Police Files

Lizzie Mulder, embezzler who stole more than $1.5 million from local businesses, is sentenced to prison

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Mulder, the owner and operator of a financial services company based in Laguna Beach that provided accounting, tax and bookkeeping services to small businesses throughout Orange County, was sentenced this week to five years and three months in federal prison for embezzling more than $1.5 million from her clients.

Mulder, a 34-year-old former Laguna Beach resident, pled guilty in June to wire fraud and subscribing to a false income tax return for failing to report the misappropriated funds to the IRS. 

She convinced nearly all of her victims to make checks payable to “Income Tax Payments” under the guise that the money would be used to satisfy clients’ past and future tax obligations. Instead, these checks went to a fictitious business called “Income Tax Payments,” and the funds used by Mulder to pay for her rental home in Laguna Beach, cosmetic surgery, vacations, a horse, and more. 

Photo courtesy LBPD

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Mulder befriended most of her victims before stealing more than $1.5 million from them between July 2009 and May 2016

“By developing and continuing personal friendships with the victims, Mulder was able to assume responsibilities for their small business accounting needs and then proceeded to steal from them,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum. “Her conduct resulted in various levels of financial loss and emotional distress to the victims, many of whom were required to drain their personal bank accounts or retirement funds in an attempt to avoid bankruptcy.”

In addition to her time in prison, Mulder has been ordered to pay $1,538,781 in restitution to seven victims, including the IRS.  

Spate of residential burglaries continues: three more reported in the last week

On Tuesday, a resident was dropped off at her home on Smithcliffs Road and realized immediately that something was not right. Suspecting that someone was inside the residence, she called the police. 

Officers and a canine unit confirmed that the residence was empty, but someone had definitely been inside. 

A final loss inventory has not yet been completed, but some of the victim’s jewelry was taken.

“This is possibly related to other residential burglaries,” said Sgt. Jim Cota, LBPD spokesperson.“We’re investigating the links.”

On Monday morning, a resident in the 200 block of Lower Cliff Drive came home after being away for three weeks and realized that someone had been inside the residence.

The loss, which included UPS uniforms, a fur coat, a computer, Kindle, iPad and other miscellaneous items, was estimated at about $3,000. 

The suspect may have accessed this home through an unlocked door.

And again, on Sunday, in the 200 block of Crescent Bay Drive, a resident returned home to find random items taken from their house – a computer worth $1,200, an iPhone 6 worth $800, makeup, a classic print Louis Vuitton bag, a UPS package and more – the total loss was estimated at $5,000.

At this residence as well, the suspect may have entered through an unlocked door.

“Residents must be sure to lock all doors and windows – always – and take additional precautions if the home will be empty for a few days,” said Sgt. Jim Cota.

Along with these precautions, residents need to be reminded, Sgt. Cota said, that

the LBPD offers vacation house checks. Just stop by the police station during business

hours to fill out a request form.

America First rally scheduled for Main Beach on Sunday – what residents need to know

A rally to “…bring awareness to Extortion 17 and Benghazi” has been organized for Sunday from 7 to 10 p.m. at Main Beach.

At time of writing, 44 people had RSVPed as “Going” on the Facebook page, with another 262 “Interested.”

The Laguna Beach Police Department is prepared for this event and will have officers on foot as well as some on horseback patrolling the area.

Photo by Scott Brashier

Officers on horseback patrolled at the America First rally in August, where an estimated 2,500 people gathered

LBPD and outside agencies will be setting up at 5 p.m. 

“Residents should continue with any plans that they have,” said Sgt. Jim Cota. “LBPD is here to protect residents. Don’t change your life or lifestyle because of the activities of protestors.”

At least one counter-protest group has been in touch to seek an area set aside for them.

Historic Preservation Ordinance finally moves to council: Planning commission recommends approval despite hostile audience

Council delays hearing

By BARBARA DIAMOND

A hostile audience of more than 50 opponents to the draft Historic Preservation Ordinance shouted in unison and separately, booed and hooted Wednesday’s Planning Commission meeting. 

It was ugly. And virtually no one appeared happy with the outcome.  

“We need to slam on the brakes,” said Hillary Cole, although one of the opponents. 

The commission slogged its way through the mostly negative and often rancorous public comments by more than 30 speakers and voted 4-1 to recommend the City Council adopt the ordinance, as proposed by staff and expected by opponents. 

“I am for a voluntary process,” said Commissioner Sue Kemfp, the lone vote against the recommended action. 

Voluntary participation is a key issue for ordinance opponents. They believe that owners of homes not voluntarily on the city’s Historic Register should have the right to remodel or maintain their homes without what they consider to be a cumbersome and expensive approval process imposed on them against their will.

