LAGUNA’S GO-TO DESTINATION FOR GROCERIES, DINING, FITNESS, WELLNESS AND MORE
PAVILIONS
REUNION KITCHEN
ASADA
JAN’S HEALTH BAR
ISLAND DENTISTRY
GRAZIE GRAZIE PIZZERIA
ENDLESS QUEST ROASTERS
BOAT CANYON WELLNESS COLLECTIVE
• LIVEMETTA YOGA + PILATES
• KENSHO FITNESS
• INSPIRING MOTION
• LAGUNA BEACH AESTHETICS
+ INDIVIDUAL WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS
SERENITY SKINCARE
EMBODI WORKS
HEALING ARTS
THOMPSON THERAPY
MY HAPPY PLACE
SKINDRIP AESTHETICS
SKINCARE LOVE
KC AESTHETICS
CHANEL ESTHETICS
META BROW STUDIO (ONE SUITE AVAILABLE)
Meet the Candidate: George Weiss Eyes Second Term
BY CLARA BEARD | LB INDY Laguna Beach City Councilmember
George Weiss has officially entered the election ring to retain his seat at the dais as residents hit the polls in November.
Weiss, who first ran for office in 2020 and won, said he did so to give the residents a voice.
“Before I ran, residents reported being treated in a dismissive or antagonistic manner by city council and executive staff,” said Weiss, a former Marine who graduated from Loyola University with a psychology degree. “I worked to change that, and we now have a more professional executive city team and staff than ever before. I also pledged to listen to residents’ issues and to work to solve them. One of the first agenda items I spearheaded in January 2021 was the establishment of a tax-deductible COVID Relief Fund to provide direct financial assistance to individuals and employees living or working in Laguna impacted by COVID-19.”
When residents lamented that the upcoming council agenda items were too cryptic and sometimes late, Weiss helped pass an agenda item in February 2022 to provide a 12-day advance notice of future items.
“We also had issues with closed session
titles not matching the actual items being discussed and reports on agenda items not matching the exact language of the contract or resolution,” Weiss said.
During his time at the dais, Weiss considers some of his most significant achievements to be his involvement in the Climate Action Plan to reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions, banning the sale and use of balloons in public places and passing an item requiring an outside appraisal of any property the city may purchase valued at over $500,000.
“There wasn’t an outside appraisal of the Ti Amo project when council voted to acquire it,” he said. “I voted against it.”
Weiss also regards his involvement with Rivian and the Laguna Beach Historic Preservation Coalition to renovate the South Coast Theater movie theatre as an important success during his council tenure.
“Rivian’s restoration of the movie theatre is a model of how responsible development works,” he said.
Weiss is also working alongside Battalion Chief Andrew Hill to restore Laguna’s first fire truck, the Seagrave, which serves as Santa’s official ride to Hospitality Night in December.
The city has large projects on the horizon, such as the Doheny desalinization project,
Weiss (far right) at 2023 Veteran’s Day Awards sponsored by Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley with Laguna Beach veteran Arnie Silverman.
which is estimated to cost $23 million; the undergrounding of Laguna Canyon Road, approximately $150 million; the Downtown Action Plan, estimated at $14 million; the takeover of Pacific Coast Highway and others.
“Since these projects could cost residents more in taxes, it’s my fiduciary obligation, as it should be all city councilmembers, to prioritize which projects to undertake and fund, such as those that benefit residents the
• see WEISS page 19
theindypoll
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION: Do you think the city’s public parking is adequately enforced? Yes or No
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: How concerned are you about the city replacing its current audit firm?
Yes | 66.67% (20 votes)
No | 33.33% (10 votes)
TOTAL VOTES: 30
To vote, visit the poll tab at lagunabeachindy.com Submit poll questions to clara@firebrandmediainc.com The LagunaBeachIndy.com poll is conducted using Crowd Signal polling software. To minimize fraudulent entries and votes, the software is set to block duplicate votes by cookie and IP address. While we cannot control users who change locations and use separate devices on different networks, this measure is the most stringent way to deter participants from voting multiple times. No polling software available online can block all attempts at fraudulent voting, as there are ways around most blocking methods. For this reason, we can’t fully verify the accuracy of this poll. Language from Crowd Signal’s software settings: Voting in a poll is rate limited by IP, even when no blocking is enabled. This means that a large number of votes coming from a single Internet address will trigger a cooldown block to help prevent cheating. Sometimes this is tripped by many people at one location (for example in schools and offices) voting in a short period of time.
THOMAS P. DAVIS, APC (Tom) is pleased to announce that he has joined Anderson Law Group (Nicole Anderson) as of counsel to the firm. He will continue to handle litigation and transactional matters, including business formation, real estate and business contract review, contract negotiations, and litigation management and avoidance. The firm also serves as outside general corporate counsel on behalf of for-profit and non-profit organizations.
TOWN CRIER
IN AND AROUND LAGUNA BEACH
OF ARTS
ART-TO-GO AND PLATTERS TO BE AUCTIONED AT FESTIVAL
Savvy art seekers will love the 2024 ArtTo-Go and Platters silent auction sell-out, to be held on Sunday, Aug. 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Festival of Arts. Bidders are encouraged to arrive early, as bid sheet closures start at 7:15 p.m.
Art-To-Go features 30 originals donated by FOA exhibitors, including glass by Cody Nicely, illuminated manuscripts by Judith Haron, photography by Cliff Wassmann and much more. “Bids open at one-third retail value, so it’s a great chance to start a collection from these prestigious artists,” said program coordinator Mike Tauber.
The ceramic platters will be unveiled at 6 p.m. The giant bowls, donated by Laguna Clay Company, are in original designs handpainted by 11 Festival exhibitors, including Ray Brown, Bruce Burr, Pil Ho Lee, Sian Poeschl, Anthony Salvo and others. Proceeds from Art-To-Go sales benefit The Artists Fund at Festival of Arts, which
provides hardship and career enrichment grants for artists. All buyers qualify for a drawing to win a two-night stay at The Tides Inn. Visit TheArtistsFund-foa.org or call (949) 612-1949.
SOUTH AFRICAN ADVENTURES
To satisfy the wanderlust of the armchair adventurer, retired neuroscientist and
long-time Laguna resident Ursula Staubli will present a lively video of her South African adventures on Aug. 27 at 1:30 p.m. at the Susi Q. This edition of Susi Q’s Shared Adventures promises to be a scintillating example of how much fun active retirees can have. Fearless Staubli hiked and biked the rugged shorelines of two oceans, ventured into rainforests, hung
out with African penguins and ostriches and enjoyed meeting with a wide range of South Africans, immersing herself in its diverse cultures. Register at thesusiq.org.
HELP GROW LOCA’S ARTSGIVING TREE
Art lovers who wish to support more LOCA workshops throughout the community are encouraged to give to the Artsgiving Tree fundraiser. Help LOCA grow its tree by donating online through Oct. 17. Donor names will appear on ceramic leaves. The tree will be unveiled at LOCA’s Artsgiving brunch and membership celebration on Oct. 20. Donors will be gifted their leaves and entered into a drawing to win a luxury grand prize (winner need not be present). Suggested donation, leaves $50-$500, branches $1,000. For more, visit locaarts.org.
VILLAGE LAGUNA CANDIDATE FORUM NEXT TUESDAY
Village Laguna is hosting a city council candidate forum on Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 6 p.m. at Laguna Beach City Hall. There are two open seats, and incumbents George Weiss and Bob Whalen and challengers Hallie Jones and Judie Mancuso have agreed to participate.
Moderators Merrill Anderson and John
• see CRIER page 12
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Day Visitors to Laguna Beach don’t leave their CASH. They only leave their TRASH!!
Laguna Beach City Council, FORCE Caltrans to keep TWO lanes of traffic in each direction flowing.
DEMAND:
• ALL street parking places on PCH are clearly legal size marked spaces.
• ALL parking spots have parking meters.
• TRIPLE the prices of parking meters on weekends.
• LOWER the costs of residents’ city parking meters.
• INSTALL median barriers like the ones installed on PCH in Newport Coast to eliminate illegal turns.
• PROVIDE more marked crosswalks.
• PROVIDE a greater police presence in South Laguna to eliminate cars that stop traffic on PCH waiting for a possible parking place.
For the safety of all residents and visitors, traffic MUST FLOW on PCH!!
Bill McKinney views a platter at last year’s Art-To-Go auction. Photo/Mike Tauber
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT
Let’s correct some errors in Eric Zuziak’s letter last week regarding the Neighborhood Congregational Church (NCC) affordable housing proposal. He mistakenly credits a petition circulated by “Responsible Housing for Laguna” as a Village Laguna petition. In addition, Village Laguna has not used the description “homeless housing” when referring to that project.
Zuziak maintains that the demolition of the NCC buildings and construction of 72 apartments will create “workforce housing” for Laguna Beach workers. In reality, there is no guarantee that any locals will have preference for the housing.
The massive scale of this project dramatically changes the local neighborhood, adds to congestion and reduces the safety of everyone during an emergency evacuation.
