Police Files

Motorcyclist crashes into Prius while evading LBPD

On Monday, Oct 8, at 7:18 a.m., an LBPD officer was driving inbound on Laguna Canyon Road from the Toll Road (73) in heavy traffic when a motorcycle passed him on the left and to the left of the double yellow lane lines. 

“The officer activated his emergency lights and pulled behind the motorcycle. The motorcyclist looked over his shoulder but failed to yield,” LBPD Spokesperson PIO Sgt Jim Cota said. “The officer activated his siren but the motorcyclist continued to drive past the stopped traffic.”

 “When he reached the intersection of El Toro he turned completely on his seat looked directly at the officer and pulled into the bike lane and started to accelerate,” continued Sgt Cota. 

“The motorcyclist failed to see the Toyota Prius driving in front of him at a much slower speed and rear ended it,” Sgt Cota said. “The force of the collision caused him to land on the roadway.”

 Additional LBPD officers arrived as well LBFD. The motorcyclist was treated at the scene. According to police reports, he complained that his neck hurt after the spill.

Charles Chayachok Laitipaya, 23, of Riverside, was taken into custody for evading a police officer and reckless driving. He was booked and later released. 

Bail was set at $1,000.

National Walk to School Day was a hit with students, LBPD and the community

Laguna Beach students walked to school with parents, friends, LBUDS teachers, staffers, and LBPD officers during National Walk to School Day on Wednesday, Oct 3.

LBPD posted several Instagram pictures walking with students, some carrying “Walk to School” signs. Led by LBPD School Resource Officer Cpl Cornelius Ashton, our students and officers were all smiles. He was proudly sporting a badge of his own, a “Walk to School Award,” button.

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Courtesy of LBPD

Students hit the streets with parents, friends, LBPD officers and LBUSD teachers and staff for National Walk to School Day

Sgt Jim Cota, said, “Congratulations to Cpl Ashton School Resource Officer. Everyone had a blast. Our officers will do anything for the kids.”

According to Orange County Health Care Agency, “Thousands of children, families, and communities as they celebrate Walk to School Day around the world. Every year, on the first Wednesday of October, over 30 countries hold Walk to School Day events.”

Reportedly over 50 OC Schools participated in National Walk to School day. Keep it going!

Local students were treated with LBPD’s ‘Cookies with a Cop’ event at LBHS

Besides National Walk to School Day, on Wednesday, Oct 3, LBHS students got a sweet treat from LBPD at the “Cookies with a Cop” event at LBHS. LBPD officers provided cookies and conversations with students and faculty. 

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Courtesy of LBPD

LBPD Officers treated LBHS students and faculty to cookies and conversations

LB Animal Shelter needs donated newspapers for animal care

LBPD posted on Facebook that the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter is in need of donated newspapers for the animals. If you’d like to help, please drop off any unwanted newspapers between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the animal shelter located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Road. 

The animal shelter is open seven days a week. For information, call (949) 497-3552 or visit www.puplagunabeach.org.

Dance Festival dazzles and Lagunatics a hoot

By BARBARA DIAMOND

Last weekend was a bonanza in Laguna Beach.

The Laguna Dance Festival awed the audiences and Lagunatics made us chortle. What more could anyone ask? Oh, maybe the Angels playing in the post season, but let’s not be greedy.

For 14 years, the Festival has brought top dancers to Laguna Beach, enriching our lives and helping to keep alive Laguna’s identity as an art colony. All three performances were sold out. 

“We are so lucky to live in Laguna and get to see performances of this caliber,” said Betsy Jenkins who was in the audience both Friday and Saturday night.

Festival board member Bob Braun called the opening night’s tribute to the late David Bowie “transcendent,” Jenkins said and couldn’t have agreed more. 

“It was incredible,” said Joy Dittberner, executive director of the Festival. “It took us to another level. After the performance the dancers said they could feel the energy from the audience.” 

The Saturday night audience was equally enamored. And there was an added attraction for long-time Laguna residents, National Ballet of Canada principal dancer Skylar Campbell, who grew up in Laguna and is the grandson of the late Lida Lenney, who was instrumental in the acquisition of Laguna Canyon in the 1980s.

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Photo by Karolina Kuras

Skylar Campbell wows crowd

“He was the best male dancer,” said former Mayor Cheryl Kinsman.

 It’s been more than 15 years since a group of dance-lovers met in Stuart Byer’s North Laguna home to hear retiring ballerina Jodie Gates propose some kind of dance performances in Laguna Beach. The meeting gave birth to CA Dance, which was the cradle for the Dance Festival. Rocking that cradle were Byer, Janet Eggers and Christine Rhoades, all three emeritus Festival board members; Nancy Meyer and Kathy Conway, current board members.

“It is Jodie who brings this quality of dancers to Laguna,” said Rhoades on Saturday. “She danced with many of them.”

Gates was a principal dancer with the Joffrey, Frankfurt, and Pennsylvania ballet companies and with Complexions Modern Ballet. She has choreographed and directed dance performances. She is also an educator of some renown. 