The owners must also deal with California Environmental Quality Act requirements. 

“If you have an application to remodel, one issue the city is required to do is determine if CEQA is triggered,” said City Attorney Kathy Jensen. 

Some speakers say ordinance goes too far, others say not far enough

Other speakers from the audience opposed approval of the ordinance because they felt it doesn’t go far enough to protect historic resources. 

Opposition to the ordinance made for strange bedfellows.  

Architect Marshall Ininns, whose proposal for the historic Coast Inn was opposed by Village Laguna, found himself agreeing with the group’s president and a member of Laguna Beach Preservation Coalition Johanna Felder, in opposition to the proposed ordinance, although for different reasons.

Felder’s coalition recommended a city-wide inventory. Innins said, trash the inventory. Both urged the commission to vote no on the ordinance.

“We have participated in the planning process for the historic preservation program and ordinance since late 2014,” Felder said. “However, even after all that time and five (Wednesday made six), long and broad-ranging hearings at the Planning Commission, we find the resulting ordinance deficient in multiple ways.”

She stated that the draft puts historic resources (structures) in greater jeopardy than the existing ordinance. 

“We are particularly concerned that C-rated properties have no protection against demolition or complete access to incentives,” Felder said.

The coalition will pursue their goal when the ordinance comes before the council.   

So, no doubt, will the vociferous opponents.

“Do your homework,” some protestors are told

Commissioner Anne Johnson suggested that protestors who said they had only recently heard about the ordinance should do their homework and read through the draft. 

Several of the first-timers were out-of-town owners of Laguna Beach property, who claimed ignorance of the ordinance until contacted by the opponents. 

“There is a lot of misunderstanding about what is going on here,” said Commissioner Ken Sadler. “We are not an evil cabal. My goal is to make it easier for property owners.”

He noted that the commission had demoted C-rated homes and the inventory on which they were listed is no longer valid.

After the hearing ended, opponents continued their discussion outside the council chambers. 

Retired Fire Captain Eugene D’Isabella was still steaming. 

“I dragged people out of the Bluebird landslide and put my life on the line in 1993, and now my city wants to take my property from me,” he said. 

A “taking” may occur when governmental actions deplete the value of a property, which some opponents of the ordinance accuse the city. 

City officials perhaps felt a cooling off period would prevent a repeat of the combative meeting and tentatively rescheduled the council hearing on the ordinance from Nov 14 to Jan. 23.

A complete version of the draft is available on the city’s web site www.lagunabeachcity.org.

City will discuss new options at its Tuesday meeting to underground utilities and mitigate severe fire risk

Renewing its commitment to public safety and fire prevention, the City of Laguna Beach will consider advancing new policy and funding solutions to remove utility poles and underground wires citywide at its upcoming October 24 City Council meeting. The City Council agenda item can be viewed at this link:

http://lagunabeachcity.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=3&event_id=254&meta_id=54919.

In addition to considering a portfolio of solutions, the City Council will also consider repealing its preliminary undergrounding ordinance, opting to settle expensive litigation initiated by regional utilities and pursue more cost-effective options.  

A recent Los Angeles Times feature exposed how power lines and electrical equipment are a leading cause of wildfires in California. 

“Laguna knows all too well about the devastation caused by wildfires and my heart goes out to all those whose lives were changed in an instant by the massive fires in Northern California,” said Councilmember Bob Whalen.  

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Photo by Dave Day

Just last week, an accident brought down power lines and closed the Canyon Road for hours

“Reading that these fires may have been sparked by overhead utility lines and equipment once again sends an urgent message – in high risk fire zones, above ground utilities are a grave danger.  Our residents in Laguna live every day with the threat of destruction from fires sparked by power lines and transformers. The utility companies have refused to help expedite undergrounding leaving us no choice but to ask our community to support a local funding plan.  We must get this done to protect lives and property.»  

City Council will discuss new options on Tuesday Oct 24

On Tuesday, the City Council will discuss and potentially vote on the following recommended actions:  

Approve and authorize the purchase of California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Rule 20A undergrounding credits from Rancho Santa Margarita and Indian Wells at $0.55 on the dollar;

Direct staff to use $3 million in available funds and up to $4 million in Measure LL, Street Lighting and Rule 20A funds available during the next two fiscal years for undergrounding of utilities along highest priority evacuation routes;

Direct staff to continue to investigate other funding opportunities and present to the City Council in the near future; and

Repeal the city’s ordinance designed to reduce severe fire risk and utility pole related traffic accidents by requiring utility companies to underground all new and replacement utility infrastructure.

The City passed an ordinance in March 2017 designed to reduce severe fire risk and utility pole related traffic accidents by requiring utility companies to underground all new and replacement utility infrastructure. 

