Beyond the Break: Tess Booth Finds Passion in Surfing, Solo Travel and Family
By Jackie Connor, Special to the Independent
Blink and you might pass up the beautiful shores of Oak Street Beach. Among the 26 unique shorelines in Laguna Beach, Oak Street is home to not only a marine protected area but also a host of locals like the Booth family, who call many of these unique shorelines home. For Tess Booth, 20, growing up splashing in the shore break and conquering some of Laguna Beach’s premier surf spots ignites a forever passion for the ocean.
Daughter of former professional surfer and Laguna Beach local Jeff Booth and surf industry design veteran Melissa Martinez, owners of Distant Local, a surf shop co-branding company, Booth and her brother Travis were raised with surfing as a steadfast passion. Booth may not remember her very first wave, but she recalls diving under the waves at Oak Street alongside her dad when she was five years old.
“Something clicked in my brain and I went under, and…it was perfectly fine,” said Booth. “And ever since that moment, I feel like I got really comfortable with the
ocean and started surfing with my dad.”
At age nine, Booth was determined to join her dad and brother out in the surf, recalling her birthday present from her dad—a seven-foot Odyssey surfboard.
Fueled by her determination to be a part of the surf conversation with her dad and brother, Tess would surf on her own, honing her skills, or with her dad by her side, coaching her.
“I am extremely lucky to have a dad
who is a master of his craft because he taught me everything that I know and really helped me to become the surfer that I am today and the surfer that I want to be,” said Booth.
Her surf journey soon graduated to Brooks Street, a left-breaking wave whose reputation for being anything but gentle precedes itself during large summertime south swells. It is also home to the Brooks
TESS, PAGE 24
Local Nonprofit Raises More Than $400K for Laguna Beach Schools
By LB Indy Staff
SchoolPower, Laguna Beach’s Education Foundation, hosted its 38th Annual Gala Above & Beyond on March 23 at Montage Laguna Beach. Chaired by SchoolPower trustees Ashley Brown and Liz Black, the event grossed more than $400,000 for Laguna Beach Unified School District’s four schools.
“When a community works together to realize a mutual goal, magic is created. And magic is what SchoolPower has created
with its commitment to improving both the education and well-being of Laguna Beach students,” said Liz Black, a Thurston Middle School parent and event co-chair.
SchoolPower is a parent volunteer-based, nonprofit that has raised money for Laguna Beach public schools since 1981. Through SchoolPower grants, the Family Resource Center, and the After School Program, SchoolPower supports academics, athletics,
, PAGE 21
Monks Return to Laguna Beach for Tibetan Cultural Arts Tour
Seven holy men will offer house blessings and share Tibetan culture, sand mandala making, music, history
By LB Indy Staff
After a five-year hiatus, the Drepung Gomang monks of India will return to Laguna Beach for a week for their Sacred Tibetan Arts Tour.
Seven monks and their driver will offer a glimpse into their culture from April 14 to 21. The holy men, who are artists and scholars from Tibet’s oldest monastery, will construct a mandala, an intricate design made from fine, multicolored sand, sing their unique trichord chanting at the beginning and end of each day, perform blessings to conjure positive energy at homes and businesses, and present pujas. These stylized rituals combine chanting, music, prayer, and visualizations using Tibetan instruments and multi-tonal singing. Guests may visit to watch them construct the sand mandala at Healy House on the grounds of the Sawdust Art Festival. All events are free and open to the public, but donations are gratefully accepted and will be used to
MONKS, PAGE 3
SCHOOL POWER
SchoolPower Executive Director Sarah Durand addresses guests at SchoolPower’s 38th Annual Gala. Photo/Candice Dartez Photography
Tess Booth navigates the lineup at Pavones surf break in Costa Rica. Photo/ Randolf Stoker
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KC AESTHETICS
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META BROW STUDIO
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BOAT CANYON SHOPPING CENTER, 600610 N. COAST HWY., LAGUNA BEACH
support the monks’ educational and spiritual efforts toward world peace. The dramatic mandala dissolution ceremony at the end of their visit, Sunday, April 21, at 2 p.m., will be memorable. After laboring over their detailed design all week, the monks sweep it into a pile of sand and give guests small packets to remind them of life’s impermanence and the importance of good works, however ephemeral. They invite the public to join their procession, accompanied by drums and cymbals, to the beach to cast the remaining sand into the ocean.
For the eighth time, a volunteer committee of organizers led by musician Pam Wicks has arranged their accommodations in a private home, as well as their meals and transportation.
“We feel fortunate to welcome the monks to Laguna again,” Wicks said. “They have been traveling across the United States to various communities like ours since last August. Having them as our guests to share their art, culture, and blessings is a marvelous opportunity for everyone in our community to learn about this struggling nation’s history, culture, and Tibetan Buddhism.
“We wish to acknowledge
and thank the Sawdust Festival community for once again opening their hearts and donating their beautiful property as the site of this event,” Wicks added. “Likewise, we are grateful to the Neighborhood Congregational Church for their collaboration this year and their generosity in providing their campus for three evening events on April 15, 17, and 20.”
Visitors are invited to observe morning and evening chanting rituals and watch the mandala creation from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily April 14 to 21.
NOTE: On April 18 and 20, the hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The mandala’s final touches will be completed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 21. The mandala will then be dissolved - gently brushed into a pile of sand and offered in small
packets to visitors. The monks will then lead a procession to Main Beach to chant and cast the remaining sand into the ocean as a reminder of life’s ephemeral nature.
From April 13 to 21, the monks will offer house blessings at homes, offices, galleries, and churches by prior appointment. For information and scheduling or to volunteer, contact Pam Wicks at pwicks23@gmail.com.
The Sawdust Festival grounds are at 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Metered parking is available. Neighborhood Congregational Church is at 340 St. Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach (parking off Glenneyre).
Additionally, Tibetan prayer flag sponsorships are available for $15 for a five-foot length. The bright cloth flags will fly at the Sawdust Festival grounds and blessed by the monks, then given to each sponsor after their visit. In Tibetan Buddhism, colorful prayer flags are printed with auspicious symbols, invocations, prayers and mantras promoting peace, wisdom and compassion. The wind, it is said, spreads auspiciousness and goodwill to all beings. For information about the monks, visit www.monksinlaguna.com.
FREE COMPOSTING WORKSHOP FOR LAGUNA BEACH RESIDENTS
Drepung Gomang Monks create a world peace sand mandala. Photo courtesy of Drepung Gomang Monastery
Town Crier
IN AND AROUND LAGUNA BEACH
Craft Guild Art Show this Sunday
The next Laguna Craft Guild Art Show is this Sunday, April 7. Shop local at Laguna’s longest-running downtown art fair and find treasures, including jewelry, ceramics, glass-blown art, paintings, and more. The Laguna Craft Guild art show is located on the cobblestones of Main Beach. Over 30 different artists exhibit unique and handmade arts and crafts. The craft show starts at 9 a.m. and closes one hour before sunset. More information is available at www. lagunacraftguild.com.
LBHS Students “Walking for Water”
If you thought today’s teenagers were only interested in local activities, 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.
Since the fundraising began 21 years ago, more than 500,000 men, women, and children now drink clean water daily.
This year’s event will bring together students, faculty, and community
members. To help support the cause, there will be games for youngsters to play, clothing and other items for sale.
According to an 18-year-old student, “Imagine living here in Laguna, but having to walk to Dana Point and back every day to find water. That’s what women and children have to do in West Africa and India. Proceeds from our “Walking for Water” event will pay for wells that are steps away, not miles, in people’s villages.”
“Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people, especially in developing countries, struggle to obtain this basic necessity,” said student advisor Susan Hough. “Through this event, we aim to raise funds and educate the community about the global water crisis and inspire action towards sustainable solutions.”
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.
Historical Society presents Solomon’s Lost Horizons
The upcoming Laguna Beach Historical Society meeting on April 16 will feature a special presentation of
historical paintings by local watercolorist David Solomon. The series of paintings known as “The Lost Horizons of Orange County” were created between 1975-2018. Before his retirement, Solomon completed countless paintings of Laguna’s town and beaches, but he also focused on preserving local history through his artwork. He documented the rural areas bordering Laguna Beach by painting nearby farms and ranches before they were developed into the urban landscape surrounding our village.
Solomon’s home studio was located at Top of the World, directly above Moulton Ranch. From his backyard, he watched the development creeping ever closer to Laguna. His effort to paint the aging ranches and homesteads before they were torn down has left a historic archive of art that captures what the area looked like in simpler times. He also documented happenings within the city, such as Aliso Pier’s construction and the Laguna Canyon’s toll road. Solomon was an exhibitor at the Festival of Arts for 35 years and has shown his award-winning artwork throughout the world. His artwork even adorns the signs at the three entrances to Laguna Beach.