Gates began her academic career as an associate professor at UC Irvine. In 2012, Gates was appointed professor of dance and the inaugural vice dean and director of the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, the university’s first new school in almost 40 years. 

Among the audience at Saturday’s performance: Eggers, Byer, Karyn Philippsen, Randy Kraft, Chris Quilter, Beth Majors and Bobbi Cox, a Festival donor, who also ponied up funding for one of the dance studios at the Third Street Centers. 

In addition to providing an extraordinary weekend of dance, the Festival also raises funds for educational programs and scholarships for young dancers, several of whom attended Saturday’s performance. 

The 2018 Festival also honored the late Lila Zali, who was born in 1918. Zali moved to Laguna in 1959 after a career in dance that included classical ballet and appearances in films such as “An American in Paris” and “Silk Stockings.”

She founded a dance school in Laguna and a group that became known as Ballet Pacifica, which performed at the Playhouse and later at the Center for Performing Arts. Skylar Campbell’s early training was at Zali’s school.

Dancers Chase O’Connell and Beckanne Sisk of Ballet West performed the classic “White Swan,” dedicated to Zali.

Dance lovers will have to wait a whole year before the Festival returns to Laguna. So sad. 

But lovers of satire and just plain fun have three more opportunities to attend Lagunatics’ annual Roast of the Coast: weekends through October 28.

Lagunatics

The 2018 show opened on OctOBER 5. Bree Burgess Rosen conceived Lagunatics about the same time she conceived her son – the show that year had to be rewritten to accommodate her bump. 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Bree Burgess Rosen welcomes the crowd on opening night of Lagunatics

For the seriously impaired or who come from another planet, Burgess Rosen directs, stars and writes parody lyrics for the show, complemented by writers Rufino Cabang, Bridget English, Rebecca M. Lyles (who showed up at the opening costumed as Minnie Mouse – which ought to tell you something), Paul Nygro, Chris Quilter and Ella Wyatt. 

Quitler also contributed dialogue, some of it spoken by Musical Director Roxanne Ward, tongue in cheek. 

As always, the dialogue and parodies are designed to puncture the pompous, pinpoint the ridiculous and make the audience laugh even when their own pet projects get skewered. 

There was no lack of subject matter for this year’s show. Jennifer Zieter particularly laughed at “Underground/I will survive,” performed by Ella Wyatt, Burgess Rosen, English, Charlee Rubino, Rebecca Butkivich, Jay Rechter and Rob Harryman. 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Parodies Galore

Other topical parodies included “Hotel Laguna/There’s a Small Hotel,” sung by English and Mark Marger; “The Village Entrance/It’s DeParking,” performed by Eric T. Anderson and Yvonne Browning; “The Public Garden, Help Our Garden Grow,” featuring Fernando Acevedo and Butkivich; “Accessory Dwelling Units/A Town that Can’t Say No,” soloed by Kristen Matson; “Trees/Less is More,” performed by Anderson and the cast – and that was just Act One. 

Act Two featured “Parking Fees/The Rates Go Up,” sung by Harryman; “Nest Door/I Feel Petty,” soloed by Ward; “Pop Up Public Art/A Waste of Money;” featuring Marger, English, Butkivich and Harryman.

The entire cast performed the closing number: “The Candidates for City Council/Tap your Troubles Away.”

In the audience: former Mayor Jane Egly, Carolyn and Dr. Tom Bent, Dee Perry (costumed as Medusa), Pageant of the Master’s Director Diane Challis Davy, and No Square Theatre President Rick Gold.

The show is sponsored by the Business Improvement District, the City, the Festival of Arts Foundation, Laguna Board of Realtors Charitable Assistance Fund, Ketel One, Rodney Strong Vineyards and Pavilions.

But wait – there’s more. You will find advance notice of all the fun and interesting stuff for visitors or residents to do in Laguna by reading StuNewsLaguna.com. Contributions are welcomed.

LPAPA 20th Annual Plein Air Invitational continues with Collectors Gala and Art Show, Oct 13 and 14

Starting on Saturday, Oct 6, LPAPA has been presenting the 20th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational at its new Festival of Arts “Invitational Home”, in the heart of Laguna’s Civic Art District. The celebration continues with more festivities as part of the tradition during this 9-day plein air celebration.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Plein air painter Carl Bretzki from Minneapolis on Thalia Street on Oct 11

On Saturday, Oct 13, the Collectors Gala will celebrate a special Milestone 20th Anniversary from 7 - 10:30 p.m. Gala attendees will have the first, and potentially only opportunity to view the entire collection of artwork created during the week. The artists will be exhibiting what they consider to be their three best plein air paintings created during the week, presented for judging and prize consideration. 

Tickets are $150 in advance and $175 after October 11.

Ending the 9-day plein air celebration will be an Art Show at the Festival of Arts on Sunday, Oct 14. The public is invited to come see meet the artists, see painting demos, and meet Art Materials Experts from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For tickets and more information, go to www.lpapa.org.

Where’s Maggi?

Maggi caught this fish somewhere in Laguna (not in the Bluebelt!). Do you know where?

