My dear friend Stu Saffer

My dear friend and business partner Stu Saffer was a Great Tree in our community, giving so much to so many of us. He strived to “make the town a little bit smaller through the news” – and that he did, every Tuesday and Friday and in between. 

“I wake up with a smile on my face every day,” he would say, “because I live in Laguna and get to do what I do for the community I love.”

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Stu and I together

At this time, plans for a Celebration of Life have not been finalized, but we will let everyone know as soon as we have the location, date and time. 

Stu’s dearest hope was that Stu News Laguna would continue on, which it will, in his honor. Every decision we make, every article we publish, we’ll put to the Stu test: as he told us many times, Stu News Laguna is not simply about journalism, it’s above all about heart.

We so much appreciate the love and tributes from the community that we have already received. Please keep them coming. We’ll be publishing your memories of Stu and tributes to him in the next few issues.

We will also be publishing tributes from the members of our team in Friday’s issue. 

--Shaena Stabler

Obituary

Stu Saffer

June 20, 1942 – May 20, 2017

Laguna Beach’s Stu Saffer, respected journalist and founder of Stu News Laguna, mentor to many, community stalwart, baseball fanatic, and 2016 Citizen of the Year, passed away on Saturday May 20, 2017, after complications following a surgical procedure that he and his doctors had hoped would improve his health. For years, Stu had battled a progressive disease that affected his lungs.

Stu’s daughter Jackie Miller and his dear friend and business partner, Shaena Stabler, were at his side when he passed peacefully.

Police files, City news, nonprofit, sports and school events, and the achievements of Lagunans young, old and in-between – not to mention controversial viewpoints of all stripes  – all found a place in StuNewsLaguna, his and Shaena’s digital celebration of the town he adored.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Stu in his element on Patriot’s Day, scooting down the streets of Laguna, flags flying

Stu Saffer was born in 1942 in Washington, DC and grew up in Middleburg in rural Virginia. His father died when Stu was just 11 years old. Stu always commented how his father, the town’s doctor, used to forgive the debts of those in the community who could not pay for healthcare. These were the values that guided Stu throughout his life: kindness, loyalty, and the importance of giving back to the community. He often told the story of attending his late beloved brother Doc’s funeral, where a relative told him that he was “just like his dad and his brother.” To Stu, that was the highest compliment he could be paid.

A gifted hitter, Stu won a baseball scholarship to the University of Virginia, but due to family circumstances, he was unable to accept the offer. Instead he studied radio broadcasting and advertising sales at night at what is now George Mason University, and by day, to support himself and a young wife and child, he held down two jobs, one as a mailman and the other coaching baseball at a junior college.

 Over the years, his passionfor journalism grew and he was offered a job with the Houston Chronicle, but once again fate intervened in the shape of an older brother’s plea that Stu work with him in sales in California. 

After that, Stu became a semiconductor sales engineer for Teledyne with Orange County as his territory. 

Somewhere along the way, he sold everything “from swimming pools to leather-bound Great Books of the Western World.” 

Stu was proud that, after attending law school, he successfully passed the California Bar Exam. Later in his multi-faceted career, he founded a highly successful mortgage brokerage, Churchill Financial, which at one point had more than 100 employees.

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Stu with his daughter Jackie

He also hosted a sports radio show in Orange County, where he showed off his encyclopedic baseball knowledge and became enmeshed in the Orange County sports world.

Stu coached Little League teams in Laguna for many years. It was his enthusiasm for Little League and his deep involvement in community sports that first made him a town fixture. He was the Laguna Little League commissioner from 1995-1996 and received the Rhoads Martin Award in 1999.

During these years, Stu’s continuing passion for journalism rather than business led him to ask the editor of Laguna’s Coastline News, Jerry Ledbetter, if he could write a column for the paper. Jerry said no, but offered him the job of beat reporter, which Stu undertook with typical gusto. In 1998, Jerry offered Stu the paper, which he bought with the help of a silent partner. 

In 2002, the paper was sold to the Times.

Stu decided to start a new local paper, the Independent. The Indy quickly became the town’s top news source with Stu at its helm until 2008, when his partner decided to sell. Stu walked away.

