LBM117_AUG.23

SHAPING SURF CULTURE

Coastal Gems

BY WAY OF THE JOHN STANALAND GROUP

2665 Victoria Drive Victoria Beach, Laguna Beach

$28,000,000

5 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHROOMS, 2 POWDER ROOMS APPROXIMATELY 5,342 SQUARE FEET OF LIVING AREA, APPROXIMATELY 6,020 SQUARE FOOT LOT

An oceanfront Mark Singer A.I.A.—designed residence with expansive coastline and Catalina Island views set atop a bluff in Victoria Beach, one of the most desirable enclaves of Southern California. Sited with an intention to fully capture the endless Pacific vistas, this contemporary five-bedroom offering spans approximately 5,342 square feet of living area and multiple outdoor spaces. Featuring the highest-end elements, including steel, poured concrete, and natural stone, this dramatic modern home features an elevator, smart home automation, and a two-car garage. An iconic yet convenient location within Laguna Beach with the city’s restaurants, boutiques, and world-class beaches just a stone’s throw away.

WEB# LG23129730

$35,000,000

9 BEDROOMS,

$10,995,000

7 BEDROOMS, 9 BATHROOMS Web# LG23132068

$9,495,000

5 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHROOMS Web# LG23069173

$5,899,000

$5,495,000

TODD DAVIS

–

Leah J. Laguna Beach

Contents features

Take your artistic talents to the next level this summer. By TANYA A. YACINA 48

ON DISPLAY TAPPING INTO CREATIVITY

Fresh approaches to art can be found weaved in with well-known works at these recently opened galleries. By STEFANEE FREEDMAN

62 PAINTING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Fine artist Ben Young merges creative inspiration with environmental stewardship. By ASHLEY PROBST

DINE & UNWIND AT MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANT — VALLE

Book a two-night stay and receive a $75 food and beverage credit nightly! Experience MICHELIN Star restaurant Valle and discover flavors of the Guadalupe Valley fused with the finest California ingredients. Valle features Chef Roberto Alcocer’s seasonal eight course tasting menu paired with the best of Valle’s robust wine collection.

Contents features / departments

FEATURES

SHAPING SURF CULTURE

Dick Metz spent plenty of time in Hawaii, riding the waves with locals, opening Hobie Surf Shops and starting his own surfwear brand before coming home and eventually founding a museum to preserve the sport’s history.

By SHARON STELLO

GOING GREEN

Refill shops and an eco-friendly packaging showroom have popped up in Laguna as more people seek to embrace sustainable living.

By SHARON STELLO

TRAVEL: AWEINSPIRING ALASKA

Cruise along the coast of the 49th state, teeming with wildlife and stunning landscapes, for an adventure to remember.

By SHARON STELLO

REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE

Tour some of Laguna’s top homes currently on the market.

TASTE OF THE TOWN

Explore this restaurant resource for dining out in Laguna Beach.

Around Town

A look at the latest happenings around Laguna

Community Groove for Good; Three Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic; SeaChange Summer Party; Pet Parade & Chili Cook-Off

28

Fabric of the Community: Gaining Independence

Local nonprofit Glennwood Housing Foundation sets up developmentally challenged residents for success with its communal home in town.

Active: Raising the Barre Michelle Anderson, owner of Laguna Barre, explains why these specialized workouts have taken the fitness world by storm and what to expect when you visit her new studio.

32

W&D: Berry Tasty

Enjoy the flavors of summer with these local dishes, all of which are ripe with vibrant fruit that’s so bountiful this season.

Q&A: A Creative Collective Robert “Bob” Ross, the newly appointed president of Laguna Art-A-Fair, talks about his passion for collaboration and his vision for the festival’s future. 82

Last Impressions: 10 Minutes With … Steve and Embry Munsey

The owners of Jedidiah Coffee talk about their soon-to-open cafe, the meaning behind their business name and what they love about Laguna.

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER

Steve Zepezauer GROUP EDITOR

Sharon Stello

sharon@firebrandmediainc.com

MANAGING EDITORS

Justine Amodeo, Ashley Ryan

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jessie Dax-Setkus, Stefanee Freedman, Ashley Probst, Tanya A. Yacina

DESIGN CREATIVE DESIGN DIRECTOR

Tracy Powell

DIGITAL MEDIA CONTENT WRANGLER

Kim Zepezauer

Magazine

SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Julie Coleman

julie@firebrandmediainc.com

Carol Josepher

carol@firebrandmediainc.com

Dawn Lindeman

dawn@firebrandmediainc.com

Chris Mattingley

chrism@firebrandmediainc.com

PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER

Tina Leydecker

CORPORATE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & FOUNDER

Steve Zepezauer

PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING

Scott Sanchez

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Tiffany Thompson

CREATIVE & MARKETING DIRECTOR

Tracy Powell

PUBLISHED BY

TO OUR READERS: Laguna Beach Magazine invites you to share your reactions to our latest stories. Send your correspondence to Editor, Laguna Beach Magazine, 900 Glenneyre St., Ste. B, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, or to edit@lagunabeachmagazine.com. The magazine accepts freelance contributions; however, unsolicited materials cannot be returned, and Laguna Beach Magazine accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to unsolicited materials.

ADVERTISERS: For inquiries, please contact Scott Sanchez at scott@firebrandmediainc.com. Laguna Beach Magazine, 900 Glenneyre St., Ste. B, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 | 949-715-4100 | lagunabeachmagazine.com

©2023 BY FIREBRAND MEDIA LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from Laguna Beach Magazine. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of the magazine.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Laguna Beach Magazine is published eight times a year. One year’s subscription in the U.S. is $28.95; $57.95 per year outside the U.S. To subscribe, please call 949-715-4100 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST).

A big thank you to all of our advertisers. Please support their businesses whenever possible!

A Perfect Fit

Berkshire Hathaway - Kendall Clark

Berkshire Hathaway - Mohammad Noorzay

Berkshire Hathaway - Shauna Covington

Chef Masters

City of Hope Orange County

Coldwell Banker - Ballesteros Group

Compass - Carter Kaufman

Compass - Jim Ardery/Geoff Dunlevie

Compmass - Todd Davis

Correct Choice Dental Implant Center

Crown Reconstruction Services Inc.

Douglas Elliman - John Stanaland

Festival of Arts

Fredric H. Rubel Jewelers

GG’s Bistro

huit

Julie Laughton Design Build

Kase Real Estate - Keven Stirdivant

Laguna Coffee Co.

Laguna Playhouse

Livel Real Estate

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa

Perspire Sauna Studio Dana Point

Recherché Rugs and Home Décor

Red Dragon

Roger’s Gardens

SchoolPower

Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa

Surterre Properties - The Horton Team

The Blend

The Butterfly Man

The Ranch at Laguna Beach

The Seabird Resort

The Vault Men/Women and Laguna Active Wear

Wine Craft

Watch Art Come to Life in Laguna Beach.

This iconic, long-running Orange County tradition combines artfully costumed people, extravagant sets and theatrical illusion to re-create famous works of art on stage. Prepare yourselves for an inspirational adventure that acknowledges the deep connections and memorable stories of artists assisting one another throughout the world and throughout history in this summer’s production, “Art Colony: In the Company of Artist.”

A Community of Creativity

From viewing impressive artwork to trying your own hand at making a masterpiece, Laguna Beach is filled with inspiration. Three summer art festivals continue until the first days of September, with art classes offered year-round in mediums from painting to ceramics and a long list of local galleries filled with exhibits to peruse.

In this issue of Laguna Beach Magazine, we pay tribute to the local arts scene. Learn about some of the new art galleries that have opened in the past year, from one showcasing street art—including a painting embraced by Banksy—to an immersive, completely red space and another featuring artwork on pieces of the old Hollywood sign, among other works (page 52). Then, find out where to exercise your creativity in town, with classes offered at the festivals, through the city, at a local ceramics studio and even a venue that blends both a wine bar and crafting venue (page 48).

We also highlight the work of local fine artist Ben Young who makes sustainability a priority. Not only does he upcycle old paintings from Goodwill thrift stores—covering them with a layer of gesso to reuse the canvas—but he also utilizes a local brand of paint, Tomorrow’s Artist by Encore Artistic Solutions, which gives new life to discarded architectural paint. Read more about his work in “Painting a Sustainable Future” on page 62.

Another environmental effort in town is highlighted in “Going Green,” which explores a local showroom with alternatives to plastic shipping solutions plus two refill shops that have opened in town—customers pump bath and home products like soap and detergent into reusable containers to reduce a reliance on single-use plastics (page 42).

And that’s just a few of the articles in this jampacked issue. In these pages, we hope you find inspiration for the rest of the summer and beyond in this creative coastal community.

Sharon Stello Group Editor sharon@firebrandmediainc.com

The Red Room Art Gallery, one of several new galleries to open in town over the last year, as highlighted in our story on page 52

Indulge your senses, unleash your creativity, and discover the hidden gems that await you at RECHERCHÉ.

AGE: EOCENE, 50 MILLION Y.O.

LOCATION: WYOMING, GREEN RIVER FORMATION

At RECHERCHÉ, we believe in the transformative power of nature’s treasures and the art of creating a sanctuary within your home. Allow us to inspire you and take a piece of tranquility and beauty with you as you explore the wonders of Laguna Beach.

Fish Fossil Mural

calendarof events

ART FESTIVALS

THROUGH SEPT. 3; LAGUNA CANYON

The summer art festivals present creative pieces in a variety of mediums and a chance to interact with the artists who made them in addition to live music, food and drink, art demonstrations, special events and lessons. Get in on the fun at Laguna Art-A-Fair and Sawdust Art Festival through Sept. 3, but don’t miss Festival of Arts and the beloved Pageant of the Masters, which wrap up Sept. 1. (Laguna Art-A-Fair: 949494-4514; art-a-fair.com) (Sawdust Art Festival: 949-494-3030; sawdustartfestival.org) (Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters: 949497-6582; foapom.com)

“JOSEPH KLEITSCH: ABROAD AND AT HOME IN OLD LAGUNA” THROUGH SEPT. 24; LAGUNA ART MUSEUM

California impressionist painter Joseph Kleitsch is on full display with this solo exhibition, which

includes more than 70 pieces crafted by the artist. The Hungarian native arrived in Laguna in the 1920s, then filling his paintings with colorful images of the town’s charming village landscapes and simultaneously creating a visual time capsule of its history. (949494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)

INTERACTIVE HEALING EVENT

AUG. 5; WOMAN’S CLUB OF LAGUNA BEACH

Nonprofit Wholehuman Collective is partnering with the local woman’s club to present a screening of the award-winning documentary “Love Heals: Using the Ancient Wisdom of Energy to Journey Within,” which follows a woman who suffers from chronic pain as she travels the world to discover the secrets of healing. Aside from the film, the event will also include a sound bath, meditation, panel discussion and more. (323-683-1003; wholehumancollective.net)

BOB MARGOLIS

GOLF TOURNAMENT

AUG. 7; ALISO VIEJO COUNTRY CLUB

The 23rd annual Bob Margolis Golf Tournament, benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, will feature a silent auction, helicopter ball drop raffle (the ball landing closest to the hole wins a prize), lunch on the golf course, contests and an awards after-party. (949-494-2535; bgclagunabeach.org)

“CARNEYMAGIC”

AUG. 10-11; LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE Magic and comedy come together in this theater production, which is led by magician John Carney, who has earned numerous awards from Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle. During the show, guests will be entertained by sleight of hand, comedic riffs, audience participation and more. (949-497-2787; lagunaplayhouse.com)

LAGUNA BEACH PRIDE

AUG. 12; LANG PARK

Celebrate the LGBTQ community with an exciting pride festival at Lang Park. Held outdoors in the sunshine with views of the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean, the event will offer food and drinks (including a full bar), a kids zone, arts and crafts vendors and a DJ plus live music and dance performances. (lagunabeachpride.org)

An interactive art project for families at Festival of Arts, one of three major summer art festivals in Laguna

Magician John Carney

From top: The Vic skimboarding competition; pirates at the Ocean Institute’s Maritime Festival in nearby Dana Point

LAGUNA BEACH FC SUMMER CLASSIC

AUG. 26-27; VARIOUS LOCATIONS

The Laguna Beach Football Club hosts its summer soccer classic this August, with matches taking place at local venues like Laguna Beach High School, Thurston Middle School and El Morro Elementary School. Boys and girls in U9 through U15 age groups are eligible to register and the winners will receive individual medals and a team trophy. (949-293-5701; lagunabeachfcsummerclassic.com)

THE VIC

AUG. 26-27; ALISO BEACH

Local shop Victoria Skimboards hosts this annual skimboarding tournament each summer, with both men’s and women’s champions being named. Awards are also given in categories such as Longest Ride, Best Rookie Pro and Most Innovative Rider, among others. Participants are judged on size of the wave, style and control, difficulty of the maneuver and more. (949-494-0059; thevic. victoriaskimboards.com)

XTERRA LAGUNA

BEACH

AUG. 27; CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK

Enjoy an epic off-road experience during this triathlon race. Participants will explore this coastal area with a series of outdoor adventures, including an ocean swim, mountain bike ride and trail run. This is a great way to get a workout while enjoying the beauty of the pristine Crystal Cove beach as well as the hills that overlook it. (310-8217898; xterralagunabeach.com)

MARITIME FESTIVAL

SEPT. 8-10; DANA POINT HARBOR

The ocean takes center stage during this annual festival, which

celebrates California’s maritime history. Visit the Ocean Institute’s tall ships, view cannon battles, watch mermaids swimming or attend pirate school in addition to enjoying things like live music, food trucks, a beer garden and local vendors. (949496-2274; oceaninstitute.org) /

EDITOR’S NOTE: EVENTS MAY CHANGE. CHECK WITH ORGANIZERS FOR UPDATES.

TO SUBMIT YOUR EVENT: edit@lagunabeachmagazine.com; If you’re on Facebook, make sure to “like” Laguna Beach Magazine, and follow @LagunaBeachMagazine on Instagram.

FIRST THURSDAYS ART WALK: SEPT. 7; VARIOUS LOCATIONS

First Thursdays Art Walk is a beloved tradition in town that encourages locals and visitors alike to view artwork and mingle at local galleries. (949-463-4800; firstthursdaysartwalk.org)

FREE YOGA IN THE PARK: Monday, Thursday and Saturday, 8 a.m.; Treasure Island Park (949-280-1822; yogainthepark. blogspot.com)

LAGUNA ART MUSEUM:

ONGOING

In addition to art exhibits, check out Laguna Art Museum’s special events, including wine tasting inspired by the still life paintings in the current Joseph Kleitsch exhibit (Aug. 5), the Cruising California summer camp for kids (Aug. 7-11), plein air-inspired dance recital “Paysages Voilés” (Aug. 12) and more. (949494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)

LAGUNA BEACH FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon; Forest Avenue and Laguna Canyon Road (ocerac.ocpublicworks.com)

LAGUNA LAUGHERS: (was a formal club through midJanuary; now an informal group) Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m.; Main Beach (lyinstitute.org)

NATURE HIKES: Various dates; Laguna Canyon Foundation (949-497-8324; lagunacanyon.org)

SAWDUST STUDIO ART CLASSES:

During the summer Sawdust Art Festival, attend complimentary art classes. Guests can attempt to master the pottery wheel to create ceramic pieces, try their hand at painting and more during festival hours. (949-494-3030; sawdustartfestival.org)

HOPE LIVES HERE: THE MOST ADVANCED CANCER CARE IN ORANGE COUNTY

City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, is turning the future of cancer care into presentday reality for patients and families in Laguna Beach and throughout the Orange County region.

“Cancer strikes so many families, and everyone needs to know that the most advanced cancer care is right here, in our community,” says Laguna Beach resident and City of Hope grateful patient Donna McNutt.