In response to the ordinance, Southern California Edison (SCE) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) filed lawsuits against the City to prevent enactment of the ordinance. Faced with the threat of a long and expensive litigation process, the City Council has reached a settlement agreement with the two utilities and will consider repealing the ordinance while continuing to pursue more cost-effective alternatives.

“We must focus on solutions,” says Mayor Iseman

 “We strongly believe the utilities should step up and share in the cost of undergrounding their dangerous wires and we’re disappointed they sued our City in an attempt to avoid paying. However, slogging through costly litigation for years isn’t going to solve the problem in a timely manner. We’re focused on identifying funding options and directing resources as soon as possible to underground these dangerous utility wires,” said Laguna Beach Mayor Toni Iseman. 

The settlement commits the utilities to work with the City to review safety concerns and existing overhead electric systems and discuss opportunities to reduce fire risk. It also allows for the advancement of Rule 20A funds for up to five years for city initiated undergrounding projects. SCE has agreed to develop preliminary designs for undergrounding of electric facilities along Laguna Canyon Road in 12 months, and SDG&E agreed to advance the City initial funding for engineering and design costs for undergrounding projects that take place within the next five years.

The City Council agreed that fighting a long legal battle would not serve the community’s best interest – not when the threat to public safety is imminent. 

In the last 10 years, downed utility lines have caused at least five significant fires, and 58 vehicles have collided with utility poles on Laguna Canyon Road. 

With millions of visitors each year and only two evacuation roads leading out of the city, the next disaster could be more devastating than the last.

Stu on the Street: 

In which we ask regular Lagunans for their opinions on local issues…today it’s the Park Plaza

Compiled, written and photographed by Suzie Harrison

Stu on the Street is our new series that features Laguna residents. It’s focused on finding out your views about local issues that affect you personally.

It’s not a scientific survey, of course, simply a snapshot of opinions from regular folk, not just the usual movers and shakers around town. 

So in the weeks to come, be on the lookout for your friendly local reporter on the Stu on the Street beat.

(And as always, we welcome Letters to the Editor!)

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Rendering of proposed Park Plaza (located behind the library)

For Stu on the Street deux, I thought it appropriate to go to downtown since it’s the location pertaining to this week’s topic. Pre-scouting, I strolled the area, checking out any progress on said location then made my way about town, where I posed the questions, “What do you think about the pedestrian Park Plaza? Do you think it will affect traffic or parking downtown?”

It’s fair to say that some locals I spoke with had no idea what I was talking about or asking. But for the locals who knew about it, there seemed to be a common consensus of approval. And excitingly, I found Lagunans of all ages engaged in the topic. 

Allie Evans, LBHS student and Breakers Varsity Volleyball Team player

“I think that the pedestrian plaza is a great idea for locals and visitors to have a place to come together. I am all for it.” 

Taylor Magee, LBHS student and Breakers Varsity Volleyball Team player

“With the many tourists that visit Laguna Beach, I think that the pedestrian plaza is a great idea. The Plaza allows for a comfortable social setting and there aren’t really any real drawbacks to closing that area. Can’t wait for it.”

Medhi Lahedi, Owner of Copy & Print Center for 27 years

“The Park, I think that’s a great idea because what it does it helps a lot of people to sit down and relax, enjoy their time, get refreshed, and to start all over again, to do more shopping and to visit. 

“I think they should have done it last year. I thought it was great idea. Yes, it’s going to take parking away. But at the same time, people when they are fresh, they can stay out longer and do more shopping and have dinner somewhere. It’s going to cause some inconvenience for a while, but we’ll get used to it.”

Robert Linnaus, Architect

“I think it’s a great idea. I think the City can use that and more like it. 

[Regarding possible traffic or parking issues associated with Park Plaza], “No worse than it is right now. I think actually, the City of Laguna Beach could be a little more pedestrian friendly and that would help in that regard. I think it will be a welcome change for both tourists and residents.”

As you like it: Now open for business, Slice offers plethora of pizza choices and that’s not all

Story by DIANNE RUSSELL

Photos by Shaena Stabler

The moment I walked through the door at Slice, Cary and Suzanne Redfearn’s new gourmet pizza restaurant, taking in the setting, sights, and smells, it was obvious this was a unique pizzeria. (The Redfearns own The Lumberyard across the road.)

As Cary explained, Slice is all about choice, and in every element of the dining experience, the options are abundant.

Let’s start with the pizza. Diners plan their own eating experience from top to bottom - from pizza dough, to toppings, to salad ingredients, to beverages. Everything’s optional, everything is your choice. 

This rare restaurant experience begins at a counter where diners select a pizza (from Slice classics or build your own) and then move along a space containing the optional toppings. (Shaena and I ordered the classic Margherita, it was fantastic, thin crisp crust with organic sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese.) 

