Police Files

Two Art Walk participants injured when struck by car

A man and a woman in the 50s were injured at S. Coast Hwy and Thalia St. when they were hit by a car Thursday night at about 7:30.

Both were stabilized by LB Fire paramedics and transported by ambulance to Mission Trauma Center in Mission Viejo.

LBPD Sgt. George Ramos said their injuries were moderate but not life threatening. “The vehicle was headed southbound on Coast Highway and turned eastbound onto Thalia Street. The pedestrians were in the crosswalk northbound when they were struck. The driver of the car, a man in his 50s, is from Laguna Beach as is the man who was struck. The woman lives in Aliso Viejo.”

Sgt. Ramos said the driver had not been drinking. 

“The cause is under investigation,” Sgt. Ramos said.

The names of the driver and the injured were not available at 2 a.m. Friday.

Driver arrested for DUI in front of his Flora St home

Martin Jonathan Hitchin, 49, of Laguna Beach was arrested for suspicion of DUI Tuesday night in front of his Flora Street home, police said.

According to Sgt. Louise Callus, a patrol officer attempted to make a traffic stop at Bluebird Canyon Drive and Santa Cruz Street at about 10:03 but the driver turned onto Santa Cruz and failed to stop until he reached the 500 block of Flora Street.

Sgt. Callus said in an email, “The driver exited the vehicle and attempted to walk toward his residence. The driver was identified as Martin Hitchin. Hitchin displayed symptoms of alcohol intoxication and was detained for a DUI investigation. 

“During the investigation, several neighbors exited their residences and verbally disrespected and interrupted officers during the investigation. There was one passenger inside the vehicle who became uncooperative and attempted to exit the vehicle. 

“While both officers focused their attention on the passenger, Hitchin attempted to walk away from the investigation and enter his home.” 

Hitchin was arrested for suspicion of drunk driving and resisting/obstructing/delaying an officer.

The passenger was not charged.

Celebrate Good Taste in Laguna Beach this Friday thru Sunday

Sip, Dine, Savor and Getaway ... when Celebrate Good Taste – A Three-Day Culinary Adventure takes place Friday, March 7 – Sunday, March 9, 2014 throughout town! The event has been organized by Visit Laguna Beach.

Experience world-class cuisine and prix fixe menus created by award-winning chefs. Take-in food & beverage pairings, chefs’ tables and major daily events. Exclusive hotel packages are also available so you can take advantage of all the offerings over the three days.

“Laguna Beach has been recognized as a culinary destination for many years,” said Karyn Philippsen, event co-chair. “We are looking forward to this three-day celebration by bringing people together to enjoy inventive cuisine paired with superb wine & beer offerings, while experiencing our renowned art community and warm hospitality.”

Download a PDFof all events

Open letter from the Patriot’s Day Parade Committee

On behalf of the Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade Association, I want to thank you for your support of our parade this year and for your understanding of our decision to cancel.

Mother Nature has been kind to us for many years by not raining on our parade. The last cancellation was in 1985.  Unfortunately this year many of our entries decided that the weather was too unstable for them to attend.  We made the decision to cancel on Friday morning during very strong winds and heavy rain.  Because of the permits and insurance involved it was not possible to reschedule the parade to a later date.

The volunteer members of our parade committee work diligently for six months to organize this event and rely mainly on financial support from our program advertisers and donors.  We are a very small group of local residents and many of us have been on the committee for 40 years or more.

Judging from the comments we have received during our travels around town, there are many of you who consider our Patriots Day Parade a special event in your lives.  We are always looking for volunteers to join our committee or help on parade day.  Duties include marshaling along the parade route or simply passing out programs.

For further information or to obtain parade programs, contact Entry Chair Sandi Werthe at (949) 494-6016 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

We look forward to better weather on Saturday, March 7, 2015, for Patriots Day Parade #49.

Ed Hanke, President 

Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade Association

Community fundraiser for Stephan Chapman Saturday 

Local resident Stephan Chapman was recently diagnosed with a rare form of fast growing Lymphoma cancer. He is 25 years old and currently has no medical insurance. Chapman grew up here in Laguna Beach and graduated from the high school in ‘06. The community is rallying around the Chapman family in love and support and…financially. 

There will be a community fundraiser to help support the Chapman family on Saturday, March 8 from 3 to 7 p.m. at 2250 Park Avenue.

Ron I will perform live music – there will be drinks – just bring an appetizer.

Oh, and bring your checkbook! There is no charge to attend and there will be some great auction items including a 55-inch LED flat screen and a San Shi Go sushi party.

Please help the Chapman family, and their oldest son Stephan, by attending this important fundraiser. For more information on the Chapman Family Fundraiser, or ways to help, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . They really need your help; so please log onto www.carecalendar.org, ID: 173262, code: 3739.

