New Laguna Beach Run Club Hits the Ground Running Two LBHS students
By Clara Beard | LB Indy
Runners from all over Orange County are lacing up their Hokas and headed to Laguna Beach to start their Sundays with a three-mile run along the coastline, followed by a dip at nearby Crescent Bay and free coffee courtesy of Jebediah Coffee.
Founded by locals Tyler Willardson, Richard Zack and Ethan Staus, the Laguna Beach Run Club is a new meet-up group dedicated to promoting fitness, camaraderie and appreciation for Laguna’s coastal
surroundings.
Since its start last month, the club has seen a growing number of runners of all abilities take on the three-mile loop, which starts at Catch Surf, winds down toward Main Beach and then back to the surf shop.
“It’s a win-win for everyone,” said Zack, who manages Catch Surf. “You can walk, run, cut the route short or
Village Laguna’s Charm House Tour on the Horizon
By Clara Beard | LB Indy
Laguna Beach is filled with beautiful, charming, and unique homes. Only a tiny portion of those are seen frequently from the well-traveled streets—others are hidden in canyon nooks away from the beaten path.
Some of these hidden treasures will be featured in Village Laguna’s Charm House Tour, to be held on Sunday, May 19, beginning at noon
and ending at 5 p.m.
The tour begins in front of the Festival of Arts grounds at 650 Laguna Canyon Road. Buses depart between noon and 3 p.m. Visiting all the houses usually takes two to three hours. Tickets are $70 pre-sale and $80 the day of the tour. Tickets may be purchased at villagelaguna.org.
Village Laguna invites attendees
Selected as National Merit Scholarship Winners
By LB Indy Staff
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced this year’s winners of the $2,500 scholarship awarded to 2,500 students nationwide, including Laguna Beach High School students Keira Hundhausen and Christopher Herkins.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition for high school students, offering recognition and college scholarships. It began in 1955 and is conducted by NMSC, a nonprofit organization that operates without government assistance. High school students in the United States enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. This test serves as an initial screening for over 1.3 million entrants annually.
“I am always impressed by the number of National Merit semi-finalists and finalists LBHS has year in and year out,” LBHS Principal Jason Allemann said.
“These students represent a remarkable level of academic achievement and consistent hard work, and they will certainly make a significant impact at any college or university fortunate enough to
LBHS, PAGE 13
CHARM HOUSE TOUR, PAGE 22
This year’s Charm House Tour will focus on homes located on Laguna Canyon Road. Photo courtesy of Village Laguna
The Laguna Beach Run Club meets each Sunday at 9 a.m. at Catch Surf in north Laguna.
Photos by Josh Bell
Supporters Swing for Schoolpower at 8th Annual Three Clubs Barefoot Golf Tournament
By LB Indy Staff
May 6 marked the eighth annual Three Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, hosted by Hobie and The Ranch. The sold-out event grossed over $50,000 to support local students through SchoolPower, a parent-volunteer-based, nonprofit education foundation that has raised money for Laguna Beach public schools since 1981.
About 90 barefoot golfers kicked off the afternoon’s festivities in full sunshine with a friendly nine-hole, four- or five-person scramble competition. As in past years, players tackled some nontraditional shots like putting with oven mitts and gave it their best shot at games including a pitching competition to win a Patagonia jacket and golf balls from Whittier Trust and playing casino games with Laguna Presbyterian staff members to better (or hinder!) their scores.
“The Barefoot Classic is an event I look forward to every year. The Classic is the perfect combination of wonderful people, beautiful surroundings, a great cause, and bare feet in the grass. Many thanks to Mark Christy, The Ranch, and the SchoolPower team.” said Caleb Silsby of Whittier Trust.
Lissa Pallo-Strong’s fivesome was decked out in full 80s attire.
“To be in nature at the Ranch, in beautiful Laguna Beach, really makes it easy for us to go all out to support SchoolPower, which does so much for our children.” she said.
Following golf, the party continued on the patio, where golfers and dinner guests gathered for a cocktail reception that included live music by Zach Churchill followed by a Harvest BBQ buffet dinner. As in past years, lifelong Laguna resident and longtime SchoolPower supporter Mark Christy served as auctioneer for the live auction. Bidders competed for a “stay and play” experience at The Ranch’s
exclusive Treehouse, a Lost Pier fire pit experience, Hobie and Tuvalu shopping sprees, OluKai sandals, and signed drum sticks from Green Day drummer, Tre Cool.
“Sponsoring and attending the Barefoot Classic is always one of the best events of the year. It is wonderful to see our community come together and raise money for our amazing school system while enjoying a day with friends and golf at one of the true gems in all of Laguna Beach. The countdown has already begun for next year!” SchoolPower Barefoot Chair and sponsor J.J. Ballesteros said.
Day Gift
The death of a child is frequently called the ultimate tragedy. Many issues make parental bereavement particularly difficult to navigate. This weekly group will hold space for wherever you are on your grief journey.
Facilitator Basia Mosinski, MA will provide a safe place to help process the many feelings which accompany the heartbreak.
Weekly Starting Thursday, May 30, 2024 1:00-2:30p.m.
For more details, or to join the group, reach out to Susi Q Director of Care Management, Martha Hernandez, LCSW at marthah@thesusiq.org, or call 949-715-8104.
(Far left) Nick Alexander, Jeff Regal, Brett Bradshaw and Exclusive Hole Sponsor, Aaron Taub at the 8th Annual Three Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic benefiting SchoolPower.
(center) Andrea Smith, Dennis and Jennifer Grzeskowiak and Amanda Nycz-Masney enjoy the cocktail reception at the 8th Annual Three Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic benefiting SchoolPower.
(below) Teresa Kollack and Karen Bugbee at the 8th Annual Three Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic benefiting SchoolPower. Photos by Kim Utley
some of Laguna’s landmarks. See how appreciative owners have adapted this Laguna heritage for
Catmosphere Laguna Foundation, Gelson’s Rancho Mission Viejo Adoption Event this Saturday
On Saturday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Catmosphere Laguna cats and kittens will be featured for adoption at its new location at Gelson’s Rancho Mission Viejo Store, 30731 Gateway Plaza, Rancho Mission Viejo. Catmosphere Laguna Rescue is a nonprofit feline rescue that serves Laguna Beach and the surrounding communities every day of the week and is dedicated to finding forever homes for homeless, relinquished, abandoned and special-needs cats and kittens. Catmosphere adoption events are fun for the whole family, with snacks and giveaways for all. Volunteer opportunities are available.
Future adoption event dates continue monthly throughout 2024. Laguna Beach Animal Shelter and Catmosphere Laguna Adoption Event Dates 2024: Saturdays June 15, Aug. 17 and Oct. 26 (Halloween event) and year-end holiday events. Gelson’s Rancho Mission Viejo and Catmosphere Laguna Adoption
Town Crier
IN AND AROUND LAGUNA BEACH
Event Dates 2024: Saturdays May 18, July 20, Sept. 21, Nov. 16 and yearend holiday events. Contact Catmosphere Laguna Foundation at 949-619-6369 or teamfeline@catmospherelaguna.com for details.