The artist’s eldest daughter, Gaylen,
who published the book “David Solomon: 50 Years an Artist in 2019,” will present the slideshow and art talk. The event will be held at the Susi Q Senior Center at 380 Third Street, Laguna Beach, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, please call Gaylen at (949) 204-6301 or visit www. DavidSolomonArtist.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
CRIER, PAGE 26
Council is a Leader in Environmental Standards
Thank you, Tom Osborne and the Laguna Beach Independent, for your March 29 City Council update. Living in your neighboring city of Laguna Niguel, I appreciate Mr. Osborne’s quote, “Laguna Beach will exemplify the best practices that are required in our neighboring south Orange County cities.”
I agree and have said many times before that I hope my City Council follows some of your City Council’s examples when it comes to environmental and climate standards. Neighboring cities can easily replicate Laguna Beach’s solar and storage plans. We have plenty of sunshine to help power our respective cities. In turn, as the sun knows no boundaries, we make our cities more energy secure without worrying about future energy delivery supply shocks.
Municipally-owned buildings, as well as all school rooftops and parking lots, should be covered in solar panels.
To quote directly from the U.S. Department of Treasury website, “The Inflation Reduction Act recognized that state, local, and tribal governments, as well as non-profit organizations and other tax-exempt entities, have played and will continue to play a central role in making investments to build a clean energy economy.”
So, a big thank you to the Laguna Beach City Council for recognizing their role in our transition to the new low-carbon energy economy.
Jonathan Light, Laguna Niguel
Support Bill Banning Gillnet Fishing
On March 22, a migrating gray whale was spotted entangled in gillnet fishing gear off the coast of Laguna Beach. Despite efforts by the Pacific Marine Mammal Center response team, the whale remains entangled, facing suffering and likely death.
As a proud supporter of sustainable commercial fisheries, I am disheartened that California continues to allow gillnet fishing for halibut and seabass.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife has determined that the gillnet fishery poses the highest ecological risk of all state fisheries. Fortunately, Assemblymember Steve Bennett has introduced AB-2220 to extend the gillnet ban across all state waters. Let’s act now to protect our marine biodiversity. Please join me in urging our representatives to support AB-2220.
Eric Praske, Laguna Beach
Stolen Angel
In the shadows of early morning or in the dark of night, the angel statue at our door was whisked away. It wasn’t perfect, perhaps a tad weathered and missing a right wing. Having watched patiently over our rose garden for years, it showed some wear. It’s hard to imagine who would steal an angel statue, especially just days after Easter. Who is that confident they are guaranteed a spot in heaven? Someone who has dared to tempt fate or perhaps doesn’t understand consequences with some extra karma to spare?
LOCALS LIST!
It is with sadness that we report it gone. As in life, if you’re fortunate enough to see an imperfect angel in your travels take a moment to know we can be whisked away, but try to remember that hope can bring you back.
Sue Graham, Laguna Beach
theIndy
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION
LAGUNA LOCALS LIST!
Poll
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION
Should the city approve a conditional use permit for a tattoo shop to do business inside an existing art gallery located at 618 South Coast Highway? -Yes, 48.78% (40 votes) -No, 51.22% (42 votes)
TOTAL VOTES: 82
As observed in Ann Christoph’s column this week, could South Laguna use a boost in public amenities and resources?
- Yes
- No
TO VOTE, VISIT THE POLL TAB AT LAGUNABEACHINDY.COM. SUBMIT POLL QUESTIONS TO CLARA@FIREBRANDMEDIAINC.COM.
The LagunaBeachIndy.com poll is conducted using Crowd Signal polling software. To minimize
to block duplicate votes by cookie and IP address. While
April 9 - Laguna Beach City Council Meeting 5 p.m. April 10 - Administrative Design Review Meeting at 3 p.m.
Alex Rounaghi Mayor Pro Tem arounaghi@ lagunabeachcity.net
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
SECOND AND FOURTH THURSDAYS, 5 PM
LOUIS WEIL: lweil@lagunabeachcity.net
KRISTINE THALMAN: kthalman@lagunabeachcity.net
DON SHERIDAN: dsheridan@lagunabeachcity.net
JESSICA GANNON: jgannon@lagunabeachcity.net
TOM GIBBS: tgibbs@lagunabeachcity.net
George Weiss Council member gweiss@lagunabeachcity.net
PLANNING COMMISSION
1ST AND 3RD WEDNESDAYS, 6 PM
STEVEN KELLENBERG, steve@kellenbergstudio.com
KEN SADLER: 616-0517, ken.sadler@cox.net
JORG DUBIN: 497-2618, jdubinart@cox.net
STEVE GOLDMAN: 203-554-2290, steveg415@ymail.com
SUSAN McLINTOCK WHITIN: 838-6317, whitinsusan@gmail.com
OTHER ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES: REP. KATIE PORTER,, 1113 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515. 202-225-2415 ASSEMBLYWOMAN DIANE DIXON, 19712 MacArthur Blvd. Ste. 150, Irvine, CA 92612. 949-251-0074 FIFTH DISTRICT SUPERVISOR KATRINA FOLEY, 333 W.
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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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By Russ GeRBeR
GUEST OPINION:
Need to Jump-Start Your Spiritual Life?
Some things we just know. We know when our outlook has become less upbeat and more cynical. We know when we’re more engrossed in a digital life than in the human company of people around us. We know when our life has become inward and routine rather than outward and meaningful, enjoying thoughtful interaction with others. If we examine why our behavior
and habits have drifted in this direction, we may uncover something else we know: We’ve neglected our spiritual life.
That’s not to say there is a shortage of inspiring, spiritual ideas to pierce the gloominess and renew our energy. They’re available and accessible. The question is: How do we grasp those ideas and benefit from them?
Many years ago, I spent several
stress-filled months pursuing an answer to this problem. I talked to others about it, did a lot of reading and, quite honestly, prayed a fair amount. If I couldn’t find an answer alone, I would welcome any other help, including divine help. It turned out that the spiritual quest made the most significant difference. I can’t say it came suddenly and with a dramatic turnaround. I can say that throughout the months of yearning to get my life on a better track, there was a change for the better going on within me. It was evident not only in my attitude and my career but also in improved health.
This day-to-day transformation took place nearly three decades ago. I’ve learned plenty of valuable lessons along the way, not the least of which is to stop looking back, stop ruminating over decisions I wish had been smarter or opportunities I let get away, as though there’s some need to keep taking inventory of reasons why my life won’t improve. After a while, it becomes clear what a downward drag self-condemnation can be, and that it should be stopped.
Feeling the need to redirect such thinking could have motivated New Testament writer St. Paul when he offered the Colossians this timeless advice: “Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth.” It wasn’t an argument for escapism. It was an encouragement to have higher motives and aims, to seek divine help, and, in that way, to glean the spiritual ideas and energy to transform one’s life.
If it repeatedly occurs to us that there has to be a different and better way to live our life, it could be that we’re being prodded by a similar spiritual impulsion to look higher, to a divine source, to discover something new about ourselves and the universe of ideas in which we exist, to “put off the old man with his deeds,” as Paul said.
The change that gradually takes place within as we pursue this course begins to dispel feelings of dullness and empowers resolve. I can attest to that. There’s a growing expectation of improvement and purpose. We’re attuned to seeing a new life emerge, a new next step in our career, expanded opportunities we hadn’t seen, meeting people we should get to know, and who should get to know us.
Following this line of spiritual thinking, we discover how much of a regular practice it needs to be, prompted by the desire to perceive and be true to something higher and better than the frustrated, unhappy person we’ve become so familiar with.
If you’ve been longing to feel good again, consider what it means to practice more spiritual thinking and live a more spiritual life. It’s not
- Sally, Laguna Beach
By Frank Aronoff | LB Indy
SPRING
SPORTS UPDATE
BASEBALL (8-9, 1-1)
Laguna climbed back into the conference race with a 5-1 victory over Corona del Mar on Wednesday, April 3, at Skipper Carrillo Field. Laguna took the early lead in the third inning after Becker Sybirski doubled, Noah Neufield doubled, scoring Becker, and Lucien Reed hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Noah. The Sea Kings scored their lone run in the fourth inning, and Laguna added three more in the sixth. Branson Wade earned the win by going six innings, while Logan Pointon pitched an inning in relief. Breakers recorded 10 hits in the game, with Ben Dawson going three for three at bat.
Last week: Marina’s Nicholas Murrey stole home in the bottom of the seventh to give the Vikings a walkoff 2-1 victory over Laguna in the opening Sunset Wave League game on Friday, March 29, at Marina. Becker Sybirski went the distance for the Breakers, giving up five hits and striking out six as pitcher. Parker Moore was three for three at the plate, but the remaining Laguna batters were held to just three hits. The lone Laguna run came in the second inning when
Sports/Schools
SUBMISSIONS WELCOME BY 5 PM TUESDAY
The Laguna Beach High School Girls Water Polo Team were Sunset Surf League CoChampions, their fourth league title in the six seasons in the toughest league for girls water polo. The team compiled a remarkable 31-5 league record over the six seasons despite never having a home league game and crowd.
The squad: (L-R) Aurea Niederberger, Brooke Schneider, Isabella Zembruski, Siena Jumani, Jordan Katz, Kara Carver, Daniela Suh, Presley Jones, Ava Guziak, Sophie Colliday, Emmy Hensley, Rosie Rogers, Liv Taub, Ava Knepper, Sophia Billy, Isabella Sarkis and Clair Turner.
