LBM124_JUN/JUL.24

CATCH A WAVE LEARN TO SURF WITH THESE LOCAL INSTRUCTORS CARVING A PATH THESE WATERMEN AND WOMEN ARE MAKING A SPLASH GEAR UP FIND OCEAN SPORTS GEAR AND BEACH DAY MUST-HAVES AT LOCAL SHOPS

Coastal Gems

BY WAY OF THE JOHN STANALAND GROUP

15 Camel Point | Laguna Beach

$30,000,000 | 4 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHROOMS, 2 POWDER ROOMS APPROXIMATELY 5,100 SQUARE FEET OF LIVING AREA, APPROXIMATELY 15,400 SQUARE FOOT LOT

An exquisitely executed contemporary oceanfront offering with rare direct beach access via the estate’s private staircase. Sited on over a third of an acre at the end of the point just south of the famed Montage Laguna Beach, this architecturally significant property designed by Bill Murray features stunning 270-degree views of the Pacific Ocean. WEB# LG23084437

547 TEMPLE HILLS | LAGUNA BEACH

$6,995,000 | 5 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHROOMS, 1 POWDER ROOM

A stunning example of contemporary Laguna Beach architecture with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the city below, with multiple outdoor spaces for year-round enjoyment.

WEB# LG23143853

1947 RIM ROCK CANYON | LAGUNA BEACH

$4,700,000 | 2 BEDROOMS, 1 BATHROOM

On the market for the first time in decades, this property offers a singular opportunity to own an ultra-private 1.8-acre compound with expansive ocean and canyon views in the heart of Temple Hills.

WEB# LG24035405

Contents features

MAKING WAVES

These local surfers have carved out impressive paths, from competing, traveling and sharing their adventure stories to bringing the community together and teaching others to hang 10.

By SHARON STELLO

52 SCHOOL’S IN SESSION

Learn how to catch a wave with these local surf instructors.

By SHARAEL KOLBERG

58 SURF SUPPLIES

Take your style from the shelves to the sea with the help of these local shops.

By ASHLEY RYAN

Contents features / departments

CELEBRATING CREATIVITY

Laguna’s festivals gear up for another fun-filled summer of art, music and more.

By JULIA CLERK

REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE

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

TRAVEL: ON ISLAND TIME

Easy getaways to Catalina Island offer opportunities for rest, relaxation and adventure.

By SHARON STELLO

Explore the latest news about dining out in Laguna Beach.

Around Town

A look at the latest happenings around Laguna

Community

Beauty in Grace Luncheon; Three Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic; Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament; Art Star Awards 26

Fabric of the Community: Ocean Trailblazers

Laguna Bluebelt Coalition safeguards marine sanctuaries and preserves coastal integrity.

28

Home: Modern Minimalism

Celebrate simplicity with design that nurtures a sense of warmth and well-being.

W&D: Creating the Cure

Enjoy fresh fare this summer with these local ceviche varieties. 32

Q&A: Flock Together

The Orange County Bird of Prey Center offers the chance to get up close and personal with owls, eagles, hawks or other raptors.

Last Impressions: 10 Minutes With … Bart Zandbergen

The certified financial planner is focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and, through his nonprofit, helping others who were bullied like he was as a child.

Just as your loving support contributes to their happiness and security, tending to your estate does the same for your family’s future. Here at Whittier Trust, we’re committed to that proactive approach. By taking care of your estate with dedication, we’re not just safeguarding your wealth—we’re safeguarding your family’s legacy too.

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER

Steve Zepezauer GROUP EDITOR

Sharon Stello

sharon@firebrandmediainc.com

MANAGING EDITORS

Justine Amodeo, Ashley Ryan

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Clara Beard

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Julia Clerk, Sharael Kolberg, Tanya A. Yacina

DESIGN

CREATIVE DESIGN DIRECTOR

Tracy Powell

DIGITAL MEDIA CONTENT WRANGLER

Kim Zepezauer

Magazine

SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Mara Hertel

mara@firebrandmediainc.com

Carol Josepher

carol@firebrandmediainc.com

Adrienne Kruse

adrienne@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

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A Perfect Fit

Belmont Village Senior Living

Berkshire Hathaway - Shauna & Leita Covington

Compass - Carter Kaufman

Compass - John Trevino

Crown Reconstruction Services Inc.

Douglas Elliman - John Stanaland

Engel & Volkers - Lindsay Clark

ERA Ranch & Sea Realty - Daniel Haney

Festival of Arts

GG’s Bistro

gorjana

huit

Laguna Coast Real Estate

Laguna Coffee Co.

Laguna Playhouse

Livel Real Estate

Malibu Sunday

Pageant of the Masters

Perspire Sauna Studio Dana Point

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

Sawdust Art Festival

SchoolPower

Sharon Imbriani Design

Surterre Properties - The Horton Team

Temecula Olive Oil Co.

Terranea Resort

The Finishing Touch Floors Inc.

The Rooftop Lounge

The Vault Men & The Vault Women

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SUBSCRIPTIONS: Laguna Beach Magazine

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).

BEYOND THE FRAME

Watch as art literally comes to life on stage, with people posing to look just like famous artworks. Plus, enjoy great stories, live original music, and exciting surprises. Look closely! See if you can catch them blinking – it's a magical night under the stars. Early ticket purchase recommended, this event is highly sought after and draws art enthusiasts from around the world. Don’t miss it!

The Season of Surf

Laguna Beach has a long history of surfing legends, from Hobie Alter shaping boards in his parents’ garage in town to the beloved Brooks Street Surfing Classic, which started back in 1955, and professional surfers who have called Laguna home in between traveling on the competitive circuit. With that in mind, this issue of Laguna Beach Magazine pays tribute to the long tradition of surfing here. “School’s in Session” highlights the many local surf schools, which offer lessons for everyone from young groms to more advanced wave riders looking to perfect their technique (page 52). This edition also rounds up Laguna’s surf shops and highlights everything they have in store for water sports or just a day at the beach (page 58). And last, but certainly not least, we feature eight Lagunans who are making a name for themselves in the surf community, whether excelling in competition, teaching others to ride waves or inspiring us with their stories of surf travel adventures. Learn more about these watermen and women in “Making Waves,” on page 40.

I’ve only tried surfing once and, while I’m glad I did it—and was able to stand up and ride a wave in—it was tough! These pros make it look effortless, but it is a challenging sport, at least for the uninitiated. So when you see top surfers carving up waves on the next social media post or at the next competition, know that it takes hours of training and practice along with determination and a willingness to brave the often cold water in early morning hours to get to that level. So, read on to go beneath the surface with some local surfers about their journeys.

And for those who are ready to dive in and give it a try, we encourage you to choose one of Laguna’s surf schools to learn the basics and either check it off your bucket list or perhaps find a new passion while soaking up the sun this summer.

Sharon Stello Group Editor sharon@firebrandmediainc.com

The first Brooks Street Surfing Classic in 1955

calendarof events

STRAWBERRY U-PICK

THROUGH JUNE 23; THE ECOLOGY CENTER, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

There’s nothing like taking home a basketful of fresh-picked strawberries, especially those grown right here in Southern California. The Ecology Center guests can take a self-guided tour of the farm before heading out into the fields to pick their own berries. Because the strawberries are grown without chemical pesticides and fertilizers, they are safe for children to sample straight off the vine. (949443-4223; theecologycenter.org)

“KOOZA” THROUGH AUG. 4; LAGUNA HILLS MALL, LAGUNA HILLS

Cirque du Soleil returns to the region with “Kooza,” a show filled with acrobatic performances and the art of clowning. The story follows a naive, young clown looking for his place in the world, who receives a mystery item. He’s transported to an exotic world and his journey is followed by a trickster with fantastic abilities. (877-9247783; cirquedusoleil.com)

SOUTH LAGUNA COMMUNITY

GARDEN PARK SUMMER

YOUTH PROGRAM

THROUGH AUG. 11; SOUTH LAGUNA COMMUNITY

GARDEN PARK

Kids can play outside while learning general gardening skills and grow in their knowledge of the earth during weekly meetings featuring fun, garden-related projects. Local high school student and former Children’s Garden member Roya Goldstein will lead the program, which is best suited for children between the ages of 5 and 8, on Wednesday mornings. Parents or guardians are asked to accompany their child and are welcome to join in the family-friendly activities. Sign up by emailing Roya at lagunayouthgarden@ gmail.com. (949-499-1804; southlagunagarden.org)

ADVENTURE WITH PRIDE

JUNE 22; RIVIAN SOUTH COAST THEATER

Learn more about the unique and storied past of Laguna Beach’s LGBTQ+ community with a mini

film festival and panel discussion from 6-9 p.m. The free event features a presentation of curated movie shorts and a lineup of guest speakers. Light bites and drinks will be provided; registration is required through the website. (310254-5871; lagunabeachpride.org)

“THE MALE INTELLECT: AN OXYMORON?”

JUNE 26-27; LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

For just two nights only, Robert Dubac’s “The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?” will be taking center stage at Laguna Playhouse. The one-man comedy show is an international sensation on a mission to answer the timeless question, “What do women want?” Dubac plays the part of five different characters who provide answers with side-splitting hilarity. (949-4972787; lagunaplayhouse.com)

PASSPORT TO THE ARTS

JUNE 28 - SEPT. 1; LAGUNA ARTA-FAIR, FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL Get access to exhibits by more than 500 artists, over 200

musical performances, interactive art workshops and dozens of special events and artist demonstrations when you purchase a Passport to the Arts. The passport gives art lovers a one-time entry to each festival—Laguna Art-AFair, Festival of Arts and Sawdust Art Festival—this summer. Passport holders also receive free parking one time at the Act V lot at 1900 Laguna Canyon Road with free trolley services available. The passport is only available for purchase in person at any of the three participating festival box offices. (949-4979229; visitlagunabeach.com)

Left: strawberry picking at The Ecology Center; right: South Laguna Community Garden Park will host a summer youth program.

Discovery Hikes with Laguna Canyon Foundation

COLORED PENCIL CACTUS DRAWING WORKSHOP

JUNE 29; HORTENSE

MILLER GARDEN

Learn how to use colored pencils to draw and blend like paint through step-by-step instruction by LOCA Arts Education artist Elizabeth McGhee. Using layering and blending techniques on toned matte board, each attendee will take home their own artistic rendering of a cactus and flower. All materials will be supplied. Following the workshop, there will be a short tour of the residence at the garden. This mid-century modern home was built by Knowlton Fernald in 1958 on the slope of Boat Canyon in north Laguna. Pre-registration is required to attend. (949-363-4700; hortensemillergarden.org)

DISCOVERY HIKES WITH LAGUNA CANYON FOUNDATION

JULY 2 AND ONGOING; ALISO AND WOOD CANYONS WILDERNESS PARK

Explore Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, where you might see deer, bobcats and hawks on this guided hike, which is offered every two weeks. Learn about acorn woodpeckers and woodrats as well as the peculiar nature of certain plants. Enjoy wildlife sights, sounds and smell on this moderate 5-mile hike over rocky terrain with less than 500 feet of elevation gain. Pre-registration is required on the website. (949-4978324; lagunacanyon.org)

MUSIC

IN THE PARK

JULY 7 - AUG. 18; BLUEBIRD PARK

Bring a low beach chair and enjoy Music in the Park, a free public

concert series held Sunday evenings in July and August at Bluebird Park. The popular evening concerts start at 5 p.m. and feature an eclectic variety of local and SoCal bands offering something for everyone. Laguna’s own The Great North Special will kick things off July 7, followed by six other bands each Sunday performing genres from Latin to 1960s and ’70s hits, 1980s covers and even a Tina Turner tribute band. (949-497-3311; lagunabeachcity.net)

AWESOME ANIMALS MINI CAMP

JULY 8; LAGUNA ART MUSEUM

The Laguna Art Museum will turn into a playground for the imagination during its Play Summer Camp, where children are encouraged to let their creativity take flight in a twohour session with plenty of arts and crafts and interactive activities. While a full-day camp is also offered, this program is part of a series of themed mini-camps the museum is hosting this summer; kids can participate in the mini-camps even if they aren’t in the full-day program. (949-4948971; lagunaartmuseum.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: JULY 11; 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. This month, since the first Thursday lands on the Fourth of July holiday, the art walk will take place a week later. (949-463-4800; firstthursdaysartwalk.org)

LAGUNA ART MUSEUM:

ONGOING

In addition to ongoing art exhibits, check out Laguna Art Museum’s special events, including a talk by art historian Jean Stern about the life and art of Sam Hyde Harris on June 23 and an afternoon of music by singer Anastasia Malliaras and guitarist Taso Comanescu on July 7. Or, sign up for a June 29 trip to the Petersen Automotive Museum for a private vault tour. (949-4948971; lagunaartmuseum.org)

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

LAGUNA LAUGHERS: An informal group meeting 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:

Although Sawdust Art Festival opens soon for the summer, creative types can find a number of art classes available year-round at the festival grounds. Sign up for workshops in portrait photography, palette knife seascape painting, acrylic painting, mosaic art and more. (949-494-3030; sawdustartfestival.org)

Learn to use colored pencils to draw and blend like paint in an art class at Hortense Miller Garden.

“Kooza” by Cirque du Soleil is in Laguna Hills this summer.

Around Town / Arts A Go-Go

Nineteen organizations received grants from the FOA Foundation, formally the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts Foundation, in the spring. The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, along with No Square Theatre and Third Street Writers, are just a few of the diverse range of local arts groups that will share the total of $100,400 in arts funding for this year. Separately, the Festival of Arts has launched a new digital guide via Bloomberg Connects. This free app provides ease of access to the Festival’s Permanent Art Collection, with many artworks

being made available to the public for the first time.

“We are excited to launch this digital guide in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies,” Director of Exhibits Christine Georgantas said in a press release. “Bloomberg Connects empowers the Festival of Arts to provide a new, dynamic way to experience art from our Permanent Art Collection.” (949-494-1145; foapom.com) —Clara Beard

IN REMEMBRANCE

In its effort to support the Laguna Beach Seniors’ mission, the Dorene and Lee Butler Family Foundation has given the nonprofit a $1 million gift in honor of the late Dorene Butler. “We are extremely grateful for this most generous gift,” Nadia Babayi, executive director of Laguna Beach Seniors, said in a press release announcing the donation in April. As a result of the gift, which will be added to the organization’s endowment to grow over time, the Susi Q Senior Center’s Care Management Department will be renamed the Dorene Cares Office. A dedication plaque will be created that reads: “Dorene Nunley Butler, longstanding member of our Board whose unquenchable spirit and loving presence elevated our work and brightened our lives.” The Susi Q center offers local seniors a host of activities, including music and yoga classes, as well as a broad selection of special interest groups ranging from genealogy to current affairs. (949-464-6645; thesusiq.org) —C.B.

Above: The children’s Music Matters program, presented at the library by Laguna Beach Live, which received a grant from the FOA Foundation; left: Festival of Arts now has a digital guide through Bloomberg Connects.

The Dorene and Lee Butler Family Foundation donated $1 million to the Laguna Beach Seniors nonprofit.

Above: Isabelle Tran with André Elkouby, who survived the Holocaust; bottom: Tran reading her winning piece of prose

ENVIRONMENTALISM TAKES FLIGHT

Travelers passing through Orange County’s John Wayne Airport this summer will be treated to a new exhibit featuring educational information and multimedia content from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. Installed during the spring to coincide with Earth Day in April, the airport’s displays will focus on ocean stewardship and the organization’s efforts in marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation. At baggage claim, single-use plastics fill two towers to remind passersby of the impact that these materials have on marine life and the environment. And throughout the airport, several monitors showcase PMMC’s current patients along with tips for contributing to a healthier planet. In line with that message and in an effort to minimize its environmental footprint, the airport has implemented eco-friendly practices like reducing single-use plastics while also promoting sustainable travel options and encouraging responsible wildlife viewing. “We are thrilled to partner with Pacific Marine Mammal Center to promote environmental consciousness among our passengers,” AnnaSophia Servin, public relations manager at John Wayne Airport, said in a press release. “By raising awareness about the importance of marine conservation and empowering travelers to make sustainable choices, we can collectively work towards safeguarding our planet’s natural treasures for future generations.” (949-494-3050; pacificmmc.org) —C.B.