But, never daunted, Stu created what is known in the news business as a “hyper-local online newspaper” in the form of Stu News Laguna, which he modeled after USA Today. The new format proved successful, especially after Shaena Stabler became his business partner, handling the advertising and marketing side of the business. Not ten days after their meeting at a coffee shop (he had met her briefly a year earlier while she was raising money to help Haiti after the earthquake), he and Shaena became partners, a move he always talked about with the greatest joy. 

“Best decision I ever made,” he would say.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Stu and Brandon

In 2016, Stu and Shaena expanded their news model to Newport Beach, partnering with Tom and Lana Johnson on Stu News Newport.

As noted by Charles Quilter, in his description of Stu Saffer, Citizen of the Year: 

“Stu’s goal has been to ‘make the town smaller’ by following a policy of not taking sides, editorializing, publishing puffery, or censoring letters except for those that are outright personal attacks. By dedicating himself to providing the community with reliably objective and timely news of Laguna Beach that is available literally worldwide, Stu Saffer has made a significant and valuable contribution to us all.”  

Stu leaves behind his daughter, Jackie Miller, of Naples, California, and her sons J.R., 19, Charlie, 16, John, 14, and Peter, 14; Brandon Leahy, of San Francisco, with whom he had a close father-son like relationship; his daughter, Laura Law, of Atlanta, Georgia, and her children Katherine Law, 28, and Will Law, 25; as well as his sister, Claudia Young, of Middleburg, Virginia; and grandsons Ryan Lipert, 33, and Michael Lipert, 28, from his pre-deceased daughter. He was pre-deceased by his two brothers, Tom and Thornton “Doc” Saffer, and his daughter, Liz Lipert, of Capistrano Beach, who passed away five years ago.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for June. Further information will be provided as plans are finalized.

In lieu of flowers, Stu’s family requests that donations are made to Laguna Beach Little League or Friendship Shelter, two of Stu’s favorite nonprofits, or any nonprofit of your choice.

Tributes to Stu are pouring in…thank you! We will publish more in Friday’s edition

Stu made sure we knew what was going on [in Laguna]. His casual approach was disarming and helped him gracefully dig for the story. He created dedicated readers. His words started conversations and created memories. We had a pro at the helm, a visionary. Stu changed Laguna. He›ll always be remembered.

Mayor Toni Iseman

There are no words for what this incredible man has done for Laguna: the caring, the passion, the integrity. A beautiful soul. May you forever rest in peace my dear, dear friend and may your lungs fill with the crisp, clean air as you sit in the bleachers enjoying a cold beer and grilled dog with all the toppings while watching your favorite teams head into extra innings on a bright Saturday afternoon. No one deserves it more than you!! 

I really loved everything about Stu. I take pride in my passion and knowledge of a few things in life including baseball, music and Laguna. I’m pretty sure that Stu had forgotten more than I ever knew about all three…

Truly a special man, and I’m a better person for having known him.

Mark Christy

I met Stu about five minutes after I moved to town 30 years ago. It was love at first sight. We had a shared, twisted sense of humor, and spent many, many hours mulling the profoundly ridiculous headlines emanating from our favorite zip code. The year he narrated Lagunatics, I discovered that his dulcet tones were the perfect vehicle for Chris Quilter’s hilarious introductions to our parodies. 

Stu’s delivery of “It gave new meaning to the word ‘asphalt’” remains one of my favorite memories. And of course, Stu understood the value of the jewels in our community and the special gifts that separate us from Newport Beach and Laguna Niguel.  

He was there for me and for No Square Theatre, from the beginning. I remember when I started “Lagunatics” 25 years ago, Stu wrote a feature, and sat in the house, down front, howling. I have his laugh on VHS. It sounds like big, glorious diamonds bouncing down Forest. What a legacy he has: the chronicle of our sweet village, that now has so much less without him. 

Oh…and he made killer gumbo.

Bree Burgess Rosen

What a wonderful, enterprising, creative entrepreneur Stu was. He was willing to take the leap into new endeavors, even when some of his friends would express doubt and caution...myself included, when he first approached me regarding his plan to kick-off StuNewsLaguna.com. I recommended he call his new business StuKnowsLaguna.com...but, his vision was better than mine. That’s how Stu succeeded, by taking those chances others would lack the courage to try. I will greatly miss his sense of humor and charming mannerisms.