If you’ve got a guess about where to catch this lovely art piece, drop a note to Maggi at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The location will be revealed in Tuesday’s edition, and we’ll let you know who got it right.

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PMMC Distance Learning Program makes its way to Boston Children’s Hospital

Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) hosted its 6th “Healing Seals” Distance Learning Program this past Tuesday with Boston Children’s Hospital. This is the third hospital PMMC has worked with through collaboration with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation and its Seacrest Studios.

Healing Seals is a live interactive program with pediatric hospitals throughout the United States, providing entertaining and educational opportunities for sick and hospitalized children currently undergoing treatment to enhance their lives and support the healing process. It is donor funded and provided at no cost to the hospital. 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Seeing recovered animals return to a normal life at sea may provide a sense of hope for children

A web conferencing platform connects the children to a Marine Mammal Rescue Specialist and PMMC’s animals in real time. The children are able to draw parallels from the rehabilitation process the marine mammal patients are undergoing at PMMC’s hospital. Seeing recovered animals return to a normal life at sea may provide a sense of hope that the children can draw upon and realize they can accomplish the same. Throughout their virtual visit, children explore concepts in marine science, marine and fresh water conservation as well as science careers.

This initiative was originally piloted locally with Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) in 2016 and has since gained a lot of interest. Last month, the organization worked with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Boston Children’s Hospital is scheduled for another program in November, and plans are in the works with hospitals in Texas and Arizona. 

“Given today’s technology, we have the opportunity to expand our unique animal care and conservation programs outside of our local geographic area. Seeing animals going through similar recovery processes sends such a positive message to these children and their families.” said Kirsten Donald, Director of Education at PMMC.

“One mom was in the Pediatric ICU waiting room and she made a point to come down to tell me what a nice distraction it was to have something else to focus on – while her child was in surgery,” said Ryan Seacrest Studios. 

Healing Seals grew out of PMMC’s distance learning program for school classrooms. For more information on these programs, contact Kirsten Donald at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center rescues, rehabilitates and releases marine mammals and inspires ocean stewardship through research, education and collaboration. Pacific Marine Mammal Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. 

PMMC is located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Rd.

LBUSD Updates on One Billion Acts of Kindness and Dyslexia

One Billion Acts of Kindness

The Board reviewed and adopted Resolution #18-12: One Billion Acts of Kindness. Launched in 2016 by the OC Department of Education, the initiative seeks to improve school climate, promote character and rally communities for greater civility through one billion acts of kindness. 

The initiative also supports improved student behavior by reducing bullying, reducing suspension rates, and increasing attendance. LBUSD is committed to creating a positive learning environment for all students and staff. Annual climate survey data indicates that students feel safe on campus, welcomed by other students, and are respected by both students and staff. 

Every Student, Every day Study Session: Dyslexia and Our Journey

On August 14, 2017, the California Superintendent of Public Instruction released “the California Dyslexia Guidelines,” as required by Assembly Bill 1369 and California Education Code. The Dyslexia Guidelines is a long-awaited document meant to define dyslexia and identify responsive, research-based interventions. 

Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Dr. Alysia Odipo, Director of Special Education Irene White, and staff led a Board Study Session on LBUSD’s journey to provide guidelines, raise awareness, and increase understanding of the characteristics of dyslexia.

Courtesy of LBUSD

LBUSD Board Members learning more about dyslexia and making District Guidelines

Study outcomes were to distinguish between fundamental truths and myths of dyslexia; understand how impairments of phonological nature are involved in dyslexia; and learn about District’s plan for identification and support.

The study showed that dyslexia isn’t about reversals and isn’t about faulty eye movements. The phenotype of dyslexia is about the inability to sound out words; unexpected comprehension difficulties; long term vocabulary challenges; and unexpected poor reading that is due to a problem in language, not in vision.

A critical point the Board learned is that early identification and intervention is the key. Strategies learned benefit all students, and later intervention does not produce the same benefits.

Courtesy of LBUSD

LBUSD Board Members learn hands on about dyslexia

Per the California Educational Code, educational services for dyslexia are evidence-based, multisensory, direct, explicit, structural, and sequential. 

LBUSD Direct focus areas of dyslexia are Screening and Assessment, Instruction, Training, and Parent Partnerships.

For more information, please visit www.lbusd.org.

“Brekkie Chella” served up to seniors at Thalia

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Photo by Carrie Reynolds 

The 2019 Laguna Beach Senior Class

The Laguna Beach Senior Class of 2019 headed to Thalia last Friday for an early morning breakfast before school.

Thanks to coordination from the ASB team, some very generous breakfast treats were served to over 250 seniors for “Brekkie Chella” around the theme of this year’s homecoming dance “Quad Chella.”

Next generation of Ten Boys Who Care make plans for awarding scholarships to 2019 graduates 

The next generation Ten Boys Who Care, a group of Thurston 8th graders, joined a few of their founders this weekend to make plans for awarding their 2019 scholarship. After five years of presenting scholarships on stage at convocation, these boys will take over for the original 10 boys.

The boys got down to business electing officers and reviewing their scholarship prompt for the seniors who will apply after the new year for their two $1,250 scholarships.