Our comprehensive network of care offers breakthrough treatments, leading-edge technology, precision medicine and more. It currently includes City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center — the most advanced comprehensive cancer center in Orange County — and our network of advanced cancer care with locations throughout the region.

The cancer center will be seamlessly connected to Orange County’s only specialty cancer hospital exclusively focused on treating and curing cancer, opening in 2025. Together, the cancer center, the regional clinics and the planned hospital will create Orange County’s largest network dedicated exclusively to cancer research, treatment and cures.

An NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, City of Hope is recognized as the one of the top ten cancer centers in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-23 Best Hospitals: Specialty Ranking. This marks the 16th consecutive year City of Hope has been distinguished as one of the nation’s elite cancer hospitals.

Renowned for a legacy of pioneering research and cancer breakthroughs, City of Hope discoveries impact 100 million people around the world each year. Each new discovery means more hope for patients and their families.

Patients at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center receive fully integrated, multidisciplinary cancer care — from prevention through survivorship — in one convenient location where every physician and staff member is solely focused on treating and curing cancer.

Our patients have access to City of Hope’s 600 cancer physicians, 1,000 researchers and scientists and more than 800 innovative Phase 1-3 clinical trials being conducted at City of Hope each year.

More cancer specialists than anyone else in Orange County. The most clinical trials in the region – more than 800 reasons for hope. From diagnosis to survival, that’s how cancer loses and life wins.

Learn how to navigate a cancer diagnosis. 888.333.HOPE (4673) | CityofHope.org/OC

REGIONAL CLINICS IN

Grateful patient Donna McNutt.

Around Town / Artful Adventures

REWARDING

RACES

Cyclist Luke Fetzer recently got his first national title—and then, he got another. The Laguna resident won top honors in the Junior Male 17-18 category for the criterium, or closed circuit race, at the 2023 USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships, held in Virginia in June. He went on to take first in the men’s 17-18 omnium—a mix of races and time trials—at the 2023 USA Cycling Junior, Elite & Para-cycling Track National Championships in nearby Carson, California, in July. “I was the favorite for both so I knew I was ready to go out to win, but that doesn’t mean it was a cake walk,” Fetzer says. “Both championships took all my strength to win, but I knew I gave it my all and I was glad to come out with a good result.” He adds that the atmosphere at the races is electric and that he loves the camaraderie and supportiveness that the participants exude. Fetzer says he’s looking ahead to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, for which he hopes to qualify. (instagram. com/sendy_mcgee) —A.R.

With summer festivals and art galleries galore, there’s no denying that the artist colony of Laguna Beach has creative adventures all around. But Loca Arts Education, a nonprofit that works to bring innovative instruction and artistic projects to local venues in town, has created a series of custom “art escapes” for adults, children and families, led by local experts and artists. Some of the offerings include walking tours of public art in Heisler Park or downtown with Mike Tauber, travel journal painting or photography with Mary Gulino, acrylic floral painting with Lisa Rainey, mint tin painting with Lisa Mansour, block printing with Reem Khalil, pastels with September McGee, monotype etching with Cynthia Fletcher and more. The website lists the location of the activity, how long the session will take and the price. Fill out an online form to request a date and time that fits your schedule, whether you live in town or are visiting on summer vacation. (949-363-4700; locaarts.org) —Ashley Ryan

Local artists offer unique experiences through Loca Arts Education’s art escapes.

Lagunan Luke Fetzer (pictured with hands up) came in first in the Junior Male 17-18 criterium at the 2023 USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships in June.

Merrik is being treated for domoic acid toxicity.

PROTECTING PINNIPEDS

Toxic algal blooms, which release a neurotoxin called domoic acid, have been creating problems for seals and sea lions—causing many to arrive as patients at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. Fish and other small marine creatures eat the algae, contaminating themselves before they’re eaten by dolphins and whales as well as pinnipeds like seals and sea lions, which are rescued and cared for by PMMC. As the toxin binds to receptors in the brain, the effects include inflammation, seizures, brain damage and more, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea, coma, memory loss, aggressive behavior or even death. Various pinniped patients have been suffering from domoic acid toxicosis since early June, with treatment requiring a high number of medications and medical supplies as well as an increased amount of food for the animals. All of this has put financial strain on the local organization, which is headquartered in Laguna Canyon. As a result, the center is seeking community donations to continue its work and keep helping these at-risk pinnipeds. (949-4943050; pacificmmc.org) —A.R.

Bridal

Sizes

New in Town

Clockwise from above: artist Emelie Richardson with woven art pieces at Folklore Studio; a handbag for sale at the Lisa Maree boutique; the interior of Recherché Rugs & Home Décor

Recherché Rugs & Home Décor opened in May at 480 Ocean Ave., offering a wide array of rugs and decor like pieces of coral as well as gem and mineral sculptures like amethyst and agate for display. When it comes to floor coverings, choose from options like heirloomworthy, hand-knotted Oushak designs, patterns influenced by Asian, Moroccan or Damask cultures and elegant Turkish-style rugs woven from handspun wool. Rug cleaning, repair and appraisal services are also offered. (949-397-4425; recherchedecor.com)

In June, Australian resort and swimwear brand Lisa Maree—a favorite of celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Amy Adams—opened a boutique at 210 N. Coast Highway. Known for its popular knitted bikinis and crocheted cover-ups, the label was established in 2009 by designer and former model Lisa Maree, who now lives in Laguna. Prioritizing sustainable practices and fair treatment of workers, the crocheted pieces are handmade and dyed by women in small, rural communities in developing countries to provide them with

economic opportunities. (lisamaree.co)

A new art gallery entered the mix this summer, too. Folklore Studio opened in early July at 1504 S. Coast Highway to “tell the stories of artists who create from a place of deep connection with the earth, using natural materials and practices that are ancient and reverent.” Owner Kelly Dye splits her time between Laguna and Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she also has a lifestyle shop called Folklore. “Woven,” the gallery’s current exhibit, running through Aug. 13, showcases contemporary textiles by Santa Fe artists inspired by “the high desert landscape and wild femininity” while celebrating northern New Mexico’s centuries-old weaving tradition. (925-408-2907; folklorestudiolaguna.com)

A new medspa, Derm Theory, also opened in July and will have a grand opening Aug. 25 with some free consultations and demonstrations. Located at 2090 S. Coast Highway, the clinic offers many of the same services as the company’s Skin Theory locations in Riverside and Corona, except it does not provide laser hair removal and other treatments involving

lasers. Operated by Drs. Kevin Do and Richard Heimann, Derm Theory offers skin tightening, noninvasive body contouring, fillers and injectables including Botox and FDA-approved, peptide-powered Daxxify, which is free from human and animal derivatives. The medspa will also offer microneedling and The Salt Facial, a three-step process incorporating sea salt to resurface the skin along with ultrasound and LED phototherapy. (949-549-4426; skintheoryinc.com) —Sharon Stello

TOP, FROM LEFT: ALEXIS AHRLING; BELLA CAMERINO

Artist Gerard Basil Stripling (above and below, middle) created the Emprise sculpture (above).

A NOVEL ADVENTURE

Laguna Beach resident and bestselling author Kaira Rouda has a new book coming out Sept. 5. “Beneath the Surface,” set during a weekend voyage, follows a family’s exploits as they grapple for a future inheritance. Aging billionaire Richard Kingsley, who controls a real estate empire, invites his sons and their wives on a trip to Catalina Island where the power-hungry children seek to gain control of their father’s empire. But the children are unprepared for a storm of deceptions as Kingsley and his newest wife view this succession as a competition. Then Kingsley’s estranged daughter, Sibley, crashes the party, adding even more drama to the mix. By the trip’s end, one will be crowned heir and one stands to lose everything. Rouda’s previous novels include “The Widow,” “Somebody’s Home,” “The Next Wife,” “The Favorite Daughter,” “Best Day Ever” and more. “Beneath the Surface” will be available at Laguna Beach Books, online and from other major book retailers. While no local book signings are currently planned, Rouda will give a talk, lead a discussion and offer writing advice at the Third Street Writers meeting on Oct. 2 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Laguna Beach Community & Susi Q Senior Center. (kairarouda.com) —S.S.

Kaira Rouda (above) is releasing a new novel in September. Titled “Beneath the Surface,” the book follows a family grappling over a forthcoming inheritance while on a trip.

RECENT LAGUNA COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN GRADUATE SOFIA PFANNER RECEIVED THE 2023 TRUSTEE CHOICE AWARD FOR HER PAINTING, “SHADOW SELF,” WHICH THE LCAD BOARD OF TRUSTEES PURCHASED FOR THE SCHOOL’S PERMANENT COLLECTION AFTER SHE COMPLETED HER BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS DEGREE IN ILLUSTRATION IN MAY. (LCAD.EDU)

Lagunan Dick Metz (above) is the subject of the documentary “Birth of The Endless Summer.”

SILVER-SCREEN SENSATION

Award-winning documentary “Birth of The Endless Summer,” directed by Laguna Beach resident Richard Yelland, made its cinematic premiere at La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas, California, on June 14, following several film festival screenings. The film follows the globe-trotting adventures of Lagunan Dick Metz from 1958 to 1961, which helped to inspire Bruce Brown’s iconic surf film, “The Endless Summer.” To make the new documentary, film crews followed Metz, now in his 90s, as he retraced his steps to Cape St. Francis in South Africa, a standout surf spot he discovered while traveling more than 50 years ago. “Birth of The Endless Summer” continues to be shown in theaters around the country this summer—possibly including some more screenings in Orange County in late August—and will be available on digital channels by this fall. (instagram.com/ birthoftheendlesssummer) —S.S. g

NEW SKATE RAMPS AT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF LAGUNA BEACH, DONATED BY THE JAFFE FAMILY FOUNDATION, WERE INSTALLED AS PART OF A PLAYGROUND RENOVATION JUST IN TIME FOR THE CENTER’S SKATE CAMP; A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY WAS HELD JULY 13 TO CELEBRATE THE NEW EQUIPMENT. (BGCLAGUNABEACH.ORG)

Instructor Eric Mickelson of U Sk8 teaches kids tricks on the new ramps during Skate Camp.

Community / Galas & Events

GROOVE FOR GOOD

Students at Anaheim schools will reap the benefits of The Drake Gives’ latest fundraiser, which raised funds for music education in collaboration with the Save the Music Foundation. Held June 6 at The Drake restaurant and music venue in south Laguna and produced by Elite OC Productions, the burgundy- and gold-themed Groove for Good started with a rooftop reception featuring a silent auction. Guests then moved inside the dining room for a three-course meal—complete with a seafood sampler, diners’ choice of a main course and a chocolate parfait for dessert, all paired with wines from Arrow&Branch (owned by Laguna residents)—prepared by chef Paul Gstrein. During dinner, a live auction led by Zack Krone was followed by live music from Chris Norton Band, Matt Von Roderick and Keith Chagall, organized by Cueva Entertainment Services. Those in attendance also heard from Christopher Downing, the Anaheim Elementary School District superintendent, as well as music teacher Phil Villalobos and Nashville musician Sean Oliu, who graduated from Anaheim High School. In total, the event raised $125,000 to empower youth through music education. (thedrakelaguna.com) —Ashley Ryan

THREE CLUBS BAREFOOT CANYON CLASSIC

Golfers left their shoes behind while raising over $65,000 for local schools during SchoolPower’s Three Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic on May 22. More than 80 participants took to the course at The Ranch at Laguna Beach during the sold-out event for a nine-hole scramble, competing in teams of four or five with only three clubs. The tournament also included additional games, like trying for a hole-in-one and a chipping contest. Following an afternoon of golf, the party continued with a tequila tasting, live music and a surf-and-turf dinner with a dessert bar. Laguna resident and SchoolPower supporter Mark Christy, who is managing partner of the event venue, also led a live auction where bidders competed for items such as a stay at The Ranch’s luxurious treehouse suite, a trip on the Napa Valley Wine Train, a custom guitar from Green Day’s Mike Dirnt, gear from Hobie Surf Shop and more. Funds raised at the event will benefit Laguna’s public campuses during the upcoming school year. (lbschoolpower.org) —A.R.

1. Alec Glasser, Paul Gstrein 2. Michael and Lauren Contursi, Seanne and Steve Contursi 3. Wendy Misner, Alec Glasser, Paula Steurer 4. Ryan Cueva, Nick Gstrein, James Cueva

1. Russell Bunim, Louis Weil, Jake Nicholl, Zach Peterson, Aidan Baigrie 2. Aaron Taub, Nick Alexander, Jeff Regal, Brett Bradshaw, Ryan Martin 3. Aaron Martinez, Mike Dirnt, Brett Hillyard, Peter Helfrich, Chris Yelich 4. Chelsea Cavigli, Jeannie Gambino, Stacy Hughes 5. Boston Titensor, Mark Christy, Jake Schwaner, Aaron Martinez, Jackson Christy, Kris Carlow, Mike Dirnt, Peter Helfrich 6. Audrey Moy, Jennifer Roop, Cherese Denny, Erin Carlton, Sarah Wolsey

SEACHANGE SUMMER PARTY

Ocean conservation is always front and center at the SeaChange Summer Party, hosted by Oceana each year to support campaigns in California and across the globe. The group raised more than $1.5 million to protect marine life, fight pollution and enhance the overall health and abundance of the ocean. The 16th annual event was held at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club on July 22, beginning with a cocktail reception and silent auction before heading into a seated dinner, live auction and musical performance by Third Eye Blind. The event was attended by several celebrities from actresses Reese Witherspoon and Sally Pressman to actor Oscar Nunez. During dinner, Oceana CEO Andrew Sharpless honored actor Morgan Freeman for his commitment to conservation. Paul Naudé, CEO of surf clothing brand Vissla and president of the Surf Industry Members Association, was also recognized as the nonprofit’s Ocean Champion of the year. Since the first event in 2008, the SeaChange Summer Party has raised over $19 million toward the group’s efforts. (seachangesummerparty.org) —A.R.

PET PARADE & CHILI COOK-OFF

After a three year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the beloved Pet Parade & Chili Cook-Off returned to Laguna Beach on June 24 with a spectacular event held at Neighborhood Congregational Church. Organized by the Laguna Real Estate Charitable Assistance Fund (LRE/CAF), local Realtors, business owners, residents and members of both the police and fire departments came together to raise funds for the Blue Bell Foundation for Cats and the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter as well as LRE/CAF. Jamie Crawford and his long-haired Chihuahua stole the show during the pet parade, winning Most Handsome Male, and he was awarded a painting from Debby Carman of the Faux Paw Artique Gallery. When it came to sampling chili, guests thought Liz Comerford of LRE/CAF had the best recipe. While she took home the main trophy, a runner-up iteration was presented to Dan Conroy of the Laguna Beach Fire Department. The event also featured face painting, local vendors, dog treats, raffle items, live entertainment and pet adoptions from rescue organizations. (lre-caf.com) —A.R. g

1. Paul Naudé 2. Mark Christy, Laura and Lou Rohl, Leticia Christy 3. Chantal LeDuc, Karen Jordan, Pam Roy 4. Ava Philippe, Reese Witherspoon 5. Greg MacGillivray, Tamar Bedolfe, Barbara MacGillivray, Beto Bedolfe 6. Andrew Sharpless, Morgan Freeman 7. Elizabeth Wahler, Valaree Wahler 8. Gabriel Sousa, Kira Cahill, Jim Simon, Karen and Bruce Cahill, Brent Cahill, Kelly Petrovich

1. The Blue Bell Foundation for Cats booth 2. The Berkshire Hathaway chef team with judge Rosemary “Rosie” Taylor (center) 3. Jamie Crawford and his dog, Prancer 4. Dan Conroy, Liz Comerford

Fabric of the Community / Glennwood House Gaining Independence

LOCAL NONPROFIT GLENNWOOD HOUSING FOUNDATION SETS UP DEVELOPMENTALLY CHALLENGED RESIDENTS FOR SUCCESS WITH ITS COMMUNAL HOME IN TOWN.