Former Laguna Mayor Bob Gentry to speak at Orange County Queer History Project Event Learn about the history of gay bars in Orange County from the 1970s through the 1990s and discover the amazing story of one of
America’s first gay mayors, Robert (Bob) Gentry of Laguna Beach. The event features a live Q&A session with Gentry and is part of a series of events hosted by the Orange County Queer History Project. These events, sponsored by the University of California, Irvine’s Humanities Center, Department of History, Department of Gender & Sexuality Studies, and Orange County & Southeast Asian Archive Center will take place on May 24 in UC Irvine’s Humanities Gateway, room 1341. All events are free and scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. More information can be found at ocqueerhistory.org.
Susi Q to Host Magical Machu Picchu Presentation
Armchair travelers will enjoy Wanda Matjas’ presentation on Mystic Machu Picchu, which will be held in person and on Zoom on Tuesday, May 21, between 1:30 and 3 p.m.
“Machu Picchu is a trek into history,” Matjas said. “Shrouded by mist and surrounded by lush vegetation and steep escarpments,
CRIER, PAGE 18
Diane Fisher of Laguna Beach holds Rowen, a cat she adopted at a recent Catmosphere event. Photo courtesy of Catmosphere
Recent Laguna Canyon Road Workshop an Eye-opener
The gummy bears and colored pens on the tabletops set the tone for the May 7 Laguna Canyon Road meeting. The residents were being treated as kindergarteners who had nothing of value to share.
Tom Perez and Circlepoint consultant Susan Harden used deceptive terms, such as “relinquishment” to brush over what they were really talking about: purchasing LCR from CalTrans.
Perez and Harden alluded to previous Cost-Benefit Analysis and PSR reports to support their decisions about negotiating with Cal Trans. They said we could read the 600-page report for more information. They could have started the meeting with key points from these reports, but it seemed they wanted to avoid the elephant in the room.
We were supposed to be distracted by giving our input on types of bike lanes and curbs without having an opportunity to address our real concerns: Why would Laguna Beach need or want to purchase LCR? What is the cost of such a purchase? What are the priorities for changes to LCR?
I don’t often get involved in city issues, but this meeting was an eyeopener. I felt the real issues were being intentionally obscured and that there were obvious efforts to avoid hearing from concerned residents who had real expertise and valuable ideas and questions.
I think the City Council is out of touch with how residents feel and their common concerns. Many residents feel that the City Council does not have the residents’ well-being as their primary focus and instead prioritize attracting more businesses and tourists to town.
As a City Council member, your every decision should first and foremost be for the residents. Ask yourself, “How does this decision make life better for the residents?” We
CITY HALL MEETINGS:
don’t need to spend time and money on making it easier for tourists to travel and park in Laguna. They are already here and they will continue to come!
How about “Residents First” as your mantra, updating infrastructure items such as fixing roads and sewer lines, adding sidewalks and parks, doing fire and evacuation drills and undergrounding utilities? While these items may not attract more tourists, they would improve the lives of residents. We are a small town, and our expenditures on purchasing land and properties in the recent past seem out of line with our budget and our needs.
Anne
LOCALS LIST!
Ellett, Laguna Beach
Undergrounding: Another Trojan Horse
Remember the fire-and-fear campaign of 2018? If we don’t underground our utilities, they said, Laguna will burn like Paradise, Calif., then in a referendum vote, Laguna defeated the bond measure. Well, today, they are at it again.
LETTERS, PAGE 20
LAGUNA LOCALS LIST!
theIndyPoll
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION
Do you plan on taking part in any Heritage Month events this May? - Yes
(2 votes) - No
(7 votes) TOTAL VOTES: 9
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION
Should Zoom participation at City Council meetings resume despite the potential for “Zoom bombing” interruptions?
- 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
May 20 - Environmental Sustainability Committee at 6 p.m. May 22 - Administrative Design Review Meeting at 3 p.m.
HOW TO CONTACT THE CITY COUNCIL
Sue
Alex Rounaghi Mayor Pro Tem arounaghi@ lagunabeachcity.net
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
SECOND AND FOURTH THURSDAYS, 5 PM
LOUIS WEIL: lweil@lagunabeachcity.net
KRISTINE THALMAN: kthalman@lagunabeachcity.net
DON SHERIDAN: dsheridan@lagunabeachcity.net
JESSICA GANNON: jgannon@lagunabeachcity.net
TOM GIBBS: tgibbs@lagunabeachcity.net
George Weiss Council member gweiss@lagunabeachcity.net
PLANNING COMMISSION
1ST AND 3RD WEDNESDAYS, 6 PM
STEVEN KELLENBERG, steve@kellenbergstudio.com
KEN SADLER: 616-0517, ken.sadler@cox.net
JORG DUBIN: 497-2618, jdubinart@cox.net
STEVE GOLDMAN: 203-554-2290, steveg415@ymail.com
SUSAN McLINTOCK WHITIN: 838-6317, whitinsusan@gmail.com
lagunabeachcity.net
ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES: REP. KATIE PORTER,, 1113 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515. 202-225-2415 ASSEMBLYWOMAN DIANE DIXON, 19712 MacArthur Blvd. Ste. 150, Irvine, CA 92612. 949-251-0074 FIFTH DISTRICT SUPERVISOR KATRINA FOLEY, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd.,
EDITORIAL
MANAGING EDITOR
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Tracy Powell
SALES
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A publication of
PUBLISHER
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Steve Zepezauer
CREATIVE &
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Tracy Powell
PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING
Scott Sanchez
OUR LETTER POLICY
E-mail letters to: Clara@firebrandmediainc.com
Letters strengthen community ties and provide a community forum open to all. Due to space constraints we ask letter writers to limit their topics to local concerns, make their submissions exclusive to the Indy alone and be of 400 words or less. Letters should be submitted by Tuesday, 5 p.m. They may be edited for clarity, length or appropriateness as needed. We decline to publish letters that we perceive as personal attacks, even of public figures. We strive for civil discourse over ideas and issues, not personalities. Letter writers must supply their name and contact information. Published letters will only use the writer’s name and city of residence. E-mail letters are preferred.
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949-715-4100 delivery@firebrandmediainc.com
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@
Heidi Cleveland at Douglas Elliman
The Village of Laguna Beach
667 Glenneyre Street, Laguna Beach
$2,995,000 | 3 BR, 3 BA | Approx. 1,450sf
Open House, Friday & Sunday, 11:30am–1:30pm
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Heidi Cleveland
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heidi.cleveland@elliman.com elliman.com
By Billy Fried
GUEST OPINION:
Positive Change for Laguna
Your City Council is making good things happen. I know this because of the volume of haranguing from the usual suspects apoplectic over everything they do. Like a permanent Forest Avenue Promenade, which is finally coming to fruition after three years of waiting, and taking control of Coast Highway and Laguna Canyon Road, a dream most of us traffic and
circulation junkies have harbored for years but have always been stymied by a city manager afraid to take our destiny into our hands. Something that Corona del Mar and Dana Point had no such qualms doing.