Artistic Summer Sessions

With the arrival of summer, Laguna Art Museum has announced a series of camps and programs for ages 6 to 12 this season. Taking place in the recently renovated Studio/Lab, a two-room art installation designed by artists Michael Davis and Elyse Pignolet, children will explore their creativity through hands-on, interactive experiences. Additionally, for those looking to extend their children’s camp experiences, the LAM Kids Summer Mini Camp Series will run from 3 to 5 p.m. Mondays. “STUDIO/Lab serves as a boundless playground for encouraging exploration and letting the imagination run free. Importantly, it also offers fresh and accessible perspectives on art,” Julie Perlin Lee, executive director of Laguna Art Museum, said in a press release. She added that the museum is “committed to growing a love for art in children of all backgrounds and abilities and look forward to welcoming them to our museum this summer.” (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org) —C.B.

John Wayne Airport exhibits focusing on ocean stewardship and rescue work by the Pacific Marine Mammal Center

The recently renovated Studio/Lab, an art installation where children’s summer camps will take place at Laguna Art Museum

Wyland’s Wisdom

Fans of the internationally acclaimed marine life artist Wyland, famous for his expansive whale and ocean murals, will now have the opportunity to enjoy his stunning work on their coffee tables with his upcoming release of “Wyland Wisdom.” The full-color book contains many of Wyland’s most iconic images and more than 3,000 stirring quotes, reflecting on his 45-year journey as an artist and conservationist. His nonprofit, Wyland Foundation, spearheads efforts that support his ongoing commitment to conserving the world’s oceans, lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands. Signed copies of “Wyland Wisdom” are available now for pre-order; the book is scheduled to ship in the fall. (949-376-8000; wyland.com) —C.B.

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Bridal Foundation and Bridal Registry

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Top: artist Wyland; above: painting one of his larger-than-life whale murals

A POIGNANT PAGE-TURNER

Longtime Laguna Beach resident Tim Turner has penned and published “The Reluctant Conductor,” a novel that won first place for historical fiction at this spring’s BookFest Awards. Co-written by Moisey Gorbaty, Turner’s debut novel tells the tale of a World War II-era Jewish merchant and violinist living in the former Soviet Union who uses the magic of music to sustain family, discover love and simply survive during one of history’s most horrific wars. Turner, who has lived in Laguna since the early 1990s, has also written six plays, an original screenplay, a libretto, many other short plays and has adapted two of his plays into screenplays. But his talents don’t end with writing: Three of his photographs are displayed in the permanent collection of the New Orleans Museum of Art. Copies of the novel are available online and at Laguna Beach Books, which hosted an intimate book-signing event in May with the author. (Tim Turner: turner-gorbaty.com) (Laguna Beach Books: 949-494-4779; lagunabeachbooks.com) —C.B.

Author Tim Turner gives a talk (left) about his new book, “The Reluctant Conductor,” co-written with Moisey Gorbaty

A RIBBON CUTTING WAS HELD

EARLIER THIS YEAR FOR THE MOULTON MEADOWS DOG PLAY AREA, WHICH WELCOMES PETS AND THEIR OWNERS WITH NEW BENCHES AND FENCING, AN ASPHALT PATH, RENOVATED TURF, NEW LANDSCAPING AND A MODIFIED IRRIGATION SYSTEM. (LAGUNABEACHCITY.NET)

Local officials and some of their pooches at the ribbon cutting for the Moulton Meadows dog play area

NEW IN TOWN

A couple of new businesses have opened recently that are sure to delight the body and the mind. Meta Brow Studio, owned by Lauren Gannes, offers personalized eyebrow care services through a combination of specialized techniques such as nanoblading and permanent makeup at 610 N. Coast Highway. Further south, the Galerie Rue Toulouse is the fourth gallery in the U.S. opened by the French Art Network. The new location, at 390 S. Coast Highway, brings together American and international artists such as Georges Cabot, Revi Ferrer, Katerina Nevolina and more, who are exclusive to the company’s North American galleries. (Meta Brow Studio: 949-416-6013; metabrowstudio.com) (Galerie Rue Toulouse: 949-549-4546; frenchart.net) —C.B.

Top: the new Meta Brow Studio; bottom: Galerie Rue Toulouse

Community / Galas & Events

BEAUTY IN GRACE LUNCHEON

Beauty in Grace, a women’s giving circle, gathered for a luncheon March 18 at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club to celebrate the group’s support of women’s health at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills. This year, the women raised $120,000 for development of a new melanoma program. The nonprofit hospital plans to use the funds to provide screenings and education outreach as well as invest in technology such as intraoperative radiation therapy to prevent, detect and treat skin cancer. Since 2016, Beauty in Grace has collected $682,000 for services such as advanced MRI technology for diagnosing and treating breast cancer and NicView video streaming equipment, allowing families to use their smartphones to watch their babies being cared for in the neonatal unit. Each Beauty in Grace member donates $1,000 or more annually. This year, 90 members contributed; nearly 80 attended the event on the resort’s Grand Lawn, with a reception followed by a three-course lunch hosted by Saddleback Medical Center Foundation. A special guest panel discussion, “Beyond Wellness: Prevention, Survivorship and Sexual Health,” was moderated by Saddleback Medical Center CEO Marcia Manker, who also highlighted the center’s construction of a new Women’s Health Pavilion, which is expected to be completed this summer. (memorialcare.org/beautyingrace) —Sharon Stello

LAGUNA BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GOLF TOURNAMENT

More than 120 golf fans turned out May 14 to help the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce celebrate its annual Golf Tournament and raise money to continue supporting and advocating for local businesses and the community. Participants played 18 holes of scramble-format golf, along with a number of fun golf-centric competitions and a silent auction that raised over $7,000 for a good cause. Some of the many highlights from the event included Caden Gautreau winning the men’s Longest Drive; Alani Sciocca, a high school sophomore, claiming the women’s Longest Drive title; Julie Borreda winning the Closest to the Pin for women; and a remarkable hole-in-one by Steve Robertson for the men’s Closest to the Pin. “What a great day,” Chamber CEO Erin Slattery said in a press release. “The weather was beautiful, the food was amazing and everyone had a fun time.” (lagunabeachchamber.org) —Clara Beard

1. Sarah Nederlander, Dawn Levine 2. True McMahan, Michelle Tom 3. Christy Ward, Bhavana Pathak, Michael Krychman, Priyal Dholakiya, Tanya Evans, Marcia Manker 4. Karen Testman, Judy Jones 5. Nora Evans, Adeeba Evans, Tanya Evans 6. C.C. Hafner, Shannon Stadelmann 7. Tanya Evans, Priyal Dholakiya, Bhavana Pathak, Michael Krychman

1. Bianchi team 2. Golf tournament setting 3. 5K Mega Putt contest

THREE CLUBS BAREFOOT CANYON CLASSIC

More than $50,000 was raised at the eighth annual Three Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic golf tournament benefiting SchoolPower on May 6. The sold-out event took place at The Ranch at Laguna Beach with 90 participants kicking off their shoes to play a friendly nine-hole game with a four- or five-person scramble format. For an added challenge, players attempted nontraditional shots like putting while wearing oven mitts. Additionally, a pitching contest offered the chance to win a Patagonia jacket and golf balls from Whittier Trust. Participants could also attempt to better—or hinder—their scores by playing casino games run by Laguna Presbyterian Church staff members. Some golfers dressed up in 1980s attire or other fun outfits, adding to the event’s whimsy. Following the golf tournament, a cocktail reception featured live music by Zach Churchill and a barbecue buffet dinner. Longtime SchoolPower supporter and The Ranch owner Mark Christy served as auctioneer for the live auction, which included items like a stay in The Ranch’s Treehouse suite, a Lost Pier fire pit experience, shopping sprees at Hobie Surf Shop and Tuvalu Home Environment, and signed drumsticks from Green Day drummer Tré Cool. SchoolPower is a nonprofit that provides grants to supplement funding for academics, sports, the arts, music and more at Laguna Beach public schools, while also running a Family Resource Center and after-school program. (lbschoolpower.org) —S.S.

ART STAR AWARDS

The Laguna Beach Arts Alliance awarded its famous “Louies” to a masterful group of artists and artistic organizations at its 16th annual Art Star Awards on April 26. Guests were treated to lively entertainment courtesy of the Laguna JaZz Band, Laguna Beach High School dancer Eliana Merritt and Laguna Playhouse Youth Group’s Sophia Hope and Marina Strombom before the ceremony, which acknowledged several creatives for their contributions in Laguna Beach. Local legend G. Ray Kerciu took home the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award, famed wood and metal sculptor Casey Parlette was honored as Artist of the Year, the “Lagunatics” by No Square Theatre won Best Arts Program, Pageant of the Monsters took home an award for Outstanding Arts Collaboration, Roxanna Ward received the Special Award, and the Laguna Beach Seniors claimed Art Patron of the Year. (lagunabeacharts.org) —C.B. g

1. Tre Cool, Ryan Harman, Rob Adams, Chris Sirianni, Ryan Sirianni 2. Allison Adams, Ashley Brown, Iva Pawling 3. Rich Anderson, Christy Brewer 4. Aaron Fletcher, Richard Simeone, Charlie Gedge, Yashaar Amin 5. Shotgun start 6. LJoe Vidal, Denise Selbe, Andy Crisp, Michael Keller, Scott Finn

1. Laguna JaZz Band members 2. Amy Dechary 3. Bree Burgess Rosen 4. Jay Kramer 5. The awards 6. Sofia Ketterer

Fabric of the Community / Laguna Bluebelt Coalition Ocean Trailblazers

LAGUNA BLUEBELT COALITION SAFEGUARDS MARINE SANCTUARIES AND PRESERVES COASTAL INTEGRITY.

By TANYA A. YACINA

The Laguna Bluebelt Coalition brings together organizations and people with a common goal of protecting and restoring local marine life, conserving biological diversity and maintaining healthy, sustainable marine habitats. Developed organically in 2008, the group works to create and advance Marine Protected Areas in Laguna Beach and restore its marine life and habitat.

“The Laguna Bluebelt Coalition has become recognized as a dynamic example of community collaboration and success. Most of the community now accepts and even promotes Laguna’s MPAs,” says cofounder Mike Beanan. “For more than 10 years, the City Council and staff have worked with us to perfect the necessary policies and procedures needed for successful MPAs. Support from Marine Safety lifeguards and community activists plays a leading role in overcoming obstacles to

create citywide enforcement of rules and regulations protecting marine life.”

Beanan says the coalition was designed to promote collaboration among all stakeholder groups, including fishing interests and wastewater agencies, to follow the science in negotiating the boundaries of Laguna’s MPAs. The early Laguna Bluebelt Coalition model now also serves as a template for 14 statewide collaboratives managing California’s MPAs.

“The coalition has demonstrated an MPA in a highly urbanized area can succeed by working together with all stakeholders and relevant agencies,” Beanan says. “The Laguna Bluebelt is now a showcase example of sea life recovery with widespread community support. However, protecting the ocean and sea life is never done and we continue multiple efforts to improve ocean water quality for sea life to survive and thrive.”

Clockwise from top left: Laguna Bluebelt Coalition’s booth at the Coast Film & Music Festival; foundation volunteers (from left) John Ehlers, Charlotte Masarik, Jinger Wallace, Suzi McDuffie and Mike Beanan at the Marine Protected Area information booth; Beanan, the organization’s co-founder, at Thousand Steps Beach

STEWARDS OF THE SEA

THIS ALLIANCE WORKS WITH OTHER AGENCIES TO RAISE AWARENESS AND PROTECT THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT.

BERM BUDDIES

Several years ago, the Laguna Bluebelt Coalition received grants to create the Aliso Berm Buddies program to educate the public and monitor the beach sand berm. County and inland water districts joined the effort, and signs with county ordinances were posted to increase enforcement protecting the berm, safe public access and sea life.

“Aliso Creek transports urban runoff from five inland cities to Aliso Beach and remains the biggest source of routine ocean pollution,” explains Mike Beanan, co-founder of thea coalition.

“The naturally occurring Aliso Beach Sand Berm functions as a barrier to prevent urban runoff from reaching MPAs. With the annexation of south Laguna’s beaches one year ago, county signage has been removed as the city develops new rules to protect the sand berm. The Aliso Berm Buddies program, coordinated by OC Coastkeeper and staffed by marine scientists and volunteers, continues weekly

monitoring activities at the Bluebelt booth … at the mouth of Aliso Creek.”

SEA LIFE SNAPSHOTS

“Laguna Beach has many talented photographers capturing the numerous ways we enjoy the MPAs on the beach and above or under the water,” Beanan says. “The annual Laguna Bluebelt Photo Contest began 13 years ago to showcase photos as a way to inspire the community and elected officials to find ways to advance sea life protection. These images bring to the surface the habitats and sea life that are mostly invisible to inspire a greater awareness of Laguna’s unique and precious marine environments.” The photographs are meant to chronicle the success of Laguna’s MPAs in kelp forest recovery and the abundant sea life that follows the return of key species. The contest has helped elevate the awareness of the Laguna Bluebelt locally and statewide. Anyone, from amateur photographers to professionals, can

compete for cash prizes. Winners are featured by local news outlets and their work is displayed at the downtown LCAD Gallery. Enter online through June 22 at lagunabluebelt.org.

COLORING THE COAST

Laguna’s kelp forests grow as much as 2 feet per day and are the fastestgrowing plant on the planet, capturing 30% of atmospheric carbon, according to Beanan. However, kelp forests are mostly invisible to the public, so 10 years ago, art students at Orange Coast College created a coloring book to highlight benefits of these underwater habitats. “As kids learn about kelp forests, they can educate their parents to urge elected officials to do more now to protect the health of the ocean,” Beanan says. “An early education can lead students to pursue … marine sciences and lead the next generation … to seek sustainable solutions to ocean pollution.” Kelp Coloring Books can be downloaded at lagunabluebelt.org. g

From left: The natural Aliso Beach Sand Berm, shown after being dug out by unauthorized individuals, allowing urban runoff to flow to the sea and blocking safe public access; Alex Cowdell’s winning photo of a harbor seal from a past year’s contest; a page from the Kelp Coloring Book

Home / Streamlined Style

Modern Minimalism

CELEBRATE SIMPLICITY WITH DESIGN THAT NURTURES A SENSE OF WARMTH AND WELL-BEING.

By TANYA A. YACINA

Warm minimalism is a growing interior design trend that combines the clean aesthetics of simplicity with the warmth of natural materials and neutral tones.

Tania Cassill, owner and principal designer at Huit Laguna, says this movement tends to incorporate natural and organic elements into a space or home in a soothing palette of colors to create a peaceful, inviting atmosphere.

To achieve this aesthetic, Cassill recommends starting off with a calm, neutral color palette as well as organic materials and varied textures to infuse this concept into any space. She says this trend is significant in main living areas and great rooms, but she also finds

bedrooms to be very welcoming when designed using a warm minimalistic approach.

“I always turn to nature for color inspiration. The beach— natural sand, ocean blue, blush-colored shells and golden yellow; the desert—white sand, beige and khaki, rust and orange; the mountains—deep forest green, rich browns, earth tones,” she explains. “… The best source of inspiration for a color palette is right outside. Look to nature for a neutral and soothing color palette.”

When starting out, Cassill says that you can follow the following formula.

“Choose your space, decide if you need to declutter and

remove unnecessary items. … [Determine] your color palette and start to bring items into the space. Add texture within your color palette; choose a soft and tactile rug [or] drape a sheepskin over a chair or bench.”

One of Cassill’s favorite items to use in this type of design is a teak root coffee table because of its organic look and feel. She also tends to work in natural items to achieve the look, which includes sheepskins, rugs with a high pile and natural or woven elements.

“When wanting to create a warm, minimalist aesthetic, there are a few easy tips,” Cassill notes. “… Less is more. Clutter

and chaos take away from warm minimalism, so editing your space will provide the quiet peace you are looking for.”

She also says creating an inviting space can be achieved by mixing soft textures with some comfortable furniture and natural fibers.

Juxtaposing hard surfaces with these softer materials, like a wood bench topped with a sheepskin, helps to blur hard lines and edges to create the desired warm and welcoming vibe. Incorporating warm minimalism into a home creates a balanced living environment that blends simplicity with the warmth and comfort of more traditional designs.

Adding soft materials, natural textiles and a palette inspired by the outdoors can reduce the hard lines often associated with minimalism.

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

REMOVE THE EXCESS AND ADD SOME NEW DECOR, LIKE THESE ITEMS FROM LOCAL STORES THAT ALIGN WITH A MINIMALIST AESTHETIC.