By TANYA A. YACINA

Inspired by the fact that there is a lack of affordable housing for those with special needs in Orange County, Glennwood Housing Foundation started in 2009 with the goal of providing safe, inclusive, reasonably-priced homes for those with developmental disabilities. Founder Randy Larson, who has a special needs child of his own, wanted developmentally challenged individuals to have equal opportunities for a dignified, fulfilled life.

Ten years ago, the organization opened Glennwood House of Laguna Beach and is marking the milestone this year with various events for the residents, their family members and the local community.

Glennwood will also hold a 10-year anniversary gala, with a “Casino Royale” theme, on Oct. 21 at the Festival of Arts grounds, with hundreds of guests and sponsors expected to be on-site to celebrate the residents and their accomplishments.

“The benefit of living at Glennwood is to live in a safe environment and to have access to the supports necessary to reach the goal of independence,” says Faith Manners, CEO of Glennwood House of Laguna Beach. “This looks different to each individual, and every individual has the right to seek a lifestyle … [that ensures] equity and inclusion in the community. The alternative is to remain living with family, to live in a smaller group home environment, or rent an apartment or room.”

Manners says the 46 residents who live at Glennwood House each have their own reasons for seeking an independent life. Many desire to live outside of their family home to pursue their own goals and explore their own interests, just like their

friends and family members.

Each resident has his or her own apartment in which to maintain their individual lifestyles, but Glennwood provides staffing support 24 hours per day, offering aid with meals, daily activities, transportation, medical appointments, social engagement opportunities and recreation in the community as well as helping those with an interest in employment,

education or volunteerism.

“The city of Laguna Beach has welcomed Glennwood House from the first day we opened in August 2013,” says Janet Parsons, the foundation’s director of development and housing, “and we are very excited to be part of this diverse and vibrant community, as our residents are very diverse and it really is a microcosm of the larger community.”

Glennwood House offers apartments and services for those with developmental disabilities.

LOOKING AHEAD

RESIDENTS AT GLENNWOOD HOUSE OF LAGUNA BEACH ARE PROVIDED MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN AND GROW SO THEY CAN LIVE, WORK AND THRIVE IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.

PROMISING PROGRAMMING

According to Faith Manners, CEO of Glennwood House of Laguna Beach, the communal building offers recreation and learning opportunities for residents, including cooking, arts and crafts, hiking, basketball, softball, drama and music, drumming, gardening, beach cleanups and walks on the sand as well as visits to nearby festivals and cause-related activities in the community. On-site activities are available every day while off-site excursions are offered as opportunities arise, many of which occur several times per week. As part of the group’s focus on quality of life, fulfillment and inclusion, Glennwood House residents are invited to participate in any of the activities that interest them.

BUILDING LIFE SKILLS

Residents at Glennwood House learn aspects of daily living, including budgeting and personal finance, navigating public transportation, interview skills, safe food handling, diet and nutrition and personal care activities like laundry, housekeeping and grooming/ hygiene. “Each resident has a personal plan designed to enhance the skills they already have and set benchmarks for new skills they need and wish to learn in order to live independently in a supportive environment,” Manners says. “All 46 of our residents are supported by a team of direct service professionals and a senior support coordinator who navigate growth and opportunities for each resident in consultation with their family.”

SOCIAL SCENE

Developing friendships with peers is critically important as those with disabilities often do not have the same access to socialization due to challenges with transportation, communication and ongoing social circles, Manners says. These challenges were compounded by the recent global pandemic, which further disengaged people with disabilities because of program closures, loss of jobs and volunteer opportunities, and disruption of in-person education. “The residents at Glennwood are really just like any other resident in Laguna … who seeks to live their fullest life by engaging with friends, seeking meaningful employment, and being accepted and recognized as valuable contributing members of the community,” she explains. g

A wide variety of recreational, social and educational activities are organized for residents of Glennwood House.

Active / Fitness Studio

Raising the Barre

MICHELLE ANDERSON, OWNER OF LAGUNA BARRE, EXPLAINS WHY THESE SPECIALIZED WORKOUTS HAVE TAKEN THE FITNESS WORLD BY STORM AND WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU VISIT HER NEW STUDIO.

By JESSIE DAX-SETKUS

Strength training is all the rage these days and barre studios are starting to pop up pretty much everywhere. If you were ever curious about this popular fitness trend, Laguna Barre is a great place to get started. Opened in April, it offers a welcoming setting for everyone from beginners to experts who have been mastering the workout for years. Here, Laguna Barre owner Michelle Anderson—who has been part of the fitness industry for more than 10 years—gives us a rundown of what to expect as a firsttimer of the class and why it’s one of the most fun workouts in the fitness world right now.

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE:

How did you discover barre?

MICHELLE ANDERSON: My fitness career began in 2012 by getting certified to teach hot yoga. While I loved teaching that, I found barre soon after and became certified by a professional ballerina, in a barre method with a very strong focus on form, posture, safety and isolated movements. This aligned perfectly with my competitive dance training. Barre became my passion, not only to teach but to do. I truly enjoy sharing my love for barre with others.

LBM: Can you describe what a barre class is?

MA: Laguna Barre is a combination of ballet, Pilates and yoga. … We use different techniques

that come from the ballet world, in addition to our extreme focus on form and posture, making sure you safely execute each move. I always say the Laguna Barre method is a 60-minute abdominal and posture class, along with working the rest of the body. That’s where Pilates comes into play—we’re always concentrating on keeping the abdominals engaged and elongating the body through each exercise. With all of that, it’s important to remember to breathe. Breathwork

through[out] class is what makes movements more fluid and brings your focus to the exercise.

LBM: What kind of workout does a class provide?

MA: You will get a full-body workout from Laguna Barre. We use a variety of props and will work with high repetitions until [you reach] muscle fatigue. The goal is to “find the shake.” The most important part included in our method is the stretching: We will fire up a muscle group

and then stretch in order to achieve long, lean lines.

LBM: What advice would you give a first-timer?

MA: Arrive five to 10 minutes early so I can show you around the studio and answer any questions. If you have any injuries, we can go over them prior to class. I create an extremely welcoming and comfortable community in my studio and I give modifications through[out] the entire class for all levels. Don’t be afraid to try something new.

LBM: Why do you think barre is so popular right now?

MA: Barre workouts are meant to be very low impact. I think that’s why it’s so popular—it allows everyone at any age to partake in class. It’s a challenge for all ages, whether you’re 22 or 85. Plus, it’s not only very challenging but [also very] fun. The best part [is] you feel great when you leave. Nothing should ache or feel painful. You might be quivering a little, but you’ll feel amazing and accomplished.

LBM: What makes barre fun?

MA: The music and the energy of the instructor. I love that barre is specifically taught to the beat of the music. It makes the vibe … so much fun.

Michelle Anderson, owner of the new Laguna Barre studio

FULL STRETCH

COMBINE ELEMENTS OF BALLET, PILATES AND YOGA WITH SOME OF THE BEST EQUIPMENT FROM NEARBY STORES.

1) Pack all of your essentials in this sporty Nike GYM CLUB DUFFEL BAG, which fits everything from your shoes and gym clothing to a water bottle with ease, $42, at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Newport Beach. (949-640-1107; dickssportinggoods.com)

2) Ensure your feet don’t slip all over the floor during your workout with the comfortable Pointe Studio GRIP SOCKS, which come in many different stylish colors/patterns and can be purchased right at the studio, from $14, at Laguna Barre. (949-415-8995; lagunabarre.com)

3) There’s no better reusable water bottle than a Hydro Flask to keep your water ice-cold throughout your entire workout; opt for the 24-OUNCE WIDE MOUTH BOTTLE WITH STRAW LID to make sipping easier while getting a barre workout in, $45, at Hobie Surf Shop. (949-4973304; hobiesurfshop.com)

4) Work out hard while looking good in the CLASSIC LEOPARD LEGGINGS , designed by a brand that started here in town for shoppers to wear pretty much anywhere—whether you are working out or on the go, $98, online at Goldsheep Clothing. (714-884-3668; goldsheepclothing.com)

5) Attire that hugs your body is ideal for barre and the CUTOUT TOP offers a quick-dry, breathable material with light padding, a stylish slit and flattering style, $38, at 2bella. (949-497-4777; 2bella.com) g

Wine & Dine / Summer Berries

Berry Tasty

ENJOY THE FLAVORS OF SUMMER WITH THESE LOCAL DISHES, ALL OF WHICH ARE RIPE WITH VIBRANT FRUIT THAT’S SO BOUNTIFUL THIS SEASON.

By ASHLEY RYAN

From juicy strawberries and ruby red raspberries to plump blueberries, few things scream summer like fresh, flavor-packed berries. Elsewhere, you might pick them off the vine and pop them in your mouth before a relaxing day on the river. But in Southern California—where wild-grown produce and open natural spaces are a little more sparse—the best way to enjoy the flavors of summer is by dining at a local restaurant.

Laguna eateries are embracing these seasonal flavors with dishes ranging from seafood plates, bowls and salads to fruity cocktails, ensuring that fresh berries are found all over town.

THE DRAKE

Named for the Prince song “Raspberry Beret,” this unique, fruit-forward cocktail is the perfect complement to any dish on the menu. “Like the song, it captures the essence of summer,” says Matthew Timmes, director

of operations at The Drake restaurant and music venue. “It is … [an] eye-catcher—ethereal and mysterious—that ends with a true refreshing, light … flavor.” Ketel One Citroen vodka, Cointreau orange liqueur, lemon juice and fresh raspberry puree are placed into a shaker with ice, mixed, then strained into a martini glass. Perhaps the most interesting element is the citrus-infused smoke bubble placed atop the drink, which elevates the flavor of the cocktail. (949-376-1000; thedrakelaguna.com)

The Raspberry Beret cocktail at The Drake, with a citrus-infused smoke bubble on top

THE CLIFF

Seafood lovers looking for delicious berry dishes will rejoice at the flavors and colors present in the balsamic salmon dish at The Cliff. “The dish is light and refreshing, and pairs perfectly with the view,” says James Brice, director of culinary operations at The Cliff. The North Atlantic salmon filet is lightly grilled and glazed with a balsamic reduction before being plated atop a bed of spinach, feta cheese and candied pecans in a raspberry vinaigrette. Strawberries line the edge of the bowl, making for a stunning presentation. “They are the perfect accompaniment with the other flavors of the dish,” Brice says. “They are delicious and beautiful right now. California loves its fresh fruit.” (949-494-1956; thecliffrestaurant.com)

MARO WOOD GRILL

A light, refreshing alternative to the heavier dishes on the menu, the mixed berry risotto at Maro Wood Grill is extremely versatile and can be enjoyed as an entree or appetizer. To make the dish, chefs at the Argentinean bistro saute diced onions in butter before adding Arborio rice, white wine and hot vegetable broth to the pan. After the mixture cooks for a while,

strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are folded in so that the berry juice soaks into the rice. The dish is finished with Parmesan cheese, which gives it a creamier texture, and a mint leaf garnish. “The decision to incorporate mixed berries in this dish was driven by their natural sweetness and vibrant colors, which add a refreshing and summery twist to the traditional risotto,” says Hristo Fiziev, co-owner of Maro Wood Grill. “The berries also provide a nice balance to the richness of the rice and cheese.” (949-793-4044; marowoodgrill.com)

MOSAIC BAR & GRILLE

For a simple tossed salad that offers myriad health benefits, visit Montage Laguna Beach, where the poolside Mosaic Bar & Grille serves up the Super Food Bowl. This health-conscious dish, created by Executive Chef David Serus, helps boost energy levels while packing your body full of nutrients. Baby kale, oven-roasted golden beets and heirloom cauliflower are tossed in a goji berry vinaigrette then topped with toasted pistachios, raw blueberries and fresh goat cheese. “Blueberries are … low in calories and high in nutrients, which makes a great source of vitamins that help protect the

body. They also taste delicious, especially when in season,” Serus says. “Goji berries are also a very powerful source of antioxidants. I thought it would add good flavor and a pop of color.” Salmon, shrimp or chicken can be added to the dish. (949-715-6132; montagehotels.com)

AHBA

For a unique presentation of berries, try Ahba’s peaches and burrata dish. “Peaches and other stone fruits have such a limited season,” says Ahba chef Gage LaMetterey, “and we try our best to honor that by sourcing them the best we can.” Hand-selected each day at a farmers market and grown by Sunny Cal Farms in Central California, the juicy fruit blends perfectly with the flavor of a special strawberry pesto sauce. The berries are incorporated—along with arugula, basil, pine nuts, lemon juice and zest, and pickled shallots—to create a sauce that offers a light flavor inspired by the season. The pesto accompanies fresh peaches, burrata cheese and Aleppo pepper brown butter. “The strawberries … add more sweetness to the pesto to complement the peppery arugula,” LaMetterey says. This plate’s freshness makes it the perfect summer appetizer. (949-549-4556; eatahba.com) g

Clockwise from top left: mixed berry risotto at Maro Wood Grill; balsamic salmon on spinach with raspberry vinaigrette and strawberries at The Cliff; peaches and burrata with strawberry pesto at Ahba; the Super Food Bowl, which incorporates raw blueberries, at Mosaic Bar & Grille

Q + A

A Creative Collective

ROBERT “BOB” ROSS, THE NEWLY APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF LAGUNA ART-A-FAIR, TALKS ABOUT HIS PASSION FOR COLLABORATION AND HIS VISION FOR THE FESTIVAL’S FUTURE.

By ASHLEY PROBST

Originally a businessman, Robert “Bob” Ross accidentally became a commercial photographer after the photographer he hired to shoot images didn’t fit his vision for a project. He reshot it himself and the company ended up hiring him as a regular contributor. He later expanded his portfolio to include wildlife photography, which led him to a career as a professional artist.

One day, a friend encouraged him to try his hand at painting. “Next thing I knew, I was selling paintings,” says Ross, who has been exhibiting at Laguna Art-A-Fair for 15 years and was recently appointed president of the organization’s board of directors.

“I love the arts … and I’ve been very involved with it for the last 40 years,” Ross says. “… When you’re around artists, you have to just let the world go by and let your imagination take over.”

Over the years, Ross has fallen in love with Art-A-Fair and the artistic collective it has brought together—including his wife, Laura Curtin-Ross, who he met and married on the property near cascading waterfalls.

Here, Ross reflects on his professional journey and discusses his vision for the festival’s future, which he plans to achieve through a collaborative approach.

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE: Can you share a bit about your personal experience with Laguna Art-A-Fair?

ROBERT ROSS: My [late] wife[, Sarah], and I were going to the shows [in Laguna Canyon] on a regular basis. … We walked into ArtA-Fair and fell in love with the atmosphere of the place, fell in love with the people there, with the art that was just so amazing. We thought it was fantastic, so we made … a point [of] coming back the next year and they had lots of new art—plus the artists that we liked so much the previous year—and we were just enthralled. … [Sarah] … said, “You

know, why don’t you try to … jury in?” So I did and I got juried in, and it was wonderful. I’ve been so happy there.

LBM: As an artist, what aspects of the festival resonate with you the most?

RR: We have such a vast variety of art. I mean, just things that I wouldn’t think of on my own. … It’s just amazing to see people’s imaginations soar and, at ArtA-Fair, we encourage our artists to work at their booths. … It’s amazing to stand there and watch them work. I’m in awe of some of these people.

LBM: As the newly appointed president, what are your goals for the festival?