Let’s first give a deserved shout-out to Rivian for the greatest immediate upgrade to our quality of life. You’ve gifted us our new town center. Your
twice-weekly free movie screenings, with popcorn, soft drinks and absolutely no Cal Worthington-style hustle (it’s actually a violation of their permit to discuss price), are cheaper admission than the 25 cents they charged in 1937, when they opened. Is any other product or service cheaper now than it was 80 years ago?
Not only is Rivian screening adventure sports films via our local Coast Film Festival, but they are also lending their facility for use by nonprofits and staging mega events like the three-day run of our legendary band Honk, accompanied by a screening of our beloved MacGillivray-Freeman iconic surf film, “Five Summer Stories.” These folks were playing at the highest level despite having been disbanded for years, and you could feel the love they have for their songbook and each other. Plus, we were treated to the everentertaining banter between Honk’s Beth and Steve Wood and filmmaker besties Barbara and Greg MacGillivray. They are Laguna treasures, and what a treat to hear stories from the golden age of surf films, back when Lincoln was President.
Now, about that wonderful and longdelayed disassembly of the cattle pen known as the temporary promenade and its transformation into a gorgeous, permanent pedestrian promenade in the center of town. Something as beautiful as we are. We’re finally moving forward despite the tired claim that City Council is railroading the design without enough public input. As Steve Jobs said, “The public doesn’t know what it wants.” Let’s get on with it already. It’s a promenade, for god’s sake. Not heart transplant technology. A combination of planters, pavers and seating. And some local art. Of course it will look nice. All the elements are already there. It all comes down to activation, anyway. What will we do to bring it to life (and linger)? My hope is that, besides outdoor dining, there will be several food and coffee carts for those who don’t want to sit for an entire meal. And buskers to entertain us. And a weeknight farmers market. And fairy lighting at night to make us all look even prettier. And plenty of public seating (couches, please). And then, boy will we come. Because the greatest appeal will be the random collisions with friends old and new, and the community alchemy that follows. And finally, yes, the most important piece of the puzzle to improve our already magnificent quality of life is to fix our aging and antiquated transportation grid that, like every other city, was never designed for this many cars.
The only way to accomplish this is to become masters of our own traffic destiny – buying our two main arteries
By Frank Aronoff | LB Indy
SPRING
SPORTS UPDATE
SWIMMING
Shipp 7th at State
Chase Shipp finished 7th this year at the State Diving Championships with a 525.10 score this year on May 9th at Clovis West High School. Last year he was 6th with a 566.95 score and his school record mark of 592.55 was set at the Sunset League finals this season.
TRACK & FIELD
Kollock and Sydney are CIF Champions
Jackson Kollock tossed the shot 50-06.5 to capture the D4 SSCIF Shot title, while Sydney Sydney bounced back from a disappointing second in the 1600 Meter Run to capture the Girls D4 3200 Meter Run with a 11:26.15 mark. Hayden Joseph was 9th in that race with an 11:57.51 time. The Southern Section Championships were held on May 11 at Moorpark High School in Ventura County.
Track and field, along with cross country, are still organized into divisions based on school size. In
Sports/Schools
LAGUNA GIRLS WATER POLO ALUMNI AT THE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS
The 23rd NCAA Women’s Water Polo Championship was held last weekend at California with a field of 10 schools; The kick-off reception gave an opportunity for a number of former Laguna players to reconnect. Back row: Charlotte Riches (Princeton), Grace Houlahan (Princeton, Ava Houlahan (Princeton) Molly Renner (UCLA) CiCi Stewart (Princeton) Front row: Hannah Carver (USC), Jessie Rose (Cal), Nicole Struss (UCLA), Rachael Carver (Princeton). Photo courtesy of Kevin Struss and Steve Riches
track, there are four divisions, with Laguna in D4 for schools 1,000 or fewer students. From 2017 to 2023, the Breakers competed in D3 (1001-1789 enrollments). The two individual titles won by the Breakers
this year in track were the 28th and 29th individual crowns won by a Laguna athlete in six sports (track, swimming, diving, cross country, badminton, and tennis) Laguna has also won three doubles titles and
Nichole
over Cal for the
a key part of the
last Sunday.
All three athletes started their polo careers at the local Laguna Beach Water Polo program at the community high school pool. Photo courtesy of Kevin Struss
nine relay titles in the 90 seasons of competition. Overall, 11 event winners have been the top titles for that sport in the Southern Section.
SPORTS, PAGE 18
UCLA WINS NCAA WOMEN’S WATER POLO TITLE
Struss and Molly Renner hold the championship trophy after their 7-4 win
title
Laguna resident Genoa Rossi (Mater Dei) was also
Bruin victory.
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Run Club
PAGE 1
make it longer if you wish. It’s all about getting out there and forming community.”
Staus, a local musician and KXFM radio host, said he’s always seeking out new community connections When Zack contacted him about his idea, he was excited to get involved.
“We’re fortunate that we have such a beautiful, scenic route around Heisler Park,” Staus said. “It’s a good excuse to be by the water and get up early on a Sunday and start your day fresh. You just gotta put one foot in front of the other.”
The Laguna Beach Run Club meets on Sundays at 9 a.m. at the Catch Surf parking lot in north Laguna. However, in the future, Zack hopes to add another meet-up option during the week for those who can’t make the weekend date.
“We know a lot of people go to church Sunday morning or have other obligations, so we’re going to add another day,” Zack said. “We were talking about a trail day Tuesday, or even track day and going to high school and doing a little bit of track running on it on one of those days.”
The Laguna Beach Run Club meets every Sunday at 9 a.m. at the Catch Surf parking lot in north Laguna. More information can be found on Instagram @lagunabeachrunclub.
LBHS
PAGE 1
have them.”
Among all students who entered the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program, only 16,000 were named semi-finalists. The highest-scoring students in each state represent the pool of semifinalists who, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, represent less than one percent of United States high school seniors. To advance in the competition and be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, a Semifinalist had to become a Finalist by fulfilling several requirements, including submitting a detailed scholarship application and presenting a record of very high academic performance.
“I’m so proud to see Kiera and Chris recognized as National Merit Scholars. Their dedication to their academics and passions has been truly impressive,” said LBHS School Counselor Alexis Mele. As their school counselor at LBHS, it has been amazing to watch them both blossom in everything they do, and I can’t wait to see the incredible things they’ll achieve in the future.”
Finalists compete with all other finalists in their state or selection unit for one of the 2,500 National Merit $2,500 scholarships. A committee of college admission officers and high school counselors selects winners.
