del Mar, 2011.
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.
is
Laguna
• Transparent Cost Estimating & Budgeting
• Constructibility Consultations
• Scheduling
• Laguna Beach Permit Processing
• Full-Service Builder SERVICES
GUEST OPINION:
In a Worried World, Signs of a Pushback
By russ GerBer
Soon after departing Houston International Airport, we hit severe turbulence. The pilot came on to warn that because we had to pass through a storm front, the rough ride would last another 30 minutes. But not to worry. “Think of it as a car traveling on a bumpy road,” he said. Unfortunately, it’s jostling, but the plane is in no danger from it.”
I’d heard this reassurance before, but it must have been a big first for the woman sitting across the aisle from me. She sighed with relief. The white-
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knuckle grip of worry was gone for the rest of the ride.
Too bad that’s not the trend everywhere else.
Some medical and social experts claim society’s worry about all kinds of things is on the rise. According to one report, it’s reaching epidemic proportions. “The term “worrying” has replaced “thinking,” says clinical psychologist Daniel Peters. That’s disturbing news on both the mental and physical health front.
Yet other experts, together with a lot of ordinary folks, have questions about the source of this spike in anxiety. What they’re suspecting is that worry may be more a deliberate imposition than an accurate impression.
Worry can be used as a tool to sell products or increase ratings, says Peters. It’s a means of influencing public thought and behavior that can have both mental and physical consequences. In his book Worried Sick, Arthur J. Barsky, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School warns: “Consumers are constantly reminded of the myriad health threats, often by exaggeration of the
risks involved, and then convinced of the necessity for products and services to protect them.”
In a conversation I had with him some years ago, he echoed a point he makes in his book: “We seem unable to enjoy our good health...there is a sense of “disease” in the air.”
If scare tactics concern you and you want to defend yourself, that’s as it should be, says physician David Katz. “For those of us not wanting to figure among the victims of this prevailing mischief,” he writes, “there is a need for self-defense.”
The information we access on our smartphones may not be as smart or frightening as we’re led to believe. Where does self-defense come into play? Between the aggressive mix of news, advisories, warnings, and concerns being sent and received every day, people on the receiving end should pay attention to their responsibility as gatekeepers. The ability to accept or reject, embrace or question what we’re asked to believe, no matter how convincing the message appears, is squarely ours.
This reminder isn’t new. Back in the days of prehistoric media—no
animations in the sky. The show can also be choreographed to music.
The 15-minute drone show will cost the city $75,000. A traditional 882-firework display of the same time frame is estimated to cost $42,000.
Like the fireworks in the past, 300 FDA-approved unmanned aerial vehicles, supplied by drone heavyweights Sky Elements, will launch from Heisler Park. However, adverse weather conditions like high wind speeds or low visibility could cancel the event.
Residents also came out in support of the council’s decision, noting firework noises could cause the trigger-
ing of post-traumatic stress among military veterans and damage to both domestic and wild animals, among other environmental concerns.
“Fireworks are terrible for wildlife, especially nesting birds,” Judie Mancuso said. “It’s the number one day of the year for dogs to get hit by cars and go into shelters because of the noise. They get spooked. Every Fourth of July, I end up finding someone’s dog.”
However, not everyone appears to be on board with the switch to drones. A petition to keep Laguna’s 40-year-old traditional fireworks
internet, email, or television—the author of Science and Health, Mary Baker Eddy, noted: “The press unwittingly sends forth many sorrows and diseases among the human family. It does this by giving names to diseases and by printing long descriptions, which mirror images of disease distinctly in thought.”
Fear-mongering wasn’t as prevalent in the late 19th century as it is today, but that didn’t stop her from warning readers: “Stand porter at the door of thought.”
Times certainly have changed, but the warning seems as relevant as ever. Porters back then stood ready to open and close physical doors. In today’s hyper-media world, we need porters of the mind who know when it’s good to have an open mind and when it’s wise to keep the mental doors shut.
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.
Fried
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only be described as the Maybach of toilets, the Gulfstream of loos, the Riva of latrines. It was in a luxury hotel, and in quick summation, the following functions were just a pushbutton away: Seat Open/Close, Flush, Light flush, Eco flush, Position, Rear/soft, Front/ wide, Pulsate, Oscillate, Pressure, Stop, Please Stop and Don’t Ever Stop (OK I added those last two). But perhaps the biggest single breakthrough was the Dryer function. Where, oh where have you been? So much chafing avoided. So many trees saved.