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Submitted photo

(L-R) Front Row: Joseph Rosenberg, Jake Lund, Oliver Rounaghi, Taylor Towe, Noah Liao; Middle Row: Luke Meisberger, Shea Blanchard, Will Goodwin, Griffin Naess, Ben Neufeld; Back Row: Blake Pivaroff, Sam Reynolds, Kent Cebreros

This year’s positions for Ten Boys: Co-Presidents: Shea Blanchard and Joseph Rosenberg; Treasurer: Taylor Towe; Historian: William Goodwin; Social Media Chair: Oliver Rounaghi, PR: Griffin Naess; Social Chair: Noah Liao; LBHSSF Liaison: Luke Meisberger.

This next generation of Ten Boys Who Care have a goal of raising $2,500 for two scholarships to be presented at Laguna Beach High School Convocation. They hope to continue the tradition from now until they graduate in 2023.

Ocean Institute granted 1 million dollars by the Sahm Family Foundation to establish shark education center

A leader in hands-on education in Orange County for more than forty years, Ocean Institute will introduce shark education to its inventory of popular school and public programs in order to enrich the lives of more children as a result of a 1 million dollar grant from the Sahm Family Foundation. 

This grant will make it possible for Ocean Institute to renovate an existing waterfront building to feature a Horn shark touch tank, a shark nursery, and interactive

exhibits and artifacts related to sharks. The new Sahm Marine Education Center will provide hands-on, engaging educational experiences for students, teachers, parents and the general public that connect to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) principles.

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Submitted photo

The new Sahm Marine Education Center will feature a Horn shark touch tank and shark nursery

“We could not be more excited to welcome sharks to our vast collection of marine life used to teach thousands of children each year, and we are honored to earn this leadership gift from the Sahm Family Foundation,” said Michael Torcaso, Ocean Institute’s board chairman. 

“This is a significant investment into our waterfront campus both in terms of improving the utilization of our facilities and expanding our educational capacity,” said Dan Pingaro, chief executive officer of Ocean Institute. “Most importantly, we will enrich the educational experience for thousands of children each year because of this grant.”

The Sahm Family Foundation has made strategic grants into Ocean Institute in the past, and family members have participated firsthand in its programs. Planning is underway to open this new education facility in early 2020 if not sooner. “Our board of directors were motivated to make this grant to Ocean Institute because we know what is being taught on their campus every day, year after year. There is no question that Ocean Institute enriches the lives of thousands of children, and that was the single most important factor in awarding this grant,” stated Chris Sahm, president of the Sahm Family Foundation.

Horn sharks are native to California coastal waters and solidary predators feeding on hard-shelled mollusks, echinoderms, crustaceans and small fish. Horn sharks are harmless to humans. “We are excited to connect students with hands-on interactions with these fascinating creatures. Horn sharks are able to survive and breed in captivity, which provides us with an ideal opportunity to showcase their lifecycles, behaviors, and important role in our local ecosystem.

“Increased shark sightings in Southern California waters have stimulated curiosity and fear of these local predators. Providing public access to an innocuous member of the shark family is a safe and engaging way to educate students about all sharks,” stated Dr. Wendy Marshall, vice president of education for Ocean Institute.

To learn more or become a member, visit www.oceaninstitute.org.

Dance the afternoon away as LB Community Clinic hosts its 2nd Annual Salsa Sunday this weekend

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

One doesn’t usually associate dancing with going to a clinic, but this Sunday, Oct 14, from 3 - 5 p.m., they will definitely go together in a fun and festive way. Laguna Beach Community Clinic hosts its Second Annual Salsa Sunday in the Clinic’s parking lot. At the First Annual Salsa Sunday held last year, 80 locals showed up to salsa and socialize.

Authentic Cuban pastries will also be provided. LA’s La Charanga Cubana, an eight member band, will make a rare Orange County performance to benefit the Clinic, and professional Salsa Dancer, Kati Hernandez will be on hand to provide lessons and get the crowd moving.

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2017 Salsa Sunday, Dr. Rubal third from left 

“Part of keeping our community healthy includes forming closer relationships with our neighbors. We want folks to know we’re here and we care,” stated Dr. Jorge Rubal, CEO and Medical Director of the Laguna Beach Community Clinic. “Growing up, music and salsa dancing was how my neighborhood came together, so I thought it would be fun to create that experience for Laguna Beach families.”

Laguna Beach Community Clinic is a busy place. Last year, they saw 12,000 patients. Founded in 1970, a group of concerned physicians and community leaders established a free clinic to meet the needs of low-income and medically uninsured people of South Orange County. However, they do provide services to those with HMO, PPO, Medicare and Medical.

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Dr. Rubal and his wife salsa with the crowd

In 1985, the Laguna Beach Community Clinic became a licensed community clinic. The Laguna Beach Community Clinic is a nonprofit, primary care health facility that provides family-centered medical care, offering non-emergency, curative and preventive care as well as educational services.

When asked what he considers the clinic’s biggest success, Dr. Rubal says, “Staying true to our mission, which is to provide excellent medical care regardless of the patient’s inability to pay.”