1) Part of the Lisa McDennon Collection, the mid-century modern SKYE SMALL PENDANT comes as either a single or cluster of glass globes surrounded by a thin black or brass ring, incorporating a sleek modern piece to warmly light the desired space, $269, at Nuance. (949-494-8833; nuance-home.com)

2) The natural color and texture of the highquality XL SHEEPSKIN THROW—made with English sheepskin—adds warmth both visually and functionally with dense fleece, $249, at Huit Laguna. (949-715-5617; huitlaguna.com)

3) These cream-colored BOUCLE ROUND PILLOWS add a unique pop of texture when they are styled in the home, from $90, at Abode by Garage Collective. (949-715-0868; shopgaragecollectivelaguna.com)

4) The handcrafted JOJO LARGE WOVEN TRAY, made by traditional basket weavers in Ghana, is the perfect addition for generating warmth in a space—plus each basket is created by a different person, so patterns, sizes and shape will vary slightly, $108, at Layered by Paige Elise. (714-628-6071; layeredbypaigeelise.com)

5) Designed by Jasper Morrison, the natural, lightweight material used to craft the CORK FAMILY STOOLS make them ideal for a side table or footstool, as they are resilient with a soft feel, $715, online from Laguna-based Vertigo Home. (949-738-0374; vertigohome.us) g

Wine & Dine / Ceviche

Creating the Cure

ENJOY FRESH FARE THIS SUMMER WITH THESE LOCAL CEVICHE VARIETIES.

By ASHLEY RYAN

Mention raw fish and most will certainly think you’re talking sushi. But as ceviche continues to gain popularity, prepared using a variety of different types of seafood, you’ll find that it’s all over the menus in Laguna Beach.

Though technically not “uncooked,” the dish typically uses citrus to cure the fish, which breaks apart the amino acids in the protein without heat and also allows the ingredients to absorb the juice’s sweetand-sour essence. Plus, it’s nutritious and easy to enjoy on-the-go.

“It’s a health-conscious choice, low in fat and calories yet rich in protein and nutrients—perfect for Laguna’s active lifestyle,” says Omar Gonzalez, executive

chef at South of Nick’s.

Unwind while sampling fresh ceviche at these local eateries, all of which offer views of the sparkling ocean, or take your meal to go and eat right on the sand as you soak up the summer sun.

SOUTH OF NICK’S

Among the lineup of Mexican favorites, from tacos and taquitos to enchiladas, is a hidden gem: the ahi tuna ceviche. Wild-caught tuna is marinated in lime then prepared as ordered with baby heirloom tomatoes, serrano peppers, diced red onion, cucumber, sliced avocado, pickled onion and another squeeze of citrus. Finished with micro cilantro, olive

oil and a sprinkle of French sea salt, the recipe was inspired by the traditional ceviche served in Gonzalez’s hometown of Michoacán, Mexico. “Highlighting local flavors, our ceviche [also] provides a taste of the region,” he says. “… Whether enjoyed at a beachfront restaurant or a picnic by the shore, our vibrant ceviche enhances the relaxed dining experience that Laguna Beach is known for.” (949715-3717; nicksrestaurants.com)

THE DECK ON LAGUNA BEACH

The Pacific ceviche at The Deck is a light yet satisfying option to enjoy from the eatery’s patio. Listen to the waves crash as you indulge in this vibrant dish,

ASHLEY RYAN

Ahi tuna ceviche, marinated in lime, at South of Nick’s

made with local halibut marinated in both lemon and lime juice. “That is the key to this ceviche: utilizing the freshest fish and marinating it to order, then finishing it with fresh tomatoes and [shaved] onion,” says Rainer Schwarz, The Deck’s executive chef and partner. “When you’re dining on the sands of the Pacific, you want to dine on the freshest ocean-to-table fare, and this local halibut doesn’t get any fresher.” A classic presentation, the halibut definitely stands out with a coating of cilantro-lime dressing to pack it full of fresh flavor. (949-755-8788; deckonlaguna.com)

COYOTE GRILL

For a unique take on this trend—especially for those who have trouble deciding what to order—try the ceviche trio at Coyote Grill, which allows you to taste all three of the eatery’s offerings. Each version is marinated in lime juice and presented in its own dish alongside crisp corn chips. The refreshing

shrimp variety mixes pico de gallo, onion, cucumber and serrano chiles with the shellfish before it’s topped with cilantro and fresh avocado while the blue crab iteration contains red snapper and pico de gallo as well as a cucumber garnish. However, the main attraction is the fresh Baja ceviche. “This was my father’s favorite ceviche—[it’s] his recipe,” says Desiree Gomez, owner of the family-run establishment. It also features red snapper, a type of rockfish, but is topped with a healthy dollop of sour cream. (949499-4033; coyotegrill.tv)

BODEGA LAGUNA

COCINA & CANTINA

Spanish octopus has long been gracing menus up and down the California coastline, typically served grilled as an appetizer accompanied with other fresh and flavorful ingredients. But at Bodega Laguna, it’s the star of a ceviche dish crafted with cucumber, red onion, cilantro and lime as well as habanero chile and other peppers that add a little heat. “The octopus is cured in lemon juice and left to sit for a few hours,” says chef Angel Velazquez. “Then we toss the octopus and chopped ingredients and spices in a bowl, adjust the seasoning to

taste and serve chilled.” Presented with tortilla chips for scooping all of these mouthwatering elements together, it’s a fun twist on classic fish or shrimp varieties, combining tender octopus with sweet, zesty and spicy flavor profiles. (949-7151002; bodegalaguna.com)

LAS BRISAS

A table at Las Brisas is always in demand, especially given its locale atop the bluffs above Main Beach. But the cuisine speaks for itself, and that includes the house-made white shrimp and crab ceviche. Perfect as a shareable plate, starter or snack, this bright dish is especially ideal on hot summer days. According to chef Samantha DeLeon, the shrimp is blanched in a liquid made of fresh lemons and oranges, whole black pepper and spices, then tossed with jicama, pickled onion and avocado in a spicy sauce made from cucumber, lime and serrano chiles. The finishing touch is a topping of pickled red onion and cilantro. “The jicama in the dish gives it a delightful crunch and sweetness,” DeLeon says. “The crisp texture contrasts nicely with the softness of the seafood, adding another layer of dimension to the dish.” (949-497-5434; lasbrisaslagunabeach.com) g

Clockwise from bottom left: octopus ceviche at Bodega Laguna Cocina & Cantina; halibut ceviche at The Deck on Laguna Beach; Coyote Grill’s ceviche trio; white shrimp and crab ceviche at Las Brisas

Q + A

Flock Together

THE ORANGE COUNTY BIRD OF PREY CENTER OFFERS

THE CHANCE TO GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH OWLS, EAGLES, HAWKS OR OTHER RAPTORS.

By ASHLEY RYAN

Nestled further inland, hidden among the hills, the Orange County Bird of Prey Center works to rescue and rehabilitate raptors in need. From eagles, owls, falcons and hawks to more rare species like ospreys, vultures and kites, these carnivorous birds have three things in common: sharp talons, a hooked beak and razorsharp eyesight, all used to hunt.

The nonprofit center got its DIY start in the late 1980s before incorporating in the early 1990s and has existed in a number of configurations ever since. Although the group relies heavily on volunteers, Executive Director Peggy Chase has been involved since the early days and worked hard to land the permanent location that OCBPC moved into around four years ago. With no residential neighbors, the center is the perfect place to keep the animals wild as they undergo treatment.

While the ultimate goal is always to release the birds back into the wild, that is not always possible. Those that are not deemed releasable will journey down one of three paths, either being euthanized, becoming a display bird at a zoo or nature center, or being trained as an education animal. OCBPC usually has around 10 of the latter, deemed Animal Ambassadors,

that it showcases at school campuses, community events and more—including interactive presentations on Saturday mornings at The Ranch at Laguna Beach.

“Each week, we bring different birds so you never know exactly which birds you might meet,” says Joanne McDermott, the director of administration for the center.

“And you have probably never had a chance to see these beautiful raptors as up close and personal as you will when you meet them at The Ranch.”

Here, she discusses the weekly program and which species you can encounter in Laguna as well as how OCBPC rehabilitates injured raptors at its main site.

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE: What do your weekly presentations at The Ranch at Laguna Beach consist of?

JOANNE MCDERMOTT: In general, we are there each week with several of our Education Ambassadors to share their stories with the guests at The Ranch. We are happy to answer any questions people have—we love any excuse to talk about our birds, about raptors in general and about what we do.

A great horned owl during a demonstration day at The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Joanne McDermott, director of administration for the Orange County Bird of Prey Center, with Tweek

LBM: Which birds are usually featured in demonstrations?

JM: We currently have 10 different Education Ambassadors—wild-hatched raptors that are non-releasable due to their injuries or behaviors. Typically, we bring two or three birds of different species each week, depending on which birds and which volunteers are available. But, most weeks, you’re likely to see at least a great horned owl or a red-tailed hawk.

LBM: What is your process for rehabilitating raptors at the center?

JM: The treatment plan varies significantly, depending on the nature of the bird’s injury. Once birds arrive at the hospital, they undergo evaluation. Treatments can range from a few days of food and rest all the way to surgery. The final step for most birds, however, is being moved to our main facility, where they are placed in a large enclosure called a flight mew. This space affords the bird the space it needs to fly, which builds up muscle

and readies the bird for release. In the springtime, we often get fledglings that have fallen out of their nests. Before releasing them, we must ensure they can hunt live prey successfully. Flying and hunting are essential to a raptor’s survival in the wild.

LBM: How do you determine when they are ready to be released?

JM: Rehabilitation looks different for each bird. … Sometimes, a bird just needs a few days of good food and rest, and then they’re ready to go. Recently, a golden eagle was brought in by local fishermen who found the juvenile bird floundering in the water 10 miles offshore. After a few days of rest and lots of food, we were able to release the healthy bird. … For injuries such as wing fractures, leg fractures, or other trauma that may require surgery, the rehabilitation time is obviously longer. Some of the signs that a bird is ready for release include healthy weight and strong, sustained flight in the rehabilitation enclosure.

LBM: What should Orange County residents do if they encounter an injured bird of prey?

JM: The best thing to do is contact your local animal control. Their officers are specially trained in how to deal with these animals, which can be dangerous if they are injured and more vulnerable than usual. You should not try to capture an injured raptor or try to care for it yourself. This may end up doing more harm than good. g

Showing a raptor at The Ranch at Laguna Beach

CELEBRATING CREATIVITY

LAGUNA’S FESTIVALS GEAR UP FOR ANOTHER FUN-FILLED SUMMER OF ART, MUSIC AND MORE.

By JULIA CLERK

LAGUNA BEACH IS KNOWN FAR AND wide for its eclectic arts scene, A legacy of producing and promoting art that stretches back to the early 20th century when Norman St. Clair’s paintings were the talk of the 1904 Annual Spring Exhibition in San Francisco.

Capturing the essence of the Southern California coastal city, St. Clair’s watercolor

landscapes attracted other artists to Laguna Beach. So many, in fact, that by 1918 they were inspired to start the Laguna Beach Art Association.

The city has never looked back and, each summer, the Laguna Beach arts scene ramps up again with a variety of creative events that attract visitors and locals alike.

A GLOBAL AFFAIR

After years of wandering from venue to venue, the Laguna Art-A-Fair found a permanent home in 1988 in the heat of the action on Laguna Canyon Road. Staged in a whimsical garden setting, this year’s event is scheduled for June 28 to Sept. 1.

“This summer’s art show has me absolutely energized,” says Art-A-Fair President Robert “Bob” Ross. “We have a phenomenal lineup. Not only will we see 80 of our favorite returning artists showcasing their work, but over 30 new artists will be joining us as well. This influx of fresh talent brings a wave of exciting new energy and perspectives, making it a show unlike any we’ve seen before.”

What sets Art-A-Fair apart from similar events is a lack of residency restrictions on creative participants, according to Kim Brandon-Watson, the festival’s vice president of publicity and marketing. This year’s artists

were chosen from a field of 253 applicants from eight countries and 16 states, many discovered through social media channels.

“All our new artists are very diverse in their mediums,” she says. “We don’t just have a lot of painters. We have [exhibitors who work in everything] from fiber art to sculpture to glass and woodwork—just a great variety.”

Beyond exhibiting artists’ work, Art-AFair will also host 21 different four-hour workshops spread across various dates that the general public can sign up for online at art-a-fair.com/workshops. And musicians will perform genres from folk to jazz, reggae, R&B and disco as well as cover bands and lessons from professional dancers to tap into your own creative spirit.

When it comes to food, on-site restaurant Seven7Seven will be serving a casual menu of salads, shared plates and burgers as well as mixed drinks, beer and wine to take a break

and refuel before enjoying more of the festival fun. For more information, visit art-a-fair.com.

OC’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST

Featuring the work of 120 award-winning Orange County artists, the Festival of Arts fine art show takes place in a beautiful outdoor setting and is one of the nation’s longest-running juried art shows. Started over 90 years ago, the festival always features a wide variety of works from paintings and sculpture to glassware, ceramics, photography and multimedia.

“This year’s show was juried by some of the most recognized names in the West Coast’s art community,” says Sharbie Higuchi, marketing and public relations director, who lists Kim Irvine, Jesse Colin Jackson, Bradford J. Salamon, John Spiak and Victor Hugo Zayas among the prestigious panel members. “Our jurors evaluate

Top row: Laguna Art-A-Fair showcases more than 110 artists; bottom right: Echo Baker works on a painting; all others: live music, art demonstrations and exhibits are all part of the summer festivals, shown here at Festival of Arts.

submitted artwork based on criteria including creativity and originality, excellence of craftsmanship, excellence in the use of design elements, and professional presentation.”

Twenty-one new artists will be showing and selling their creations this year, as well as more than 90 talented artists returning to the show. In addition to the artworks on display, the event features art tours, classes and workshops, wine and chocolate pairings, and a variety of live music.

Meanwhile, the art show kicks off a new partnership with the City of Hope Orange County: A series of Saturday night concerts, which are part of City of Hope’s “Music of Hope” tour, will feature a piano wrapped in blue and uplifting music that salutes cancer patients and their families and friends.

Attendees are invited to bring their own picnic, grab food from the Intermission by

Terra window or dine at the sit-down restaurant, Terra Laguna Beach. The Terra Wine Bar also offers alcoholic beverages for purchase including California wines and a rotating selection of beer from local brewing companies. For more information, visit foapom.com.

BRINGING ART TO LIFE

Since it was first staged in 1933, Pageant of the Masters has grown into one of Laguna’s best-known events. This year’s theme, “À La Mode: The Art of Fashion,” will feature “living pictures” with cast members wearing elaborate costumes to re-create artwork from the era of King Tut to the Middle Ages and modern times, explains pageant Director Diane Challis Davy. “We’re pulling out all the stops this year for a dazzling display of sartorial elegance,” she says.

Featuring an all-volunteer and largely

locally sourced cast, the 2024 pageant will open with a runway fashion show reflecting fashion found in works of art as well as a homage to the world-famous Met Gala. “The returning volunteers are especially excited about all the fancy dress[es] this year,” Challis Davy says.

There’s also a tribute to Edith Head, the Hollywood costume designer who won a record eight Academy Awards. “One of her best collaborations was with director Alfred Hitchcock,” Challis Davy says. “We’re going to have fun with Edith’s costume sketches and vignettes from ‘Vertigo,’ ‘The Birds’ and ‘To Catch a Thief.’ Hitchcock was the master of suspense and our tribute will have many surprises.”

Pageant of the Masters runs nightly from July 6 to Aug. 30 in the Irvine Bowl inside of Festival of Arts. For more information, visit foapom.com.

Pageant of the Masters, with the theme “À La Mode: The Art of Fashion,” will re-create pieces such as (left, from top) “Too Early” by James Tissot; a butterfly brooch by Gaston Lafitte; and “The Swing” by Jean H. Fragonard; right: makeup and costumes adjusted backstage

SAWDUST GOES SUSTAINABLE

The annual Sawdust Art Festival also has deep roots in the community. It’s been around since the mid-1960s, when the first two shows were held in various spots including the Peacock lot near Coast Highway before moving in 1968 to the current 3-acre eucalyptus grove in Laguna Canyon.

“The Sawdust Festival is deeply embedded in the history of Laguna Beach and spans generations of local families that have either been artists at the show or employees for summer jobs,” says Sawdust President Andrew Soliz. His advice for first-time visitors? “Take your time and have an open mind,” he says.

In a bid to be more sustainable this year and lower participation costs, the artists’ booths won’t be torn down at the end of the event so they can be used again next summer. Around 180 Laguna Beach artists working in ceramics, jewelry, glass, photography, painting and other mediums will take the spotlight at this year’s show.

There will also be art demonstrations, complimentary art classes as well as three stages of live music, plus outdoor dining and drinking options. Beloved local favorite Taco Loco, which closed its South Coast Highway eatery last year, will open a food booth at Sawdust this summer including many menu items that were offered at the old location.