RR: I want to expand. … [We’ve added] a beer garden [and] Mediterraneanstyle restaurant in the back with tastings and different beers and wines and alcoholic drinks. … We’ve gone online with almost everything, and we’re selling tickets online. … We have workshops for everybody, every different style of workshops, [like] photography, … oil painting, [acrylic] pours. … We’re bringing in some really great bands this year. … We’re going to have professional

Robert “Bob” Ross, the newly appointed president of Laguna Art-A-Fair

The colorful entrance to Laguna Art-A-Fair

dancers come in and work with our people—I mean, free lessons. … And we’ve redesigned Art-A-Fair, so it’s more open—[there’s a] good flow of air, [a] good flow of traffic.

LBM: There are all of these exciting changes at Laguna Art-A-Fair, but the festival also has a very rich history. How do you honor that tradition while bringing in these fresh elements?

RR: We have artists that have been with us for over 20 years—some over 30 years—and it’s amazing. They keep the tradition of Art-A-Fair alive. … When a new artist comes in, … we have a buddy system and we assign them one of the older artists who ha[s] … been there to help them fit right in. … And yet, the new artists also have the ability to inject their new ideas, their new philosophies. … We’re trying to stay relevant, to stay up and modern, and at the same time not lose what made us so wonderful in the past, and we’re working hard to walk that line.

LBM: How are you encouraging engagement between artists, visitors and the local community?

RR: We’re very active in the Chamber now. … And we’re working with the other art shows—there are two other very good art shows. … We have tickets that allow them to get into all three shows, and it just encourages people to come down. They love coming down when they can walk from one show to the other … and they see 400 to 500 artists in one small area.

LBM: What are some of the biggest challenges for Laguna Art-A-Fair, and how will you navigate them to ensure its continued success?

RR: The biggest challenge is always having people show up and the economy … [affecting] people wanting to buy art. … The economy this year is surprisingly good. And so I think that’s going to be helpful for all the art shows, but we need to help people understand that … art is not just an … expensive

thing for the super rich. … We will have everything, from fairly inexpensive that almost anybody can purchase up to very expensive. … We try to emphasize the fact that if you come to our show, there is something there that you can afford.

LBM: Is there anything else that you’d like readers to know?

RR: Art-A-Fair … is going to be the place to be this summer. … There’s something for you there, even if it’s just walking around and enjoying the art. You’re not going to see this variety of art anywhere else. … You can walk up and talk to an artist that’s selling a $15,000 or $20,000 piece of art and they’ll stand there for an hour explaining to you how they did it and what they were thinking when they did it. That’s not an opportunity you get very often. And … we’ll teach you to paint, we’ll teach you to dance, we’ll show you beautiful work, and you can sit … [on] beautiful grounds. … I encourage everybody to come down and experience what the new Art-A-Fair is like. g

“America The Butterfly”

“Amazon Waters” 18” x 26”

“Teardrops” 18” x 26”

“African Fire” 18” x 12”

Miniature Butterfly Cubes

Looking back with Dick Metz

SHAPING

SURF CULTURE

DICK METZ SPENT PLENTY OF TIME IN HAWAII, RIDING THE WAVES WITH LOCALS, OPENING HOBIE SURF SHOPS AND STARTING HIS OWN SURFWEAR BRAND BEFORE COMING HOME AND EVENTUALLY FOUNDING A MUSEUM TO PRESERVE THE SPORT’S HISTORY.

By SHARON STELLO

As a surfer, Dick Metz was naturally drawn to Hawaii, a place with big waves and iconic surf culture.

Several years before his surf trip around the world that helped to inspired the film “The Endless Summer,” the lifelong Laguna Beach resident traveled to Hawaii to hang out with his friends, Walter Hoffman, Charles “Buzzy” Trent and Gordon “Grubby” Clark, who were stationed there as part of their military service. And Metz enrolled in graduate school at the University of Hawaii though the GI Bill: He was signed up on paper, but didn’t attend classes, preferring to spend his time surfing. He sailed over on the SS Lurline because it was cheaper than flying.

So he arrived on Oahu in 1951 and lived with his friends—who weren’t required to stay on the military base—in a Quonset hut in Makaha during winter, moving to Waikiki in the summer. “I’d surf all day, but they had to go to work and, when they’d get off work at 5, we’d all surf and be together and have dinner,” says Metz, who recalls receiving $26 per week from the GI Bill. “… That doesn’t sound like very much now, but rice and beans and chili, fish, a bowl of that, I don’t know how much it was, but like 50 cents or something. So, for $26, I was living really good.”

Metz, now 93, remembers arriving in Hawaii with his own, brand-new balsa

An exhibit showing the evolution of surfboards through time at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center, founded by Dick Metz, in San Clemente

surfboard (before foam was used). “I had to go up to Santa Monica and have Matt [Kivlin] make it,” Metz says. “There were no shops. He was sitting under a tree at the Sip ’n’ Surf bar in Santa Monica Canyon. He made the board—it took about a month. And I took it, brand-new on the Lurline, but we didn’t have board bags then and so it got a little ding on it.”

So when Metz arrived on Oahu, he asked if there was a place he could get some fiberglass and resin to repair the board. Perhaps surprisingly, his friends directed him to a doctor’s office. “And there’s a sign hanging on one house. It said ‘Dr. Dorian Paskowitz, M.D., and Ding Repair,’ ” Metz recalls.

“… I go in the living room. … On one side was a nurse taking applications to see Dr. Dorian Paskowitz and, in the dining room, … were [sawhorses] … that you’d lay your board on to repair it. So he would go from doing ding repair in one room to waiting on a patient with an infection or whatever. So this was 1951. He had just graduated from medical school and was starting out. And he was a surfer. … To make a little side money, he would patch boards and patch people in the same place.”

Metz says he remained friends with Paskowitz, who lived most of his life and raised 13 kids in a motorhome in San Onofre, for more than six decades until he passed away a few years ago in San Clemente. But their first time meeting

was to fix Metz’s board.

And that board helped Metz connect with the locals while in Hawaii for six months. His board weighed only about 30 pounds and was covered in fiberglass, a material that wasn’t readily available in Hawaii back then. The locals all wanted to try out his board because theirs were heavier. So, of course, Metz let them ride it.

“So that’s how we became really good friends with the local guys. There weren’t very many ‘haole’ guys—[white foreigners]—who could surf then,” Metz says. “So [Albert] ‘Rabbit’ Kekai and … all these local beach boys—Duke Kahanamoku was one of them—we got to know them. And we were good friends. They’d invite us to all their parties. And we’d take out Hawaiian girls and that didn’t upset ’em because we’d let them use our boards. And when I left on the Lurline, I gave my board to the beach boys.”

On the day his ship left, his friends all joined him on board before the Lurline departed. “Walter and Grubby and all my pals are there and here come all the beach boys, like a dozen of them,” Metz recalls. “… And they presented me with an outrigger canoe paddle. And so, they call you brah, which means brother, and they’re giving me hugs because I left them the surfboard. It was a trade-off. … So they’re giving me hugs, they presented me with this paddle, [saying,] ‘You’re a brother, come back any time, you know we love you and you’re

Left: Hobie Alter at the Hobie Surf Shop in Honolulu in 1962; right: Vintage surfboards displayed at this Hobie shop on Maui are now at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center.

one of us.’ And that was a great thing to be accepted by these guys who were really super watermen.”

They were partying and having a good time and then the ship started casting off its lines and a tugboat turned around to start pulling the ship out to sea, but the guys stayed on board. “We go out through the harbor, … we’re looking at Waikiki and the hotels and here comes two outrigger canoes paddling out. So then all the beach boys jump overboard off the bow of the ship and they got in the outriggers and went back to the beach. And we’re throwing flower leis, … [which] means you’re going to come back.

“… I get the paddle they gave me for being a brother and then these guys jump off and the music’s playing and … I’m crying. It was just an emotional, touching moment. I still have that paddle.”

On that first trip to Hawaii, Metz formed a brotherhood with the local guys and maintained a connection with their

families. “I’ve been going back to Hawaii all my life and those guys have all passed away now, but their sons are beach boys.”

SURF STYLE

Another key thing happened on Metz’s first trip to Hawaii. He met a tailor named M. Nii—“a one-legged Chinaman,” Metz says—who sewed some swim trunks for him at a time when surfwear wasn’t a thing. “We were surfing in cut-off Levis. There were no beach trunks that any company was making for surfers,” Metz says.

Nii was based in Makaha and made suits for Chinese and Filipino laborers who came to Hawaii to work in the sugar cane and pineapple fields. So he custom-made trunks on request, with different colors of denim and ribbon stripes down the sides, for $2.50 per pair. Metz asked Nii to add a little pocket to carry a piece of wax—a broken candle, which he used to wax his surfboard since commercial surfboard wax wasn’t available yet. “Over the years, I must have had 15 pairs of M. Nii

trunks, all different colors,” Metz says.

Later, in 1961, when Metz returned from his trip around the world, his friend and legendary surfboard maker Hobie Alter invited him to go to Hawaii and, once there, asked Metz to open a Hobie Surf Shop for him in Waikiki. Metz didn’t know how to run a store, but Alter didn’t seem worried, putting a deposit on a building and heading home to send him some surfboards for the shop.

“This was the first-ever retail store that you could walk in and buy a surfboard and walk out,” Metz says. “Up until then, you went in and gave an order. Well, there was no store. You’d go to some guy’s garage. Like Hobie was doing in his dad’s garage. … But this was the first store in the world that had 50 surfboards— different colors, different sizes. And so, if you flew over there, from the airport going to Waikiki, you could stop at the Hobie shop and get a brand-new board.”

Metz recalls that Alter had made part of an order for Sears, Roebuck & Co., which wanted surfboards to sell in its stores. “So he took 17 out of the Sears order and airfreighted them to me. So I got them the next day or so. … There was a lawn, a little yard in front of that store. So the truck … brought ’em and put them on the lawn there.”

A bunch of Hawaiian kids, who had heard about the store opening, gathered around as Metz opened the box and the surfboards slid out one by one. The kids would say, “Oh, I want that one, I want that one,” Metz recalls. “… Guys are sticking money in my shirt pocket. I didn’t get any of them in the store. I sold 17 surfboards in an hour before I even got them in the store.

“… It just took off,” Metz says. “See, the boards had gotten lighter, … but in Hawaii, they didn’t have them. They didn’t have the material. And so the guys that were making boards there were still making them out of redwood—terrible, big, heavy things. So

Surfwear, from early trunks (top right) made by M. Nii in Hawaii to Jams trunks and tops (shown at left, on a Life magazine cover), part of Dick Metz’s Surf Line Hawaii company

I could sell them as fast as I could get them.”

Then other manufacturers, like Velzy in Hermosa Beach, California, all started making extra boards to sell if someone didn’t want to wait and didn’t care about having a particular color, Metz says. “So everybody started making extra boards and that’s when surfing started to really blossom and the public got interested in it and it became a real sport. Up until then, … the boards were too heavy—girls couldn’t surf [and] kids couldn’t surf. They couldn’t carry a board, they couldn’t take it home [or] put it on the car.”

BIRTH OF THE SURF INDUSTRY

Pretty soon, a company started making surfboard racks for cars, which the Hobie store sold along with boards and repair kits that Metz created with resin and fiberglass, as well as pieces of wax—a square of paraffin wax used for canning at the time—before commercial surfboard wax came about. Then surf trunks and T-shirts started filling the shelves including shirts with a Hobie logo that said “Dana Point, California,” which Metz changed to “Honolulu, Hawaii,” and they began selling like hotcakes.

“I sold thousands of them because that showed that you’d been to Hawail,” Metz says. “So all of a sudden, on the beaches in California, you’d see ‘Hobie, Honolulu, Hawaii,’ and that gave you a certain status. The ideal, cool, cool status was a pair of M. Nii trunks and a Hobie Honolulu T-shirt. That right away said, ‘I’m a big deal, I’ve been to Hawaii, I’ve surfed bigger waves [and] I’m the coolest dude in town.’ ”

“… That started the surf industry as we

know it because then manufacturers came along,” Metz says, mentioning brands like Hang Ten, which made corduroy shorts. Metz even got in the business, starting a company called Surf Line Hawaii with design partner Dave Rochlen, which made Jams trunks and aloha shirts. The brand was a hit and even made the cover of Life magazine. “It just went crazy,” Metz says. “So we were all of a sudden, we were the biggest deal in town.”

Metz lived in Hawaii for 30 years, but came back to Laguna all the time, going back and forth, and opened more Hobie stores in Florida—which didn’t work out because they were too far away to manage properly—and other islands in Hawaii, which were close enough to oversee. He also took over the Dana Point store and opened locations across California from Laguna Beach up to Santa Cruz. “So this is how we became the biggest surf shop company in the world,” Metz says. “We had 22 stores.”

Alter went on to invent Hobie Cat catamarans, the Hobie Hawk radio-controlled glider, scratch-resistant polarized sunglasses and more, which would eventually be owned by different entities. But Metz remained in control of Hobie Sport, which ran the surf shops. He was involved with the Hobie stores for 50 years, off and on. “I sold them four times … and the guys couldn’t run ’em and I got ’em back four times,” Metz says. “And so, every time I thought I was retiring, I got the stores back. And I knew them so well, it was easy for me to take them back.”

Part of the problem was understanding the Hawaiian market as it demanded a different range of sizes than in California. “In Hawaii,

it’s totally different,” Metz says. “You’ve got great big Samoans and you’ve got little skinny Chinese kids, so those size scales and color scales [from California didn’t work].”

Eventually, the fifth time Metz sold the stores and they went broke, he decided not to buy the company back. So local Mark Christy bought the Dana Point and Laguna Beach stores out of bankruptcy and still owns those remaining stores.

As Metz looks back on his years working with Alter, he explains it was a different

Left: a Hobie shop in Lahaina on Maui (circa 1962); right: Metz, Al Weimers, Herb Nolan and local guys checking out the surf at Makaha, on Oahu’s west side, in a Ford Model A car in 1954

From left: Phil Edwards, Metz and Duke Kahanamoku in Honolulu in 1965

time. “At his funeral, when I got up and gave a speech on Hobie, I said, ‘Hobie and I never had a written contract. I don’t even know if we ever shook hands over it. Hobie just used to say, ‘If it’s good for you, it’s good for me.’ … And that was the great relationship you can’t have in today’s world. … I mean he trusted me, I trusted him and that was enough said. I think that’s important, there again showing the difference between the culture, the lifestyle, the attitudes, the way we lived then [and] how we have to live now. It’s so different.”

PRESERVING HISTORY

During his time with the Hobie shops, Metz had collected a bunch of old surfboards that he used as decor in the stores above the clothing, wetsuits and surfboards.

“So, when I sold all the stores, I didn’t sell

the surfboards,” Metz says. “And I shipped them all from Hawaii over here. And then I started a foundation called Surfing Heritage Foundation. In Laguna, I rented—not an office, … [but] a desk within an office … across from the art museum.”

Metz says the nonprofit was started in 1999 and didn’t have a building until around 2003. And then, thanks to a fundraising campaign in which 100 friends each donated $6,000, the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center opened in its current building in San Clemente in 2004.

At the same time, Metz says, he became friends with Spencer Croul, a surfboard collector whose dad owned the Behr paint company. “See, I had old surfboards and Spencer had collected a lot of newer ones. So when we added his collection to my collection, it made the best collection in the

world, by far,” Metz says.

And Metz wanted to share it with the world. “I thought, I’ve lived this whole period and watched surfboards grow from the heavy wooden ones … to the present foam ones of 5 pounds, saw the surfboard industry change, the shops change [and the introduction of surf] clothing,” Metz says.

The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center’s museum features a large room filled with surfboards to show their evolution through time, from Kahanamoku’s personal boards to modern, high-performance boards that have been ridden by recent world champions. And other special exhibits come and go, from women’s influence on surfing to the shortboard’s evolution, the impact of surf shops on local culture and surfing in cinema. “We’ve had trunk shows in the museum—how trunks have evolved from M. Nii’s to present-day trunks. T-shirts, obviously I have all those, [and] aloha shirts.