Street Beat
EXCERPTS FROM POLICE LOGS
Thursday, May 9
Bench warrant, DUI. Ulisses Rodriguezfranco, 23, of Desert Hot Springs was arrested on suspi-cion of a felony bench warrant and driving under the influence of drugs. He was held without bail.
DUI. A 35-year-old Laguna Beach man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He was held on $2,500 bail.
Friday, May 10
Attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence. Wade Kelley, 58, of Laguna was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, (not a firearm) causing likely grievous bodily injury and domestic violence with serious injury. He was held on $1,070,000 bail.
Domestic. Noel Jane Lilley, 54, of Venice was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence with mi-nor injury. She was held on $50,000 bail.
Saturday, May 11
Battery on person. Daniel Friedrich Freese, 57, was arrested on suspicion of battery on person. He was held on $500 bail.
Sunday, May 12
The selection process involves evaluating substantial information about finalists obtained from students and their high schools. Included are the finalist’s academic record (course load and difficulty level, depth and breadth of subjects studied, and grades earned); PSAT/ NMSQT scores; the student’s essay; demonstrated leadership and contributions to school and community activities; and the school official’s written recommendation and characterization of the finalist.
The 2024 scholarship winners join the nearly 375,000 past winners who have earned the title of Merit Scholar.
Domestic violence with minor injury. Mark Andrew Cowan, 60 of Laguna Beach was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence with minor injury and obstructing a peace officer. He was held on $50,000 bail.
Possessing a controlled substance, bench warrant. Juan Carlos Arenas Negrete, 35, of Santa Ana, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance and an outstanding bench warrant. He was held on $2,500 bail.
Disorderly conduct. Lynntelle Tasha Slim, 34, of Laguna Niguel ,was arrested on suspicion of dis-orderly conduct due to alcohol. She was held on $500 bail.
Possessing a controlled narcotic, substance. Seth Daniel Groom, 25, of Henry, Ill., was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and narcotic. He was held without bail.
DUI. An 18-year-old Bloomington man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He was held on $2,500 bail.
Monday, May 13
DUI. A 45-year-old Corona del Mar man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He was held on $2,500 bail.
Contempt of court, DUI. Sergio Galeana Rojas, 40, of Aliso Viejo was arrested on suspicion of contempt of court and drunk driving. He was held without bail.
Bench warrant. Michael Alvinedgar Krengel, 38, of Laguna Beach was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant. He was held without bail.
Tuesday, May 14
DUI. A 31-year-old Dana Point man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He was held on $2,500 bail.
Avoiding vehicle registration, resisting arrest. Joseph Thomas Miller, 37, of Laguna Beach was arrested on suspicion of an intent to avoid vehicle registration by forging or altering paper-work, resisting a peace officer.
Wednesday, May 15
Disorderly conduct. Devon Christian Charters, 31, of Laguna Beach was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct. He was held on $500 bail.
Disorderly conduct. Thomas John Kataras, 26, of Vista was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct. He was held on $500 bail.
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS TO SERVE ON DISTRICT’S WATER COMMISSION
The Laguna Beach County Water District’s Board of Directors is accepting applications from the public to serve on the District’s Water Commission (three seats available). Interviews and appointments will be conducted on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. by the District’s Board. All applicants will be interviewed, and should be prepared to make a brief statement about your desire to serve on the Commission. To qualify, applicants must reside within the boundaries of Laguna Beach County Water District.
The District’s Commission is composed of five members appointed by the Board of Directors. New or reappointed commissioners serve a two-year term and are compensated at $392 per month. Commission meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. in the District’s boardroom. The Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the Board of Directors in matters pertaining to administration, delivery of water, and maintenance of the District’s water systems and facilities. Additionally, Commissioners recommend to the Board adoption of ordinances, resolutions, and rules and regulations as needed for the administration and preservation of the District’s water systems and facilities. To qualify, applicants must reside within the boundaries of the District.
Applications, which are available at District Headquarters, 306 Third Street, Laguna Beach and on the District’s website at lbcwd.org, must be filed with the District by 5:00 p.m., June 6, 2024.
Laguna Beach High School Principal Jason Allemann with National Merit Scholar-ship winners Keira Hundhausen and Christopher Herkins. Photo courtesy of LBUSD
GUEST OPINION: GREEN LIGHT
Electrifying Our Homes For a Warming Climate
By TOM OSBOrNe
My wife and I moved to Laguna Beach 50 years ago this month. On the few hot summer days we encountered, a ready solution was at hand: throw open our windows to receive our daily flow of Pacific breezes. Those Westerly winds provided all the cooling we needed. Our relatives living in the interior parts of southern California needed air conditioning, but we never thought some type of an air-cooling system might be necessary for us someday. In more recent times hot summer days became hotter and seem to last longer. Open windows and fans have barely sufficed. Then, more recently we learned that Stanford
researchers have found that gaspowered stoves are responsible for more than 12 percent of childhood asthma cases in America. Was our gas range linked to my wife, Ginger’s, chronic cough?
While these matters caught our attention, both science and the market had already spoken: heat-trapping greenhouse gases had steadily increased over the past half-century (see the Dr. Charles David Keeling Curve: education.nationalgeographic. org/resource/keeling-curve), resulting in a warming planet, even along Southern California’s coast where residents have for so long enjoyed arguably the world’s best climate. The market, too, had responded. Sales have increased for heat pumps that can cool or warm our homes as needed, and the same goes for sales of induction ranges, rooftop solar panels, and electric water heaters. During the past ten years, our family has adopted all these electricity-powered appliances except for the water heater (and greatly regret that we allowed a plumber to talk us into buying a gasoperated water heater, ugh).
To learn the latest information about how to transition your home into the healthy sanctuary we all want for
ourselves and our families, the Laguna chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL), with help from the City of Laguna Beach and Rivian company, will host a Home Electrification Fair on May 29, 2024. This important event will take place at Rivian South Coast Theater from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but you must register in advance at bit.ly/49msvhV.
The featured speaker is Peter Marsh, a seasoned CCL volunteer and home electrification consultant. About a year ago, I heard him address the home electrification topic at a conference held at MiraCosta College, near Oceanside. He’s encyclopedic on the subject while presenting it in clear laymen’s language and in an engaging manner. His presentation led to our immediate action on the steps mentioned above.
Pete Marsh founded Vector Green Power LLC, to design and build solar and energy storage. Previously, he managed R&D projects at Booz Allen Hamilton, and was head of the Pacific Region for Truestone LLC, a technology systems integrator which scaled to $110 million in annual revenue and 700 people in five years. He began his career with 25 years of active-duty service in the U.S. Coast Guard. Pete holds a B.S. in Marine Science from
the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and an M.S. in Telecommunications Systems Management from the Naval Postgraduate School. At the national level, he co-leads CCL’s Electrification Action Team.
In addition to Pete Marsh’s presentation, information tables will be staffed by non-profit organizations plus Southern California Edison to help attendees switch out end-of-life gas appliances for electrical ones and learn how to save money through federal rebates and tax credits. Attendees can expect their practical questions to be answered at these tables.