The cover is charge for the event is $20, and accompanying children get in free. Attendees can pay at the door or purchase tickets online at www.LBClinic.org. 

All funds raised will support patient programs. 

LB Community Clinic is located at 362 Third St. For more information, call (949) 494-0764.

Both sides now

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

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The beauty of a cloudy day above a flat sea

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Blue waves under a gray sky

Kahuna Cares Charity Golf Tournament and After Party to feature Common Sense on Nov 2

Kahuna Cares Foundation, a local nonprofit providing support for organizations that help enrich the lives of people with special needs, will feature live music by Laguna Beach favorites Nick Hernandez, Billy Sherman, and Phil Gough of Common Sense at the Kahuna Cares Charity Golf Tournament and After Party on Friday, Nov 2, at the Pelican Hill Golf Club in Newport Beach.

A Laguna Beach local, Hernandez is a big proponent of Kahuna Cares Foundation and says he’s is looking forward to participating in the Kahuna Charity Golf Tournament and performing at the After Party. 

Hernandez is a passionate advocate of the cause with proceeds from the event benefiting Surfers Healing, OC Autism, and Fish for Life, and the countless special needs individuals they serve each year.

“Common Sense is involved with the golf tournament because we back the Kahuna Cares Foundation with all of our hearts,” Hernandez said. 

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Photo by Shan Crawford

Common Sense, pictured with Isaiah Paskowitz, the son of Surfers Healing founders, will play live at the Kahuna Cares Charity Golf Tournament and After Party on November 2

Hernandez met Jennifer Tracy, who cofounded Kahuna Cares Foundation with Veronica Hoggatt a little over 20 years ago, he said, when Common Sense was asked to play a benefit with Donovan Frankenreiter to raise money for Surfers Healing.

 “This was the beginning of a lifelong friendship with Jennifer. Working with kids with special needs has been a rewarding part of my life ever since,” Hernandez said. “I have been able to pass this along to my son Joshua, who is currently a volunteer surf instructor for Surfers Healing.”

Tracy’s father, the late Terry “Tubesteak” Tracy, was the inspiration for the “Big Kahuna” role in the surf-culture classic Gidget movies. He was the inspiration for founding Kahuna Cares, by honoring his legacy of love for others by raising money for organizations that support the special needs community.

“I knew the icon ‘Tubesteak’ personally. His support at the Surfers Healing events was felt by all. He would tell stories about music in his day and the importance of giving back,” Hernandez said.

 Participants in the Kahuna Cares Charity Golf Tournament and After Party can soak up the gorgeous surroundings of the Pelican Hill Resort, while enjoying Common Sense perform.

“Common Sense will be playing an unplugged set and hacking up the Pelican golf course,” Hernandez said laughing, “I mean playing in the tournament. “We give our full support to whatever the Kahuna Cares Foundation needs always.” 

Hernandez added, “What I have taken from my experiences with Kahuna Cares Foundation and Surfers Healing is giving and volunteering are essential for the happiness and health of our community.” 

“All I know is that through our Charity Golf Tournament, if we can give back or raise a few dollars to help a special needs child smile as they surf with Surfers Healing, help get toys for the OC Autism annual Christmas party and see the joy in their faces, or see the glow of a special needs child when they catch a fish on their first boat ride with Fish for Life, that will mean the world to us. That’s the reason we’re holding this special event for these very special people,” Tracy said.

To register or find out more information about the Kahuna Cares Charity Golf Tournament and After Party on Friday, Nov 2, with a shotgun start at 9 a.m., please visit www.kahunacaresfoundation.org. 

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to win a brand-new Ford Explorer, thanks to the generous sponsorship by Tuttle-Click Ford Irvine. Other exciting sponsorships include raffle and auction items: a Honda Center Suite for a Duck’s game, a NASCAR experience, a four-day Mexico Resort trip, and items from Dixon Golf, Krank Golf, and more.

LBHS cheer squad invites future cheerleaders to Laguna Beach Cheer Clinic this Saturday

Future cheerleaders, both boys and girls, from the ages of kindergarten through eighth grade, are invited to join the LBHS cheer squad at the Laguna Beach Cheer Clinic at LBHS Dugger Gym this Saturday, Oct 13. Attendees will learn cheers, chants, dance with the LBHS cheerleaders and perform at the LBHS versus Ocean View home football game on Friday, Oct 19.

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Submitted photo

(L-R) Back row: Tanya Tran, Kelsey Bailey, Eden Pfanner, Chloe Gabora, Emma Diver, Sophia Pfanner, Izzy Lyons, Ariana Bonni, Alina Dziuk, Lucy Becker

(L-R) Front row: Captains Cirrafina Biele and Kali Russell

Not pictured: Alex Lemus, Nina Seidensticker, Kaylie Rozell

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the clinic runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The fee for the clinic is $50, which includes all instruction, a Laguna Cheer T-shirt, hair bow, pom-poms, snack and water. The price is $55 for sign-ups on the morning of the clinic.

LBHS Dugger Gym is on St Ann’s Dr, and LBHS cheerleaders will be there to direct attendees.

LBHS is located at 625 Park Ave.

Register online at www.lbhsathletics.com. Navigate to the cheer section.

For questions, contact Cheer Boosters at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Learning Club is looking for tutors with heart within the community

The Learning Club is looking for volunteer tutors in the community who can give an hour or two a week to help children learn and grow. This is a great opportunity to give back to the community and no experience is necessary, all the training will be provided. 

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Courtesy of AAUW-LB

The Learning Club volunteers and their students

The American Association of University Women, Laguna Beach Branch sponsors the Learning Club (TLC). TLC is after-school tutoring programs at El Morro Elementary School in Laguna Beach for students in grades 2-5 who have been recommended by their teachers as needing additional help with homework and basic educational concepts to better succeed in school. 

TLC’s next session will be on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons beginning January 15, 2019. Local adults and teens are welcome to apply. 

To volunteer or for more information, contact Peggie Thomas at (949) 499-1817, Kathy Willman at (949) 449-9941 or visit www.aauw2-lagunabeach.org.

Inspection for well drilling finished in R Star Foundation village by Susan Hough of Walking for Water

Inspection of R Star Foundation’s village of Karkatar for the water well drilling was completed by Susan Hough, who heads Walking for Water, her board member Carlyle and Greg, and the videographer who is documenting Walking for Water’s projects. During the trip, they spoke with the water engineers, who will execute the incredible water project. They are all headed back to the US filled with the joy of what they are doing for so many in Nepal. 

Rabin, who is the lead man in Nepal for R Star’s ongoing efforts, was delighted with the professionalism the team brought with them, including their knowledge of well drilling. The four of them got together a last time for a lovely dinner before saying farewell, excited to see each other again in February 2019 for the actual drilling. 

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Submitted photo

Susan Hough and her team inspect one of two possible water well sites

The February trip will have around 15 others joining, mostly LBHS students who are part of Susan’s fundraising efforts in order to observe and appreciate in real time what they are doing for so many villagers. There are over 3,000 villagers and countless animals who will benefit from the inclusion of pure water, which is far more convenient than a distant dirty spring that villagers would have to walk to and carry the water back to their homes. 

While in Nepal, the team was able to visit other R Star villages, meet villagers, and see the goats, as well as some organic greenhouses producing year round produce for market. The profits from the produce go to rebuilding their homes that were lost two and a half years ago in the severe quakes. 

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Submitted photo

Seventh generation goats provided to villagers by R Star Foundation

Rabin further commented about how exciting it was to work with another NGO of dedicated people who understand the need for pure water. Rabin is thrilled because the two villages will have a working well which means healthier lives.

For more information about R Star’s efforts in the world, especially Nepal, go to www.RStarFoundation.org or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call at (949) 497- 4911. 

Donations of any size can be submitted by mail to PO Box 4183, Laguna Beach or completed on the website.

Ruben Flores shares new ideas for holiday decorating Oct 18

LOCA Arts Education invites the public to learn holiday decorating on Thursday, Oct 18, from 4 - 6 p.m. at Laguna Nursery. Award-winning horticulturalist Ruben Flores will show how to create original designs using organic and found materials.

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Courtesy of LOCA

Flores will discuss holiday colors as well as using fruits and vegetables in holiday decorating

“We can start by looking in our gardens,” said Flores. “There are fantastic branches, palm leaves, and seed pods outside right now.” 

Holiday colors, wiring and attachments will be discussed, as well as the use of fruits and vegetables. “Let’s get squashy,” laughed Flores, “this will be lots of fun!”

Wine and snacks will be provided. Cost is $20 at door or free for LOCA members. Register at www.LOCAarts.org or call (949) 363-4700. 

Laguna Nursery is at 397 North Coast Hwy. Metered parking is available on the street.

Prickly and smooth

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Sometimes opposites go together in a strange way

“A Boy Named Courage: A Surgeon’s Memoir of Apartheid” authors at Laguna Beach Books Oct 28

On Sunday, Oct 28 at 4 p.m., Laguna Beach Books is pleased to welcome Dr. Himmet Dajee and Patrice Apodaca to discuss their new book, “A Boy Named Courage: A Surgeon’s Memoir of Apartheid.”

As a brown boy growing up in apartheid South Africa, Dajee’s life could easily have turned out quite differently. As the fourth, and largely discounted son of tradition-minded Indian immigrants, he faced a future of oppression under the white ruling class.

His path seemed predetermined to follow his father in the shoe trade and accept an arranged marriage. But his name, Himmet, means “courage” in his parents’ native tongue. Supported by a devoted older brother and fueled by his own driving ambition and hatred of apartheid, Dajee was determined to escape the course charted for his life. Despite almost insurmountable odds, Dajee carved a future of his own design, with a world-class education, a career as a cardiac surgeon, and a life a world away from South Africa. But Dajee had to confront his past if he was ever fully to be at peace with it.