Photo courtesy of the Laguna Girls Water Polo Team
Lucien Reed was hit by a pitch, Moore singled, Declan Murray had a sacrifice bunt advancing Reed to third and Lucien scored off a wild pitch.
League play continues at Newport Harbor on April 5, home for Marina on April 9, to Marina on April 10 and the Vikings at home on April 12. Statistical Leaders through 16 games:
Batting Average - .326 Noah Neufeld ; Hits: 15 – Neufeld; Doubles: 4 – Dylan Yencho; Runs scored: 8 –Lincoln Adams; RBI’s: 9 – Neufeld; Innings Pitch:46.0 – Becker Sybirski; ERA: 1.67– Sybirski (W3, L4); Strikeouts 50 - Sybirski
BOYS GOLF (3-7, 0-2)
Laguna dropped a 213-209 Sunset Wave League match against Fountain Valley on March 28 at Mile Square Golf Club, par 36. Evan Phi from Fountain Valley was the match medalist with a score of 40. The low score for Laguna came from junior Luke Bo, with a 41. The other team scores for the Breakers include Russell Franconi-Krychman 42, Kiyan Arshadi 42, Joshua Bellisime 43 and Chase Tyson 45.
This past Tuesday, April 2, the Breakers lost a non-league varsity golf
SPORTS, PAGE 19
Over the last two years, the City Council approved more homeowner-friendly runles for the creation of Accessory Dwelling Units in our city.
If you weren’t eligible before, you might be now. Contact us to find out how the new rules may work for you.
Laguna ADU, founded by former Laguna Beach Mayor Elizabeth Pearson, is a one-stop resource to help seniors and other Laguna homeowners create Accessory Dwelling Units to rent, to use for a caretaker, and other purposes.
www.lagunaadu.com lagunaadu@gmail.com 949.929.1383
Learn more and receive a complimentary consultation! Laguna ADU is a Limited Liability Corporation.
Street Beat
EXCERPTS FROM POLICE LOGS
Thursday, March 28
Probation violation. Possessing tear gas as a felon, possessing a controlled substance. Byron Carter Brown, 22, was arrested on suspicion of violating parole, convicted felon purchase of tear gas and possessing a controlled substance. He was held without bail.
License suspended. Tommy Crockham, 28, of Henderson, Nevada, was arrested on suspicion of driving on a suspended license. He was held without bail.
Trespassing. John McGillion, 47, of Laguna Beach was arrested on suspicion of refusing to leave the property. He was held without bail.
Driving without a license and possessing Alexis Cernaslopez, 25, of Santa Ana, was arrested on suspicion of driving unlicensed and possessing, making, or transferring metal knuckles. He was held without bail.
Disorderly conduct, obstructing an executive officer. Loic Ndekesong Besong, 27, of Orange, was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct and obstructing an officer. He was held on $20,500 bail.
Friday, March 29
Possession of a controlled narcotic. Wanda Roxanne Smith, 43, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled narcotic. She was held without bail.
Disorderly conduct. Edward Patrick Schillizzi, 68, of Laguna was arrested on suspicion of alcohol-related disorderly conduct. He was held on $500 bail.
Bench warrant. Ralph Webster
Devoe, 62, of Costa Mesa was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant. He was held without bail.
Saturday, March 30 No arrests recorded.
Sunday, March 31
DUI. A 54-year-old Laguna Beach woman was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. She was held on $2,500 bail.
DUI. A 59-year-old Aliso Viejo man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He was held on $2,500 bail.
Owning ammunition as a prohibited person, bench warrant. Anthony Lamont Rowley, 40, was arrested on suspicion of owning ammunition as a prohibited person and an outstanding bench warrant. He was held without bail.
Possession of a controlled substance. Myisha Janene Saulsberry, 41, of Anaheim was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance, owning ammunition as a prohibited person and an outstanding bench warrant. She was held without bail.
Grand theft, probation violation. Juan Miguel Jaimes, 29, of Whittier was arrested on suspicion of probation violation and grand theft of a motorcycle. He was held without bail.
Monday, April 1 No arrests recorded.
Tuesday, April 2 No arrests recorded.
OBITUARY:
Anneliese Elisabeth Miklosy
5 July, 1927 - 24 December, 2023
Anneliese Elisabeth Miklosy, 96, of Laguna Beach, Calif., the widow of Leslie Daniel Miklosy, died peacefully at her Laguna Beach home with son Les George at her bedside. Anneliese was born 5 July, 1927, the youngest of two girls and two boys to parents Elisabeth and Georg Fraunhofer in Achdorf village - a borough of the medieval city of Landshut in Bavaria, Germany.
Anneliese would like her friends and family to remember her World War II United States immigration story.
While Anneliese attended school, she was also the only household help to her family when the Nazis invaded Poland in 1939. The German army drafted her brothers; the older one was captured and held in a Russian prison camp, and the younger was sent to Dunkirk, France. In 1940, her
OBITUARY:
sister Hanna was disabled in a severe trucking accident and remained in hospital. A year later, her mother, Elisabeth suffered a cerebral stroke and became paralyzed.
In 1942, at age 16, she became a technical drafter and illustrator with the Messerschmitt AG aircraft factory in Regensburg, Germany. She lived in worker barracks there and commuted home on weekends by train. On Tuesday, 17 Aug. 1943, the U.S. Army/Airforce began “Mission No. 84,” a strategic bombing mission with 376 B-17 aircraft in Operation Regensburg-Schweinfurt. That morning, Anneliese reported to work, but her supervisor instructed her to return home to begin her summer holiday, so she returned by train to Landshut. Anneliese recalls when she arrived home, she could hear the sound of heavy bombers. The bombing of Regensburg had begun. Anneliese considered her fortune in bewilderment as the U.S. bombing raid killed all her co-workers and leveled the Messerschmitt factory.
By 1945, Anneliese, nicknamed “Liska,” met her future husband, Leslie Daniel Miklosy. “Laci”, to friends, was a war refugee from Hungary. Laci dreamed of living in the United States. Since the Russians occupied his family estate and war refugees occupied her home from the war, Laci and Liska wanted to leave Germany for the promise of a new life in “Amerika.”
On her lucky-star day, 17 Aug. 1949, Liska, 22 and Laci, 24, were married and sought immigration to the United States. The U.S. immigration officials set
rey Philip Foster
Jeffrey Philip Foster, 80, a longtime resident of Trabuco Canyon, passed away on March 6, 2024, peacefully in hospice care due to congestive heart failure in Mission Viejo, Calif.
Jeff was born March 9, 1943, in Redlands, Calif., to parents Clarence “Bud” and Willette Foster. He grew up and graduated high school in Banning, Calif. He attended the University of California at Santa Barbara, majoring in music education and being a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. At UCSB, Jeff met his future wife,
requirements for legitimate immigration: an American sponsor to receive them, financial security in cash, English proficiency, knowledge of American history and proof of Nazi deprogramming. By 1951, the married couple had satisfied their probation, and with $600 in cash and a sewing machine, the couple qualified as U.S. immigration guests but with no social entitlements.
On 31 Sept. 1951, the couple boarded the last sailing of USNS General S.D. Sturgis with 1,317 passengers from Bremmerhafen, Germany arriving in New Orleans on 11 Oct. 1951.
Leslie became a developer of single-family homes in Sunland, Calif., and by 1965, LESLIE HOMES developed a large portion of Top of the World in Laguna Beach. Anneliese named the streets after familiar cities from her homeland Germany: Bonn, Bern, Tyrol, Alpine, and Nestal. By 1970, she worked for the Laguna Beach School District cafeteria and later as a seamstress and sales associate for the Balcony Tea Room at Diamond and South Coast Highway.
OBITUARY:
Judy Barry
Anneliese’s favorite pastimes were working in her garden at her TOW Laguna home and playing the piano or her classic original 1959 Wurlitzer organ. A family music dedication for Liska would be “Song About Anne” by Annie Lindstrom. Anneliese loved animals and made certain the birdbaths remained clean for her songbirds, owls, and the Aliso watershed canyon critters visiting her yard.
Anneliese approached difficulty with positive sentiment. Among her favorite expressions with English translation were: “Alles gute kommt von oben” - All good things come from above; “Gibts Schlimmeres” - Worse things are possible; “Das haus volliert nichts” - A house loses nothing and “Aging is not for sissies.”
Anneliese is deeply missed by her extended family and local Laguna friends. A little placard hanging outside her home entry door reads, “Bin im Garten.” Today, her spirit hovers with the butterflies among her garden daisies and camellias.
Patricia “Pennie” Weidaw, and they later married in August 1965.
In 1967, Jeff took the music director job at Thurston Middle School in the Laguna Beach Unified School District. He eventually took over the same position at Laguna Beach High School, later retiring after 37 years. During those years, the Laguna Beach High School marching band, jazz and concert bands, choir and theater musical groups earned many awards and recognition. Additionally, Jeff was the music director at the Laguna Beach United Methodist Church for 45 years.