“… I’ve been involved in it since day one and it just seemed like the public should know about it [and] be aware of it. The surf industry should be aware of it. And so I wanted to start a museum that would save these artifacts like every other industry has.”

The center also serves as a repository of magazines and books about surfing, which is often used by researchers. “It’s an archive of the whole industry,” he says.

Currently located inland a ways, the center’s building is owned free and clear so there’s no need to move, but in the future, Metz would like to have at least an outpost in a more coastal spot with greater visibility, perhaps in Dana Point or Laguna Beach. “I think people should know. … Laguna was a fundamental part of how it all started. Hobie Surfboards started here. Other surfboard makers were here,” Metz says, explaining how they moved to unincorporated Dana Point once fiberglass, resin and foam started being used because the zoning rules were more lax for manufacturing there.

Of course, surfing took off and is now embraced around the globe, and Metz witnessed its transformation firsthand.

“Surfing has had a huge impact on world culture and lifestyle,” he says. “I mean guys in Europe and Kansas and Africa are wearing surf clothes. Through the movies and the magazines, they all want to be surfers. It had such a huge impact, I thought it was really important to tell that story.” /

Dick Metz and Sherry Novak making a TV movie in 1965 in Waikiki, Hawaii

Metz in front of the Hobie shop on Kapiolani Boulevard in Honolulu in 1961

GoingGreen

REFILL SHOPS AND AN ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING SHOWROOM HAVE POPPED UP IN LAGUNA AS MORE PEOPLE SEEK TO EMBRACE SUSTAINABLE LIVING.

By SHARON STELLO

Thea Pauley has practiced zero-waste living for at least a decade. She composts food scraps, wears mostly secondhand clothing, only buys items with minimal packaging, if any—looking for materials that can be composted—and uses refillable bottles for shampoo, dish soap and other household products. The only waste coming into her home is junk mail and gifts from other people.

“For my home to become a zero-waste home, it took about four years—just one thing at a time,” Pauley says. “… Now it’s pretty on point.”

Pauley also helps others adopt this sustainable lifestyle. She owns Eco Now, a regional chain of refill stores including one that opened last fall in downtown Laguna Beach. Located in the Lumberyard Mall on Forest Avenue, Eco Now offers an entry point to making your home more environmentally friendly: Among a vast array of products, jugs of soap, laundry detergent and the like can be pumped into reusable containers while chewable toothpaste tablets allow customers to forego the hard-torecycle tubes, and canisters of basics like baking soda and borax can be scooped into a jar in the amount desired. This is the second such shop to pop up in town recently: The Ritual Refill, owned by locals Shannon Hall and Danielle Holland, opened in north Laguna in early 2022 with similar products.

“We are both passionate about the importance of respecting the earth and keeping it clean for future generations,” Holland says. “Our goal is to encourage others to begin or continue their journey of low-waste living.”

This eco-friendly effort seemed a perfect fit for Laguna, a city that has banned eateries from using disposable plastic cutlery and polystyrene takeout containers and consistently wins the Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. If ever there was a place for refillable home and

beauty products, surely this is it.

“We loved the concept and would drive as far as an hour to visit our favorite refill shops from San Diego to LA,” Hall says. “We felt that a similar shop would really resonate with our town.”

BECOMING ECO-CONSCIOUS

To get started, Pauley suggests doing a “trash audit” and making little swaps here and there rather than overhauling everything at once, which can feel overwhelming.

“Look at your trash can. What are you throwing in there? Is it bathroom packaging? … Refill it. If it’s food packaging, you can shop at a farmers market,” she says. “What material is it? Is it plastic? Is it cardboard? Because the plastics are the problem right now.”

Both Pauley and Holland recommend starting in one room. As a first step, Holland advises switching hand and dish soap for refillable options. “It’s an easy swap,” she says. Pauley believes that sustainability moves

people toward a more minimalist mindset. “That is really good for your mental health,” she says. “People who have less can focus more on doing things than buying things. It gives your life more fulfillment.”

REDUCE, REUSE, REFILL

Hall and Holland, who both grew up in Southern California with a deep appreciation for nature and the ocean, worked for years in the retail and apparel industries where they witnessed the incredible amount of waste generated by consumers. With The Ritual Refill store, they wanted to provide an ecofriendly alternative.

“Whether it’s single-use products or fast fashion, there is so much waste produced in consumerism everyday,” Holland says. “This inspired us to start a business where we could offer more sustainable swaps like refilling your essentials and buying secondhand clothing.”

Peruse the rack of vintage and repurposed apparel, slice off a piece of bar soap or bring

Danielle Holland (left) and Shannon Hall, owners of The Ritual Refill

Cut off a slice of soap (above) or pump as much shampoo, lotion, liquid detergent or household cleaner (left) as you like into reusable containers to purchase by the ounce at The Ritual Refilll in north Laguna.

a clean container and get it filled with all-natural products priced by the ounce. Reusable glass and aluminum bottles may also be purchased—and customers will get 5% off their next refill when they bring back the bottle; clean glass jar donations are also accepted for the shop’s freebie basket. Free local delivery is offered, too.

“We have over 50 refillable products ranging from bath, body, kitchen, cleaning products and more,” Holland says. “All of our products we offer are made with nontoxic ingredients and free of any harmful chemicals. The most popular are typically your everyday staples, such as laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, body wash, etc. Our mineral sunscreen and eucalyptus shower steamers are also up there.”

At Eco Now, which works in a similar way (selling by the ounce), Pauley says the bestsellers are laundry concentrate, toothpaste tablets, refillable all-natural perfumes and small-batch skin care products. The shop also carries a wide variety of other products, from reusable food wraps made of beeswax and travel cutlery sets to toilet paper made from bamboo rather than trees, wool balls that replace dryer sheets, natural cosmetics and gift items.

Both shops seek out brands that are local and closed loop, which means the brand reuses its packaging. So, for example, when a company delivers a big plastic drum of its liquid soap, it picks up the store’s empty container to be refilled later. Other products, like bar soap, are shipped in a cardboard box containing a durable plastic bag that can be reused over and over.

“We actually ship that box back with about 10 bags in it and they hold it for us, so when we reorder, they use them,” Pauley says. Other products, she notes, come in 5-gallon buckets that the store upcycles for community members to use as compost bins.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

In addition to providing compost containers, Eco Now hosts quarterly events like

composting workshops, clothing swaps and seed swaps. With other stores in Anaheim and The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa (with more coming in Garden Grove and Riverside), the business has also offered candle-making classes and a fix-it fair to repair broken furniture and household items. The Ritual Refill also presents events, about once a month, from sound baths to a creative journaling workshop, clothing swaps and pop-ups with local vendors. The shop has even hosted a tea ceremony and a session focused on dyeing fabric with plant and food waste. Check both shops’ websites and social media channels for upcoming events.

“We’ve had such an incredible first year and a half,” Hall says. “Whether it’s coming back for refills, showing up for our events, or even just sharing our mission on social

media, we are so grateful for the love and support our community has shown us. Our favorite part of what we do is getting to share our vision with the community.”

The goal for both shops is to provide resources to help people live sustainably. In college, Pauley biked to campus and tried to live as simply as possible. Her friends asked how she knew about these eco-friendly methods. “It seems like people want to do green living, but don’t know how,” she says.

So, in 2018, Pauley started selling handmade, reusable “eco towels,” a fabric alternative to paper towels, at farmers markets. Then she crafted fabric face wipes for removing makeup and reusable, on-the-go cutlery sets. “Single-use plastic cutlery kills me. Every time I see it, my heart breaks,” she says.

Eventually, her farmers market booth grew big enough to open a shop. Coming to a crossroads, she decided to commit full time to this venture rather than continuing her education. She opened her store in an Airstream at The LAB, which fell in line with her shop’s mission by upcycling the trailer. That ethos now extends to the all-natural paint on her stores’ walls and the use of wood rather than plastic price tags. The Laguna shop even utilizes gray water from the clothes washer—used to clean the staff’s aprons and towels that wipe up spills in the store—to water a little planter of flowers outside.

THE SUSTAINABILITY SHIFT

Another approach to reducing the reliance on plastics can be found at A New Earth Project’s showroom, which opened last year on South Coast Highway and focuses on product and shipping packages.

The campaign was started by Wes Carter—president of Atlantic Packaging, one of North America’s largest privately held packaging companies—after noticing widespread plastic pollution while on surf trips around the world. Along the way, a coalition of outdoor enthusiasts, industry-leading brands and innovative packaging suppliers have joined him in this mission.

Laguna Beach resident and lifelong surfer Don Meek came on board as managing director of A New Earth Project with 40 years of experience in the media industry and plenty of ideas to take this effort to the next level. From a TV series called “Journey to A New Earth” on Amazon Prime to a film in production, one of the goals is to raise awareness.

Eco Now in downtown Laguna sells a wide variety of home and beauty products by the ounce, from shampoo to laundry detergent that customers can take home in reusable containers, plus plenty of other items that support a sustainable lifestyle.

ANDREA BADILLO

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Dine at our Surfrider Ocean-Friendly restaurant with fresh, local seafood. Pamper yourself with in-room amenities, made and packaged with natural ingredients. Speak with our staff about their volunteering efforts to keep the land & sea pristine. Experience luxury by the sea, knowing you, and the planet will be cared for.

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Meanwhile, the showroom features creative sustainable packaging solutions, all made from renewable resources and fully curbside recyclable. “The nice thing about being in Laguna [is] there are so many people who live here that are in decision-making positions with brands and sustainability,” Meek says.

Many of the options trade plastic for corrugated cardboard—such as a system that protects surfboards for shipping without bubble wrap and foam—or crimped paper, which can be recycled or composted.

A New Earth Project has also partnered with some innovative companies like Cruz Foam, a Santa Cruz business that’s turning shrimp shells into a Styrofoam alternative, and Ecovative, which is replacing molded plastic package inserts (that might hold a surfboard fin, for example) with those made of hemp and mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. “It’s got a shelf life of 30 years, but if you throw it in your garden it will compost in 90 days,” Meek says of the hemp-mycelium inserts.

PLAYING MATCHMAKER

A New Earth Project helps bring together these innovative products with companies that can use them. “We’re working very closely now with Burton snowboards … to help them achieve their mission of getting all single-use plastic out of their consumer-facing packaging by the end of 2025,” Meek says.

The initiative also helped Williams Sonoma eliminate bubble wrap and air pillows from its e-commerce shipping. Locally, Catch Surf shop is a client as is Distant Local, a business run by former pro surfer Jeff Booth and his wife Melissa Martinez, who sell shirts, mugs and other items featuring artistic maps of beach towns around the country to celebrate the spirit of these surf communities. Nearby, San Clementebased Album Surfboards and Stewart Surfboards both use shipping solutions from A New Earth Project.

Sooner or later, companies will need to move toward sustainable options, Meek asserts. He points to California Senate Bill 54, which was passed last June and requires all packaging in the state to be recyclable or compostable by 2032. The legislation also shifts the burden away from consumers by raising $5 billion from plastic industry members over 10 years to assist with efforts to reduce plastic pollution.

“And then, on the other side, … consumers, particularly younger consumers, are beginning to be much more aware of the problem of single-use plastic packaging,” Meek says. “And they’re voting with their pocketbooks. And they’re saying, ‘I don’t think I want that.’ … So we have these two forces coming at these brands from two different sides—legislature and consumer demand—and we’re in a position to help those brands accelerate that transition.”

A New Earth Project is involved locally,

too, as a sustainability partner of the Coast Film & Music Festival, which takes place in town from Nov. 8-12 this year. “We are sponsoring a sustainability day on Nov. 9,” Meek says. “… We’re going to invite the community to come down and hear stories about what is happening out there in the world about sustainability, what people themselves can do to improve their sustainability journey and what they can do at home.”

So whether it’s companies swapping plastic packaging for recyclable and compostable options or consumers refilling their bath and home products instead of purchasing single-use plastic bottles, it all contributes to a more eco-friendly world.

“I honestly think this is the most important thing in our lifetime to tackle,” Pauley says of the environmental effort. “Because if we don’t have a healthy planet and we don’t have healthy bodies, what do we have?” g

Top: package inserts made from hemp and mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms; bottom: an open house at A New Earth Project’s showroom in Laguna

A New Earth Project, which has a showroom in Laguna, trades plastic for cardboard packaging solutions, like this corrugated option (avove) to protect surfboads during shipping.

CAPTURING THE ESSENCE OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Original Oil Paintings

NOW - OCTOBER 15

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Southern California through this captivating art exhibit located at Roger’s Gardens. This remarkable showcase features the works of renowned American Impressionist artists John Cosby, Jeff Sewell, and Robin Hall, who skillfully utilize oil paint to bring the essence of Southern California to life.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, breathtaking landscapes, and evocative brushstrokes that celebrate the unique allure of this magnificent region.

Shop Now

“San Juan Mission Hollyhocks” 20”x 24” by Robin Hall

“La Jolla Moment” 18”x 24” by John Cosby

“As Glory Goes With Grace” 24”x 24” by Jeff Sewell

TAPPING INTO CREATIVITY

TAKE YOUR ARTISTIC TALENTS TO THE NEXT LEVEL THIS SUMMER.

By TANYA A. YACINA

Whether putting brush to canvas to re-create a scenic landscape or molding clay into a mug or flowerpot, there’s something soothing about getting lost in a creative pursuit. And it can be rewarding to see the finished product hanging on your wall or displayed on a table, knowing you made it.

For those who aren’t sure where to start, or who want to improve their skills, a vast array of beginner to expert classes are presented by the local art community throughout the summer—and some yearround—allowing residents and visitors the chance to discover their own inner Van Gogh or Michelangelo.

Ceramics classes at Artime Barro

Few cities the size of Laguna Beach offer as many art-making opportunities and exhibits to the public as this town does. Whether you’re interested in painting your first masterpiece or wine tasting while crafting, the classes and workshops offered throughout the city touch upon just about any creative modality you can think of, including painting, ceramics and mixed media pieces.

“It is important to offer classes in the community because crafting allows you to explore your creativity,” says Angelica Vogel, co-owner of Wine Craft, which serves up a variety of vino and art projects for guests to try. “… Being able to enjoy some great wine while crafting just makes it even more enjoyable.”

FESTIVAL FUN

During the summer months, taking a class during one of the local festivals is a great way to add art to an afternoon in Laguna Beach. Visitors can explore the grounds, shop and experience art being made by exhibitors, then try their hand at making a piece of their own.

“Many of our classes are taught by professional artists who exhibit in the show,” says Franky Duschane, director of marketing and public relations for Sawdust Art Festival.

“For an example, the head instructor of printmaking is master printmaker Hedy Buzan, who has exhibited at Sawdust over three decades and has taught on the grounds for nearly the same amount of time. Guests

can learn wire sculpture from Shamus Koch, acrylic painting from Lisa Rainey, mixed media from Kate Cleaves, and even [making] paper flowers from Lupe Blanton, just to name a few of the many amazing Sawdust artists who also teach.”

Duschane notes that Sawdust classes are also led by AnnJo Droog, director of art education, and her staff, many of whom are alumni of Laguna College of Art & Design. Droog is the mastermind behind the Sawdust’s classes and pieces together more than 500 lessons by Sawdust artists and team members to create a summer schedule that is rich with education, variety and color.

Classes and workshops at the Sawdust are offered every day during the festival in three hands-on demo booths. Ceramics and wire sculpture, printmaking, painting and mixed media, as well as textile and sewing classes can be enjoyed by participants of all ages.

“Taking an art class at the Sawdust is a liberating and fun opportunity to be creative with your hands and make a special, tangible memory of your time spent with us and the loved ones you attend with,” Duschane says.