At the preview on Tuesday evening, all in attendance, (adults and children), appeared to love it.

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Choice is what Slice is all about

Choice is what Slice is all about. Under the two large televisions is a self-serve craft beer wall (with three wines too). What a concept! An adult’s dream – choose your poison, as they say.

After I purchased a wristband and chose a glass from the rack, Suzanne showed me how to press the wrist fob onto the desired beverage dispenser (it flashes green). The machine then portions out the number of ounces and keeps track of the amount dispensed. It also has an automatic glass washing function, so that other beers or wines may be selected. 

And as in a child’s dream, there is a soda machine that offers endless combinations of flavors to mix custom formulas. 

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Art includes the Global Angel Wings Project by Collette Miller

The staging for this dining experience is especially inviting, and the artistic touches add to the ambience and creative vibe exclusive to Laguna. 

In the background behind the counter, the 7,000-pound oven (that cooks an 11” pizza in 90 seconds) sits like an enormous red jewel. Suzanne Redfearn said, “I saw one when I was in San Luis Obispo. It fits perfectly in the space.”

Unexpectedly (and impossible not to touch), a bottle-cap portrait of half a woman’s face takes up the wall next to the counter. 

Reminiscent of pizzerias back east and in Northern California, the walls are made of used brick, adding to the warmth of the space, and there is a long wooden family style table in the center with a higher counter and stools facing the windows. 

A visit to the restroom – which was designed by Suzanne - reveals walls partially covered in Scrabble tiles, begging the question, how many games did she have to buy to complete this task? 

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Portrait made entirely of bottle caps

Diners either entering or leaving Slice via Third Street will spot a surprising and beautiful piece of artwork on the restaurant’s outside wall, the Global Angel Wings Project by artist Collette Miller. 

The first wings she painted in 2012 were self-authorized street art installation in a derelict neighborhood in LA. Since then, her wings have taken flight around the world. In her words, “I created the angel wings project to remind humanity that we are the angels of this earth.” 

Passing by it, (and it’s a wonderful photo opportunity), is a perfect beginning or end to a visit to Slice. And definitely don’t pass up the experience of having your meal at Slice – as you like it.

Slice is located at 477 Forest Ave, www.slicelb.com., 949.715.3993.

Ducking, diving & Dodgeballing: 56 teams battled for glory at SchoolPower’s D-ball Tournament on Oct 18

Don’t Stop Ballievin’. The Dodgefathers. Throwbocops. These are just some of the 56 teams that battled for glory at SchoolPower’s Dodgeball VIII tournament on Wednesday October 18. 

More than 500 costumed players, coaches, referees and scorekeepers, as well as countless cheering spectators, filled the LBHS gymnasium at this hugely popular event. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo courtesy SchoolPower

PrescribeWellness captured the High/School Adult Division title

Competition was fierce in all divisions. Congratulations to the following teams that dodged their way to victory:

4th-5th Grade Division: Dodgefathers

6th-8th Grade Division: Dodge “IT” (Best Costume: The Old Dodgers )

High School/Adult Division: PrescribeWellness 

(Best Costume Tie: Disco Ballers and Golden Ballers)

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Jessi Dunne

Fun watching the games

Participant Logan Bareth, a fourth grader from El Morro Elementary, had a very simple reason for wanting to participate in this year’s tournament, “I like Dodgeball because it’s now my favorite sport. I can play with my friends from school so that’s super fun.” 

In a great show of community spirit, Bareth’s team, The Stu News Dodgers, was sponsored by none other than Stu News Laguna.

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Photo by Jessi Dunne

Logan Barreth, part of the Stu News Dodgers' team, says Dodgeball is now his favorite sport

“Stu News Laguna was honored to sponsor El Morro’s fourth grade Dodgers team this year. SchoolPower’s Dodgeball tournament is not just a fundraiser, it is truly a community institution - something kids and families look forward to every year. We are just so happy to support this cause!” exclaimed Shaena Stabler, Stu News Laguna owner and publisher.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Scott Brashier

This team’s in the pink

The Adult division brought together teams from across the community. Event Sponsor Montage Laguna Beach was so excited they sent two teams to play. 

Local radio station KX 93.5 not only competed again, but also broadcast a play-by-play of the tournament from inside the rowdy gymnasium. A podcast of the coverage is available at KX935.com.

The best costume showdown between the “Disco Ballers” (LBHS teachers) and the “Golden Ballers” (TOW teachers) resulted in a tie and says a lot about school spirit. It’s not every day a kid gets to see her principal in gold lamé pants. 

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Photo by Jessi Dunne

Mousepower!