Roaming balloon artists, magicians and acoustic guitarists will add to the festive atmosphere. Special themes include Beatles Day on Aug. 24 and Country Western Day on Aug. 3. A Sip, Talk & Walk wine tasting and docent-led tour is at 3 p.m. Wednesdays while a fashion show is set Aug. 4 from noon to 2 p.m.

Most of the art classes operate on a firstcome, first-served basis, so the sooner you get there the better. Sawdust opens at 11 a.m. daily for the duration. The festival runs from June 28 to Sept. 1. For more information, visit sawdustartfestival.org. /

Sawdust Art Festival features around 180 Laguna Beach artists at booths along paths covered in sawdust. Clockwise from top right: art classes at the festival; a glassblowing demonstration; musician David Rosales performing during a past year

LIVE LIFE WITHOUT COMPROMISE

Choosing the right senior living community is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Care and safety come first, but lifestyle and independence are important too. At Belmont Village, you’ll find it all. An experienced staff, 24/7 licensed nurses, awardwinning enrichment and memory programs in a luxurious and attentive environment. And unlike most, we build, own, and operate all of our communities. So residents can count on the continuity of those high standards, never compromising on the things that matter.

Making Waves

THESE LOCAL SURFERS HAVE CARVED OUT IMPRESSIVE PATHS, FROM COMPETING, TRAVELING AND SHARING THEIR ADVENTURE STORIES TO BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER AND TEACHING OTHERS TO HANG 10.

By SHARON STELLO

LAGUNA HAS LONG NURTURED A community of surfers, with professional wave riders like Jon Rose, Jeff Booth and James Pribram calling this town home in recent years. Looking back, Hobie Alter got his start shaping surfboards in his parents’ Oak Street garage and the Brooks Street Surfing Classic is now in its 58th year.

But surfing isn’t just about competing. The following surfers are making an impact in other ways, from giving back while traveling to teaching the sport to the next generation or filling us with awe as they post videos of themselves catching impressive waves and exploring remote places, taking viewers along for the ride.

While it would be impossible to feature every standout surfer in town, here are just a few of the local watermen and women that are making their mark. < Outdoor Living >

Nate Zoller travels the world for good surf.

Nate Zoller

Professional surfer, writer and photographer Nate Zoller—who has spent the last decade-plus, as he says, “chasing waves, cultures and stories across the globe” for various brands and sponsors— grew up at the beach in Laguna, boogie boarding then skimboarding by age 7 and learning to surf a year later. At 13, Zoller went on his first surf trip with his uncle and he was hooked.

“Riding waves forces you to be completely in the moment and there is something therapeutic about that,” Zoller says. “This piece of energy has traveled thousands of miles across the ocean, and we ride it before it dissipates onto the shore to never be seen again. Each wave is different, which keeps it exciting and always changing. Riding a wave just satisfies the soul in a way that not many other things can, and it just never gets old.”

Zoller, 35, recently moved with his girlfriend to Seal Beach, but plans to return to Laguna soon.

“It’s the best place to come home to,” he says. “I’ve been traveling extensively for the last 10 years and, every time I come through the canyon and get to the stop light at Broadway and PCH at Main Beach, the smell of the ocean air just makes me feel at home. I love the beaches and the tight-knit surf community that feels like extended family.”

Rather than competing, he puts all his energy and money into travel. In fact, he first teamed up with Laguna adventure brand Roark for a surf trip to Iceland in the winter. That was almost 10 years ago and the partnership continues. Not one to shy away from the frigid temperatures, he recently returned from Norway, where he surfed

GO-TO PLACES IN TOWN

Laguna Surf & Sport for surfboard wax and sunscreen, The Taco Stand for a good al pastor taco; “I’m from south Laguna, so any beach that way. There’s [also] countless hiking trails to name, but I will let you discover those on your own.”

FAVORITE LOCAL SURF SPOT

“I grew up surfing Thalia, so it will always be a special spot to me.”

FAVORITE GLOBAL SURF SPOT

Fiji, Mexico, Tahiti and “pretty much anywhere … culture and the waves come together in harmony.”

BUCKET LIST SURF DESTINATION

Australia—“I think I’m going in September. I can’t wait. I’m just scared I won’t ever want to leave.”

SURFING STYLE

“I try and keep my movements clean and efficient; I chase barrels in most of my travel destinations.”

HIS BOARD

“My bigger wave boards are made by Chris Christenson. Stretch makes me some cool epoxy boards, Album just made me a fun asymmetrical board. I appreciate each different shaper’s approach and I think it’s beneficial to my surfing to keep it fresh.”

OTHER HOBBIES

Golfing with friends, diving around Laguna, skimboarding in the summer and photography

in the Arctic Circle.

“I’ve surfed in some cold places like Alaska and Iceland, but Norway was on another level,” he says. “The air was below freezing most days and the water temp was around 37 degrees. Those cold water trips really make you work for it and, to be able to do what I love in a place so far removed from what people think of when they think of surfing, that’s pretty cool.”

Zoller makes a living out of sharing those experiences with others. He has served as an editor and writer for surfing magazines and worked on adventure films from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to New Zealand, Mexico, the Falkland Islands and Portugal. He also works with a few surfboard companies, offering feedback on design, and Roark, as a brand ambassador. “Wherever I end up, I make sure to bring [a] new product to test out and come back with video/photo assets as well as stories from the road,” he says.

Zoller has also volunteered during his travels, teaming up with the nonprofit Waves for Water. “Jon Rose, who started Waves For Water, is from Laguna as well. I’ve been going down to mainland Mexico for over a decade now and a lot of the area has small villages with the water source being stagnant wells,” Zoller explains. “Roark has a giveback initiative called Safecamp, and W4W agreed to give me some filters to bring down, so I went with my brother to install these water filtration systems at several elementary schools. We would surf in the morning and then install 500-gallon water tanks with filters in the afternoons.”

If he has one piece of advice to share, Zoller says, “Life is short. Once you find your passion, be sure to chase after it with everything you have.”

Nate Zoller surfing in Puerto Rico

Zoller chasing barrels in Tahiti

Hudson Saunders

Since graduating from high school this year, Hudson Saunders has already made an impression on the local surf scene, placing first in the Pro/Am division of the Brooks Street Surfing Classic in 2022.

“The Brooks is for sure my favorite contest. Having the whole town surrounding the event along with being able to surf heats with all the boys beats anything,” says Saunders, 18. “[I] can’t thank Brandy [Faber] enough for putting the contest on along with Laguna Surf & Sport—they crush it every year.”

When it comes to competing, Saunders made the National Scholastic Surfing Association’s U16 Juniors National Final a couple of years ago and has picked up some regional titles and solid finishes over the years. He’s also currently ranked No. 81 in the World Surf League Men’s Qualifying Series.

“I definitely hope to get that rating up in the future, but you have to start somewhere,” he says. “I am not all that focused on the QS at this point. I am heading to college in the fall and plan to still surf the QS as well as college events. … Overall, [I’m] proud of these achievements and excited to build on them.”

He plans to attend San Diego’s Point Loma Nazarene University and join the surf team. It makes sense that he would carve this path: Before he was in kindergarten, he was already

GO-TO PLACES IN TOWN

Laguna Surf & Sport—“I have logged a lot of hours in that store.” Also South Swell Donuts and he misses Banzai Bowl, which closed last fall. “My favorite steak is at Selanne [Steak Tavern] and we eat at Wine Gallery a lot. For takeout, we do Thai Bros. the most—great Thai food; they keep getting better and better. I love the snacks at The Salt Horse as well, [and] sushi at Seabutter.”

FAVORITE LOCAL SURF SPOT

“Nothing quite beats home—we do get some great waves here. Even if it’s not great, being able to surf with all my buddies is at the top for me.”

FAVORITE GLOBAL SURF SPOT

Tavarua, Fiji

BUCKET LIST SURF DESTINATION

Australia and the Maldives

SURFING STYLE

“I am working on my power game [and] throwing more spray. I could use a few more pounds, but I am happy with technique and plan to get stronger and faster.”

HIS BOARD

Currently trying out different ones. “Hoping to get it all dialed in soon.”

OTHER HOBBIES

Golf, pickleball with the boys and snowboarding in winter

riding waves.

“Surfing came into the picture when I was around 3 years old. My dad would put a life jacket on me, put me on the nose of his board and paddle out to Rockpile on smaller [wave] days. I was terrified. I would yell for my mom and my dad would tell me that ‘There is no crying in surfing,’ ” he says, laughing now as he recalls it. “… Ever since then, it’s become the constant staple in my life over the years and I love it.”

Saunders says he feels fortunate to have grown up here. “The camaraderie of Laguna is awesome,” he says. “Being such a small town, the community is very strong and has a lot of passion towards the ocean. We have great beaches and people. I love being in the Laguna ‘bubble.’ ”

Notably, he’s on the Laguna Surf & Sport team. “I am still sponsored by them and love being a part of the family,” Saunders says. And, while he rode for Quiksilver for seven years, he recently switched over to Roark. “[I’m] super happy to be a part of a brand with strong Laguna roots [and] excited for the future with them,” he says.

Saunders also enjoys traveling to surf, from Mexico to Bali, Costa Rica, Hawaii and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. “Fiji and Barra de la Cruz in Mexico are my two favorite spots,” he shares. “… [And] I had a lot of fun in Barbados—shockingly good surf for the Caribbean.”

Saunders says surfing always makes him feel better. “No matter what, it always brings up the mood,” he says. “Along with being in nature, [it’s] just never a bad time and you can have fun alone or with a group of friends.”

Hudson Saunders getting air at Brooks Street

Off the coast of Tavarua, Fiji

Lilie Kulber

Arising junior at University of California, Los Angeles, Lilie Kulber deftly balances surf competitions with studying chemical engineering.

Not only is she on the UCLA surf team, but she also reigns as the 2023 National College Women’s Champion, a title she claimed at the National Scholastic Surfing Association event last June. But the accolades don’t stop there. She’s also ranked No. 21 in the World Surf League Women’s Qualifying Series. And she was on the USA National Olympic Junior Surf Team in 2022, helping the team place third. She also has sponsorships from T.Patterson Surfboards to Killer Dana Surf Shop and Salty Crew swimwear and clothing.

Her goals are clear: to win a Qualifying Series event, make it into the Challenger Series, eventually join the Championship Tour and compete in the Olympics some day.

She’s come far in the past decade. “I started surfing at Doheny State Beach during a summer surf camp in 2011, and it quickly became a passion I’ve pursued ever since,” she says. “… Surfing is where I find peace and freedom.”

On the academic side of things, Kulber, 19, is pursuing a career path to address climate change and explore social impact ventures, possibly even starting her own company. At UCLA, she works with a group called Clean Consulting. “Our mission is to empower and equip companies

GO-TO PLACES IN TOWN

“For fitness, I love hitting Vessel for spin classes and a cold plunge; I absolutely love their teachers and the vibe there. … Favorite coffee shop is Laguna Coffee [Co]. Besides having the cutest merch/store, they also have the best iced coffee. My go-to beach is probably Woods Cove. I love going for a sunset swim there. Favorite restaurant is Active Culture: Their Wholesome Bowl never misses.”

FAVORITE LOCAL SURF SPOT

Agate in Laguna

FAVORITE GLOBAL SURF SPOT

Thunders in the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia

BUCKET LIST SURF DESTINATION

Australia

SURFING STYLE

“I’m definitely more of a back-footed surfer and would consider myself more of a power surfer.”

HER BOARD

“I’ve recently switched to T.Patterson Surfboards, which has been a game changer. I have been loving … [Italo Ferreira’s] IF15 gold model for California waves.”

OTHER HOBBIES

Health and fitness, tennis, cooking, reading, creating content and playing the piano

to pursue sustainable and environmentally and socially responsible business practices,” she explains. “As the director of client relations, my role involves engaging with companies eager to enhance their sustainability efforts.”

Kulber returns home to Laguna every summer and on school breaks. “I cherish Laguna Beach for its strong sense of community, vibrant arts scene and the breathtaking beauty of its trails and coastline,” she says.

This summer, she’s enrolled in courses at UCLA and working in a chemical engineering lab on campus that specializes in sustainable cement production. But she won’t let that schoolwork weigh her down. She recently took a two-week boat trip in the Mentawai Islands of Indonesia and is planning a road trip across the coast of Portugal and Spain, as well as traveling to Barra de la Cruz in Mexico to ride a few waves.

Kulber rides through a barrel.

Lilie Kulber throws up some spray.

Chance Gaul

Adrenaline-fueled videos show Chance Gaul shredding waves, getting air on a pit bike and flying down Laguna’s curvy roads on his skateboard, occasionally nailing a 360 spin or jumping over a bush.

The professional surfer and skateboarder creates content featuring various action sport brands, but, with homes in both Laguna Beach and Palm Springs, he also works as a real estate agent and manages the Palm Springs Surf Club, a wave pool for surfing started by a local.

“The Palm Springs Surf Club has been such an amazing project to be part of from the beginning, thanks to Laguna legend James Dunlop,” Gaul says, adding that he feels fortunate his passion has led to a career in the wave pool industry.

“I’ll be doing this for a long time. When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life,” he says.

Gaul, now 27, started surfing while he was still a toddler. “My dad, Aaron Gaul, is an avid waterman and had me surfing, skateboarding and skimming by the time I was 2 1/2 years old,” Chance Gaul recalls. “We would wake up early and I would stand on the skateboard in between his legs down to the beach.”

He quickly fell in love with both sports. “There’s no feeling in the world like riding fast down the line on a surfboard,” he says. “It’s the closest thing to walking on water.”

He’s sponsored by Volcom, Electric sunglasses,

GO-TO PLACES IN TOWN

“Laguna Surf & Sport is a staple in town and a must-go for anyone visiting Laguna. My favorite coffee can be found at Laguna Coffee Co. and my favorite restaurant is Selenne Steak Tavern.”

FAVORITE SURF SPOT

“My favorite place in the world to surf is definitely at home in Laguna. We have incredible scenery and coastal diversity, creating very unique and funky waves around every cove.”

FAVORITE SURF/SKATE TRIP

Puerto Rico

BUCKET LIST SURF DESTINATION

Teahupoo, Tahiti

SURFING STYLE

Fast and aggressive—I love being in the air.

HIS BOARD

Grape Boards

OTHER HOBBIES

Golf, riding motorcycles and building stuff for my wife

Grape Boards, Creatures of Leisure and, of course, the Laguna Surf & Sport team.

“Being part of the LS&S team is like being part of a tight family,” he says. “My uncles and dad were part of the Surf & Sport team. I grew up hanging out in the shop as early as I can remember. It’s been awesome to see multiple generations cycle through LS&S and, once you’re part of the team/family, you represent for life.”

While he doesn’t compete much, he loves taking part in Laguna’s contests, like Brooks Street Surfing Classic and the Spring Fever Surfabout. When it comes to riding boards with four wheels, he says, “I used to travel constantly for my skateboarding career, but as I get older, it’s much nicer to fall on water when surfing than [on] hard pavement.”

Gaul credits growing up in Laguna with helping to shape him into the person he is now.

“My mom saw the impact the Laguna Beach community had on me in such a positive way, and did everything she could to keep me in this incredible environment.

“… Being a part of the tight Laguna community not only helped curate an amazing childhood, but helped lead to my success as an adult. There have been endless opportunities that have come from this amazing town and I will forever be grateful.”

He’s now part of the Meital Taub Luxury Group with Livel Real Estate and enjoys helping people find a home. Gaul is also a new dad: He and wife Sophia welcomed a son, Walker, earlier this year.

“Being a dad is the most incredible experience in the world,” he says. “… Walker is a constant motivator for me and I hope to showcase what a hardworking father and good husband should be.”

Chance Gaul grabs some air.

Laguna Beach welcomes you to the Sawdust Art Festival

Now in its 58th season, this iconic gathering brings together art-lovers of all types for a sixty-six day summer celebration of art, music, food, and community. Come for the magic, stay for the memories.

Mia Moore

At 18, Mia Moore is taking time to focus on surfing, traveling a lot and putting her skills to the test in competitions.

Moore is currently ranked No. 17 in the World Surf League Women’s Qualifying Series, with recent competitions in Florida and Barbados as well as locally in Huntington Beach and up the coast in Pismo Beach, California.

“I love competing,” she says. “It’s been really fun to compete because it helps me to push myself and my surfing. I haven’t been competing for super long and I’m working on getting better results. I have been learning a lot recently and I’m excited to continue improving.

“… My goal in surfing is to fulfill my dream of doing what I love for a living. I want to make it to the highest level of the sport. I want to inspire people. I love competing … so I’ll see where that takes me.”