It’s really unfortunate that Zuziak’s distortions and accusations about “who said what” obscure the more fundamental agreement that most of us in Laguna share: we need affordable housing that maintains
CITY HALL MEETINGS:
the special nature and charm of our city. We agree with Zuziak that the Alice Court project successfully created 27 units of affordable housing. Architects like Zuziak must surely understand the difference in impact between a structure of 72 units versus 27 units.
Village Laguna believes that entertaining diverse views and engaging constituents in productive problem-solving will lead to outcomes that we can all support. What we need is a specific proposal from the Related Companies, which so far they have refused to present.
Zuziak points out that this NCC project does not require the usual city approvals. True. Why, then, does the Related Companies need $2,500,000 of Laguna taxpayer money? Simple. This is how you make housing affordable. Someone has to pay.
Merrill Anderson, Village Laguna Vice President
CITY HALL: A THEATER OF PECULIAR EVENTS AND CONCERNING DISCREPANCIES
The drama began when the current assistant city manager/interim financial officer unilaterally decided to terminate the contract with the city’s outside auditors. This decision, taken without consulting
either the audit committee or the city council, immediately raised red flags. Why? Because he had neither the authority nor the justification to terminate a contract meant to scrutinize his own department’s work. He dismissed the independent firm hired to audit his performance and report directly back to the city council.
The plot thickened as he single-handedly controlled every aspect of the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for hiring a new auditor. From drafting and posting the RFP to responding to potential bidders, he kept a tight grip on the process.
When one firm inquired whether the current auditors were invited to bid, his response was a definitive “No.” However, during the Aug. 13 city council meeting, he stated that they were informed of the public RFP process when questioned about the termination—a bit ambiguous and disingenuous.
Further confusion arose when another bidder asked why the city was considering a change in auditors. The ACM/CFO cited concerns about the quality of the previous firm’s work. Yet, in statements to both the audit committee and in written communication to a resident, he blamed the change on the firm’s inability to meet
Aug. 28 - Housing and Human Services Committee at 6 p.m. | Sept. 4 - Planning Commission at 6 p.m. HOW TO CONTACT THE CITY COUNCIL:
Sue Kempf Mayor skempf@ lagunabeachcity.net
Alex Rounaghi MayorProTem arounaghi@ lagunabeachcity.net
George Weiss Council member gweiss@ lagunabeachcity.net
Bob Whalen Council member bwhalen@ lagunabeachcity.net
Mark Orgill Council member morgill@ lagunabeachcity.net
Ann Marie McKay CityClerk amckay@ lagunabeachcity.net
Laura Parisi CityTreasurer lparisi@ 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.ne | TOM GIBBS: tgibbs@lagunabeachcity.net
PLANNING COMMISSION | FIRST AND THIRD 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
FIFTH DISTRICT SUPERVISOR KATRINA FOLEY, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701, 714-834-3550, lisa.bartlett@ocgov.com
OUR LETTER POLICY
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.
MAILING ADDRESS: 900 Glenneyre St., Suite B Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Tel: 949-715-4100 Fax: 949 715-4106 www.lbindy.com
A PUBLICATION OF
PUBLISHER
Steve T. Strickbine
CREATIVE & MARKETING DIRECTOR
Tracy Powell
CALIFORNIA
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Nick Oliveri
FIREBRAND MEDIA LLC
FOUNDER
Steve Zepezauer
THURS OCT 3RD
FESTIVAL OF ARTS OF LAGUNA BEACH
BITES FROM MORE THAN 30
LOCAL RESTAURANTS & FEATURING MUSIC FROM
street beat
FROM POLICE BLOGS
THURSDAY, AUG. 15
Possession, communicating with a minor for sexual purposes. Matthew Christopher Pleines, 43, of Buena Park, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled narcotic, possessing a controlled substance, arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd acts, communicating with a minor for sexual purposes, and harmful matter sent with sexual intent. He was held without bail.
Flash hold. Feinai Saipani Eli, 49, was arrested on suspicion of being sentenced to a flash hold, which is a short jail term, no longer than ten days, given by a probation officer without a hearing. He was held without bail.
Possession. Jesse Joshua Lara, 44, of Lancaster was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance and obstruction of police officer. He was held without bail.
DUI. A 50-year-old Corona del Mar man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He was held on a $2,500 bail.
FRIDAY, AUG. 16
Bench warrant. Darin Khamar Sutton, 29, of Trabuco Canyon, was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant. He was held without bail.
Trespassing. Antonio Demar Murdock, 35, of San Antonio, Tex. was arrested on suspicion of refusing to leave a property. He was held on a $500 bail.
Warrant. Joseph Anthony Spampinato, 35, was arrested on suspicion of having two outstanding warrants that were outside jurisdiction. He was held without bail.
Grand theft. Kerry Lynne Harker, 54, of Laguna was arrested on suspicion of grand theft purse snatching. She was held on $20,000 bail.
Bench warrant Austin Myles Lee, 44, of
Newport Beach was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant. He was held without bail.
Bench warrant, DUI, obstruction. Jason Christopher Johnson, 45, of Orange was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a police officer, driving drunk and having an outstanding bench warrant. He was held without bail.
SATURDAY, AUG. 17
Trespassing. Luiz Eduardo Gallardoramirez, 26, of Dana Point was arrested on suspicion of refusing to leave property. He was held on a $500 bail.
DUI. A 35-year-old Laguna Beach man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He was held on a $2,500 bail.
Bench warrant. Joseph Anthony Spampinato, 35, was arrested on suspicion of having an outstanding warrant that was outside jurisdiction and obstructing a peace officer. He was held without bail.
Battery. David Edward Lente, 58, of Laguna was arrested on suspicion of battery on a person. He was held on $500 bail.
Refusing to sign a notice to appear. Jacob Matthew Dove, 27, was arrested on suspicion of refusing to sign a notice to appear after receiving a traffic citation. He was held without bail.
DUI. William John Stang, 67, of Carlsbad was arrested on suspicion of driving drunk and blowing on or over 0.08 percent blood alcohol level. He was held on a $5,000 bail.
DUI. A 23-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. She was held on a $2,500 bail.
DUI. Amir Mehdi Kashani, 47, Mission Viejo was arrested on suspicion of driving drunk and blowing on or over 0.08 percent blood alcohol level. He was held on a $5,000 bail.
Disorderly conduct. Kyle Michael McKenzie was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct due to alcohol. He was held on a $500 bail.
SUNDAY, AUG. 18
DUI. Iaroslav Beliakov, 32, of Irvine was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and blowing on or over 0.08 percent blood alcohol level. He was held on a $5,000 bail. Disorderly conduct. Nicholas Guiliano Sherman, 39, of Mission Viejo was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct due to
schools & sports
FLAG FOOTBALL
(1-1)
Flag football’s second season under coach Ryan Olson kicked off on Monday at Guyer Field. Maeve Mani caught a 50yard touchdown pass from Hayden CraneHenning in the first half for the game’s only score as the Breakers defeated Estancia 6-0. Cami Thomas ended the game with an endzone interception to preserve the victory. On Tuesday, Aug. 20, the squad dropped a 19-8 home contest to Santiago/Garden Grove. Sophomore Kayleigh Thomas scored for the Breakers on a 60-yard interception return. She was also credited with pulling 12 flags on defense.
Up next: The Breakers will host Long Beach Wilson on Aug. 26.
FOOTBALL
Opening Day is Friday, Aug. 23, at 7 p.m. at St. Margarets
The 90th season and the Breakers should be successful, barring injuries that could derail the league title and playoff quest. Players to watch at St. Margaret’s include quarterback and senior Jackson Kollock, who was 333-192-5 for 3,174 yards and 44 touchdowns last season and sophomore quarterback Jack Hurst, 26-16-1 for 211 yards and three touchdowns. Other players to watch include Preston Towe, Redmond Chesley, Charlie Hunt and Wyatt Bodgan. Key linemen are Leo Adjemian and Charlie Kelly.
Series History versus St. Margaret’s – Tartans lead 4-1
2012 Won 31-17, 2013 lost 12-35, 2014 lost
generation Laguna player, all-league in 2023 and set the single play record with a 95-yard touchdown run last year.
35-14, 201`6 lost 38-0, 2017 lost 48-7.
2024 Breakers are ranked #91 out of 373 Section schools. St. Margaret’s is #128.
Next week: Friday, Aug. 31 at Santa Monica (Ranked #114)
Historic SAMOHI opened in 1891 and is over three times the enrollment of Laguna. A real challenge for the Breakers in their first meeting with the Vikings.
Visit the Cal Preps website for ratings, schedules, scores and more at calpreps.com.
GIRLS TENNIS
Robert Klugman is back coaching for his third season after the 2023 D-2 title run last year for the school’s first tennis title in nearly 20 years. The squad has lost four of its top six players, mostly to graduation.