Dodgeball legend Frana Sadler said about her commitment to this event, “For me, Dodgeball really embodies the spirit of this community. It’s energetic, fun and competitive. It also unites our Laguna Beach families with the SchoolPower community and that’s a great thing.” 

Sadler is ecstatic about new Dodgeball chairs Kristine Flynn and Rob Alshuler who stepped up this year and all the volunteers who continue to make this possible.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Scott Brashier

Going for the gold

Champions from each division won $500 in prize money to designate to a teacher or school program of their choice. Over  $11,000 was raised for SchoolPower, the education foundation that raises money to enrich the education of all LBUSD students.

For more information, visit www.lbschoolpower.org. 

Enjoy the photo gallery! The first six photos are Scott Brashier’s; the second six are by Jessi Dunne.

International Tennis will be played right here in Laguna, today, Fri Oct 20, at  3 p.m. on LBHS court #1

On Fri, Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. Laguna’s most talented male tennis player Tim Kpulun (ATP Tour Pro) and best female player Parris Todd (WTA Tour Pro) will take on So Cal’s best at LBHS Court #1 on Park Ave. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

Tim Kpulun

Laguna’s own will take on elite opponents from across So Cal and beyond in singles.

Both Tim and Parris have made tremendous accomplishments, and will be wonderful mentors to tennis players at LBHS. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

Parris Todd

Only a small fraction of Laguna’s players ever get the chance to watch international level tennis, so this is a great opportunity to watch international-caliber tennis in Laguna Beach’s backyard, at LBHS Court #1.

For more information on this upcoming event and the players attending, log onto www.youtube.com, and type in Parris Todd and TIm Kpulun.

Battle of the Beach Cities between LBHS Boys and Newport Harbor is decided in the final two minutes

A battle of the beach cities played out in the pool Tuesday afternoon at Newport Harbor High School, with both boys’ water polo teams playing a physical game that wasn’t decided until the last two minutes of the fourth quarter. 

The Sailors, ranked No. 5 in CIF Southern Section Division 1 and 2, barely avoided defeat against the No.12-ranked Breakers. Ultimately, Newport Harbor was able to deliver on their power plays, where Laguna Beach fell short in the fourth quarter, failing to score on three of their power play opportunities.

The Breakers trailed 6-3 late in the second quarter, but senior lefty Riley Bumgardner tied the game with just 49 seconds left in the third on a power-play, and the Breakers headed into the fourth 7-7. 

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Photos courtesy LBHS 

Water Polo Boosters

Larson McCarrol     Colton Gregory

Despite the 9-7 defeat, head coach Trevor Lyle is encouraged by his team’s efforts. 

“I’m hoping that we’re starting to click on all cylinders here coming to the end of the season,” Lyle said. “We were really looking to put together a consistent four quarters, and I feel like we did that today.” 

The Breakers offense spread the points between senior center Larsen McCarroll with two goals, while Colton Gregory, Sebastian Jacobs, Peter Weiland and lefty Will Clark all had one goal each. 

Sophomore goalie Caden Capobianco had 10 saves and three steals for Laguna Beach. Capobianco has a tough act to follow after the graduation last year of goalie Gordon Pike. 

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Peter Weiland      Will Clark

 “The sky is the limit,” Lyle said. “Him being a sophomore, early on in the season he was getting comfortable playing at the varsity level consistently. He’s just gotten more and more comfortable at our defenses, understanding where the shots are coming from…the defense is starting to come together and he’s playing some great water polo.”

Laguna went on to win Wednesday’s away conference game against Godinez (Santa Ana, CA) by a score of 18-6.

The Breakers enter this weekend as the #1 seed in the Steve Pal Memorial Tournament, beginning with two games on Friday evening at Beckman High School in Irvine.

LBHS Homecoming 2017

Photos by Scott Brashier

Senior Sean Nolan in action

Luc LaMontagne, Homecoming King, with Alexa Anderson, Homecoming Queen

Junior class performance

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El Morro Elementary School celebrates different abilities during Respect-ABILITY Month

Throughout the entire month of Oct, El Morro Elementary will celebrate different abilities in an effort to educate the school community about the value of a diverse and inclusive campus that supports all students regardless of individual differences.

Together, the El Morro Character Counts Crew and Ability Awareness parent volunteers organized a month filled with guest speakers, special events, and assemblies that create an environment where students, teachers, staff, and community members are provided with an opportunity to look beyond any physical or hidden challenges that a person might have.

“My goal for El Morro Elementary School is to create a school culture of respect, inclusion, and acceptance,” said Chris Duddy, principal at El Morro.

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Principal Chris Duddy stands by the principle that no one should be bullied

Events include a respectABILITY assembly and a day of unity on National Anti-Bullying Day, with the entire campus community invited to wear orange.