Moore’s dad taught her to surf when she was younger. “When I moved to Laguna [six years ago], I really found my passion for it and started surfing every day.” She loves the feeling of being in the ocean and riding waves. “There’s nothing like it,” she says. “It’s hard to explain, but it clears my mind and helps me to let go and just have fun in the water.”

Moore surfs with the Laguna Board Riders Club, which goes up against teams from other

GO-TO PLACE IN TOWN

“I go to MoonGoat Coffee almost every day. It’s my favorite coffee in the world. The Churro Latte is unbeatable. I also sell my jewelry at Treasures [of Laguna] and Laguna Exchange. They’re both really cool stores. Laguna Surf & Sport is my go-to surf shop and I love surfing Thalia and hanging out at Crescent Bay.”

FAVORITE LOCAL SURF SPOT

“My favorite places to surf change as the waves change. My brother and I surf all over. I love surfing in Laguna. I’m a goofy footer, so when Brooks Street gets good and the waves are fast and steep lefts, that’s my favorite. … Laguna is centered in the middle of San Clemente and Huntington Beach, so there’s a lot of spots to go close by for all the different swells.”

BUCKET LIST SURF DESTINATION

“My dream trip right now is to go to Indonesia. I want to take a boat and find some really fun waves on different islands. Or go back to Fiji.”

HER BOARD

“I love riding Timmy Patterson—[T.Patterson]— surfboards. I really appreciate the support they give me [and] the boards work perfectly. My favorite is the i5 gold and the Pool Party Two.”

OTHER HOBBIES

“I’m a huge fan of UTL—[Underwater Torpedo League]—at Deep End Fitness [in San Clemente].

I’m one of the instructors there. I go every week. It’s a … class that’s centered around water confidence and water safety. … You learn to regulate your stress in and out of the water and push yourself.”

cities in the region. “What I like about it is that it brings our community together,” she says. “We are all on the beach, supporting each other. It’s really fun.”

But she doesn’t only surf locally and has been to some impressive destinations lately. “I just got back from Mexico and … the East Coast and Barbados for some surf comps,” she says. “We got some really fun waves and it was awesome. We love exploring all over in California and I have been to Fiji and Hawaii with my family. I’m lucky to get to travel to these places and I’m looking forward to getting to see more of the world.”

And Moore has a flair for the creative, jazzing up her surfboard with vines and plumeria flowers using paint pens and making jewelry for her small business, Sandbar Creations. She’s also into sewing, often posting her latest projects on social media, from zipper bags to a surf backpack, cute tops and even a bucket hat. “I love taking old clothes, and clothing that I [find at] thrift [shops], and sewing them into something new,” she explains.

But her talents don’t stop there. Moore also sings and has played guitar off and on since she was 10. “Me and my brother play music together and that makes it really fun,” she says. “Everything is better with music. I like all genres. … I write my own songs, and have three unreleased tracks that eventually I will use in a surf film that I want to make.”

When not surfing or creating, she can often be found outdoors in Laguna. “I love hiking here with my mom,” she says. “I also love exploring all the coves and swimming around the rocks. It’s so beautiful.”

Mia Moore, riding in the green room

Moore carves up a wave.

LEFT: BRIAN CONLEY; BOTTOM: JASON KENWORTHY

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• INTERIOR DAMAGE REPAIRS

• BALCONY RAIL SYSTEM DESIGNS/GLASS/CABLE

• PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES

• DOOR & WINDOW REPLACEMENT

• STUCCO/PLASTER RECONSTRUCTION

• RAIN GUTTERS/CHIMNEY CAPS

• SKYLIGHTS/ATTIC VENTING SYSTEMS

Tess Booth

Alove of surfing has led to a unique job for Tess Booth, coaching at professional wave rider Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California.

“I absolutely love my job,” says Booth, 20. “I’ve been working at the wave pool for over a year now and plan to keep working there until the end of the year. I started as a surf guide, focusing mostly on helping guests in the water. Then I got promoted to a surf coach where I got to go more in-depth with guests about their personal progression and the nuances of the wave.”

Perhaps it’s not surprising that Booth excels at surfing (she placed second last year in the Brooks Street Surfing Classic women’s division) as her dad, Jeff Booth, is a former professional surfer.

“When I was 6, my dad would take me on his stand-up paddleboard and catch waves with me,” she recalls. “I’d hold onto the top of the board while he did all the work and I loved it. But I didn’t really get into surfing until I was 9 when I got a yellow, 7-foot Odysea [board]. I was a much better swimmer by this time and all of my friends were doing it so I started to go with the group until I was one of the last ones who still thought surfing was fun.

“… I love when you finally get a good wave and kick out with a goofy grin on your face knowing it took you all session just to get one keeper of a wave. Nothing beats that.”

She typically returns to Laguna after working

GO-TO PLACE IN TOWN

Adolfo’s [Mexican Food], Wigz, Bear Coast Coffee, Laguna Coffee Co. and Thai Bros.

FAVORITE LOCAL SURF SPOT

“I love Brooks Street. That wave is very dear to my heart. It was one of the first waves for me that really challenged me to become a better surfer in more powerful conditions.”

FAVORITE GLOBAL SURF SPOT

“I’ve … surfed a lot of amazing waves throughout my travels and hope to keep surfing new places. I feel like I’m still searching.”

BUCKET LIST SURF DESTINATION

“I really want to go to Peru to surf some long lefts. Even though I’m a regular footer, I grew up on a left and feel really comfortable surfing on my backhand.”

SURFING STYLE

“I’m more of a rail surfer. I’m tall and lengthy so normally my turns end up long and drawn out.”

HER BOARD

A 5’10” Byrne—but “I’m also excited to be working with Fantine Capron. She is going to be shaping me a custom fish this summer for me to rep. I’m super excited about this one because I’ve never owned a fish. Until then, however, I’ll be riding my handy dandy Byrne boards shaped by Michael Baron, who has been our family’s shaper for years.”

OTHER HOBBIES

“I’ve been playing [piano] since I was 7. I first started in an after-school club for keyboarding. … I was trained classically, but now I sort of just play what I’m feeling.”

a weeklong shift at the Surf Ranch. “Laguna is home,” she says. “It’s where I grew up, learned how to surf and formed my identity. I love coming home after a week in Lemoore and passing by Brooks Street. I am very comforted by this—to be in my own backyard. I love that Laguna is a place for me to recharge with my family and cats, to see old friends, and to get a wave or two at the spots that watched me grow into the surfer I am today.”

But she also loves exploring abroad, including a recent solo trip to Costa Rica. “This was an amazing trip,” she says. “Solo travel has always been something that scared me. But after this trip, I gained a lot of confidence in myself. I had a lot of time to reflect, relax, make my own schedule and meet new people.

“I found that when I travel alone, I experience the world more directly and fully. I met people I would have never met, took risks I probably wouldn’t have taken, and spoke a lot more Spanish than I would have spoken if I were traveling with someone else. I’ll forever be grateful for this trip.”

When it comes to competitions, she represents Laguna at the West Coast Board Riders events in SoCal. “I love these contests and it’s always fun to run into old friends that I competed with back in middle school and high school,” she says.

But a Laguna contest holds a special place in her heart. “The Brooks Street [Surfing Classic] is such a special event in Laguna,” she says. “The whole surf community comes together and gets to cheer each other on during one of the biggest south swells of the summer. There’s carnage, heckling, love—all the good stuff you want in a community surf contest.”

TOP: RANDOLPH STOKER; OTHERS: BOB BOOTH

Tess Booth considers herself more of a rail surfer.

Booth sends up some spray.

Blair Conklin

Both a surfer and skimboarder, Blair Conklin has turned these sports into a career, thanks to his sponsors and the ability to connect with people around the globe through social media.

“I am fortunate enough to have very supportive sponsors, which include Catch Surf, Exile Skimboards, I-Sea Sunglasses and Reef. Other than that, I am a full-time beach bum,” he says.

Without social media, he adds, “I would not be able to do what I love for a living.” For reference, his YouTube channel, SkidKids, has more than 3 million subscribers.

“Ten years ago, it was close to impossible to make money as a professional skimboarder and my parents shook their heads in dismay at the idea,” he recalls. “Nowadays, sharing videos across different platforms has really opened people’s eyes to the sport and has helped me get recognition in both [the] surf and skim worlds.”

Conklin, 28, grew up in south Laguna so some of his earliest memories are from Totuava and Thousand Step beaches. “These beaches are some of the best places to skimboard in Laguna, so I was exposed to the sport at a very young age,” he says. His dad and uncles, who all surfed and had tried skimboarding at some point, helped teach him.

“Surfing came a little later. … At Laguna Beach High School, I had the option to either do the standard P.E. class or join the surf team and learn how to surf. It wasn’t a super tough decision.”

GO-TO PLACE IN TOWN

South Swell Donuts, Ahba, La Sirena Grill, zpizza, Aliso Beach, Thousand Steps Beach and Valido Trail

FAVORITE LOCAL SKIMBOARD SPOT

Aliso Beach

FAVORITE GLOBAL SURF SPOT

Near Sumba in Indonesia—“It is so much more relaxed there to surf than any of the local SoCal breaks.”

FAVORITE GLOBAL SKIMBOARD SPOT

Sununga Beach in Ubatuba, Brazil

BUCKET LIST SURF DESTINATION

Ireland, Scotland or Iceland—“I seem to be attracted to the colder waters that have less crowds these days.”

SURFING/SKIMBOARDING STYLE

“I think my wave riding style has been heavily influenced by the surfing films that I watched as a kid. I always wanted to emulate what surfers were doing on waves, but on my skimboard.”

HIS BOARD

“Catch Surf has been supporting me since I was in high school and Exile Skimboards long before that. So basically my boards are either really really hard and sharp or really thick and soft.”

OTHER HOBBIES

Pickleball and ping-pong

Needless to say, he’s progressed in both sports over the years. In fact, he has won The Vic— skimboarding’s world championships, held in Laguna and sponsored by local company Victoria Skimboards—three times, in 2017, 2018 and 2023.

“I think winning that contest is most skimboarders’ dream achievement,” he says. “… People from all over the world travel … to compete in the event and challenge their skills in the unforgiving shorebreak waves of Aliso Beach. I am honored to have my name on a plaque alongside so many other past, present and future legends in the sport.”

Skimboarding has taken him to places he would have never imagined like Alaska, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Angola, Africa. “More importantly, the sport has given me the opportunity to connect with people all over the world,” he says. But he also appreciates spending time in his hometown. “I love the community of people who all share a passion for being outdoors and in the ocean,” he says.

Conklin also has used his travels to make a difference, recently becoming involved with the Surfrider Foundation’s Clean Border Water Now campaign. “This is an urgent public health crisis and environmental disaster that can be remediated,” he says. “The Tijuana River dumps an estimated 35 million gallons of sewage into the ocean daily. There is a water treatment facility upstream that can be upgraded to treat a lot more water.”

And Conklin his own SkidKids clothing line plus mini Doinker Decks for display—sold through blairconklin.com, which launched in 2022 in response his YouTube success.

“[It] started off as somewhat of a joke. … We were surprised at the popularity and are just running with it,” he says. A new design includes shredded parts of his old skimboards. As he says, “It is a win-win for everyone, including the environment.”

Blair Conklin surfing at the Wedge in Newport Beach (above); in the water in Alaska

Conklin gets some air in a wave pool.

Ryah Arthur

Holistic lifestyle coach and former professional surfer Ryah Arthur brings the surfing community together by heading up the Laguna Beach Surf Club, which creates camaraderie and competes against teams from other local cities.

“It is so much fun. The Laguna Beach Surf Club revolves around community, culture and conservation,” says Arthur, 36. “Our primary goal is to unite Laguna’s incredible surf community, with a focus on nurturing the youth, preserving the ocean and, of course, having a great time.

“… We are proud members of the West Coast Board Riders, participating in three friendly competitions each year against San Clemente, Dana Point and Newport Beach. Although initially formed for competitive purposes, these clubs have evolved into influential advocates for the well-being of their respective communities.”

The 2006 graduate of Laguna Beach High School still lives in town after some time abroad. His passion for surfing started young.

“My dad grew up surfing in LA and my mom grew up in a family that pioneered surfing in SoCal in the ’50s,” he shares. They moved to Laguna and got swept up in the beach volleyball and surf culture. “I caught my first wave when I was 5 and was hooked.,” he says.

“When I was around 10, it really started to become an obsession. I would go down to Thalia during the summer and stay down there all day,

GO-TO PLACE IN TOWN

“Laguna Surf & Sport is the always-go-to heartbeat of the surf culture in town. Hobie [Surf Shop] is a staple as well. I love Rye Goods as they are organically grounded cafes with high-quality food.”

FAVORITE LOCAL SURF SPOT

“I love surfing at Thalia; it’s my second home in a way. But I also love surfing at Brooks and Rockpile. When these waves get good, which is rare, there’s nothing better than paddling out and sharing waves with longtime friends.”

FAVORITE GLOBAL SURF SPOT

Portugal and Mexico

BUCKET LIST SURF DESTINATION

“I would love to do a boat trip with some of my best friends to the Mentawai Islands.”

SURFING STYLE

“Basically, I surf like an uncoordinated caveman.”

HIS BOARD

“Grape—Paul Wade is the best shaper in Laguna.”

OTHER HOBBIES

“Anything in the ocean. Lots of beach volleyball. Getting stronger and healthier myself. Researching and studying. Book club [and] building community.”

switching between skimboarding and surfing. The community of kids down there was truly something special; we were all obsessed with the ocean and would push each other in and out of the water. The undercurrent of competition really fanned the flame of growing as a waterman and surfer.”

For Arthur, riding waves is about connecting with the ocean. “I love the dynamism of the ocean and the ever-changing nature of waves,” he says. “I love the challenge, but also the depth of connection. … You have to be completely present.”

Arthur surfed professionally, traveling to compete for a few years after high school. “I worked at Laguna Surf & Sport and taught surf lessons when I was home, then I would travel to Brazil or Europe or Latin America or wherever the next event was to compete, sometimes for months on end. I was a part of a solid cohort of American pros that were working hard to realize their dreams of becoming world-renowned professionals,” he says.

“When the 2008 financial crisis happened, a lot of the money that was available to these up-andcoming pros got pulled back pretty rapidly. If you were not at the absolute top of the game, chances were that your sponsorships were getting pulled. There were lots … of guys that got dropped by their sponsors. … I was among that group.”

He worked hard to earn enough money to continue traveling, but as he approached the age of 22, he felt like he was “pursuing something that was just not going to happen,” he says. “I felt my heart calling me onto a completely unknown path.”

He switched gears and completed a discipleship program, like his sister had done, with a Christian mission organization called Youth With A Mission. “I went to Cambodia, where I spent three months teaching English and building a rain catchment tank for a local church,” he says.

“… It changed my life. I saw how other cultures functioned and the values that shaped their behaviors and social dynamics. … It helped give me some context on my own life and how I was … influenced by my country, religion and culture.”

Upon returning home, he became involved with Little Church by the Sea, co-leading the youth group’s international trips. He also studied crosscultural communication in college and eventually found his way into private and group training, attending the Chek Institute for integrated movement science and holistic lifestyle coaching. “It takes years to truly learn, implement and master these principles, ideas and practices,” he says. /

Ryah Arthur coming through the tube

A Swell Event

BROOKS STREET SURFING CLASSIC IS A LONGSTANDING TRADITION THAT BRINGS THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER.

Started in 1955 and only open to Laguna Beach residents, the beloved annual Brooks Street Surfing Classic will mark its 58th edition this year. The competition always takes place on a different weekend, based on optimal surf conditions. The window starts the first weekend of June and runs until the end of the south swell season, typically the end of October.

Once June hits, the waiting begins, with surfers anxiously checking for updates. Last year’s event didn’t happen until September. Organizers look for two full days of “clean and consistent surf,” including good weather conditions with no wind that would degrade the quality of the waves.

The city-sponsored event usually draws about 150 surfers and there are a variety of age divisions for competing in short- and longboard surfing as well as paddleboarding and bodyboarding.

Previously organized by city Recreation Supervisor Ron Lutz, local Brandy Faber took on an official role as contest director in 1993 to help gather prizes when it was

decided that city officials weren’t allowed to do this anymore. Faber’s happy to help support this special event.

“Hobie Alter is credited with starting the contest,” Faber says. “… It’s a rite of passage for the younger local surfers, it brings the community together and is a great storytelling platform of and for Laguna’s history. We support and get support from local businesses and artists, who design the contest T-shirt and trophies while highlighting some of the uniqueness and character of Laguna.”