Rebecca MacCallum and Izzy LoBosco will be the key athletes returning this season in the competitive Pacific Coast League. The first match is Tuesday, Aug. 27.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL (1-7)
The squad played competitively but fell short down the stretch, dropping several games at the Tesoro Varsity tournament. The team is still missing middle Baylie Bina due to an ankle injury and setter Mimi Spangler (CIF mandatory transfer sit-out), who will be eligible in mid-September. Spangler was an all-league selection as a sophomore for St. Margaret’s last season who advanced to the second round in the D-3 playoffs.
Sophomore Opposite Blake Borgquist
Laguna Beach Athletics
led the team in kills, hitting over .300 in tournament play. Middle Sadie Holmes was the top blocker and second in hitting percentage despite missing the Monday tournament games.
Ivy Bianchi and Sienna Utge split the setting on a 5-2 format. Savannah Farris and Utge were dig leaders, while Sienna Lee had three aces. Key digs came from Zoey Bond, Sienna Utge and Ivy Bianchi.
On Tuesday, Aug. 20, they traveled to San Clemente, dropping a 15-25, 21-25, 2025 match to the Tritons. Breakers were in each set but faded in the final points. Blake Borgquist led with seven kills and Sadie Holmes returned to action with four kills
• see SPORTS page 19
Skimming to ‘Vic’tory
The Vic Draws International Pros to Laguna
BY LB INDY STAFF
The 47th annual Vic skimboarding competition took place Aug. 17 and 18 at Aliso Beach in Laguna Beach, drawing top skimboard competitors from across the country and internationally.
The pro men’s final came down to Laguna’s Sam Stinnett, a previous Vic champion and Dane Cameron, also a local Lagunan, who is leading the West Coast Skim Tour after beating Stinnett out by just .12.
In the pro women’s category, Laguna Beach resident Amber Torrealba took home another Vic win. She is also now leading the West Coast Skim Tour, as this is the first stop for the women.
The results of the professional men’s and women’s division from the competition counted as part of the Premier Skim WCST. This up-and-coming nonprofit focuses on growing the sport of
• see SKIM page 17
LAGUNA SPORTS UPDATE | BY FRANK ARONOFF | LB INDY |
Running back and linebacker Redmond Chesley, a third-
Wide receiver and defensive back Charlie Hunt. An electrifying player on special teams and field play.
Quarterback Jackson Kollock. The Minnesota-bound player holds numerous school records and is just 266 yards shy of the school career passing record.
Offensive and defensive lineman Leo Adjemian was league lineman of the year. Along with Charlie Kelly, Adjemian will be key to the Breaker’s success. Photos courtesy of
Pro Skimboarder Amber Torrealba celebrates her repeat victory at The Vic skimboard contest last weekend. Photos courtesy of Amber Torrealba
Laguna Beach
Laguna
• CRIER
Cont. from page 4
8/23 @ 9 PM NICK I & A.D.D. BAND
8/24 @ 9 PM EARTH TO MARS BRUNO MARS TRIBUTE
8/25 @ 12:30 PM TOM DANTE QUARTET JAZZ BRUNCH
8/25 @ 5:30 PM EINSTEIN BROWN REGGAE
8/25 @ 7:30 PM ERROL BONNICK & THE LIONZ REGGAE
8/29 @ 7:30 PM KOKO AND FRIENDS
8/30 @ 9 PM DSB JOURNEY TRIBUTE
8/31 @ 9 PM RED CORVETTE PRINCE TRIBUTE
9/1 @ 12:30 PM THE SUNDAY GOSPEL BAND BRUNCH
9/1 @ 7:30 PM PATO BANTON REGGAE
9/5 @ 7:30 PM KOKO AND FRIENDS
9/7 @ 7:30 PM BETTER DAZE
9/9 @ 7:30 PM 133 BAND
9/12 @ 7:30 PM FAMILY STYLE
9/13 @ 7:30 PM UNDERCOVER
9/14 @ 7:30 PM BLANK SPACE TAYLOR SWIFT TRIBUTE
9/15 @ 12:30 PM SINATRA SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH
Thomas will ask questions regarding issues important to Laguna Beach residents. If you cannot attend in person, the forum will be available on Cox channel 852.
SUSI Q TO OFFER GRIEF AND LOSS OF A SPOUSE SUPPORT GROUP
Susi Q will offer a Grief and Loss of a Spouse Support Group on four consecutive Thursdays, starting Sept. 5 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and ending on Thursday, Sept. 26.
Melissa Boswell will facilitate the support group.
“It hurts to lose someone, so don’t go through the grieving process alone. Support is essential in life transitions, especially when someone has just recently lost their spouse,” said Martha Hernandez, director of care management.
The support group meetings will provide a safe place for the recently bereaved to process the many feelings that accompany grief.
Susi Q’s Care Management Department provides free consultation, including free counseling sessions through its Feeling the Blues program, education and practical resources, enabling seniors to stay safe, informed and independent. The nonprofit, located at 380 Third Street, offers a wide range of educational and fun programs, classes and clubs for older adults.
Visit thesusiq.org for more information.
Call Martha Hernandez at 949-7158104 to sign up for the support group, or email MarthaH@theSusiQ.org.
R STAR KICKS OFF NEW EDUCATIONAL PROJECT IN NEPAL
R Star has announced a new educational project for over 173 students at Shree Sansaridevi Basic School, located at Namo Buddha, Methinkot, Kavre Nepal.
One of R Star’s nonprofit missions is to lift Nepal’s country through education. The nonprofit said it was devastated to close its school, Top of the World-Nepal, after 10 years in operation.
The current project is going forward in a community-run school, not a government school, with Dell computers, a printer, an 85-inch TV smart screen for the teacher to use in teaching, and installation and desks. The computer room is already in place at the school. R Star is also supplying fine equipment for the children to soar even in neglected rural areas. For those interested in learning more about R Star’s efforts to lift children or to join, contact Rosalind at Rosalind@RStarFoundation.org or 949497-4911. Visit RStarFoundation.org for more information.
• STREET BEAT
Cont. from page 8
alcohol. He was held on a $500 bail.
DUI. Martin Lopez Rodriguez, 37, of Laguna Beach was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and blowing on or over 0.08 percent blood alcohol level. He was held on a $20,000 bail.
Monday, Aug. 19
DUI, possession. Alex Rae Rosenbaum, 28, of San Juan Capistrano was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance, driving under the influence of drugs and possessing a substance similar to toluene. He was held without bail.
Bench warrant. Miguel Angel Balbona, 42, of San Diego was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant. He was held without bail.
Bench warrant, DUI. Ruben Rodriguez Sanchez, 34, of Riverside was arrested on suspicion of driving drunk while on a suspended license and having an outstanding bench warrant. He was held without bail.
DUI. Raquel Sanchez, 63, of Santa Ana was arrested on suspicion of driving drunk while on a suspended license. She was held without bail.
Bench warrant. Johnathan Christian Hattaway, 46, was arrested on suspicion of two outstanding felony bench warrants. He was held without bail.
Arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd acts. Jakob Patrick Gonzales, 49, of Riverside was arrested on suspicion of arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd acts and communicating with a minor for sexual purposes. He was held without bail.
TUESDAY, AUG. 20
Possession of a controlled substance. Yesenia Jessica Gonzalez, 45, of South Gate was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance and an outstanding bench warrant. She was held without bail. Fighting in public. Justin Lynn Haggard, 47, of Irvine was arrested on suspicion of fighting in a public place. He was held on a $500 bail.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21
DUI. A 28-year-old Bakersfield woman was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and blowing on or over 0.08 percent blood alcohol level. She was held on $5,000 bail.
Arranging a meeting with a minor for sexual reasons. Thomas Wayne Logan, 24, of Huntington Beach was arrested on suspicion of arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd acts and communicating with a minor for sexual purposes. He was held without bail.
GUEST OPINION:
Laguna Power Play
Last week, it was mistakenly reported that the Laguna Beach Democratic Club “endorsed” Bob Whalen and Hallie Jones over Judie Mancuso after George Weiss withdrew from consideration. The reporting was based on claims by the club that it had “endorsed” both Whalen and Jones at its “endorsement meeting” last week over the other candidates, Weiss and Mancuso.
There was a big problem with this, in my opinion. A misleading statement about endorsements could create the false impression that the club’s preference for candidates reflects the sentiments of the Democratic Party as a whole, and the Democratic Party endorsed neither Whalen nor Jones.
The Democratic Party of Orange County (DPOC) has strict rules about Party endorsements – even for nonpartisan offices like the Laguna Beach City Council. Clubs may not “endorse” or issue an “endorsement.” Only the DPOC may endorse candidates. And in this case, the DPOC may end up endorsing Weiss and Mancuso. The Laguna Beach Democratic Cub then would have two choices - to endorse the DPOC’s official endorsement or to ignore it - Not to go rogue like they
did here.
