LBIndy 9.27.24

DRONES City Brings Back Fireworks for 2025 Fourth of July PAGE 3 PET PEEVES Indy Columnist Mark Crantz Talks Getaways PAGE 16 LOVE LAGUNA BEACH The City-Wide Volunteer Event Kicks off Oct. 5 PAGE 24

Drone Show a No-Go for Next Fourth of July Celebration

BY JACKIE CONNOR, SPECIAL TO THE INDEPENDENT

The city of Laguna Beach will return to fireworks for next year’s Fourth of July celebration after a trial run with a drone light show received mixed reviews. The decision, made during Tuesday’s city council meeting, follows public feedback and the city council’s discussions on the environmental benefits of drones against the long-standing tradition and public preference for fireworks.

“I’ve been here for 40 years, and every fourth of July, I love watching the fireworks … I think it brings the community together,” said Laguna Beach resident. “I know there’s a lot of differences of opinion relating to pollution…but I believe destructive tourism has a way larger impact on polluting the ocean … versus the pollution caused by, unfortunately, the fireworks.”

Parlayed with a Fourth of July event debriefing, council members discussed the significant increase in service calls, approximately 130%. They also shared

The Rooftop Lounge offers a front-row seat for spectacular ocean sunsets while you enjoy signature hand-muddled fresh fruit mojitos & California fare.

the successes of marine safety, public works, traffic enforcement and police and fire departments.

In addition, city council discussed both the pros and cons of the drone show, reflecting on the good intentions of the environmentally friendly approach to the holiday’s entertainment citing its impact on keeping ocean water and air cleaner, but failed to capture the same excitement as fireworks. The 15-minute show featured 300 drones costing approximately $75,000. If the city were to pursue this same entertainment next year, it would need to include a second set of drones due to a lack of battery, potentially doubling the costs.

“We need to focus on the basics of public safety infrastructure, mitigating the impact of tourists,” said Alex Rounaghi. “If there’s a way that we can mitigate the environmental damage, I think we should look into it. Ultimately, I think the way that we create cleaner ocean water is what we are doing with The Coastal Treatment Plant…this is one day a year and such an important celebration of our country.”

Incredible views of the stunning Pacific Ocean, the best cocktails in Orange County, and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Open daily for lunch, The Rooftop is Laguna Beach’s premier spot to enjoy fresh California fare, sip a cold beer, and gaze out onto the breezy horizon.

Known for the Best Mojito in Laguna!

The Coastal Treatment Plant located in Aliso Canyon is part of the city’s shift toward a regional solution with Moulton Niguel Water District contributing $12.5 million to enhance efficiency, providing environmental advantages and cost reduction for residents.

Some praised the drone show’s Laguna Beach-specific imagery and the reduced impact on pets and those sensitive to loud noises. Still, council members agreed the show was not as visually impactful as hoped.

“I hate to say I want to go back to the fireworks show, but I feel that way and I feel it’s now about me, though—it’s about what the residents want,” said George Weiss, councilmember, who originally supported the drone show.

Council members will ultimately reinstate fireworks for the 2025 celebration while exploring potential partnerships with three of the largest hotels and resorts within the city to supplement the event with smaller drone shows. Councilmember Bob

• see DRONE page 25 Happy Hour: Mon-Fri • 2pm-5pm Mon-Thurs: 11:00am-9:00pm Fri: 11:-00am-10:00pm • Sat: 10:00am-10:00pm • Sun: 10am – 9pm Brunch: 10:00am-3:00pm Saturday/Sunday

theindypoll

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION: Do you support city council’s decision to return to a Fourth of July fireworks display? Yes or No

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: Are you concerned about pedestrian safety in Laguna Beach Yes | 81.82% (27 votes)

No | 18.18% (6 votes)

TOTAL VOTES: 33

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.

TOWN CRIER

IN AND AROUND LAGUNA BEACH

JEWISH

NEW YEAR BEGINS OCT. 2

With Rosh Hashanah approaching at sundown on Wednesday, Oct. 2, Chabad of Laguna Beach will once again be hosting services and programs open to the community.

The services, which will include prayers for the wellbeing of all humanity—a key theme of Rosh Hashanah—will also be centered around hearing the Shofar’s sounds, the holiday’s central observance. English/Hebrew prayer books, warm and friendly atmosphere, soulful cantor from Israel, and Jr. Congregation program.

Shofar in the Park

The popular Rosh Hashanah program is back on Thursday, Oct. 3, at 5 p.m. at Lang Park.

The event will feature a 30-minute celebration with select prayers, songs

and games, shofar blowing, apple and honey treats, and fun for the entire family. RSVP is necessary.

For a detailed schedule, seat reservations, Yizkor memorial service and High Holiday megasite, please visit chabadoflaguna.com or call 949499 0770.

SUSI Q’S OCTOBER EVENING WITH AN AUTHOR WILL FEATURE ACCLAIMED NOVELIST JONATHAN LETHEM

Susi Q is featuring author Jonathan Lethem, one of New York’s literary elite and an acclaimed best-selling novelist, now a professor at Pomona College, at its October Evening With an Author event. Lethem is the author of seven novels, including best-selling “Motherless Brooklyn” and “The Fortress of Solitude.” Lethem will be in conversation with Marrie Stone on Monday, Oct. 7, at 5 p.m. The event costs $40 and includes the book, light bites and beverages. To register, visit thesusiq.org and click on classes and registration or call Christine Brewer at 949-715-8105. The Susi Q is located at 380 Third Street in downtown Laguna Beach.

• see CRIER page 21

Rabbi G. blows the Shofar, heralding the arrival of the High Holidays. Photo courtesy of Chabad of Laguna

NO RESTRICTIONS ON VOTING CHOICES

In the Sept. 13 Indy, Mike Marriner Sr.’s letter to the editor stated that “term limits” for city council and school board members are necessary to protect democracy in Laguna Beach. Long-serving members could cause “power concentration” by serving “special interests,” “delegating too much authority to staff,” “making decisions “behind closed doors,” “banning Zoom participation,” and manipulating “democratic processes to regain control.” I agree these are all bad things, and we should strive to deter them. But arbitrarily imposing term limits creates new problems.

The Supreme Court ruled that a state cannot impose term limits on members of Congress or the Senate because only the Constitution can specify qualifications for these Federal offices. However, a city retains the authority to do what it wants. We could mandate a one—or two-term limit. Still, there

would be trade-offs: a smaller pool of candidates and elected officials who lack accumulated relevant experience and institutional memory. Term limits preempt my right to vote for whoever I choose. It’s disenfranchisement. I have frequently voted to re-elect hard-working people who have proven their ability over several terms. Residents are responsible for staying informed about local issues and voting in local elections. Let people decide for themselves if a public servant merits re-election. We have been fortunate to have many excellent board and council members. Mr. Marriner singles out Bob Whalen and Jan Vickers for criticism. He is free to persuade me to vote against them but not to restrict my choice.

Joel Harrison, Laguna Beach

A LETTER TO LAGUNA

I love Laguna and am truly thankful every day for being a lifetime resident. Because of my deep, lifelong

CITY HALL MEETINGS: Oct. 2 - Administrative Design Review Meeting at 3 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

commitment to this town, and while I sincerely appreciate all four candidates’ willingness to serve, I will be supporting Bob Whalen and Hallie Jones for City Council in November.

I have been fortunate to have lived and worked in this incredible place for over 60 years. My parents, Audrey and Wally, taught us the importance of leaving one’s hometown better than you found it. To that end, helping our many worthy nonprofits, including Schoolpower, the Boys and Girls Club, Marine Mammal Center, Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Ocean Foundation, Laguna Canyon Conservancy (as a founding board member) and many others, has been vitally important to me. I have also had the great pleasure of working for decades on projects, both great and small, alongside most of the past and present city council members from every branch of the political tree. I have the utmost

• see LETTERS page 19

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

ASSEMBLY WOMAN DIANE DIXON, 19712 MacArthur Blvd. Ste. 150, Irvine, CA 92612, 949-251-0074

FIFTH DISTRICT SUPERVISOR KATRINA FOLEY, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701, 714-834-3550, lisa.bartlett@ocgov.com

OUR LETTER POLICY

only use the writer’s name and city of residence. E-mail letters are preferred.

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Keeping the Beat (Continued

BY SPENCER GRANT, SPECIAL TO THE INDEPENDENT

Jennifer Baker, retired music educator, conductor, and co-director of the Laguna Beach Community Concert Band, has a secret.

And she’s not sharing it until Oct. 6.

That’s the night the Laguna Beach Community Concert Band performs at the Laguna Playhouse. It’ll be a notable occasion: the band’s 25th anniversary.

“I’m going to make it a truly special experience,” Baker explained. “But I don’t want to blow the surprise.”

What the Laguna Beach City Council called “a musical treasure of Laguna Beach” started in 1999 with “a cup of coffee and eight members.” It’s now a 50-person group of musicians and friends ranging from college students to octogenarians across Orange County, “from Yorba Linda to San Clemente,” as Baker puts it, who had a dream of bringing free live music to the community. The three founding members – music educator Carol Reynolds, music professor Bill

from page 1)

Nichols and flutist Theresa Reynolds –are still with the band. Several former conductors will helm parts of the twohour performance.

“We play a variety of music,” Baker said. “That’s one of the keys. Everyone who comes to a band concert expects to hear something they’ve heard before and want to hear again.”