Come and invite your friends and neighbors for what promises to be a stimulating evening. You’ll leave with “megawatts” of beneficial, practical information that you can put to use quickly. Register early as public interest suggests a capacity audience. See you there!
Tom Osborne co-leads, with his wife, Ginger, the Laguna chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Six members of this chapter will travel to Washington, D.C. in June to lobby members of Congress for passage of the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (HR 5744). tomosborne@cox.net.
RENTAL PERMITS
Picture yourself embarking on a weekend getaway, feeling the soft grains of sand beneath your toes as you bask in the splendor of breathtaking sunsets, accompanied by fine wine and cherished friends. This extraordinary opportunity invites you and your loved ones to embrace ownership of an oceanfront property, while luxuriating in the rewards of a short-term rental. This amazing property features TWO highly coveted SHORT TERM RENTAL PERMITS, this oceanfront duplex in Newport Beach offers exceptional income opportunities on the coast of Southern California. Located directly on the beach with no boardwalk between the property and the sand, the two-story design welcomes stunning ocean, beach and shoreline views from both levels. The lower-level residence features three bedrooms and 2 baths, while the second-floor unit boasts five bedrooms and 3 baths. Guests will enjoy walking out to a large beachfront patio downstairs and a spacious ocean-view deck on the top floor. Both units are open and bright, and they showcase upgrades including wood-look wide-plank tile flooring, crown molding and granite bath surrounds. Fashionable kitchens display quartz countertops, peninsulas with waterfall-style edges, stainless steel appliances and white Shaker cabinetry. Property also comes with coastal approved plans for a third floor roof deck addition. The duplex’s outstanding location is destined to be a big attraction for short-term renters. Not only is it directly on the sand, it is close to Lido Marina Village, Fashion Island, golf, parks and world-famous surf spots.
Tara McNabb
949.500.3910
taramcnabb@icloud.com DRE 01871729
Gizelle Sieber
714.328.6525
gizelle.sieber@gmail.com DRE 01958505
Spotlight Your Business in the Laguna Beach City Guide
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By MArK d. CrANTZ
Laguna Beach City Council decided to replace the July 4 fireworks with a drone show. Residents are advised to close their bedroom drapes for the occasion. There will be 300 drones buzzing about that may be tempted to take a peek or two. So for residents who do not want their images projected in the sky, keep your drapes closed. The Batman signal will continue.
show. Bring your dogs to catch them. Should be a blast.
Drone shows are programmed for redundancy. If one of the 300 drones misfires another is programmed to step in and keep your image out there to billions of patriotic viewers. This is what the Fourth of July is all about. Declaring your Independence Day.
Crantz tells the Indy that he went out and reserved a rent-a-wreck and adopted a cat for the big occasion.
8
Of course, closing off your windows and not taking the chance to be seen by neighbors, friends, acquaintances and all miscreants on social media may not be what you want. For those residents who want to display their patriotism from the bedroom, we suggest opening the blinds and windows and setting of your car alarms in the garage. Experts have discovered that car alarms act as a honing siren to flying drones. For guaranteed exposure of your patriotism, set off the alarms at the beginning of the drone show.
Do not be worried about attracting enough drones to get social media buzzing about you. The 15-minute drone show will be enough time for you to snag a couple of drones to get your image out there. Older car alarm systems tend to be the most annoying and the most attractive to drones. This May to December phenomenon will play to your advantage for receiving the most likes on this festive occasion. To prepare, you may want to trade in the new Bentley for an old AMC Pacer to get new relationships started. If you are a dog owner, you will be happy to know that drone shows are better received in the canine world.
A recent study was eaten by the dogs surveyed but put back together to reveal that dogs love the quiet of drone shows over fireworks displays. Cats surveyed cared less one way or the other, so long as the drones were flying out of sight.
However, cats will mistake lowflying drones for birds and swat them down and eat them. These electronics are not good for cats. Wait fifteen minutes after ingestion and then point the TV remote at the cat to see if you can get lift off. Residents are advised to keep their flying cats and TV remotes for next year’s “Raining Cats”
for $1 from CalTrans and reimagining them in a multitude of ways to ease the burden of traffic and make our town less congested, more bikeable, walkable, transit-able, and ultimately easeful for us residents. Only through a multi-modal transportation plan can we incentivize visitors to park outside of town and use an abundant public system that we devise. And yes, that includes parking structures outside of our downtown core.
We need young visionaries on council who embrace the idea of a carless downtown, people who have experienced progressive transportation grids in other places and how they have successfully reduced congestion, and imagine a future with less cars, more clean air, and quieter streets. Oh wait, we have Alex Rounaghi. And soon, perhaps Hallie Jones.
We have the most scenic and delightful town to ride a trolley, a bike, or just stroll. So let’s encourage it by making them safer and more accessible. Put Coast Highway on a road diet and slow cars down. Make Glenneyre flow better with a series of roundabouts. Finally, underground the power lines on Laguna Canyon Road, and make a shared bike and express transit lane. Plus strategic roundabouts to make traffic flow, instead of slow.
Thank you, council, for putting your efforts into this. It’s always the number one issue in resident surveys. You were elected by the majority of this town to take charge and take action to improve our quality of life, which includes everything from arts, entertainment and enhanced services to public safety, functioning infrastructure, and action to reduce both climate and congestion impacts. The stuff we care most about and have the least temperament or competency to address. This is how good governance rolls.
Billy is the CEO of La Vida Laguna, an outdoor adventure company, and Executive Director of KXFM, Laguna’s Community Radio. Opinions are his. Email: billy@lavidalaguna.com.
the sprawling Inca citadel lives up to every expectation.”
Visit thesusiq.org to review the many ongoing programs that Susi Q offers, from ukulele lessons to standing yoga to bridge and mahjong classes, not to mention support groups and clubs for special interest groups ranging from genealogy to current affairs to books and so much more. The Susi Q’s Care Management Department (now the Dorene Cares Office) provides free consultation, education and practical resources for vulnerable seniors, enabling them to stay safe, informed and independent.
May is Laguna’s Heritage Month: Schedule of Events
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
Come visit and fall in love with Hortense Miller, her home and garden.
For more information or to schedule a docent-led tour visit hortensemillergarden.org/visit.
The public may call (949) 4646645 to book a free tour most Saturdays and Thursdays from 9:45 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Crystal Cove Historic District –Self-Guided 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.
American Legion and VFW to Conduct Memorial Day Ceremony
On Monday, May 27, the Laguna Beach American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars will conduct a Memorial Day ceremony in remembrance of comrades who died protecting our country in wars and conflicts. The ceremony will take place at Monument Point in Heisler Park at 11 a.m. The keynote speaker will be Carla Hogan, a Gold Star Mother. American Gold Star Mothers is a private nonprofit orga-
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nization of American mothers who lost sons or daughters in service of the United States Armed Forces. Music will begin at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to come early, as seating is limited.
