Police Files

ID theft suspect is ID’d, still being sought

Detective Jordan Mirakian, financial crimes, who was a key part of the investigative team leading to federal charges being brought against Laguna embezzler Elizabeth Mulder, is currently working on another case of identity theft/check fraud that occurred at the Bank of America in Laguna Beach. (Mulder will be sentenced October 16 and is facing 23 years in prison.)

“Seems things are getting quite interesting,” according to Detective Sergeant Jim Cota, who says that tips from the public have been a great help. 

Det Mirakian says he’s ID’d the suspect, but added, “I don’t know if she knows that yet. She has an open case from the Sheriff’s Department, similar circumstances, so I am working with the District Attorney and the Sheriff’s Department to prosecute that case with our case. She seems to be living out of motels so finding her may be a bit tricky, but we will eventually find her.”

Do you know this man?

LBPD needs residents’ help in identifying the man in this photo. Call them at 949-497-0370 if you recognize him. 

“He was captured on video surveillance stealing two, 2016 Commencal Meta Trail Ride 650B mountain bikes from the Aliso Creek Golf Course back in mid-May,” Cota said. “The bikes are orange and black and are estimated to have a value of $2,200 per bike.”  LBPD are hoping that this photo will help them nab the thief.

Man says he doesn’t feel well, likely feels worse after cops arrive

Braden Bolton, 38, walked into Brussels Bistro on Forest Ave on June 18 complaining that he was not feeling well. 

He no doubt felt even worse a little while later after making threatening gestures and statements and finding himself under arrest for being drunk in public and resisting arrest. Bail was set at $20,000.

How to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft

To prevent identity theft happening to you, Det Mirakian offers these five key tips:

Don’t respond to unsolicited requests for personal information (your name, birthdate, social security number, or bank account number) by phone, mail, or online. 

Collect mail promptly. Ask the post office to put your mail on hold when you are away from home for several days. 

Review your receipts. Promptly compare receipts with account statements.

Watch for unauthorized transactions.

Shred receipts, credit offers, account statements, and expired cards, to prevent “dumpster divers” from getting your personal information.

Store personal information in a safe place at home and at work.

“I’d say the most important tip I have is shredding documents and regularly checking your mail for credit offers,” Mirakian says. “We have seen an uptick in mail theft and identity thieves have been known to dig through trash to find important ID information.  

“Identities are sold person to person for a value nowadays, so it’s incredibly important to avoid leaving personal information on paperwork or other applications without shredding it first.”

A Note from Shaena

On June 20, Stu would have been 75 years old. He wasn’t here to celebrate his birthday in person, but he would have loved the gift of the wonderful film that has now memorialized his Celebration of Life forever (see below or visit https://youtu.be/w6J-MQiBeCU). Thank you so much to Sparkle Films, who produced the film, and to all those who participated in the Celebration last Saturday, in person or in spirit.

The film, which was beautifully edited and produced by Cory Love Sparkhul, with cinematography by Sparkle Films, features speeches by Brandon Leahy, myself, Chris Keller, Bob Whalen, Sharbie Higuchi, Toni Iseman, Pastor Don Sciortino, and Mark Christy, as well as the photography of Mary Hurlbut and Scott Brashier. 

(Cory says to make sure to watch the film in HD. I agree. The cinematography is awesome!)

I wanted once again to thank Laguna Beach Little League for their amazing contributions to the day, staffing the Snack Bar, creating the beautiful centerpieces, and chalking up the field in such creative ways. 

Thank you also for the many, many tributes to Stu that we’ve received here at Stu News, and thank you for the confidence you have shown in the Stu team’s ability to continue his tradition. We aim to do him proud!

Funds are needed to help the man who helps protects our homes

By BARBARA DIAMOND

Residents may not recognize Agotilio Moreno’s name but they know him by sight--- traversing the hillsides of Laguna with goats.

Moreno, whose home and family are in Peru, has spent two decades helping Laguna prevent wildfires, now he needs help. 

“His wife, Alejandrina, has breast cancer and he can’t afford to leave his job to go home and care for her, said Kim Duensing. “He has been herding goats in Laguna for 20 years, seven days a week, even Christmas – I know because he spends the holidays with us. His visa is set up so he can only go home every three years to visit his family. He pays income taxes, but isn’t eligible for Social Security. 

“If he makes it home to his tiny Incan mountain village, he and his wife must travel 14 hours by bus to reach the hospital in Lima for her treatment and then they must stay at a hotel.” 

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Photo by Jeff Rovner

The goatherd with one of the kids in the herd

Efforts to bring his wife to the United States were dropped because of the expense of the medical care here and the Morenos have no health insurance. 

Duensing is among the folks trying to raise money so Morena can go home to care for his wife, help pay for her health care and expenses for his twin daughters’ last two years in college while he is not working.

“Agotilio told us about his wife’s illness about a year ago, but we didn’t understand the severity until another family – Paul and Laura Storke – called us and advised that it was worse than we realized,” said Duensing. 

Her husband, Dr. Rob Duensing, called the hospital in Lima, Peru to check on Alejandrina’s medical record. 

“That was when we found out how bad it was,” said Duensing. 

The Storkes and the Duensings decided they had to do something to help Moreno get home. 

“First we contacted Fire Prevention Officer Ray Lardie, Moreno’s supervisor,” Duensing said. “Agotilio was afraid he wouldn’t get his job back if he left to care for his wife. 

“Ray said it wouldn’t be a problem so we put the story out on www.gofundme.com so people could donate online to Laguna gives back #Agotilio.”

The Duensings also set up a bank account for the online or direct donations to Moreno.

It is a labor of love.

Duensing first met Moreno when she and her husband bought the old church in Bluebird Canyon and converted it to a private home. 

“Agotilio had parked his trailer on the back parking lot for years and I told him he could stay,” said Duensing. “We have just loved every minute spent with him.

“Independently of us, Ulla Hengstebeck walked the entire Skyline Drive to distribute flyers on his behalf.”

Duensing plans to attend the council meeting on Tuesday to make residents aware of Moreno’s plight. The parents whose children attended the Community Learning Center will be at the Farmers Market on Saturday to sell lemonade and tell Moreno’s story.

Congratulations LBHS Class of 2017!

Laguna Beach High School held its 2017 commencement ceremony Thursday evening, June 22, at the Irvine Bowl. Before starting the next chapter of their journeys – heading off to colleges and universities (including MIT, Stanford, USC, and West Point to name a few), technical schools, the military, beauty schools, and to travel the world – graduates of the Class of 2017 celebrated the end of this one with friends, family and the community on Thursday night. 

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Photos by Scott Brashier

LBHS graduates are ready to face the world – together!

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There’s no holding them back – except maybe the desire to return home to visit their sweet hometown Laguna Beach. High school reunions coming up!

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Olympic Gold Medalist Aria Fischer is headed to Stanford to join her sister Makenzie on the Water Polo team

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LBHS graduates toss their caps into the air in celebration Thursday night

More graduation photos by Scott Brashier

Click on the left hand photo above to see them all

LBUSD announces appointment of LBHS principal

On June 13, the Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Jason Allemann as principal of Laguna Beach High School effective July 1.  

Dr. Allemann has more than 10 years of experience as a high school principal, currently serving as principal of Dana Hills High School. He has also served as a principal, assistant principal, and counselor in the Anaheim Union High School District.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in psychology, a master’s degree in social work from California State University, Long Beach, and a doctorate degree in educational leadership from the University of Southern California.  

Dr. Jason Allemann

“I am honored and excited to work at such an innovative school and district that has an amazing network of support from the greater school community. I am eager to get to know the staff and students that make Laguna Beach High School a premier organization work for and learn from,” said Dr. Allemann.

Dr. Allemann was determined to be a good match for the district based on student, parent and staff survey and input meeting feedback.  

“Dr. Allemann has demonstrated leadership in uniting students, parents, and the community for continued success in academics and the growth of a positive school family, and we are excited for him to bring those skills to Laguna Beach. The feedback I received from parents, students, and staff overwhelmingly focused on a principal who is visible on campus, focuses on continuous improvement and expanding educational opportunities for students, and has experience working in high performing schools. I am excited to have Dr. Allemann join the Laguna Beach team,” said Dr. Jason Viloria, Superintendent of Schools. 

Dr. Allemann has demonstrated success in moving concepts from ideas to reality and working collaboratively with stakeholders. Under his leadership, Dana Hills High School expanded opportunities for students in career technical education industry pathways connected to the local community.  

He has experience working with students with diverse needs, including English Language Learners and special education, and has the knowledge, understanding and desire to support the success of all students.

Have fun with the LBPD at Ruby’s on July 15: They’ll work for tips of a different kind, all for a great cause

Story by LYNETTE BRASFIELD

Laguna Beach police love to serve the public and they love to get tips – but usually they want the types of tips that help them catch the bad guys.

But that isn’t the kind of serving they’ll be doing or the sorts of tips they’ll be looking for on Saturday July 15 at Ruby’s Diner…on that day, officers will be serving hungry customers and hoping to get donations for the Special Olympics as tips in return for their good work.

Tip-A-Cop should present an arresting sight

It’s hoped that many residents will turn out during the five hours, from noon to five p.m., where they can be served and protected at Ruby’s Diner in a very personal way. 

The Tip-a-Cop event should present an arresting sight, watching the cops nabbing dishes to take to the tables, checking dinner plates instead of license plates and writing up orders instead of tickets.

The officers’ generosity, giving of their time, and willingness to get their hands dirty in a different way from usual, is much to be admired.

Some are more confident about their waiting skills than others.

Emergency Management Coordinator Jordan Villwock tells Stu News Laguna, “I worked at BJ’s Pizza when I was younger so I know how to do the job. I’m looking forward to refreshing my serving skills and working alongside the Special Olympics athletes.”

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Photo courtesy LBPD

Beach Patrol Officer Aureliano Becerra does time in the mini-jail at a previous year’s event (and doesn’t seem to like it much…)

On a more serious note, Corporal Darrel Short is excited about Tip-a-Cop because, he says, “I like being able to serve the public in a different way than law enforcement normally does and the Special Olympics is a noble cause.”

The event is doubly meaningful for Detective Jordan Mirakian. “As an athlete and police officer, I enjoy the opportunity to work alongside other athletes. The Special Olympics is an amazing non-profit that encourages teamwork and confidence,” he says.

The LBPD, along with the international law enforcement community, has a longstanding relationship with the Special Olympics. 

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Detective Sergeant Jim Cota is good at serving the public in every way

During this event, customers are encouraged to “tip the cop” for their service in the form of a tax- deductible donation, 100 percent of which goes to the Special Olympics program. This is in addition to the customary tip left for the restaurant’s server for their service.  

While supporting a great cause, the community can enjoy great food, and interact with some of Laguna Beach’s ‘Finest’ and Special Olympics athletes. 

Fun for kids, too: what kid doesn’t want to see a police car up close?

The Police Department will have static displays with a police car, motorcycle, police K-9 unit and a mini jail. There will also be a fingerprinting station, face painting, and a balloon artist. 

Special Olympics relies on fundraisers for the many services it provides to our Special Olympics athletes. Events are held annually in more than 170 countries for people with intellectual disabilities. More than 3.1 million athletes of all ages are involved in these Special Olympics programs. 

The LBPD is proud to be able to play a small part in providing opportunities for the athletes to train, compete, have fun, and become productive and respected members of society. 

The Tip-a-Cop fundraiser will take place on Sat, July 15, from noon to 5 p.m., at Ruby’s Diner located at 30622 Pacific Coast Hwy. 

For further information, contact: Lieutenant Joe Torres at (949) 497-0330 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Impact Giving reaches million-dollar milestone

Impact Giving, a collective women’s giving group started by Laguna Beach women, announced that it has given out more than a million dollars to both local and international nonprofits since its inception. Founders include Karen Wilson, Ann Duncan, Carol Lindquist, Betsy Gosselin and Susan Marx.