It appears that none of this was by accident and that the Laguna Beach Democratic Club has been manipulating public opinion to put the thumb on the scale for their preferred candidates. To me, the club is trying to appear bigger and more influential than it is, implying it represents Democrats in Laguna Beach, much less speaks for them. The club’s membership is only about 100 dues-paying members, and the actual vote that both Bob Whalen and Hallie Jones got was just 48 votes a piece out of more than 6,000 registered Democrats in Laguna Beach. Far from representing Laguna Democrats! I can speak with authority as I have been a member of the Laguna Beach Democratic Club on and off for 35 years and served on its board for 10 years with Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris before she ran for the Assembly. I even helped welcome Kamala Harris when she was a guest speaker.
What is remarkable is that I attempted to attend the club’s closed-door Zoom “endorsement meeting” but was “denied entrance by the host.” The reason given was that I was “not a “member in good standing.” It sounds pretty awful, but it only means I didn’t renew my dues on time
Angels in the Art Supplies
BY LB INDY STAFF
The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach and LOCA Arts Education teamed up to bring a special visitor to Laguna Beach last week: Los Angeles Angels Baseball President John Carpino.
Carpino came to meet the kids, answer questions and share memories of the club.
“My three kids came here and I was a basketball coach here – this is a real special place,” he said.
Carpino also mingled with LOCA representatives Rich Fair, KC Mechling and Mike Tauber, and LOCA art teachers Sherry Bullard, Allison Keefe, Lisa Rainey and Brittney Silva. Representatives from Boys & Girls Club, on hand to support the capacity crowd, included Pamela Estes, Cody Howell, Mar Stash, and Steve Sliwoski, who said, “It’s always great when LOCA is teaching here; they are fabulous as always, but bringing in the Angels
according to the club’s new arcane bylaws. This is almost laughable considering my past history and involvement with the club, but it feels more sinister than laughable with the cabal that runs the club now, if you ask me.
Before I stepped down from the board of the Laguna Beach Democratic Club, the Club encouraged widespread participation. Any registered Democrat could attend any meeting, including signing up and voting on the days of a “support meeting.”
After I quit the board, a new regime came into power and, along with it, autocratic rules that limited open meetings and dissent with new faces with a new club agenda supporting reckless overdevelopment in Laguna that seemed to align more with Peter Blake and Bob Whalen than pro residents’ candidates like Weiss and Mancuso.
We began to see power-grabbing tactics, such as Mancuso being denied access to the membership roster to lobby club members to support her council bid. Yet, the regime supporting Whalen and Jones had complete access to do all the lobbying they wanted.
BY ALAN BOINUS
Alan is a 35-year resident of Laguna and 35-year intermittent member of the Laguna Beach Democratic Club, including 10 years on its Board. He is active in the Laguna Beach community and serves on the Board of Advocates for Laguna Residents. He is an entrepreneur and is currently building a political debate app called “Clashing Heads,” planned to launch in the fall.
Seniors Box for a Better Life
BY SPENCER GRANT SPECIAL TO THE INDEPENDENT
Anyone who thinks boxing is a pastime for young men obviously hasn’t seen Sara Gutierrez’s Better Life Boxing classes, where the pugilists, both men and women, are all over 75.
At the Laguna Beach Susi Q Senior Center and the Rancho Senior Center in Irvine, Gutierrez leads and challenges participants old enough to be her grandparents.
“I used to work as the director of operations at a charter school in Southgate,” she explained. “Last year we started on boxing concepts. It was working on the basics: standing and posture, movement pattern and how to stand in the right position.”
Apart for enjoyment, self-defense appeals to some of the boxers.
“It works for me,” said Ken Kalkan at Rancho. “It may seem strange to be on
Sheran James, 78, smacks the practice glove of instructor Sara Gutierrez. Photo/Spencer Grant
President of Angels Baseball John Carpino lends a hand to club members.
• LETTERS
Cont. from page 6
a Dec. 31, 2024 deadline—without any documented concerns about their quality of services. So, which of his statements holds water?
The inconsistencies continued when asked if the auditors identified any noncompliance, significant deficiencies, or material weaknesses in the fiscal year 202223 audit. His initial response was a flat “No,” but he later admitted this was incorrect when evidence from the prior year’s audit surfaced. Why, then, was such a misleading statement made to bidders?
During the July 2 Audit Committee meeting, the ACM/CFO updated the audit committee on the RFP process. Residents attending the meeting expressed loud and clear their dissatisfaction with the termination of the existing auditors and the opaque process being followed. Asked how the contract was terminated, the ACM/ CFO stated it was done verbally; there was no written communication. Yet at the Aug. 13 City Council meeting, he stated, “I did communicate with Eide Bailly, the partner involved. I did verbally communicate to them through a meeting, and I also followed up with an email…and also let him know that we would be issuing an RFP, which was
GUEST OPINION:
Details Matter
Just when you didn’t think the Laguna Beach School District and board could sink any lower, the last school board meeting on Aug. 16 showed there is just no end.
A Laguna family with an incoming freshman with special needs was told that the high school couldn’t accommodate her as there were not enough kids to justify the program. The parents were devastated, as this young lady wanted nothing but to go to high school with her siblings and continue being part of the community. Instead, the district offered that she could be bused to El Toro.
Over 120 parents, students and community members showed up to speak passionately about another one of the blunders the district has made throughout Superintendent Jason Viloria’s tenure. The entire dais sat stone-faced without emotion when one after another came forward to speak just how wrong this was and how it had incensed the entire community.
Well, the power of the people made a difference. That young lady was able to walk into the high school on Thursday morning, a Breaker. Fantastic news!
a public RFP, and anyone could propose on that RFP.” Again, inconsistent responses to the same question.
Unilateral actions, opaque decisions and conflicting statements made by the ACM/ CFO cast a shadow over the integrity of the city’s financial oversight and raise serious concerns. Accountability and transparency are required of those entrusted with leadership. If those managing the city’s finances can so easily evade established protocols and scrutiny, what does that say about the state of the city’s governance?
Robin K. Hall, Laguna Beach
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING FIASCO
At last week’s school board meeting, another local family and spillover crowd came to demand the reversal of the controversial termination of special education programs at LBHS. This abrupt phase-out means special needs learners must be bused to an out-of-town high school with a larger special education student population.
School Board President Jan Vickers reacted to emotionally and morally powerful testimony, first by misinforming and misleading the public that the board
has no responsibility to decide specific education program issues determined and directed by the superintendent. On the contrary, under the state education code, the school board is vested with all authority and responsibility for public education and retains full powers over how any authority delegated to the superintendent and other public school officials is exercised.
Vickers’ assertion the superintendent has powers independent of the board’s direction and control is a political hoax to evade accountability. Only because the testimony was, in Vickers’ own words, “compelling” did she evasively and vaguely concede the board should suggest the superintendent and special education team he controls to review the impact of the action that shockingly caught families of special needs students by surprise.
Tragically, the traumatized families indicated lawyers are being consulted because due process dispute resolution was deleted over a decade ago by a revision to our local school board bylaws recommended and voted for by Vickers. That leaves parents, the public, and even board members denied due process with no remedial pathway other than the courts,
forcing more litigation costly to families and public education.
Every citizen should watch the YouTube video of the public comment session at the beginning of the Aug. 15 meeting. Oddly, Vickers broke her own rule against direct board member response to public comments in her bizarre admonition to the audience that her fellow board members should not be “hung out to dry” for the unpopular action because “they” didn’t approve it.
Instead of referring to the board, including herself, as “we,” Vickers’ choice of the word “they” oddly referred only to her fellow board members, who did not even seem to know about the controversial action until parents and speakers appeared for public comments at the meeting. The question many asked after watching the video was whether Vickers used “they” instead of “we” because she knew of the superintendent’s action but did not inform the other board members.
Howard Hills, Laguna Beach •
BY STEVE MCINTOSH
Over the last several years, the district has been quietly cutting back on what once was a fantastic, innovative program for kids with special needs at the high school, claiming there were not enough kids for the program to continue. Word on the street is that several families went to other programs with their younger kids because of this move by the district, so of course, there were not enough kids. Exactly what the district wants. Less hassle, better test scores, and, ultimately, to save money. The bottom line is they can do anything they want to. They could have easily remedied this situation. They shut it all down pretty easily, so.
The special ed program at the high school had been a magical experience that has helped hundreds of kids at various levels of disability find a sense of self. They learned in class, and then students and aides walked downtown to train and work at Hotel Laguna and BJs Pizza. They even had a recycling business on campus. They would collect money and lunch orders from teachers and go buy them lunch to deliver back. They took cooking classes at
the Assistance League, cooked and served lunch. Experiences that could only be had in Laguna. All made possible by a superstar teacher, Mindy Hawkins. Mindy and her team touched and changed so many lives of kids and families for the better.
One unsung benefit of having special needs kids on campus was their effect on the rest of the student body. It gave a bit of humility to a school of fairly wellprivileged students. Many of us watched as the student body of 2016 nominated and voted special needs student Moorea Howson as homecoming queen. There wasn’t a dry eye in the stadium that night. That gesture from the student body is something they will never forget. Others said they had been inspired to work with special needs kids as a profession.
So why don’t didn’t we still have this program? Because, in my opinion, we have a superintendent and school board majority that has never had a connection to the community and never will.
