Police Files

A huge posse of 75-100 motorcyclists were wanton and wild doing wheelies on the wrong side of Coast Hwy and the law

On Sunday, April 15 at 10:50 am., officers responded to the area of Mission Hospital in Laguna Beach after seeing approximately 75 to 100 motorcyclists doing “wheelies” and riding on the wrong side of the roadway on Coast Highway. 

“An officer observed one of the subjects performing a “wheelie” on the wrong side of the road at Cleo Street and South Coast Highway,” said LBPD Spokesperson Sgt Jim Cota. “The officer attempted to initiate a vehicle enforcement stop, however, the motorcyclist did not yield. A slow speed pursuit ensued until Emerald Bay where speeds picked into Corona Del Mar where the pursuit was ultimately terminated.”

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department helicopter, named “Duke,” monitored the situation from the sky, providing the perfect bird’s eye view. 

Officers were able to get several license plates from the large group thanks to “Duke,” LBPD officers and a motorcycle officer.

 A further investigation will take place to identify the main suspect and pursue prosecution. No arrests have been made yet, Sgt Cota explained.

The motorcycle group was put together through Facebook. The wild and wanton “wheelie” loving motorcycle posse were riding a motley mix of street and dirt bikes. 

Alcohol is not suspected at this time.

Vandals jack up a Porsche 911 in North Laguna and steal its wheel

On Monday, April 16 at 10:16 a.m., LBPD officers responded to a petty theft report. Officers arrived on scene, at the 1000 block of Hillcrest Drive, where they discovered the owner’s silver Porsche 911 vandalized, collapsed on top of a floor jack with a missing rear wheel that had been stolen.

Courtesy of Nextdoor website

There’s nowhere to go after someone tries to steal the hot wheels off a silver Porsche 911, only able to manage one for the road, wheel that it is

The officers were told that sometime after 11 p.m. the previous night, someone had attempted to remove the wheels and tires from the Porsche, but they were unsuccessful, Sgt Cota said. 

The petty theft occurred while the Porsche was parked on Hillcrest between La Brea Street and Fairview Road. Evidence was collected and the vehicle was towed to assess the damage.

LBPD, LBFD, and Laguna lifeguards will be off to the races for the Special Olympics Torch Run

LBPD is proud to announce that they will again be participating in the annual Special Olympics Torch Run on May 31, 2018 at 7:35 a.m. with a little help from their friends. 

Sgt Cota said, “Laguna Beach Police Officers, Fire Fighters, and Lifeguards will be escorting the “Flame of Hope” from the Laguna Beach Police Department to the intersection of Coast Highway and Newport Coast Drive where we will hand the torch off to The California Highway Patrol.”

They welcome members of the public to meet at the police department at 7:10 a.m. to share their support for the runners and Special Olympics athletes, as they participate in this 5.4-mile run.

Over the years, the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Tip-A-Cop have been some of the largest fundraising and community relation events for the Special Olympics.

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Courtesy of LBPD

Sgt Cota, seen here at LBPD’s annual Tip-A-Cop event at Ruby’s Diner, along with other LBPD officers, firefighters and lifeguards will participate in this year’s Special Olympics Torch Run

“The Laguna Beach Police Department has had the honor and privilege to participate with the Special Olympics, interact with the Laguna Beach Community, and raise awareness for the Special Olympics programs and athletes though these activities,” said Sgt Cota.

To support the Laguna Beach Public Safety personnel, please donate to their Special Olympics fundraising page here.

Why Old House Garden Café (formerly Madison Square) will soon become a new favorite for locals

Story by MARRIE STONE

Photography by Jeffrey Rovner

When Liang Fang (better known by his American name Bill) stepped inside Madison Square Garden Café six years ago, his connection to the space was immediate. He’s not alone. Locals have loved Madison Square since it opened in 1997. But Bill, a Chinese native who came from Shanghai in 2012, knows something more about restaurants than your average patron. He owned numerous restaurants in China, and has decades of experience in the industry. 

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Madison Square will soon be renamed Old House Garden Café but much will remain the same – other than a few exciting changes – tea, anyone?

So when Jon Madison put the café on the market last year, Bill couldn’t believe his good luck. “It was unexpected for me that this was for sale,” says Bill, while speaking to me through his translator, Zen Tong. “I thought, This is going to be mine.”

To make it his own, Bill renamed the restaurant Old House Garden Café, reflecting his respect for the 1912 craftsman style home and its long history in Laguna. Slowly, he’s infusing it with his own sense of style and appreciation for all things unique, antique and exclusive.

A chat about chi…and dogs: “This is still their home”

Beyond finding the space unique and attractive, Bill says the piece of land has a special chi – a Chinese concept meaning life force or energy flow. To Bill, the café is more than a business. He’s less concerned with transactions and more focused on relationships. The restaurant is an expression, says Bill, of how he intends to use his heart. “Since I’m taking charge of this piece of land, I have the responsibility to make it good.”

Bill says this feeling has only been enhanced since coming to Laguna. “Laguna Beach is unique and special. It deserves unique restaurants and specialty businesses. This restaurant fulfills that.”

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Come on in! “According to Chinese culture, if dogs come to a place, it brings a lot of good fortune and good chi as well,” says Bill

And what about dogs? Pups have always been as welcome as people to the café. “According to Chinese culture,” says Bill, “if dogs come to a place, it brings a lot of good spirits, and good chi as well. The dogs know this place – you can tell when they come in. This is still their home.”

Honoring a tradition of respect for all

Respect, for Bill, is critical, whether it’s clients, employees or their families. “This is an attitude,” says Bill. “I simply try to make it like a home feeling for everyone. If I can successfully carry out that home concept, with the workers and the customers, that ambiance and atmosphere, that’s the maximum happiness I can achieve.”

Part of that respect involves talking to the locals about what they liked – and didn’t like – about Madison Square. He listens, and he’s taking their feedback to heart when crafting his menu and tailoring the space. That means retaining many of the menu’s favorite items and protecting the lush garden atmosphere. All the comforts customers have come to expect from the café over the past two decades will not change. 