Ray McAfoose

Stu was not only a king of community. He was a weaver too. Stu News Laguna was his tapestry; our village, his masterpiece. His humor and love were healing to many. 

Meghan Sickner

Please send your memories and anecdotes to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . We will read and appreciate every single one.

Police Files

Drone drives resident to distraction – and worse

Drones are a contentious topic, and on Friday, one resident in the 1300 block of Skyline Drive decided to take matters into his own hands – literally.

“After a thorough investigation, officers found a resident had taken a drone that belonged to a professional videographer, who was filming for real estate purposes,” said LBPD spokesperson Sgt. James Cota. “The citizen refused to give it back to the owner.”

According to the police log, the man also punched the videographer, who declined medical attention. 

Eventually, officers were able to get the man to come out of the house with the now-damaged drone.

Joshua Radwan, 36, Laguna Beach, was arrested for robbery and transported to Orange County Jail.

Cliff Drive burglary foiled

On Saturday evening, a neighbor reported a woman sitting on a doorstep and pounding on the door of a residence in the 1000 block of Cliff Drive. 

Officers arrived at the scene and detained the woman and her companion.

According to Sgt. James Cota of the LBPD, “They were in the process of stealing items from the residence.”

Marcela Encarnacion, 45, Long Beach, and Arnoldo Chavez, 49, Norwalk, were both arrested for residential burglary. Additionally, Chavez was arrested on an outstanding warrant from Merced County for vandalism, resisting, and battery.

Man spits at officers during arrest

Officers responded on Friday night to Main Beach following a report of assault. After making contact with the two men involved, it was determined that Daniel Del Rosario, 24, no fixed address, was the aggressor.

“While officers attempted to arrest Del Rosario, he spat at an officer but missed,” said Sgt. James Cota, LBPD spokesperson. “Aside from being charged with assault, additional charges were added for assault on a police officer.”

Del Rosario was taken to Orange County Jail and held with $20,000 bail.

Council will consider amended drone ordinance

By BARBARA DIAMOND

The City Council will review changes to a proposed ordinance governing unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned vehicle systems, known as drones. 

A committee headed by Police Chief Laura Farinella is recommending the changes to the ordinance that was introduced by staff in March. The changes address concerns about public safety, privacy and the effect on wildlife, while acknowledging expertise and skill of professionals operating the drones, according to the staff report. 

The committee included Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Boyd, UAV operators, a concerned resident and a representative of City Attorney Philip Kohn.  

Their recommendations include continuation of the committee to create a plan to educate the public about the ordinance through signs, social media, Face Book and handing out flyers.

The proposed ordinance prohibits flights over Heisler Park, Main Beach, Irvine Bowl, Treasure Island Park, Bluebird Park during the Sunday summer concerts, beaches, City Hall, police and fire stations, Marine Safety facilities or the corporation yard at ACT V. 

Drones also will not be allowed to violate any reasonable expectation of privacy.

Flyers (yes, flyers) will educate the community about drones

Real estate agents, media and photographers will be required to get permits to use drones for business purposes. 

If the amended ordinance is approved on Tuesday, the Police department will work with the committee to create a plan for community education about the ordinance via signs, social media, Facebook, the City website and personal contact with the public by handing out flyers.

There will be penalties for violations of the ordinance, but fines will not be established until the final approval. Enforcement of the ordinance will not begin until the police department has had time to educate the community about the ordinance and flight restrictions.

Ocean Heroes will be honored at 10th Annual Laguna Hero Fest on June 8

The MY HERO Project is hosting a World Oceans Day Celebration at the 10th Annual Laguna Hero Fest on June 8, at [seven-degrees]. The Fest honors individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the Laguna Beach community. This year’s family-friendly event will showcase art, music and inspiring short films featuring ocean heroes. 

A youth afternoon program, from 3:30 - 5 p.m. will introduce children to inspiring short films, art and other ocean conservation-related activities. Ocean Warrior students from Top of the World Elementary School will also perform a skit as part of the afternoon program. 

The family friendly evening program from 7 – 10 p.m. will include music, art, short films and an award ceremony honoring artists, activists, and environmental heroes.

Laguna residents Greg and Barbara MacGillivray will be honored for their ongoing commitment to ocean conservation. Greg’s Oscar-nominated documentaries The Living Sea (1995) and Dolphins (2000) have inspired millions of ocean activists. 

The MacGillivrays founded One World One Ocean to educate and inspire activism to protect the world’s oceans. They sponsor MY HERO’s annual Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award, named for research scientist and explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle. The award comes with a $500 prize and goes to a filmmaker whose work highlights heroes working to protect the ocean. This year’s winner will be announced at the June 8 event.

Laguna Beach Mayor Toni Iseman will receive the Community Hero Award for her work creating the Laguna Beach Weekend Trolley, which reduces traffic and helps keep the beach community clean. The free shuttle runs weekend days and evenings during the summer. Thousands of visitors can enjoy the city without bringing their cars. 

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Laguna Beach Lifeguards will be honored

The Laguna Beach Lifeguards will be honored at the event for keeping local beaches safe for swimmers, surfers and others who enjoy our ocean.

The Laguna Bluebelt Coalition will be honored for its efforts to protect and restore Laguna’s marine life environments. The group promotes education and preservation of local marine resources. 

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center will share their new 360 Virtual Reality experience.

Massen Greene Foundation will be recognized for their impact in the community and commitment to environmental preservation and education.

Youth vocalist Whitney Winefordner will provide musical entertainment; Doug Miller will perform “The Ditty for Dilley.” Laguna Poet-John Gardiner will share some ocean poems. Stu Pearl and friends will be playing Jazz.

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PMMC will share their new 360 Virtual Reality experience

Other honorees include La Vida Laguna, Ron Chilcote of Laguna Greenbelt, and landscape and ethnographic photographer Tom Lamb

The Artist Showcase will include:

Winning photographs from the Laguna Bluebelt 6th Annual Photo Contest

The life and work of the late artist Robert Young

Sage Hill High School Student Artists

The Laguna Beach Boys and Girls Club Artists

The Laguna Hero Fest is free and open to the public with a suggested donation. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at [seven-degrees]. 

Sponsors include: [seven-degrees], Stu News, KX 93 FM, he lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach.

MY HERO is a not for profit 501c3 organization.

Donations are tax deductible: http://myhero.com/donate. To learn more visit: http://myhero.com/laguna. For RSVPs, go to www.myhero.com/go/rsvplaguna

St. Catherine of Siena’s “ragtag” inline hockey team beats the odds to become JV division champions

In a city known for producing water polo, volleyball and surfing champions, Laguna Beach is now home also to the 2017 Anaheim Ducks Interscholastic Inline Initiate JV Hockey Champions. 

In a true Cinderella style, tiny St. Catherine of Siena’s team beat the odds and big school teams from all over Orange County to become JV division inline champions on Saturday in Huntington Beach.

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St. Catherine of Siena is the home to these inline hockey champs

“I cannot overstate what a huge accomplishment this is for our small school,” said John Rief. “The league is made up of schools from the entire county (Yorba Linda, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Orange, Mission Viejo), many of which have big hockey programs and big enrolments compared to little St Catherine. To my knowledge it is the only OC school hockey league and therefore the de facto county championship.”

Rief remarked that it was tough to put into words how challenging the months of league play were, followed by the championship tournament where the team played three games in a five hour window.  

“Kids were exhausted and in pain to the point of not being able to skate,” Rief said. “Somehow they dug deep to become the unlikeliest of champions from Laguna Beach. They are a rag tag group of fifth, sixth and seventh graders who pulled off a minor sporting miracle.”

Laguna Beach water polo’s 12U Girls win gold at the 2017 San Diego County Cup

Laguna’s 12U girls recently travelled to San Diego to compete in the County Cup and returned home with a gold medal after a 5-4 win over Back Bay in the championship game. 

Photo courtesy Steve Short

LB 12 U water polo girls team: Back row: Avery Montiel, Lauren Short, Sara Block, Rebecca Storke, Coach Kelcie Ferreira, Charlotte Riches, Lauren Schneider, Myha Pinto, Jordan Schneider & Taylor Naughton. Front row: Claire Turner, Eleanor Ramsey, Cleo Washer & Ava Knepper.

Tournament MVP was Cleo Washer, with Charlotte Riches and goalie Lauren Schneider also named to the all-tournament team.

15th Annual Masters Pageant & student art exhibit transform the St. Catherine of Siena Parish gym

On Fri, May 19, the St. Catherine of Siena Parish School gymnasium was reimagined as a magical place where art came to life. Modeled after the traditional Pageant of the Masters, this annual event always proves to be a highlight of the school year and the culmination of many hours of preparation by the students, faculty, staff, alumni and parent volunteers.

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Charlie Mott, Gracie Curran, Ethan Freeman, Grayson Rosal, Liam Lott, Charley Connelly, Patrick Larkin, Christian Rief, Sammy Phelan, Meg Gardner, Elizabeth Boyer, Julia Kellogg, Sienna McCarthy, Max Miller, Drew Jackson, Stella Harman

Under the leadership of Christine Thomas, the school’s art teacher and member of the Dana Point Fine Arts community, the students are truly the ones who shine in this special affair. 

The school community came out in strong numbers both as participants and audience members. Christine Thomas said, “This year’s theme, Discover Art, was motivated by embracing and celebrating the life we are entrenched in here at St. Catherine’s. Art provides hands-on experiences that create change, encourage discovery and connect human relationships.” 

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Two young actors prepare to go onstage

“Our creativity within becomes a reflection of light within ourselves. I carry the worry and the load and get reminded to give it up to God and the Holy Spirit takes over,” Christine continued. “Alumni show up who know the ropes. Graduates run the back stage and lead the students. Paint colors donated are exactly what were needed. Obstacles become smaller with the energy of the kids.”

Imagination Celebration winners for art and Festival of the Arts winners, whose art will be displayed all summer were: Frankie Rasic, Katie Letourneau, Charlotte Sekerka.

Saint Catherine of Siena Parish School is a TK-8 grade Catholic school in Laguna Beach. Call 494-7339 to learn more about the school or to schedule a campus tour. Registration for the 2017- 2018 school year is open now.

American Legion and VFW will conduct Memorial Day Ceremony at Heisler Park

On Monday May 29, Laguna Beach American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars will conduct their 90th Memorial Day ceremony in remembrance of all their comrades who died in all the wars and conflicts protecting our country.  

Heisler Park

The ceremony will take place at Monument Point in Heisler Park at 11 a.m. sharp.

The keynote speaker will be Assemblyman Matthew Harper. Music will begin at 10:30. The public is invited to come early, as seating is limited.  

For more information please contact Richard Moore at (949) 376-6340 or Diane Connell at (949) 494-2065.

Many organizations place floral offerings on the Heisler Park Memorial Monument during the ceremony. Organizations are asked to attach their names to any floral arrangements. It is suggested that those having flowers delivered try to get them in place by 10 a.m.  

Those intending to send or bring floral arrangements are asked to call Diane Connell at (949) 494-2065.

Laguna Beach Exchange Club’s 90th Annual Pancake Breakfast celebrates our veterans on May 29

Join firefighters, lifeguards, and police officers in honoring and thanking our veterans as the Laguna Beach Exchange Club hosts a Pancake Breakfast on Mon, May 29, from 7 – 10:30 a.m. at Heisler Park, 375 Cliff Dr. Price is $5. Participants will be able to take pleasure in watching firefighters practice their pancake flipping skills.

The breakfast is the LB Exchange Club’s largest fundraiser, with proceeds supporting child abuse prevention and youth projects. The club was instrumental in starting the Orange County Child Abuse Prevention Center.

The Pancake Breakfast would not be possible without the support of the City of Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach Fire Fighters, Laguna Beach Police and generous sponsors including Las Brisas and the White House. 

Following the Pancake Breakfast, attendees are encouraged to join the American Legion/VFW Memorial Day Service at Monument Point.

Bluegrass & BBQ kick off the Laguna Beach Live! summer season at LCAD on June 11

Laguna Beach Live! celebrates summer with music and BBQ on Sun, June 11, with a bluegrass concert from 5 to 7 p.m. amid the canyon oaks at the Laguna College of Art & Design (LCAD). A special workshop for stringed instruments is offered at 4 p.m. when the BBQ opens.

Laguna Beach Live! presents the acclaimed Burning Heart Bluegrass Band. There is nothing like the sound of guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle and doghouse bass when they get into that special bluegrass groove. Add to that high-powered vocals and soaring harmonies, and you have Burning Heart Bluegrass. Drawing its repertoire from old and new bluegrass classics, BHB provides a genuine bluegrass experience, no gimmicks, upgrades or additives. 

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Burning Heart Bluegrass Band

Guests are invited to enjoy JM Catering barbecue selections, hearty snacks, salads, wine, and beer at LCAD, 2222 Laguna Canyon Road. Concert tickets: Adults $20 advance, $25 at door; children 12 or younger $10 advance, $13 at door. Barbecue sold separately: $20 advance, $25 at door; children 12 and younger $10 advance, $13 at door. VIP tickets are available in advance only; $100 includes reserved table seating, concert and barbecue. 

General admission includes seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Chairs are provided. No outside food or beverages will be permitted. Tickets on sale now at 800-595-4849 or www.lagunabeachlive.org. Information line: 949-715-9713.

Fête de la Musique celebrates 10 years with festivities on June 17 in downtown Laguna 

The 10th Annual Laguna Beach Fête de la Musique will take place in downtown Laguna Beach on Saturday, June 17. The day’s festivities start at 12 p.m. at Main Beach with the Children’s Parade and The Swing Set Band playing their swing/jazz tunes. Opening ceremonies with dignitaries begin at 1 p.m. on the Main Beach Cobblestones; at 1:30 - 4 p.m., artists perform at approximately 45 downtown locations, with most along Ocean and Forest avenues, and spreading south along PCH to Legion St with a few venues in the HIP District. A closing musical ceremony at 4 p.m. will take place on the Cobblestones. The event is free. 

Children’s Parade at Main Beach

Originating in France in the 1980s, Fête, also known as the International Day of Music, celebrates the beginning of summer and the close affiliation Laguna Beach has with its sister city, Menton, France. Presented by the Laguna Beach Sister Cities Association, it promotes the lively arts through music by a variety of musicians, singers and performers.

This milestone event is being presented in partnership with OC Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, the City of Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, Visit Laguna Beach and the Orange County Visitors Association. 

Musicians play on downtown corner

Performers, whether amateur or professional, can learn how they can participate in this year’s Fête by visiting www.lagunabeachsistercities.com/fetedelamusique. Photos and videos from past Fêtes are posted.

Laguna Beach Sister Cities Association has three sister cities: Menton, France; San Jose del Cabo, Mexico; and St. Ives, England. Since its inception, Laguna Beach Sister Cities, established in 2008, has been focused on cultural, educational and social exchanges. It is a broad-based City Council approved, all volunteer, non-profit organization. Contact information: P.O. Box 1011, Laguna Beach, CA 92652. Call 949.492.0883, or visit lagunabeachsistercities.com.

Mystic Arts Gallery presents Duets this June, celebrating the art of collaboration

Art is a lonely process, the Mystic Arts Gallery artists agree. Artists will spend countless years perfecting their skills, honing their voice and trying to realize their vision, almost always to feel they fell short of the mark, they say.  “What am I trying to communicate?” “Is it any good?” “Where do I go next?”

“The questions bounce around like high-flying rubber balls, never to be answered to your satisfaction,” notes Rachel Goberman, jewelry artist. Yes, art is a lonely process.

Then the artists of Mystic Arts Gallery in Laguna Beach took on the challenge in January to step outside their comfort zone and do something truly different – collaborate.  

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Duets: A collaboration of artists has produced some exceptional work

“It’s incredibly different to approach your work with another artist’s needs in mind,” said Jaime Weber, the gallery’s’ ceramic artist. “It brings in a completely new set of questions to your work, while also freeing you from your usual constraints. You have to see the work from both collaborators’ perspectives to really be able to generate a workable idea and you learn a lot about your own medium when seeing it through another artists eyes.”

Teaming with Laguna Beach jewelry artist and de facto gallery organizer, Rachel Goberman, the two ladies are creating a series of beaded vessels that blend both artists’ voices in a beautiful harmony.  

“We needed to create something that still felt like our own, while bringing in something completely new… it was a crazy leap into the void that was incredibly rewarding for both of us,” say Weber and Goberman.

In addition to Jaime Weber and Rachel Goberman, the exhibit includes collaborative works by local artists Terrell Anansi, David Fleischmann, Robert Holton, Mark Sanderson, Carmen Gunderson, Debbie Horton and other.

The new exhibit, titled “Duets”, will be on display at the Mystic Arts Co-operative Gallery at 664 S Coast Hwy for the month of June, and the Gallery will be hosting an open house reception the evening of June 3 from 6 to 9 p.m.  

All the participating artists will be present to launch the exhibit and talk about the work, the collaborative process and its challenges and rewards. The event is free and the public is welcome.

AAUW LB Branch celebrates 50 golden years

The Laguna Beach branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women), founded in 1967, is celebrating 50 years of advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.  At a festive champagne and cupcake commemoration party on May 7 at the Dana Point Yacht Club, AAUW-CA Vice President Jane Niemeier presented certificates of achievements from State and AAUW Washington D.C. 

Donna Lilly, co-chair of the AAUW College/University Partners program highlighted that program’s important achievements. Currently in partnership with nine hundred colleges and universities nationally, the program opens doors to grants and fellowships, leadership training, professional development, educational resources, and advocacy tools. 

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Elsa Brizzi, founding member Jean Brotherton, charter member, Tom Brotherton, and Carol Sawtell celebrate AAUW Laguna Beach’s 50 years

Laguna Beach’s Co-President Jean Vivrette talked about the branch’s many achievements, including annual scholarships for high school graduating girls and women returning to college; the very successful tutoring program at El Morro Elementary School, now in its 24th year, and the Tech Trek program that awards annual scholarships to Thurston Middle School girls to attend summer STEM science camps.  

Brochures at each table listed some of the branch’s other proud achievements: “Domestic Violence” a one-hour video aired on TV and distributed to branches statewide; “Preparing Girls for the 21st Century & Beyond” conferences at LB High School and Orange Coast College, involving 16 local nonprofit organizations; Start Smart, a salary negotiation class for college women; and the branch AAUW College/University Partnership with Laguna College of Art and Design and Orange Coast College.

Charter member Jean Brotherton, accepting a Certificate of Branch Recognition on behalf of the Branch, talked about the importance of staying involved in our fast-paced, often impersonal society, noting that quality friendships are more important than ever.  

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Members Judy Teverbaugh and Johanna Felder, enjoy the “Cupcake and Champagne” Celebration

As she said, “AAUW offers its members a chance to enjoy a support system of dynamic, educated people in the state and nation who work to empower women and girls through equity and education to reach their goals. At the same time it’s a wonderful chance to make new friends locally and participate in the many interesting and fun activities sponsored by our Laguna Branch.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the organization and how to join should contact Leah Vasquez, at 494-5787 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or visit the website at www.aauw-lb.org.

LBUSD Board meets tonight (Tuesday)

The LBUSD Board meets tonight, Tuesday May 23 at 550 Blumont St.

Open session will begin at 6 p.m. with a study session on the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP).  At 6:45 p.m., the Board will take a short break and begin open session with recognitions of 2017 retirees, Community Coalition partners, and Workability business partnerships.

At the meeting, the Board will receive information reports on special education, visual and performing arts, and supplemental materials.  

The Board will consider taking action on adding lacrosse and wrestling to the athletic programs.

The agenda for Tuesday’s regular Board meeting has been posted here: http://www.lbusd.org/uploaded/1-District/Board/Documents/2016-2017/Agendas/May_23,_2017_Board_Meeting_Agenda.pdf

Click It or Ticket Campaign starts this week

As summer approaches and families hit the road for vacations, the Laguna Beach Police Department and the California Office of Traffic Safety remind motorists to Click It or Ticket. 

Officers will conduct several seat belt enforcement operations during the Click It or Ticket campaign to help lower California’s traffic deaths. In addition to these special patrols, officers on routine patrol will also be looking for unrestrained drivers and passengers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of the 22,441 passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in 2015 were unrestrained. During nighttime hours, that number soared to 57 percent of those killed. That’s why one focus of the Click It or Ticket campaign is nighttime enforcement.

Law enforcement will be taking a no-excuses approach

Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and night. In OC, the ticket cost for an adult seat belt violation is $162, with penalties for not restraining a child at $465.

In 2015, 545 Californians where killed because they did not buckle their seat belts as stated by NHTSA. Before one more friend or family member is killed as a result of this senseless inaction, this life saving message needs to be spread. “Seat belts save lives, and everyone needs to remember to buckle up, every trip, every time.” 

This campaign is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For further information, contact Lieutenant Tim Kleiser at (949) 464-6655 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

PayScale’s 2017 College RIO Report

ranks LCAD #2 Best Value Art School in US

As announced by PayScale’s College RIO Report, Laguna College of Art + Design (LCAD) is ranked the #2 Best Value Art School. The report was designed for students and parents to identify art schools and colleges that provide the highest return on investment. 

The list included 30 US colleges of art and design, “LCAD endeavors to prepare its students for careers as creative artists, designers and writers by fostering the acquisition of timeless skills based on observation, representation and concept development, while embracing the opportunities of new and innovative technologies,” said LCAD president Jonathan Burke. 

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LCAD ranks #2 Best Value Art School

LCAD students benefit from relationships with such industry leaders and partners as the Anaheim Ducks, Blizzard, Disney, DreamWorks, GoPro, Hurley, NIKE, Pixar, Sony, STANCE, Warner Bros. and many more. These high-level connections facilitate access to cutting-edge technology, key internships and employment opportunities. LCAD recently surveyed the 2014 graduates, and ninety-two percent are working full time, with seventy-three percent employed in their chosen fields.

“We are passionate about and dedicated to empowering new generations of creative leaders,” said Burke. “Because of our notable commitment to preparing students for the rapidly changing demands of the creative arts industries, LCAD students often are offered major-specific employment and internship opportunities even prior to graduation.”

For more information about LCAD admissions, student life and financial aid, visit www.lcad.edu. The Best Value Art School report is available at: http://www.payscale.com/college-roi/school-type/art?page=2

Construction continues apace on FOA grounds

The rain wasn’t expected to fall in quite such large amounts this winter. But the deluge won’t prevent the Festival of Arts from finishing construction in time.

Ironically, the grounds improvement project, approved by the Laguna Beach City Council in July 2015, was postponed for a year due to the threat of El Niño conditions. But now, despite the rains, the project is expected to be completed in time, with landscaping underway.

Last week, DMA Greencare, working under Turner Construction, installed a large specimen tree, an 84” Box Platanus Racemosa (California Sycamore) was planted. This is a picturesque fast growing long lived California native deciduous tree that can grow to as tall as 100 feet, but more typically is seen around 40 to 50 feet. 

California sycamore is planted at the FOA grounds

“This tree was picked because there is another platanus racemosa that sits close to location of the new one and the landscape architect wanted to match it – and it will offer shade to pageant goers for many more generations in this most beautiful city,” Kole Carr says. 

The design for the grounds won a Citation Award from the American Institute of Architects’ Orange County Chapter for its innovative concept that is an extension of the recently finished Festival façade. Upon completion this multi-million dollar renovation will offer a new layout for gallery spaces, concert area, and art workshops. The plans also call for additional and updated restrooms and wider pathways. 

Tensile roof pavilions (now visible from the street) will shelter artwork from sun and rain, the green lawn where patrons picnic and enjoy concerts will be nearer to the entry, the gift shop will be relocated and expanded, and the junior art exhibit will have a prominent location near the entrance. 

The more user-friendly grounds will be in full compliance with all current accessibility standards and incorporate progressive sustainability features including storm water bio-retention, LED lighting, natural ventilation and the use of rapidly renewable and recycled materials.