Dogs jump out of car and attack passing woman
Police said a 4-year-old Lab/Boxer mix and a 7-year-old Lab/Whippet mix attacked a woman at S. Coast Hwy and Center Street Tuesday at 12:37 p.m.
According to Sgt. Louise Callus, the woman, 54, had just left a business on the ocean-side of Coast Hwy and was walking along the sidewalk when the attack occurred.
“The windows were all the way down,” explained Callus. “As the victim walked past the car, the dogs jumped out and at least one of the dogs attacked and bit firmly down on the lower portion of her leg. She also received abrasions from a fall. The owner of the dogs took custody of her dogs.”
Police issued a citation to the owner of the dogs for violating leash laws and failing to maintain control in a public place.
Police did not identify the dog owner or the victim and the extent of injuries to the victim were also not released.
Sworn complaint charged Pearson with conflict of interest in her Village Entrance vote in March
Laguna Beach Democratic Club activist Audrey Prosser filed a sworn complaint form dated April 17 with the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) alleging that Mayor Pro Tem Elizabeth Pearson’s participation in voting on the Village Entrance decision at a March 26 Council meeting.
Prosser’s complaint alleged that Pearson had a financial interest in the vote because her employer, the Laguna Playhouse, would benefit directly by the Council’s decision.
Pearson and Councilmember Toni Iseman had been working as a Council sub-committee on the project prior to Pearson’s employment there and continued doing so until the March 26 meeting. At no time did Iseman ever raise the issue to the City Council after Pearson began her employment at Laguna Playhouse.
A call to Councilmember Iseman Thursday was not returned.
When Pearson took the job with Laguna Playhouse in early 2012, one of the first things she did was contact City Attorney Philip Kohn to get guidance on whether or not she could vote on the Village Entrance.
Kohn generated a letter to the FPPC requesting direction in Feb 2012. The FPPC provided written direction under which Pearson could participate in Village Entrance deliberations while employed by Laguna Playhouse.
“I wanted to have full transparency and requested that Phil write to the FPPC,” Pearson said this past April after a citizen called Kohn to inquire about whether or not any of the thresholds provided by the FPPC had been met or exceeded.
It was Kohn’s opinion in a letter to the Council on April 12, 2013 that the thresholds had not been crossed and that Pearson’s vote was not a conflict of interest.
The FPPC responded to Prosser on May 10 concluding that Pearson’s “economic interest was indirectly involved…” and therefore her vote did not violate FPPC regulations.
Prosser did not return a call from StuNewsLaguna about this decision.
Pearson emailed a statement Thursday: “A ‘Sworn Complaint’ to the California Fair Political Practices Commission citing ‘conflict of interest’ is a serious charge, that if found valid, carries expensive fines. It’s disappointing to me that the Assistance Letter that I requested shortly after I was hired at the Laguna Playhouse – and submitted to the media with the legal thresholds (and made public) – did not satisfy those who questioned my ability to vote on the Village Entrance. Many have questioned the motives behind this complaint. Hopefully, this will put the matter to bed.”
LAFF – the Laguna Animation Film Festival Saturday morning
Once again, LAFF is being held in the, historic South Coast Cinema downtown.
The collection of films by Laguna College of Art + Design animation major students promises lots of animation from all levels of study and lots of color, too.
They will also be showing the film from the Eric Goldberg Master Class last summer as part of the show.
The screening, free to all, starts at 10 a.m. and lasts about an hour. The student filmmakers will all be in attendance to say a few words and to experience their films being shown on the big screen with a real audience and we think you will enjoy your Saturday if you will be in that lucky audience.
Hats Off to Dr. Seuss! National touring exhibition visits Laguna – hat collection unveiled tonight
Few authors are better known than Theodor Seuss Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, yet, to this day, his Secret Art and his fantastical Hat Collection are virtually unknown to the general public. Throughout his lifetime, Ted Geisel created paintings and collected hats, which he secreted away in a hidden closet at the Seuss Estate.
In honor of the 75th anniversary of Dr. Seuss’s second book, The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins, a special Hats Off to Dr. Seuss! Exhibition has been mounted that combines these two secret collections.
Audrey S. Geisel, the widow of Dr. Seuss, has generously opened up the Estate’s legendary “hat closet” to allow the public a peek at Dr. Seuss’s hat collection. These hats, along with the Secret Art, will travel the country and visit select venues throughout the next year. Hats Off to Dr. Seuss! is an incomparable exhibition as this is the first time any of these hats have traveled outside the Seuss Estate. Visit: http://www.drseussart.com/hatsoff/
The Art of Dr. Seuss curator, Bill Dreyer will be on hand to unveil the hat collection at the opening evening event from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 17 at Fingerhut Gallery of Laguna Beach.

Photo by Lyn Hughes
The Hats Off to Hope! campaign is a collaboration between Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Chase Art Companies, Random House Children’s Books and the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation, to bring hope, comfort and support to thousands of children currently battling cancer in the United States. Each purchase of a Jeff Gordon (pictured above) signed Would You Could You in a Car print will help Chase Art Companies to support Hats Off to Hope!
Dennis’ Tidbits
May 17, 2013
By Dennis McTighe
El Niño on the Horizon for August?
It’s kind of hard to predict what the upcoming summer has in store for us when we’re in a neutral zone as we are right now, meaning there’s neither an El Niño or a La Niña present at this time. Latest computer models however have an El Niño event ramping up by August but until then we’ll remain pretty much in a neutral zone.
My weather records over the past 55 years show a distinct pattern in regards to the type of summer we’ve had under El Niño and La Niña events. During La Niña summers we have been foggier longer with colder than normal water temps and below average swell production both from the Southern Hemisphere storms and Mexican hurricanes while El Niño events have historically produced warmer sunnier weather with water temps of 70 or higher with lots of south swell action from both sources while a majority of the neutral summers were well, pretty much normal with average sun, water around 68-70 with a decent amount of south swell action, nothing outstanding, but still by no means flat either.
That doesn’t always mean things will always be normal when it’s neutral but for the most part it comes out at near or at average conditions.
I’m sure a lot of the long time locals will agree that the summer of 1972 was the best ever. A few have come close but not as epic as the magical summer of ’72 when we had surf from every single tropical disturbance that popped out the chute that year, and on top of all that we got a great share of big waves from the other side of the Equator. There was always something going on. It would be a playful 3-5 feet for a few days then Wham! Five or six days of macking 8-10 bombs from a huge storm near New Zealand that took over a week to reach or coast. Then back-to-back-to-back Baja swells, then another New Zealander.
This went on for more than four months without a letup. There were only two flat days the whole summer!
We only got two days of fog all summer and the water was 70-75 except for three days in July when it briefly dropped to 66. That was as cold as it got.
We had Ava, Barbara, Celeste, Diane, Estelle, Fernanda, Gwen, Hyacinth, Inez, Jo Anne, Kathleen, Louise, Madeline, Nancy, Olivia, Penny, and finally RoxAnne. Every single storm delivered that year; it was amazing, especially if you didn’t have to work that summer! Tidbits didn’t.
It might be a hundred years or who knows how long until we have a summer like that again. More on great summers next time, and the not so great. Over time it winds up being a classic case of the system of checks and balances at work here.
Have a great weekend, ALOHA!
In today’s Laguna Dining section
Maggi stopped in at Brussels Bistro, a spot with its own personality known by many locals for their deliciously different specialties… Shaena is on it! National Burger Month, that is. She has six of Laguna’s best burgers detailed for us and the girl does know her burgers…Ever heard of ‘Italian Beer-Braised Pot Roast’? Nancy Johnson has another of her ‘accidental’ dinners that is filled with sensational tastes…Fonda Eaton had a yearning for fresh butter beans and she tells us how to cook them…Anita Razin fixes savory bok choy soup – healthy and tasty!
In today’s Laguna Dining – Click Here to eat..err..Read it Now!

LOCA celebrates 20th Anniversary on May 22
Laguna Outreach for Community Arts (LOCA) celebrates its 20th anniversary by hosting “An Evening with Lorraine Passero” on May 22, 6 to 8 p.m.
Lorraine Passero became acquainted with the Seeman family when she married into the family. Husband Jon Seeman’s Laguna roots date back to the 1890s. He is the great-great nephew of former Laguna resident, artist, and writer Clara Mason Fox (1873-1959).
This event will be a unique opportunity to view the artist’s 1890s drawings of Arch Beach and family photos while Lorraine and Jon give a presentation about Fox’s life.
In 2010, more than 150 of Fox’s botanical watercolors dating back to 1894, were found stored in cabinets at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont. The discovery has brought Fox the recognition that eluded her during her lifetime. Currently, the Huntington Library is featuring a selection of her watercolors in the “When They Were Wild” exhibition.
The newly released biography by Passero will be available during her book signing at the presentation. LOCA’s 20th Anniversary event will be on May 19, 6 to 8 p.m. at 2835 Bernard Ct.
Partake in wine and savory hors d’oeuvres while enjoying views of graceful hills, the beautiful ocean, and Catalina Island. Cost is $20 per person. For reservations, call LOCA 363-4700 or 510-4469 or email locaArts@yahoo.com. Space is limited.
Hit ‘em straight on a great golf course on June 3
The LB Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first-ever golf tournament at Coto De Caza Golf & Racquet Club on Monday, June 3.
Everyone can put together a foursome ($575 members - $675 non-members) or sign up individually ($150/$175).
There will be cash prizes, golf packages, a trip to Las Vegas and other prizes.
Contact the Chamber at 494-1018 to find out what the format will be and the time and to sign up/reserve your spot!
LBUSD classified employees awarded for service
LBUSD classified employees were honored at the 5th Annual Classified Employee Service Awards at the May 14 Board of Education meeting. The employees were recognized for 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of service to the district.
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Photos by Kevin Yates, LBUSD
Superintendent Sherine Smith, Central Office Assistant Allison Isambert (middle) and Board of Education Member Theresa O’Hare
Superintendent Sherine Smith said, “We are honored to recognize our classified employees who fill a wide variety of roles to support our schools and students. Our office staff, aides, grounds and maintenance, kitchen, and library staff members work hard every day to ensure our students’ well being.”
Smith continued, “The LBUSD classified staff is comprised of many long-serving and knowledgeable members. They provide a sense of history and continuity that enhances the learning of our students and an environment that promotes student achievement, safety, and health. Kudos to our classified staff – they are truly the best.”
Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Deni Christensen agreed, “The contributions of our dedicated, professional classified employees are paramount to our central mission of serving students. Each day, in ways both big and small, our classified employees make a significant impact on our operations and in the lives of students.”
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(L-R): Roberto Arevalo, Top of the World Elementary School Custodian II, Ketta Brown, Board of Education Member and Gail Converse, Thurston Middle School Instructional Aide II/Special Education
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Dean West said, “Laguna Beach Unified School District has sensational classified employees that provide support for outstanding achievement. They take pride in their roles to enable classroom success in academics, athletics, the arts, and multiple levels of support of our students and staff. It is a privilege to acknowledge the many unsung champions of student success.”
Director of Human Resources and Public Communication Gerald Vlasic added, “We are very fortunate that student success is supported by our talented and dedicated classified staff. They are behind-the-scenes working hard each day to assist in the smooth operation of our schools and district.”
Classified Employee Honorees with presenters in bold:
El Morro – Mr. Duddy
Martha Moeller, 15 years Instructional Aide II
Christine Seapin, 25 years Instructional Aide II Special Education/Instructional Aide I Classroom
Di Riegler, 15 years Clerk Typist I/Health Clerk
Top of the World – Mr. La Motte
Roberto Arevalo, 15 years Custodian II
Peggy Legault, 25 years Health Clerk
Thurston – Jenny Salberg
Gail Converse, 20 years Instructional Aide II Special Education
Patty Ingram, 10 years Food Service Worker I
LBHS – Joanne Culverhouse
Kalven Lee, 10 years Athletic Facilities Custodian
Ron Monn, 15 years Custodian II
Deborah Shields, 15 years Textbook Clerk
Gregory Swirczek, 25 years Maintenance Worker II
Central Office – Jerry Vlasic & Sherine Smith
Allison Isambert, 10 years Central Office Assistant
Kevin Yates, 10 years Professional Expert, Publicity
LPAPA’s first “Canvas For A Cause” a huge success
What happens when you ask a group of nationally recognized artists to donate original paintings for an important cause? They not only give willingly and give 100 percent, but every one of the paintings sells in a night that marks a new step forward for the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, LPAPA.
LPAPA’s premiere “Canvas For A Cause” fundraiser, on May 4, was a huge success in every way. Held at the Woman’s Club, the event raised $24,000 for the organization. Sales and attendance exceeded expectations; all of the 41 artist donated paintings sold, and the event was sold-out as well.
“Because of your support and the success of this new fundraiser, we are excited to announce that we will be using a portion of the funds raised to move forward with a new educational program currently being developed under the leadership of Jeff Sewell, LPAPA’s newest Board Member and Director of Education and Mentorship Outreach,” said Event Director Rosemary Swimm.
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Michelle Schumacher Photography
A good gathering!
Additional funds will be used to help offset the costs of the 15th Annual Laguna Plein Air Painting Invitational, which will have its debut celebration at Aliso Creek Inn Golf Resort in October.
For more information about membership and upcoming events, contact Swimm at info@lpapa.org.

T. Jefferson Parker, award-winning author & OC native, will be at LB Books Sunday afternoon
This Sunday at 4 p.m., Laguna Beach Books (1200 S. Coast Hwy – 494-4779) will welcome T. Jefferson Parker, author of The Famous and the Dead, his newest novel, to the store. There is no charge for the event.
Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy Charlie Hood is attached to the ATF, working undercover on the iron river that flows across the U.S.-Mexican border. The diamond fillings he wears in his left canine glimmer, distracting the men who sell the illegal firearms that enable the unspeakable violence on both sides of the map. Spotting the sparkle when “Charlie Diamonds” opens his mouth is often their first step toward life behind bars.
Meanwhile, Bradley Jones, sheriff’s deputy and employee of the Baja Cartel, son of the love of Charlie’s life, the deceased L.A. outlaw Suzanne Jones, is expecting a son of his own. Suzanne was descended from famed Mexican desperado Joaquin Murrieta, whose embalmed head Bradley inherited from her and keeps nestled among piles of cash, proceeds from Bradley’s own life of crime.
Charlie knows all of Bradley’s secrets; the question is what he’ll do with the information. Until he decides, his obsession remains the inexplicable existence of Mike Finnegan, the diminutive devil who flits in and out of both men’s lives, knowing things he shouldn’t, seemingly immortal.
Three men: earnest law-enforcer, inveterate lawbreaker, and the man who pits them against each other — hurtle toward one another in the jaw-dropping conclusion to Parker’s mesmerizing vision of the border. Their climactic showdown brings to a spectacular close a crime series that obliterated the boundaries of the genre.
T. Jefferson Parker is the bestselling author of nineteen previous novels, including Storm Runners and The Fallen.
His first novel, Laguna Heat, was published to rave reviews and made into an HBO movie starring Harry Hamlin and Rip Torn. Alongside Dick Francis and James Lee Burke, Parker is one of only three writers to be awarded the Edgar Award for Best Novel more than once. Parker lives with his family in Southern California.
The Pianist of Willesden Lane – new production from Hershey Felder will run at Laguna Playhouse from May 29 – June 9
The Laguna Playhouse will present Hershey Felder’s newest production, award-winning concert pianist Mona Golabek starring in the one-woman show, based on a true story, “The Pianist of Willesden Lane.”

Submitted photo
Mona Golabek
Adapted and directed by audience favorite Hershey Felder and based on the book “The Pianist of Willesden Lane” by Golabek and Lee Cohen, this music-filled evening recounts the personal story of Golabek’s mother in Nazi-occupied Europe. “The Pianist of Willesden Lane” will perform for two weeks only beginning Wednesday, May 29 through Sunday, June 9, at the Laguna Playhouse.
Set in Vienna in 1938 and London during the Blitzkrieg, “The Pianist of Willesden Lane” tells the story of Lisa Jura, a young Jewish pianist who is dreaming about her concert debut at the storied Musikverein concert hall. But with the issuing of new ordinances under Nazi regime, everything for Lisa changes, except for her love of music and the pursuit of her dream. Featuring some of the world’s most beloved piano music played live, “The Pianist of Willesden Lane” is performer Mona Golabek’s true family story, chronicling hope, survival and how through our darkest times, music has the power to help us survive.
The Laguna Playhouse, Moulton Theatre, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd. Performances are Tuesday through Friday evenings at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., with a special added performance on Thursday, May 30 at 2 p.m.
Ticket prices are from $40 to $70, and can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.com or by calling 497-2787, ext. 1. Group and school discount tickets are available by calling Kathy Bonner at 497-2787, ext. 229.

Film Society to screen an 8-Oscar winning film May 23
Evening will also benefit “Wounded Warriors”
To launch Memorial Day weekend right and to raise funds for the local chapter of “Wounded Warriors” that assists returning vets, the Laguna Beach Film Society will be doing a special screening of “The Best Years of Our Lives,” which received eight Academy Awards. The classic film stars screen greats Frederic Marsh, Myrna Loy, Dana Andrews and Theresa Wright, and is directed by film directing giant, William Wyler, who has won more awards than any other Hollywood director to date.
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Theresa Wright and Dana Andrews – a still from “The Best Years of Our Lives”
Rather than being just another “war” movie, this film tells the story of what “happens after” when three servicemen, including Harold Russell, who really did lose both his hands in the war, return from World War II and try to pick up their lives.
“The Best Years of Our Lives” will be featured on Thursday, May 23, 7 p.m. at South Coast Cinema, 162 S. Coast Hwy. Tickets are $8 pre-sale at www.LagunaArtMuseum.org/LBFS, $10 at the door, and $5 for students.
As a special treat, actor Michael Hall who played Frederic March’s son, will be in attendance to share stories of the making of the film at the 6 p.m. pre-film reception at Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive.
Tickets are $20 and include the reception, wine, appetizers, and the movie.
Over 400 attend Playhouse’s “Steel Magnolias” Gala
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Photos courtesy Chuck Weinberg
Subscribers, donors and supporters filled the house to capacity at the Opening Night Gala of the Laguna Playhouse’s newest production of “Steel Magnolias,” enjoying a beautiful spring evening out including a welcoming reception.
With a Southern theme, many attended in Southern attire, women in feminine flowing dresses and spring colors, men in dapper attire. More than 400 guests enjoyed a pre-show Southern menu with Cajun chicken and fried green tomatoes catered by Remark’s Restaurant, and mint juleps prepared with Nolet’s Premium Gin. Doug Miller entertained with his fiddle, while the National Charity League provided volunteer catering help.
“We’re having a great time dovetailing with the themes of our plays at our Opening Nights,” said Executive Director Karen Wood. “It’s all about a fun and participatory night out – and that’s what we’re having.”
“This production could not be more special,” said Playhouse Artistic Director Ann Wareham. I’ve been a fan of director Jenny Sullivan for years, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to the Playhouse family. Amazing women, amazing actors, and of course, they all have amazing hair.”
The Broadway-quality cast is directed by Jenny Sullivan and includes Joanna Strapp (Annelle), Elyse Mirto (M’Lynn), Alyson Lindsay (Shelby), Von Rae Wood (Clairee), Teri Ralston (Ouiser), Stephanie Zimbalist (Truvy). Ralston is from Laguna Beach, but now lives in New York.
The Playhouse’s resident set designer Jim Prodger spent nearly a year perfecting Laguna’s version of Truvy’s salon.
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The Cast
(L-R): Joanna Strapp (Annelle), Elyse Mirto (M’Lynn), Alyson Lindsay (Shelby), Von Rae Wood (Clairee), Teri Ralston (Ouiser), Stephanie Zimbalist (Truvy)
Attendees included Council members Steve Dicterow and Elizabeth Pearson; Playhouse board members Jim Mellor and his wife Suzanne, Terri Turner and husband Bill Brownson, DDS, Gary Capata, and Heidi Miller; Laguna Beach Chamber Executive Director, Kristine Thalman; Dan Martin, the new manager of the Union Bank-Laguna Beach branch, as well as most of the Playhouse’ Trustees and many local VIPs.
“Steel Magnolias” runs through May 26. For tickets and information, visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com, or call the box office at 497-2787.
LPAPA adds 10 new Signature Member artists
Laguna has always enjoyed a rich artistic history. LPAPA, a nationwide group of 300 participating “plein air” artists, was established in 1996 with the vision to link the strong plein air movement of the early California painters to today’s painters in order to create a national bond. Today, the non-profit organization represents hundreds of painters throughout the country.
Laguna Plein Air Painters Association is delighted to welcome 10 new Signature Members to the fold. Signature Membership acknowledges not only superior talents as an artist but also the artistic leadership that our artists bring to the plein air genre.
Artists were invited to submit 10 images for review by LPAPA’s Artistic Advisor, Jean Stern, and Executive Director of the Irvine Museum. Signature Members are carefully selected after demonstrating the highest level of proficiency representing the plein air style. Loosely translated, “plein air” is a French term that means to paint outdoors, usually on location. Signature Members are expected to mentor and provide workshops for the general artist membership.

Congratulations to the following new Signature Members: local artists Ebrahim Amin and Gavin Brooks; Jeff Sewell, Costa Mesa, Rick Delanty, San Clemente, Kim VanDerHoek, Orange; Jose DeJuan, Pasadena; Larry Cannon, Sonoma; Robin Purcell, Danville; Thomas Jefferson Kitts, Portland; and Lori Putnam, Franklin, Tenn. Membership is open to artists, students and patrons of the arts. For information about membership and upcoming events, contact LPAPA Executive Director Rosemary Swimm at info@lpapa.org, or visit www.lpapa.org.
Architect John Lautner’s work highlighted on May 21
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© Jon Yoder
Laguna can’t get enough of architect John Lautner, so the Laguna Friends of Architecture have brought in scholar Jon Yoder, PhD, professor at Syracuse University, to talk on the framing of vision in Lautner’s work and its influence on a younger generation of ‘ocular’ architects in Los Angeles.
The meeting will be on Tuesday, May 21, 6:30 p.m. at Laguna College, Studio 12, 2222 Laguna Canyon Road. Go to www.lagunafriendsarch.com for directions or email Sean McCracken at smccracken@surterreproperties.com.
SchoolPower extends directory ad deadline to May 28
From a press release
It’s not too late to be part of “the best read book in town” as SchoolPower has extended the deadline for advertising in the 2013-14 Student Directory to May 28. With over $46,000 in ad sales so far, this popular publication is more than halfway to the goal of raising $70,000 in support of Laguna Beach public schools.
Giving advertisers yearlong visibility to an exclusive local market, all 2,000 families in the LBUSD receive a copy of the Student Directory and use it to throughout the year for student, school, business and tutor contact information.
This upcoming edition offers advertisers even greater exposure as the alphabetical and categorical indexes of advertisers will be placed closer to the front of the book for improved visibility, noted Directory Chair Melissa Cavanaugh.

All advertisers will be invited to SchoolPower’s Business Appreciation Party at Nirvana Grille’s rooftop Bliss Bar on May 29 where the Directory cover ad spaces will be auctioned. For more information, visit the Laguna Beach Education Foundation’s website at www.lbschoolpower.org or call 494-6811.
OC Kidney Walk invites participants for June 2 event
Step up with family, friends, and community members on Sunday, June 2 for the 4th Annual Orange County Kidney Walk presented by DaVita at Aldrich Park in UC Irvine by the National Kidney Foundation, serving Southern California and Southern Nevada.
Teams and individual walkers of all ages are invited to take a lifesaving step and help raise funds to support programs that help in the fight against kidney disease through prevention, advocacy, and education. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the noncompetitive three mile, and one mile Kidney Walk begins at 9:30 a.m. To register for the Kidney Walk, visit www.kidneywalk.org or call 800-747-5527 for more information.










































