During the ceremony, many organizations place floral offerings on the Heisler Park Memorial Monument. Please ensure your organization’s name is attached for those who wish to send or bring floral arrangements. Flower deliveries are suggested to be made by 9:30 a.m. Those who intend to send or bring floral arrangements, please call Sandi Werthe at 949-494-6016. No glass containers. For more information, contact Richard Moore at (949) 637-4437.
Turning Point USA to Speak at GLBGOP Members’ Meeting
The Greater Laguna Beach GOP Members’ Meeting will host Turning Point USA on Wednesday, May 22 at Mozambique in Laguna Beach. Julia Cartwright is the representative for TPUSA in San Diego, Orange County and Hawaii for all college chapters. Several TPUSA speakers will join her to discuss college life today for conservative students and what Turning Point is doing to help them stay strong and speak up. To encourage young conservatives to join the meeting, the GLBGOP will have a $250 cash card drawing for attendees 35 years old and younger. The event will start at 5 p.m. Social hour and the meeting will start at 6 p.m. in the newly remodeled Parrot’s Room. Seating is limited. RSVPs are required at glbgop.com.
Public Invited to Wave Watch Christening and Dedication
The city invites the community to a christening and dedication ceremony of its new marine safety vessel, “Wave Watch” at Marina Park, 1600 West Newport Boulevard in Newport Beach, on Friday, May 24, at 9 a.m. Following the ceremony, a guided tour of the vessel will be available.
“The reintroduction of the rescue vessel program through ‘Wave Watch’ represents a significant milestone for the Laguna Beach community,” said Laguna Beach Mayor Sue Kempf. “This vessel fills a crucial gap in our offshore response capabilities, reinforcing our commitment to marine safety and emergency response from the water.”
Participants can come and enjoy the bungalow, some goodies and refreshments, and meet Hollywood starlet Bette Davis, Jack Norworth, who wrote the lyrics to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” Cracker Jack Hall of Fame and promoted Laguna’s early Little League days, Florence “Pancho” Barnes, stunt pilot and aviatrix, Frank Cuprien, the original plein air artist, and the bungalow’s original resident Vernon Murphy (businessman, bootleg) and its last resident Blanche Clapp Smith.
It is an opportunity for family fun on a Saturday morning to early afternoon and a way to experience Laguna Beach Living History through the early 1920s to the late 1950s and feel a sense of place and time in this beautiful town we call home. For more information, call 949-497-6834.
Sports
PAGE 10
Season WRAP UP
This wraps the sports season for 2023-24 for the Breakers and the final run as a six-season member of the Sunset League. Next year, Laguna returns to the Pacific Coast League (now a conference), which will be an 8-team league for Boys and 9-teams for girls. Laguna was a charter member of the league from 1986 through 2006. Football will be part of the Orange County Conference, which is organized into 11 leagues and administered separately from the traditional high school sports leagues.
2024-25 Pacific Coast Conference with enrollments)
Portola (2519)
Northwood (2341)
University (2310)
Woodbridge (2218) Irvine (1863)
Laguna Beach (930)
Sage Hill (559)
Margaret’s (472)
Rosary Academy (444 - Girls only)
DR. ADRIENNE O’CONNELL
610 N Coast Hwy, Suite 208 Laguna Beach, CA 92651
info@lagunabeachaesthetics.com www.lagunabeachaesthetics.com 949.415.4310
Laguna Beach Historical Reenactment this Saturday
The Laguna Beach Historical Society will host a reenactment with important and iconic Laguna Beach residents at its headquarters, The Murphy Smith Bungalow on 278 Ocean Avenue, this Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Next week, we will review the six-year Sunset run, detail the 2024 football schedule and examine the upcoming fall sports league setup. Spring honors and team awards will also be published over the next few weeks as they become available. 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.
Celebrating 20+ years of
We’ve gifted
over $1.3 million to local charities and we
never bragged. That’s just who we are.
Our Mission Statement Then and Now
The Laguna Real Estate Charitable Assistance Fund (LRE/CAF) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization which exists for the benefit of the local community and Laguna Beach REALTORS® and Affiliate members.
Taking root in 1997, the charity was officially formed in 2004 when the founding Board of Directors had a vision to create a nonprofit organization which would raise funds to donate to local nonprofit organizations in need.
In keeping with the giving, volunteer spirit of the Laguna Beach community, the Charitable Assistance Fund prioritizes local organizations which do not have other consistent means of support.
A portion of the proceeds from our fundraisers go back to the LRE/CAF account to be used for the needs of Laguna Beach REALTORS® and Affiliate members. The LRE/CAF is proud to have supported individuals in times of medical, financial and local disaster hardship.
Animal Crackers, Artist Fund, Blue Bell Foundation for Cats, Boys and Girls Club, Margolis Golf Tournament, CSP (Wayfarer’s), Glennwood Housing Foundation, Helping Hands, First Thursday Artwalk, Friendship Shelter, Laguna Concert Band, La Playa, Laguna Beach Animal Shelter, Laguna Beach Community Clinic, Laguna Beach High School Scholorships, Laguna Beach Live, Laguna Beach Plein Air, Laguna Beach Playhouse, Laguna Beach Outreach for Community (LOCA), Laguna Beach Seniors, Laguna Food Pantry, Laguna Resource, No Square Theater, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, PUP Laguna Beach, Rescuing Unwanted Furry Friends, Sally’s Fund, The Pet Rescue Center, Women’s Club.
We’re currently looking for partners to co-op with us on upcoming events and fundraisers, and also in-kind donors for venues and more. Contact us for more information and upcoming events! admin@lre-caf.com
They couch the Protect and Connect undergrounding campaign in ecofriendly bike lanes and a transit route down reversible traffic lanes from Canyon Acres to El Toro Road.
This brief summary is taken from the August 2022 Project Study Report approved by the city manager and Caltrans. Of five alternative designs, the preferred design, Alt-5, shows the existing 34-foot pavement travelway will expand to add bike lanes and sidewalk improvements on both sides and a transit route with 10 stops. The existing right-of-way (RW) is from 68 to 95 feet; the project will consume all of it, and even Big Bend, at 53 feet, grows another nine feet. The SCE underground lines are in vaults on or outside the maximum RW boundary, in cases on private property.
No increase in traffic volume is planned, and the speed limit will remain at 40mph. Traffic analysis shows that the Level of Service (LOS) for traffic will not improve, remaining at ‘F’ in 2030 and 2050; only biking and walking will improve over the present no-provision condition. The estimated construction costs are $40 million, RW Acquisition costs are $78 million, and the Protect and Connect Alt-5 total is $141 million.
On May 7, Public Works hosted Protect and Connect, inviting the public to review design alternatives. The meeting was heated and emotional, with 100 attendees pushing back the lack of transparency, planning, scale, cost and construction disruption to rural Laguna Canyon for six years. Two days later, the mayor’s newsletter called the meeting “a success!”