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Don’t miss the authors of “A Boy Named Courage: A Surgeon’s Memoir of Apartheid” at Laguna Beach Books on Oct 28

“A Boy Named Courage: A Surgeon’s Memoir of Apartheid” is the story of one man’s quest to overcome racism and oppression to find his place in the world and escape the shadow of his troubled homeland. Thoughtful, emotionally honest, and at times heartrending, this account of the personal toll wrought by one of the most shameful periods in modern history provides a unique glimpse into an often-overlooked community affected by apartheid. It is also a testament to the triumph of the human spirit.

Apodaca, a veteran journalist, is a former Los Angeles Times staff writer. She is currently a featured columnist for the Daily Pilot, a Los Angeles Times Community News publication.

Laguna Beach Books is located at 1200 S Coast Hwy. For information, call (949) 494-4779 or visit www.lagunabeachbooks.com.

Slice Pizza and Beer celebrates one-year anniversary on Oct 19 with $6 pizzas 

On Friday, Oct 19, Slice Pizza and Beer will be celebrating its one-year anniversary by offering its signature 11” handcrafted pizzas for $6 (limited selection). Opened by Cary Redfearn, owner of Lumberyard Restaurant, Slice elevates pizza and beer to a next level. TripAdvisor ranks Slice as one of the top pizza restaurants in Orange County.

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Photo by Maggi Henrickson

Locals enjoy the tasty variety of pizzas and beers Slice offers

Housed in one of the oldest buildings in the downtown, this charming pizzeria is all about quality pizza and beer. With eighteen pour-your-own taps of craft beers and wine and over sixty premium ingredients for making your own pizza, Slice has already established itself as one of the premier eateries in Laguna Beach. 

Health-conscious responsible sourcing allows customers to craft their meal to their unique tastes and needs. Organic tomato sauce, gluten-free crust, and handmade mozzarella are just some of the options available for creating a custom experience. 

Customers can order online for pick-up or delivery, or dine in and enjoy a beer and a game on one of Slice’s giant flat-screen televisions. Either way the pizza is done in minutes. Slice’s 7,000-pound Marra Forni oven from Italy with its rotating stone cooks a pizza in just under three minutes. 

Slice Pizza and Beer is located at 477 Forest Ave. For more information, visit www.slicelb.com.

Laguna Presbyterian Church is sponsoring Red Cross Blood Drive on Oct 21

On Sunday, Oct 21 from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., Laguna Presbyterian Church is sponsoring a blood drive for American Red Cross. The blood drive is open to the public and appointments are recommended. 

“The need for blood is dire as a result of the storms hitting the eastern half of the country, closing donation locations and dislocating regular donors,” said LPC Blood Drive Coordinator, Sandy Grim. “I’ve been asked to collect an additional 20 units this time, for a total request of 52 donors. Please help us by telling everyone in our area about our Blood Drive. It will start early at 7 a.m. on Sunday, so people can donate before church, or the kids’ soccer, and will end after brunch at 1 p.m.”

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One blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood from a donation. Blood donations save lives and are essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, and chronic illnesses.

The blood donation process starts with registration and a few health history questions. The donation itself only takes about 10 minutes, followed by a 15-minute snack and recovery period.

For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org and use Sponsor Code: lagunap or call (949) 494-7555. 

Photo ID or a Red Cross Donor Card is required to donate. 

Laguna Presbyterian Church is located at 415 Forest Ave.

KX 93.5 announces this year’s KXMas lineup featuring Nancy Wilson of Heart

KX 93.5 plans to go “Crazy on You” this holiday season. Nancy Wilson of Heart will headline the radio station’s annual benefit concert on December 8, held at Irvine Bowl where the Pageant of the Masters is performed. 

Joining the iconic female rock n’ roll musician is Wilson’s band Roadcase Royale, fronted by former Prince collaborator Liv Warfield and co-founded by Wilson herself.

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Nancy Wilson of Heart will headline KX 93.5 KXMas Concert

Indie rock bands La Sera and Springtime Carnivore, both staples of the KX 93.5 playlist, will be opening the night. Former acts at KXMas have included Eric Burdon & The Animals, Kenny Loggins, and The Beach Boys. 

“We’ve been honored to bring the community together through this concert in our beautiful backyard amphitheater for four years now,” said KX 93.5 General Manager Tyler Russell. “We think most Lagunans agree that Irvine Bowl needs more use outside of the Pageant, and we’re truly honored to take on that responsibility each year, all while raising critical funds for our independent radio station.”

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Indie rock band La Sera will perform at the KX 93.5 KXMas Concert

Russell adds that it wasn’t an accident that each band this year has a female lead singer.

“We think it’s more important than ever that women are on stage,” he said.

Outside the bowl, the Festival of Arts grounds will play host to a family-friendly Winter Wonderland, complete with craft food/drink, “indie” carolers, and Old Saint Nick himself. 

There will be a pre-show VIP reception at the newly-remodeled Terra, formerly Tivoli Terrace. VIP tickets also include premium seating and reserved seating.

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Another strong female indie band includes Springtime Carnivore

All concert-goers will have access to an online silent auction. As this is the only fundraising event the station is holding this year, generating support from attendees is more important than ever, said Russell. 