Following Baker’s philosophy, the concert will feature new and old favorites from several genres: patriotic tunes, big band music, classical and contemporary selections. The varied program includes highlights from Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” a medley of Gershwin classics led by guest conductor Stan Steele, and Leroy Anderson’s acrobatic “Bugler’s Holiday” featuring Henry Miller, Charles Heiden and Andy Siditsky. The band will also debut “Strike Up the Band,” a piece they recorded at home during the pandemic to produce a virtual performance. Also noteworthy will be the showing of the six-minute 2016 LCAD student film “The Sock Thief.” The band recorded

the music for this animated class project at Capitol Records.

Vocalists Candice Carvalho and Lisa Morrice will accompany the band on “Embraceable You” and “Come Fly with Me,” respectively. Other spotlight performances include “Seal Lullaby,” featuring Donna Huson on piano, and “Root Beer Rag,” featuring the saxophone section and xylophone player Kylie McCaa.

“It’s a difficult problem finding music the band likes and the audience likes,” Band Director Mark Lowery said. “But it seems the audience likes everything we play. They applaud, they clap; you can feel the energy. Often, they wind up singing along to the music.”

“We’re fortunate to have so many talented members, from current and retired music educators and professionals to enthusiastic amateurs,” Baker said. “Some of our members have had an instrument in their hand since they could walk. Others started playing again after decades away. The one thing we all share is our love of music and a desire to share it with our community.”

The band includes many music educators, both retired and active, who come together to play their instruments after work. “Playing keeps us in shape,” Baker said. “but it also gives us a chance to do something we can’t do alone, which is absolutely key to the musical performance, and that is creating something in real time. We all collaborate to perfect a beautiful musical experience for ourselves and our audience.”

So what surprise has Jennifer Baker had in mind to commemorate a quarter century of LCCB’s service to the community? Will there be celebrities? Maybe.

“We have so many notables in our town that it could be anybody,” she teased.

So come to the Laguna Playhouse on Oct. 6 and find out for yourself. But arrive early for the 7 p.m. performance—it’ll definitely be a capacity crowd. And it’s free. Come one, come all -- secret or not, you’ll have a ball.

“I value Bob’s efforts to preserve the natural beauty of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park by promoting wildfire safety measures such as increased fuel modification and the undergrounding of utility lines on Laguna Canyon Road. Please join me in voting to re-elect Bob!” - Barbara Norton, Retired Park Ranger Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

“Bob Whalen has been a great champion of the arts and the environment in Laguna. He understands what is most important to us as a community and will work to protect our ocean and enhance our art culture. Join us to help re-elect Bob!”

- Barbara & Greg MacGillivray

SHERI MORGAN

Dedicated 34-year resident

20-year LBUSD parent, actively engaged with students, families, teachers, support staff and community.

“Sheri Morgan has our vote. She has stood watch at board meetings for years, demanding accountability from our elected officials. Sheri has the knowledge, experience and fight that we need to ensure that every student has a voice. Sheri is thorough, tough and fair. Exactly what we need when our voices need to matter.” - Stu and Jenny Jones, parents to four LBUSD students.

(And Donald Tr ump should never, ever be P President again.)

By Bob Mister

I am an 80-year-old Laguna Beach resident who has lived in town for 46 years. The first time I could vote for president, I voted for Barry Goldwater in 1964. I graduated from college and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1966. I happily voted for Richard Nixon twice because, back then, Republicans supported the military. I received an honorable discharge in 1969 with the rank of Captain.

I point this out so that the former Republican Party, now the Trump Party, will not label me as a Communistor a crazy San Francisco liberal.

The President of the United States is the Commander-in-Chief of the largest and most powerful military in the world. Donald Trump is not even close to being fit to lead our military. Let's talk about the Trump family's commitment to military service – Trump's father could have served in WWII but his claim to fame was being arrested at a Ku Klux Klan rally in New York. As most of you know, Donald Trump received 4 deferments during the Vietnam War for bone spurs from a doctor who was renting office space from Trump's father. When asked years later, young Donald couldn't remember Donald Trumps's two oldest sons could have served in the Iraq-Afghan war but were busy shooting big game animals in Africa (which the former president still brags about their being such great marksmen). If he and his family's lack of service isn't enough, Trump proudly claims he is smarter than career military generals.

which foot.

"losers and suckers."

More recently, Trump gave the the political purposes. That "event" was roundly criticized by veterans organizations and

In case you have forgotten, many of the distinguished officers who served under him in the White House, along with his Secretary of Defense and his National Security Advisor, have publicly stated that Trump is unfit to lead our military. If that wasn't enough, Donald Trump has called dead and wounded soldiers He also declared the late Senator John McCain wasn't a hero because he was captured and spent 5-plus years as a POW in North Vietnam. Medal of Freedom to his biggest campaign contributor and said it was more important than the Medal of Honor, which is given to our military heroes. Lastly, you might recall Trump arranged a photo op at Arlington National Cemetery for political purposes. That "event" was roundly criticized by veterans organizations and military officers coast to coast.

There are more reasons Donald Trump should not step foot in the White House again, which I will discuss in future opinion pieces; but suffice it to say, I hope this will register with current and former military personnel who are on the fence when it comes to November's presidential election.

As a former Army Captain, I have made up my mind.

schools & sports

FALL SPORTS UPDATE

CROSS COUNTY

Wade Jurkowski was Laguna boys’ top runner at the Woodbridge Invitational last weekend at the Great Park with a 16:28 over the 3-mile course. On the girl’s side, Hayden Joseph was the top runner at 17:57, followed by Karina Pitz at 18:34. Next up is the league cluster meet on Oct. 2 in Silverado. Boys are in the Pacific Hills League with Irvine, Sage Hill and St. Margaret’s, while the girls will compete with the same schools plus Rosary. For more information, visit lbxc.org for girls team info and lagunabeachcrosscountry.com for boys.

FLAG FOOTBALL (5-6, 3-4)

Laguna moved into a tie for fifth place in league play with a pair of recent victories. On Sep. 18, they defeated Portola 14-13 at Guyer Field, with Lakelynn Welch catching six passes and scoring two touchdowns. On defense she was credited with 10 flag pulls. This past Monday, they defeated Irvine 18-6 at the Vaqueros campus. Hayden Henning-Crane was 16 for 31, 253 yards and three touchdowns as quarterback. Maeve Mani had four receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Breakers faced Northwood (4-2, 6-3) this past Wednesday and travel to Sage Hill (3-4, 5-6) on Monday. The Breakers meet league leader Woodbridge (7-0, 12-5) on Oct. 2.

FOOTBALL

(5-0)

Breakers Defense Stops El Dorado 40-0

Laguna’s defense recorded their third straight shutout, extending their scoreless string to 13 quarters, the longest since 1950 and the third

longest in school history with the shutdown of El Dorado (2-3) last Friday night at Guyer Field.

The Golden Hawks had a good defense that made the Breakers earn their points, which was helped by some key errors by the visitor’s offense.

El Dorado was stopped on their first possession and forced to punt, but the fumbled punt attempt gave Laguna the ball on the Golden Hawk 33. A big-time scamper by Jackson Kollock was the first of six Laguna scores. Teams traded the next four possessions before the Breakers started a short drive from the Hawk 34 to score in a seven-play effort to open the second quarter. In the ensuing kickoff, El Dorado fumbled the return with the recovery by Will Kimball. Five plays later it was 21-0.

The Golden Hawks re-grouped and then started a 65-yard, 16-play drive to get back into the game. Seven times, including five tries within the three-yard line, were stopped by the

Laguna defense, ending the drive as the clock expired for the half. Credit Wyatt Bogdan, Fletcher Liao, Hudson Mills, Redmond Chesley and Henry Rounaghi in the goal-line effort.

The second half opened with a great defensive effort by El Dorado, which forced Laguna to punt on their first second-half possession. The Hawks were unsuccessful with their first attempt and had to punt from their 37-yard line. Wyatt Bogdan broke through the line to block the punt, and Grant Regal scooped up the loose ball for a 27-yard return for the score.

On the next possession by El Dorado, the second play was a pass attempt intercepted mid-field by Grant Regal. Breakers responded with a 5-play drive aided by an El Dorado penalty to extend the lead to 34-0. The point after try was blocked.

Jack Hurst did his usual magic in the final period, hitting Noah Tompson for a 23-yard touchdown play for the game’s final points.

THIS WEEK: A BYE

Breakers return to action on Friday, Oct. 4, in the league opener versus Northwood (#113), who is 5-0, and the teams will meet at Irvine High School’s stadium. Northwood appears to be stronger than last season but have lost to the Breakers in four straight meetings, 35-21 last year and are very capable to snap the streak. Ratings, schedules, scores etc. can be found on calpreps.com. Game video highlights are posted on Max Preps at maxpreps.com/ca.

GIRLS GOLF (2-6, 0-3)

Laguna Beach girls varsity golf lost a pair of league matches, dropping a 323-280 contest to Rosary Academy in a Pacific Hills League match at Western Hills CC, par 35. The match medalists were Naomi Pineda and Alayna Votino from Rosary, with a 48. On Sep. 23, the Breakers lost 281-

• see SPORTS page 13

LAGUNA SPORTS UPDATE | BY FRANK ARONOFF | LB INDY

Laguna Super Fan – Skipper Carrillo: Carrillo, 86, a fan of Laguna sports for well over sixty seasons, did not miss the thrilling defensive effort Friday night. The next home game is Friday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. versus Fountain Valley. Photo/Frank Aronoff

BREAKER DEFENSE IN GOAL LINE STAND; The first half ended with a thrilling defensive effort by Laguna. # 3 – Henry Rounaghi, #0 Redmond Chesley, #63 – Hudson Mills, #17

Wyatt Bogdan, #52 Fletcher Liao. Photo/Debbie Vellmure

End the Whalen-Kempf “machine”

Vote meaningful solutions - Not excuses

Don’t “split” your vote!

A

vote for one and not the other leaves the Whalen-Kempf machine in power!

GEORGE WEISS JUDIE MANCUSO

Champion for Residents and Taxpayers

• Fiscal Responsibility: Fights reckless spending to protect our tax dollars

• Opposes boondoggle projects: Advanced by Whalen-Kempf

• Transparency Advocate: Ensures open government and resident participation

• Community First: Prioritizes residents over reckless development and day-tripper subsidies

• Marginalized by Whalen: Stands alone against Whalen-Kempf power grabs

Brings Exceptional Background and Experience

Plus Clout in Sacramento to Bene t Laguna

• Unparalleled Legislative Success: Sponsored 26 bills signed into law for environment and social justice / compassion. Can leverage deep Sacramento relationships for legislative advocacy for Laguna (ex. ADU view blocking reform; environmental protections; nancing for public safety, hazards and emergencies Whalen could not secure)

• Broad Experience– Primed for Council Success: Former member of the California Veterinary Medical Board; current Vice-Chair of the Laguna Beach Environmental Sustainability Committee

16 years dominating power on the Council is more than anybody needs , including Bob Bob Whalen

Pro igate Spender and Power Grabber

• Debt Burden: - Boondoggles: Wants residents to take over Laguna Canyon and Coast Hwy. from CalTrans est. $141 million + $11 million new highway dept.

• Changed the Rules to Cement Power: “Ping-ponged” power Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem 7 out of 12 years

• Subsidizes Daytrippers: Encouraging daytrippers who trash Laguna at a net cost to residents

• Proven Electorate Trust: More than 90,000 votes when Judie ran for Assembly. She beat Diane Dixon in Laguna Beach with over 7,000 votes

The “face”of Roundup

Annointed choice of the Whalen-Kempf “machine” Hallie Jones

• Advocates for Round-Up: Supports harmful chemicals linked to cancer

• Unproven Record: Lacks signi cant accomplishments for Laguna

• Whalen-Kempf Political Developer Donor Machine Backing: More than $40,000 donations from developer and day-tripper special interests

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street beat

FROM POLICE BLOGS

THURSDAY, SEPT. 19

DUI. A 60-year-old Boston, Mass. man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. His bail was set at $2,500. Battery. Glenn Lewis Galvez, 41, of Fontana, was arrested on suspicion of battery on spouse, ex-spouse or date. His bail was set at $10,000.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 20

Disorderly conduct. Douglas Todd Hickle, 60, was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct. His bail was set at $1,000.

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Angela L Choo, CRPS™ Financial Advisor

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Bench warrant. Jacqueline Ivonne Martinez, 32, was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant and driving drunk with a suspended license. She was held without bail.

Obstructing a police officer, trespassing. Diane Dowd, 71, was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a police officer and trespassing. Her bail was set at $1,000.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21

Call or visit your local financial advisor today

1100 South Coast Highway 219 Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Smoking in public, possessing unlawful paraphernalia. Jesse Joshua Lara, 44, of Laguna Beach, was arrested on suspicion of smoking in a public place. She was held without bail. Probation violation. Ruben Cuevas, 41, was arrested on suspicion of a parole violation. He was held without bail.

DUI. A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. His bail was set at $2,500.

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Angela L Choo, CRPS™ Financial Advisor

1100 South Coast Highway 219 Laguna Beach, CA 92651

949-497-5349

*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 09/23/24. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

SUNDAY, SEPT. 22

DUI. Roberto Carlos Herreravazquez, 33, was arrested on suspicion of driving drunk on a suspended license. He was held without bail.

Obstructing a police officer. Jonathan Michael Smith, 39, of Laguna Beach, was arrested on suspicion of driving on a suspended license and obstructing an executive officer. His bail was set at $20000.

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*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 09/23/24. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

Forgery. Jose Guadalupe Gomez Garcia, 46, of Laguna Beach, was arrested on suspicion of forging a vehicle registration. His bail was set at $20,000.

Failure to register. Travis John

BY BILLY FRIED

The Mighty Gift of Music

So, besides the tireless tumult of traffic, the nattering nuisance of noise, the punishing promulgation of pollution, and my awesome abuse of alliteration, how was your summer? Well, the weather didn’t disappoint. Another summer of zero air conditioning while the rest of the planet roasted like a pig on a spit. And that prolonged spate of warm water we got in late summer? Mana from the gods. Who went in for a quick dip, then stayed for hours? The gooiest feels ever. But that’s just tent stakes living here. The real unexpected delights come when you brave the great unwashed and head into the nether regions of the great metropolis.

I had that experience one weekend this summer. It began on a Friday with Nick I and ADD at the newly refurbished Ivan’z House, the top floor of Mozambique. Ivan’s childhood friend Blondie Chaplin (of Beach

Boys and Rolling Stones fame) sat in on guitar, trading sweet licks with the great Bob Hawkins, with the sublime Jelani Jones on keys and harmony, and charismatic crooner Nick Hernandez captivating the crowd. It’s a great big live music room now that showcases our outstanding local talent, and kudos to Ivan for manifesting it.

Saturday night was a run to Inglewood with a caravan of Lagunans to see the great bluegrass picker Billy Strings. It was non-stop dancing to a high-energy band with no drummer.

And then Sunday came. The holiest of days. I toyed with the idea for months about making the pilgrimage to Highland, Calif., and the Yaamava Casino, even though the concert had long been sold out. It was their only Southern California date on the tour, and I ran the risk of driving an hour and a half and getting skunked. But I went for it. I mean, when would I ever have a chance to see the greatest rock and roll singer of all time. The shirtless man in the low-cut, hip-hugging pants wailing dangerously into the

microphone in what could only be described as Luciferian taunts. Those dangerous, sexually suggestive lyrics and wailing had parents terrified and their daughters under lock and key. This man changed my life when I was 14. But that was many moons ago.

And now, finally, a chance to see him in the flesh. At a working-class casino in the foothills of San Bernardino. The theater was tucked discreetly in the back. I asked for the box office. They didn’t have one, but the usher told me to explain my predicament to her boss, who was standing in the corner. I approached and said I was looking for one ticket. He reached into his pocket, handed me one, and told me it was my lucky night. And in I went, sitting 10 rows from the stage, to see my hero, Robert Plant, singing with the Bluegrass Diva, Allison Krauss, on their “Raise the Roof” tour.

Music is like food. You can bring in different cultures, mix it all up, and create an unexpected and delicious hybrid. And so it was back in 2007, when the Led Zeppelin crooner surprised the

music world by teaming with Nashville queen Allison Krauss to record their monster hit album “Raising Sand.” It was a Plant we weren’t accustomed to, subdued, singing harmonies in the lower register, and serving the decidedly Americana music. And what perfect harmonies they were. If anyone is familiar with Krauss, you’ll know this is a side project to her main gig with Union Station. And her honey voice just soars with the angels. They entered from opposite ends of the stage, smiling and stepping up to their mikes, knowing they were about to deliver magic. Plant looked the shaggy rock elder, though unadorned with flashy clothes or jewelry. At 76, here was a legend who could be luxuriating on a mega yacht off the Med, or doing a reunion Led Zeppelin tour at the Sphere and raking in billions. But no, he was in a tacky casino singing the music he loves with a vocalist he humbly shares equal billing with. It was one for the ages, an experience

BILLY FRIED

GUEST OPINION: PET PEEVES

The Getaway

Let me start by way of an apology. I was on vacation recently. Scratch that. It was a three-day getaway. It’s over now, and I’m still unsure what we were getting away from. When we got back home, I looked around, and everything looked the same. I couldn’t find anything troubling to have caused the abrupt getaway. When my wife initially suggested the getaway I did ask her what we were getting away from. She told me it was none of my business and to just get in the car. I didn’t push it. I got in the car on the passenger side to get away from something I couldn’t see, but I did look over my shoulder to see if anyone was following. So far, the coast was clear. It was a pleasant trip. I pointed out all the curious things I saw along the way, such as, the donut shop. I asked, “Why are there holes in donuts?” The

question was left hanging without a follow-up. My wife wasn’t answering. Why wasn’t she answering? Did she not hear me? Or did she have a bad run-in with a donut as a child? Maybe we were getting away from donuts, and I stumbled onto a sensitive area. Better to move it along.

I saw some cows. “Do you think cows drink milk?” The question fared no better than the donut question. I decided to push it, thinking there was no way my city-raised wife had a bad experience with a country-raised cow. I stepped bravely into the cow pies. “Maybe cows are lactose intolerant and they can’t drink their own milk. Wouldn’t that be a cruel trick of nature.” I side-eyed my wife for a reaction. Her gaze was riveted to the highway. I looked forward to see what had caused such deep concentration. It was an empty four lane highway clear of all vehicles in both directions, with a sign stating next service exit in 48 miles. At this point, I kept my third question to

myself. I asked myself, “Do you think cows play the car license plate game? You know, the game where you try to count the most state license plates, and you lose those plates if you pass a graveyard on your side of the car.” I answered myself, “I don’t know. Can a cow pass a cemetery if he’s restricted by a fenced-in pasture?” Well, I might not know the answer, but I answered myself in a timely manner. It was a good start on what was becoming a longer felt getaway. Maybe like a vacation.

I sat in silence for a good half hour, longing for a sign to renew some dialogue. I saw my wife’s white knuckle grip on the steering wheel loosen. Her knuckles were now a rosy color hue. I jumped at the sign and hoped she’d come around to telling me why donuts are lactose intolerant and cows have holes in them. That’s when it hit me. I forgot to take the Indy to hold up for a picture when residents go on vacation. Well, this getaway wasn’t as long as a vacation, but it surely felt long enough

BY MARK D. CRANTZ

in the silence to warrant an Indy taking picture. I blurted out, “You have to turn around. I forgot the Indy to hold up.” My wife’s knuckles lost their rosy glow. “I’m not turning around. We’d add four hours of driving and four hours of inane roadside questions.” I stuck out my lower lip and quivered, “But we have to because, ah, just because.”

My wife stared ahead, saying nothing. But then, with all time running out, I said, “Fine. I’ll turn around.” And to my sheer delight, my wife returned to retrieve the Indy. I ran into the house with nothing to get away from and picked up my Indy. As I ran out the front door, my wife took off without me and the Indy in a quick getaway. I asked myself, “Self, can I still take a picture of me with my Indy in the driveway?”

Come celebrate Hotel Laguna s second annual Laguna Plein Air Painters Association Hotel Laguna Painting Competition!

Once again Hotel Laguna is sponsoring LPAPA’s Painting Competition and 9 finalists will be displayed for purchase. Winners will be announced at 5:30 pm There will be an exciting dance performance by Laguna Dance Festival at 6:30. Join us for Art Start with wine and hors d'oeuvres from 5 pm to 7 pm while listening to saxophonist Jake Brown Enjoy the rest of the evening at Art Walk from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Crantz tells the Indy that he just got a picture of his wife holding up an Indy. She must have gotten her own Indy somewhere. Her getaway looks pleasant. Thursday, October 3 at 5:00 PM 425 South Coast Highway Laguna Beach

MARK D. CRANTZ

“Summer Sun” by Wendy W rth

BY MICHELE

Concerning City Council

The city council majority is on a spending spree with resident’s money, and there’s no end in sight. Consider the megaexpensive projects they anticipate passing.

The biggest project is taking over Laguna Canyon Road from Caltrans. According to city staff, this will cost $141 million for undergrounding, bike and pedestrian lanes and beautification. Then, there’s a projected annual liability outlay of $12 million and $250,000 per year for upkeep (not including new staff and equipment).

The council majority stated that it’s necessary for wildfire reduction. Yet the city’s consultant, HDR, writes, “There’s a low likelihood that the relocation of utility infrastructure in the Laguna Canyon Road right-ofway will generate wildfire prevention benefits.”

A pivot was necessary. Now, the council majority says the reason for the takeover is safety, but there are other much less costly solutions for improving safety besides taking over the road and resulting annual costs.

Additionally, Caltrans will be subject to SB-960, which mandates that it implements Complete Streets. It passed the Senate and will likely pass the Assembly. This means that many of the reasons given to assume Laguna

Canyon Road will have to be done by Caltrans.

Staff says the state will pay most of the $141 million with grants, but grants were not forthcoming in 2018 or 2022 (when staff said $47 million in public funds would be enough to underground LCR). The city continues exploring funding options.

We have spent $9.8 million on this project since 2017. California has a deficit, the economy isn’t good, and the outlook for grant funding isn’t good. Councilman Whalen spent his career doing municipal bond work. Can one be far behind?

Why is the council not allowing taxpayers to vote on this expensive venture that will tie up a key evacuation route for years? (Remember Third Street?)

The next spending item is participation in a desalinization plant. City council serves as directors on the Laguna Beach County Water District board. Whalen has been a liaison for the desalinization project for the past two years.

Recently, by a 4-1 vote, the city council authorized $2.6 million for the project’s first phase, agreeing to participate in the South Coast water district’s desalinization project for $23 million. This is only for building the plant. We still pay for the water that we only receive in an emergency. Getting the water requires infrastructure upgrades of $300,000 - $600,000. The

water is projected to cost an estimated $2,400 per acre-foot, but maybe more like $3,500 per acre-foot as produced by Carlsbad’s desal plant.

Yet for $1,100 an acre-foot, we could get water from the Orange County Basin, where we already have water rights that will provide 80% of our water needs, plus we are currently looking at sites.

For emergency water, we have a mutual aid agreement with other OC agencies and can secure an agreement with Irvine Ranch Water District, which has two connections to our water system. Why does our city council majority think this is a good way to spend ratepayer money? Don’t we have more important priorities?

Another project: The council wants a parking structure at City Hall. Despite multiple rejections by residents of other structures at the Village entrance, they plow ahead. They have already spent $708,000 on a consultant study for a parking structure to accommodate more day-trippers. But there was no discussion about the need for a plan, the cost of the structure, who will pay for it, or how it will be funded. Another bond?

The promenade could cost another $3 to $4 million. We have already spent over $1 million on maintenance, building and rebuilding it, along with lost parking revenue. Despite any empirical data or bona fide survey, the council majority, led by Mayor Kempf, will not accept a hybrid plan

that would help retailers, capture lost parking revenue and preserve our historic street.

Next expenditure: the Downtown Action Plan, estimated at $14 million. Approved in 2022, it awaits funding. Why aren’t the beneficiaries, downtown businesses, contributing?

Then there’s the $23 million spent on acquiring St. Catherine’s. To date, it has limited recreational use for residents and is used to house some city staff. Why is the city council majority looking at projects costing millions of dollars with marginal value for residents?

Let’s get serious about using St. Catherine’s for recreation—build that community pool, parking lot, and skateboard park there, put in a preschool, and maybe a children’s library, which now stores 5,000 books. Put more streetlights on Glenneyre for safety, upgrade our decaying sewer system and build that fire station in south Laguna. In this difficult economic environment, we need to change how we spend. In November, elect candidates prioritizing residentserving projects instead of wasteful pet projects.

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.

LBHS Students Head to College on Festival of Arts Scholarships

BY LB INDY STAFF

The Festival of Arts awarded six high school seniors scholarships totaling $120,000 earlier this year. And now, they venture into their freshman year of college. These scholarships, awarded during a special convocation in June, provide up to $20,000 over four years, including an initial $5,000 for the 2024/2025 academic year.

The Festival of Arts congratulated the 2024 scholarship winners: Arend Hekma (instrumental), Elijah James Furar (composition), Luxy Bynum (film), Jackson Hughes (visual arts), Sienna Riley McCarthy (dance), and Hannah Kathryn Tyus (visual arts). These renewable scholarships are

awarded annually for up to four years as long as recipients meet eligibility requirements, allowing them to maximize the $20,000 award.

“To me, being awarded the performing arts scholarship shows that all the time and effort I have put into practicing my instrument has been effective in becoming a better musician,” said Arend Hekma, 2024 Festival of Arts scholarship recipient.

“Being awarded this scholarship not only greatly aids me in paying tuition but also gives me more confidence and validation as a musician as I transition into university.”

MICHELE MONDA

GUEST OPINION

MONDA

From left to right: Festival of Arts Director of Finance Michelle Reindl, Festival of Arts Board Secretary and Scholarship Chair Pat Kollenda, Jackson Hughes, Arend Hekma, Elijah James Furar, Luxy Bynum, Hannah Kathryn Tyus, Sienna Riley McCarthy, and Festival of Arts Board President David Perry. Photo courtesy of Mary Hurlbut.

Cont. from page 6

respect and sincere gratitude for each of them for working countless hours as a council member in a town with diverse views and (ahem!) passionate opinions in return for minimal compensation. But let me be clear: In this town, it is time to reject petty bickering and cheap attack ads. There can be no place for that here. Instead, let’s embrace honesty, integrity and empathy and support the candidates whose only discernable political “party” in this campaign is “Laguna” herself. Bob Whalen is brilliant, thoughtful and a true gentleman who has more than demonstrated his ability and willingness to work effectively with all members of our community. Hallie Jones, also born and raised in Laguna, has been our canyon’s caretaker as Laguna Canyon Foundation’s executive director for ten years. She is smart, caring, committed to this town, the local citizenry, and our environment and is a proven collaborator.

If you love this town as much as I do and think we should set the standard in terms of decorum, common sense and collaboration, please consider voting for Bob and Hallie in November. Laguna Love!

Mark Christy, Laguna Beach

PARENTS AND COMMUNITY, WAKE UP!

The mention of having meaningful dialogue with the district and school board is what the community has been after for years. Exactly what I think is not allowed. Go to SensibleLaguna. org for proof and details.

Only when there was a near riot at one of the district’s “check the box-after-the-fact workshops” and, most recently when 120 community members stood up for one of their own did we get the district’s attention.

When the public meets with district staff, information is delivered to LBUSD Superintendent Viloria, where I believe it is filtered, changed or tossed. Hardly an exchange of ideas or discussion. The same thing happens when a community member meets with a board member. Bylaws say constituents are to be sent to Viloria instead. Why have a board at all?

aspect of district or board business.

The restrictive bylaws created or adopted by board president Jan Vickers and the interpretation of them have crushed the community’s voice. Exactly what kind of democracy is being demonstrated for our kids?

When the LBUSD administration uses the entire district in comparison to the rest of the state or Orange County, the 99 percentile is very deceptive. Comparing against the rest of the low-performing states is not what they should be doing. Compare to the best and strive to be better than them. This is just another cover-up of poor performance at the high school.

In the current 2024 US News report, the 210 high schools that rank ahead of LBHS in California were all compared in the same timeframe. Including #16, Saratoga High School, with a slightly larger enrollment of 1160 with a 79/100 College Readiness score. LBHS’s college readiness rating is 48.5/100. They spend approx. $21,000 per student, compared to LBHS’ $33,000. Their current State CAASPP math test pass rate is 88.9%, while ours is 49.7 percent. Does anyone see a problem here?

Viloria’s pay is at $460,000, and it ranked number six in the county, with four schools. Others have 10 plus.

This and much more are why we need to vote for positive change with Howard Hills and Sheri Morgan for the school board.

Steve McIntosh, member of Sensible Laguna

EXPRESSING GRATITUDE

I write to express my gratitude and commendation for the Fair Political Practices Commission’s (FPPC) recent action of penalizing Village Laguna for campaign violations. This development marks a victory for transparency and accountability in our community.

9/28 ORIANTHI 9/29 RICHARD STEKOL BENEFIT ft Honk/Missiles/133’s/Funky Kings 10/1 DELVON LAMARR ORGAN TRIO 10/3 ZEBRA 10/5 KIMBERLY PERRY (of The Band Perry) 10/6 DAVE HAUSE

10/1

The community is only allowed three minutes of “prepared statements” at board meetings. It seems that meaningful conversations, openness, and transparency do not exist in the current regime that controls every

The residents of Laguna Beach, alongside the founders of Liberate Laguna, are heartened by the FPPC’s stance against entities disregarding campaign laws. The imposition of penalties underscores a clear message: No organization is exempt from adhering to the laws governing our electoral processes.

The FPPC’s intensive investigation has revealed Village Laguna’s seeming attempt to conceal information from • LETTERS

10/9 AL DiMEOLA The Electric Years 10/10 HENRY KAPONO 10/11 HENRY KAPONO 10/12 PABLO CRUISE 10/13 JIMMY WEBB

10/15 MARIA MULDAUR - W ay P ast M idnight 10/16 JIMMIE VAUGHAN 10/17 GROUNDATION

DELVON LAMARR

10/3 ZEBRA

10/6 DAVE HAUSE

10/18 GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP 10/19 BRETT DENNEN - g olden s ate of M ind t our 10/20 THE YOUNG DUBLINERS 10/24 WAYWARDS SONS 10/25 MIRAGE ( f leet W ood M ac t ribute ) 10/26 STRYPER 40th Anniversary Tour 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 11/14 THE SWEET 11/15 RONSTADT REVIVAL 11/16 JOSHUA RADIN & RON POPE 11/22 SPACE ODDITY ( d avid b o W ie t ribute ) 11/23 RUFUS WAINWRIGHT 11/24 CRTL + Z ft M arc b onilla , t ho M as l ang , r ic f ierabracci , a lex M achacek & J onathan s indel M an 11/26 LEONID & FRIENDS ( c hicago t

) 11/27 LEONID & FRIENDS ( c hicago t ribute ) 11/29 THE PLATTERS 11/30 LEE ROCKER of the Stray Cats 12/4 LIVINGSTON TAYLOR and LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III 12/6 WHICH ONE’S PINK? (P ink f loyd t ribute ) 12/7 WHICH ONE’S PINK? (P ink f loyd t ribute ) 12/8 SANDRA BERNHARD 12/11 DAVID BENOIT 12/12 KY-MANI MARLEY 12/13 ABBA Holly Jolly Christmas 12/14 THE HIGHWAYMAN 12/15 GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA 12/19 A VERY WHITNEY CHRISTMAS 12/20 FLOCK OF SEAGULLS 12/21 AMBROSIA

10/9 AL DI MEOLA

COMING SOON

12/22 GARY HO-HO-HOEY 12/27 BEATLES VS STONES 12/28 DRAMARAMA

12/29 L.A. GUNS 12/31 THE ENGLISH BEAT 1/10 TOMMY CASTRO

1/11 AC/DC vs OZZY

1/12 BURTON CUMMINGS

1/17 DADA

1/18 DSB (J ourney t ribute ) 1/23 PAT TRAVERS 1/24 GENE LOVES JEZEBEL / BOW WOW WOW 1/26 WHAT’S NEW PUSSY CAT? ( t o M J ones t ribute )

1/30 CANNED HEAT 1/31 DESPERADO ( e agles ) 2/1 DESPERADO ( e agles ) 2/8 LED ZEPAGAIN 2/16 INCENDIO

3/6 ALTAN

3/13 SONS OF CREAM

3/28 KIDS OF CHARLEMAGNE

3/29 SUPER DIAMOND

4/06 HERMAN’S HERMITS

Starring

GUEST OPINION: CURBSIDE WASTE CART SMARTS

BY SARAH MOSKO

CR&R’s 3-cart System Makes Responsible Waste Disposal Easy

Laguna Beach transitioned waste and recycling services to CR&R on July 1. Almost every residence and business has received new curbside carts, replacing those provided under the now-defunct contract with Waste Management.

Residents are likely happy to say goodbye to the old, weathered, spiderinfested carts. More importantly, the new ones bring greater ease to responsible waste disposal efforts because, unlike the old carts, CR&R’s 3-color cart system is uniform throughout the community and more clearly labeled to remind you of what goes inside.

Understanding a handful of facts about the new system enables everyone to dispose of waste correctly and with minimal effort. For starters, residences and businesses alike are now required

• SPORTS

Cont. from page 4

229 to Irvine in a league match at Oak Creek GC, par 35. The match medalist was Mannat Virk from Irvine, who scored 40 points. The low score for Laguna was posted by Alani Sciacca with a 46.

BOYS SAND VOLLEYBALL (6-1,

2-1)

Laguna will host a boys high school pairs tournament on Friday, Sep. 27 at Main Beach. The Tuesday match was canceled in team play, and the team will meet their league nemesis, Newport Harbor, on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at Main Beach.

GIRLS TENNIS (1-4)

Laguna lost a pair of challenging non-league matches, losing 13-5 at JSerra on Sep. 18 and by the same score to Palm Desert on Sep. 20. Rebecca MacCallum was a bright spot against JSerra, sweeping her three sets 6-0. League play opened on Sep. 26 at University and the Breakers will host Irvine on Oct. 1 and Northwood on Oct. 3.

by law (SB 1383) to separate all trash into color-coded carts to produce 3 distinct waste streams.

CART BASICS

The green organics cart is for (1) all yard trimmings except palm fronds, (2) all kitchen food scraps, including meat, fish, and coffee grounds, and (3) food-soiled paper products like soiled napkins, coffee filters and pizza boxes. Organic waste is taken to a composting facility for eventual land use.

Composting is key to reducing the production of climate-warming greenhouse gases like methane, which are generated when organics decompose anaerobically in landfills. Only residents with city-verified backyard composting are exempt from having an organics cart.

CR&R offers every residence one free 1.9-gallon countertop food scrap pail (call 949-662-3819).

The blue recyclables cart is the most complicated to explain because of the various types of materials currently

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

(3-21, 1-2)

Laguna lost three straight matches in very competitive sets.

On Sept. 18, they lost at Sage Hill 22-25, 20-25, 12-25 and Sept. 19, the team lost at Portola 25-27, 24-26, 2426. Hollie Hooper and Blake Borquist were kill leaders with 9. Holly and Savanah Farris were the dig leaders with 17.

On Sept. 24, the team lost to St. Margaret’s 12-25, 25-17, 18-25, 1025. Hollie Hooper and Blake Borquist were the kill leaders with six, while Mimi Spangler and Holly were the dig leaders with 10. Savannah Farris did the bulk of the service receive duty with a great 2.0 rating.

BOYS WATER POLO

(6-9)

Laguna began its quest for the team’s first league title since 2017 when it opened league play on Sept. 26, hosting Northwood at the Laguna Community Pool. Other upcoming league contests are at Sage Hill on Oct. 1 and at Woodbridge on Oct. 3. The Breakers will host a non-league contest with El Toro on Sept. 28 and Long Beach Wilson on Oct. 4. Scoring leaders after 15 games: 52 –

accepted at recycling facilities. Four general categories are displayed on the cart lid: (1) cardboard and paper such as mail, newspaper, magazines, and computer paper; (2) glass bottles and jars, both clear and colored; (3) aluminum and tin cans; and (4) plastic jugs and drink bottles and caps.

Though not shown on the cart lid, milk and juice cartons and their caps are also allowed, as are any jars/bottles stamped with a plastic “chasing arrows” symbol specifying the type of resin. This includes containers like mustard jars, salad boxes, and pill bottles. Styrofoam is not accepted, however.

Importantly, all recyclables should be placed loosely (unbagged) in the cart, and cardboard boxes should be flattened.

The black landfill cart is generally for everything else that does not belong in the organics or recyclables carts and is not deemed hazardous waste. As shown on the landfill cart lid, accepted items include diapers, flexible packaging like chip bags, broken glass, ceramics, pet

Dylan Willams, 41 – Max Sauers, 22 – Gavin Goode, 15 – Sam Skenderian, 12 – Dane Seybold, 12 – Lucas Rose, 10 – Zach Hornstein.

BASEBALL

Belanto Takes the Helm Ryan Belanto was recently announced as the 29th head coach for the Laguna Beach High School program after being an assistant coach last season and a school district employee since 2022. Coach Belanto steps into this role following the departure of coach Jairo Ochoa, who is leaving to focus on his family as his sons embark on their own high school athletic careers. A Cal-State Fullerton grad, Belanto began his baseball coaching career at Woodbridge High School in Irvine as JV head coach and varsity assistant. He later secured his first teaching position at University High School, also in Irvine, where he served as a varsity assistant coach. In 2018, Coach Belanto was hired as the varsity head coach at West Covina High School, where he taught and coached for four years. As a former player at Capistrano Valley High School and Saddleback

waste, styrofoam and all plastic bags and films. Waxed paper, mirrors, and cat litter also belong there.

Appropriate diversion of organics and recyclables is critical to preserving landfill space in Orange County.

AVOID THESE COMMON MISTAKES

Under environmental law, household hazardous waste items—including all electronic waste, discarded pharmaceuticals, pesticides, motor oil, lighter fluid, house paint, and household cleaning products—require special disposal. Orange County’s four hazardous waste collection sites are free and open year-round.

Batteries of all kinds are hazardous waste, too, and they should never go in any curbside cart. Laguna is no stranger to wildfires, and improperly discarded batteries can ignite and spark wildfires. Battery collection events are held at various locations (go to oclandfills.

College, he brings valuable personal playing experience that influences his coaching philosophy. Laguna’s 85th season of varsity baseball is this spring.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Local age group opportunities Laguna Coast Volleyball Club is expanding the local youth volleyball program to include boys, with legendary player Brian Lewis helping Leif Hanson with the project. Leif was the State Player of the Year in 1983 for high school indoor volleyball, while Brian Lewis had his jersey retired at Corona del Mar and was a successful beach volleyball player. Contact them at leif@lagunacoastvolleyballclub.org. Have a note on Laguna high school sports? Email Frank at frank@ twometer.net. Looking for 2024-25 High School schedules and scores? Check Laguna Beach High School on the Max Preps website or the schedules tab on the athletics website at lbhs.lbusd.org/athletics/schedules. To get scores on the school site –select the sport and level, click year and move the “show older events” toggle under the 2024-25 year.

• see MOSKO page 25

SARAH MOSKO

• CRIER

Cont. from page 4

HOTEL LAGUNA PAINTING CONTEST WITH LPAPA.

Hotel Laguna, in conjunction with LPAPA, is holding its second annual Hotel Laguna Painting Contest at Art Start on Thursday, Oct. 3. Artists painted the Hotel Laguna for consideration and nine works will be displayed for judging and purchase. The event is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hotel Laguna. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served during a live performance by saxophonist Jake Brown. Additionally, the Laguna Dance Festival will perform at 6:30 p.m. Winners will be announced at 5:30 p.m. Then, enjoy the rest of the evening at Art Walk from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit firstthursdaysartwalk.org.

SLCA CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES FORUM ON OCT. 7

Want to hear the candidates for Laguna Beach’s City Council discuss their thoughts on the issues, topics, and questions that are top of mind with South Laguna? Join the SLCA for a city council candidates forum on Monday, Oct. 7. The event will be hosted at the Laguna Beach United Methodist Church, 21632 Wesley Drive. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the forum to begin at 6 p.m.

NCC TO HOST COMMUNITY MEETING FOR PROPOSED AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND SPIRITUAL CENTER DEVELOPMENT

The Neighborhood Congregational Church (NCC) will hold a community meeting on Monday, Oct. 7, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Top of the World Elementary School Multipurpose Room, 21601 Treetop Lane, Laguna Beach, to present preliminary development plans for the proposed affordable housing and spiritual center. NCC is exploring how to use its property at 340 St. Ann’s Drive for affordable housing and has partnered with Related California, a housing developer that previously developed an affordable housing community in Laguna Beach known as Alice Court, located at 450 Glenneyre Street. There will also be a virtual media briefing on Monday, Oct. 7, from 2 to 3 p.m., during which representatives of Neighborhood Congregational Church, Related California and KTGY architects will share the same

presentation they will give at the community meeting and answer media questions.

Representatives of Neighborhood Congregational Church, Related California and KTGY architects will present, followed by facilitated questions and answers and viewing of preliminary plans. For more information about the proposed development, visit nccproject.org.

LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL FORUM IN THE LBHS ARTIST’S THEATER

On Oct. 1, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., The LBHS Model United Nations program will host a Laguna Beach City Council Forum in the LBHS Artist’s Theater. The forum will feature city council candidates Bob Whalen, Judie Mancuso, Hallie Jones, and George Weiss, who will be discussing their visions for the future of Laguna Beach. Model UN Secretary-Generals Carter McKinzie and Lili Bazargan will moderate. There are no tickets for the forum, and RSVP is not needed. At the start of the forum, there will be a QR code to submit questions, and the moderators will choose a few alongside their own pre-written questions.

SOUTH LAGUNA COMMUNITY GARDEN PARK FALL FESTIVAL

The South Laguna Community Garden Park will host its 15th annual Fall Festival and Potluck this Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. The public is invited to enjoy live music by the popular “Garden Band” while tasting healthy garden-inspired dishes with friends and neighbors. Kids are welcome, and there will be a fun fall craft. Please bring a dish to share with 10 people. This is a zero waste event. The Garden is located at 31610 Coast Highway in Laguna Beach on Coast Highway at Eagle Rock Way. For more information, contact Gardenpark@southlaguna.org.

GRANDPARENTS’ HIKE THIS WEEKEND

Laguna Canyon Foundation (LCF) is partnering with Susi Q to offer a series of presentations on the wonders of Laguna’s wilderness areas – as well as to encourage older adults of every fitness level to join both gentle and more challenging hikes.

On Sunday Sept. 29, from 8:30 to 11 a.m., LCF’s Volunteer Coordinator

Emma van der Veen will lead a Grandparents’ Hike (grandchildren optional!) at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Older adults who would like to learn more about hiking opportunities or who have never hiked before are welcome to attend.

“This will be a family-friendly,2.5-mile hike to Barbara’s Lake over mostly flat terrain,” said van der Veen. “Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the South Coast Wilderness, its native plants and animals, and experience the

joys of bonding across generations.” Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Location: James Dilley Greenbelt Preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection. To sign up for the hike, visit lagunacanyon.org/event/grandparentshike/. The Susi Q is located at 380 Third Street. For more information, visit thesusiq.org.

BY GENE FELDER

Bond Measures Have Been Crucial for Laguna Beach

Have you heard of California Proposition 4, the Parks, Environment, Energy, and Water Bond Measure (2024)? I encourage all voters to support it.

I have been a board member of the Laguna Canyon Conservancy (LCC) for 35 years, and the LCC Board has voted to endorse Proposition 4. The LCC has supported the preservation of Laguna Canyon since 1988 was the lead sponsor of the Nov. 11, 1989 Walk in the Canyon, and has helped to place and pass State bond measures on the state ballot. The Laguna Greenbelt and the creation of the wilderness parks benefitted greatly from past California State bond measures.

In 1988, voters passed Proposition 70, including $10 million to the city of Laguna Beach to expand the Laguna Greenbelt. Money was used for the Laguna Canyon purchase and for the Carma-Sandling property, now the “Laguna Heights” portion of the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. The city purchased 471 acres for $4 million.

In 1990, almost 80% of Laguna Beach voters increased their property taxes, approving Proposition H, which provided a $20 million bond for land purchase in Laguna Canyon from the Irvine Company.

The LCC, along with Village Laguna and the Laguna Greenbelt, Inc., participated in the formation of the Laguna Canyon Foundation in 1990. The Laguna Canyon Foundation had the task of finding the money to complete the Laurel Canyon purchase from the Irvine Company and then negotiating to spend California Proposition 12 money to buy lots to fill the Laguna Greenbelt.

Proposition 12 was passed in 2000, the “California Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, and Coastal Protection Bond Act,” which provides $12.5 million for the city to purchase land for the South Coast Wilderness system.

Thanks to the work of Derek Ostensen and Scott Ferguson of the

Laguna Canyon Foundation, city purchases included Trinity 36-acre parcel, Wainwright 32-acre parcel, Decker 11.43-acre parcel, Haun 10.45acre parcel, Jaysu 27.92-acre parcel, Stonefield 50.37-acre parcel, Chao 58.4- acre parcel, SBD 10.38-acres, Bunn-Moore 4.5-acre parcel, McGraw 1.99-acre parcel, and the McGehee 56.25-acre parcel. Quite amazing work! The city then leased the parcels to the County of Orange for management as part of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

Bond measures have been very good to Laguna Beach. They do not come along that often. The 2024 Proposition 4 “Parks, Environment, Energy, and Water Bond Measure” is another opportunity for Laguna Beach. Please vote for it.

Longtime president of the Laguna Greenbelt, Elisabeth Brown, recently passed, had voiced concerns about the genetic health of the wildlife in the South Coast Wilderness system and the need for an animal corridor to and from the Cleveland National Forest in inland Orange County. See extensive information at lagunagreenbelt.org online for the Irvine-Laguna Wildlife Corridor and wildlifecorridor.org.

Proposition 4 provides $180 million for wildlife crossings. Also, critically important for Laguna Beach is $3.8 billion for drought, flood, and water supply, $1.5 billion for forest health and wildlife, $1.2 billion for sea-level rise and coastal areas, $1.2 billion for land conservation and habitat restoration, $700 million for parks, and $450 million for extreme heat. Also, $300 million for farms and agriculture.

Laguna Beach may be able to secure funding through grants from this pool of money to address needs, including: Investing in proven strategies to detect, prevent, and reduce the intensity and spread of fires; Protecting communities by creating natural breaks and removing burnable brush around populated areas; Improving early detection and disaster response, deploying detection and early warning systems; Enhancing safety by upgrading available firefighting equipment, emergency communications, evacuation routes, and shelter availability; Preserves open spaces, forests, and our coastline for

this and future generations; Improves and restores natural areas to improve habitats and protect wildlife; Prepares communities for extreme heat, with investments to plant more trees for shade, creating more green space, and building community cooling centers.

If Proposition 4 passes, Laguna Beach could be very busy writing grant requests for fuel modification, fires detecting cameras, better emergency communication and other equipment.

More information about LCC can be found at LagunaCanyonConservancy. org, where past programs can be

viewed under the “Programs” tab. The LCC is a nonprofit organization, however, donations are generally not tax deductible. Since we take positions on public policy issues, the LCC is not a 501 (c) 3 organization but rather a 501 (c) 4.

Gene is the Host of KXFM’s “Village Laguna Hour,” Treasurer of the Laguna Canyon Conservancy, President of the Top of the World Neighborhood Association, Treasurer of Laguna Residents First, and serves as an alternate on the Coastal Greenbelt Authority.

My Political Mentor, Part 1

I first met my political mentor, Dick O’Neill, in 1970 when I worked as the Student Coordinator for the John Tunney (d. Ca.) US Senatorial campaign. Our offices were on mid-Wilshire in an old furniture showroom and consisted of the upper Mezz where the Big Wigs worked, and the ground floor where the drones like me worked.

The drones’ job was to call potential voters (landlines then) from a preprepared list with a script advocating Tunney, and my job was to go get those drones, mostly local students, to do so. Making the calls sometimes was interesting if you got an eccentric, but it was mostly boring. But it was nothing compared to walking precincts because (pre-air quality laws) the afternoon smog turned a thick orange-brown color and made me nauseous.

I noticed Dick because he often came and was fawned over by the Mezz Big Wigs, which meant he was a major donor, but afterward, he did something no other major donor did: made phone calls and walked the precinct - and if he did it, students would too.

Dick was a big man with big bones, big muscles, wide shoulders, and

particularly big and strong hands; I wasn’t surprised to learn he was an ace pitcher for his college baseball team. He did not walk so much as he shambled, thick graying hair askew, pants held up by suspenders, an old (usually stained) dress shirt with one flap untucked, and his most marked characteristics: a big booming laugh, infectious, and his whole body shaking, his eyes squeezed and hands moving to the merriment of it.

After the campaign ended with a Tunney win, I didn’t see Dick again for about a decade while I finished school, worked on Wall Street and moved to NYC. When I returned, I quickly again involved in democratic politics and discovered that Dick and his sister had inherited the vast Rancho Mission Viejo, whose land holdings (except for the beach cities and Capistrano) stretched from Mission Viejo down throughout all southern Orange County, then swept around the backside of Cleveland National Forest, and thence to Oceanside. During WWII, the southern lands were nationalized by the US for Camp Pendleton, and Dick’s childhood home and Ranch headquarters became the Base Commander’s home.

And every year, Dick and his sister

• see RAY page 25

MICHAEL RAY

GUEST OPINION: MUSINGS FROM THE COAST BY MICHAEL RAY

Butler, Hagen Named Semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program

BY LB INDY STAFF

Laguna Beach High School seniors

Frederic Butler and Lyric Hagen have been named semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). They now have the opportunity to continue competing for 6,870 National Merit Scholarships, collectively worth nearly $26 million, which will be awarded in the spring of 2025.

“We are always proud to see the amazing accomplishments of our students, and being named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists is no small feat, placing them among the top academic scholars in the nation,” said LBHS Principal Jason Allemann. “This achievement is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the support of our school community. We congratulate these exceptional students and look forward to their continued success.”

To progress to the finalist level, semifinalists complete several requirements, including submitting a detailed scholarship application and demonstrating high academic performance. In collaboration with a high school official, they must provide

information on their academic records, school and community involvement, leadership abilities, honors, and awards received, along with an essay and verified SAT or ACT scores. While SAT and ACT scores are not required for admission to public universities in California (UCs and CSUs), these tests may still be optional or needed for private universities and out-of-state institutions.

Over 1.3 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in the state.

National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists will be notified of their finalist status in February 2025. All National Merit Scholarship winners, announced beginning in April, will be selected from this group of finalists. Merit Scholar designees are chosen based on their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

From left to right: Frederic Butler, Principal Jason Allemann and Lyric Hagen. Butler and Hagen have made it to the semifinals of the National Merit Scholarship program. Photo courtesy of LBUSD

Love Laguna Beach’s Third Annual City-Wide Service Day Takes Place October 5

BY LB INDY STAFF

Love Laguna Beach is an example of what happens when an entire community comes together to help one another through volunteer service projects: non-profits, faithbased communities, organizations, city government, service groups and schools. This year’s city-wide volunteer day kicks off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 5 at Susi Q Community Center, where coffee and refreshments will be served while volunteers meet their service teams. Volunteers will then depart to work on projects throughout Laguna Beach from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Inspired by Love Our Cities and in partnership with this national organization, Love Laguna Beach is now in its third year of serving the community of Laguna Beach. Love Our Cities, which originated in Modesto, has grown into a world-wide, inter-generational movement in which 272,000 people have generously donated over 1.2 million hours of volunteerism. Through Love Laguna Beach, volunteers of all ages who want to make a difference in the city can work alongside one another to make their community better. As an example, it is truly inspiring to see so many of our students from Laguna Beach High

School get excited to participate in and develop projects of their own. Over 200 volunteers in total worked on 13 service projects in 2023.

Volunteers will have an opportunity to work together on numerous service projects throughout Laguna Beach. The following projects represent just a few examples of the many ways in which we can collectively make a positive contribution in our city: public garden beautifications; beach cleanups; assembling Halloween treat bags and sorting food donations for Laguna Food Pantry; Boys and Girls Club refurbishments; preparing and serving brunch at the Friendship Shelter; serving our local Youth Shelter; beautification of the Laguna Day Worker Center; and a creative project at Glenwood.

“In meeting the specific needs of our city with this type of communityminded approach, Love Laguna Beach has become a catalyst to connect members of our community with opportunities to serve together side by side with other individuals focused on making a significant impact. This generates additional civic pride and a collective sense of purpose,” said Gail Onodera, event chairperson for the third consecutive year. “There is no

• LBHS Cont. from page 18

Hekma adds, “I remember looking anxiously at the announcement order of scholarships the entire night of the distribution, and when my name was called, it felt unreal to be walking up to claim it. That moment was also special because I could share it with my good friend and bandmate, Eli Furar, who had applied and won the scholarship for music composition.”

Fellow bandmate and scholarship recipient Elijah James Furar said, “At college, I plan to dive deep into the intricacies of the music industry by majoring in music business. Creating music is my passion, and I’m eager to explore various paths within the industry, whether as an artist, music supervisor, record producer, or songwriter. The support from the Festival of Arts scholarship will be instrumental in helping me advance my education and pursue my dream of building a successful career in the music industry.”

other event like this in Laguna Beach that so passionately illustrates the love we have for our city and people. Love Laguna Beach brings people together to connect, participate, give of their time, and serve this place that we are so fortunate to call home.

Love Laguna Beach has provided such a great way for younger citizens to develop strong, community-wide connections at an early age that will hopefully instill in them a desire to give back to their community in the future. It is also a way that Laguna Beach residents of all ages can connect with City of Laguna Beach government leaders and those who protect our beautiful city, such as the Laguna Beach Police Department. We couldn’t be more pleased or more grateful for the selfless participation of all those involved, including faithbased organizations, the Laguna Beach Rotary Club, Sally’s Fund and KXFM for helping us to once more make this day a tremendous success.”

New projects are being added each week. Visit lovelagunabeach.org, where you can learn more about the projects and register to volunteer.

For more information, contact gonodera@lagunaprechurch.org.

Since 1957, the Festival of Arts scholarship program has supported the growth of young artists, making it possible for students to pursue college studies in the arts. The highly competitive scholarships are awarded in four categories: film, performing arts (dance, music, and theater arts), visual arts, and writing. Students may apply for multiple categories but will only be awarded one scholarship. The Festival of Arts Scholarship Committee is chaired by Pat Kollenda with members Wayne Baglin, John Connolly, Jacquie Moffett and Jeff Rovner.

“We are thrilled to support these talented young artists as they embark on their college careers,” said Pat Kollenda, Festival of Arts board secretary and scholarship chair. “The passion, creativity, and dedication shown by all applicants was truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing how these students will continue to shape the future of the arts.”

Applications for the 2025 scholarships will open in early March for all high school seniors residing in Laguna Beach. For more details, visit the Festival’s website at FestivalofArts. org, contact Stephanie Plageman at (949) 464-4201 or email scholarships@ foapom.com.

The Festival of Arts is a nonprofit organization that produces the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters.

Clockwise: Clockwise from left: Cat adoption for Catmosphere at the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter; Beautification at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Laguna Beach; Youth volunteers paint the Waymakers Youth Shelter in Laguna Beach last year. Photos/Jayme Maxwell

• RAY

Cont. from page 22

were on the Forbes 400 list of the richest Americans.

I found out about Dick when I met Frank Barbaro, chairman of the OC Democratic Party, and learned Dick, Frank, and another guy, Howard Adler, in 1978-79, had run a Democratic Registration drive resulting in a tiny Dem County voter edge, which became a short-lasted string on Dem victories. This, of course, scared Republicans, who soon mounted vastly superior resources to retake the lead and surge way ahead. Within another few years, there were zero elected Democrats to partisan seats (nine) in the county.

It was with this background that Dick and Howard Adler decided to act. They created a Democratic money-support club and picked two young, ambitious guys to run it: Laguna’s very own David Stein and me, who oozed charisma. The club was named the Democratic Foundation of Orange County. It had two classes of membership: $1,000 per year for regular membership, and if you couldn’t afford that, $100 for associate membership. Within a year, there were about 120 regular members and about the same associates.

But who would join, and how did we accomplish it? Alas, I’ve run out of space for this column and must continue in a future one; but I will tell you the answer: Dick made it happen, and the first win was in 1992.

Michael co-founded Orange County School of the Arts, The Discovery Cube, Sage Hill School, Art Spaces Irvine and several other area nonprofit organizations. He is a business partner with Sanderson-J. Ray Development and has lived in Laguna Beach since the early 1980s.

• MOSKO

Cont. from page 20

com/hazardous-waste to learn where and when).

Plastic bags and plastic films of all types belong in the landfill cart, never in with recyclables or organics.

Recyclables and organics items should not be disposed of in plastic bags. The only exception is that bpicertified compostable bags, which are handy for lining your countertop food scraps pail, are accepted in the organics cart.

Landfill cart items include styrofoam

(expanded polystyrene), dog waste (even in compostable plastic bags), and miscellaneous plastic household items such as children’s toys, PVC piping, and plastic cutlery.

Because palm fronds are too fibrous, they also go in the landfill cart, not in with organics.

BILLING

Single-family property owners are charged quarterly for the minimum 3 carts, with additional fees for extra carts. Multi-family property owners, where carts are shared among multiple residences within a property, are billed at different rates. See CR&R’s Laguna Beach website for specifics on cart size options, charges, and how to pay your bill.

AVOID MISUSE PENALTIES

You can be fined for leaving discarded items outside your carts or overfilling carts so the lids do not close. After two courtesy warnings, CR&R will fine violators $39.34 per violation. Stay tuned for my next column to learn about special pickup services CR&R provides, including large bulky items, sharp objects like needles, holiday greenery and clothing/textiles for recycling. Temporary dumpsters for construction and cleanup projects are offered, too. CR&R also schedules special events for paper shredding, household hazardous waste collection and compost giveaways.

Sarah Mosko is an environmental journalist and psychologist living in Laguna Beach with a background in basic science research. She is passionate about caring for the environment and writes about contemporary environmental problems and solutions.

• DRONE

Cont. from page 3

Whalen recommended strategically timing the fireworks to mitigate smoke buildup, which was a recurring issue for the display in addition to working with the larger hotels in the area to feature smaller versions of the drone show up and down the coast.

“If you want to try to make everyone happy, we got an interesting suggestion [via email] to have the drone show but have the fireworks finale...” said Bob Whalen. “I think it’s worth exploring with the hotels, whether they would want to do it.”

9/27 @ 9:00 PM TIJUANA DOGS

9/28 @ 9:00 PM WEEZER TRIBUTE BY GEEZER

9/29 @ 12:30 PM TOM DANTE QUARTET JAZZ BRUNCH

9/29 @ 5:30 PM EINSTEIN BROWN FREE SHOW 9/29 @ 7:30 PM ERROL BONNICK AND THE LIONZ REGGAE

10/02 @ 7:30 PM ADELAIDE PILAR LATIN NIGHT

10/03 @ 7:30 PM KOKO & FRIENDS FEAT. BLONDIE CHAPLIN

10/04 @ 9:00 PM DONNA SUMMERS TRIBUTE BY ENDLESS SUMMERS

10/06 @ 12:30 PM THE SUNDAY GOSPEL BAND JAZZ BRUNCH

10/07 @ 7:30 PM 133 BAND FREE SHOW

10/09 @ 7:30 PM ADELAIDE PILAR LATIN NIGHT

10/10 @ 7:30 PM KOKO & FRIENDS FEAT. BLONDIE CHAPLIN

10/11 @ 9:00 PM 90'S ROCKSHOW

10/12 @ 9:00 PM AMY WINEHOUSE TRIBUTE BY MISSUS JONES

10/13 @ 12:30 PM TOM DANTE QUARTET JAZZ BRUNCH

10/16 @ 7:30 PM ADELAIDE PILAR LATIN NIGHT

• FRIED

Cont. from page 15

when music lifts you up and away to the transcendent, rarified air of the heavens. Of knowing that whatever madness has crept into our world, at this moment, everything was perfect and beautiful and exultant.

And that is the gift of music, undoubtedly man’s greatest invention. And it reminds me yet again why I got involved in our little radio station: because so many people dedicate their time to offering the gift of music to you. Besides the block of new community shows on weekday afternoons, the bulk of our programming is beautiful, eclectic music. Please take a listen. I promise you will be surprised and delighted by the wide range of genres being curated for your pleasure: bluegrass, Americana, Hawaiian, electronic, reggae, funk, blues, jazz, rock, Latin, African and even Canadian. There’s so much — over 50 shows dedicated to music. Not many towns, large or small, can boast such an ambitious lineup. Kick back and let us know you’re listening. It will make sitting in traffic so much easier. Call in. Say hello, or become a member and let’s nurture this special gift we can leave to future generations—the gift of music.

Billy is the executive director of KXFM radio and the chief paddling officer at La Vida Laguna adventure sports company. He can be reached at billy@kxfmradio.org.

• STREET BEAT

Cont. from page 9

Trotter-Parker, 43, of Laguna Beach, was arrested on suspicion of failing to register a sex offender with a prior felony. His bail was set at $20,000.

MONDAY, SEPT. 23

Bench warrant. Benjamin James Clark, 62, was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant. His bail was set at $2,500.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 24

Trespassing. Oscar Pavon Flores, 57, of Laguna Beach, was arrested on suspicion of trespassing. His bail was set at $500.

Outside jurisdiction bench warrant. Christopher Aaron Nelson, 19, was arrested on suspicion of an outside jurisdiction bench warrant. His bail was set at $150,000.

Bench warrant. Marcus Robles, 26, was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant outside of jurisdiction, refusing to present a driver’s license to an officer and giving false identification to specific peace officers. He was held without bail.

Possessing a controlled substance, bench warrant. Mya Raelene Montgomery Pettigrew, 21, of Laguna Beach, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance and having an outstanding bench warrant. His bail was set at $10,000.

Bench warrant. Anthony Domingo Medina, 41, of Laguna Beach, was arrested on suspicion of an outstanding bench warrant and possessing a controlled substance, a controlled substance without prescription and paraphernalia. His bail was set at $6,500.

DUI, contempt of court. Joseph Jihoon Kim, 21, of Laguna Beach, was arrested on suspicion of driving drunk with a suspended license and disobeying a court order. His bail was set at $15,500.

• LETTERS

Cont. from page 19

the public. Their failure to report independent expenditures on public reports is a serious transgression that deprives voters of essential insights into the influences shaping their election decisions.

The implications of these violations are profound. By concealing the identities behind independent expenditures,Village Laguna has eroded the electorate’s trust and compromised the integrity of our democratic system. The FPPC’s decisive action reaffirms its commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and transparency in our electoral system.

I commend the FPPC for its unwavering dedication to justice and accountability. This penalty serves as a necessary reminder to all organizations engaged in political activities that transparency is non-negotiable, and violations will be met with severe consequences.

As a community, we must remain vigilant and steadfast in demanding accountability from all organizations seeking to influence our democratic processes. The actions of Village

Laguna serve as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the principles of transparency and integrity in our civic engagement. You can read more about it at fppc.co.gov.

Sam Goldstein, Laguna Beach, founding member of Liberate Laguna

LOOKING FOR SUGGESTIONS

I read with interest Jim Danziger’s opinion regarding an increase in revenue for Laguna Beach. His suggestion that we tax everyone is hardly novel, but the innovation of grossly increasing our restaurateurs’ licensing fee to get the revenue and hoping they can charge enough to us so that they are reimbursed is innovative. Of course, he references the best data he could find, which in Trumpian fashion is obscure, but from this speculation comes the pronouncement that restaurateurs would suffer minimally. He does acknowledge that residents would pay and that someday trippers would pay nothing. I suggest that day trippers would pay minimally beyond the summer months, and we would pay more all the time.

This begs several questions. Given the increased costs to restaurants in employment and supplies, is it proper to raise their costs even more? How much more are the residents willing to pay to eat out? And how about this: the Laguna Beach City Budget in 2004 was $49 million; this year, it is $147 million. Does anyone have suggestions?

David S. Watkins, Laguna Beach

• CRIER

Cont. from page 21

ROTARY CLUB OF LAGUNA BEACH ADDS OKTOBERFEST TO POPULAR CLASSIC CAR SHOW

The Rotary Club’s annual classic car show will now include an Oktoberfest

celebration. Scheduled for This year’s event will be held on Sunday, Oct. 6. It will feature a traditional biergarten offering bratwurst, pretzels and live German music. Entertainment will be provided by the Bluebirds, a fivepiece German Oktoberfest band known for performances at venues like Old World in Huntington Beach. Attendees will have the chance to bid on an original painting by local artist Tom Swimm and participate in raffles for various prizes, including a two-night stay at The Ranch and a single-night stay at another local venue. In addition to medals for each car classification, the Rotary Club will present awards for Best in Show, People’s Choice, and the Mayor’s Award. The Mayor’s Award will be personally selected and presented by Laguna Beach Mayor Sue Kempf. Admission tickets are available for purchase in advance at lagunabeachcarshow.com or at the door.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC WORKSHOP ON OCT. 1

The city manager, community development director, and the city attorney’s office will hold a public workshop on Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the City Council Chambers to present updates and gather feedback on ongoing efforts to enhance the community development process, with emphasis on planning. Architects, designers, applicants, and community members are invited and encouraged to participate. Discussion points will include backlog reduction strategies, process improvements for the future, design review, code modifications, and historic property considerations.