So, why the 180? Did SchoolPower
• see MCINTOSH page 17
Steve McIntosh is a 43-year resident and co-founder of Sensible Laguna, A Voice of Reason, SensibleLaguna.org.
GUEST OPINION:
BY ANN CAENN
Controversy Regarding Housing and Development Impacts—
Variation
on a Theme
For over 50 years, Village Laguna has been guiding efforts that foster community living, a picturesque and quaint town with parks, open space, a protected coast, charming neighborhoods and a unique downtown. Over these decades, Village Laguna has participated in the decisionmaking for hundreds of proposals to build projects that would change Laguna Beach. Some for the better. However, those projects would have often compromised our town’s unique character if we and many city residents had not objected. Many times, projects have improved due to our involvement.
As part of the project dialog, proponents often criticized Village Laguna for voicing objections. In fact, sometimes, it seems to be a favorite refrain to blame the protections Village Laguna stands for as causing damaging effects.
This is what happened in last week’s Independent letter to the editor by Eric Zuziak. He interpreted Village Laguna’s concerns about the impacts of the proposed housing project at the Neighborhood
Congregational Church (NCC) property as evidence that Village Laguna opposes affordable housing. This is not true.
In fact, the Village Laguna July newsletter states, “Our goal is a scaleddown affordable housing project that fits the character of the neighborhood and the village.” Village Laguna urges the project proponents to reconsider the proposed density of 72 apartments and to include the existing buildings—Bridge Hall by Aubrey St. Clair and the sanctuary by William Bluerock—in the project rather than demolishing them.
The impact on the surrounding neighborhood of the present proposal—a massive building the size of two Hotel Lagunas--is unacceptable. A crowded environment bereft of green space that future tenants would have to endure is likewise detrimental.
Clearly, there is a need for lowercost housing for so many locals who are struggling to find housing here, but we
• see CAENN page 21
As we are in the blazing heat of summer, it is time to let Laguna Beach Aesthetics rehydrate you with our special offer this month…10% off IV Hydration. 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration and the summer heat only makes it that much worse. The dangers of dehydration include headaches, confusion, muscle fatigue, mental fatigue, muscle cramping, decreased immune support, decreased metabolism, weight gain and aging skin
DON’T GET BEAT BY THE HEAT. CALL OR TEXT LAGUNA BEACH AESTHETICS TODAY TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT FOR IV HYDRATION AND LET US REHYDRATE YOU AND HAVE YOU FEELING YOUR BEST YOU!
Dr. O’Connell performs all procedures and consultations herself.
DR. ADRIENNE O’CONNELL 610 N Coast Hwy, Suite 208 Laguna Beach, CA 92651 info@lagunabeachaesthetics.com www.lagunabeachaesthetics.com 949.415.4310
Anne is the president of Village Laguna, retired middle school teacher and former president of the Irvine Teachers Association.
The Sanctuary by William Bluerock.
Photo/Ann Caenn
Laguna Art Museum Unveils Latest and Greatest Exhibition Showcasing New Acquisitions
BY LB INDY STAFF
Laguna Art Museum has revealed its latest exhibit, “Latest and Greatest: New Artworks at Laguna Art Museum.” This exhibition marks a significant milestone in the museum’s history, showcasing nearly 50 newly acquired works that aim to reflect its dedication to preserving and promoting California’s rich artistic legacy.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome these new works of art into our collection, thanks to the generosity of our donors,” said Julie Perlin Lee, executive director of Laguna Art Museum. “These acquisitions allow us to expand our educational efforts, offering fresh perspectives and interpretations that will engage visitors of all ages, for years to come. The ongoing work of collecting is not just about preserving art; it’s about making cultural treasures accessible to all and enriching the lives of those who experience them.”
This dynamic collection, which spans over a century of artistic achievement, serves as both a tribute to the museum’s benefactors and a celebration of California’s vibrant art scene. The exhibition includes works by renowned artists such as Millard Owen Sheets, Woods Davy, Roger Kuntz
and Astrid Preston, alongside mid-career talents like Jennifer Gunlock and Robert Standish.
Among the exhibition’s highlights is John Humble’s SUNDAY MORNING series, a captivating set of seven photographs that form a mini-exhibition within the larger show. The exhibition also marks the first-time inclusion of works by artists such as John Frost, Grace Carpenter Hudson, Malerie Marder, Patrick Wilson, Rosson Crow and many others into the museum’s collection.
In alignment with Laguna Art Museum’s mission to enlighten and engage people of all ages through art that embodies and preserves the California experience, this exhibition underscores the museum’s commitment to acquiring works by artists who have made significant contributions to California’s art history. The museum is also dedicated to ensuring gender equity within its collection, actively increasing the representation of women artists.
The exhibition showcases a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, mixed media, film and large-format
• see ART MUSEUM page 17
Inside Space, 2020, Patrick Wilson. Acrylic on panel; 49 x 59 in. Collection of Ann and Bob Myers (Promised Gift)
• ART MUSEUM
Cont. from page 16
color photography. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tender beauty of Fannie Eliza Duvall’s late 19th-century depiction of roses and the surreal, contemporary vision of Heidi Schwegler’s 2024 tamarisk and bronze wood sculpture.
Latest and Greatest is a testament to the museum’s ongoing efforts to enrich its collection, made possible through deepened relationships with artists and collectors who share a passion for making art accessible to the public. These generous contributions have transitioned from private collections into the museum’s galleries, where all can appreciate them.
The opening reception for Latest and Greatest will be held at the museum on Oct. 19 from 2 to 5 p.m.
• SKIM
Cont. from page 10
skimboarding through competitions, clinics and camps.
Victoria Skimboards organized the contest.
The remaining WCST events include the Santa Cruz Pro/Am powered by Pacific Wave on Saturday, Sept. 7 and the Zap Pro/ am at Tamarack Beach on Saturday, Oct. 5.
The Vic Pro Top 5 Results:
Pro Men
1. Dane Cameron
2. Sam Stinnett
3. Timmy Gamboa
4. Billy Howie
5. Tim Fulton
Pro Women
1. Amber Torrealba
2. Kate Cavanaugh
3. Ashley Poshard
4. Diana Rosa Cordova
5. Kate Caffarelli
DON’T MISS OUT! FINAL WEEK
CLOSING DAY: FRI DAY AUGUST 30
Did that painting just wink at you? Rub your eyes and lean closer, because at the Pageant of the Masters, the line between canvas and reality blurs in a breathtaking display of living art. Witness real people transform into iconic masterpieces, brought to life with stunning costumes, captivating storytelling, and a live musical score that will leave you breathless.
Discover your next piece of original art, listen to live music, chat with artists to learn firsthand about their art and grab a bite to eat. Elevate your art experience with fun and engaging art workshops, guided tours and more.
Dane Cameron on his way to winning the men’s pro category at The Vic Skim contest. Photo courtesy of The Vic
BY BILLY FRIED
Our Season of Discontent
If you’re like me, your friends from around the globe are stunned at the negative publicity surrounding our little, swollen beach hamlet. As Andy Warhol would say, it’s our 15 minutes of “infamy.”
I have been among the first to condemn the traffic and the constant trash left by the Philistines we call visitors. It’s always been bad. But we certainly have more eyes (and lenses) on it than ever before. And yes, we need more enforcement, more trash cans, more regular trash removal, and more education to “Leave No Trace.” But it all costs money.
Yet this call to defund the visitors bureau is misdirected. I know it feels good, but you can turn all their marketing efforts off tomorrow, and it wouldn’t make a bit of difference. The cat is out of the bag. It’s broiling inland, the planet is overpopulated, there are way more housing starts in south Orange County, and the volume of social media fawning over Laguna is unprecedented. It’s exponentially more than Visit Laguna. It’s a bevy of influencers – benignly known as content creators. Like you and me.
It began 20 years ago with the MTV series “Laguna Beach, The Real OC.” I remember meeting families who chose Laguna to vacation so they could see the stunning film locations. That opening pane of our magical coastline was enough for people to say, “To the hell with the Riviera. It’s right there in Laguna. And they speak English!”
And then there was that wretched 2012 Oliver Stone film “Savages,” with Salma Hayak playing a ruthless cartoon cartel head, but with great cleavage. Maybe the worst casting choice ever. But the film also featured that same hero pan of our coastline and some shirtless hunks frolicking on Main Beach that undoubtedly spiked our visitor count.
So please understand that our rancor towards Visit Laguna is misdirected. First, it’s not our money. It belongs to the hotels, and they benevolently donate half of it ($1.8 million) to our arts programs. The other half goes to the visitors bureau in order to attract back overnight visitors to the hotel. The ones who shop, dine and make up a minuscule percentage of our daily visitors. It’s a shared marketing effort by our lodging establishments. But yes, Visit Laguna should immediately cease all social media that reaches a mass audience unless the message is squarely focused on conservation and “Leave No Trace.” Instead of showing pretty pictures, show the disgusting and unfathomable
trash. And tailor your overnight visitor campaigns to a strictly targeted approach. Use old-school tools like email, CRM, and direct mail to reach those prospects.