Faber explains that, in the 1950s, surfers weren’t cast in a positive light and coastal homeowners tried to take ownership of the sand in front of their properties to stop surfers from having beach access.

“Alter, who started shaping surfboards on the beach at his parents’ house on Oak Street, met with Red Guyer, who was the city’s Recreation Department supervisor, and laid out the idea for the Brooks Street Surfing Classic to cast local surfers in a positive light as athletes,” Faber says.

In addition to bragging rights, winners

“Hobie Alter is credited with starting the contest. … It’s a rite of passage for the younger local surfers, it brings the community together and is a great storytelling platform of and for Laguna’s history.”

—BRANDY FABER

get custom-made trophies and tons of other prizes, from GoPro cameras to swim fins, T-shirts, sunglasses, hats and backpacks from local surf brands. Both the Men’s and Women’s Pro/Am winners also receive cash prizes.

Faber notes that “the contest ebbs and flows with the population and surfing habits of the community.” In the beginning, there was the Skid Board Division—aka skimboarding—and a Kneeboarding Division, but those shrank in popularity while others expanded.

“People are surfing in their later years more now, so we added the Legends Division a few years ago for 60-and-over competitors. New for the 58th annual Classic will be the Women’s Pro/Am Division with equal prize money as the Men’s Pro/Am Division,” he says, explaining that, in the past, women have competed against the guys in the Pro/Am, but have requested their own category, so the 16-and-up Women’s Division will now be the Women’s Pro/Am Division.

Faber says as the conditions are monitored through the season, alerts are sent out to emails on file and posted on the event’s Facebook page when there is a potential swell on the way, which can be unpredictable. People also hear updates by word of mouth and “good old telephone calls to Laguna Surf & Sport for information,” Faber says.

“We don’t make the final call till the morning of the event,” he says. “Most people who participate in the event are there bright and early and ready to go once the call is made. If the call is made to not run the event, then most people are stoked to get a surf in anyways.”

The first Brooks Street Surfing Classic in 1955 with Red Guyer (wearing a hat) out front to start the contest with surfers (from left to right) Bing Boka (yellow shorts), Tom Morey, Hobie Alter, Renny Yater and others.

gives students an understanding of the

in addition to teaching them to

DanSurf

ocean

ride waves.

LEARN HOW TO CATCH A WAVE WITH THESE LOCAL SURF INSTRUCTORS.

By SHARAEL KOLBERG

WITH 7 MILES OF COASTLINE, IT’S NO WONDER THIS TOWN BECKONS SURFERS TO THE waters off its shores. And the area has a long history of surfing, with Duke Kahanamoku catching waves here in the early 1900s. Laguna Beach was also home to surfing and sailing pioneer Hobie Alter, founder of the popular Hobie Surf Shops, and the Brooks Street Surfing Classic competition has been held in town since 1955.

You’ll find everyone from retired pro surfers to elementary school kids catching waves off Laguna’s scenic shores. Thanks to the surf schools based in Laguna, anyone (who knows how to swim) can give it a try. The instructors have years of experience in local waters and are patient professionals who can teach you the ins and outs of what it takes to catch your first wave or advance to more challenging breaks.

LEARNING PROPER TECHNIQUE

Most surf lessons in Laguna last about 1 ½ hours, with a ratio of one instructor for every three or four students for group lessons. Private one-on-one lessons are also available through some schools. You’ll typically start practicing your “pop-up” on the beach before hitting the water.

“Our lessons include basic beginner techniques, like how to paddle and pop-up,” says California Surf Experience founder Ryan Croteau. “We also go over safety, surf etiquette and ocean awareness. Our lessons are tailored to the student’s skill level, so if someone is more advanced, we adjust and work [on] more intermediate techniques.”

For those without much experience in the water, part of learning to surf is getting to know the ocean—the tides, the currents and how to paddle out through the waves. There’s a lot to process just to get out to where the waves are breaking, before you even start trying to take a wave back to shore.

“I don’t just teach people to surf. I give

them an understanding of the ocean—how to make it your friend—to the greatest degree possible,” says Dan Oftelie, owner of DanSurf. “This knowledge of the ocean can maximize the fun they have while minimizing the pummeling the ocean will inevitably deliver over their surfing career.”

For those who may have given it a try, but want to progress, spending time in the water is essential. “Even if you aren’t surfing, just being out in the water and getting comfortable in all of the conditions will help you progress and teach you how to read waves on your own,” says Cayla Henderson, director of the surf lesson program at Laguna Surf & Sport.

These surf instructors are not only dedicated to helping clients learn to ride waves, but also to teaching them the ways of the water in hopes of inspiring a lifelong love for the ocean and an interest in continuing to surf.

“The lessons really focus on all the information you will need when you eventually graduate from taking lessons,” adds Henderson, who is also a lead surf instructor at Laguna Beach Surf School. “We go over all of the basics to grow your surfing ability and coach you to improve [toward] any further goals you have for your surfing experience.”

The Laguna Beach Surf School also features Sli Dawg’s weeklong Summer Surf Camp for kids ages 9 and up, with CPRcertified instructors who have grown up in Laguna’s surf community.

THE BEST BREAKS

When scheduling lessons, instructors take into account the tide, wave conditions and water temperature.

“When someone calls, the first thing I do when scheduling a lesson is check my tide book, which gives me the high and low tides for the entire year,” Oftelie says. “Here in Laguna, you want to surf in the ‘tide window,’ which is the optimal tide for the conditions on that particular day.”

During the summer months, from June 15 to Sept. 15, the city of Laguna Beach posts black ball flags, which designate areas that are only for surfing and skimboarding. No swimming is allowed between the flags.

Beginner surf lessons are taught at Hakama, a surf break between Anita and Thalia Street beaches, between the black ball flags. “I teach at Thalia Street/Hakama—a spot with more beginner-friendly waves due to its gently sloping sea floor and reef structure,” Oftelie says.

Henderson agrees, adding, “Thalia is a great place to start your surfing journey because you can gradually move around the surf stretch to more advanced breaks as your skill improves.”

The surf breaks stretch from Brooks Street to St. Ann’s, with the most advanced breaks being Brooks Street and, in north Laguna, Rockpile. These require the ability to handle

Above and bottom right: Eli’s Learn to Surf Laguna Beach

From left: DanSurf; California Surf Experience; La Vida Laguna

Ratios are typically one instructor per up to three or four students; some schools offer private lessons, too.

a more powerful wave and to navigate around rocks.

“The Brooks Street wave comes out of deep water and hits a shallow reef, which pushes more water into a smaller area, intensifying its power,” Oftelie says. “Rockpile is aptly named: Lots of rock, often encrusted with even sharper barnacles—and a rock bottom, with [spiky] sea urchins.”

GEARING UP

Every surf school in Laguna Beach provides wetsuits—since water temperatures can get chilly—and surfboards suited for beginners, with a leash.

Eli’s Learn to Surf Laguna Beach brings the equipment to the beach, so all you have to do is show up. “You don’t have to carry your gear to the beach because

HIT THE WAVES

it’s already there when you arrive,” says owner Eli Viszolay. “We bring everything to you to make it easy to focus on surfing. Additionally, we aren’t just surf instructors, we are passionate locals from Laguna Beach that have experience in professional surfing.”

The only local company with a brickand-mortar shop for outdoor adventures is La Vida Laguna, which is situated just a couple blocks from the beach. “We meet at the shop and provide custom wetsuit fittings, [a] bathroom, changing area, safekeeping for valuables, off-street parking, hot showers after [your] lesson and beach chairs for parents,” says Doug Oyen, co-owner of La Vida Laguna. The company also offers kayak and bike tours in Laguna as well as SUP outings that combine a lesson and tour.

And Laguna Surf & Sport, which has been a Laguna staple for the surf crowd since 1982, sells all you need for your surfing adventure, such as swimwear, wetsuits, surfboards and leashes, sunscreen, sweatshirts, sunglasses and sandals, in addition to offering lessons. The shop is just one block from Oak Street beach.

“Our surf lesson program stands out from others,” Henderson says, “because we incorporate the surf shop experience, where you get to hang out with the locals, get some souvenirs and have an amazing time learning a new skill or hobby.” /

THESE LOCAL SURF SCHOOLS OFFER LESSONS TO GET YOU HANGING 10 IN NO TIME, WITH INSTRUCTOR-TO-STUDENT RATIOS TYPICALLY DEPENDING ON STUDENT EXPERIENCE LEVEL AND CONDITIONS.

CA SURF N PADDLE

949-497-1423; caboardsports.com

RATIO: one instructor per up to four students

Private lessons are offered.

CALIFORNIA SURF EXPERIENCE

949-532-7277; californiasurfexperience.com

RATIO: one instructor per four students

Private lessons are offered.

DANSURF

949-395-8517; dansurf.com

RATIO: one instructor per up to four students

All lessons are private sessions (including groups of family members or friends).

ELI’S LEARN TO SURF

LAGUNA BEACH

949-874-5085; learntosurflagunabeach.com

RATIO: one instructor per four students

Private lessons are offered.

GOFF TOURS

949-338-5937; gofftours.com

RATIO: depends on conditions. Private lessons are offered.

LA VIDA LAGUNA

949-275-7544; lavidalaguna.com

RATIO: one instructor per up to three students

Private lessons are offered.

LAGUNA BEACH SURF SCHOOL

949-497-7000; lagunabeachsurfschool.org

RATIO: one instructor per three students

LAGUNA ETHOS 260-446-8066; lagunaethos.com

RATIO: one instructor per three students

Private lessons are offered.

LAGUNA SURF & SPORT

949-497-7000; surfandsport.com

RATIO: one instructor per three students

Private lessons are offered.

SOUL SURF

949-637-0463; soulsurfingschool.com

RATIO: one instructor per up to three students

Private lessons are offered.

THALIA SURF SHOP

949-497-3292; thaliasurf.com

RATIO: one instructor per up to four or five students

Private lessons are offered.

Laguna Beach Surf School offers lessons and Sli Dawg’s weeklong Summer Surf Camp for kids ages 9 and up.

Congratulations graduates! You have grown and excelled in the classroom, in the arts, on the athletic field, in leadership roles and in service to your community. You are an extraordinary group of young adults headed to colleges and universities across the nation and the world, incredibly well prepared for the remarkable journey ahead. We are very proud of you, and have great faith in you. Remain true to yourselves and your Tartan values. We look forward to seeing your lives unfold with meaning and purpose.

Godspeed Tartans! Tartans Forever!

< Outdoor Living >

Surf Supplies

TAKE YOUR STYLE FROM THE SHELVES TO THE SEA WITH THE HELP OF THESE LOCAL SHOPS.

By ASHLEY RYAN

TOUTED AS AN ART COLONY, LAGUNA BEACH IS JUST AS heavily known for its history of water sports and ocean culture. Long-standing events like the Brooks Street Surfing Classic and The Vic skimboarding championship have not only solidified the town’s position as a prime location for active residents, but also helped to promote and enhance these pastimes.

But where would modern surfers be without the many stellar surf shops that line the streets of Laguna? From boards and wetsuits to all of the accessories required for a successful surf sesh, hitting the waves wouldn’t be possible without these stores that supply amateur and professional athletes.

“In some sense, the modern surf shop was born in Laguna Beach,” says Kris Carlow, brand manager for Hobie Surf Shops. “Yes, [surf legend] Hobie Alter eventually moved to Dana Point to open his shop in 1954, but the concept was born on the beach in Laguna. Alter made some 200 boards—unnumbered—before his departure from his father’s garage. Furthermore, Dick Metz, the probable founder of modern surf retail, was born in Laguna. All of these cohorts spent their summers on Laguna beaches. They would discuss their prospective careers, but they all knew that they didn’t want to work east of Highway 1, wear[ing] hard-sole shoes or a necktie. In my opinion, that’s the original ethos of the surf shop, and that began in Laguna Beach.”

That historical component is key to the success these shops enjoy in current times, with Laguna’s coves and south Orange County beaches beckoning surfers both to the sea and the shops. All of this just further enriches the local surf culture.

“In every beach town, surf shops have always been the cultural center for local flavor. Laguna’s pristine rocky coastline and rich surfing history create an incubator for unique experiences in and around the ocean,” says George Arzente, founder of Catch Surf. “Living near the ocean is a privilege enjoyed by only a select few, and surf shops offer a window into that lifestyle.”

Here, discover what Laguna’s surf stores have to offer shoppers from near and far.

Hobie Surf Shop

BILLABONG LAGUNA

Find your summer uniform at this shop from a brand that launched across the world in Australia’s Gold Coast in the 1970s. Initially focusing on boardshorts that could withstand tough ocean conditions, Billabong has since expanded to feature a wide range of clothing for both men and women, including wetsuits, rash guards, bikinis and beach cover-ups in addition to casual tees and tanks plus accessories ranging from hats, backpacks and tote bags to towels and flip-flop sandals. And with sprawling views of the ocean visible mere steps from the store entrance, you’ll be inspired to grab a suit and hit the waves.

CA SURF N PADDLE

Epic adventures await at this Pacific Coast Highway shop, whether you’re looking for gear, rentals or lessons. Owner Rod Greenup, who is also a surfboard shaper, is eager to help shoppers whenever he’s around. Established in 1985, the store offers wetsuits and apparel for men, women and children in addition to accessories like towels, sunglasses and sandals. Surfboards—for adults as well as smaller

versions for kids—and inflatable paddleboards can be purchased here while Greenup’s lessons are top-notch. He also creates custom boards, so buyers can help dream up an art-forward design that embodies the spirit of Laguna.

CATCH SURF

Originating here in town in the mid-2000s, this eclectic north Laguna spot has everything you need to get out on the water. “Our boards are engineered to withstand the rocky coastline and punishing shorebreak, and [the] clothes [we sell are] suitable for a night out on the town,” he notes. In addition to offering its own surfboards, bodyboards and skimboards—as well as ready-to-wear beach apparel, towels, sandals, stickers and flying discs—Catch Surf organizes meet-and-greets in the shop with professional athletes, donates boards to nearby schools and fundraisers, and hosts a weekly running club to elevate the local community.

HOBIE SURF SHOP

Hobie needs no introduction, but we’ll clue you in anyway. Started by surf legend Hobie Alter, who got his start here in Laguna, this iconic

Clockwise from top left: Billabong Laguna; CA Surf N Paddle; Catch Surf; Hobie’s selection of surfboards

brand has expanded its reach to everything from surf shops and boards to kayaks and catamarans. Earlier this year, Hobie celebrated the 70th anniversary of its first store, located in Dana Point, with the Laguna shop following in the 1970s. Now, it’s known around the world and still offers boards (with a shaping studio in Dana Point) in addition to apparel for men, women and kids plus accessories that range from sunglasses, bags and towels to books, drinkware, beauty products and home goods. “Hobie Surf Shop’s product mix is unique to our local clientele,” Carlow says. “… Our design team builds much of this product focused around the geography of each store location. Therefore, we have something authentic for the local resident and the weekend vacationer to call their own.” Hobie also regularly hosts in-store events such as panel discussions or film screenings in collaboration with others in the Southern California surf community as well as events for the Coast Film & Music Festival—plus the side of the building features its own public art with a bronze bas-relief mural sculpture by Randy Morgan that pays homage to California water sports.

LAGUNA SURF & SPORT

Opened in 1982, this is one of the original places in town to get surf and skim products. The company sells tees, tanks, hats, boardshorts and wetsuits for men, women and youth. You’ll also find some unique items at this shop, such as a beach umbrella and waterproof speaker that doubles as a bottle opener for very necessary relaxation after hitting the waves. Private group or one-on-one surf lessons are also available, giving beginners the chance to learn the basics and more advanced groms the opportunity to expand their skills.

QUIKSILVER

Although Quiksilver also got its start in Australia—way back in the late 1960s—it’s now headquartered in Huntington Beach, aka Surf City. Designed exclusively for men and boys for the last decade, the brand’s local shop offers oardshorts, wetsuits, rashguards and other surf-related accessories as well as everyday apparel, sandals, backpacks and wallets, water bottles, beanies and more. Women need not

worry, as items from sister company Roxy are sold here as well. Peruse items while videos of surfers play in the background.

RIP CURL LAGUNA BEACH

The premium items sold at this store are built to last. But, on top of this, the Australian company, whose American headquarters are in San Clemente, aims to create designs that inspire as well. “Laguna Beach is known for being an artistic and eclectic town,” says P.J. Connell, vice president of marketing and e-commerce for Rip Curl. “I think the surf shops pull that cultural authenticity into their store experience.” Surf accessories, clothing, swimwear and wetsuits are offered for men, women and kids, but Rip Curl also has waterproof watches and surfboard covers plus a Recycle Your Wetsuit program that allows surfers to bring any suit in for a $25 voucher.