“Eight years ago we didn’t exist and today we have impacted literally hundreds of thousands of lives around the world,” said Sam Dawson, Impact Giving’s Grant’s Chair, at the group’s June 1 awards ceremony.

This year Impact Giving awarded $144,000 to six nonprofits, four based in Orange County that tackle homelessness and food insecurity, and two that work in Africa providing solar lights and a school in a rural community.

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Submitted photo

Attending this year’s awards dinner were (from l to r):  Susan Marx, Patricia Leon, Madeleine Mira, Mia Costa and Chris Costa.

In past years, Impact Giving members have bought bicycles enabling Cambodian girls to get to school safely, helped pay for urgently needed surgeries for uninsured Orange County residents, and provided free wheelchairs – and therefore mobility - for disabled people throughout the developing world who otherwise would have to depend on someone else or be forced to crawl. 

Impact Giving has also funded afterschool programs in Santa Ana giving kids a safe alternative to gang life, helped former victims of the sex trade in India acquire job skills and purchased goats in Nepal, giving rural women their first chance to earn an income. 

The group, started by a handful of local women who believed they could do more to help others by pooling their resources than they could by donating individually, has grown to 150 “partners,” who each contribute $1,250 annually. Each partner can nominate a nonprofit for consideration. Committees made up of members vet nominees and finalists are voted on by the entire community.

Recently, Impact Giving added the option for women under 40 to join as junior partners for $780 a year or $65 a month. Impact Giving is a 501(c)(3) organization and contributions are tax deductible. To learn more about or to join Impact Giving go to www.impactgivingnow.org.

Laguna Laurus Project funds promising new breast cancer clinical trial at Weill Cornell Medicine in NYC

The Laurus Project, a breast cancer non-profit organization, announced that a new research grant was awarded to Dr. Linda Vahdat, director of the Breast Cancer Research Program at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. 

In an initial clinical trial of triple negative breast cancer patients organized by Dr. Vahdat, close to 82 percent had no detectable cancer at a five-year follow-up.

Numerous studies have confirmed that cancer cells can lie dormant for years, waiting for a signal to trigger growth. Copper has been shown to be crucial in activating the dormant cells. 

The clinical trial run by Dr. Vahdat focused on depleting copper in levels in patients’ blood, creating an environment biologically hostile to tumor growth. The research grant will be used to fund a randomized phase II trial, which is scheduled to begin in 2018.

“Dr. Vahdat’s research may point to a new way of treating breast cancer,” said Teresa Lawsky, founder and CEO of The Laurus Project. “By targeting the cancer microenvironment, she has found an innovative way to keep patients in remission. It is the kind of treatment that we are seeking to fund.” 

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Founder and CEO of The Laurus Project, Teresa Lawsky

In addition to funding research, The Laurus Project helps support and provide breast health education and health literacy programs. The non-profit Laurus Project was founded in 2016 and focuses on breast cancer prevention, treatment and quality of life for survivors. By supporting mission-aligned scientists, doctors and programs in their formative efforts as they search for new pathways in breast disease and identify targeted modes of therapy, The Laurus Project aims to save and empower individuals affected by breast cancer.

For further information, go to http://www.thelaurusproject.com/

Thurston’s Class of 2017 chooses a customized Jeff Sewell plein air painting as their class gift

 Each year, the graduating class of Thurston Middle School presents a class gift to the school to make a lasting positive mark on the campus. This year, the class of 2017 wanted a gift to honor the history of plein air painting in Laguna Beach and Thurston’s commitment to promoting the arts.

 They reached out to the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA), a local nonprofit art organization, who put them in touch with award-winning LB artist Jeff Sewell, LPAPA’s director of education, who also leads LPAPA’s youth education program, The Plein Air Project. 

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Laguna Morning by Jeff Sewell

“LPAPA was thrilled to help with the project,” said Toni Kellenberg, LPAPA president. “I’ve always thought that the local schools should start their own plein air collection, since it’s such an important part of our local heritage.”

 Sewell is one of only four living artists to have his work included in The Irvine Museum’s permanent collection, has had his work included in several museum shows, is a LPAPA signature artist and board member, and is a Thurston parent, so he was a natural choice. He went to work immediately to create a custom plein air painting that he entitled “Laguna Morning.”

 The painting was presented to Thurston during the eighth-grade promotion ceremony that took place at Thurston on Thurs, June 22, and will be on display at Thurston to beautify the space in which it will be hung for years to come.

Elijah Meisse and Jack Smith, LBHS seniors, win top instrumental music awards

Laguna Beach High School seniors Elijah Meisse and Jack Smith were announced as the winners of the top two instrumental music awards for 2017 by LBHS Instrumental Music Director Jeremy Chung at the Music Boosters’ annual Band Picnic June 10. 

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Elijah Meisse and Jack Smith

Jack Smith received the John Philip Sousa Award recognizing superior musicianship and outstanding dedication.  Since 1955, this award has represented the pinnacle of achievement in honoring the top high school band student each year. Smith’s name will be added to the National Sousa Registry.

Elijah Meisse was presented with the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, which was inaugurated shortly after this great jazz artist died in 1971. This achievement represents the highest level interscholastic award given to a high school jazz musician in recognition of outstanding musical achievement and dedication to the program.  

Both winners received personal trophies, framed certificates, and award pins.  Their names will be added to the perpetual plaques for each award showcased at Laguna Beach High School.

Savor the sounds – and tastes – of the South Sea at a local luau on July 8

On Saturday July 8, Laguna Beach Net-Works presents a uniquely Lagunan Luau at The Woman’s Club, 286 St. Ann’s Drive.

The fun fundraiser will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m and will include a Hawaiian BBQ dinner from 6 - 7:30 p.m., followed by Tupua Aloha Entertainment at 7:30 p.m.

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Lots of fun at the luau last year

Attendees will see a primitive Samoan flaming fire knife dance, feel the beat of rhythmic Tahitian drums and enjoy graceful hula dancing, all in the spirit of love and aloha. Tickets cost $20 for the luau and $15 for the barbeque.

Net-Works is a non-profit that helps people enter into a new season of life. 

For more information and tickets, call Laguna Beach Net-Works at (714) 231-1230 or visit the organization’s website at www.Net-WorksLB.org.

Burst into song with Brooke Briggs at Sing-Along Storytime on June 27 at Laguna Beach Library

Back by popular demand, the Laguna Beach Library presents Sing-Along Storytime with Brooke Briggs on Tues, July 27, at 10:30 a.m. This musical sing-along is a 30-minute interactive story time with reading, singing, dancing, and musical instruments. 

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Sing along with Brooke Briggs at Sing-Along Storytime on June 27 at LBL

Miss Brooke fills the room, so it’s best not to be late. It’s a free family story time for kids of all ages. No preregistration is necessary. LBL is located at 363 Glenneyre St. For more information, call 949-497-1733.

Mick will light up your life: Pet of the Week

If you have a six-foot fenced yard, and need a playful pup to fill it, Mick is for you. He is a young male English Pointer, and he’s already been neutered. He has a beautiful black, cream and white coat. Mick is very active (thus the requirement for the six-foot fenced yard), and just needs someone to throw a ball or Frisbee for him. 

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Mick is full of life and ready for his close-up (who can resist those soulful eyes?)

The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter adoption procedures are designed to make sure that both the potential family and the animal adopted are in the very best situation possible. Due to their approach to adoption, their return rate is five percent as compared to the national return rate of fifty percent.

The LB Animal Shelter is located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Rd, (949) 497-3552, or go to the website for information on adoption procedures:    www.puplagunabeach.org/our-pets.php.

Laguna’s nonprofit Arts & Culture industry generates $95.4 million in economic activity and 2.5K+ jobs

The nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $95.4 million in annual economic activity in Laguna Beach, supporting 2,512 full-time equivalent jobs and generating $8.8 million in local and state government revenues, according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 national economic impact study. 

Americans for the Arts, which conducted the study, is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts educationin partnership with the City of Laguna Beach.

Results show that nonprofit arts and culture organizations spent $40.1 million during fiscal year 2015. This spending is far-reaching: organizations pay employees, purchase supplies, contract for services and acquire assets within their community.

Those dollars, in turn, generated $32.6 million in household income for local residents and $8.8 million in local and state government revenues.

The arts mean business

“This study demonstrates that the arts are an economic and employment powerhouse both locally and across the nation,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “A vibrant arts and culture industry helps local businesses thrive and helps local communities become stronger and healthier places to live. Leaders who care about community and economic vitality can feel good about choosing to invest in the arts. Nationally as well as locally, the arts mean business.”

In addition to spending by organizations, the nonprofit arts and culture industry leverages $55 million in event-related spending by its audiences. As a result of attending a cultural event, attendees often eat dinner in local restaurants, pay for parking, buy gifts and souvenirs, and pay a babysitter.

The arts make Laguna special – and are key to its economic vitality

“I have always known that the arts in Laguna Beach make it a special place, but it is wonderful to learn just how much they contribute to the economic vitality of our town,” said Mayor Toni Iseman.

The Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study was conducted by Americans for the Arts and supported by The Ruth Lilly Fund of Americans for the Arts. Americans for the Arts’ local, regional, and statewide project partners contributed both time and financial support to the study. Financial information from organizations was collected in partnership with DataArts™, using a new online survey interface. 

For a full list of the communities who participated in the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study, visit www.AmericansForTheArts.org/AEP5Partners.

The Laguna Beach study can be found at http://www.lagunabeachcity.net/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=18372

10 local women artists create responses to President Trump; exhibits on show at BC Space until July 15

“Women OnWord,” a unique exhibit inspired by the election of the president last November, showcases the work of selected women artists who were asked to create works that included words juxtaposed with their own style and media. 

“With the election of Donald Trump, I decided it was vital for women artists to speak their mind and that creating pieces inserting words, might be an asset in producing some meaningful work. For a number of us the challenge of incorporating words was unique, while being part of the usual avenue for others,” Jennifer Griffiths, who curated the exhibition, notes. 

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Photo courtesy BC Space

Artist Hedy Buzan, Rev. Dr. Paul Murray, mixed media

Griffiths adds, “Aesthetically, the art works exhibited here relay a softness... the feminine, moving straight to the significance of commitment, inclusion, strength and determination. The underlying tremor of jitters (that we all feel) is there for sure, but dances below the main force of each work.”

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Photo courtesy BC Space

Artist Darlene Campbell, S.O.S., Oil on board

The result is an extraordinary visual and visceral feast by some of our great locals, Griffiths says.

Artists include Hedy Buzan, Darlene Campbell, Sandra Jones Campbell, Jennifer Griffiths, Dana Herkelrath, Andrea Lee Harris McGee, Bette Mcintire, Colleen Kennedy Premer, Karen Feuer Schwager and Sheryl Smith Seltzer.  

The show, Women OnWord, curated by Griffiths, is on view at BC Space, 235 Forest Ave.

 On July 12, the studio will host an event featuring women writers reading their words on President Trump. Call 497-1880 for more information.

Lynn Munson takes over as senior minister at LBUMC

Lynn Munson is taking over as senior minister at Laguna Beach United Methodist Church in July.  She comes to LBUMC from Yorba Linda United Methodist Church. 

Although Pastor Munson was born in Chicago, she has lived most of her life in Orange County. She came to Fullerton when she was nine years old and lived in Huntington Beach after she graduated from high school.  

Pastor Munson received a BS in psychology from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa and a Master of Divinity at Claremont School of Theology. She also has completed course work to be a ministry coach.

“My ministry work has focused on revitalization ministries and new ministries,” she says. “I have served on the Board of Congregational Development and currently serve on the District Committee on Ordained Ministry (for the United Methodist Church).”  

The mother of three adult children, Pastor Munson adds, “I always feel drawn to what God is doing next in His church in our world and am passionate about Jesus’ great commission to make disciples by sharing God’s love, acceptance and our witness of Jesus Christ.”

Pastor Munson is replacing Mandy Sloan McDow, who will be leading the First United Methodist Church of Los Angeles, revamping the urban church through outreach ministry.

Contact Donna Feeney, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , 949-249-5495 for more information

Create a legacy for The Boys & Girls Club of LB

This is the time of year to talk to a financial advisor, CPA and estate planning attorney on how to lower yourtaxes for 2017. The Boys and Girls Club of Laguna Beach has estate planning and tax specialists that can assist in planning needs. 

Here are some ideas: Give tax free from a IRA up to $100,000 a year to the Boys & Girls Club, consider a Donor Advised Fund and donate Appreciated Stock to the Boys & Girls Club, or a charitable bequest (one of the easiest ways to leave a lasting impact on the Boys & Girls Club), or consider a Charitable Lead Annuity Trust or become a member of the Heritage Club. 

For more information, contact Andrea Randle at 949-715-7918.

City Manager’s Update

Family Fun at Laguna’s Summer Breeze Service Kick-Off Event - On Saturday, July 1, the City of Laguna Beach will hold a fun-filled kickoff event to launch this year’s Summer Breeze bus service at the parking lot at the corner of the 405 Freeway and SR133. 

The event starts at 10 a.m. and continues until 2 p.m. offering family fun festivities for the whole family. There will be carnival games, refreshments, and prizes and there is no cost for the attendees. There will also be a special drawing for the first 100 people to ride the Summer Breeze that day. Prizes include two premier seats to the Festival of the Arts’ Pageant of the Masters, tickets to Taste of Laguna, Laguna Playhouse, restaurants and more! For additional information on the Summer Breeze free parking and bus service, go to www.lagunabeachcity.net/summerbreeze.

Lifeguard Staffing Level-One Begins on June 24 - Swim near a lifeguard. Full staffing of the City’s 30 lifeguard towers will begin on June 24, and continue through Labor Day, September 4.

Spot-the-Banner Contest - There is an upside-down summer banner currently hanging somewhere in the city. Can you find it? Email a picture of the banner to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to become eligible for a special prize by Monday, June 26.

Laguna Beach’s 90th Birthday - Come join us on Tuesday, June 27, at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate the City’s 90th birthday! The celebration will take place at City Hall in the Council Chambers. The celebration will include a brief ceremony, a celebratory cake, and a birthday keepsake for attendees. For more information contact Recreation Supervisor, Adam Gufarotti at (949) 497-0304.

Arts and Economic Prosperity Report 5 - On June 17, Robert Lynch, President and CEO of Americans for the Arts announced the findings of the Arts and Economic Prosperity Report. Non-profit arts and culture generated $95.4 million in annual economic activity in Laguna Beach, supporting 2,512 full-time equivalent jobs and generating $8.8 million in local and state revenues. This report was funded by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach. (http://www.lagunabeachcity.net/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=18372.)

Poet Laureate Webpage - Keep up-to-date on the writing of Laguna Beach’s first Poet Laureate, Kate Buckley. Follow Kate’s posts at: http://lagunabeachcity.net/cityhall/art/poet_laureate/poems.htm. This project is funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach. 

Police Department to Participate on OC Pride - The Laguna Beach Police Deportment will be participating and marching in the OC Pride Parade and festival along with other Orange County law enforcement agencies.

Work has Begun at Former Community Services Building - On June 19, work started at the former Community Services Department building adjacent to City Hall.  The scope of work includes a complete renovation of the building interior, a new roof (existing tiles to be re-used), and a new sewer lateral.  

During construction, there will be periodic closures of the lawn and sidewalk area in front of the building and intermittent use of two parking spaces for loading and unloading of construction debris and materials.