Pre-sale tickets are available just for KX 93.5 members starting October 8 at 10 a.m. To gain access to the pre-sale, consider becoming a member at www.KX935.com/join. General public tickets are available starting October 12 at 10 a.m. at www.KX935.com/KXMas. 

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

Joyce Stewart hosts free class, Freedom from Fear, Oct 18

Joyce Stewart is a clinical social worker, speaker and author who specializes in helping people heal from abuse, trauma, fear, anxiety and stress. She will offer a free class on Freedom from Fear on Thursday, Oct 18 from 10 - 11 a.m. and 7 - 8 p.m. at the Networks Living Room. 

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Joyce Stewart is an author and has a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work 

Joyce started Holistic Healing Consulting where she works with people online or in person at her office in Laguna Beach. Joyce has a master’s in Clinical Social Work and has been trained in Traditional Psychotherapy, Christian Counseling, Energy Psychology and Releasement Therapy. She is the author of two books: Interconnected by God, Healing for your Spirit, Soul and Body, and God is Love, A Spiritual Journey from Fear to Love. 

For more information, visit www.holistichealingconsulting.com, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (618) 210-3500. 

Net Works Living Room is located at 303 Broadway, Suite 107.

Stu News and KX 93.5 City Council Candidate Forum Video

City Manager’s Updates

20th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational Happening this Week – The 20th annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational is happening this week through Sunday around the City. Headquartered at the Festival of Arts grounds, the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational features 50 of the nation’s top award-winning plein air artists who are dedicated to painting the landscape and preserving Laguna’s plein air painting legacy and tradition. 

During the 9-day plein air art festival, the invited artists can be seen painting in and around Laguna Beach parks, coastlines, and the canyon. The first Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational was presented in 1999. 

For more information, visit www.lagunapleinair.org. 

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Laguna Beach makes the perfect setting for the Plein Air Painting Invitational

Bluebird SOCWA “Glenneyre Dip” Odor Control Upgrade Project Update – 

The Water Quality Department has been working on a project to eliminate the sewer odors at the “Glenneyre Dip”. Staff is scheduled to present the revised project scope to the Design Review Board (DRB) on November 8. Staff has addressed the comments from both the public and DRB in the two previous hearings on June 14, 2018, and July 26, 2018. The public is encouraged to learn all about the project and to attend and participate in the hearing. 

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

LitLaguna Workshop Series – The Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Department and the Literary Laureate Program present a series of writing workshops for aspiring writers who want to learn more about the craft of writing. 

The series will be held at the Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Center, 380 Third Street. Class size is limited. 

For dates, topics or to register, click here.

City to Partner With Health Care Agency to Exercise Emergency Response at Irvine Great Park – The City of Laguna Beach is one of seven South County cities partnering with the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) to exercise a Point of Dispensing (POD) emergency preparedness event at the Great Park in Irvine on October 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. to practice rapid distribution of medicine in the event of a public health outbreak. 

In a real emergency, PODs can save lives by getting needed medication and supplies to our community quickly and efficiently. If a widespread disease or other emergency were to occur, it may be necessary for local health departments to activate PODs to distribute large amounts of vaccinations, antibiotics, and other medicines to a large number of people. 

Participants will receive a commemorative tote bag, local emergency planning materials, information about the AlertOC emergency notification system, and a holiday pumpkin while supplies last. The exercise will help communities prepare for general health emergencies, and is a partnership of several local entities, including the Orange County Health Care Agency, Medical Reserve Corps and the cities of Aliso Viejo, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo and San Clemente. 

Visit www.AlertOC.org to learn about and register for OC’s mass notification system. 

Village Entrance Project Parking – In recent newspaper articles and at City Council candidate forums, questions have been raised regarding the number of vehicular parking spaces that will be provided by the Village Entrance Project. The purpose of this weekly update is to provide some background and information about the project.   

On November 12, 2013, the City Council decided to abandon a project to build a $42 million four-level parking structure at the Village Entrance site and instead chose a design that provides for surface parking, pedestrian pathways, enhanced landscaping and lighting, and improved traffic circulation. As part of this decision, the City Council decided to acquire a property adjacent to the project, positioned for development, and commonly known as the Christmas Tree Lot (725 Laguna Canyon Road). The lot was specifically acquired by the City Council to offset the anticipated loss of surface parking spaces resulting from the new design approach for the Village Entrance. The current project design was then approved in January 2018 after 16 public meetings over the last five years and the appeal period concluded in February 2018. Construction has started and will be complete in about two years, with the project being open for parking during the intervening summer seasons. The current project costs $11.1 million, which is a substantial reduction from the $42 million cost of the parking structure alternative.

When the Village Entrance project is complete in June of 2020, it will provide a total of 370 vehicle parking spaces, along with eight motorcycle and 104 bicycle parking spaces. Per parking codes, this is the equivalent of 387 parking spaces and encourages the use of motorcycles and bikes to relieve congestion on roads. In addition, the recent relocation of City employees to other buildings has reduced the employee parking need by 10 parking spaces and increasing the spaces available for public parking during the day.