We are not alone in this plight. In this week’s New York Times, there was an article titled “Unstoppable: Can Barcelona Survive Mass Tourism?” Yet, the city thrives on tourism and will soon be hosting the America’s Cup, just as they once hosted the Olympics and the World Cup. However, they are implementing a strategy to reduce the negative impacts. Just as we must. And, of course, it starts with our number one issue, traffic. We have to get serious about taking control of our two major arteries from CalTrans. This had long been considered throughout Ken Frank’s 31 years as city manager (1979-2010), but he never had the will to implement it because of the dreaded word “liability.” Remember, a city manager’s job security is based on fiscal balance. They’re not paid to be visionaries. Just to enact
the vision of three council people who understand they were voted in to improve our quality of life. And I never understood why we couldn’t just buy insurance, like other cities that control their own streets.
At least our city is giving it lip service again. At last Saturday’s Farmers Market, Public Works had a display in concert with yet another outside consultant, Fehr and Peers (déjà vu all over again). They solicited input from the community on the many tactics for creating safer streets under the three headings, “Better Walking Experience,” “Safer Driving Conditions,” and “Better Biking Experience.” All great stuff. But when I asked how we could get any of this done without taking control of our streets, I was met with a shrug. “Not our department.”
The clear path to traffic salvation is to incentivize visitors to ditch their cars before entering the city. Look at how many cities have successfully thinned their downtown • see FRIED page 20
Billy is the Executive Director of KXFM 104.7, Laguna’s Community Radio. And Chief Experience Officer at adventure sports company La Vida Laguna. He can be reached at billy@ kxfmradio.org.
From Cardboard to Couture: Festival Fashion Show Celebrates 15 Years of Transforming Recycled Materials into Fashion
The Festival of Arts’ annual Festival Runway Fashion Show took place on Sunday, Aug. 18, showcasing an incredible fusion of creativity, sustainability and innovation. This year, the event also featured a charitable aspect, with visitors bringing gently used professional attire to donate to Working Wardrobes in exchange for free admission. The overwhelming response led to overflowing bins and racks at the donation table.
A panel of three judges selected winners in four categories, and nearly 400 attendees cast their votes for the “People’s Choice Award.” Film production designer Nelson Coates hosted the event, which featured judges Shelley Komarov, Gerard Stripling, and Pat Kollenda.
“We want to thank all the extraordinary artists who took part in the runway competition this weekend. The original, one-of-a-kind ensembles showcased by the Festival artists are truly incredible,” said Sharbie Higuchi, director of marketing and merchandising at the Festival of Arts. “We are also deeply grateful to everyone who donated clothing to support Working Wardrobes, helping make this event not just a celebration of art but also of community spirit.”
The 2024 Festival Runway Fashion
Show winners include:
Printmaker Anne Moore was awarded “Most Creative Concept” for her design, “Breakfast at Tea-fany’s,” a gown adorned with 312 tea bag covers, combining high tea elegance with artistic flair.
Glass artist Cody Nicely received the award for “Most Exciting Ensemble Inspired by a Fashion Designer” for his
mermaid-shaped skirt, crafted from handdyed CDs, beach trash, and fishing line, reflecting environmental awareness.
Painter Elizabeth McGhee won “Most Innovative Use of Materials” with her whimsical dress made entirely of recycled socks, a playful nod to 80s and 90s prom
• see FASHION page 20
Models wear outfits made by Festival of Arts artists from recycled materials at the 2024 Festival Runway Fashion Show. Photo/Cheryl Walsh
• ART
Cont. from page 13
brought this to the next level.”
Kids migrated between three workstations, each with an activity customdesigned by LOCA for the event. One was a printmaking station, where kids dipped bats, balls, and cleats in paint and created abstract designs on watercolor paper.
“We did a lot of out-of-the-box thinking as we developed the projects,” said Allison Keefe. “It shows how you can use found objects in the creation of art. Another project nicknamed “base bowling” involved one kid tossing a paint-dipped ball across a giant floor canvas and another kid catching it.
“We were lucky to have lots of space to do this,” said Lisa Rainey. It was very hands-on, active, playful, and messy.” On his fourth roll, a student named Callum said, “I want to go again,” as the game erupted in laughter and cheers for each other.
The finished Jackson Pollock-style art was disassembled, and each child took home a signed section. The third project was the creation of thank you notes to be sent to Angels Baseball. Kids learned how to draw the iconic “A” logo, along with a baseball diamond and sports equipment.
“Thank you notes are very important,”
said Penelope, a student. The event concluded with a gathering of the kids singing Happy Birthday on camera to Arte Moreno, owner of the Los Angeles Angels. Hats and jerseys featuring Mike Trout were distributed to each child, along with tickets to an upcoming game.
“One of the pillars of the Angels Baseball Foundation is to nurture the artistic and creative potential of kids through art and education. We are excited to partner with LOCA and Boys & Girls Club to make a positive impact in the community,” said Dennis Kuhl, president of the Angels Baseball Foundation.
• SPORTS
Cont. from page 10
and four blocks.
Up next: Breakers were at JSerra on Thursday, Aug. 22, and will be at home Wednesday, Aug. 28, with Downey, coached by former Laguna mentor Shawn Patchell. Home match time will be about 5:15 p.m. at Dugger Gym.
BOYS WATER POLO
The Breakers opened the regular season at home with Crean Lutheran on Thursday, Aug. 22. Aliso Niguel will play here on Aug. 27 at 3:30 p.m.
BASEBALL
Coach Jairo Ochoa surprised the Breaker sports community with his resignation for family reasons after eight seasons at Laguna, including four as head coach. Ochoa became head coach in 2022 after the sudden death of Jeff Sears and the Breakers went 13-13 that season, facing the toughest schedule in school history. His 45-54-2 overall record was against the most challenging slate the school had ever faced. The Breakers have lost a great coach and an outstanding person for our athletes – a real loss.
Correction from Aug. 16: Laguna’s volleyball legend is Dain Blanton, who was also an allCIF basketball player for the “Artists.” The USA Volleyball team rosters have eight players, not nine.
Have a note/question on Laguna sports/ correction/update? E-mail Frank at Frank@ twometer.net. Looking for the 2024-25 high school schedules and scores? Check Laguna Beach High School on the Max Preps website.
• WIESS
Cont. from page 3
most,” Weiss said. “We must spend resident taxpayers’ money more prudently than we have in the past. How has the spending on many of these large projects improved the lives of residents? We need to find funding from others, not residents, to deal with congestion threatening our quality of life and safety, such as in a disaster requiring an evacuation of the town. Shouldn’t this be a priority over large purchase projects that don’t benefit residents?”
When he’s not working on civic issues, Weiss enjoys swimming at the city pool or the ocean, taking part in beach cleanups, dancing and attending Opera Laguna. He also maintains a native plant and vegetable garden.
Laguna Beach’s general municipal election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, to elect two city council members, a city clerk and city treasurer. All positions will hold a full term of four years.
The nomination period for these positions is closed. Judie Mancuso, Hallie Jones and incumbents Weiss and Bob Whalen are pursuing a city council seat, while City Treasurer Laura Parisi and City Clerk Ann Marie McKay are running unopposed.
Find out more about Weiss’s platform at georgeweisscitycouncil.org.
GUEST OPINION:
Concerning City Council
Just how bad does it have to get before our city council wakes up and smells the burnt coffee?
Even the unauthorized firing of our city audit firm doesn’t seem to rock them.
On Tuesday, Aug. 13, the council discussed hiring a new audit firm. But why did we need a new audit firm when the current firm was two years into a three-year contract?
The answer: Because Gavin Curran, the finance director/assistant city manager, unilaterally took it upon himself to fire them without any consent from the city council or city audit committee.
Councilman Bob Whalen stated, “[The audit contract] shouldn’t have been terminated unilaterally by staff. I mean it shouldn’t have happened. . . this wasn’t a great process.”
Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi said, “The decision to terminate the previous [auditors] should have gone to the Audit Committee.” Councilman George Weiss stated, “Our power, our authority has been usurped.”
And yet amazingly, nothing happened to Gavin Curran. Not even a rebuke. Let’s examine why he fired the audit firm without informing anyone.
Curran has been in charge of the finance department since at least 2011.
Every year, the fiscal year ends June 30 and the review is supposed to be completed by outside auditors by Dec. 31. Yet, the last time any Laguna audit was done on time was 2017. That’s six years ago by accounting standards.
The 2023 audit was completed a year late. From 2016 to the current year, audit 2023, auditors have repeatedly raised issues regarding city procedures, internal controls, cash and investments, and other financial mismanagement matters.
Critical problems keep recurring, such as the failure to properly review and adjust deposit balances, lack of a capital asset policy, beginning balances for fiscal years were not in agreement with the audited forms making balances incorrect for an entire year, and irregularities with year-end closing procedures.
These issues have continued year after year and have not been corrected. Why didn’t Curran roll up his sleeves and get it done as the chief financial officer? Neither of the past two city managers seemed interested in forcing the finance department into compliance, and Curran didn’t make it happen.
Mayor Sue Kempf has excused it all, claiming it has been caused by personnel turnover and staffing issues. That leads to the question: What’s caused that? Other cities have managed to comply without
material internal control weaknesses despite staffing issues. Why not Laguna?
Curran has repeatedly defended his inaction by stating that the department received the Government Financial Officers Association award for years. This is essentially a “participation award” and checklist for filling out the forms correctly.
Their website states, “The goal of the program is not to assess the financial health of participating governments, but rather to ensure that users of their financial statements have the information they need to do so themselves.” Fun fact: the city of Bell received this award in 2007 and 2008, just years before the unraveling of one of the biggest financial scandals in California history – just to put this award in perspective.
This is a serious breach of fiduciary responsibility for residents. It should be job one for the city to ensure that our finances are in order and comply with standard accounting principles. No company would ever tolerate these kinds of failures. Yet our city does.
Fortunately, our new City Manager, Dave Kiff, has contracted for an operational assessment of the finance department and related functions. Finally, a city manager interested in cleaning up the irregularities and establishing a functioning and responsible finance
• FASHION
Cont. from page 18
dresses.
Painter Nancy Swan was honored with “Most Glamorous and Elegant Red Carpet Worthy Creation” and the “People’s Choice Award” for her tribute to Edith Head, which featured a dress constructed from newspapers, trash bags, and bubble wrap, representing fashion silhouettes from the 1800s to the 2020s.
In addition to the winning artists, several others showcased their creative couture.
Linda Potichke, a fine art jeweler at the Festival, designed a breathable summer outfit made from fiberglass screen, luggage strapping, and repurposed trim, ensuring comfort in the summer heat. Rowan Foley, a drawing artist, translated her vision into a traditional Japanese jūnihitoe, blending historical tradition with modern artistry using tissue and origami paper. Jeweler Luciano Bortone addressed plastic waste by crafting a skirt from over 100 recycled plastic bags, transforming discarded items into a striking fashion statement.
department. Hopefully, this assessment will include a forensic audit of what’s been occurring so the department can start operating properly.
Curran stated the reason for firing the current auditing firm was that the firm couldn’t meet the Dec. 31 deadline. Could it be because they weren’t given the financials on time at the fiscal year end on June 30?
Today is Aug. 23. Have our financials been prepared to hand off yet? Even the new firm the council selected based on the Audit Committee’s review has said it can’t get last year’s audit done by Dec. 31. Its end date was the same as our current auditors.
So why the change? Could it be that the person criticized by the previous auditors for consistent irregularities terminated them without warning and without council or audit committee approvals simply because he wanted them gone?
And he got away with it because the current city council majority, with George Weiss objecting, voted for a new firm.
Amazingly, not one word was said by others about this one man’s unauthorized rogue firing. What’s wrong with this financial picture? Just how low are our city council’s standards?
Hopefully, we’ll find out once the operational assessment comes back. Stay tuned.
The Festival also commemorated the 15th anniversary of the Runway Fashion Show with a retrospective of recycled couture by W. Bradley Elsberry, including his denim collection crafted from 50 pairs of thrift store jeans. In alignment with this year’s Pageant of the Masters theme, “A La Mode: The Art of Fashion,” Director Diane Challis Davy presented three costumes from this summer’s production: a recreation of the iconic Dior dress worn by model Dovima, a tribute to Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel motifs, and a nod to the British design label Ossie Clark, all reflecting the rich history and artistry of fashion.
This year’s Festival Runway Fashion Show was a tailor-made celebration of style, stitching together history, creativity, and sustainability in every look. The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show is open daily through Aug. 30. Weekday general admission tickets are $10 per person, and on the weekends, they are $15 per person. Senior and student discounts are available.
BY MICHELE MONDA
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 at Michelemonda3@ gmail.com.
• FRIED
Cont. from page 18
core of cars, noise and pollution (London, Oslo, Milan, Singapore) by providing incentives to use other kinds of transport. And financial penalties for ignoring them. We must take control of our streets from Caltrans (with their help and subsidy), so we can add roundabouts, bike lanes, curb extensions, speed bump crossings, more trolleys, eBike rental kiosks, shuttles from around the county, and investigate parking garages on our peripheries. And also a congestion tax for driving into our downtown core (if you don’t work or live here). And making the toll road free. And perhaps even a light rail system to Irvine. It’s not the costs. It’s the willfulness. We can find the money without increasing our burden (even though we can and should afford it). There are county, state, and federal grants, bonds and loans. We are desperate to fix this festering problem that will only worsen. A city this smart, rich, and special- threatened by its own fabulousness – can undoubtedly find a way out of this mess. LFG!
• BOXING
Cont. from page 13
the far side of 80 to be in this class, but here we are. You’re out there defending yourself while the other fellow is trying to take your head off. You’re in the most awkward position you’ve ever been in, and you’re trying to keep your back up straight. It works.”
Angie Dixon echoed the self-defense aspect of the sport.
“I’ve been boxing for three months. I wanted something different in my exercise program. It’s very ener-gizing, and it’s giving me a skill I might need in an emergency to protect myself – just hit and run.”
For Laguna Beach’s 83-year-old Nancy Grant, the initial appeal was much simpler.
“It was the 2016 election, and to be honest, I just had to hit something! I feel so good afterwards, so proud of myself. It’s a whole body workout.”
And then there’s the curative aspect of boxing for Parkinson’s Disease victims. It’s a recognized treatment for the malady.
“For the Parkinson’s Group, we still work on boxing concepts, but everything becomes more mental,” Gutierrez said. “Rigidity and tremors can occur along with imbalance, freezing, visualization, movement patterns and sequencing.
“I had them practicing recently. I had them close their eyes and work on the onetwo punch: one of the left hand; the two is the right hand. Everybody was seated because we’re not ready to do exercise standing up. All they were doing was listening to me give them counts of the sequencing like 1-1-2 is the jab-jab cross. What’s nice was when a gentleman was in a wheelchair - he actually felt good enough that day to stand up.
“A lot of these people aren’t fitnessminded, so I teach small things that can be done every day to help with balance and stability. For some, it’s just finding the right physical challenge. The thing is selfconfidence, the belief that you can do it.
• CAENN
Cont. from page 15
need to be sure that Lagunans will actually have preference to live there.
Zuziak cites the Alice Court model for an affordable housing project that produced none of the feared impacts. (It is 27 studio apartments, for one person each). This makes the case that a smaller, low-key project could fit well on the NCC property. In fact, the 2022 Laguna Beach Housing Element projected 21 low-income housing units there. How did it suddenly become a 72-unit project that destroys beloved buildings, which are there only because of
years of dedicated community donations?
Please review the Village Lagunasponsored community Zoom meeting of Aug. 15 at VillageLaguna.org. At that session both representatives of the NCC and the community group Reasonable Housing of Laguna speak about the proposed affordable housing project. Village Laguna provided a fair opportunity for both to be heard.
Surely, an improved project that respects the neighborhood and the surroundings, that fits in with the beautiful buildings already there, can be designed to create an appropriate number of affordable apartments—with benefits for all
• BOINUS
Cont. from page 13
Both Weiss and Mancuso cried foul, but the Democratic Party stated that since the Club’s bylaws were changed (by the Whalen-Jones faction!), there was nothing to prevent such one-sided activity. Mancuso wasn’t endorsed even though, as the Democrats’ Assembly nominee, she garnered over 7,000 votes in Laguna, beating Diane Dixon by 59% to Dixon’s 41%, and Weiss wasn’t even considered. That didn’t matter to the Whalen-Jones camp that pulled off 48 votes in a sham election and publicity stunt. So much for a club that calls itself “Democratic” being “democratic!”
• MCINTOSH
Cont. from page 14
donors threaten? Because it’s an election year? Certainly not because it was the right thing to do.
After the speakers at the board meeting, president Jan Vickers stated that the Board should not be blamed and she did not want anger directed toward them. Vickers, you are the school board! Responsible for everything that goes on in the district. Viloria had an opportunity to step up and show leadership, but he said nothing.
One of the major problems is that the school board is a self-proclaimed “weak board.” The board does not develop policy, they just approve it. They are not allowed to do what most people think they should be doing. That is for the superintendent to do. It’s unfortunate the board put this family through this process.
The good news is that two school board seats are up for election. It’s time to vote in new leadership.