Along the way, Jeff and Pennie would move from Laguna Beach to Laguna Niguel and then to Trabuco Canyon, where they would care for their home on six acres for 46 years and raise their two sons, Todd and Dan. Jeff enjoyed sharing his love of family, music, and horses.
Jeff is survived by his wife of 60 years, Pennie; two sons, Todd and Dan; grandchildren Kaden, Chris, Paige and Benjamin; and sister, Marcia Hoffman.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, April 28, at 2 p.m. at the Laguna Beach United Methodist Church, 21632 Wesley Drive, Laguna Beach, Calif., 92651.
Judy, Judy, Judy. How quickly our time together has flown. Judy was born in Montreal in April 1944, but by 1964, she had flown the coop and was backpacking across Europe. That’s what adventurous girls did in those days when they wanted to prove something. She married a good-looking American guy she’d met in Europe because that’s also what adventurous girls did in those days. The marriage fell apart, but Judy quickly fell in love with Laguna. And she stayed here, forever happy, until the evening of March 29, 2024, when she took her last breath of the oceanscented air she had always loved.
If you’ve spent any time in Laguna, you probably met Judy. For years, she worked in various restaurants around Laguna and occasionally picked up private catering gigs around town. She mostly walked everywhere along the beaches, through town and Heisler Park. When she needed transportation, Judy drove a beat-up VW bug with no passenger front seat and holes in the floorboard for the longest time. Daytime was spent at the beach, and in the evenings, you would find her at work. She had a raspy little voice and a California drawl.
She was small, fierce and independent. Judy attracted friends from all walks of life. They might have been surprised to know that Judy was a Canadian despite looking like and sounding like she was born and bred at the beach.
Judy loved wine - oh my goodness! She loved her friends, books, music, especially 60s/70s guitar riffs, dancing, laughter that bends you over in half and art. Her apartments were full of original art collected at plein-air events, the Sawdust Festival and local galleries. She had a robust collection of uniquely Laguna scenes, from the ocean to the downtown theatre to the fire station, as well as miscellaneous pieces of quirky primitive or folk art, all from local artists. For a while, Judy and her friends took twostep lessons and went to Western-themed dances. She bought several great-looking pairs of cowgirl boots. One time, when folks in Laguna were advised to evacuate due to the threat of fires, she bravely drove back into Laguna solely to rescue her boots.
For many decades after she stopped working in restaurants, Judy worked as a hospital employee, walking through hospitals, delivering supplies and meeting all sorts of people. She bought a conventional vehicle, traveled to Europe, this time with a suitcase, and enjoyed the benefits of secure employment. Despite embracing more conventional trappings, Judy retained her quirky and irrepressible style. She retired from work at age 75 and particularly enjoyed her garden, Laguna garden tours and volunteering at the Susi Q Senior Center.
Judy was predeceased by her parents, John and Jessie Miller, whom she referred to as “mommy and daddy” all her life. She is survived by two sisters, Joanne and Janet, and cousin Donnie, as well as being loved by many, many good and dear friends and neighbours to whom she is deeply indebted for all their care and support. We all miss you, sweet Judy.
There will be a celebration of Judy at a later date.
The Vault
GUEST OPINION: PET PEEVES
Cannonballs
By MaRk D. CRantz
Free Botox for your Bunny Lines with a $400 purchase of any treatment and/or product in April!
The Easter Bunny is the only one who can get away with Bunny Lines. Luckily for the rest of us, there is Botox! Laguna Beach Aesthetics is offering free Botox for your Bunny Lines with the purchase of any $400 treatment and/or procedure for the month of April! Botox works to relax the nasalis muscle, which in turn softens the wrinkles around the bridge of the nose. Call Laguna Beach Aesthetics today to book your appointment to erase your Bunny Lines!
Dr. O’Connell performs all procedures and consultations herself. by zodar/shutterstock.com
DR. ADRIENNE O’CONNELL
610 N Coast Hwy, Suite 208 Laguna Beach, CA 92651
info@lagunabeachaesthetics.com www.lagunabeachaesthetics.com 949.415.4310
the bush, so long as all three birds stay out of our pools. Maintenance is very important in pools, regardless of how many pools we are talking about. Remember readers how you spell pools…poo..ls. That’s right. Grammatically, there’s poo in pools. Maintenance and pool service guys are super important. We must have enough funds left over from building the pools and filling them up to make sure they are disease-free. Pool guys never recommend putting water bars in them because too many patrons put the pee in, pee…ls. That doesn’t work like poo in pools. Oh well, it’s equally disgusting. Say no to bars in either the community or the school pools.
Pools are the topic of the day. The Indy poll shows 75% want a community pool. While 25% can’t swim a stroke. My Dad couldn’t swim a stroke, either. And I tried my darndest to teach him in a community pool. He wasn’t afraid of water. He mixed it with his scotch each day. He was relaxed and willing to learn. He was a strong, stocky guy. Good for floating, right? Wrong. He sunk like a rock. I’m not a physician, but I play one at home, and I believe his bones were too dense. But the saving flotation was he could hold his breath underwater for 5 minutes plus. In fact, he was so good at it that my Mother designated him as our lifeguard while on vacation at various motel pools. This meant she could get some peace and quiet from us every five minutes between looking out the motel window just in case. She was a great swimmer and diver who taught us kids how to save dad when he was down there too long.
The great debate is whether we should build one high school pool that is 50 miles long to the Mexican border. Or do we build a city pool 25 miles long and build a border fence around both to keep immigrants from drowning? Tough choice. I say a bird in the hand is worth two in
Now, the great debate is how much these pools will cost. I remember from my childhood community pool days that I loved to look for change in the diving well. Swimmers would go off the high and low boards and lose their change and bathing suits occasionally. I would return the suits, but keep the change. When I had enough change, I would go to the snack bar and treat myself to a beer. Yes readers, the problem started very early, became a life long habit, and now I dive for pearls with Japanese divers who can hold their breath, as long as my Dad.
How much these pools cost is serious business. I remember hearing a story about Ernest Hemingway who was building a house in the Key West. His wife insisted on a pool. The construction dragged on and the costs went up and up. As the pool was being finished, Hemingway reached in his pocket, pulled out his last penny and instructed the pool guy to embed it in the cement around the pool.
He went with one pool. We’re going for two pools. So remember, we’re going to need two pennies. Cannonballs!
Crantz tells the Indy that he found a fly in his soup. When asked what was it doing in his soup. He answered, “The backstroke. There wasn’t a community pool available for it.” Build the pools. Keep our soups safe.
GUEST OPINION:
Concerning City Council
By MiChèle MonDa
Laguna’s City Council majority’s lack of transparency has long been an expensive problem for residents. Now, once again, thanks to Mayor Sue Kempf, it could cost us at least $227 million as she seeks to have the City assume control of 6.8 miles of Coast Highway without telling the public. Why the secrecy? What’s the benefit?
The City of Laguna Beach sponsored Assembly Bill 2817 with a Feb. 21, 2024 letter signed by Kempf asking for relinquishment
(transfer) of Coast Highway to the City, running the 6.8-mile length of Laguna Beach – from Moro Ridge Road to Via Mentone. On April 1, the California Assembly’s Transportation Committee in Sacramento passed AB2817 by consent. It goes next to the Appropriations Committee. While this is just a “procedural step to initiate conversations with CalTrans” there are numerous problems with this.
First, the City Council did NOT vote on it. At council’s Jan. 19, 2024 Annual Planning Workshop, Bob Whalen asked what’s happening with item 62, the last item on the agenda. No one mentioned that it’s the relinquishment of Coast Highway through Laguna Beach. A staff member said the request for a Sacramento representative to introduce a bill is ready to go, but they need direction from council.
Whalen asked what’s next? The Interim City Manager asked, “Would a nod and a wink suffice?”
The staff member said yes. Alex Rounaghi then said that there is no reason not to proceed. And just like that, with no discussion and no Council vote, Kempf’s letter to Assemblywoman Dixon was sent sponsoring the bill. Was this legal without a council vote? Readers can review the Annual Planning Workshop video at a timestamp of five hours and 16 minutes to verify this brief exchange.
At the Mar. 26, 2024 council meeting, Kempf claims AB2817 is just a procedural step to initiate conversations with CalTrans. However, agenda item 62 says, “$100,000 was included in the 202324 budget to complete the cost-benefit analysis; work is anticipated to begin before June 30, 2024.” The council is already funding this project, yet there is no document referencing why it is doing so, what issue it solves, what benefits residents will get, or how they will measure success once they start controlling the road.
Second, residents only knew this was happening if they were closely following the agenda. Even more disturbing is that two City Council members were unaware of Kempf’s Feb. 21 letter sponsoring the bill and that AB2817 was headed to the Transportation Committee on April 1.
Third, Kempf is pushing ahead with this project simultaneously with the proposed relinquishment of Laguna Canyon Road from CalTrans at enormous cost. Here’s a quick breakdown provided at the Jan. 9, 2024 council meeting with a 137-page presentation prepared by a City-paid outside consultant.
Cost of acquisition: $110 million, non-reoccurring cost: $1.5 million, reoccurring annual costs, $11 million.