THALIA SURF SHOP

Authentic since the very beginning, this beloved local spot prides itself on style and

originality, presenting rare or hard-to-find apparel items and surfboards for more than two decades. Thalia Surf Shop works with local shapers and artists to create uniquely designed items in addition to used and vintage boards and accessories like leashes, surfboard fins, traction pads, handplanes, wax and ding repair products. Throw in Vans shoes, music, movies, books, magazines and artwork and you’ve got a visually stunning store with much to offer.

TOES ON THE NOSE

Located across from Main Beach, this flagship store showcases an inventory influenced by California culture. Choose from the brand’s Sea Silk and Sixty One collections or peruse items from other brands, such as Carve Designs, Reef, Billabong, Olukai, Rainbow Sandals and more. While this store focuses more on apparel than actual surf equipment, one unique aspect is the Element Guard collection, which features apparel that helps protect wearers from the sun with UPF-resistant material—an important consideration for any water sport enthusiast. /

Clockwise from top left: Laguna Surf & Sport; Thalia Surf Shop; Rip Curl Laguna Beach; Toes on the Nose; Quiksilver

PERUSE LOCAL SHOPS TO FIND ITEMS LIKE THESE, PERFECT FOR CATCHING WAVES AT A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BEACH.

1) The cold waters of the Pacific Ocean are no match for the 2MM SYNERGY WETSUIT GLOVES, which feature a foam core topped with recycled Pro Stretch fabric and a special design to enhance grip, $39.95, at Billabong Laguna. (949-715-7732; billabong.com)

2) In an art community like Laguna Beach, it’s only natural to seek out vibrant, creative boards like Catch Surf’s own ODYSEA LOG // 9’0”—a longboard that comes in a variety of colorful styles and designs to ensure you stand out as you stand atop the waves, $449.99, at Catch Surf. (949-715-7828; catchsurf.com)

3) Grab the SECRET SESH 37L LARGE BACKPACK to store all of your gear for any surf session; the durable, roll-top bag has separate wet and dry compartments that make it easy to whisk your wet items home without soaking things that are supposed to stay dry, $75, at Quiksilver. (949-3760245; quiksilver.com)

4) Lady groms can keep warm in the cold California water in the WOMEN’S COASTAL PALMS G-BOMB LONG SLEEVE HI CUT SPRINGSUIT, which features a neoprene material for insulation as well as high-stretch, long sleeves for sun protection and a zipper at the chest for functionality, $149.95, at Rip Curl Laguna Beach. (949-715-4885; ripcurl.com)

5) Wander through the sand in Cobian’s MEN’S ARV 2 SANDALS—bestsellers locally due to the molded footbed with arch support and soft, comfortable strap that grips the foot for ultimate seaside comfort, $39.99, at CA Surf N Paddle. (949-4971423; caboardsports.com)

6) Creatures of Leisure’s FISH DAY USE SURFBOARD BAG comes in various sizes and shapes—find the perfect option for your board to ensure it gets to and from the waves safely, protected by the brand’s diamond-tech material, from $174.95, at Thalia Surf Shop. (949-497-3292; thaliasurf.com)

7) Keep your skin protected from the sun without even trying with the loose-fitting PROTECTOR ELEMENT GUARD UPF 50+ LONG SLEEVE UV PROTECTIVE SHIRT, featuring a quick-dry material to help control body temperature while combating the sun’s harmful rays, $58, at Toes on the Nose. (949-494-4988; toesonthenose.com)

8) As you head to and from the beach with your board in hand, enlist the help of the CLASSIC BOX ORIGINAL RECTANGLE PATCH SNAPBACK HAT to shade your face; it features adjustable sizing and classic canvas in a range of colors to match your own unique style, $29.95, at Laguna Surf & Sport. (949-497-7000; surfandsport.com)

9) This summer, make a splash in the ENDLESS SUMMER BOARDSHORT from Hobie, which allows you to easily transition from a surf sesh to enjoying a bite to eat on the sand, $52, at Hobie Surf Shop. (949-497-3304; hobiesurfshop.com)

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:

31981 COAST HIGHWAY, LAGUNA BEACH

OFFERING PRICE: $17,995,000

AGENT: John Stanaland 949-689-9047 john@johnstanaland.com

1027 W Bay Ave Unit

ON MARKET: 14 1415 EMERALD BAY SOLD SOLD OFF–MARKET (REPRESENTED BUYER & SELLER)

DAYS ON MARKET: 11

COMING UP

EMERALD TERRACE GEM! NORTH LAGUNA

Beach Road, Dana Point • 6 Bed/5 Bath • $5,300,000 Sit down ocean views from this updated OCEANFRONT duplex on a large lot with heated pool and direct beach access to the sand on 24-hour Guard Gated Beach Road. All six bedrooms are beautifully furnished. This beach property can be rented together or separately.

560 Flora, Laguna Beach • Lease $7,500/mo

Charming ocean view

bedroom,

bath cottage in Woods Cove, just a block

Cove and shops, Cafes of Laguna Village. Furnished long or short term.

481 Dartmoor, Laguna Beach • Lease $16,000/mo Panoramic view North Laguna 3 bedroom+den home with 3,283 sq.ft. and a pool. Walls of windows and expansive decks open to ocean breezes. Furnished turn-key long or short term.

35091 Beach Road #A, Dana Point • $10,000/mo Direct Beach access w/Coastline, Harbor, & Catalina Isl. Sunset

1445 Santa Cruz | Laguna Beach

394 Moss St | Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH STUDENTS!

THANK YOU, LAGUNA BEACH

DONATIONS FROM THESE GENEROUS BUSINESSES MAKE OUR EVENTS POSSIBLE

$10,000+

$5,000 – $9,999

$3,000 – $4,999

A2 Energy Partners Angels Baseball Foundation Tim Bina Brady Schwartz Legal

$1,000 – $2,999

Arrow&Branch

crankbrothers

DiGiovanni Orthodontics

Elaine Brashier – Meital Taub Luxury Group|LIVEL Real Estate

Enhanced Dermatology of Orange Cou nty

Farmers & Merchants Bank

Farmhouse Inn

Up to $999

230 Forest Avenue Restaurant Active Culture

Ducks Aquarium of the Pacific

Skate Store

Blk Dot Coffee

Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach

Breanna Valdez Styling

Bushard’s Pharmacy

Business & Pleasure Co

Candice Dartez Photography

Chandler Gibb

Chipotle

Coast Pet Supply & Grooming

Cock and Tail Home

Code Green Fitness

HeBe Skin Health

Heidi Cleveland –

Douglas Elliman

Kendall Clark –Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

Kristine Flynn –Mike Johnson Group|Compass

Laguna Beach Dojo

Laguna Presbyterian Church

LaJoya Sayulita

DawgyStyle Grooming

DIRTY ERASER

Dog Tub

Edith Eger

Erik Nelsen Surf Camps

F45 Training Corona del Mar

Festival of Arts / Pageant of the Masters

Finney’s Crafthouse USA

Fletcher Jones Motorcars Platinum

Certified Pre-Owned

Gelato Paradiso

Good Together

Great Park Ice

Hair by Katie

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

Haus of Wellness

Husky Boy Burgers

ILIA Beauty

Immaculate Brows

Jedidiah Coffee

Jersey Mike’s Jonathan Zelken, M.D.

Kaplan Educational Group

Hueston Hennigan LLP Kinser Orthodontics

Mahlia Rittenhouse –The Smith Group|Coldwell Banker

Marc Weisberg Photography

Martin Hennessy – Gary Boisen Group|Compass Material Productions

Mike Johnson –Mike Johnson Group|Compass

Pam Levin –

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

Pendry Newport Beach

Laguna Art Museum

Laguna Art Supply

Laguna Barre

Laguna Beach Aesthetics

Laguna Beach Beer Company

Laguna Beach Books

Laguna Beach Surf School

Laguna Beach Yoga + Fair Trade

Laguna Beach Youth Football

Laguna Coast Volleyball Club

Laguna Playhouse

Laguna Surf and Sport

LBUSD SRO / LBPD

Lisa Maree Store

LiveMetta Pilates & Yoga

MDAiRE by Dr. Stefani Kappel

Mini League

Ms Debbie’s Ice Cream Truck

NickCo

No Square Theatre

OC Pup Scouts

OluKai

Parakeet Cafe Pet Suites

Whittier Trust Foundation

Caribbean Earth Skills & Mt. Victory Camp

Rock Martin Custom Jewelry

ROOTS The Beauty Underground

Spark Scientific (Bodybuzz)

Surf & Sand Resort

The Hardware House Kitchen

Tuvalu Home

Walley Wellness LLC

Whiskey Hounds

Wine Gallery

RAKI VOLLEYBALL

reDefined by Jenna Leamy

Retreat by kortney

Roark

Saigon Beach

San Juan Hills Golf Club

Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet

Club

Sapphire Cellar. Craft. Cook. Sawdust Art Festival

Sea Level Yoga

Selanne Steak Tavern

Sierra at Tahoe

Stitch & Feather

Stockall & Company

STORE

Studio Gutow

Summer’s Table + Mercado

SUR LA PLAGE/The Lady & The Sailor

SwimLabs Orange County

tea & turmeric

Teressa Foglia

The Bead Shop

The Blend - YOGA | PILATES |

The Chocolate Soldier

The Den Barber Shop

The Ecology Center

The Garage Collective

The Guitar Shoppe

The Picnic Collective

The Relayer Group

The Shoe Box

The Shop

Troy Lee Designs

Tutu School Corona del Mar

VESSEL

Victoria Skimboards

Vogue Salon

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach

Resort

Wigz Sandwich Shop

Wild Rivers Waterpark

Yummy Dogs

Z Supply

Za Group

ZO Skin Centre Laguna Beach

Niki Willhoit

On ISLAND TIME O

EASY GETAWAYS TO CATALINA ISLAND OFFER OPPORTUNITIES FOR REST, RELAXATION AND ADVENTURE.

By SHARON STELLO

n a clear day, Catalina Island can be seen from the coast of Laguna Beach—a silhouette on the horizon beckoning visitors to come and explore. Located just over 20 miles away, it’s an easy one-hour boat ride to reach the island for a quick weekend or midweek escape. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing vacation or adrenaline-fueled experiences, Catalina has it all, so you can build your own adventure.

The convenient Catalina Express ferry offers multiple departures from Dana Point, Long Beach and San Pedro to both Avalon and Two Harbors on the island. Consider upgrading to the Commodore’s Lounge for priority boarding and check-in as well as comfortable, leather-trimmed seats inside on the upper deck, with expansive windows to keep an eye on the water for dolphins, whales and seabirds that may make an appearance. The lounge also incudes snack service and an alcoholic beverage, if desired, to sip while cruising.

As you approach the island, Catalina looms larger, with Avalon’s boat-filled marina and the Casino soon coming into view. The large, round building is not a place for gambling, but rather it houses a ballroom upstairs and a movie theater downstairs, drawing from the Italian word for “gathering place.”

Guided tours of the art deco structure are available in addition to all kinds of other experiences on the island, from zip lining

to riding in glass-bottom boats, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, raptor experiences and more.

There are trips in an open-air Hummer to see the island’s wild backcountry and possibly spot some free-roaming bison. Stroll through the botanical garden or take in the exhibits at Catalina Museum for Art & History. Of course, there’s plenty of time to lounge on the beach, peruse the shops— Lloyd’s of Avalon is a must-visit destination for ice cream, salt water taffy and other nostalgic candies—and dine at the vast array of impressive restaurants, too.

HISTORIC HOSPITALITY

When it comes to choosing a place to stay, Hotel Atwater provides a great home base in Avalon. Fully renovated in 2019 and originally opened in 1920, it was the first hotel built under the direction of chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., after he purchased the Catalina Island Co. more than a century ago. He named the establishment after Helen Atwater Wrigley, the wife of his son, Philip Knight Wrigley.

Guests receive luggage service from the ferry terminal so they may stroll along the waterfront unencumbered and have their bags delivered to the hotel, which is centrally located a block from the beach, across the street from the Tour Plaza and just steps from many shops and restaurants.

Fresh, contemporary decor features nods to the past and island life. The airy lobby offers fun tropical-print chairs amid the refined yet comfortable furniture, lush greenery and vases of fresh flowers, with two grand staircases leading to the upper levels. This welcoming space also includes an old Wrigley Building vault filled with games from checkers to dominoes and Clue to play while relaxing after a full day of adventures. A nook in the back displays glass cabinets of Catalina memorabilia.

Upon arrival, guests receive two splits of sparkling wine in their well-appointed room as well as a $20 per room food and beverage credit to use at Bistro at the Atwater, which offers grab-and-go coffee, breakfast items and baked goods adjacent to the hotel, or at Avalon Grille, Antonio’s pizzeria or Descanso Beach Club. Overnight guests also receive a 15% discount on Catalina Island Co. activities and tours plus complimentary beach towels.

FUN-FILLED DAYS

When it comes to choosing activities, there’s too many to do them all in one visit. But among the highlights is the Undersea Sub Expedition.

Step down into the Sea Wolf Semi-Submersible, which cruises 5 feet below the surface. In this climate-controlled cabin, each passenger has their own seat and porthole to look through, but there’s plenty of space to get up and move around to try other vantage points. You’ll see an array of fish, such as spotted calico bass, opaleye, California sheephead and the state fish, the bright orange Garibaldi, in this vibrant marine environment. Keep your eyes peeled because bat rays and sea lions might also be spotted in between the swaying swaths of kelp. If you prefer to stay on dry land, but still want to see the marine life, a unique opportunity has popped up at the Tour Plaza. “Immersed: Ocean Wonders” is a 30-minute film presented in a custom-made dome theater for a virtual dive into the world’s oceans— including Catalina’s kelp forests. Footage was shot underwater in 360 degrees to capture every angle. Choose a traditional theater seat (or a beanbag chair up front) and get ready for a tranquil experience that provides up-close encounters with manta rays, sea lions, whale

sharks, dolphins and more, with narration and contemporary music. Audience members can feel good about buying a ticket as 10% of profits are donated to conservation groups. This same plaza is where participants meet for the Bison Expedition. A heavy-duty, fourwheel-drive Hummer vehicle will whisk you on a two-hour tour of the backcountry, past rolling hills, fields, ponds and majestic coastal views from blufftop overlooks. Feel the wind in your hair as your guide shares stories about the island’s history, flora and fauna. While not guaranteed, passengers might encounter California quail; a Catalina subspecies of the Channel Island fox; bald eagles; and American bison roaming the area. Bison were brought to the island by a 1920s film crew, and the remaining herd of about 150 are descendants of those animals. An icon of the American West, these stately creatures were named the nation’s official mammal in 2016. After a stop at Airport in the Sky, a cafe and gift shop at the summit, the return route follows an original 19th-century stagecoach trail back to Avalon.

Photos at Catalina Museum for Art & History, including, clockwise from top, aquaplaning, Mickey Rooney (right) and Johnny Weismiller playing golf, and John Wayne (at left)

Another opportunity to head into the picturesque interior is a new excursion that visits El Rancho Escondido, an Arabian horse ranch built in 1930 by Philip Wrigley. In addition to housing the family’s horses today, the ranch is used to grow wine grapes such as zinfandel, chardonnay and pinot noir for Rusack Vineyards, another family business. Visitors may watch a horse exhibition and explore the nearly-century-old, Spanish-style courtyard and stables in addition to viewing one-of-akind saddles, trophies won by Wrigley horses and the family’s Western memorabilia.

Back in Avalon, walk along the palm treelined waterfront path to the Casino to enjoy the scenic vista, historic buildings for the Tuna Club of Avalon and Catalina Island Yacht Club, and a low wall decorated with enchanting tile mosaics depicting Catalina landscapes, marine life and landmarks. Upon reaching the Casino, marvel at the architecture, including elaborate ocean-themed murals at the entrance. Take in a classic movie on Fridays and Saturdays or sign up for a VIP backstage tour. Completed in 1929, the Casino stands the equivalent of 12 stories tall and features 105,000 Catalina clay tiles on the rooftop.

The ground-floor Avalon Theatre is

acclaimed for its acoustics as it was the first one built for “talkies,” or films with sound. A domed ceiling, impressive murals and the original pipe organ can all be seen. The upperlevel ballroom, a grand 20,000 square feet with an arching 50-foot ceiling and chandeliers, can accommodate up to 1,500 dancers; Big Bands led by Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw once performed here. Now, the island’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration, JazzTrax Festival and Catalina Film Festival all take place at the Casino. The tour includes areas once closed to the public, including green rooms used by Cary Grant, Errol Flynn and other stars; Wrigley’s private viewing room and the projection room, complete with equipment from a bygone era and celebrity signatures on the walls.

Catalina Museum for Art & History is another go-to spot, especially for first-time visitors, to learn about the island’s history, like the fire that devastated half of Avalon’s buildings in 1915, the Chicago Cubs conducting spring training on Catalina when Wrigley owned the baseball team and Marilyn Monroe—then Norma Jean Baker—living on the island briefly while married to Jim Dougherty before she became famous. But even return visitors to the island will delight in the rotating exhibits

like “Ann Weber: 26 Miles,” on display through Aug. 4. The artist has created sculptures from repurposed cardboard, giving a second life to the material and making a statement about the culture of consumerism while also playing with themes of nostalgia as well as nature’s vulnerability and resilience. The exhibition name, “26 Miles,” alludes to the distance between Catalina and San Pedro, where Weber is based.

Notably, for the uninitiated, most people go on foot around the walkable city of Avalon, but golf carts are available for rent as the city has limited the number of traditional, full-size vehicles that are allowed. Although Uber and Lyft don’t service the island, Circuit, an allelectric shared ride service, began operating in Avalon in April.

CATALINA CUISINE

After exploring all day, you’ll no doubt work up an appetite. Luckily, there are plenty of excellent restaurants from which to choose. When visiting an island, fresh seafood is a natural choice. And diners can’t go wrong with Bluewater Avalon, part of the regional Bluewater Grill chain that was established in Newport Beach and has a swordfish harpoon boat to do some of its own fishing. Situated right on the water with

a patio and harbor views, Bluewater Avalon is decorated with historic photos, fishing poles and other memorabilia.

A wide variety of dishes are offered at Bluewater, from New England clam chowder to crabcakes, lobster rolls, fish tacos, seared scallops, mussels in white wine sauce, chipotleblackened local swordfish, lemon pepper mahimahi and pan-seared salmon with chimichurri. Those seeking to be a bit more decadent might opt for the beer-battered fish and chips or fried shrimp while those on a health kick would do well to choose either the seafood Louie or Mediterranean ahi salads. And for those who don’t care for seafood, there’s a wagyu cheeseburger, baby back ribs and New York strip steak. Wine and beer choices abound as well as cocktails like the Captain’s Mai Tai, Smoked Old-Fashioned or a traditional Catalina drink, Buffalo Milk with vodka, Kahlua, creme de

banana and creme de cacao topped with whipped cream. If that doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth, there’s always dessert: Key lime pie, Java Mud Pie or New York-style cheesecake.

If you have a craving for Mexican food and a margarita or beer, head to Maggie’s Blue Rose. Located on Crescent Avenue, the main pathway running alongside the sand, Maggie’s offers up authentic dishes and drinks with harbor views. The extensive menu ranges from chicken with homemade mole sauce to Island Ceviche, lobster enchiladas, shrimp tacos and the Catalina Burrito with steak, chicken or carnitas. Platters of grilled steak, carne asada, carnitas or fajitas are also available. To wash it down, the eatery stocks more than four dozen tequilas as well as a wide selection of beer and wine. Maggie’s must-try cocktails are the Catalina Prickly Pear and Dulce Agave margaritas, which each offer a kick from infused serrano; both drinks were

winners in Taste Around Avalon’s past contests.

Fine Italian dining can be found at M Restaurant, which also boasts ocean views. Start with a glass of vino from the carefully curated wine list, then order some appetizers to share, like the Crispy Ravioli or Italian meatballs, followed by fresh pasta, flatbreads, steak or locally sourced seafood. A top pick is the Bolognese pasta: fettuccine topped with a rich, tomatobased sauce blending beef and pork, mirepoix, cream and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Or choose a from-the-sea dish like cioppino or lobster linguini with lemon-cream sauce, sundried tomatoes and asparagus. Surf & Turf is another excellent option, with a lobster tail and 10-ounce New York steak, garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, lemon and drawn butter. M Restaurant is a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary—or your last night on the island.

Another spot to toast the end of a great trip is Flx Biergarten, which opened last summer. The open-air venue with charming string lights features plenty of tables and chairs, cozy fire pits and yard games like beer pong and corn hole. Beer—either a pint or a flight—as well as wine, hard cider, seltzer and kombucha are served from a decorated trailer that pays homage to the iconic 1950s Flxible buses that once carried tourists around the streets of Avalon. Choose from a rotating list of brews on tap, from BeachWood CitraHolic, a West Coast India pale ale, to Guinness Nitro, an Irish stout, or Firestone Cali Squeeze Blood Orange hefeweizen. A few snacks are also available. Whether you’re celebrating a successful trip, just getting your weekend started or planning your return visit, there’s no better place to be with friends as the sun sinks down on the horizon. /

Clockwise from top left: a room at Hotel Atwater; Flx Biergarten; exhibits at El Rancho Escondido, an Arabian horse ranch that recently opened for tours; the Bison Expedition

Dine / Heidelberg Cafe

Corner Cafe

Clockwise from top left: Some of Heidelberg Cafe’s breakfast dishes including (from left) avocado toast, Eggs Heidelberg and blueberry stuffed French toast, plus a rosevanilla tea latte (front right) and strawberry matcha drink (left); the cafe’s patio; cream cheese-filled blueberry stuffed French toast

disappoint, either. Try a rose-vanilla or lavender-vanilla tea latte for a hint of floral flavor.

A recent monthly special, the cold strawberry matcha drink also proved popular. And for the more adventurous, choose the ube (purple yam) latte. Of course, plenty of traditional coffee and drinks are also offered.

For a light breakfast or to start the meal, the avocado toast is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Bursting with fresh-from-the-garden flavors, toasted wheatberry bread is topped with creamy avocado and sun-dried tomatoes, cucumber slices, arugula and feta cheese, then drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze.

One of the cafe’s bestselling items is Eggs Heidelberg, which starts with two slices of baguette, then layers on Norwegian smoked salmon and poached eggs. The plate also comes with sauteed cherry tomatoes, and the whole thing is drizzled with sour cream.

For a more indulgent option, order the blueberry stuffed French toast. A small loaf of brioche bread is stuffed with cream cheese, breaded with panko crumbs and deep fried, then topped with blueberry compote. Cut into the loaf, and the delicious cream cheese oozes out, mixing with the blueberries.

A LONGTIME LOCAL FAVORITE, HEIDELBERG CAFE CONTINUES TO DRAW CROWDS WITH ITS WHOLESOME BREAKFAST AND LUNCH FARE, FRIENDLY SERVICE AND EXPANSIVE PATIO.

By SHARON STELLO

Nestled on the corner of South Coast Highway and Brooks Street, with a big patio and peek-a-boo ocean views, Heidelberg Cafe is a longtime favorite among locals and visitors alike. With breakfast and lunch dishes served until mid-afternoon, a wide variety of coffee drinks and a case full of fresh baked goods, this casual spot is the perfect choice to meet up with friends, relax while reading the newspaper or grab a warm beverage to take on a stroll at the beach.

The current owner, Sun Park, took over in

2010 and remodeled the restaurant four years ago, but the welcoming, neighborhood feel has remained the same. While the cafe serves up the expected morning fare, from pancakes and waffles to breakfast burritos and omelets, it also surprises with some elevated dishes that look almost as good as they taste. From eggs Benedict—and varieties like salmon Benedict and bacon Florentine—to homemade French toast stuffed with almond paste and topped with powdered sugar, there are numerous sweet and savory options.

The creative coffee and tea drinks don’t

Those coming for lunch have plenty of choices, too, including salads, sandwiches and pasta. One of the signature dishes is Creamy Chicken Pasta with chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes and chopped fresh tomatoes, basil, red onion and a garlic cream sauce served over pasta. Sandwiches range from a tuna melt to a turkey club, grilled steak sandwich and salmon burger, plus the Heidelberg Burger with wagyu beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, grilled onion and special sauce.

For a plated meal, try one the Wiener Schnitzel, which features breaded veal scaloppini with house potatoes and mixed green salad, served with lingonberry jam.

It’s obvious why diners keep coming back to Heidelberg Cafe with its wide variety of delicious dishes, welcoming atmosphere and a patio that’s perfect for a beach town morning. g

HEIDELBERG CAFE

1100 S. Coast Hwy., Ste. 116 949-497-4594; heidelbergcafe.com

HOURS: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

CLARA BEARD

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

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

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

HOURS:

Happy Hour: Mon-Fri • 2pm-5pm Mon-Thurs: 11:00am-9:00pm Fri: 11:-00am-10:00pm • Sat: 10:00am-10:00pm • Sun: 10am – 9pm

Brunch: 10:00am-3:00pm Saturday/Sunday

Taste of the Town / Dining News

HAPPY EATS

A new happy hour has launched at FINNEY’S CRAFTHOUSE from 3 to 5 p.m. weekdays featuring a scrumptious selection of appetizers and entrees to go along with wine, beer and cocktail deals. During that time, visitors can sample more than two dozen craft pours for $5 a beer. Select glasses of wine and cocktails cost $7 to $9 as do food items like a Bavarian pretzel, chicken and waffle

bites, mini ahi poke tacos, carnitas nachos and a barbecue chicken pizza. Or, for $16, order the combo, which has a choice of Peggy’s Crispy Chicken or Finney Burger, plus fries and a choice of beer or soda. Now that makes us happy. (949-484-8140; finneyscrafthouse.com) —Clara Beard

A NEW BREW

Organic coffee is the focus at THE LOST BEAN COASTAL CAFE , which

opened in May in the space formerly occupied by Zeytoon Cafe at 412 N. Coast Highway. This is the seventh Orange County location for the regional chain, which started in Tustin in 2005. The brand roasts its coffee locally to ensure the freshest and richest flavors possible. In addition to organic espresso and decaf espresso beans, the company also offers its Brewing Change with Community Blend Coffee; $2 from the sale of each bag of this blend is donated to a local nonprofit. In addition to selling its coffee to brew at home, Lost Bean cafes serve up coffee drinks from the daily brew to lattes, cappuccinos, espressos and a few special creations like the Monkey Mocha, Zebra Mocha, the Eye Opener and Better Than Bulletproof, plus several organic, loose-leaf teas from around the world. The Laguna location also offers a great spot to gather on the rooftop patio with stunning ocean views—plus a Mediterranean-inspired menu filled with dishes ranging from a Mezze Greek Breakfast to ricotta toast and Turkish eggs. (949-549-4353; thelostbean.com) —Sharon Stello

The carnitas nachos are among items on the Finney’s Crafthouse happy hour menu.

The Lost Bean Coastal Cafe, which roasts its own coffee, has opened a cafe in north Laguna with coffee drinks and Mediterranean-inspired fare.

PERFECTING THE PICNIC

What’s better than a breezy sunset picnic overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean? This summer, WALDORF ASTORIA MONARCH BEACH

RESORT & CLUB in Dana Point is launching Picnics by Waldorf for those eager to sample picnic bites and sweet treats designed to be enjoyed outdoors and specially curated by the resort’s Aveo Table & Bar restaurant. Resort guests and local members can order sparkling wine, salads, desserts from the resort’s pastry kitchen and a cheese board designed by New Yorkbased Marissa Mullen, who is credited for pioneering the trend and who founded That Cheese Plate, an online community for cheese plate inspiration. Her signature board includes items like Camembert, Comté and sweet red cheddar, Italian dry salami, berries and dried fruits plus honeycomb, jam, honey-sesame almonds and focaccia. Enjoy your picnic at Waldorf Astoria while lounging on outdoor cushions and chairs supplied by Business & Pleasure, a luxury beach and home decor shop in Laguna Beach. (949-234-3200; waldorfastoria monarchbeach.com) —C.B.

A SEAT AT THE TABLE

Community Table dinners, prepared over an open flame outdoors at THE ECOLOGY CENTER in San Juan Capistrano, continue on Friday nights through August. Two of these dinners in recent months featured Laguna Beach chefs—Whitney Aronoff, and David Serus of Montage Laguna Beach. The seasonal dinners feature produce grown at the center, a 28-acre regenerative, organiccertified farm and education hub for Southern California’s ecological movement. Dinner guests first receive a guided tour of the farming area—an island of agriculture located in the middle of a residential area—to learn about the history and mission. Then attendees sit at long tables to break bread together and enjoy family-style meals and conversation. Some of the upcoming dinners feature chef Reyna Venegas of Rancho La Puerta in Baja California on June 28, chef Joe Bower of Finca in San Diego’s North Park on July 5 and chef Aidan Owens of Herb & Sea in Encinitas on July 12. Reservations are required. (949-443 4223; theecologycenter.org) —S.S. /

RESTAURANT LISTINGS

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

A new picnic menu is offered at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club.

Community Table dinners at The Ecology Center are cooked over an open flame and feature a different guest chef each time, including Whitney Aronoff, above, in May.

Last Impressions / Bart Zandbergen

10

MINUTES WITH Bart

Zandbergen

THE CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER IS FOCUSED ON MAINTAINING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND, THROUGH HIS NONPROFIT, HELPING OTHERS WHO WERE BULLIED LIKE HE WAS AS A CHILD.

By SHARON STELLO

Bart Zandbergen is a successful financial planner with his own company, but he’s faced his share of challenges over the years: being overweight and bullied as a child and going through a divorce later in life. But it was the way he chose to deal with these obstacles that helped him to overcome and prevail.

With more than three decades of wealth management experience, Zandbergen founded his own business, The Zandbergen Group, in 2020. A year before that, he started a nonprofit, Kindness Kures, to support antibullying efforts. Through his business, charity, social media posts and podcast, Zandbergen seeks to help others with lessons he’s learned.

“Without a doubt, being overweight and bullied played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today,” he says. “There are internal scars that I continue to carry, but the greatest gift my experiences gave me include learning the value of kindness. During my childhood, I was withdrawn, quiet, introverted and had high anxiety. I have evolved and overcome my shyness and have become much more confident. I … now call myself an extroverted introvert. … It took many years to move through that painful time in my life, but my pain, in many ways, became my purpose.”

As a teen, he took back control after watching the movie “Rocky” with his popcorn and soda. “I left that movie and I told myself … I was not going to live that way anymore, and that I was going to rewrite my story,” he recalls. “I had no idea about health and fitness, but Rocky ran for his training, so I thought I would give that a try. The first day I ran one time around the block. The next day, two times, and so on. I also changed how I ate.”

By age 20, a friend brought Zandbergen to the gym and taught him how to eat and train like a bodybuilder. “I have pretty much been following that plan ever since,” he shares. “I can regularly be found at Life Time fitness [center] in the 5 a.m. club of people who like to begin their day with a great workout.”

An Orange County native, he grew up in Anaheim, moved south during college and settled in Laguna in 2002.

“It is, and has always been, food for my soul,” he says. “ … After my first marriage, I wanted a fresh start. …I’ve surfed my entire adult life

and I asked myself, ‘Why don’t I live on the beach?’ While I grew up surfing in Newport, as I moved into a new phase of life, I realized that Newport is just not my vibe. I love the chill energy in Laguna and the coastline view.”

Zandbergen chose to work in wealth management to help change lives in a positive way. And his nonprofit, Kindness Kures, aims to bring awareness about bullying to kids, adults and families, and to support other anti-bullying and kindness organizations. “Together, I believe real change can happen,” he says.

Zandbergen, also a certified sommelier, lives in Laguna with his wife, Tina, and their daughter, Tehani; he also has two adult children, Nicole and Christian, from his first marriage, who each have children of their own—making him “a proud grandfather of four.”

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE: Do you still run or what’s your workout like?

BART ZANDBERGEN: Running was a great start for me until I learned how to work out in the gym. I have incorporated hiking and outdoor walks … [at] Top of the World for what I call my “active rest” workouts. I also love to do 1,000 Steps in Laguna. I will even carry dumbbells or wear a weighted vest to enhance my workout.

LBM: What advice do you have for children who are being bullied?

BZ: Remember that you are wonderful, you are special and you are loved. Be strong and courageous in the hard times and know with certainty that this too will pass. One of the fundamental truths in life is that nothing is permanent—not the good times or the bad times; everything in life has seasons.

LBM: Any favorite places in town?

BZ: The Drake is one of my go-tos: Great wine list/drink[s] and the salmon entree and Caesar salad are my top choices. Selanne [Steak Tavern] … is one of my favorite places to go and eat at the bar. Their scallops and the filet and asparagus are delicious. When I am in the mood for a view, Mozambique can’t be beat with its rooftop deck. g

Financial planner Bart Zandbergen, who was bullied as a child, seeks to support antibullying efforts through his nonprofit, Kindness Kures.

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