Do Coyotes Climb Trees in Heisler Park?

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Marc Vill

While on an early morning walk with his German Shepard Artie reacted to this coyote sitting in a tree near the Heisler restrooms. The photo was taken at 7:30.

We asked Jay Rubin to enhance the coyote for us.

Wigu Publishing releases “When I Grow Up I Want To Be…a Firefighter!” – series inspires young readers

This highly acclaimed new book series by Laguna Beach-based Wigu Publishing introduces juvenile readers to the people in their communities who serve others through their vocations. With 12 titles already in the works, the When I Grow Up I Want To Be… series promises to both enlighten and inspire young readers.

When I Grow Up I Want To Be…a Firefighter!  begins with a boy named Will who is always excited to go on his class field trips. The next class field trip ought to be like all others; until Will finds out they will be visiting a firehouse. For as long as he can remember, Will has been afraid of fire and, worse than that, firefighters!  Though he knows firefighters are heroes who do dangerous work, to him they are giants in heavy coats and masks. As he journeys with his class through the fire station, Will and readers alike are introduced to the exciting world of firefighting, including home fire safety.

“What a great book about childhood self-discovery, facing fears, and best of all...firefighters! Life lessons and safety messages are cleverly woven into this amusing story from beginning to end. What a fun and educational book for kids about firefighters and what they do,” said Sean Daugherty, Firefighter and Long Beach City College Fire Program Faculty Member.

“Wigu Publishing’s book When I Grow Up I Want To Be…a Firefighter! helps our fire service communicate to kids not to be afraid of firefighters and encourages them to engage their parents in home fire safety. A fun, informative book that hits the mark for safer families and communities,” said Rob Patterson, OC Fire Authority Battalion Chief.

Upcoming books in the When I Grow Up I Want To Be… series include in the U.S. Navy!, a Nurse!, a Veterinarian!, a Good Person!, a Race Car Driver!, and Green! Wigu Publishing is casting for the character in the book titled When I Grow Up I Want To Be…a Good Person! Please visit our website for details.

Wigu Publishing is a collaboration between talented and creative individuals working together to publish informative and fun books for children. Our titles serve to introduce young readers to the people in their communities who serve others through their careers. Wigu’s books are unique in that they help children visualize the abundant opportunities that exist for them to be successful and to make a difference.

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Odyssey Imports invites all to celebrate International Women’s Day all day this Saturday with special discounts available

Join Odyssey Imports to celebrate International Women’s Day this Saturday March 8, with an all-day in-store event, offering complimentary drinks and special discounts. They specialize in importing handcrafted treasures from the Mediterranean coasts, and this Saturday they will be showcasing the exquisite creations handmade by women from the region. 

Annually on March 8, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate their achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activities connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women’s craft markets and fashion shows.

Creating awareness about this special day, and supporting the social enterprises and organizations directly involved in the education and empowerment of women is their way of helping make a difference!

Plan to join in the fun, and enjoy many specials on product lines launched by and for women, improving their lives everyday.

Odyssey Imports is located in Panno Plaza, 490 S Coast Hwy #8, Laguna Beach. Contact Valerie and David for more information at 949.272.0129 or visit them online at www.odyssey-imports.com.

Whoa!

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Mike Altishin

Assistance League Laguna Beach honors three of its own

Assistance League Laguna Beach has honored three of its volunteer members.

Norma McKibban, a dedicated member for 21 years, has been honored as Active Member Volunteer of the Year. 

She has been Early Intervention Program (EIP) Chairman, Chairman of the Thrift Shop three times as well as Membership Chairman, Buildings Chairman, Assisteens Coordinator and a committee member of the National Organization of Assistance League.

Norma re-upholstered all of the rocking chairs in which the members sit and rock the babies in the Early Intervention Program. She is first on the scene with help and meals for members who have had surgery or who are seriously ill. She volunteers for jobs others do not like and is most deserving of the honor of Volunteer of the Year.

Margot Rosenberg received the honor of Associate volunteer of the year. She joined the League in 2012 and became a member of the Public Relations Committee right away. She worked hours updating the chapter’s brochure, which has just been printed and is ready for distribution. 

Margot is currently designing handouts for the Thrift Shop customers. She is an Associate member who is giving a lot of time in her field of expertise.

Carrie Joyce, left, is presenting Donna Magwood her award for Professional Volunteer of the Year. The Professionals are a membership classification in Assistance League for those who have full time jobs. Because they are employed, they have less time to participate in many of the activities of Assistance League.

However, Donna has been able to be most generous with her limited time. She is secretary of the Public Relations Committee, she was instrumental in collecting and sending books and toiletries to our troops deployed in Afghanistan and she volunteers in the Thrift Shop and participates in handing out flyers at Farmers’ market on Saturdays. She has certainly earned Professional Volunteer of the Year.

Mindfulness Meditation offers free beginner sessions

Mindfulness Meditation free sessions for beginners and experienced adults open to anyone who is interested, to be offered twice in March, Thursday evening the 13th at 6:30 p.m., and Thursday evening the 27th at 6:30 p.m., at the UU Fellowship Hall, 429 Cypress Dr. The instructor for this month is Carol Aguilar who has been teaching at the Zen Center of Orange County for more than 20 years.

Sessions will be two 20-minute periods divided by a talk and time for questions.

In 2007, more than 20,000,000 Americans had practiced meditation in the past twelve months according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Folks turn to meditation to help make better decisions, break bad habits, and “bounce back better after disappointments.” 

Outcomes can include feeling closer to families and friends, more at home and at ease in their own bodies and minds, and feeling part of something larger than themselves. Ease with dealing with a society in constant flux, stressors that come with child rearing and technology, greater tranquility in the face of losses and threats, continual change. 

Meditation is not a religion; requires no special skills or background; doesn’t demand a big chunk of your time every day; doesn’t eliminate sadness or rough patches in a life; isn’t an attempt to stop thinking or thinking only positive thoughts; doesn’t require giving up opinions, passions, goals or fun; is not navel gazing. Can’t attend but want to learn?  A good book with CD’s: “Real Happiness” by Sharon Salzberg. If you have any questions, contact Frances at 949-715-1517

“Popcorn Clouds”

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Cindy Shopoff

Healthy Eating Store Tour Series continues at Whole Foods Market Laguna Beach on Wednesday, March 12th at 6 p.m.

From a press release

Whether you’re taking that first step toward a complete health overhaul, or just trying to get quick nutritious meals on the table night after night, we know it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Mark your calendar to join our Whole Foods Market Healthy Eating Specialist (Jamboree), Gerrie Adams, to help provide you with the tools you need to make healthy eating decisions. 

Whole Foods Healthy Eating Specialist Gerrie Adams

You’ll taste your way throughout our store while getting all your healthy eating questions answered, plus learn about Whole Foods Market’s Four Pillars of Healthy Eating, and how our Health Starts Here® program takes the guesswork out of choosing the right foods. Find out what’s in season, and discover how to choose and use the most nutrient-rich foods. Learn what to look for when reading labels, and get recipes that fit your special diet needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Look for Health Starts Here labeled foods in our 100% organic salad bar, as well as prepared meals in the self- and full-serve cases. And don’t forget -- every Tuesday (all day long) we offer our Health Starts Here “Five for $5” Mix ‘n Match Meal Deal — that’s five wholesome portions of delicious and healthy food. It’s our guarantee that you’re getting “fast” food you can feel great about. Visit wholefoodsmarket.com/healthy-eating for more information.

Space is limited. Please RSVP by emailing our marketing team leader at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Whole Foods is located at 283 Broadway Street. Please call 949-376-7888 with any questions.

LBGC next week: Topher Delaney, landscape architect and environmental artist, on “The Healing Power of Gardens”

Topher Delaney will be the guest speaker at the upcoming meeting of the Laguna Beach Garden Club, 9:30 a.m., Friday, March 14th at Laguna Beach Presbyterian Church, Tankersley Hall, 415 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach.

Delaney brings her unique perspective and passionate belief to this discussion of the healing power of gardens, and how her works embrace the material, physical world, in their connection to the land, to the body.

At the age of 39, Topher Delaney, a San Francisco-based artist and landscape designer, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She made a pact with God: If she survived, she vowed to devote her practice to helping others heal. And that is what she has been doing for more than 20 years. 

She believes, “Gardens are sanctuaries, hallowed places of personal retreat.” Delaney’s projects explore cultural interpretations of landscape architecture, site installation and public art. Her projects range in scale from intimate to expansive, from private residences to medical facilities, corporate gardens and large-scale public art installations. Her gardens at NYC Beth Israel Hospital, USC Norris Cancer Center Memorial Garden, San Diego Children’s Hospital, to name a few, demonstrate the palpably healing character of her work.

Delaney received her B.A. in Landscape Architecture at the University of California at Berkeley after studying cultural anthropology and philosophy at Barnard College. Delaney has received numerous awards and honors for her achievements. Her practice, SEAM Studio, evolved from a traditional landscape architectural practice to an atelier, whose works “seam” together cultural, social and artistic narratives. 

To learn more, access Seam Studio’s website at: www.tdelaney.com.