Total to acquire the 3.3 miles of Laguna Canyon Road: $122.5 million or $33.4 million per mile.
Now, the extras.
Undergrounding: $71 million.
Widening: $109 million.
Bike lane: $44 million.
Beautification: $500,000.
Project total: $224.5 million.
Total project cost: $347 million with $11 million a year in perpetuity. Using these numbers, the 6.8-mile stretch of Coast Highway would cost $227 million just to acquire, plus recurring costs. We have no idea what improvements the City envisions for Coast Highway at additional cost. Where will the City find $122.5 million to acquire Laguna Canyon Road and $227 million for Coast Highway, for a total of $350 million plus millions annually for maintenance? And again, for what benefit?
Ironically, this is all happening while CalTrans is under legislative pressure to improve the safety record of our highways and adopt the Complete Streets Policy to improve how it operates these highways. So why is the Council majority pushing both projects now?
What benefit will residents who will pay for these acquisitions get? Laguna residents have yet to discuss Laguna Canyon Road acquisition and yet the City Council is already eyeing an even more costly acquisition and started funding it? How are these acquisitions justified in the 10 volumes of the Laguna Beach General Plan?
The General Plan Circulation
MONDA, PAGE 20
match 236-229 to Estancia at El Niguel Country Club, par 36. Jack McNiff from Estancia earned match medalist honors with a score of 41. Laguna’s low scores came from Chase Tyson and Josh Bellisime, both shooting 46. Additional scores for Laguna were Hudson Mills 47, Russell Franconi-Krychman 48, and Kiyan Arshadi 49. The Breakers return to the links on April 11 at Huntington Beach.
GIRLS LACROSSE (11-1, 0-1)
The Breakers continued to add nonleague wins, defeating Aliso Niguel 7-3 on March 28 at Guyer Field and walloping Sage Hill 16-0 on April 1 at the Lightning’s field. League play resumes on April 9 when Laguna will host Edison (4-8) in the Charger’s first league test.
GIRLS BEACH VOLLEYBALL (0-5, 5-8)
The team matches have concluded with the individual league pairs tournament the next event set for April 8-10.
SWIMMING (Boys: 0-2, 0-5, Girls: 0-2, 1-4)
The next dual meet is April 16, when the squad hosts Marina at the Laguna Community Pool.
BOYS TENNIS (2-2, 2-9)
Breakers edged Newport Harbor on
games 73-71 to pick up their second league victory on April 2 on the Laguna courts. Breakers are still alive for post-season - Laguna needs to beat Fountain Valley on April 16 and hope the Barons can pull out a win over Newport on April 18. The Tars edged the Barons on games 73-71 in their first meeting last week and Laguna defeated the Barons 11-7 when they met on March 21.
Against the Tars, Laguna was very successful in doubles with Owen Britt/ Lucas Silverman winning 6-1, 7-6, 6-3 and Chris Herkins/Sam Wong sweeping their sets 6-0, 6-1, 6-0. Luke Jolley lost narrowly 6-7 in one set but won two 6-2, 6-1 in singles. The final set point came in doubles with the team of Jan Cook/Set Hanson prevailing 6-1.
In a non-league match on April 28, Los Alamitos defeated Laguna 12-6 on the Griffin’s courts. Luke Jolley won two sets in singles 6-2, 6-0, as did Chris Herkins 6-3, 6-3. Laguna struggled in doubles, picking up only one set victory.
TRACK & FIELD (0-3, 0-3)
Breakers lost their final league dual meet of their Sunset Conference membership losing at Newport Harbor on Wednesday, April 3. Boys lost 3376 and the girls 32-79. Laguna event winners were: Boys:
800 Yard Run – Enzo Casolari 2:09.21
Shot Put – Jackson Kollock 46’-11”
Discus – Dario Bitz 112’-2”
Girls:
1600 run - Yolo Javier 5:24.79
800 run – Sydney Sydney 2:27.26
Shot Put – Eva Wittkop 25’ 9”
Discus – Eva Wittkop 79’ 6”
BOYS VOLLEYBALL (0-3, 3-12)
Laguna was swept in a pair of nonleague matches losing 25-10, 25-21, 25-16 at Corona del Mar (19-5) on March 27 and lost 25-16, 25-17, 25-19 to SSCIF D-1 # 1 Newport Harbor (22-3) on Friday, March 29 at the Tar’s gym. Laird Garcia led Laguna against the Sea Kings with 11 kills while Kai Patchel was the kill leader against Newport also with 11 kills.
League play resumes next week with home matches during Laguna’s Spring Break on April 9 with Los Alamitos and April 11 with Marina. Most schools were off this past week, making scheduling difficult; The same problem will take place next year with the Pacific Coast League, as the league schools are all off the first week of April except Laguna, which is off the second week.
WINTER AWARDS
Girls water polo celebrated its 27th season at an annual awards dinner held on March 27 at Laguna Presbyterian Church. USC commit Ava Knepper was
the top honoree with 101 goals scored (10th best) and 243 career goals ranking 9th best all-time. Emmy Hensley had 52 drawn exclusions this season, fourth best performance in Laguna history.
Awards:
Captain’s Award- Emmy Hensley & Sophie Colladay
Coach’s Award- Daniela Suh
John Wooden Award- Presley Jones
MVP- Ava Knepper
All-SUNSET SURF LEAGUE
Ava Knepper (Co-MVP)
Presley Jones
Kara Carver
Siena Jumani (2nd Team)
Sophie Colliday (2nd Team)
ALL CIF – OPEN DIVISION
Ava Knepper – 1st Team
Kara Carver – 2nd Team
Presley Jones – 2nd Team
Emmy Hensley – 3rd Team
All-ORANGE COUNTY – OC
Register
Ava Knepper – 1st Team
Kara Carver – 2nd Team
Presley Jones – 3rd Team
Carver, Jones, and Jumani all return for 2025.
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.
Ghostly Path GUEST OPINION: VILLAGE MATTERS
Enrichment Center 1085 Laguna Canyon d, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Cost: K-5th: $200/wk* 6th-8th: $75/wk*
1470 Temple Terrace, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
registration required Financial aid is available for qualifying families
(949)494-2535 | info@bgclaguna org | www bgclagunabeach org/summer-camps/
By ann ChRistoPh
A post office without stamps, an emergency room without pillows? The poor, dedicated people working in these South Laguna facilities apologize, “We keep asking for them, but headquarters never sends enough.” Headquarters would love to close the South Laguna Post Office and has tried to accomplish that several times. With community protest, we have persuaded them to keep it open. But they are strangling it, reducing the hours it’s open to only three per day and neglecting the cleaning and maintenance of the building and exterior. It gives the impression of a building one step removed from a post office in a ghost town. In fact, it has a local nickname, “the Ghost Office.”
A similar technique seems to be being used at Mission Hospital Laguna Beach. In the decades I have lived here, that facility has threatened to close many times. Community involvement—along with generous donations—has always prevailed, and the hospital remains open. But its services have been reduced step by step.
In the past month, I have become an expert in emergency rooms and hospital services, having had nine such visits. Procedures, blood tests, an emergency room visit at “Big Mission” in Mission Viejo, and the rest at the Bill and Sue Gross Emergency Room at “Little Mission” here in South Laguna. I needed a blood test to prepare for the initial procedure (ablation). “Can’t I get my blood taken here at the South Laguna hospital?” I asked. “No, the doctor is not affiliated with that hospital,” I was told. (Aren’t the two hospitals affiliated? They can’t share lab test info?) But no, I had to drive to Mission Viejo just to have blood drawn. The tiny waiting room was crowded. No one was leaving. More people were coming. It was over an hour before my name was called for the 5-minute blood draw. I asked, “Is it always like this?”
“Sorry to say that’s a norm for hospital operation since they have a vast number of outpatient and inpatient services throughout the day with minimal staffing,” was the answer.
It seems like Mission’s closure of the outpatient lab services at South Laguna has exacerbated the problem at the big facility. Promoting the use of the South Laguna services could provide better services for locals and other residents nearby and keep our hospital alive and thriving.
After the first visit without pillows, I learned to always bring my jacket, which, folded up, makes a pillow substitute. I was happy.
I found the staff at both facilities to be caring and professional, on top of what needed to be done. Thanks to them, I am on my way to better health. Thanks to the proximity of the South Laguna hospital I could be there in minutes and didn’t always need an ambulance. What a blessing! What reassurance to know they are there ready to serve and help at any time. One staff person said, “We could do so much more, if they would just let us.”
Our little community used to have its own library branch at Second and Coast Highway, Aliso Elementary School where Fred Lang Park is now, its own Village Market, Moore Hardware, and later Alpha Beta Market. The school and library were closed, and Gelson’s Market closed just this month. It failed, not because we don’t need a market, but because we need a reasonably priced market. Try a Stater Brothers, a Trader Joe’s, and a hardware store where Chase Bank used to be and see what happens. I predict a thriving business. Give us what we need again, and we’ll be there.
If we keep taking stuff away, we will become a fake ghost of a community that has to go everywhere else to get what we need.
Apparently, we need to fight to stay alive.
Ann is a landscape architect and was Laguna Beach’s mayor from 1993 to 1994. She is also a long-time board member of Village Laguna, Inc.
Monda
PAGE 18
Element has not been updated since 1999. Further, are they consistent with the Laguna Beach Vision 2030 Strategic Plan?
This so-called “procedural step” is how they started the process with Laguna Canyon Road. We are headed down this same road with AB2817. Why is the Council majority doing this in secrecy (it has not been mentioned in any podcast, newsletter or city update) without the authorization or even knowledge of the full council and Laguna residents?
Michèle is a 21-year Laguna resident and actively follows Laguna politics. She is the Treasurer of Laguna Beach Sister Cities and is involved with the local arts scene. She can be reached
GUEST OPINION: WISDOM WORKOUT
Wishing, Hoping and Longing
for Love
By susan MCneal Velasquez
As the winter season comes to a close, the anticipation of spring is in the air. Sunny days and an abundance of flowers and trees bursting with new blossoms often awaken more tender longings for deeper connections to ourselves, our loves and our lives.
Your drive to belong must be satisfied before you can genuinely give and receive love. Longing for love is a secret pastime for many.
Longing by itself suffers from inertia. It is too weak to produce any lasting outcomes by itself. It is only slightly more powerful than its sisters, wishing and hoping.
Belonging is also related to longing. If we hyphenate belonging, it becomes be-longing.
Be your longing. If you are willing to acknowledge that you have unfulfilled desires to love and be loved, you can activate a self-healing process. The first step is to accept that your heart has been on a starvation diet. You have a hungry heart.
Feel into those empty spaces in your heart that you have closed and locked in an attempt to protect yourself from being hurt.
Look for those places where past heart hurts got trapped; sequestered off into secret pockets of heavy-heartedness. Notice how much energy these old memories take from your present ability to give and receive love.
Why would I ask you to focus on past painful experiences? Strange as it may seem, stopping, reflecting, and surrendering to a deeper acceptance of the fact that you have been hurt gives you access to the wisdom that love requires vulnerability. Therefore, it isn’t for the weak-hearted.
Be your longing. Belonging to yourself activates your ability to soothe and smooth the rough edges around your heart.
Imagine that you have the power to unlock and open the doors to your
VELASQUEZ, PAGE 22
School Power
PAGE 1
visual and performing arts, music, student experiences, social and emotional wellness and community connections.
Over 320 attendees, decked out in “gilded glamour” attire, enjoyed champagne and cocktails in a courtyard glowing with early evening light. Guests perused a wide selection of silent auction items, including restaurant gift certificates, local fitness and boutique items, jewelry from Fredric H. Rubel, sports tickets, weekends away, and much more. Event attendees, joined by SchoolPower supporters outside the room, furiously “bid for the kids” on their phones. Guests with raffle tickets whirled a colorful spin wheel, shouting with surprise when they scored prizes, including gorjana treasures and premium tequila.
After guests were seated for dinner, SchoolPower Executive Director Sarah Durand spoke on a podium beneath an illuminated hot air balloon. Durand recognized the elementary, middle, and high school educator recipients of three exemplary SchoolPower Grants. Her presentation was followed by LBUSD Superintendent Jason Viloria, who toasted the exceptional opportunities and innovative programs that go “above and beyond” for Laguna Beach students.
During the live auction portion of the event, guests bid on compelling packages, including stays at Montage Big Sky, Aspen, Napa, and Ireland, as well as a diamond tennis necklace from gorjana, a suite for Monster Jam at Angel Stadium, the sought-after In-N-Out truck, a harbor cruise and Mastro’s dinner, and a dinner party at The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach.
Student speaker Zealan Munsey, a LBHS sophomore, captivated the audience with his articulate gratitude for Laguna Beach schools. SchoolPower President Iva Pawling spoke of the importance of SchoolPower’s core programs--SchoolPower Grants, the After School Program, and services at the Family Resource Center--and their impact on students. Brent Martini pledged $10,000 to support the journalistic passions of students like Munsey, then emphasized the importance of open discourse in today’s world with an additional $25,000 donation. Jason Riedel, co-founder of gorjana, generously offered to match bids of $1,000. In response to Riedel, the ballroom buzzed with laughter and zealously raised paddles.
“We’re so grateful to have the community’s support in carrying our vision forward,” SchoolPower President Iva Pawling said. “What a huge and humbling success when we all work together.”
By the night’s end, guests and organizers had achieved above and beyond SchoolPower’s fundraising goal.
“We are thrilled with the success of this year’s event,” Durand said. “From our supporters’ incredible energy and generosity to Montage’s excellent service and cuisine, it was a spectacular evening to benefit Laguna Beach students.”
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.
Stop by Coast Hardware Today. Let's Build Something Together.
Beach Ceremony Set-Up, Tours, Vendors, Signature Cocktails, Apps & Mini-Desserts, Door Prizes & Grand Prize Drawing
Velasquez
PAGE 21
heart. This authority to re-energize your heart’s strength rests solely with you. Focusing your attention on your heart can also activate lightheartedness.
Take a few easy and gentle breaths as your heart begins to respond. Next, take a few deeper breaths. Imagine that your heart is awakening from a deep sleep. It expands, stretches and breathes a sigh of relief. Now that it finally has your attention, it will soon be ready and willing to participate with you as you ignite your desire to live fully and love well.
Susan has been writing and producing personal development seminars for over 30 years and has lived in Laguna since 1986. susanvelasquez.com.
Gerber
PAGE 8
something we don’t have that needs to be acquired. It’s a life we do have, compelling us to discover how much better, infinitely better, we truly are, and can be, because of it.
Russ and his wife moved back home to Laguna Beach after he worked as the media manager for the Christian Science church in Boston. With a background in publishing, he spends most of his time writing, reading, volunteering...and grandparenting.
The Indy Travels to Vietnam for Humanitarian Project
By LB Indy Staff
Lan Zentil did something a little different for her 50th birthday.
The Laguna Beach resident invited 15 friends and relatives to help her fundraise for the Children of Vietnam nonprofit organization by building a preschool classroom and water filtration system in Quang Ngai Province, a remote mountainous area in Vietnam.
The birthday group just returned
from their humanitarian trip, where they attended the ground-breaking ceremony for the project.
As part of the experience, Lan, who owns Jadetiger Tea in Laguna Beach, wanted to share her homeland with her friends and the story of her parents’ harrowing escape from Vietnam to Southern California 50 years ago with no money and an uncertain future.
Lan’s father, who died this year, took her to Vietnam for the first time
when she turned 40. Ten years later, Lan returned with friends to give back to local families who needed assistance through the Children of Vietnam organization based in North Carolina.
“I saw the perfect opportunity for my dream of giving back to become a reality,” Lan said. “With the help of my closest friends, we raised the funds to build a new school where the need was the greatest.”
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 OK.
City Maintenance Facilities 1900 Laguna Canyon Road
Vehicles will not be permitted to enter drop - off area after 12:00 p.m.
Pedestrian traffic is not allowed.
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.
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
The group celebrates in Hoi An with the Laguna Beach Independent. From left to right: Michelle Venya, Kristin Bunn, Pilar Pichon, Eunnie Hur, Kathe Madrigal, Shelley Aldrich, Allyson Dowse, Lauren Saylor, Naomi McCullough, Lisa Manton, Tammy Lane, Tasha Zentil, Lan Zentil, Tammy Pham, Tracy Nguyễn, Thu Phan and Thu Tran. Photo/Kristin Bunn
Third Street Writers and Laguna Beach’s Phone Booth Artists Announce Conversation Collaboration
By LB Indy Staff
No need to hang up the line! The Third Street Writers have joined forces with Candice Brokenshire and Julie Setterholm, the artists who created the Forest Avenue phone booth art installation “We Need to Talk.”
The nonprofit writing group has created 14 prose pieces inspired by the project and is converting them into audio pieces in response to this public art project.
Ranging from prose to poetry, the pieces address the human impact on Laguna Beach’s unique geography and ecosystems—from the ocean to the canyon. Each selected author has recorded their piece and the audio version will be available on Third Street’s website www.thirdstreetwriters.org/we-need-to-talk in April, which is Earth Month.
“The booth and the telephone represent a two-way conversation, a space of speaking and listening,” Third Street president Amy Dechary said. “We viewed the installation as the epicenter of conversation about the environment, and we asked contributors to envision conversations about Laguna Beach’s unique environs and our role in greater global ecosystems.”
The collaboration builds upon the installation’s planned partnerships
to create discourse between Laguna Beach’s art and environmental groups.
“The written submissions have truly exceeded expectations. And what a range—we have stories of both tragedy and hope. Some are scribed with warmth and sensitivity, while others tickle us with their imaginative angles and sardonic flair,” Brokenshire said. “Each piece is a delight to read and very soon hear. This is a deeply meaningful collaboration and extension of the ‘We Need to Talk’ installation, for which we are very grateful.”
The collaboration between the writers and the art group builds upon a rich heritage.
“Third Street members are used to writing in response to art (a process known as ekphrastic writing), but we were challenged by the message in this piece by Brokenshire and Setterholm,” said Theresa Keegan, vice president of Third Street Writers. “This environmental message is an important topic and we wanted to contribute, making this a very personal and interactive experience.”
In a leap of technology, there’s a QR code on the exhibit, where the authors’ works can be accessed as an auditory piece, essentially inviting participants to come inside the booth metaphorically and eavesdrop on these important
“conversations.” This outreach builds upon the installation’s dedication in June 2023, when Sian Poeschl, Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Manager, noted that the project requires viewers to approach the phone booth to really explore what is inside.
“Being a part of the ‘We Need to Talk’ installation has been such a connecting experience,” Setterholm said. “It’s like being re-introduced to the town I grew up in. I’m thankful for all these lovely humans supporting this project.”
“We Need to Talk,” part of the Laguna Beach Arts Commission collection, will be displayed through June 2025. Third Street Writers compendium will be available throughout the month of April on the group’s website. For more information, contact Amy Dechary at amy@thirdstreetwriters. org, visit the group’s website, like them on Facebook @ThirdStreetWriters or follow them on Instagram @ thirdstreetwriters.
Members of the Third Street Writers stand with the Forest Avenue phone booth art installation, “We Need to Talk.” Photo/Jennifer Griffiths
Street Surfing Classic, one of the longest-running competitions in the world, dating back to 1955. Booth earned second place in the women’s 16 and over division in last year’s competition, which hosted ideal conditions thanks to Hurricane Jova.
“It’s a rite of passage. You have to paddle out,” said Booth. “I remember growing up and, of course, being scared of Brooks Street during my first contest and just surviving. And then all the boys and the community members (saying) I did a good job.”
Booth recently hosted the premiere of “Girls Can’t Surf” at the Rivian Theater where she interviewed a panel of professional women surfers. It’s no secret she has a gift for connecting with people. A testament to her independent spirit and thirst for exploration, Tess recently traveled solo to Costa Rica where she relished in the world-class waves like Pavones as well as the country’s local culture and natural beauty. Forging connections with the locals, she is determined to embark on more solo adventuring.
“I feel like solo traveling gives you
GUEST OPINION:
the opportunity to learn so much about yourself and to really just immerse yourself in the experience without having to worry about other people,” said Booth. “You’re going with the flow and seeing where life takes you.”
Between working as a surf coach for Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch located in California’s Central Valley city of Lemoore, her surfing talents, and her interviewing skills, Booth has a down-to-earth personality that removes any stage fright, both in and out of the water.
Booth also finds solace in music and literature. A pianist at heart, Booth channels her creativity in not only carving beautiful lines on wave faces but also composing melodies and submersing herself into timeless tales of love and adventure. Her mom serves as her biggest inspiration through her creativity and resilience.
“She is the most intelligent person ever,” said Booth. “I’ve seen where people wrong her [in business]… and it’s super frustrating, but she is a creative, does things her own way— she gets up, brushes herself off and just keeps going.”
State of the City 2024 Address: Mayor Sue Kempf
The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce held its annual State of the City luncheon at the Montage Laguna Beach on April 2. Chamber members and local business leaders heard from Mayor Sue Kempf, who shared the city’s current highlights, challenges, and aspirations. Below is a redacted version of Kempf’s address. The full version can be found on the City of Laguna Beach’s YouTube channel.
Our city has made substantial investments in service enhancements through strategic asset acquisitions. We acquired the former St. Catherine of Siena School in South Laguna, which became the Laguna Beach Community and Recreation Center. We completed the purchase of a property in South Laguna—the first step toward constructing a modern fire station in the area. And yes, I promise it will include a public restroom!
The acquisition and the city’s operation of the South Laguna Beaches and Parks have seen significant improvements in service delivery. Last year, in South Laguna alone, our Marine Safety Department made over 2,300 rescues, 73,000 ordinance advisements, and 193,000 safety contacts.
The city’s mobile mental health program, launched in August 2023, has made significant strides, averaging over 400 community contacts per month. It connects individuals with mental health and substance abuse crisis intervention specialists, reducing the strain on public safety resources and allowing redirection toward other community needs.
Our police department remains dedicated to addressing loud vehicle noise and other quality-of-life issues in our neighborhoods, beaches, and parks, particularly those heavily impacted by visitors. Despite the nationwide challenges in police recruitment, our police department’s leadership and diligence, supported by the city’s human resources team, have fully staffed the park ranger program. I am confident this program will continue to address quality-oflife issues for the community and residents.
Here is a big win! The fire department introduced our in-house ambulance service in mid-2022 and has notably enhanced the provision of care in the community by reducing emergency response times. In 2023, the department reported an average ambulance response time of 7
minutes, eight minutes faster than the Orange County benchmark for ambulance response.
To meet the many recreational interests of our community, we offered programs that engaged more than 8,500 people in 2023 — including adding three more permanent pickleball courts at Alta Laguna Park. We also recently celebrated the opening of Moulton Meadows Park Dog Play Area, a vibrant, pet-friendly addition for all our community’s dog lovers. In our small town, we hosted more than 250 live music performances, and our Arts Commission brought us Music in the Park, Circus Bella, Friday night Flicks, Band on the Bus and procured new and temporary art throughout the city.
The community embraced Laguna
Local, the city’s free, on-demand transit service, with an impressive 63,000 boardings in its first year. We hope to expand to the end of Laguna Canyon Road. In support of our local businesses, the City Council extended the Outdoor Dining and Parklet program, popular for residents and visitors alike.
The city continues to support nonprofits through the Community Assistance Grant Program. This program has made a meaningful impact on the community by contributing over $1 million to local non-profit organizations over the past five years.
The city maintains a strong financial position with a balanced budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 and is preparing for the anticipated ‘slow
Top to bottom: The Booth family surfers (left to right: Jeff Booth, Travis Booth and Tess Booth) getting ready for a paddle out in Laguna Beach. Photo/Bob Booth ; The Booth family in their hometown of Laguna Beach. Photo/Madeline Javier
Mayor Sue Kempf addresses Laguna Beach business owners and residents at the 2024 State of the City luncheon at Montage Laguna Beach on April 2. Clara Beard/LB Indy
growth’ economy in the coming year. Soon, new leadership will assume the positions of city manager and community development director. While change is inevitable, our city staff remains committed to serving you -the residents and business community- at the highest level possible. On behalf of my Council colleagues, I extend heartfelt appreciation to each member of our team as they continue to ensure the seamless continuity of services with the dedication we have come to expect from our city team.
One of the most important roles your city government plays is to keep you safe. That is why one of the City Council’s top priorities is to develop a funding plan for improving Laguna Canyon Road. Undergrounding the power lines on the roadway continues to be a primary focus, along with reducing collision hazards, creating bikeways, pedestrian paths, and overall improved mobility. To implement these changes, we will need some funding help. We are in a very competitive grant process available through FEMA and are working with elected officials at all levels of government.
When a town looks better, it performs better. We have plans to enhance our downtown through the Downtown Action Plan. This plan describes 24 discreet areas that need a bit of attention. A few examples are the Forest Alley and Lower Broadway. Later this year, the City Council will discuss the Downtown Action Plan and make recommendations to further beautify our town. A by-product of COVID is the Forest Avenue Promenade. Although not contemplated in the Downtown Action Plan, the Promenade remains popular. More on this project in the coming months.
Laguna Beach is an environmentally focused community, and we remain committed to preserving our natural environment. We have banned single-use plastics, installed 34 refillable water stations throughout the town, increased the frequency of trash collection in the summer, and introduced a city-wide balloon ban. Concurrently, we are developing our Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, which will guide the city toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. This comprehensive plan will also offer recommendations of ways to adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate change. The City Council has made it a priority to explore solar panel deployment at our facilities to reduce our carbon footprint, provide clean energy backup capabilities and support the electrification of our City fleet. And when dangerous conditions arise, we want to ensure that critical support services remain fully operational.
Affordable housing is both a
human need and a state mandate.
As we know, housing shortages exist throughout California, and Laguna is no exception. As a largely built-out community, we are examining opportunities like adaptive reuse, permitting housing on 2nd and 3rd stories of commercial buildings, deed-restricted ADU, and city-provided incentives. Senior housing, accommodating long-time community members, and housing for young people are needed.
Designated artist live/work units are needed to support our dwindling artist community. Supporting our local artists is imperative. Not only are artists cherished members of our town, but the arts are also a prime economic engine of our economy.
Another priority of the City Council is improving the Customer Experience in our Community Development Department. We have been listening to your helpful feedback and are determined to streamline the processes to eliminate bottlenecks, decrease wait times, and avoid costly delays.
Some of the progress to date includes an online appointment system, expanding over-the-counter permit issuance and implementing a digital platform to access development plans. Underlying many of the challenges in Community Development is the zoning and municipal code.
We are pleased that our investment into the former St. Catherine’s property is proving to be a popular site for recreation. Drop-in basketball, indoor pickleball, and volleyball are available in the beautiful gymnasium, and we finally have a designated place for skateboarders to enjoy.
Educational youth camps, various arts and crafts are also offered at the center. We will be expanding programming in the coming months, so stay tuned for more fun activities.
The acquisition of this property has allowed us to respond quicker to safety-related issues in South Laguna. We have added both Police and Marine Safety substations to the facility and will soon have a fully equipped Emergency Operations Center. The space is also a cultural hub with room rentals for community groups and non-profits.
The road ahead is both challenging and full of promise. Our focus remains on enhancing customer service, beautifying our town, enabling future generations to make their homes in the community in which they grew up, protecting our bluebelt and greenbelt, and filling crucial leadership positions at City Hall to help us make our aspirations a reality. As we work toward these goals in the year ahead, let’s come together with optimism, creativity and civility, fueled by our love for Laguna Beach.
4/10 JOAN OSBORNE
4/12 ROGER CLYNE & THE PEACEMAKERS
4/13 TINSLEY ELLIS
4/14 THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS
4/18 SPONGE
4/19 RICHIE FURAY
4/20 GEOFF TATE
4/21 VONDA SHEPARD / JACK TEMPCHIN
4/25 ISRAEL VIBRATION
& Roots Radics
4/26 FIVE FOR FIGHTING with s t R ing Q ua R tet
4/27 KIDS OF CHARLEMAGNE ( s tee Ly d an t R ibute )
4/28 BOB ANDERSON (F R ank s inat R
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
5/24 DSB (J ou R ney t R ibute )
5/26 BLACKHAWK
5/31 YACHTY BY NATURE
6/1 STEELHEART
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 and t R ibute )
6/16 ELVIN BISHOP - Big Fun Trio
6/21 DESPERADO ( e ag L es t R ibute )
6/22 DESPERADO ( e ag L es t R ibute )
6/29 SKELETON CREW ( g R ate F u L d ead t R ibute )
7/3 IAN MOORE
7/5 WALTER MICHAELS BAND
7/6 SHINE ON (P ink F L oyd t R ibute )
7/12 YYNOT (R ush t R ibute )
7/13 FAST TIMES
- t he u Ltimate 80 s t R ibute !
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 ash t R ibute )
8/3 CUBENSIS ( g R ate F u L d ead t R ibute )
8/17 PIANO MEN: GENERATIONS ( b i LLy J oe L and e Lton J ohn t R ibute )
8/23 SUPER DIAMOND
8/24 SUPER DIAMOND
8/29 THE PETTYBREAKERS ( t om P etty t R ibute )
8/30 MIDGE URE
8/31 MICK ADAMS & THE STONES
9/8 An Evening with JOHN LYDON “ i C ou L d b e R ight , i C ou L d b e w R ong ”
9/14 JOURNEY USA (J ou R ney t R ibute )
9/15 BENISE: Fiesta!
9/22 JANE MONHEIT
9/25 ANA POPOVIC
9/27 DAVE MASON
10/3 ZEBRA
10/6 DAVE HAUSE
10/18 GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP
10/20 THE YOUNG DUBLINERS
11/23 RUFUS WAINWRIGHT
12/15 THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA
– Christmas Show
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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.”
Musical happenings at the Susi Q in April
This April, the Susi Q will be hosting three amazing musical events. Each is guaranteed to fill up fast, so act now to reserve your spot.
Begin the season with the free Spring Swing Concert featuring the Laguna Beach Community JaZz Band on April 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. The popular event features the wonderfully talented vocalist Ginger Hatfield.
The vocalist began her singing career as a youngster. “My first vocal solo in front of an audience was as part of Mrs. Mudge’s kindergarten chorus at Aliso Elementary School. I was so petrified that a classmate was assigned to walk up to the front of the stage with me,” said Hatfield, who joined the JaZz Band in 2007.
Under the direction of Lynn Olinger, the “Big Band” is a traditional 18-piece jazz band featuring five saxophones, four or five trombones, four trumpets, piano, bass, guitar, drum-set and aux percussionist.
The Susi Q’s partnership with Lyric Opera OC continues in April with the presentation of Verdi’s Falstaff. The lecherous Falstaff finally meets his match when his underhanded plans to solve money troubles have the three Merry Wives of Windsor conspiring to teach him a lesson.
Lyric Opera OC’s operas are presented in a concert format, with minimal to no staging or costumes, but with piano accompaniment and supertitles on Susi Q’s big screens.
The opera, featuring an all-star cast of performers, will take place on Wednesday, April 24, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Susi Q Center, 380 Third
Street. A token fee of $5 secures your registration for this popular event.
Before attending the Falstaff presentation, you might want to bone up on opera by attending Maestro Jeffrey Briar’s free Music Appreciation Class: Spotlight on Opera, which will take place on Thursday, April 11, between 3 and 4:30 p.m.
With accomplished pianist/composer Jeffrey Briar at his keyboard, learn about opera’s place in musical history — composer’s influences, social factors, and how each masterpiece has stood the test of time.
To register for these events, visit www.thesusiq.org. To RSVP by phone, call 949-715-8105 or email christineb@ thesusiq.org.
Laguna Art Museum upcoming events
What’s It Worth? – Jewelry Edition –Saturday, April 20 at 1 p.m.
John Moran Auctioneers & Appraisers, in partnership with the Laguna Art Museum, invites the public to have up to five jewelry items professionally valued. Appraisers at John Moran Auctioneers will provide a verbal valuation of your treasures. Please find below a full list of items that
may be valued. Items cannot be left unattended within the museum. Guests to the “What’s it Worth” may bring items (up to 5), including fine jewelry, timepieces, and costume jewelry. Photographs/cellphone images may also be evaluated if items cannot be brought into the museum.
Panel Discussion: The Fine Art of Jewelry – Saturday, April 20 at 11 a.m. Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring esteemed experts and connoisseurs in the realm of jewelry. Discover the secrets behind what makes a piece of jewelry truly exceptional, learn about the market trends shaping the industry, and gain practical tips on how to protect your jewelry to ensure its longevity and enduring beauty. Whether you’re an avid collector, a budding designer, or simply passionate about the artistry of jewelry, this panel discussion is a not-to-be-missed event.
Moran Auctioneers and Appraisers will value your timepieces, fine jewelry, designer jewelry, costume jewelry, etc. Visit www.lagunaartmuseum.org/ events for more information about all events.
Festival of Arts Announces Fresh Faces Exhibit at FoaSouth
Sneak Peek of Artwork from First-Time Festival of Arts Exhibitors
The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show in Laguna Beach is gearing up for its grand opening this summer on July 3, 2024. However, before the main event this summer, art enthusiasts and patrons have an opportunity to preview the captivating works of many first-time Festival exhibitors at Fresh Faces 2024.
Starting on Tuesday, April 9, at the Festival’s satellite gallery foaSOUTH, this highly-anticipated exhibition will showcase a fascinating look into the innovative and diverse artwork of 18 talented artists from Orange County, California. Fresh Faces 2024 will be on display until June 10, with a special reception to meet the artists scheduled for Thursday, May 2, from 6 to 7pm, coinciding with the First Thursday Art Walk. The event is free and open to the public.
foaSOUTH is located inside Active Culture at 1006 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach.
“Fresh Faces 2024 presents an incredible array of artworks embodying the creativity and high-quality standards that have become synonymous with the Festival of Arts,” said director of exhibits, Christine Georgantas. “We’re excited to feature the works of eighteen of the twenty new artists in this exhibit, highlighting the vibrant artistic community of Orange County, California and the exceptional caliber of artists at the Festival.”
Fresh Faces 2024 will coincide with World Art Day on April 15, opening its doors on April 9 and running through June 10. The exhibition showcases a wide spectrum of mediums, including painting, photography, glass, mixed media, and more.
The artists and mediums presented are: Antoinette Barnum (Acrylic), Alla Bartoshchuk (Oil), Yang Dong (Mixed Media), Brian Haberlin (Watercolor), Elaine Hughes (Oil), Jeffrey Hurlbut (Mixed Media), Lovisa Kjerrgren (Acrylic), Jason Li (Watercolors), Lynleigh Love (Glass), Kelley Mogilka (Oil), Gary William Musgrave (Mixed Media), Cody Nicely (Glass), Siân Poeschl (Glass), Kathleen M. Robison (Oil), Becky Ryan (Watercolor), Carey Schneider (Photography), Sachiko Sukegawa (Fiber/ Textile) and Sharon Williams (Photography)
Since its founding in 1932, the Festival of Arts has been a cornerstone of artistic expression, providing a platform for countless artists to share their work with the world. Christine Georgantas adds, “Our enthusiasm continues to grow as we eagerly
anticipate the opening of this exhibit.”
Fresh Faces 2024 is positioned to not only celebrate the diverse talents of the newly participating exhibiting artists but also underscore the Festival’s enduring commitment to fostering creativity and enriching our community’s cultural landscape.
Fresh Faces 2024 is open daily 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., April 9 through June 10 at the Festival of Arts satellite gallery foaSOUTH, located inside Active Culture at 1006 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA 92651. To learn more information visit www.foapom.com or follow @FestivalPageant on social media. To support the Festival of Arts, please visit www.foapom.com/supportnow.