During the 2018 fire-and-fear campaign, a city staff report proposed three project alternatives for SR-133: 1. No build option. 2. Underground power utilities for $90 million. 3. Hardening the high-risk LCR utility poles for $2 million. An alternative third option would meet the objective of fire protection, yet neither our subcommittee nor anybody else ever mentioned it again. Maybe some view the hardening alternative as too cheap.
Mark Thomas Consultants said the project will require locating underground vaults outside the right-of-way, which would require easements from property owners forcing eminent domain, which is both infeasible and cost-prohibitive.
HDR Consultants said the benefit-cost analysis shows that under certain conditions, the project is economically worthwhile, but it is well in excess of the project cost.
Finally, pending legislation (March SB-960 Weiner) will force Caltrans by mandate, Caltrans must provide a multi-modal solution for LCR with or without Undergrounds.
Given consultants hired for expert
project recommendations, shouldn’t our city subcommittee heed the advice? Is modifying LCR for no traffic improvement worth the disruption and cost? Just wondering.
Les Miklosy, Laguna Beach
City Should Capture More Revenue from Visitors
Recently, the Orange County Register Editorial Board issued a strong critique of Laguna Beach residents and elected officials. These were its targets in a knee-jerk piece about “tax-and-spend” politicians. The board should have done its homework in order to avoid the flawed thinking in the editorial.
First, it implied that the rich folks of Laguna are unwelcoming and ungenerous to visitors. The fact is that every year, Laguna Beach government and residents subsidize visitors more than $20,000,000! This reality bears repeating: the costs to Laguna’s city government (and its residents, who pay the lion’s share of revenue in the city budget) resulting from all the visitors are more than $20 million higher than all the revenue the visitors generate for the city government. And this analysis, which has been fully documented, only measures the financial costs of visitors (e.g., public safety, maintenance, etc.) and none of the other negative impacts on residents of hosting more than 6 million visitors each year.
The editorial also criticizes Laguna’s “tax and spend” elected officials for engaging citizens in a recent survey that asked them whether there are any increases in services or public goods they would prefer and whether there are any sources of revenue they would support to fund those increases. In fact, this is an admirable approach to citizen participation because the voice of the community might guide and constrain the local government to be responsive to what the largest proportion of citizens prefer. No city can provide everything on a citizen wish list, so choices must be made and knowing what citizens prioritize can be helpful.
The Editorial Board should know that every California city must balance its budget every year. Ideally, Laguna Beach government should find strategies to capture more revenue from visitors to reduce this massive subsidy to the visitors. Some ideas include increasing our low business license fee on visitor-serving bars and restaurants, raising the hotel tax (TOT), or extending pay parking for non-residents (only) into more residential neighborhoods near the beaches. Various California propositions make it extremely difficult to raise these, or any local taxes or fees,
without a citizen vote.
Laguna resident owners or renters, you are subsidizing visitors $20 million every year! Insist that our local elected officials move decisively to capture more revenue to the city from visitors.
James Danziger, professor emeritus of political science and Laguna Beach resident
Save our Laguna Beach Artists
Our community views our natural resources differently depending on your reason for moving to this special town. Some folk cannot get enough of our ocean, whether you simply love to look at it, or walk near it or perhaps swim or surf in it.
Others love the physical beauty of our hills and canyons. We enjoy hiking, biking, and, at times, just sitting looking out over our beach town and thank our lucky stars that we get to live in such an amazing place.
When we think about our natural resources, we think of our “bluebelt” and our “greenbelt,” and we must be very thankful to those who, 30 or 40 years ago, had the insight and determination to save and protect these treasures in perpetuity. One thing you can say about our little hamlet is that when this community puts its mind to it and unites around a common cause, the result is always a win for the residents now and for
future generations.
There is another natural resource that has been woven into the fabric of Laguna Beach since the beginning. It is a resource that is synonymous with Laguna Beach and is so important to this community that without it we would be just another beach town. This third resource is our creative community. It is our artists, craftspeople, musicians, writers, and performers of all stripes that make Laguna so very special. We have now come to a time in our history when this community needs to come together and save the remnants of our creative residents before they are forced out altogether by a lack of affordability or nowhere to create or both. Communities are often judged by how they treat their creatives. Please take a moment to consider this amazing place without them. Not so great. If you happen to know a working artist, then you most likely know their plight. Let them know how much they mean to the cultural fabric of Laguna. Most importantly, let your city council know that you care about the artists. That you care about our cultural heritage and future. As residents, it’s time again to step up and save yet another precious resource that brings so much vibrancy and authenticity to our town.
Jorg Dubin, Laguna Beach
Monks, Meditation, Thangkas, and More at Neighborhood Congregational Church
By LB Indy Staff
An artistic and spiritual experience is set for May 30 – June 2 at Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann’s Drive. Artists of all skill levels are invited to learn about geometry and mandala creation from the world’s acknowledged authority on the art of painting thangkas, the wall hangings that serve as magnificent art pieces, as well as tools during meditation. Four visiting Drepung Loseling monks will make colorful sand mandalas in the sanctuary and invite the community to help build the mandalas, ask questions, take photos, and then help disperse the sand creations at the end of each day as a lesson in understanding the temporary nature of all earthly things.
The event will be divided into morning and afternoon sessions over the first three days.
On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings, May 30- June 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Bridge Hall, Tibetan artist and scholar Yeshi Dorjee will teach up to 12 students in the
JON & The Wreck
6/8 THE ENGLISH BEAT 6/9 GARY HOEY 6/14 AMBROSIA
6/15 CHEST FEVER (T he b and T ribu T e )
6/16 ELVIN BISHOP - Big Fun Trio
6/21 DESPERADO (
6/22 DESPERADO (
6/23 JUSTIN HAYWARD
6/28 THE BACON BROTHERS
6/29 SKELETON CREW (G raT eful d
7/3 IAN MOORE
7/5 WALTER MICHAELS BAND
7/6 SHINE ON (P ink f loyd T ribu T e ) 7/12 YYNOT (
7/13 FAST TIMES
7/14 THE CREAM OF CLAPTON BAND feat. Will Johns & Noah East 7/19 THE 5TH DIMENSION
7/20 Y&T
7/25 THE RAT PACK
7/26 KEN GARCIA
7/27 BOB SCHNEIDER 7/28 BOBBY GRAY
8/1 CASH’D OUT (J ohnny C ash T ribu T e )
8/2 Beach Boy AL JARDINE
8/3 CUBENSIS (G raT eful d ead T ribu T e )
8/9 BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY
8/17 PIANO MEN: GENERATIONS
8/23 SUPER DIAMOND
8/24 SUPER DIAMOND
8/27 TAB BENOIT & ANDERS OSBORNE with Special Guest JD SIMO
8/29 THE PETTY BREAKERS
)
appreciation and creation of thangkas, or wall hangings. More than a mere decoration, a thangka holds great meaning as a tool for meditation. Yeshi will instruct students on the basics of geometry and its role in contemplation. Many of the geometry principles of the human body and of ancient architecture were compiled into the Vitruvian Man drawing by Leonardo da Vinci.
Artists may sign up for the three-day experience, which includes supplies, for $200 at tibetanartinlaguna.com. Visitors may sit in on Yeshi’s teachings and observe the thangkas being created for an admission fee of $15 per day.
In the church sanctuary in the afternoons from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., guests may help create a colorful sand mandala with four visiting Drepung Loseling monks, who are scholars dedicated to the study of traditional Buddhist arts and sciences. The church doors will be open each afternoon on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for the public
8/30 GLENN HUGHES - Deep Purple Set - 50 T h anniversary of b urn 8/31 MICK ADAMS & THE STONES 9/1 MIDGE URE 9/7 SOUTHERN ROCK THROWDOWN ( l ynyrd s kynyrd , b ad C o ., ZZ T o P T ribu T es ) 9/12 GRAHAM BONNET P erformin G r ainbo W , ms G & a l C aT ra ZZ 9/14 JOURNEY USA (J ourney T ribu T e ) 9/15 BENISE: Fiesta! 9/19 THE MAN IN BLACK (J ohnny C ash T ribu T e ) 9/22 JANE MONHEIT 9/25 ANA POPOVIC 9/27 DAVE MASON 10/3 ZEBRA 10/5 KIMBERLY PERRY (of The Band Perry) 10/10 HENRY KAPONO 10/11 HENRY KAPONO 10/16 JIMMIE VAUGHAN 10/18 GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP 10/20 THE YOUNG DUBLINERS 10/31 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS UNTOUCHABLES 11/1 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS UNTOUCHABLES
11/8 COMMON SENSE 11/9 TYRONE WELLS 11/15 RONSTADT REVIVAL 11/16 JOSHUA RADIN & RON POPE 11/23 RUFUS WAINWRIGHT 11/27 BEATLES VS STONES 11/29 THE PLATTERS 11/30 LEE ROCKER of the Stray Cats 12/4 LIVINGSTON TAYLOR and LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III
12/15 THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA
12/29 L.A. GUNS 1/24 GENE LOVES JEZEBEL / BOW WOW WOW
to watch and help create a different colorful sand mandala – and then destroy it. Photography is welcome. Participating in the sand mandala sessions is free, but donations to the monks are encouraged. The suggested donation is $15. Their visit is one of goodwill and cultural sharing that helps them support the 3,000 Tibetan monks at their home monastery in India.
A mandala is a geometric pattern characterized by a central point or motif, often symmetrical and radiating outward in a circular form. The mandala’s intricate geometric design holds profound spiritual significance in Buddhism. Its geometry can be created with intentions for healing, compassion, and universal peace. Like a thangka, a mandala’s symbolic representation is not merely a piece of art but also a powerful tool for meditation, spiritual growth, and understanding the cosmos.
The event concludes on Sunday, June 2 at the 10 a.m. church service. The monks will decorate NCC’s sanctuary altar and chant a morning blessing. The thangka art created during the weekend classes will be displayed, and some students will speak about their experiences. Yeshi Dorjee will talk about the background of NCC’s prayer wheel, which he made with his own hands. At noon, a Tibetan lunch will be served, prepared with the help of Tenpa Dorjee, owner of the Laguna Beach retail shop Tibet Handicrafts, 384 Forest Avenue. Lunch is $20. Please make a reservation at tibetanartinlaguna.com
During their four-day visit, the Drepung Loseling monks will offer house blessings by appointment. The traditional monetary request for a home or office blessing is $108, the number of beads on a mala that keeps count of one’s mantra repetitions, or Japa, during meditation. Information can be found at tibetanartinlaguna. com.
Local Cadet Graduates from West Point
Cadet Robert Roy Healy, son of Robert and Elizabeth Healy of Laguna Beach, graduated from the prestigious U.S. Military Academy on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Healy, who is also an Eagle Scout, graduated from Saint Margarets Episcopal School, San Juan Capistrano, in 2020. While at West Point, he concentrated his studies in management. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army within the Air Defense Artillery branch. Photo courtesy of the Healy family
Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach Celebrates Successful Fundraising Effort
with Coast Hardware – Ace Customers
The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, also serving Saddleback Valley, celebrates the successful wrap-up of a fundraising campaign at Coast Hardware - Ace, having raised over $3,700 through community efforts.
Over a three-month period, Coast Hardware - Ace engaged its customers in a round-up initiative, where shoppers could choose to round their purchase totals to the nearest dollar or donate at the register. This campaign aimed to support the vital programs offered by the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, helping to fulfill their mission of empowering young people to become productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
Trevor Ullom, Manager of Coast Hardware, expressed his pride in the community’s involvement. “Coast Hardware is proud to give back to our community. During the last several months our associates asked customers to round up at the register
to give back to the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach. We are proud to say our awesome customers and associates rounded up $3764.18 for the club.,” he stated.
Pam Estes, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, also commented on the success of the initiative, highlighting the importance of community support. “It takes a village to make a difference, and we are incredibly grateful to be part of such a supportive community. A big thank you to Trevor and the entire Coast Hardware team for championing our cause and, most importantly, to the customers whose generosity made this possible,” she said.
The funds collected will support the Boys & Girls Club’s offerings to young people, including academic support, sports and recreation, arts and crafts, and life skills development programs, all essential for the healthy growth and development of local youth.
Charm House
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to immerse themselves in Laguna Beach’s heritage with a unique afternoon experience, exploring neighborhoods dating back to the 1800s, where cottages, rural estates and working artists’ homes and studios will be open for view. Guided by knowledgeable docents, tour goers will discover how creative residents have crafted their home settings to reflect their unique talents and interests in rustic Laguna Canyon environments.
This will be the 49th Charm House Tour sponsored annually (except for Covid) by Village Laguna, a civic organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the village character of Laguna Beach. It is a nonprofit, mutual benefit corporation under section 527 of the IRS code.
Village Laguna President Anne Caenn said the money raised by the Charm House Tour goes toward scholarship awards, charitable donations and, during election season, political campaigns for local government officials who best represent Village Laguna’s mission of preserving Laguna’s character.
“We also give $1,000 scholarship to a Laguna Beach High School student interested in environmental issues, and we support 11 other local community organizations,” Caenn said. “We give donations to La Playa Center, the Friendship Shelter, and the Laguna Food Pantry out in the canyon. We make $300 and $400 donations to all those organizations as well. We do charitable work, as well as environmental work. So part of what we use the Charm House Tour money for is to support our local charities.”
Village Laguna holds monthly meetings to hear speakers on topics of community interest, participates in city decision-making and elections, sponsors forums on issues facing Laguna Beach, and promotes activities that preserve the qualities that make Laguna Beach unique.
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