Festival of Arts also offers an array of classes on Fridays through Sundays for children (at 12:30 p.m.) and teens and adults (at 3 p.m.) during the summer, as well as wine and painting nights on

Khalil (above and below) will teach a series called The Art of Botanical Plant Dye and Eco Print this fall thorugh the city and at her studio.

Reem

Loca Arts Education’s printmaking class (left) taught by Carla Meberg and tile glazing workshop (right) led by Mike Tauber

Fridays, and daily workshops in ceramics, multimedia art and printmaking.

Laguna Art-a-Fair showcases 20 different art workshops with 62 dates to choose from throughout the summer months. Sessions are open to those age 16 and older (ages 12-15 are permitted if accompanied by a parent or guardian) and no experience is necessary. Classes focus on acrylic painting and pouring, paper collage, watercolor and oil painting, photo editing, jewelry making, pine needle basket weaving and more.

CREATIVE CLASSES

The city of Laguna Beach also offers art classes and workshops available to the public at various price points during the summer and beyond. Among these is Drawing and Watercolor (for adults at the beginner and intermediate level) with Bobbi Boyd, who provides step-by-step instruction on how to draw and paint flowers, trees and ocean waves with ease.

In addition, the city’s Knitting Salon with Judith Cortes allows participants to start or finish their own project or receive instruction on a new piece in a collaborative environment. And for those who would like a studiotype environment to focus on their own projects—from painting to pastels or mixed media—Art Salon provides a quiet setting to work in the company of others; students bring their own materials and no instruction is provided. The summer session is winding down, but these will all be offered in fall as well.

Right: Suzie Baker, a signature artist with Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, will offer a three-day workshop in October. Left: one of her paintings, “A Day at the Beach”

Arts and crafts projects available for visitors to work on while sipping vino at Wine Craft

Also this fall, Reem Khalil will offer a series called The Art of Botanical Plant Dye and Eco Print through the city and at her studio, teaching how to bring nature and alchemy together to create plant-based color and prints.

Loca Arts Education is another organization that offers art workshops in various media throughout the year. From beginner to advanced, kids to adults, classes focus on teaching skills, material usage and concepts, and are instructed by Loca-certified educators. Rather than a set schedule, Loca’s Custom Art Escapes allow wouldbe participants to contact the nonprofit with a requested day, time and place and the instructor will respond to confirm the booking. Choose from courses in watercolor and ink travel journal painting, block printing, painting flowers with acrylics, working with pastels, sketching, photography, plein air painting inside small mint tins, making indigo sarongs with folded, tied and clamped resist dyeing, and more.

In addition to in-person classes and events and free online videos for various projects (learn to sketch and paint a hummingbird, decorate a tile and more), Loca offers sessions through partnerships with other organizations around Laguna Beach. One of those groups is the Laguna Plein

Sawdust Art Festival presents a variety of hands-on art classes, from ceramics to painting, during the summer season as well as throughout the year.

own right and love to work with clay.”

Peredo says the most popular classes include the One-Time Class and the Matcha Mixer Workshop because they both cover the basics, are good for both group classes and beginners who have never worked with clay before, or they incorporate local companies, like MoonGoat Coffee, for collaboration workshops. For the One-Time Class, students make a hand-built piece on the table and then move on to use the potter’s wheel for a second piece.

“Depending on the class, students will make the set projects. … For the ongoing classes, they start with the basic techniques to master and then they can make anything like cups, bowls, plates and then sculptures,” Peredo explains. “These classes are fun and students enjoy them because they are easy going, informative and therapeutic. We strive to have a Zen ambiance in the studio for optimal learning.”

SIP AND CRAFT

Air Painters Association. Experienced painters and novice beginners are all welcome to join LPAPA and its artists for different levels of instruction throughout the year in group paint outs and workshops— both in person and online (pay to view videos on the website).

With grant support from the city of Laguna Beach, Loca collaborates with LPAPA to offer an annual series of landscape painting workshops taught by renowned plein air painters for all ages and skill levels. Coming up Oct. 18-20, Signature Artist Suzie Baker will lead a three-day plein air painting workshop.

IMMERSIVE INSTRUCTION

If ceramics and pottery are a student’s focus, Artime Barro offers hands-on classes for all ages. (“Barro” means “clay” in Spanish.) Students are taught the basics of ceramics, good technique and how to make pottery like bowls, cups and plates. Memberships are only required for ongoing classes and the open studio membership.

“The classes are all one-on-one with an intimate setting of no more than four [or] five students at a time with one instructor,” says Nicole Peredo, owner of Artime Barro. “Our instructors commit their lives to pottery and ceramics; they are artists in their

Opened this past fall, Wine Craft is an outside-of-the-box art concept that pairs the creative process of crafting with wine tasting. A future class schedule is expected to be launched this summer, but anyone over the age of 21 who drops in for wine tasting can work on a craft at the same time.

“When someone comes in to do a craft, while enjoying a tasting flight or glass of wine, they can choose from any of the options available,” Vogel says. “We will set them up with all of the items necessary for the craft and provide some brief instructions on how to complete the craft. From there, guests are able to explore their creativity. We are always available to provide advice and help troubleshoot.

“There are a number of craft projects [that people] can choose from. These include creating items out of recycled corks, such as coasters, trivets, keychains, magnets and other home and holiday decor items; crafts using scrabble tiles, such as coasters or holiday decorations; small macrame items, festive bottle toppers, decorative gnomes made from various items and other seasonal items. Additionally, we have a selection of plaster and wooden items, as well as small canvases, available for guests who would like to paint something.”

Vogel says the great thing about crafting is that it provides you the opportunity to explore your creative side. And these kinds of creative outlets, she adds, are “a great way to bond with people, relax and enjoy time away from the grind of work”—something we all need. g

SPECIAL SECTION

ON DISPLAY

FRESH APPROACHES TO ART CAN BE FOUND WEAVED IN WITH WELL-KNOWN WORKS AT THESE RECENTLY OPENED GALLERIES.

By STEFANEE FREEDMAN

From walls showcasing Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalí to street artists Banksy and Jeff Gillette, as well as mixed media, modern and abstract pieces by emerging artists and everything in between, a variety of new galleries have opened in Laguna Beach over the past year or so.

The owners of these galleries are a mix of creatives showcasing their own work to the coastal community and collectors ready to sell off some of their holdings while exhibiting pieces by artists from all over the world.

“Laguna Beach is an art center, which

means that one of the top … art schools in the country is here,” says Mogie Dillow, director of Pop Art Masters Gallery, which opened earlier this year. “We have Pageant of the Masters and many art festivals are here. Anyone who wants to buy art comes here. It is a very bohemian town and a very artsy town.”

Laguna College of Art and Design alumnus Andrew Myers is a local artist who recently opened a gallery downtown to showcase his pieces along with those of other artists working in a variety of mediums and genres. Charles Pellicane and Suzanne Barber

have galleries mainly displaying their own creative talents. Then there are newly opened spaces from worldwide collectors, like Ryan Wortham and Robin Liu, ready to display and sell their collections to art lovers coming through Laguna Beach.

“I am happy to be in Laguna Beach, and what better place to have a gallery than Laguna Beach,” says Wortham, owner of Kool Chit Street Art Gallery. “It is an artisan city. It was born as an artisan city.”

Here are some of the newest galleries to peruse while enjoying the artwork on display around town.

Andrew Myers ART

A Laguna resident since 1999, when he enrolled at LCAD (then called the Art Institute of Southern California), Myers had his first art showing at the Forest Avenue space that’s now his gallery, which opened in May.

“I was given an opportunity to do my first art show out of art school in this exact location,” Myers says. “This space was dear to me for a lot of different reasons. I always thought I wanted to open a gallery in Laguna, but never liked any spaces.” When this spot became available, he says, “it just seemed natural that I take it over and start my own gallery.”

Myers is known for putting thousands of screws into a panel and creating an image that is both a sculpture and a painting on the sculpture. Another artist whose pieces are displayed in the gallery uses an unconventional medium, too. JP Goncalves assembles precisely trimmed pieces of wood in a way that allows the light and shadows to form a picture. Among the other featured artists are Chris Ahalt, who makes glass-blown sea creatures and other animals; metal sculptor Christopher Schulz; and David Milton, who paints photolike renditions of vintage architecture, cars and Airstream trailers.

“When you walk into this gallery, you get to experience a very high level of craft,” Myers says. “But at the same time, there is a lot of adventure seeing what some of these pieces can transform and turn into.” (andrewmyersartgallery.com)

Andrew Myers Art (top) features Myers’ screw art like “I Shot Myself in the Foot” (middle), glass-blown animals by Chris Ahalt (bottom row) and works by other artists. Opposite page: “Louis This, Louis That” by Myers

KOOL CHIT STREET ART GALLERY

Wortham, who has collected art for 15 years, never thought he would open a gal lery. But last September, that’s exactly what he did, opening the doors of Kool Chit Street Art Gallery on South Coast Highway to showcase and sell some of the works he has amassed.

“I have a large collection that would probably not see the light of day and I’d rather it be enjoyed rather than hidden in a dark place,” Wortham says, adding that he has also acquired some new pieces for the gallery to sell.

Most of his collection centers around the street art genre. And, with the stigma attached to this type of art, he worried the

surprised by how much has sold in the first year. “I do think, socially, our climate has changed and our perception has changed,” Wortham says. “Stigmas have dropped on lots of different things, so that has opened people’s minds and perspectives.”

Wortham explains that street art evolved from the late 1960s and early 1970s when a Greek American graffitist was active in New York City and using the “TAKI 183” tag, which became a kind of calling card and inspired other street artists leading up to Banksy and others. Wortham presents a variety of street art pieces in the gallery including some by local artists Skeith

DeWine and his friend, Jeff Gillette. Wortham notes that Banksy chose a painting by Gillette to feature on a poster for an exhibit called “Dismaland” in 2015. “I tell this story to most people who come in,” Wortham says.

The piece—which was on display in a Santa Monica gallery when it caught Banksy’s eye—featured Minnie Mouse on a tattered billboard. “[It] was the first of a series I’ve made of different Disney cartoon characters on a weathered billboard in similar post-apocalyptic settings,” Gillette says, adding that he’s been told Banksy hung this painting in his kitchen. (koolchit.com)

RYAN

RED ROOM ART GALLERY

Opened in March by artist Charles Pellicane and running in its north Laguna location through summer 2024, the Red Room Art Gallery includes an immersive, all-red room where special experiences are presented. “It is a radical take on the museum of the future,” Pellicane says.

This gallery allows visitors to literally step into a color and experience not only how this hue looks, but how it feels, smells, sounds and tastes. The longer that visitors remain inside this monochromatic, multisensory installation, the contrasts between the different shades of red begin to sharpen. Sounds and music associated with the color are played through speakers triggered by motion-sensing technology.

Pellicane was inspired by many artists and works throughout history, such as Henri Matisse’s 1908 painting “The Dessert: Harmony in Red (The Red Room),” Robert Therrien’s “Red Room” presented at the Tate museum in London from 2000 to 2007 and Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s creation of immersive sensory experiences like the “Infinity Mirror Rooms” at The Broad in Los Angeles.

The Red Room Art Gallery in Laguna is open during the day on weekends for a more family-focused experience, when people may spend as much time in the Museum of Red as they would like. During the First Thursdays Art Walk, there’s a free, 11-minute, after-dark experience capped by a live, interactive performance by Pellicane. This after-dark experience, “Synesthesia: Rhapsody in Red,” is also offered in a more private setting on Saturday nights for $15 per person. The experience is always changing as more art is added. Meditation workshops and private parties are also hosted there.

The number of people allowed in the gallery at any one time is limited. While walk-ups are allowed, there may be a wait due to space; tickets may also be purchased ahead of time on the website.

(redroomartgallery.com)

The Red Room Art Gallery, featuring works by Charles Pellicane

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POP ART MASTERS GALLERY

The name of this business—the Pop Art Masters Gallery—speaks for itself. Showcasing pop art masters that include Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring, Takashi Murakami and many more, the unique gallery also boasts an international variety of pop art. Works by other well-known artists including Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet and Norman Rockwell are also presented at the gallery, which opened on South Coast Highway in June 2022.

“The owner, Robin Liu, is from China and … travels around the world collecting art from everywhere—from New York, from France, from China, from Taiwan, Italy, from everywhere in the world,” Dillow says.

With over 30 years of experience, Dillow has dedicated her life to managing and directing art galleries. She explains that the art exhibits change every month, but the gallery does not have events in the summer since that is the busiest time of the year for art sales.

“I am currently recruiting local artists because people do ask for local artists as well, so we include local art,” Dillow says. “We had a book signing last April that went very well and we will have an artist painting during his gallery opening next fall. We are very open to doing more events.” (popartmastersgallery.com)

The Pop Art Masters Gallery features the works of Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and more. Below: “Mick Jagger (Blue)” by Christie Smith; bottom left: “Mona Lisa Rescue Koons” by Mr Brainwash

BILL MACK GALLERY

Right next door to the Pop Art Masters Gallery is the Bill Mack Gallery, which opened in March, joining the original location in Las Vegas. The gallery is named after Bill Mack, a relief sculptor who works primarily in “alto relief,” which his website explains, “originated in ancient temple friezes and marble sepulchers and is virtually nonexistent in galleries anywhere.”

Mack also creates drawings and paintings that appear almost three-dimensional. In 2007, he purchased the original Hollywood sign, which had been in storage, and has been using the sign’s metal facing as a canvas on which he paints the likeness of famous actors and actresses such as John Wayne and Marilyn Monroe. Less than 1% of these pieces remain available.

The gallery specializes in Mack’s artwork, and also stands out for its high relief artwork, Murano glass imported from Italy, crystal chandeliers from the Czech Republic, life-size sculptures for indoor or outdoor use and a unique selection of pop art plus pieces by up-and-coming artists. The gallery sells bronze sculptures, original paintings and limited edition prints by more than 30 different artists spread between the two gallery locations. Among them are kinetic artist Dale Mathis, who makes steampunk-looking clocks and furniture; Patrick Guyton, who creates modern and Asian-inspired silver and gold leaf paintings; Roy Tabora, who specializes in Hawaiian luminist oil paintings, a series of sunsets, waterfalls and moonlit beaches that appear to almost glow; rock-nroll artist Ruby Mazur, who created graphics for more than 3,000 album covers including The Rolling Stones’ iconic mouth-and-tongue logo; and Bill Mack’s wife, Deb Mack, who creates surrealist Dalíesque sculptures. (billmackgallery.com)

Relief sculptor Bill Mack’s artwork is featured at the eponymous Bill Mack Gallery along with life-size sculptures, pop art, Murano glass from Italy and crystal chandeliers from the Czech Republic. Bottom row: The Bather (middle) by Mack and one of his works on a piece of the old Hollywood sign (right)

GALLERY AT THE VILLA

An artist in Laguna Beach for more than 30 years, Suzanne Barber opened Gallery at The Villa in July 2022. She was the artist in residence at Montage Laguna Beach and taught art there for many years. She also represented 15 artists at a prominent Laguna gallery and has worked as a spa and wellness consultant, opening over 50 resort spas and teaching wellness classes including art therapy.

She had long wanted to open her own gallery, so when she noticed the pink building in north Laguna was available to lease, it seemed like the perfect spot.

“I turned it into what I call my design space,” Barber says. “I love doing custom commissioned work, so it is my design showroom. It has furniture that I pick out and place. [And] I do different types of abstracts, like abstract florals and bright colors—big paintings mixed in with different mediums like stucco and concrete. It is a place I love going to.”

Having her own design gallery in Laguna is a dream come true for Barber. Her gallery, filled with her own works—created with acrylics, often using her hands or a palette knife— and furniture vignettes, evokes a feeling of entering a warm and inviting living room.

“My intention is always to inspire and encourage viewers to thrive in their lives and be motivated by their living spaces,” Barber says. “I am open to displaying other artisans in the future, hence why I use the name Gallery at The Villa. But, for the moment, I want to focus on my art.” (galleryatthevillla.com) g

Suzanne Barber (top left), owner of Gallery at the Villa (top right) and her paintings, including (bottom, from left) “Best Day Ever” and “Bella”

Scout Mitchell discovered the power of determination.

Laguna Beach High School 2023 graduate Scout Mitchell hails from a family tradition of surfing. “I’ve been a water baby since I was born,”she says. Scout joined the Thurston surf team as a grom, building a reputation as a powerful surfer and finding success in WSA events. She was the respected captain of the LBHS surf team, a leader both in performance and heart.

“Surfing is a sport of constant adaptation—definitely a mental battle.”

This spring, SchoolPower funded a grant for the LBHS surf team: a specialized breath training course taught by Deep End Fitness ™. Scout has trained for years in and out of the water, but the opportunity to emphasize breathwork and mental control under duress was something new and empowering. “Every kid there had to push themselves out of their comfort zone,” she says. “Surfing is all confidence–imagine if I had done this as a freshman.”

Next year Scout won’t be too far from the waves: she plans to attend Saddleback, with the intent to transfer to UCSD. There she’ll pursue her love of the water from an academic angle: marine biology, ecology, and oceanography.

In the 2022-2023 school year, SchoolPower awarded over 70 grants to support Laguna Beach students.

That means kids like Scout can push themselves to better their best and develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom. With your support, SchoolPower can continue to fund grants and help Laguna Beach students find their passion and reach their potential.

Painting a Sustainable Future

FINE ARTIST BEN YOUNG MERGES CREATIVE INSPIRATION WITH ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP.

By ASHLEY PROBST

Eco-conscious fine artist Ben Young often draws inspiration from the natural world around him, blending abstract and realistic elements in his distinctive paintings, all while using recycled supplies.

Young was born in New York City, where he first visited museums and was captivated by the city’s distinctive buildings. Nurtured by a family of artists, he developed a deep appreciation for art and architecture at a young age.

“My father and grandfather were my earliest influences,” the Laguna Beach resident recalls about his childhood. “… They taught me drawing, perspective [and] different painting techniques, and exposed me to master painters at a very young age.”

After spending his formative years in the urban jungle, Young moved to the coast where he experienced “a strong maritime influence during my school years, both in a small beach town in New Jersey and in Nova Scotia, [Canada,] where my father and grandfather had painting studios in their antique stores,” he says.

After finishing school on the East Coast, Young pursued his artistic aspirations at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. There, he honed his skills and discovered his passion for creating art that serves as a reflection of his deep connection to nature.

“Sometimes it comes from a trip to the desert, a dive in the ocean, surfing, or maybe traveling, meeting people and seeing different cultures,” Young says of what inspires him. “… Or just going to a museum and seeing

Ben Young, a local fine artist, upcycles old paintings into canvases for his works.

artists that you really respect and taking one little thing away that you hadn’t thought of implementing into your own work.”

Abstract pieces will often manifest organically as he experiments with new ideas and follows his artistic flow. This is what led to his signature style, which offers a striking balance between abstract and realism.

“Sometimes, I’m fascinated by the incredible detail of things, and sometimes the broad strokes of nature create their own form of abstraction. I love combining these things, and also isolating them,” Young explains. “… Color and form, depth and perspective are all right there in front of you. Everything that you could want to paint is in nature.”

Before making the leap to focus on his own paintings full time during the COVID19 pandemic, Young had a career designing toys with The CDM Co. in Newport Beach, and went on to direct the kids meal programs for Burger King, working with movie studios and films such as “Shrek” and “The Lord of the Rings.” He also worked with major TV networks, developing merchandise for hundreds of TV shows, musicians and other icons from “Star Trek” to “Game of Thrones,” the Grateful Dead and Bruce Lee. He also worked in the action sports industry on the creative side as well as brand development and brand launches. When he walked through a shopgoodwill.com warehouse recently, he even came across a Hang Ten skateboard that he had once designed.

A SECOND LIFE

Now working on his own paintings, Young often sources supplies from Goodwill, the nonprofit thrift store chain, as well as recycled acrylic paint from Laguna Beach-based Encore Artistic Solutions, which collects discarded architectural paint on its way to landfills and upcycles it for a community of artists and makers including several in Laguna. The brand’s paint line, called Tomorrow’s Artist,

contains about 70% discarded paint, mixed with other elements to achieve the desired colors and viscosity for use by fine art painters.

For a piece of art commissioned earlier this year, he used a large secondhand canvas from Goodwill. “I feel that any time we get a chance to avoid single-use anything and give products a second life, we are taking the stewardship of our planet seriously and contributing to a more sustainable future,” Young says.

The eco-conscious artist chose to partner with Goodwill and Encore because he feels aligned with their shared mission around upcycling pre-loved materials.

Nicole Suydam, president and CEO of Goodwill of Orange County, the operator of shopgoodwill.com, is working to bring secondhand supplies to creatives like Young through the charity’s thrift stores and website.

“Goodwill is one of the original adopters of the circular economy model—we have a long legacy of maximizing the value and lifespan of goods and being responsible stewards to our environment,” Suydam says.

The nonprofit’s e-commerce platform launched the #CreateOpportunity campaign earlier this year, aiming to bridge the gap between artists, creators and the eco-conscious community by encouraging sustainable shopping with a greater purpose in mind.

For Young, the decision to repurpose unwanted canvases and support sustainable initiatives was always clear. “I hate to see a perfectly good canvas get thrown away when it could be given new life as a new, beautiful piece of art,” he says. “[And] you’re supporting people in their local communities when you buy from shopgoodwill.com.”

Sometimes, he buys an old painting from Goodwill and adds a layer of gesso on top, making the large canvas as good as new. He then paints his own vision atop the nowblank canvas, often using Encore paint.

“Every jar and every brushstroke we use [of Encore] means one less jar or

brushstroke of new material is consumed. … I feel better at the end of the day, knowing that my footprint is lower because I had the choice and I exercised it,” Young says of making these sustainable decisions.

Not only does Young derive a sense of fulfillment from his work, it’s also attracted international attention. He is currently exploring several opportunities to show his work in Europe later this year. Closer to home, he’ll be exhibiting at the Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art on Aug. 19-20 (with a few pieces remaining on display for the month), Laguna Coffee Co. in October and the Coast Film & Music Festival in November.

As Young immerses himself in the creative process ahead of these showings, he remains focused on his art. In a world that increasingly values conscious choices and artistic expression, Young serves as a testament to the profound impact that art can have on our environment and our souls. g

“Introspective” by Ben Young

AWE-INSPIRING ALASKA

CRUISE

ALONG THE COAST OF THE 49TH STATE, TEEMING WITH WILDLIFE AND STUNNING LANDSCAPES, FOR AN ADVENTURE TO REMEMBER.

By SHARON STELLO

Alaska’s abundant wildlife captures the hearts of its visitors—and for good reason. Imagine pods of orcas spouting in front of your boat, humpbacks flipping their flukes toward the sky as they dive into the sea, along with playful seals and otters, and bald eagles soaring overhead. Amid verdant forests, vigilant observers might even see a bear during the salmon run.

The wild creatures of this country’s 49th state are only rivaled by the jaw-dropping scenery, from snow-capped mountains to waterfalls and turquoise-colored lakes as well as breathtaking glaciers that groan and pop as pieces of ice calve and fall into the water.

Not only is Alaska stunning, but it’s immense. The largest state in the union, it’s bigger than California, Texas and Montana

combined. Given this impressive expanse, cruising is one of the best ways to visit the Land of the Midnight Sun.

Award-winning Celebrity Cruises is a great option for seeing the coast between Seward and Vancouver, British Columbia, with both northbound and southbound routes including inside passage offered from May through early September. Alaska sailings this summer are aboard one of three ships: the Solstice, Eclipse and Millennium. The latter is a Forbes Travel Guide Four Star-rated resort at sea, among five of the brand’s ships recognized by Forbes this year; in fact, Celebrity is the first ocean cruise line to earn the travel guide’s star awards. And this is the last season to ride on the Millennium in Alaska as the ship will soon depart for Asia. Next year, the Alaska cruises will be on Solstice, Summit and Edge. The midsized Millennium, which accommodates approximately 2,200 passengers and was modernized in 2019 as part of a $500 million upgrade to the fleet, is big enough to offer numerous amenities without feeling overwhelming. It’s jam-packed with activities, live shows, music and impressive restaurants from a casual buffet to fine dining options with menus by a Michelin-starred chef. Plenty of land excursions are offered on this seven-night trip as well as nonstop onboard activities for those at-sea days and in between exploring port cities like Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan; passengers who opt not to leave the ship won’t be bored either, with everything from trivia to ping-pong and cornhole tournaments, silent disco dances, art sessions, an art gallery, casino, high-end shopping, a spa, fitness center, swimming pools, hot tubs and an adults-only solarium.

A whale watching trip from Icy Strait Point

Those seeking to extend their vacation can tack on a land-based tour with options before or after the cruise. These nine- to 13-day Cruisetours incorporate luxury train rides, deluxe motorcoaches and authentic lodges to visit destinations like Anchorage, Talkeetna and Denali National Park & Preserve.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

When it comes to choosing a stateroom on the ship, several options are available, from interior to ocean view spaces and those with a private veranda—which is great for

aquatherapy series with an aromatic steam room, sauna and rain shower at the spa. Or choose The Retreat for a Royal Suite, private sundeck with dedicated attendants, exclusive access to special restaurant Luminae, complimentary 24-hour room service, the inclusion of all tips, premium drink and Wi-Fi packages, onboard and shore excursion credits, and more.

Known for its dining options that rival top, land-based resorts—the Millennium’s main restaurant, Metropolitan, has received Wine Spectator magazine’s Restaurant Award of Excellence since 2013—this ship’s restaurants leave passengers wanting for nothing. Any palate can be satiated with the onboard options. The Oceanview Cafe serves up an international buffet of dishes from pizza and pasta to burgers, salads, Mexican and Indian fare, plus desserts that would tempt even the most health-conscious diner. The main restaurant keeps it classic with dishes like shrimp cocktail, escargots, French onion soup, grilled steak, prime rib and broiled salmon. Blu (for AquaClass guests only) offers a plant-based Beyond Burger, zucchini carpaccio, pan-seared red snapper, dijon-glazed salmon salad, filet mignon and more. Luminae (for The Retreat guests) ups the ante with cold smoked salmon, roasted pork belly, seared duck breast and Moroccan chicken tangine with saffron couscous. Notably, acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud, whose land-based restaurants have received Michelin stars, has designed signature dishes for Luminae.

enjoying the views while sipping coffee in the morning or watching for whales.

Upgrade to Concierge Class, which adds personalized concierge service, special bedding, twice daily housekeeping and more. The wellness-focused AquaClass builds on those offerings with an expanded room service breakfast menu; the inclusion of all drinks; Wi-Fi and tips; the use of yoga mats, blocks and other fitness equipment during the cruise as well as exclusive dining at Blu restaurant, which has plant-based options, and unlimited access to the Persian Garden, a rejuvenating

Specialty dining includes the Tuscan Grille, an Italian restaurant with a contemporary twist; Sushi on Five for a modern approach to traditional Japanese cuisine; and Le Petit Chef at Qsine, which presents an immersive display of animated projections involving a little chef who takes diners on a culinary journey.

When it comes to libations, choose from nine bars and lounges, including a pool bar and Sunset Bar on the back deck of the ship. The Martini Bar is a must-visit spot where bartenders become entertainers, dazzling guests as they juggle bottles and fill stacked glasses from a long

Celebrity Cruises’ Millennium ship, Sky Suite (bottom) and The Retreat Sundeck (right)

chain of shakers without spilling a drop. Drinks are served on an ice-covered bar top. Another go-to place is the Sky Lounge, a large space at the front of the ship with a stage, dance area, bar and floor-to-ceiling windows for the best views from inside the ship. Come here to sip cocktails including signature drinks named after horoscope signs, take part in a trivia game or magic show, dance to late-night DJ beats or just kick back and enjoy the view.

ALASKAN ADVENTURES

While the onboard amenities are impressive, most people cruise in Alaska to marvel at the natural wonders and experience the historic towns. Each port offers plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the local culture and landscape. But the trip begins before stepping foot on the boat. For those on a southbound cruise, most people fly into Anchorage and then drive or take a train or bus to Seward, where the ship departs. The Seward Highway

is an incredible introduction to Alaska with stunning scenery around every turn. This two-hour route passes by the Turnagain Arm’s dramatic shoreline and the striking Chugach Mountains and Kenai Peninsula.

For those with extra time, several stops along the way can add to the experience, including Potter Marsh at the southern end of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge to see migratory birds, beavers and moose; Beluga Point lookout to try to spot the white whales; the 200-acre Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which cares for injured and orphaned animals including moose, bears, wolves and reindeer in fenced natural habitats; several parking lots to view the majestic blue-green Kenai Lake, which was formed out of glacier water; and numerous hiking areas to explore.

Once on the ship, Hubbard Glacier is the destination during the first full at-sea day. As the ship approaches Disenchantment Bay, chunks of ice can be seen floating in the water. Keep an eye out for harbor seals and

sea lions, too. The air is decidedly colder as the ship approaches the awe-inspiring glacier, which has a bluish hue because the ice absorbs the light’s red or long wavelengths while the blue or short wavelengths are scattered. Head to the helicopter landing pad on the boat’s bow for a prime lookout or simply have a seat on your private balcony, the pool deck or in the solarium. Windows here can open for an unobstructed view for photos and close to keep you warmer; grab one of the throw blankets available to bundle up. As a naturalist narrates over the speaker system, the ship will spin in a circle to give everyone a good view no matter what side they’re on. Or, opt for an excursion on a smaller vessel to get a closer look at the glacier, which stretches about 7 miles wide and 76 miles long. Surprisingly, Hubbard Glacier is actually growing thicker while most glaciers around the globe are retreating.

After visiting the glacier, the ship continues south overnight and then pulls into its first port city, Juneau, which offers plenty of shopping and dining as well as seaplane tours and more. For incredible panoramic views, take the Goldbelt Tram, which rises 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts from the dock through the rain forest—one of the most vertical tramways in the world—to the Mountain House with a gift shop and the Timberline Bar & Grill to enjoy lunch and a beer. Once at the top, optional hiking trails take visitors through a forest dotted with totem poles and vistas of a waterfall in the distance. Notably, the aerial tram is owned by Goldbelt Inc., an urban Alaska Native business that seeks to honor and preserve the Tlingit culture.

Another must-try place in Juneau is the Alaskan Fudge Co. with more than 22 creative flavors like Inside Passage (chocolate filled with peanut butter) and Mount Juneau Mint. Visitors can watch the fudge being made in the shop. Tracy’s King Crab Shack is also popular for locally caught crab legs, bisque and crabcakes, but the line can get long. Another option is The Hangar on The Wharf with over 20 beers on tap, Alaskan seafood, burgers, steaks and pasta in a converted airplane hangar with views of the water.

The next stop on the cruise is Skagway, where visitors can stroll through the historic downtown, visit the Red Onion Saloon and Brothel Museum, sign up for a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad, try panning for gold or spend time at a musher’s camp to learn about the Iditarod and hold a sled dog puppy at Alaska 360’s Dredge

Clockwise from top left: Alaska’s stunning scenery; kayaking adventures; an aerial tram in Juneau; a train ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route

Town. The train, with old-fashioned rail cars that clatter over trestles and through tunnels, follows the trail trekked by gold prospectors in the 1800s. Remain seated in the car to enjoy views of Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch through the window or step onto the platform to feel the wind in your hair as the train chugs up to the 2,865-foot White Pass summit.

The following day, the ship arrives at Icy Strait Point, a tourist stop that includes more than 20 tours, a restored 1912 salmon can-

Real Estate / Showcase

TOUR LAGUNA’S TOP HOMES

From quaint beach cottages to luxury hilltop estates, the Laguna Beach area offers some of the best homes and views in Orange County. On the following pages, we bring you a special section dedicated to highlighting top properties on the market today. These outstanding homes are represented by Laguna Beach’s expert Realtors and real estate agents—individuals with superior knowledge of the local area and the OC market, all dedicated to providing the best customer service.

ADDRESS: 909 SUMMIT WAY, LAGUNA BEACH

OFFERING PRICE: $3,750,000

AGENT:

MEITAL TAUB 949-922-9552 LIVELREALESTATE.COM

DYNAMIC OCEAN VIEWS

NEWLY LISTED

This beautiful single-level home in Mystic Hills presents an opportunity for a new owner to enjoy its spaciousness and captivating ocean views. The property o ers unobstructed vistas of the ocean and town, providing a breathtaking backdrop to everyday living.

1475 Coral Drive Laguna Beach, CA

$4,650,000

3 2 1,800

With the large deck and patio adjacent to the family room, the accordion pocket folding doors serve as a gateway to extend your living space and maximize enjoyment of the beautiful sunsets and ocean views. Embracing the indoor-outdoor lifestyle becomes e ortless, allowing you to truly make the most of your surroundings and create a seamless ow between your home’s interior and the outdoor beauty that Mystic Hills has to o er.

Inside, the home boasts a large family and dining room, creating a welcoming environment for gatherings and relaxation. Adding to the cozy atmosphere, a linear replace graces the living space, perfect for those cooler evenings. This home presents an opportunity to embrace the coastal lifestyle and create lasting memories.

Dine / Royal Hawaiian

original decor; the Triple Happiness cocktail; a pupu platter with chicken skewers, lumpia pork egg rolls, crab rangoons and crispy coconut shrimp

A Tropical Throwback

BELOVED EATERY ROYAL HAWAIIAN ROLLS BACK INTO TOWN WITH A VINTAGE NOD TO ITS HISTORY.

By ASHLEY RYAN

Step back in time to the 1940s, when Royal Hawaiian first opened in Laguna Beach. Tiki culture was just gaining popularity and the laid-back, tropical vibe was the perfect fit for this coastal town.

Though there have been multiple iterations over the years, the opening of the new Royal Hawaiian aims to re-create the vibe of the original restaurant, with a vintage design, detail-oriented renovation and a menu of favorites. Los Angeles-based Boulevard Hospitality Group worked with Ignacio “Notch” Gonzalez of Top Notch Kustoms

on the rebuild, incorporating artifacts like lamps, mugs and more from the original restaurant while woodcarver Vic Hernandez crafted new Tiki statues to stand guard at front, modeled after the 1960s versions. With a giant clamshell bench in the lobby, jade tiles, colored lights, thatched elements and a 45-foot bar with stunning lit shelves, the interior is a sight to behold— and so are the cocktails. The original Royal Hawaiian made the rum-filled Chief Lapu Lapu famous, and now it’s back and better than ever, with fresh passion fruit placed on top and served flaming. Other throwback

drinks include the ingredient-heavy Singapore Sting and the Deep Sea Diver, another rum-forward option sweetened with a house-made honey cream.

Modern concoctions are on the menu as well. Don’t overlook the Triple Happiness, a sweet and smoky cocktail of tequila and mezcal that is served in a skull-shaped dish of dry ice for a foggy show. The two-person Bali Bali bowl is another fun one, so strong that it’s meant for sharing.

When it comes time to order, you’ll find an array of island-inspired dishes from Hawaii and beyond crafted by Head Chef JaeHee Lee, a native of Guam. Make sure to try the pupu platter, which allows you to select four appetizers to sample. From seafood options like the crispy coconut shrimp and creamy crab rangoons to grilled chicken skewers, empanadas to Spam musubi, there is something for everyone, but the true highlight is the lumpia egg roll, stuffed with braised pork and vegetables and served with a sweet chile dipping sauce.

For the main course, there are a number of flavorful dishes to choose from. For a light lunch, try the tuna poke, where ahi tuna is served alongside a bed of mixed greens, or even the grilled Huli-Huli Half Bird Inasal, a perfectly marinated, boneless half chicken. Heartier options include the grilled teriyaki rib-eye with crispy onions on top, the Royal Ribs (another throwback to the past) and the curry pineapple rice, in which fried jasmine rice is mixed with peas, scallions, Portuguese sausage and curry then topped with shrimp—all served in an actual pineapple half. The menu also offers a Japanese-style burger, veggie kabobs, Atlantic salmon and a creamy macaroni salad (it can be ordered by itself or as a side with an entree) that you simply must try.

Whether you end the meal with pineapple or coconut cake or another cocktail, you’re sure to leave feeling refreshed and maybe a little nostalgic, too. g

ROYAL HAWAIIAN: 331 N. Coast Highway 949-549-4354; royalhawaiianoc.com HOURS: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Top left: Royal Hawaiian dishes including (from left) grilled rib-eye, curry pineapple rice and Huli-Huli Half Bird Inasal chicken; clockwise from top right: the renovated interior, inspired by the eatery’s

September 24, 2023 | 5 pm - 9 pm

Festival of Arts Pageant of the Masters

SCAN CODE FOR TICKETS

Laguna Beach Join us for Chef Masters ‘23 in lovely Laguna Canyon where the best chefs, wineries, and restaurants will come together to benefit Unconditional Rescue Attire is Resort Casual Good Food For A Great Cause:

Photo Credit: Sarah DeRemer

Taste of the Town / Dining News

ITALIAN EATS

Since opening in 2018, Oliver’s Osteria has been serving up delightfully traditional Italian eats in Laguna Canyon, courtesy of chef-owner Erik De Marchi. Born and raised in Italy, De Marchi combines family recipes with techniques he learned at culinary school before venturing to America. And now, he is expanding with the addition of OLIVER’S TRATTORIA, a more casual concept expected to open at Irvine’s Quail Hill Shopping Center this fall. “Irvine is where I live and where I am raising my family,” De Marchi explains. “I feel it’s diverse, close to everything and has a great business community that I am excited to be a part of.” The new space will be larger than its Laguna counterpart, with a lighter, brighter interior as well as an outdoor patio and private event space. The menu will focus on De Marchi’s housemade pizzas as well as pasta dishes. While many of the offerings will be unique to the trattoria, there will be some overlap, including dishes such as the rigatoni cacio e pepe and the tagliatelle alla Bolognese. The new location will also offer lunch and catering services as well. (949-715-0261; oliverstrattoria.com) —Ashley Ryan

OVER THE MOON

Java lovers will be over the moon to learn that MoonGoat Coffee Roasters’ PACIFIC GOAT HIGHWAY coffee stand opened in May. Offering drive-thru, walk-up and mobile ordering, visitors can try a number of coffee drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos and espresso as well as more unique options like the hot Churro beverage, Budget Bru cold brew, the adaptogenic mushroom-based Chagaccino, the Fizzy Americano and more; a seasonal peach syrup is also currently available. An icecold, house-made slush is on the menu,

too, though the flavor will be rotating. Other noncoffee drinks that will cool you down this summer include chai and matcha varieties, kombucha, iced teas and juices. For those requiring a snack, a selection of baked goods, like a chocolate chip cookie, banana bread and a blueberry-lemon loaf, can also be found here. Additionally, patio furniture will be coming soon so guests can stay for a while and visit with friends as they sip. MoonGoat also runs locations in Costa Mesa and Garden Grove and has a roastery in Santa Ana. (949-612-2875; pch.coffee) A.R.

THE HAPPIEST HOUR

Two Laguna hot spots launched new happy hour menus in June, offering deals on wine, appetizers and more. At WINE CRAFT, a studio that offers tastes or glasses of vino in addition to DIY arts and crafts, guests can enjoy discounts

on wine by the glass from 3-6 p.m. daily. The Inflation Proof Happy Hour includes options for $4.75, $6.75 and $8.75, poured from a rotating selection of bottles hailing from California, France, Australia, Italy, South Africa and beyond; complimentary snacks are also included. Additionally, diners at ROUX CREOLE CUISINE can order off of the Happy Hour to the Nines menu in the front room and at the chef’s counter. Enjoy any glass of wine on the menu for $9 or sample appetizers such as spicy shrimp, pork belly, fried oysters, sweet corn hush puppies and more with $5 off. The new menu is available Wednesday through Friday and Sunday from 5-6 p.m. (Wine Craft: 949-376-0007; winecraftoc.com) (Roux Creole Cuisine: 949-715-3707; rouxlaguna.com) —A.R.

TOAST OF THE TOWN

Two local restaurants, SELANNE STEAK TAVERN and SPLASHES at Surf & Sand Resort, have received recognition from Wine Spectator magazine for their excellent wine programs. Both were honored with the Best of Award of Excellence—the magazine’s second highest ranking—with Selanne earning the award for the seventh consecutive year and Splashes for the sixth year in a row. Selanne offers a curated inventory of 3,000 bottles representing 400 diverse wines from around the globe and focuses on standout California and French wine selections. Down the road, Splashes features more than 360 offerings from California and other countries: The restaurant has the unique opportunity to purchase some of the best vintages and cellar them at the resort until they reach optimal maturity,

Tagliatelle alla Bolognese (shown) will be on the menu at Oliver’s Trattoria, opening this fall.

Try wines during happy hour at Wine Craft.

The Cold Bru at Pacific Goat Highway

building an outstanding wine library. This year’s Wine Spectator program recognized more than 3,500 dining locations from all 50 states and over 75 countries and territories. There were 1,411 winners of the Best of Award of Excellence award for 2023, all with collections that represent a breadth of wine regions and/or vintage depth through inventories of notable vino from top producers. The service team’s training and wine education is also key. (Selanne Steak Tavern: 949-715-9881; selannesteak tavern.com) (Splashes: 888-579-8544; surfandsandresort.com) Sharon Stello

THE BEST THINGS BETWEEN SLICED BREAD

For those seeking a new lunch option, a sandwich shop aptly called WIGZ opened in town earlier this summer in the former Charles’ Wigs shop space at 1816 S. Coast Highway. “It was important for us to recognize an iconic shop that impacted the lives of many members of our community. It’s amazing how many folks have come in and told their wig story to us already,” says Wigz owner Zac Cornwell, a Laguna resident who also grew up in town and felt the community needed a proper sandwich shop. A former financial planner, Cornwell missed working in the food service industry, having managed several Gelato Paradiso shops during college. Wigz serves up several different “sandos” from spicy tuna to corned beef, pastrami on rye and even a pesto grilled cheese with provolone, tomato, artichoke, arugula and balsamic drizzle. Classic options include roast beef or turkey with bacon and avocado. Another, named for our beach town, the Laguna Italian layers on the cold cuts—salami, ham and capicola—before being topped with shredded

RESTAURANT LISTINGS

Scan the QR code below to visit our dining resource online.

lettuce, tomato, red onion, pepperoncinis, Italian dressing, salt, pepper, oil and vinegar. Meanwhile, the kids will eat up the grilled cheese and the traditional or grilled peanut butter and jelly. In addition to a few small tables inside, seating is available in front of the shop and on a nice patio out back. (949235-8785; instagram.com/wigzlb) —S.S. /

We have something for everyone: gluten free, vegan, lamb, chicken, beef & fish.

949-494-9306

540 S. Coast Hwy, Ste. 108, Laguna Beach Mon–Sat 11:30am-8pm • Sun 9am-7:30pm

From left: Selanne Steak Tavern, recognized for its wines; a roast beef sandwich at Wigz

Last Impressions / Steve and Embry Munsey

10

MINUTES WITH Steve and Embry Munsey

THE OWNERS OF JEDIDIAH COFFEE TALK ABOUT THEIR SOON-TO-OPEN CAFE, THE MEANING BEHIND THEIR BUSINESS NAME AND WHAT THEY LOVE ABOUT LAGUNA.

By SHARON STELLO

Jedidiah Coffee, which has been roasting its own coffee in Laguna Canyon for the past few years, is preparing to open a coffee shop at Jasmine Street and North Coast Highway by September or October; construction was expected to start this summer with a Kickstarter.com fund drive running through midAugust to help with design and build-out costs.

“We have a roasting studio in the canyon. … We currently have ‘sip and shop’ hours open to the public, and are simultaneously working hard to open our brick-and-mortar cafe,” says Embry Munsey, who owns the business with her husband, Steve.

“… We have dreamt and planned of this space for a long time, and there has never been a doubt that the most important aspect will be an overwhelming sense of home to everyone that comes through our doors. … Our main goal is to filter the entire space through a family-friendly feel and design.”

Indeed, family is important to the Munseys. The couple even named their business in memory of their stillborn son, Jedidiah. “We lost Jedidiah when I was 39 weeks pregnant in July of 2011—the complete shock of our lives,” Embry says. “We lost Jed two weeks after talking to a local investor about opening a local coffee shop, which we ultimately put on hold.”

After this devastating loss, they moved to Texas— where she grew up—to be closer to family and, eventually, decided it was time to get back into the coffee business. “A family friend that was helping us … suggested we relaunch as Jedidiah Coffee in honor of our late son. Hesitant at first, we knew ultimately we would love honoring his legacy and sharing our story in this way,” Embry says.

When the couple returned to Laguna in 2019, they brought the business with them. They roast craft coffee from countries like Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ethiopia and Mexico. For example, the Ethiopian beans come from Gigesa, a small town in the Guji Zone where coffee cherries are washed and dried after being collected from 850 area growers.

“From a flavor and quality standpoint, … [our coffee is] definitely different from the mainstream, mass-produced coffee out there,” Steve says. “The coffee we source and roast is high quality—from the actual fruit off the tree to the time and attention we put into the small-batch craft roasting. We work hard to not overcook the coffee, but to instead really bring out the natural sweetness and vibrant flavors that are unique to each region and variety.”

Additionally, the company also does coffee catering for events, whipping up specialty drinks like

pepper-infused Spicy Girl Coffee for a wedding at the bride’s request or rose-vanilla lattes and lavender mochas for a Mother’s Day treat at a church.

Steve first got into the coffee world as a barista for Starbucks in 2004, which turned into a six-year venture with the company, allowing him to realize his passion for this industry. He also briefly worked as a store manager at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to gain additional experience.

“Ultimately, I was encouraged by my regular customers and local friends to start my own coffee company, which led to doing just that in 2011,” says Steve, who launched the business with his wife in OC with the intent to open a cafe. “What made us want to start our own company was our shared love and passion for community and hospitality.”

The couple live in Laguna with their two sons, Zealan, 15, and Gideon, 9, and daughter, Liberty, 7.

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE: Why do you love coffee?

STEVE MUNSEY: I look forward to starting my day off right—which, to me, is with a slow cup of coffee. The ritual, the flavor experience, seriously everything about it. … I love the heart and collaborative spirit in the coffee industry as well. The craft and dedication of coffee farming—it’s honestly humbling to be a part of it all.

LBM: What do you like about living and working in Laguna Beach?

EMBRY MUNSEY: Honestly, there is really nothing to not love. Laguna is beautiful inside and out, and after all these years, it feels surreal for Jedidiah Coffee to be a household name here. Just about everything we do is within a few miles. We can’t complain.

LBM: Any favorite local restaurants?

EM: Gina’s Pizza, Wahoo’s Fish Taco, The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove State Park and Gelato Paradiso have been our go-tos for over 15 years, and all hold many memories.

LBM: What inspires you?

EM: We both are most inspired when we’re in nature, particularly the ocean. People that have faced loss and pain and still somehow exude kindness and selflessness leave a huge mark on us both. … Inspiration is always around; we just have to quiet our minds to see and hear it. g

Embry and Steve Munsey, owners of Jedidiah Coffee

HOLLY SIGAFOOS PHOTO AT COASTAL COLLECTIVE STUDIO