8/23 SUPER DIAMOND
8/24 SUPER DIAMOND
8/27 TAB BENOIT & ANDERS OSBORNE with Special GueSt JD SIMO
8/28 TOM RUSH
8/29 THE PETTYBREAKERS
8/30 GLENN HUGHES
8/31 MICK ADAMS & the StONeS 9/1 MIDGE URE
9/6 TIFFANY
9/7 SOUTHERN ROCK THROWDOWN 9/12 GRAHAM BONNET
9/13 RICHIE KOTZEN
9/14 JOURNEY USA
9/15 BENISE: Fiesta! 9/19 THE MAN IN BLACK 9/20 WILD CHILD
9/21 DON WAS & THE PAN DETROIT ENSEMBLE
9/22 JANE MONHEIT
9/25 ANA POPOVIC
9/26 DEBBIE GIBSON 9/27 DAVE MASON
9/28 ORIANTHI 9/29 RICHARD STEKOL BENEFIT ft Honk/ Missiles/133’s/Funky Kings 10/1 DELVON LAMARR ORGAN TRIO 10/3 ZEBRA 10/4 DAVE MASON 10/5 KIMBERLY PERRY 10/6 DAVE HAUSE 10/9 AL DiMEOLA 10/10 HENRY KAPONO 10/11 HENRY KAPONO 10/12 PABLO CRUISE 10/13 JIMMY WEBB 10/16 JIMMIE VAUGHAN 10/17 GROUNDATION 10/18 GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP 10/19 BRETT DENNEN 10/20 YOUNG DUBLINERS 10/25 MIRAGE 10/26 STRYPER 10/27 FREDDY JONES BAND 10/30 THE MUSICAL BOX 10/31 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS
11/1 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS 11/2 VENICE 11/3 THE WINEHOUSE EXPERIENCE 11/7 MATTHEW SWEET Acoustic Trio 11/8 COMMON SENSE 11/9 TYRONE WELLS 11/13 JOHN HIATT 11/15 RONSTADT REVIVAL 11/16 JOSHUA RADIN & RON POPE 11/22 SPACE ODDITY 11/23 RUFUS WAINWRIGHT 11/26 LEONID & FRIENDS 11/27 LEONID & FRIENDS 11/29 THE PLATTERS 11/30 LEE ROCKER 12/4 LIVINGSTON TAYLOR LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III 12/6 WHICH ONE’S PINK? 12/7 WHICH ONE’S PINK? 12/8 SANDRA BERNHARD 12/11 DAVID BENOIT 12/12 KY-MANI MARLEY 12/13 ABBA Holly Jolly Christmas 12/15 THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA 12/19 A VERY WHITNEY CHRISTMAS 12/21 AMBROSIA hOliday ShOw 12/22 GARY HO HO HOEY 12/27 BEATLES VS STONES 12/29 L.A. GUNS 12/31 THE ENGLISH BEAT 1/10 TOMMY CASTRO & The Painkillers 1/11 AC/DC vs OZZY 1/12 BURTON CUMMINGS 1/17 Dada 1/24 GENE LOVES JEZEBEL BOW WOW WOW 1/31 DESPERADO 2/1 DESPERADO 2/8 LED ZEPAGAIN
Can someone please explain? The outside auditors give the city’s former director of finance a failing grade for financial reporting, ostensibly a core responsibility of his position, in each of the last two years. That same director decides to change audit firms ahead of the normal rotation schedule because the current firm cannot meet his delivery timetable. He manages an entire proposal process, which includes some key errors in assertions, without oversight or approval from the audit committee or the City Council. No explanation is given as to how the failure of the finance department to prepare financial statements that do not require significant adjustments before the audit can even begin has affected or will affect desired timetables.
Now, the former director of finance is the assistant city manager and sits on the dais during council meetings. In many companies, his name would no longer appear on the payroll.
What am I missing? Help me to understand.
Paul McManus, Laguna Beach
COUNCIL HAD OTHER OPTIONS
Councilmember Whelan made some revealing comments regarding the change in auditors at the Aug. 13 council meeting when he said the CFO should not have terminated a council approved contract unilaterally. That shouldn’t happen, he said. So far, so good.
But then he said; “this process was unrolled and came back to the council for the first time tonight.” That is a bit disingenuous. Residents began hearing rumblings about the auditor change in late June. Councilmembers must have been aware of the rumors also. But council made no statement and took no action.
The proposed change was formally announced at a meeting of the audit committee on July 2. At that meeting most of the committee members said they were hearing about it for the first time. A few had been advised maybe a week or two earlier. At the request of staff, the committee set up a subcommittee to select a new firm from a slate of finalists submitted by staff. But the committee did not question the process that had transpired so far.
At a July 9 council meeting, residents brought up the subject in an attempt to obtain clarification. They wanted to know who approved the process and whether the failure of the city to produce timely auditable statements was considered. Councilmember Weiss commented that the CFO made the decision unilaterally, but no one else on council made any comments.
Nothing more happened until a month later at an Aug. 7 meeting of the Audit Committee, where the subcommittee reported it had narrowed the list of finalists to two and those two would be interviewed by the entire committee. Again, no discussion of the appropriateness of the approval decision or of how the process was conducted.
Six days later, again with no intervening council or committee comment or action, on Aug. 13 council selected a new audit firm. Does that sound like a process that came back to the council for the first time on Aug. 13? Councilmembers knew, or should have known, at least six weeks earlier and possibly longer, but chose to do nothing. Instead, on Aug. 13, they wrung their hands and all except Councilmember Weiss put their stamp of approval on the unilateral decision of a staff member to terminate a contract with no approvals or oversight.
It didn’t have to be that way. There were other options.
Mike Marriner Sr., Laguna Beach TIME FOR A CHANGE
I agree with John Thomas’s astute analysis and recommendations in the Indy back on Jan. 19, but I don’t think he addressed municipal waste and incompetence. Why don’t we have enough parking enforcement, beach patrol, and trash pickup?
A few important facts missed in the Aug. 13 LA Times coverage of the “summer of our discontent” here in Laguna Beach:
In our small city of 23,000 residents, 56% of city revenue comes from property taxes — 90% of that comes from our residential (not commercial) property taxes.
There is or has been money in the annual budget for more beach patrol, trash pickup, emergency services and parking enforcement. It just wasnʻt put there.
In the past two years, almost $1 million of our taxpayer dollars have gone to what can only be described as municipal dysfunction and failure of oversight: $500,000 to hasten the exit of an incompetent city manager and to mask any questions about her handling of multiple administrative blunders, $387,000 to settle an oversight by the thencity attorney and city employees to insert an indemnification clause in a contract.
This last led to the abrupt resignation of one of said city employees without explanation, quickly followed by the retirement and replacement of the longtime city attorney who had been called to account along with the city council for violations of the Brown Act by the Orange County District Attorney.
This week, we learned that the city’s finance officer unilaterally terminated
the city’s contract with its outside audit firm without first consulting city council, possibly to cover up failures by his own department. Vast sums have been wasted on unnecessary administrative costs, expensive consultants and badly constructed surveys.
A subset of the City Council has devoted itself to maintaining the status quo, particularly to protect Laguna’s realtors, developers and chamber of commerce interests, not the interests of the residents.
In all of the above lapses, it has been Councilman, oft-times Mayor, Bob Whalen who has been quoted with an explanation of how this wasn’t really what it seemed, why it was actually the best solution and why there wasn’t really anything to see here.
Now Whalen is running again! He has been on the council since 2012 and managed to be mayor and, thereby, sole mouthpiece for the city five times by working a 3-vote majority on the council rather than observing the previously longstanding practice of rotating that position through every individual council member.
Let me reiterate: There is or has been money in the annual budget to make the tourist experience manageable. It has not been managed, budgeted or envisioned.
Residents of Laguna Beach deserve to feel discontented. It is time for a change in civic leadership.
Kiku Terasaki, Laguna Beach
SPEEDBUMPS NEEDED ON FRONTAGE ROAD SPEEDERS
I can almost relax and breathe a sigh of happiness because no one was killed or
seriously injured walking on the frontage road in front of the Sawdust Festival. Every night, as traffic backs up at Canyon Acres, “clever” cheaters zip down this frontage road to get ahead of the line of cars, saving a few minutes and feeling that they somehow outsmarted the other drivers.
Unfortunately, these hyper fools zip along at 23-30 miles per hour, seemingly more concerned with cutting in line to see a few precious minutes than with killing or injuring a precious child or pedestrian. But I don’t blame these idiots; I blame the city. The city knows of this hazard and does nothing to abate it.
So, may I humbly suggest more speed bumps with a posted 5 mph sign? Make it harder for cheaters to cut down this frontage road. Increase the likelihood that compelled sanity will suddenly take over the minds of these unsafe drivers?
Ken Denton, Laguna Beach
TOO MANY CARS
I’m terrified our city hall wants to invite more cars to drive to and or through our town by way of building numerous multistory car parks. How can I say this in simple, plain English? Adding more auto infrastructure is like pouring gasoline on a fire. More parking will not reduce auto congestion. One of my favorite quotes is, “The height of insanity is thinking that by using the same thinking that curated the problem, the outcome will be different.”
Michael Hoag, Laguna Beach
“Meital is the best of the best. She is honest, professional, hard-working, never pushy, and extremely knowledgeable. We trust her inherently and she has been a great advisor to us on all things real estate. During our escrow, we had some lender delays that threatened our transaction and she was able to get all parties together and negotiate a resolution so we could move forward. I’d recommend her team highly and without hesitation.”