“As much as we like to believe that we live in a society that is accepting of those with different abilities, that isn’t always the case. I know this firsthand because I’m the mother of a special needs child. My daughter has autism and simple things that most people take for granted, like going grocery shopping or playing at a park, can be tremendously overwhelming for us,” said Alicia Glass, El Morro PTA Special Education Liaison.

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Recess should be time for fun, with no bullying

Glass added, “Special needs families are unbelievably strong; we can handle the public meltdowns and aggression with grace, but you never truly get used to the stares or rude comments. For this reason, I developed the concept for Respect-Ability Month. It is my hope that if we can educate children, parents, and teachers on, not only what these different conditions look like, but how to best approach and assist those with different abilities, that perhaps one day families like mine will be able to take our children out in public or send them to school without fear of judgment.”

In support of this effort, the Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education approved Resolution 17-21, Support for National Bullying Prevention Month, to help align El Morro’s character counts pillar of respect with Oct National Bullying Prevention Month.

Bees in the news: there’s been a swarm of activity locally – and this weekend you can Meet a Queen

Story by DIANNE RUSSELL

In many cultures, bees are considered to be messengers who carry news to the spirit world, but recently they are the ones in the news here in Laguna. 

Everywhere you look, there’s talk about bees. There was honey sampling (to delight even Winnie the Pooh) at the LBCWD’s SmartScape, talks about native bees and bees across the sea at club events, and now even a chance to “Meet the Queen” at a beehive on a farm.

Just last week, on Oct 13, the Laguna Beach Garden Club hosted Josie Goodenow who has served as bee chairperson for the California Garden Clubs Inc. since 2014. 

Blue Orchard Mason Bee

Josie’s program detailed the differences between native bees (specifically the Blue Orchard Mason Bee) and the European honeybee, and how to increase bee populations and improve the health of one’s yard. 

Then last Saturday at the 8th Annual LBCWD SmartScape event, Robin Jones, owner of the local business Honey Girl Grows, brought a bee pond to feature at her booth. 

“Bees use water like an evaporative cooler in the hive,” she said. “They flap their wings to drink the water in order to keep the hive at an exact 73 degrees to incubate their babies.” She also brought several award-winning honeys to sample, as well as beekeeping starter kits for sale.

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Photo by Robin Jones

At LBCWD’s SmartScape, girls sample honey from Honey Girl Grows

The last bit of bee news has a royal touch. On Sat, Oct 21, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Bluebird Canyon Farms’ resident beekeeper Connor Dorais will give participants the opportunity to “Meet the Queen,” during an entertaining and informative introductory beekeeping event. 

After a discussion of honeybee biology, modern beekeeping equipment and techniques, a brief history of beekeeping, and explore current issues affecting honeybees including hive health, the participants will suit up (full protective bee suits) and walk to the Hobo Camp Apiary. 

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Photo by Kathy Tanaka

Connor Dorais, resident beekeeper at Bluebird Canyon Farms

During the workshop, participants will be given “hands-on” opportunities to open and inspect the hives and observe what goes on inside the hive body. The goal will be to spot the queen, drones and workers and see the functioning parts of the hive.   

There is limited on-site parking for this event. Offsite parking is available on Rancho Laguna Road. Attendees should consider carpooling or using the free Laguna Beach Public Transit Shuttle to get to the event. 

Theworkshop is limited to twelve and open to individuals aged 12-years or above. Minors must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian. The cost is $100. Bluebird Canyon Farms is located at 1085 Bluebird Canyon Dr. 

For further information, go to bluebirdcanyonfarms.com or call 949-715-0325. Email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Depending on one’s beliefs, bees may or may not be message carriers to the spirit world, but they are vitally important to our survival. Per www.onegreenplanet.org, “Bees are some of the hardest working creatures on the planet, and because of their laborious work ethic, we owe many thanks to this amazing yet often under-appreciated insect.

“Our lives – and the world as a whole – would be a much different place if bees didn’t exist.”

Evidently, they deserve all the press they can get!

First State-of-the-Art GLSand glass bottle crusher in US will enhance The Ranch’s sustainability program

With the acquisition of the state-of-the-art GLSand glass bottle crusher, The Ranch LB becomes the first hospitality entity in North America with this machine in operation. This allows the resort to remain at the forefront of sustainability efforts throughout this coastal region. 

The GLSand machine is now in operation at the resort. The implementation of this initiative follows the recent GEO environmental certification for Ben Brown’s Golf Course and the registration of Harvest as an Ocean Friendly Restaurant. 

The GLSand machine is a compact glass bottle crusher that reduces bottles in volume by 10:1 to a sand like product. The machine is designed for waste reduction, cost reduction, and sustainability for the food, hospitality, and leisure industries. 