“Our customers are our family members. So I listen to them,” says Bill. “We take them into account when formulating our menu. The main idea doesn’t change. I just want people to enjoy the atmosphere and enjoy the food. This is their home.”

Did someone say tea?

What will be new, says Bill, is a tea bar and a European-style tea service. This piqued my interest, as I’ve long thought Laguna lacked opportunities to enjoy high tea. Bill, of course, knows how to do this just right. His goal is to merge the current atmosphere of the restaurant – a breakfast and brunch café – with the culture of tea. To that end, he’s bringing in expensive equipment and tea sets from China. 

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Hunter (author & art critic, KCRW) & David Philp (vocalist, founder of English punk rock & new wave band The Automatics) & Nelson the dog

He’s even shipping a rare rock from China that purifies and mineralizes all the water it touches. “I want to bring the good health concept to the café. This rock is so special. I wanted to bring it here to allow my customers to experience it.”

Bill plans to have free tea tastings, allowing customers to sample several varieties before making their selection. “Because we’re close to the beach, we will have beach-suitable options like fruit teas,” he says. “I need to emphasize when I talk about tea, I mean the best tea. It will be brought from mainland China, with no pollution whatsoever.” 

And, of course, no high tea is complete without all the accompanying finger foods and desserts. Bill is still perfecting the menu, but plans for blue crab and avocado slices, sandwiches, opera cakes, cheesecakes, and macaroons, as well as an array of vegan items to reflect this health-conscious atmosphere.

Dining among antiques, including Ming Dynasty rock lions 

Bill also plans to upgrade the gift shop and décor. He’s an avid antiques collector with a desire to share some of his prized pieces with the public. A long L-shaped wooden table made from the hull of a sunken ship, submerged for more than 1,000 years. A pair of smiling rock lions from the Ming Dynasty. An enormous porous rock statue and an antique horse. And a hostess stand made of one large piece of historic wood.

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Décor will remain similar, but soon include antiques, smiling rock lions from the Ming Dynasty, table made from hull of ship sunk for 1,000 years, an antique horse

“I’m not changing the whole décor,” Bill says. “But the United States is like a mini United Nations. Different people live together. So we should have different kinds of things. I want people to walk in feeling history, and enjoy these unique and historic pieces.”

Expanded hours allow long, relaxing experience

Old House Garden Café is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with eventual plans to add a dinner service. Through all his transitions and upgrades, Bill never has plans to close. 

When I ask about competition from Urth Café next door, I love Bill’s answer. He says he sees a different kind of customer base at Old House. “Laguna Beach needs a slower pace. That’s what we’re aiming for. Huge crowds who want quick bites can find a rushed experience anywhere. I want something different. I’m aiming to provide long, relaxing experiences for locals.”

I love all the juxtapositions of the new Old House. Something old combined with something new. Something familiar mixed with something exotic. A restaurant that caters to the needs of locals, while bringing an outsider’s perspective. 

Special prices will show love for locals

To demonstrate their commitment to Laguna Beach locals, Old House Garden Café is offering a preferred card for residents only. The card is free to locals, immediately available upon showing proof of residence. It entitles holders to discounted prices on all menu items – all the time. It will also allow locals to enjoy specialty menu items at certain announced times, as well as super discounts for special events. Look for this special offer beginning in about two weeks.

Afternoon tea should be up and running within a month or so. The tea-tasting bar by the summer. Laguna locals…let’s meet up there!

Guest Column

A tax on drinking water is not the solution

By Renae Hinchey

General Manager, Laguna Beach County Water District

Many of our residents are not aware that a state tax on drinking water is being advanced by the Brown Administration, in coordination with the proponents of SB 623.

This proposal will impose a state tax on drinking water through SB 623 by Senator William Monning (D-Carmel), a two-year bill from 2017, as well as a Brown Administration budget trailer bill.

The intent of a drinking water tax is to assist disadvantaged communities in California that lack access to safe drinking water. However, the Brown Administration’s approach of requiring local water agencies and cities across the state to collect a tax on drinking water from their customers for the State of California is highly problematic.

As a local water agency, we are committed to delivering safe and reliable water. We wholeheartedly support the goal of ensuring safe drinking water for all Californians, especially those in disadvantaged communities. However, imposing a tax on drinking water is not the appropriate solution for solving this key social problem for the state.

A tax on drinking water works against keeping water affordable for Californians.

Laguna Beach County Water District has serious concerns with the State Water Resources Control Board requiring California’s local water agencies to collect a tax for the state. This legislation opens the door to additional taxes on water in the future. There are already two other water tax proposals being discussed in Sacramento, with one proposed as high as $10 per month on water bills. 

It is inefficient for local water agencies to collect taxes to then send to Sacramento. Instead of turning local water agencies into taxation agencies for the state, there are more appropriate funding sources to address the serious issue of disadvantaged communities experiencing water quality and contamination issues. These funding alternatives include: the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF), the General Fund, and General Obligation Bonds. SB 5 (de Leon, 2017) will be on the June 2018 ballot as Proposition 68 and proposes $250 million for safe drinking and clean water, as well as another bond initiative that proposes $500 million for safe drinking water.

In addition to the taxation issue, the bill is poorly drafted to further the desired purpose. For example, the language in the bill is vague in defining which areas should be eligible for funding, lacks clear criteria to ensure that only disadvantaged areas where the water is not safe will receive funding, and duplicates other efforts already ongoing to develop a plan for low-income water rate assistance. The bill is also vague on the scope of the proposed authority to be granted to the State Resources Control Board for the administration and operation of the tax fund. 

At its April 5, 2018 Laguna Beach County Water District Board meeting, the District’s Board of Directors formally took the position to oppose-unless-amended both SB 623 and the budget trailer bill proposing a tax on drinking water. The lack of access to safe drinking water in certain disadvantaged communities is a public health issue and a social issue the state needs to address. 

We encourage you to learn more about this important issue. If you would like more information on this, please visit the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) website at: www.acwa.com/no-water-tax.  

If you would like to voice your concern, you can contact your local legislators: Assembly member Matthew Harper at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; Assembly member Bill Brough at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; Senator John Moorlach at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; and Patricia Bates at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Where’s Maggi – the answers!

Maggi wonders how many people have noticed the Andrus Plumbing garden out front. That’s where you’ll find this nice little pump fountain.

Readers who located this spot: Jacquie Cohn (first correct answer bragging rights), Steve Lee, Linda Frost, Chad Martinez, and Brenda McGaffigan.

Thanks for playing! 

Maggi’s on vacation next week but will be back for the following edition of Stu News Laguna. 

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The pump fountain in front of Andrus Plumbing, on Glenneyre, by Thalia 

Dianne’s Creature Feature

Coyotes on the march: journey from the most hated animal in America to controversial urban cohabitants

By DIANNE RUSSELL

Dan Flores writes in his book, Coyote America, that between 1947 and 1956, approximately 6.5 million coyotes were exterminated in the American West, 

“the victims of a crusade…that surpassed any other in terms of the range of killing techniques and cruelty.” They were described as the most hated animal in America.

A distinctly American species (as per Coyote America), the coyote comes out of the canid family, which evolved in North America 5.3 million years ago. Many of the other species of canids spread around the globe via the land bridges connecting America to Europe and Asia. But coyotes never left, and evolved as a distinctive species about a million years ago. 

Fast forward to 2018; now they’re citified and living among us, and coexisting with them in our urban setting is a controversial and much discussed topic. It’s not unreasonable to ask if their numbers are increasing – or are we just spotting them more often?

In response to this question, Niamh Quinn, PhD, Human-Wildlife Interactive Advisor at University of California Cooperative Extension, says, “They haven’t been urban forever, but now urban resources are more available, so an older urban population is likely, but there’s no evidence that the population is growing.”

Study analyzes stomach contents of coyotes

To research coyotes’ adaptation to non-rural areas, Dr. Quinn is conducting a unique study. She and her grad students are analyzing the contents of coyotes’ stomachs (potentially 300 in the ongoing project) to determine how their diet reflects the integration into urban surroundings.

During the study, her team found rodents, western cottontail rabbits, birds, avocados, oranges, peaches, fast-food cartons, and an occasional cat in the stomach contents.

When asked about the most unusual items they’ve discovered, Dr. Quinn replies, “Pieces of upholstered furniture, Twix wrappers, pieces of baseballs, shoe and shoe laces.”

It appears as if this intelligent, socially organized, and highly resilient species has adapted, but hasn’t developed a discerning palate. Most likely, it seems, they were just very hungry.

 During our conversation, Dr. Quinn clears up a big misconception about lethal control, “Lethal control means removing bad behavior animals, those who bite, it’s not used to reduce population.”

Bad behavior or not, how do we deal with their close proximity here in Laguna and interaction in our daily lives? This subject brings up a variety of opinions on the subject, some good, some not. 

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Strolling coyote looks quite at home on paved road 

To clarify contentious points, Dave Petarila, ASO, Laguna Beach Police Department, Animal Services, offers a wealth of expert advice on coyote and human behaviors:

“Generally speaking, when people see a coyote, they react in one of two ways; they either ignore it (it’s not bothering me, so I won’t bother it. They were here before us and we need to live alongside of them) or they avoid it (running away in some fashion). Either way, from the coyote’s perspective, he just won that confrontation. Coyotes don’t care or understand respect and cohabitation. The only languages they speak are Territory and Dominance and Submission. When they ‘win a confrontation’ they have won both territory and dominance, and it becomes up to us to try and win it back. 

“As a species, we as humans have largely given up our role as the Apex Predator. The balance of nature however requires that there be one. In my opinion, the upswing in bold coyote activity we’ve seen in the past several years, is coyotes attempting to assert themselves into that role.” 

Use hazing when encountering a coyote

“As such, whenever we see a coyote, regardless of our views on their place in the ecology, we need to assert ourselves as the dominant: Be aggressive, walk in groups, yell, clap your hands, LOUD noisemakers, throw things AT (not near) them (you are not going to hurt them), be bold, be assertive, be confident, BE PERSISTENT!”

Dr. Quinn addresses these “hazing” behaviors (as detailed by Officer Petarila) when confronting a coyote. “Before the end of the year, we will trap, collar and then track around 20 coyotes in the Los Angeles area to find out if hazing really works to modify their behavior.”

“Likely as not when you do this, the coyote is going to just stand there and wait for you to give up and retreat,” continues Officer Petarila. “Do it again. He is probably going to just stand there some more. Do it again, and again and again. The nice thing about being a human in this situation is that you get to choose whether you yourself are going to be the predator, or the prey.” 

Orange County coyotes not as big as they seem

 “It is going to feel intimidating! At this point it is important to remember that no matter how small or slight of build a person might be, they are at least twice the size of the coyote. A multi-year survey conducted here in Orange County shows that some of the largest coyotes we have are only 35 lbs! They look bigger, but so far that is about the biggest they get. 

 “A coyote has nothing to gain and everything to lose by attacking a human. He does not see an adult human as prey, they are too big to ‘take down’ alone and too big to carry off. A coyote knows that if he is injured, he is likely going to die, so taking on something that is three or four times his size is not in his best interest. In recent years, there have been some incidents of coyotes having gone after some kids, most notably in Irvine, but those were some pretty specific circumstances. On average, about one person per year in California gets bit (nipped) by a coyote, and there are 38 million people in this state. Statistically speaking, you are far more likely to be injured by your own pet, than by a coyote.   

 “That being said, if a coyote is sick or injured, or has no escape route, he will defend himself.  So, take the totality of the circumstances into consideration when confronting a coyote.” 

Coyote solutions: Eradication has never worked, anywhere

 More advice from Officer Petarila, “Some common sense must also be taken into account when thinking about coyote solutions. ‘Can’t we just kill them?’ people say. If I went out today and killed a dozen coyotes, it wouldn’t change the average citizen’s life one bit. We would have no way of knowing if we got the aggressive ones, or just the stupid ones. We would not know how many are left, or when coyotes from neighboring territories, will move in to fill the vacancies. If, for the sake of conversation, we say that Laguna Beach could support 50 coyotes, and we killed 20, that does not mean that there are only 30 coyotes left. It means that here 20 vacancies, and natures abhors a vacuum.” 

Goal is to alter their social behavior

 “Removal of some coyotes has its place in any coyote management plan, but the goal is to alter social behavior, not eradication. Eradication programs have never worked, anywhere. The decision to remove animals is a very complicated one, because it can’t be undone, and is almost always a last resort.

 “Can’t we leave food out in the open spaces to try and draw them away from town? [Some people ask. No.] Coyotes (and all wildlife) function on an ecology of movement. The most benefit from the least cost. Why would a coyote travel a half mile out into the open spaces to eat dog food, when there are outdoor cats roaming the neighborhood, unsecured trash bins, pet food left out in back yards, or small dogs left in enclosed yards where they can’t run away?”

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Submitted by LCF

Coyote taking a stroll on a Laguna Beach fire road

 “Can’t we trap and release them into the wild? The short answer is that it is illegal to do that. The longer answer is that it may actually turn out to be cruel. If you take an animal that is socially and biologically adapted to living in or near town, and place it in a completely foreign environment, where they don’t know places to hunt, don’t know water sources, maybe exposed to diseases that you don’t find in town because so many animals are vaccinated, you commit the animal to a slow death. Additionally, coyotes are social animals, so you may be placing him into the middle of an established society that does not know him!”

We must change our behaviors and take responsibility

 Officer Petarila is adamant, “There is no effective solution that does not include people taking responsibility for themselves, their pets, and their property.” 

And Dr. Quinn concurs, “Our urban behaviors have changed over the last 20 years, we didn’t use to lock our doors, but we do now. Our behaviors toward coyotes must change as well.”

Critical suggestions from Officer Petarila, “A few things a person can do to mitigate the coyote threat are: Keep your dogs and cats indoors and control their ability to go in and out, don’t leave pet food outdoors, clean up after your pets (pet waste in a yard is a signal that a well-fed dog lives there), secure your garbage cans, keep your barbeque grill cleaned, pick up fallen fruit from fruit trees, vary the times and route that you walk your dog (don’t be predictable to a coyote).”

Local pet attacks

“In Laguna Beach, almost all pets that have been attacked by coyotes have been animals that have been left outdoors alone and unattended. In the neighboring city of Laguna Woods (which Laguna Beach Animal Services also covers), most of the pets attacked were either off leash, or on long “flexi-leads” and away from their owners’ side.

 “Remember; while every other predator in North America (except bobcats) is on the endangered species list, coyotes have reached numbers at which they can be considered a nuisance. This is because they are smart, and can adapt. It is up to us to be the smarter of the two species.”

The coyotes among us are here to stay: resistance is futile

In determining ways to live alongside coyotes, the experts noted in this article appear to agree, it’s our behavior that needs to change.

Flores (Coyote America) says, “Once we humans alter our behaviors – stop letting our cats roam loose or leaving dog food in the yard – I think urban coyotes are a wonderful and exciting development for modern America. The animals don’t carry rabies, and in all of continental history there are only two unusual instances where coyotes have killed a human. 

“The coyote biography demonstrates full well that resistance to them is futile – they are here among us and that won’t change. But beyond having little choice in the matter, having these small wolves trot through our yards and down our streets is a wonderful opportunity to experience the ancient American wild right outside our doors. If we know the coyote’s biography, this animal offers us a singular chance to understand where we are and how life in America has functioned for millions of years. The coyote affords us a unique opportunity for understanding and connection.” 

Not everyone wants a connection

However, it’s understandable that for those who have lost pets to a coyote, it’s difficult to accept this perspective or want the connection that Flores describes. 

In only 70 years, they’ve gone from mass eradication and “the most hated animal in America,” to a neighboring species with which have no choice but to cohabit, whether we like it or not. We are privileged to live near such a diverse and rich eco-system as the Laguna Wilderness, where coyotes live and roam.

Paula Olson, Outreach Manager of Laguna Canyon Foundation, says of coyotes, “We have a collective responsibility to ensure the inhabitants – both plants and animals – have their place to call home.”

As stated on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) website:The CDFW has an initiative called, “Keep Me Wild.” Its slogan is: “Wild animals don’t need your handouts. They need your respect.” 

The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction…Rachel Carson

Three LBUSD teams advance to Global Finals in Destination Imagination® Tournament

Three teams from Laguna Beach Unified School District that competed in the Destination Imagination® (DI) Affiliate (state/country) Tournament have advanced to the Global Finals taking place May 23-26 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

DI is a project-based educational program in which student teams solve open-ended challenges and present their solutions at tournaments. Global Finals is the culminating event of the DI Tournament with more than 1,400 of the top-scoring teams from 45 U.S. states and 14 countries participating. The scheduled festivities include the DI Tournament, interactive exhibits, pin trading, skills workshops, and more. 

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Submitted photo

LBHS’s Brilliant Boom Bam Bananas are headed to the Global Finals

“This accomplishment is demonstrative of the tenacity and passion that our students are capable of with the support of the community that surrounds them,” said LBUSD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jason Viloria. “Together with staff, parents, and volunteers, our students have been hard at work to prepare for this competition, and I am confident that they will continue to make us proud,” he concluded. 

Laguna Beach High School’s Brilliant Boom Bam Bananas competed in the Scientific Challenge which asked teams to explore scientific concepts used in amusement park attractions; design and build an attraction that uses scientific concepts during its operation; create and present a story that features the attraction operating in an unlikely location; and portray the unlikely location using sights and sounds. The team placed third at the affiliate tournament, qualifying for global finals. 

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Submitted photo

Thurston’s Thunder McKings (pictured) and Catnip (picture not available at time of going to press) are heading to the finals

Thurston Middle School will be represented by two teams at the global finals, the Thunder McKings and Catnip. The Thurston McKings placed third in the Technical Challenge qualifying for global finals. Their challenge was to design and build a device to navigate a tournament-provided maze; design and build a prop that transforms in the maze; design and build a way to remove an object from the maze; and create and present a story about a journey through the maze.

Catnip placed third in the Improvisational Challenge, also qualifying for finals. The Improvisational Challenge asked teams to research different cultures and famous explorers; create and present an improvisational skit about a quest to return a lost cultural treasure to its owner; integrate two explorers and a prop into the quest; and show how characters work together to overcome a setback.

The annual Global Finals competition is the world’s largest celebration of student creativity with more than 17,000 people in attendance each year.

Legacy Ball highlights LifeLong Laguna outreach & honors Dr. Korey Jorgenson – read the deets in Barbara’s Column on Friday

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Dr. Korey Jorgenson, Bree Burgess Rosen, and George Heed enjoy Laguna Beach Seniors’ Legacy Ball last Saturday night. With a Western theme, the evening proved a swinging success – see more of Mary’s photos and read the details in Barbara Diamond’s column in our Friday edition

Poet Laureate Kate Buckley and Laguna Beach Library host LitFest, a literary festival for everyone

By DIANNE RUSSELL

On Saturday, at Laguna’s first-ever literary festival, there was a wealth of words for every age and taste. Hosted by Kate Buckley, Laguna’s Poet Laureate, and held at Laguna Beach Library, it was a haven for those hungry to listen to beautiful and impactful readings, and words of wisdom from authors about the craft of writing. 

It started with a children’s poetry circle, followed by several informative panels, such as: How to Get Published, How to Use Surprise in Poetry, The Hard Work of Facing the Page. 

Presenting poets and writers included Francesca Bell, Noah Blaustein, Kate Buckley, Elena Karina Byrne, Grant Hier, Eric Morago, Victoria Patterson, Mary Jane White, and Tom Zoellner, as well as Laguna Poets and Third Street Writers.

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Photo by Todd Henderson

(L-R) Francesca Bell, Kate Buckley, Victoria Patterson

I attended the closing session, Local Voices (Fiction and Poetry). I’d heard some of the readers before, at Third Street Writers’ Women on Words and Open Mic Night, and was anxious to hear them again. Some were new to me, and I was so impressed – I can’t wait to hear more of their work. 

The theme of Third Street Writers was Dirty Laundry, and the topic didn’t disappoint. The term “dirty laundry” can cover a multitude of issues, and it certainly did on this day, from “going commando” to the perils of Facebook. Christine Fugate read from a story about washing machines with the message, “You’re rich when you have your own washing machine.”

On a more serious note, Carrie Pohlhammer read from her good friend and fellow writer, John Gardiner’s work, reminding us of his stunning words, “We’re all damaged and we’re all uniquely mad.” She made us laugh with his “Trying to Cross the Street in Laguna Beach.”

Michael Miller of Laguna Poets also gave tribute to John Gardiner, remembering how the authors in the group would read their work out loud, and then another member of LP would read it a second time. “He had a voice,” Miller said, and regretfully, “we’ll never hear John’s voice again.”

Many distinct voices were heard last Saturday at LitFest, the first official literary festival in Laguna Beach. All in attendance appreciated the time and talent of the readers, and their willingness to share their wisdom. We look forward to the next one.

Dr. Bill Hoffman will discuss “Trends in Urban Design: Best City Practices” at LBBC meeting

Dr. Bill Hoffman will discuss Trends in Urban Design, Best City Practices on Thursday, April 26 at the Laguna Beach Beautification Council meeting between 6 and 7 p.m. The event takes place in Room 225, Montage Laguna Beach, and is free and open to all.

The presentation will highlight examples of what cities are doing to make themselves more beautiful, distinctive, walkable and sustainable. The slides will focus on special downtowns, historic districts, plazas, and street furniture, with photos from the US, Mexico and Europe.  

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Submitted photo

Bill Hoffman

Dr. Hoffman will highlight the best examples of urban design being used to make cities vibrant, and livable, while fostering community for residents and visitors. 

Bill Hoffman followed a dual career path as a high school teacher, university lecturer and urban planner. He earned his Master’s Degree from UCLA in 1982 and helped designate LA’s second Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (LA now has 29 historic districts).  

In 1993, he earned his PhD in Social Ecology from UCI specializing in public space and plaza design. In 2012, Hoffman formed a tour company – Hoffy Tours LLC – 

showing guests the best in cities in Southern California.  

Bill’s cardinal belief is that cities are getting better over time and he loves finding the hidden gems in our built environment.

Montage Laguna Beach is located at 30801 Coast Hwy. Valet parking is free for guests. 

For more information, RSVP to George Weiss at (949) 295-0832 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Leslie Anne Mogul retires from Laguna Playhouse

Laguna Playhouse announces the retirement of Leslie Anne Mogul, Associate Director of Development, effective June 1. 

Leslie joined the Playhouse in 2010 and has been responsible for assisting the non-profit professional theatre in raising $2.1 annually through the development of new programs, grant-making, event development and relationship management.

“Leslie has been an exceptional asset for Laguna Playhouse. She is well-respected by donors, vendors, and corporate and executive leadership,” said Ellen Richard, Executive Director.

“For almost 10 years that I’ve been at Laguna Playhouse, my world has been theatre and raising friends and money for it. I will always love it and am grateful for the Playhouse. I joined the Playhouse at the height of the downturn of the economy…who knew,” Leslie reflects. “I felt personally responsible to help our small staff and board of trustees keep live theatre alive in Laguna Beach. Now the economy and the Playhouse are doing great. I’m leaving at an exciting time, fabulous leadership here with a great new season planned, with excellent support from donors, foundations and corporations…that is taking the Playhouse into its 100th anniversary. I can now become a patron of the theatre.”

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Leslie Anne Mogul

Before moving to Orange County and joining Laguna Playhouse, Leslie was the principal in Project Works Marketing, providing marketing, communications, public relations, fundraising and development for a variety of non-profit and for-profit healthcare, biotechnology and medical device companies in bringing products to market, gaining market share, creating awareness for and building memberships. 

“Leslie is so committed to her cause that she is like a dog with a bone; her best of breed practices bring in donors and dollars all while making everyone feel welcome and appreciated,” said Liz Goodgold of Red Fire Branding. “As the queen of connections in Orange County, Leslie’s thumbs fly through her phone introducing people who need people. And, she does it humbly and selflessly. If you need to know only one person in town, it’s Leslie!”

For her next act, Leslie is planning to continue her love of traveling and has plans to see family and friends on the East Coast, followed by trips to Israel and Africa this year. Her other goal in retirement is to share her expertise with other not-for-profit organizations. Her professional memberships include Rotary Club of Irvine and Jewish Federation and Family Services Women’s Philanthropy board.

Prior to starting Project Works Marketing, a consulting practice in 1996, Leslie was the Director-Business Development for ORNDA, a national healthcare management company, where she created and managed a variety of consumer-driven services including seniors, psych, women and industrial medicine clinics. She was responsible for reengineering numerous delivery points for ORNDA’s San Diego facility, Harbor View Medical Center. 

Before moving to San Diego in 1986, working in the advertising and public relations agency business, Leslie successfully launched a number of consumer products for leading manufacturers including: Viking Range Corporation, Mannington floors, Tarkett, DuPont Corian, Glen Gerry Brick, Jeep Wrangler and Renault Alliance vehicles, Amtrak’s Metroliner, and Arcoa’s EZ Reacher.

Sold out world premiere opening night of Flying Solo showcases Nathan Gunn’s massive talents

Visionary artist Hershey Felder’s production of Flying Solo starring Nathan Gunn, a wildly charismatic and massively talented baritone opera singer, made its world premiere to a sold-out audience Sunday, April 8 at Laguna Playhouse. 

After Flying Solo ends its run at Laguna Playhouse on April 22, it will tour the world. 

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Nathan Gunn with Playhouse Trustee Glenn Gray, who dressed for the occasion

“We are so pleased to have the opportunity to share with Southern California this collaboration with Nathan Gunn and Hershey Felder,” noted Artistic Director Ann E. Wareham, who confessed, “Mr. Felder shared his plans for this production with us more than a year ago. It’s exactly what audiences hope for and expect from Hershey – fabulous music and master storytelling.”

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The stars came out – Taylor Hackford, Hershey Felder, Helen Mirren 

The magical evening began with a major donor and corporate sponsor reception catered by Royal Hawaiian Restaurant and complimentary Nolet’s Cocktails. After the performance, the Artistic Director’s Party provided a Gelson’s Dessert and Champagne Toast to Nathan Gunn, Hershey Felder, and Michael Bagby, Musical Director/Pianist. Patrons had fun grabbing photos and selfies with the show’s stars before the evening ended.

Visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com for more information, to reserve seats and learn about the new productions in the theatre’s 98th season, which begins in July.

Stunning sunset by Scott: Laguna glows 

Photo by Scott Brashier

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No words necessary

Suddenly I have skin in the game: Lasered, the sequel…my face, 10 days later

By LYNETTE BRASFIELD

You should have seen his face.

Yes, his face.

My son Dylan’s, that is.

Why? Well, here’s the background.

So, as some readers already know, two weeks ago, I decided in the interests of science, and my art – not because of vanity, no, not at all – to experiment with fractional CO2 laser resurfacing of the face. Or half-face, because that’s where most of my wrinkles are (or were?? Read on!).

Because Laguna Beach Aesthetics offered Stu News readers a discount, I headed to cosmetic dermatologist – and ER physician – Dr. Adrienne O’Connell’s consulting rooms to be zapped and “rejuvenated.” 

What is fractional laser rejuvenation?

This is how her website describes the procedure:

Fractionated or “pixilated” carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers are one of the latest advances in non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments. [They] excel at treating deeper wrinkles, more severe textural changes from sun damage, age spots, crow’s feet, droopy eyelids, sagging skin, blotchiness, acne scars, and surgical or traumatic scars.

Fractional CO2 Laser resurfacing is a very effective treatment for overall skin rejuvenation by brightening and tightening the skin.

In layman’s terms, the laser destroys some cells beneath the upper layer of the skin, so the body responds by creating a bunch of new cells, which look a whole lot better than the old cells…

Or something like that. 

Before the procedure

Dr. O’Connell – Adrienne – had told me that the downtime would only be five days or so, possibly less, with the lightest treatment, so I told her, what the heck, go for the moderate treatment, one step up (or one step deeper, I should say), since I had plenty of writing to do and books to read and a husband who actually likes grocery shopping (how did I get so lucky?).

Because I had half my face done, for several days I looked as though I had grown a hairless red beard. My cheeks swelled a little, but no one would have mistaken me for a chipmunk.

I religiously followed instructions, rinsing my skin only with cool water, and later (this is important) with a vinegar and water mix – said to improve healing because of vinegar’s antiseptic qualities – afterwards slathering Aquaphor on my face to keep it moist.

That sticky feeling was the worst, especially when after several days my skin began to itch also.

The temptation to scratch was overwhelming by day four, but I resisted, instead contorting my mouth and cheeks into strange shapes, as if that would help, which it didn’t, but somehow gave me a sense of control, if a little perturbing to husband Bill.

By day five I was much less itchy, but still rather pink and blotchy. I wasn’t surprised, as Adrienne had told me some people take longer than others to heal, and as a pessimist, I expected to be on the slow side of the spectrum.

Heal doesn’t feel like the right word, in any case, because there’s no bleeding (or only initially for some people, and then just very spottily) and no visible sign of peeling. It’s a slow sloughing that occurs with each new day. (Some people notice tiny black dots as the skin gets rid of melanin in blotchy areas.) Nothing actually hurts.

Sticky and sandpapery – but nothing hurts

However, the somewhat sandpapery feel of one’s cheeks and chin around this time (when briefly dry before re-moisturizing) can be a little disconcerting. That doesn’t last long, though.

I stayed pink enough for another day or two to choose not to emerge from my house and be seen, partly because of the still-obvious demarcation between the two halves of my face. If my whole complexion from brow to chin had been a unified blush, I think I would have been okay being out in public.

Around day six I did begin to worry about an event coming up in three days – the Susi Q Legacy Ball – wondering if I’d be presentable.

But I had a great back-up plan! The event was Western-themed. So if necessary, I could wear a bandanna over my nose like the baddie in a cowboy movie.

Fortunately that wasn’t necessary. By day seven, make-up easily covered the remaining pinkness. 

After the procedure (a selfie; not scientific…)

And the wrinkles? 

Seriously amazing. I had quite a bit of cross-hatching on my cheeks on either side of my mouth, and now, while of course I still have wrinkles, and would look very peculiar at my age if I didn’t, the lines don’t seem quite as deep and are farther apart. The areas of my skin that used to look like crumpled pieces of paper now look smoother.

Several people who had read last week’s article took a close look at my face at the Susi Q event and pronounced it glowing.

The good news is that the improvement apparently continues for six months.

So I’m pretty happy.

And my son’s face?

And why did I say you should have seen my son’s face?

Dylan had flown in from New York, where he’s an English professor, for a visit, and we chatted happily until late (on the seventh night after the procedure). 

At midnight or so he made himself an avocado and salad sandwich. (We’re never sure of the main attraction to visiting – us, or California avocados?)

Tired, I took a last sip of my wine and yawned. I went over to the kitchen counter where he stood. I reached for the bottle of vinegar and tucked it under my arm. “Well, goodnight,” I said.

That’s when you had to see his face.

“Mom – why are you taking the salad dressing to bed with you?” he asked, quite reasonably, really. 

So accustomed had I become to washing my face with vinegar and water, it hadn’t occurred to me to explain before grabbing the bottle.

But I am glad to be putting oil and vinegar on my salad again instead of my face, I must admit. 

And that’s the full skinny on my experience.

Laguna Beach Aesthetics can be reached at www.lagunabeachaesthetics.com or by calling (949) 415-4310.

On Earth Day, the LB Unitarian Universalist Fellowship features guest speaker Megan Peterson

On Sunday, April 11 at 10:30 a.m., the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Laguna Beach will celebrate Earth Day by featuring guest speaker Megan Peterson from Ocean Institute in Dana Point.

Megan’s presentation is titled “Oceans and Plastics: You Can Make a Difference.” Founded as the Orange County Marine Institute in 1977, the Ocean Institute offers ocean science and maritime history programs for K–12 students and their teachers. 

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Megan Peterson, Public Programs Coordinator, Ocean Institute, on a misty day

Everywhere we look we see plastic, a product that eases our daily lives, but at a great cost. In fact, plastic threatens the very survival of planet Earth. Plastic harms marine life, disrupts human hormones, and contaminates drinking water for both man and beast. A massive amount of plastic fills the oceans, litters the beaches, and clogs our streams and landfills. 

On April 22, come and explore the problems that are inherent with plastic and learn how small choices can make an enormous difference in our war on waste. 

Megan Peterson has a BA degree in Environmental Studies & Biology, with an emphasis on Marine Ecology, from the University of California, Santa Cruz. 

She has researched the ecology and conservation of the Great White Shark, the behavior of cetaceans, and the intertidal zone, the area that is above water at low tide and under water at high tide. As Public Programs Coordinator at the Ocean Institute, Peterson’s current focus is to convey her passion for preserving marine life and the environment by developing public outreach programming.

The UUF is located at 429 Cypress Drive. 

For additional information contact Rachel Daniels at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at (310) 714-2699.

Residents urged to attend community meeting about Bluebird SOCWA lift station odor control project

Water quality staff will hold a community meeting about the Bluebird SOCWA Lift Station Odor Control Improvement Project this Thursday, April 19 at 6 p.m. 

The presentation will cover the proposed project, which will address the odors surrounding the City’s sewage lift station located at the corner of Calliope Street and Glenneyre Street, with details on the layout and aesthetics of the new facility. Please join as staff will be seeking input from the community.

For more information, lease contact Hannah Johnson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Laguna Beach Branch of AAUW sends 10 seventh grade girls to Science Camp

Have you ever heard of Tech Trek? Ten proud seventh grade girls, eight from Laguna Beach’s Thurston Middle School and two girls from Irvine’s Venado Middle School, would be happy to tell you all about it. Each has just been awarded a $1,000 scholarship by AAUW-LB (American Association of University Women, Laguna Beach Branch) to attend a Tech Trek science camp this summer at UC San Diego or UC Irvine.

Tech Trek was launched in 1998 by the AAUW of California, in response to the glaring gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) professions. The goal of Tech Trek is to provide a meaningful experience to a diverse group of girls to inspire them to take math and science classes throughout high school and college and to encourage them to enter a STEM profession.  

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Seventh graders are happy campers because of LB AAUW

The Laguna Beach branch of AAUW has provided Tech Trek scholarships to 122 girls since 1998. This year’s awardees are May Chapman, Ophelia Chapman, Zoey Cutter, Ava Griffiths, Medha Mohankumar, Rosabella Murphy, Eleanor Ramsey, Nina Rogers, Moneypenny Summers, and Hannah Williams. All girls attend Tech Trek on a full scholarship ($1,000) provided by a local branch of the AAUW. Parents pay a $50 registration fee. 

AAUW’s mission is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research. In addition to Tech Trek, money raised by the Laguna Beach Branch of AAUW supports scholarships to Laguna Beach High School graduating seniors, and returning women students at Saddleback Community College, UCI and the Laguna College of Art and Design.

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LB AAUW supports Irvine kids too

To donate toward a scholarship, checks may be made to the AAUW Laguna Beach Foundation (“AAUW-LBF”), with specifically “Tech Trek” or more generally “Scholarship”, whichever your donation preference, written on the memo line and mailed to: Susan Kent, Treasurer, PO Box 189, Laguna Beach, CA 92652. A big thank you to any of you choosing to do that.

To learn more about AAUW-LB, visit www.aauw2-lagunabeach.org.

Wassup with SUP To You? 

SUP To You has gone fully mobile and won’t have a storefront location in the Canyon any longer. As a result, people have been wondering about the company’s future.

“With all the challenges of retail in this day and age, we are ditching the idea of having some dude sit in a shop all day, and are focusing all our resources on what we do best, bringing SUP directly to customers,” owner Steve Owen tells Stu News. 

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SUP is going fully mobile

SUP To You has been in its 2097 Laguna Canyon location since 2013. They’ll now be using the space as a warehouse.

“I’ve had many locals asking if we are out of business, and I wanted everyone to know that we are definitely not out of business, and appreciate the locals continued support!” Owen adds. “We also partnered with Laguna local Cory Sparkuhl from Sparkle Films with a new video. It came out awesome, it’s on our home page along with information about all our great services.”

For more information on SUP To You, call (949) 715-7300 or visit www.suptoyou.com.

City Council is now accepting applications for Committees, Commissions and Boards

The City Council is accepting applications for the following Committees, Commissions and Boards: Arts Commission; Emergency Disaster Preparedness Committee; Housing and Human Services Committee; and the Planning Commission.

Interviews and appointments will be conducted on Tuesday, May 1 at 6 p.m. by the City Council in the City Council Chambers. All applicants will be interviewed.  

Applicants may be contacted by City Council members prior to the interviews and appointments so please be prepared to make a brief statement about your desire to serve on a committee.

Deadline for applications is April 20 at 5 p.m.

Laguna Beach residents who are interested in serving on one of these committees should obtain an application from the City Clerk’s office or online from the City’s website at www.lagunabeachcity.net and file in the City Clerk’s office no later than Friday, April 20 at 5 p.m. Questions may be directed to the City Clerk’s office at (949) 497-0705. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.

Number of positions that will be open and details for the following Committees, Commissions and Boards follow: (The City Council may reduce or enlarge the number of committee members at their discretion.)

Arts Commission

Three (3) two-year terms on the Arts Commission with terms beginning July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2020.  

The Arts Commission consists of eight members, one of which is an alternate position, appointed by the City Council. Four of the seven members must be actively participating in the arts. The Commissioners are compensated in the amount of $125 per month. The Arts Commission has the power and duty to act in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters pertaining to the artistic aspects of the City.

Additionally, commissioners recommend to the City Council the adoption of such ordinances, rules and regulations as they may deem necessary for the administration and preservation of the fine/performing arts of the community. One of the major projects of the Commission is the implementation of the Cultural Arts Plan. 

Commission meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 5:30 p.m.  Meeting and preparation time may exceed several hours per week.  

Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee

Four (4) two-year terms on the Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee with terms beginning July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2020. The Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee is a nine-member body appointed by the City Council whose charge would be to advise the City Council on all matters pertaining to disaster prevention, planning and preparedness. The Committee will make recommendations to the City Council and will have staggered terms.  Meetings are generally held on the first Monday of the month at 6 p.m. 

Housing and Human Services Committee

Three (3) two-year terms on the Housing and Human Services Committee with terms beginning July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2020.  The Housing and Human Services Committee is currently a nine-member body appointed by the City Council whose charge would be to assess and identify housing opportunities and human needs for all segments of the community; provides input on the City’s Housing Element of the General Plan; informs and makes recommendations to the City Council and other community leaders; and increases community awareness of programs to fill these needs. 

Meetings are generally held on the first Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m.

Planning Commission

Three (3) positions on the Planning Commission with terms beginning July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2020. 

The Planning Commission is a five-member body appointed by the City Council for the purpose of reviewing and advising the Council on items related to the development and modification of land uses within the City limits. As such, the Commission reviews and recommends action on the development and amendment of the general plan, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations and special projects related to land use planning. 

Planning Commissioners serve a two-year term and are compensated in the amount of $357 per month. The regular meetings of the Commission are held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 6 p.m. Study sessions may be held as part of the regular meeting or at other specified times. 

Substantial time commitment required

A substantial time commitment averaging four to six hours a week is necessary to be a Planning Commissioner. Meetings may be four or more hours long and require a great deal of preparation time. In addition to these regular meetings, Commissioners are expected to visit sites and review project proposals prior to the meeting, as well as attend special project workshops. 

It is desirable to have or be able to acquire certain skills or aptitudes, such as the ability to understand zoning regulations and their effect on allowed land uses.

Experience in land use planning, architecture, engineering and/or real estate would be an asset.

Celebrate National Arbor Day on Friday, April 27 by joining LBBC for a Historical Tree Walkabout

Bob Borthwick, landscape architect, will lead a small group on a Historical Tree Walkabout in the downtown area in celebration of National Arbor Day, Friday, April 27.

The strolling group will learn about the history of the town through the many tree species planted before and since Laguna’s founding. 

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Bob Borthwick takes a group on a historical tree tour

The walk will identify the evolution of downtown Laguna from the early Homesteaders, through the decades of the 20th Century, to our present day.

Attendees are asked to wear walking shoes and a hat. Group size will be limited, so to ensure your spot, RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call George at 949-295-0832. 

The group will meet outside City Hall, 505 Forest Ave, at 10 a.m. on Friday April 27. The walkabout will last approximately two hours.

Mystery boxes, art auction, and modern dancing at Mystery Box Event at Virga Gallery on April 21

A Mystery Box Event party at one of Southern California’s most beautiful locations, Virga Gallery, will be held on Saturday, April 21 from 6 - 9 p.m. Each hour, seven of 21 mystery boxes will be given out, each of which holds a unique surprise gift.

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Work by A Tarman

There will be wine and light appetizers, an exciting fine art auction of Virga’s incredible figure paints, A Tarman’s inspiring abstract realism, Elena’s contemporary abstracts, and seven other exceptional artists’ work on display. At 7 p.m., there will be an auction of selected art. 

A portion of the auction proceeds will go to Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

 “Why Not” by Elena Anaya

Elena Anaya says, “Painting moves me. It comforts me, energizes and brings me peace. I am so grateful to my family and friends that support me and my work.” 

The gallery will also feature a modern dancer, Courtney Lapenta, improvising dance movements inspired by the gallery’s paintings.

Virga Gallery is located at 305 N Coast Hwy. Call (949) 338-0554 with questions.

For more information, go to www.virgaart.com.