I’m convinced that Toto toilets have a chance at world domination. Just as Steve Jobs predicted a personal computer in every home, every household will have a Toto. They are the most exciting export this country has had since ramen.
show is circulating on neighborhood Facebook groups, and as of press time, there were more than 100 e-signatures.
“The fireworks show is not merely a spectacle of lights and sounds; it is a deep-rooted tradition that embodies the spirit of our community and our nation’s history,” the petition states. “It is a time-honored event that fosters a sense of community, unity, and patriotic celebration. Replacing this beloved tradition with a drone show, albeit modern and innovative, strips away a fundamental part of our collective identity and heritage.”
My only frustration is that I didn’t get to use them enough. That lowfiber, high-protein Japanese diet is delicious, but it made me irregular. That’s uncomfortable in and of itself. But missing out on daily, warm anal cleanings, set to music, was like going to Disneyland and not getting on any of the rides. Next trip to Japan I’m definitely bringing Metamucil.
Billy is the Chief Experience Officer at La Vida Laguna and as of May 1, the CEO of KXRN, Laguna’s Community Radio. At which point, he promises no more toilet humor. He can be reached at billy@lavidalaguna.com.
Residents and visitors watch as fireworks are set off from Heisler Park during last year’s Independence Day celebrations. This year, fireworks will be replaced by a drone show. Photo courtesy of Mitch Ridder
and economic analyses, as well as working with government agencies such as the California Coastal Commission and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) beginning June 2024.
“One of the tricky parts of this [plan] was when we would have community workshops,” said Kempf. “We want to make sure that when we have community workshops, we have concrete things to share.”
Kempf described an example of concrete constraint discussion items like street foundational infrastructure in addition to forming a design that would meet ABC’s requirements.
While initially considering a design competition, Kempf and Orgill agreed to work with Laguna Beach design firm SWA Group on an existing on-call services contract for up to $30,000, which quickly raised concerns about fairness and the selection process.
“I don’t see ‘resident’ in here at all,” said Councilmember George Weiss, referring to the Promenade Ad Hoc Committee Work Plan. “You may have addressed it in your comments, but why it is not in the staff report is really funky… the first process is to engage the public because they’re the biggest stakeholder.”
Residents shared varying opinions, with some strongly favoring the Promenade but advocating for the ad hoc committee to be more inclusive of the community. Others wanted more concrete data to understand the project beyond the economic benefits. Some residents were in favor of holding a design competition, with one resident describing their planning commission experience as “a complete waste of time.” In contrast, others described the potential to improve its current state, highlighting the economic boon for some businesses located around the Promenade due to the shift over the past four years.
“The current version for me is far too dedicated to a few restaurants and too many tables, fences, tents… that interrupt the flow and general vibe of the block,” said Mark Christy, Laguna Beach resident and owner of The Ranch at Laguna Beach resort. “On a scale from one-to-10, it’s currently a two or three, but I know we can make it a 10 with great design…it should look like it’s been there for 100 years.”
In addition, several residents voiced their concerns about the community’s lack of involvement in committees and focus groups. Most residents want the committee to have thoughtful consideration when designing the Promenade with its historic component remaining intact.
“Where are the qualified residents on any committee or focus group where the real input/decisions will be made? You’ve certainly got the focus groups covered with selfinterested parties like the Chamber of Commerce, Visit Laguna Beach, architects, etc. What about the residents who will be paying for this?” said resident Michèle Monda. “Who’s looking out for our interest? This town is teeming with experts qualified to make reasoned decisions…how many from your ‘focus groups’ live here and care the way residents do?”
Created out of a need to serve the public during the pandemic, the historic Forest Avenue Promenade has since become a semi-permanent fixture for residents and tourists to partake in traffic-free shopping and dining. It has stirred much debate over its permanence. As the city moves forward with its plan to gather more data on the Promenade’s benefits and drawbacks, residents aim to find a voice among those involved in the committee’s focus groups and analyses.
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had more recent medium success. I went to a medium once. She informed me, “Nobody over here wants to hear from you. Stay on your own side.”
Now, I told you I like Active Cultures, didn’t I? Here’s what I like about it. When you walk by it, there are young, vibrant faces happy to eat yogurt and share with each other their hopes and dreams. It’s life in motion, the opposite of Pageant of the Masters. Both are good. One is a still picture of life. The other is a YouTube video of life blooming.
Come support these Fresh Faces and their fresh faced art. Come in and look around. Except Crantz, both of him.
Crantz tells the Indy that he is looking for an art sponsor that will support his paintings of wall safes, where behind them will be paintings of life behind bars.
Garden Club
PAGE 3
to come adorned with their best garden party hat for a chance to be entered into the popular Garden Party Hat Contest.
“We had over 125 people show up with hats last year,” Nelson said. “We take pictures of them for a contest, and the mayor and other water district officials give out the prize at the end of the event. People get into it. To me, the tableau of people
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counterculture movement of the time.
“During that time, I noticed the same people attending these festivals,” Nichols said. “We didn’t socialize, but they weren’t threatened by me at all. Some of these pictures are of people who I’ve shot twice or three times over those few years. They were practically ready to pose for me; they weren’t threatened. They thought it was fun. They didn’t know what the pictures were for, but they knew I wasn’t a cop.”
The never-before-seen images, meticulously high-resolution scanned from slidefilm, are a rare glimpse into a transformative era.
“All of these kids were making a huge break,” Nichols said. “Rather, it was their discussion about the Vietnam War, or music or long hair or no bra, whatever. They were all coming from families that were shocked, most of them not buying into it. So they were finding likeminded people at these festivals. That was a big part of it, too.”
This one-time event will display a curated collection of Nichol’s photos and an accompanying discussion led by Music History Hall Foundation Executive Director Patti Compton, fashion photographer Zach McDuffie and Nichols.
“We’re going to talk about music. We’re going to talk about fashion. We’re going to talk about the political and cultural climate at the time,” Compton said. It was a very poignant time and there was a lot going on. It was very emotional. So I think this is going to be an emotional evening.
Nichols added that the word to describe that era was “heady.”
“It was a very heady time,” he recalls.
Nichols recently chatted about his festival experiences with Compton on her KXFM radio show, “Play Something Sweet.”
To listen, visit kxfmradio.org/ shows/play-something-sweet and search for episode #82, The West Coast Roots of Woodstock.
Tickets to California Happening are $25 and offer a unique chance to experience the counterculture era through art, music, and discussion. Entry includes light hors d’oeuvres and one drink. Additional drink tickets are available for pre-purchase. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Festival attire is encouraged.
To purchase tickets to the May 3 event, visit musichistoryhall.org/ events.
walking around with all those fancy hats makes it even more special.”
The Gate & Garden Tour proceeds go to the Garden Club’s outreach projects, such as school gardens, scholarships, community education and beautification projects in Laguna Beach and beyond. The tour is the club’s biggest fundraiser.
Garden Club meetings are held on the second Friday of the
month from September – May in Tankersley Hall at Laguna Presbyterian Church, 415 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach.
More information, including ticket purchases, can be found at lagunabeachgardenclub.org.
Photography
Left to right: Laguna Beach resident Jan Nichols and Music History Hall Foundation Executive Director Patti Compton hold an anthology of Nichols’ photos with fashion photographer Zach McDuffie. The three will host “California Happening” on Friday, May 3. Clara Beard/LB Indy
for one fun-filled day.
Village Laguna was founded in 1971 when concerned citizens opposed the construction of high-rise buildings along the coastline. Due to these early efforts, the city adopted a 36-ft height limit on building height. An impenetrable wall of high-rise structures was averted, and today, residents and visitors alike enjoy some of the most splendid scenery found along the California coast.
Village Laguna’s goal is to preserve and promote the village atmosphere, and over the years, it has helped make Laguna Beach such a wonderful place. Efforts and accomplishments have included the creation of Main Beach Park, donations to local nonprofit organizations, historic preservation of our downtown and special neighborhoods, support of local businesses, celebration of Laguna’s cultural heritage, acquisition of open space greenbelt lands, restoration of natural waterways and ocean environments and support local city and school board candidates.
Gene Felder, president of the Top of the World Neighborhood Association
Crime Stats Release Took Too Long Crime statistics: As any good detective (or readers/writers of who-done-it literature) can tell you, there are no coincidences.
So, “coincidentally” with the publication of Michele Monda’s latest column, voila! The annual report/update Ms. Monda petitioned the city council for was released and published.
First, Chief Calvert and his staff should be congratulated for the apparent good news regarding key crime rate reductions. Unlike many, I didn’t support replacing him.
But let’s ask ourselves: Why should this particular report take so long after Jan. 1? Obviously, simple collating and the compilation release date are city manager and/or mayoral decisions, correct?
Ms. Monda’s vigilance regarding transparency is an integral element of publishing such data for residents’ scrutiny. Tourists/visitors should be kept informed to assist them in deciding how safe our city is for themselves and their families to hang out in, too.
Seems there’s an obvious solution here: A pre-determined date certain each year, perhaps Feb. 1?
I mean c’mon, the LBPD must track this data constantly, cumulatively, so allowing one month seems more than adequate for what’s basically a summation, right?
Mid-April is unacceptable. We, The People, have a right to know, and it’s not “rocket science.”
Roger E. Bütow, 52-year Laguna Beach resident
LBUSD Should Consider Taxpayers
At the March 14 Laguna Beach School Board meeting, over $2 million in contracts for design and planning to demolish and rebuild the existing high
school pool were approved by a 4-1 vote. While those contracts specified a 50-meter pool, the board president stated that the size of the pool should be part of design considerations that would return to the board for approval. Because nothing in those contracts calls for an evaluation of pool size, the board should formally add an agenda item that calls for reconsideration of pool size now that city plans are clear. In two subsequent school board meetings, there was no discussion or agenda items regarding the active work on the pool.
As a reminder, the school board previously approved a 50-meter pool to be shoehorned into the existing site at a cost now exceeding $19 million. This decision was made PRIOR to the city’s decision to construct a separate pool that will address 75% of the current demand on the pool. That leaves less than 80 student-athletes to be supported at the dedicated school pool. Options exist for a modern, competitive, moderate sized pool that meet all high school needs and can save taxpayers over $10 million.
Obviously, spending for an oversized pool needs to be revised in light of the city’s decision. Unfortunately, it’s unclear if that is the intent, given that the school board made no announcement. As every resident is being taxed for this pool’s construction and operation, we should insist the board consider lower-cost options.
Gary Kasik, Laguna Beach
Heritage Month
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styles that capture both the diversity of his creativity and the longevity of his career.
Eighty years ago, the most popular movie in the country was “Meet Me In St. Louis” starring a young Judy Garland. A musical, the film’s message of the importance of family and a love of one’s hometown resonated with wartime audiences. One of Garland’s numbers in the movie is “The Trolley Song,” which contains the refrain, “I spent a jolly hour on the trolley.” You should too. Who knows, it might remind you of all the things you love about your hometown.
Seating is limited. There is no cost. If you would like to reserve a spot you can email Clark Collins at clark@ collinsone.net or visit historiclaguna. com and sign up.
Hunter Fuentes is a Laguna Beach resident and founder of Historic Laguna (historiclaguna.com). Jon Stordahl has lived in Laguna for over 20 years. He is a retired history teacher and was recently appointed to the Laguna Beach Heritage Committee. You can reach Hunter and Jon at jon@historiclaguna. com and hunter@historiclaguna.com.
5/15 MR BIG - The Big Finish Tour
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 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 )
6/23 JUSTIN HAYWARD
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 )
8/2 Beach Boy AL JARDINE
8/3 CUBENSIS ( g rate F ul D ea D t ribute )
8/10 BEATLES VS STONES
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 PETTY BREAKERS
8/30 GLENN HUGHES - Deep Purple Set
8/31 MICK ADAMS & THE STONES 9/1 MIDGE URE 9/7 SOUTHERN ROCK THROWDOWN 9/8 An Evening with JOHN LYDON 9/12 GRAHAM BONNET P er F orming r ainbow , m S g & a l C atrazz 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
11/30 LEE ROCKER of the Stray
Laguna Canyon Conservancy Brings Local Environmental Groups Together for Earth Day
Local environmentalists came together for Earth Day celebrations and networking on Monday, April 22 at the Rivian South Coast Theatre. The public heard presentations from
officials,
Inaugural Tedx Talk Laguna Beach a Success
Left: Surfrider Foundation CEO Chad Nelsen talks to audience members about coastal and ocean conservation and its challenges during Tedx Talk Laguna Beach. With the goal of “uniting the Laguna beach community and inspire hope, optimism and action toward a flourishing future,” Laguna Beach’s first ever Tedx Talk took place at the Rivian South Coast Theater on April 21 to a sold out crowd.
Organized by Project O Founder Rich German, the night featured a collection of local and national speakers who share a love of the natural world and a “think global, act local” philosophy. Photo courtesy of Mitch Ridder
WAREHOUSE SALE AT LALA
APRIL 26TH & 27TH, 2024
lala - A Kerry Cassill Store is having a Warehouse Sale. Join us 10am-3pm at 2095 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach
CITY-WIDE SIDEWALK SALE LAGUNA BEACH
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
Support your local businesses this Spring at the Shop Small Spring Sidewalk Sale. Businesses all around Laguna Beach will be participating featuring special offers. ThinkLagunaFirst.com
Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Orange County Coastkeeper, Laguna Bluebelt Coalition, Laguna Ocean Foundation, Laguna Beach City
Laguna Beach High School FLOW (Fire, Land, Ocean, Water) teachers and students and LCAD art + sustainability program students. Photos by Jim Collins