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Photo from The Ranch’s website

The Ranch is green in every way

This system will eliminate the build-up of used glass bottles throughout the resort’s outlets and will create a re-usable product that can be recycled for pool filtration, pavement repairs, and, in different grades, can be used in sand traps on the resort’s golf course.  

 Additional sustainability practices at The Ranch at LB include usage of reclaimed water for irrigation on the golf course and resort grounds, cultivation of an on-site organic garden through a partnership with The Ecology Center and eliminating usage of plastic straws. 

The resort team also donates time to Adopt a Channel and has active partnerships with Clean the World, Chefs to End Hunger, and the Ocean Institute’s Youth Camping Outreach Program.

To view how the GLSand machine works, visit https://youtu.be/W1LXJH389c0.

 For more information on The Ranch at LB and its sustainability efforts, visit www.theranchlb.com.

Lagunatics is a must-see: Pepper tree skit brings entire audience to its feet, teary-eyed with laughter

Story and photos by LYNETTE BRASFIELD

The first half of Lagunatics this year features some terrific numbers, to which I can attest (though a few are a little edgier than some may like): the second half, I hear from several sources, is beyond sensational – and sadly I missed that half due to a family emergency that forced Bill and me to leave at intermission (all sorted out now).

So I will be back next weekend to see for myself. But clearly the show is un-missable for anyone who is a true Lagunan. 

I’m told by several very reliable sources that the pepper tree number, “And I Am Telling You,” with lyrics by Chris Quilter and music by Henry Krieger, was sung exquisitely by Eric Anderson, who commanded the stage with his performance.

And the skit was so clever and so well performed, it had people crying with laughter and holding their stomachs in pain (the good kind of pain). 

“I saw so many people wiping away tears of laughter,” Sande St. John tells me. “That’s the only time I’ve witnessed a standing ovation in all the years I’ve attended Lagunatics. It went on and on.”

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Pocket mouse (not actual size) 

From pepper tree to pocket mice to police chief  – Laguna’s peculiarities get the full Bree Rosen treatment, enhanced by a great cast, crazily good writers, and props and costumes that wow the audience, given how over-the-top, so giddily ridiculous and yet how apt they are. 

Rebecca Lyles, who wrote several of the song lyrics, says, “I’m amazed at how the simple words we put on paper come to life with costumes, choreography, talented singers, and comedic point of view. 

“It’s a special thrill to see theater-goers lap it up they way they did last night. How often do you see audience members dabbing at laughter-tears and jumping to their feet to applaud?”

I’m told Lyles’s “Chump” was also a great hit with the audience.

“Send in the Drones” sends audience into convulsions

The standout in the first half was unquestionably Bree Rosen and Bridget English’s “Send in the Drones,” sung by Rufino. It was a unique take on the issue and perfectly suited to Rufino’s brand of talent.

Sande St. John also praised the incredible skills of costume designer Brigitte Harper. “She’s just amazing,” Sande says. She adds that the trolley skit, featuring outer-wear of the automotive kind, was also enormously popular with the audience. “A hit!” Sande says.

Another of my favorites from the first half was “Farinella,” with lyrics by Chris Quilter, whose brilliant, quirky wit shone through many of the performances. Other standouts, I hear, were “My Shot,” which apparently had Gregg McGillivray moving to the beat, clearly enjoying the music and the lyrics, and another favorite was “I’ve Just Seen a Space” parodying parking problems.

You had to be there! So go!

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For a moment, I thought I was doing a dining feature: delicious al fresco dinner

And a word to the wise (oh, to the unwise, too, what the heck!): the dinner served beforehand, for just $10, is exquisite. Prepared by The White House, eaten al fresco, and paired with wine in the gloaming, as my Scottish father used to call the twilight hours, this is a great way to begin an evening of laughter and escapism, something we all dearly need these days – some days more than others.

The Bahá’í community of Laguna Beach will hold a Festival of Unity at the FOA on Oct 22 at 3 p.m.

The Baha’i community of Laguna Beach will hold a Festival of Unity at the Festival of Arts Forum Theatre on Oct 22, beginning with a reception at 3 p.m. followed by a program of activities between 4 and 5:45 p.m.

The national Light of Unity Festival is not an event but a series of activities generated at the grassroots level all around the country, which reinforce Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of the oneness of humanity and empower participants to contribute. 

“I feel a great urgent need for everyone in our community to attend and create connection with all. This is the greatest goal and desire right now,” says Suzy Elghanayan of Baha’i Laguna. “It’s a great follow up from our interfaith vigil and peaceful rally a few months ago to now actually do something towards unity. I hope this is just the beginning!”  

Activities will include drama, music, art exhibits, storytelling, service projects, prayer and devotional programs. 

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Submitted photo

(L-R) Suzy K Elghanayan, Talieh Movafagh, Gouya Zamani, Deanne LaRue Grieve

At the national level, the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, IL, will host a nine-week series of programs beginning in early September on themes applying the principle of the oneness of humanity to contemporary challenges, including environmental justice, race relations, indigenous peoples, human rights, and the harmony science and religion.

Oct 22 also marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith.

To learn more and get involved, go to www.bahai.org or leave a message This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Etty, a one-woman show, celebrates an unflinching belief in humanity in the face of unthinkable evil

Two free performances of  “Etty”, a one-woman, touring play will be held at the Susi Q Senior Center on Mon, Oct 23. The first performance, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., has already sold out. 

A second performance has just been added from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

The 50-minute play is drawn from the diaries of Etty Hillesum, a sensuous, intelligent and poetic young Dutch Jewish woman searching for the meaning of life – and all life – during the terror and dark years of Nazi occupation. 

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Etty is a one-woman performance

Adapted and performed by Susan Stein, and directed by Austin Pendleton, “Etty” speaks directly to the audience frankly, and with compassion – even for the enemy.

Crafted solely from Hillesum’s writings, this unconventional theater experience brings the audience into Etty’s thinking, as she wrestles to write the life she is living – her loves, her work, her wry sense of humor, her knowledge of self and the moment in history. 

The performance is followed by an audience-generated discussion that effectively becomes the second act of the play. For more information about “Etty”, the play or Etty Hillesum, visit www.ettyplay.org.

     Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To reserve a spot, please call 949-464-6645 or register online at lagunabeachcity.net. Click on Recreation Classes. Lite refreshments will be served. Generously underwritten by Estate Plan, Inc.

The Susi Q Senior Center is located at 380 Third Street. Parking is available in the underground structure, but limited. Carpooling, UBER or Lyft is encouraged, if possible.

Santa Shark image wins Arts Commission’s 51st Palette Competition

The Arts Commission selected a design by artist Kelly Hartigan Goldstein for this year’s Palette competition. The new palette will be installed outside City Hall. 

The palettes can be seen throughout the City, extending to South Laguna. 

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Photo courtesy LB Arts Commission

Kelly Hartigan Goldstein’s winning design

Children’s Holiday Palette Exhibition now accepting designs

Also, the Arts Commission is currently accepting designs for the annual Children’s Holiday Palette Exhibition. Children ages 5 to 17 years old may submit an original design celebrating the holiday season. Up to 12 designs will be selected for display at City Hall throughout December. 

Designs must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Fri, Nov 17. 

The Palette competition and events are funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach. Call Mike McGregor, Arts Program Coordinator at (949) 497-0722 extension 5 for information.

Enter the Holiday Cookie Contest (Too soon? Never!)

Residents are invited to participate in the City’s first annual holiday cookie recipe contest. Each participant is asked to submit their favorite family cookie recipe and the story behind it. Three finalists will be selected to bake a sample batch of their cookies for a tasting ceremony on Nov 13. 

The sky is the limit for bakers of reindeer holiday cookies

The first place winner’s story and recipe will be published in the Winter 2018 Community Services brochure, to be mailed citywide. Entries must be submitted at the front desk of the Community and Susi Q Center by Oct 31. 

For more information, contact Adam Gufarotti, Senior Recreation Supervisor, at (949) 497-0304. 

Entry forms can be downloaded from the following City website link:

https://secure.rec1.com/CA/city-of-laguna-beach/catalog/index?filter=c2VhcmNoPUhvbGlkYXkrQ29va2llK0NvbnRlc3Q=

City Manager’s Update

Health+Wellness Senior Expo & Free Flu Shot Clinic – Live and thrive well! Join a number of City of Laguna Beach, Susi Q and local community services organizations providing resources, awareness, medical and educational information, as well as free demos, screenings and activities. Free flu vaccines will be provided by St. Joseph Health, Mission Hospital for those 18 years+ while supplies last.  This year’s event will be held on Friday, Oct 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Community & Susi Q Center, 380 Third Street. For more information: call (949) 464-6645.

The City is proud to announce the opening of “Park Plaza” - Beginning this weekend, the 200 block of Park Avenue will serve as an outdoor pedestrian plaza free from vehicular traffic. In partnership with volunteers representing Transition Laguna, the Laguna Beach Beautification Council and the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, the lower block of Park Avenue has been spruced up, lighted, furnished, landscaped, and decorated to create an inviting plaza for pedestrians to enjoy.  

The trial program was initiated and funded by the City Council and is tentatively scheduled to continue through the end of the calendar year. Park Plaza will be open to the public between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily.