Cal, Stanford, UCLA, Harvard, IVC, MIT, military, abroad…where will they go?

Photos by SCOTT BRASHIER

Yesterday, 261 Laguna Beach High School grads threw off their caps and celebrated the class of 2018.

The graduation highlights included speakers: Senior Addresses by Hannah Vogel and Joseph Ravenna, the Valedictorian Address by Lauren Tran, and the Graduate Address by teacher Mark Alvarez.

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Congratulations to the LBHS class of 2018!

Approximately 60.3 percent of the class will be attending a four-year school in the fall, and 29.2 percent are going to a two-year program.

Valedictorian Lauren Tran had a GPA of 4.8 and will be attending Dartmouth College in the fall, where she will study Cognitive Science. The class of 2018 Salutatorian is Benjamin Sharp.

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LBHS Valedictorian Lauren Tran

The LBHS Class of 2018 has goals for the future. They are off to colleges, universities, technical schools, military service, missionary work, trade schools, and more… 

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Oh, the places they’ll go!

More graduation photos by Scott Brashier:

Round 2: proposed academic calendar changes continue to elicit passionate responses from both sides; the board is willing to compromise 

By SUZIE HARRISON

On Tuesday the Laguna Beach Unified School District held a special board meeting to go over the results of an opinion survey of students, parents, teachers, and staff regarding recommended changes to the District’s academic calendar starting in 2019-2020. 

Emotions have been running hot on the issue since it was first proposed (and tabled) years ago. However, it seems that all parties are at least in agreement about one thing, and that is to do what is best for Laguna students.

The survey stemmed from an earlier LBUSD board meeting on April 19 about the proposed changes to the calendar. LBUSD Board President Jan Vickers explained.

“The board members raised the items that they want administration to address as we continue this process. We asked that the questions and comments be collated, that all questions be answered with the answers shared via email communication as the notification of the study session was shared, that meetings take place at each school site with the elected members of the school site councils, that communication be made with the boards of the festivals, and…very important…that all students grades 8-12, parents and staff be surveyed,” Vickers said.

The full results of the calendar survey analysis may be accessed via the LBUSD website here.

2,105 respondents completed the survey. The report includes results from 966 Students, 905 Parents, 91 Classified staff, and 143 Certificated Staff.

The results show the percentage of respondents who support the recommendations of the calendar committee, which includes starting the school year before Labor Day: 60 percent from certified staff members, 55 percent from classified staff, 54 percent from students, and 43 percent from parents.

 “We all on the Board want to do what’s best for the kids. We’re just trying to figure out what that is and sometimes we don’t know, and the parents don’t know themselves. We are all just trying to figure it out,” Board member Dee Perry said. “So I would like to see a calendar that’s more of a compromise.”

Perry added, “Only 53 to 54 percent of the students wanted to change so that says to me that the summer is really important to their mental and physical health.”

The new calendar is proposed to start on August 21 and end on June 11. 

“I would like to see a compromise. Maybe we should start the last full week in August,” Perry said.

The key issue is to end the fall semester at winter break, so students and families can enjoy the break with no homework being assigned.

“The number one priority and was to have the semester break before the winter break. That emerged as the number one issue that was going to benefit students and their families the most,” Vickers said. “In the interest in the days, not only for academic teaching, but also the stress issues with students.”

Vickers expressed how AP enrollment has increased and that these students need to be considered.

“We just try to help them get to their goal to where they want to go and it’s difficult. There’s a lot of demands,” she said.

There were a couple of questions that came up from the audience, one of them was the percentage of AP pass rate. 

“It fluctuates any given year, generally 90 percent of our students pass AP tests,” Superintendent Jason Viloria said. “We have 15 to 20 percent of students drop an AP class from when they sign up to when they enroll, which is fairly high to be honest. The summer assignment is a reason.”

An angry former LBUSD parent (and current grandparent) Wendy Offield started shaking her head. 

“It just annoys me because every one of you say you care about the kids and every one of you has only talked about the high school, AP, and you haven’t taken the community…”

Vickers interjected, “I’ve talked about the elementary schools.”

Offield said, “You haven’t taken into consideration the community we live in, Laguna Beach, and all of its uniqueness. Its open mindedness; its art legacy. It’s all of that when you’re making a decision based on this community. You’re a basic aid district, you don’t have to be like everyone else.”

Vickers said, “We aren’t like anyone else. I agree.”

Volunteer students at the Pageant of the Masters are integral to the summer show, held nightly from July 7 to September 1.

Longtime Pageant Director and Laguna Beach resident Dee Challis Davy is not for the proposed changes. 

“There are about 130 cast members in each of two casts and 40 of our volunteers are school-age, living in Laguna Beach school district. The number is generally consistent from year to year,” Challis Day said.

“I was a cast volunteer myself when I was in 11th and 12th grades here at LBHS. Speaking for myself, as the town is always inundated every summer by tourists and beachgoers, it was wonderful to have the opportunity to participate in arguably Laguna’s longest cultural tradition,” Challis Davy said. “It was educational and also lots of fun. These are memories and friendships made to cherish forever. I cannot think of another town that has an artistic tradition like our annual Pageant, open to all ages.”

An early start of the school year will undoubtedly have an impact on the production of the show.

“Laguna Beach is artistically unique. Our art traditions are worth preserving. As a long term local, I guess I am pretty passionate about this situation,” Challis Davy said.

In the survey, it was noted where local students work over the summer and the Pageant and Festival of Arts would be hit the hardest if the calendar is enacted. Besides the 40 volunteers, the Festival employs 24 students.

Kevin Harrison, a parent with three boys in the District – grades 12, 10 and first – is opposed to the calendar change. 

“I am very much against it. I think the festivals and Pageant are a very important part of our town’s identity and culture,” Harrison said. “The school board has an agenda.”

Harrison added, “The reasons the school board listed as to why we should make the change and that it’s better for the students feel kind of trumped up to me. There is no proof that making these changes will help the kids. The school board seems to have an alternate agenda and are pushing for it just because other districts have done so already.”

Vickers said that the discussion will continue.

“It is imperative that we all work together – this is not a them and us school district. We will get to a point where a decision can be made that will address the concept of continuous improvement and best instruction for student learning – not just to make a change,” Vickers said. “Like any other arena that represents many with different interests it is difficult to reach common ground. That demands that we be considerate of all.”

Another information item will be presented to the Board for information and discussion, no action, at the July 17 regular Board meeting.

The District updates information regularly at www.lbusd.org.

Grom of the Week: Hudson Saunders

By Chris Williams

This week we caught up with Thurston Middle School student Hudson Saunders right after it was announced he’d made the USA development team. In case you haven’t heard, surfing will make its debut in the 2020 Olympics in Japan and national teams from across the globe, including the U.S., are training their best and brightest talent in preparation for the world stage.

CW: First off a Huge Congrats on making the USA junior development team, what a huge honor!

HS: Thank you Chris, I’m really stoked and thankful!

CW: When did you start surfing? What do you remember about that first session?

HS: My dad had me on a surfboard when I was 3 but I got my first shortboard at 5. I remember standing up and thinking that this is the coolest thing ever! 

CW: When did you realize you might want to compete? Competing is very hard, what’s some advice you live by and can maybe pass on to younger Groms looking to get into comps? 

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Young Saunders with trophy

HS: I never really thought about competing when I was little, I was more just thrown into contests not knowing what it would lead to and then I never looked back. Some advice I would give to someone starting to compete is JUST HAVE FUN and never give up.

CW: Favorite surf trip? Talk about the waves? 

HS: My favorite surf trip was Tavarua, the waves were so perfect and fun. It was for sure the ultimate dream surf trip. 

CW: Best friends to surf with? 

HS: I like to surf with Jaxson Hutchins and Zach Van Meter. We always have a good time and push each other to keep getting better. 

CW: How has Mom and dad (Jamie and Don) support helped you? 

HS: They have taken me to all of my contests and endless days to Lowers and coaching. My Dad has been my BEST coach, fan and board caddy through the years. My mom is always there for me when I lose or have a bad day. 

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Saunders surfing

CW: You just made the USA Jr. Development Surf Team, was that a goal of yours? What are your goals going forward as you look ahead to next season? 

HS: To be honest I did not know what this all meant until I got invited to go to USA scout training. After the first scouting session I was all in and really wanted to make the team. Some of my goals are to really push myself and surf to my full potential for the USA team, do good in WSA Prime and NSSA, and make US Champs again. It is a lot of work, but I love surfing. 

CW: Shout outs to supporters, friends, coaches, sponsors? 

HS: I would like to thank Laguna Surf and Sport, Quiksilver, Jensen surfboards, XM leashes and USA Surf Team for the support. Thanks to Dave Post, Brandon Phillips and Mo Van de Wall for the coaching. A huge thank you to Soul Surf for getting me started with great coaching and support through the years. Most of all I would like to thank my parents for always being there me. 

Next Week’s Laguna Grom of the Week will feature returning USA Surf Team member Kayla Coscino, who made the elite competitive team for the second consecutive year!

Council to vote Tuesday on raises for

themselves, board and commission members

By BARBARA DIAMOND

The City Council on Tuesday will determine if they or members of the Planning Commission, Design Review Board and Arts Commission should get raises, and if so, how much.

Three options were supplied by staff:

--Increase compensation by the growth in the Consumer Price Index over the past 30 months, 7.7 percent

--Match the increases to the salary increases given employees over the past three years, 3.5 percent in January of 2016 and 3 percent in July of 2017 and 2018

--Increase the compensation by 5 percent for 2016 and 2017 (10 percent total), the maximum amount allowed council members by government code

The current annual cost of the compensations is $109,900. (Annual costs are approximately $68,895 for city council, $17,780 for DRB, and $22,225 for all commissioners.) The first option would raise the cost to $118,200; the second option would cost $120,400; the third option, $120,900.

Raises for board and commission members could be approved by resolution, retroactive to July 1, the start of the new fiscal year.

An increase in the compensation for City Council members must be approved by ordinance. If approved, state law stipulates that increases would not go into effect until the start of new terms for a council member, December 4.

Harley & Hans Update: Rouda pulls in front of Keirstead by 97 votes

Laguna Beach resident and Congressional hopeful Harley Rouda upped his lead over fellow Laguna Beach resident Hans Keirstead from 40 votes to 97 votes last night. Rouda currently stands at 30,016 votes with Keirstead at 29,919.

The two Democrats have been in a fierce battle for the District’s number two spot behind Republican Congressional Representative Dana Rohrabacher since Election Day, with Keirstead mostly leading the race, albeit by very small numbers, until this week, when Rouda jumped ahead.

The two Democratic hopefuls vie to challenge incumbent Rep Rohrabacher, who has represented the 48th District for 30 years. Rohrabacher has garnered 30+ percent of the overall vote in the primaries (52,674 votes), a 25 percent dip from the 2016 and 2014 elections, in which he tallied 56.6 percent and 56.1 percent of overall votes, respectively.

According to election officials, there are still about 10,688 votes to be counted from provisional and late-arriving ballots countywide, but most are outside of the 48th District. Fewer than a thousand ballots are estimated outstanding in the 48th.

According to reports, Orange County election officials expect to certify election results early next week.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has endorsed Rouda while the California Democratic Party has endorsed Keirstead.

It is unknown at this time whether the candidate with the least amount of votes come next Monday will request a recount or not.

Barbara’s Column

Music, Music, Music

By BARBARA DIAMOND

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

The sound of music drew crowds to Laguna on Saturday. It was the biggest audience ever to attend the Fête de Musique, presented for the 11th year by the Laguna Beach Sister Cities Assn., not at all deterred by cold wind and grey skies. 

From Main Beach to the Laguna Beach County Water District garden, entertainers performed on street corners, in store doorways and parking lots, small courtyards downtown and at the Old Pottery Place, Sound Spectrum and the Art Center Patio in the HIP District. 

Forty-three downtown locations ranged from GG’s Bistro in the 500 block of South Coast Highway to The Hive in Laguna Canyon to Broadway where Clay and Kimberly Leeds danced to the music of The Cover Ups. 

“We really stretched ourselves this year,” said Karyn Philippsen, founding President of Laguna’s Sister Cities.

The association borrowed the idea of the Fête from France, where it was invented by an American, according to Beatrice Biger, French Deputy Consul stationed in Los Angeles. “I am very happy to be here in an American city to celebrate music,” said Biger.

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1st row (L-R): Maggie Hempen/LBSC President, Steve Dicterow/LB City Council, OC Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Mayor Kelly Boyd, Betsy Jenkins, and Jennifer Karam

2nd row (L-R): Representing the Consulate General De France, Ms. Béatrice Biger, Deputy Consul and Head of the Chancery and Fred Karam 

In honor of the association’s ties to France – Menton was the first of Laguna’s three sister cities – “Le Marseillaise” was sung by April Walsh, following 12-year-old Lauren Kimball’s rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.” 

The early crowd at Main Beach was treated to a performance by the Swing Set, composed of Laguna Concert Band Members and singer Ginger Hatfield; the informal Kids Parade; Elvis impersonator David Gorgie and “Greeter” Michael Minutoli; and mimes Mary Schmidt and Stacey Dumas.

Nancy Beverage, Marcia Yury and Ed Postal staffed the Sister Cities information booth. Association President Maggie Hempen, hampered by an injury, was their backup. 

Among those enjoying the pre-fete activities were Councilman Steve Dicterow, his wife Katrina and her dog, Tesla; Carol Reynolds, who organized the first few fêtes; Arts Commissioner Suzi Chauvel; Trudy Josephson and association members Jennifer and Fred Karan.

Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett participated in the opening ceremony for the second year, introduced by Mayor Kelly Boyd. She was accompanied by her community relations advisor, Sergio Prince, a Lagunatic by osmosis. 

Besides enjoying the music, Bartlett said she would soon release information on the 2018 Summer Breeze program, the start of which she facilitated two years ago. Summer Breeze is a free shuttle from an out-of-town location that reduces the number of vehicles clogging city streets in the summer. “Last year, the shuttles were filled to capacity,” Bartlett said. 

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Corazones Alegres dancers

“We are adding shuttles to get Laguna Woods seniors to the Summer Breeze stop and shuttles from the large apartment complex Los Olivos to the stop,” said Bartlett.

Besides Bartlett, Fête sponsors included the City of Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, Visit Laguna Beach, The OC California, Montage Laguna Beach, COX Cable, Skyloft, Mozambique, Sparkle Films, Bill Atkins, The Ranch at Laguna Beach, C’est La Vie and The Hive. 

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, Decibel Divas Pat Kollenda and Susan Davis hopped into a golf cart, armed with a sound meter, to ensure city noise regulations were not violated and that no entertainer was being drowned out by another.

Along the way, they waved at familiar faces and smiled to see residents such as School Board member Ketta Brown and local tennis pro Rick Conkey enjoying the entertainment. Planning Commissioner Susan Whitin was strolling along with Jack on his leash. Harry Huggins was everywhere taking photos – ditto Doug Miller.

Closing ceremonies on Main Beach included The Andersons and the colorful Corazones Alegres dancers and the Laguna Beach Belly Dancers. 

Fête activities actually began on Friday evening with a party attended by Fête volunteers and some of Saturday’s entertainers such as Judi Simon, AKA The Jazzy Lady, seen Saturday at the Landmark Plaza.

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Judi Simon, AKA The Jazzy Lady, at Landmark Plaza

The party was held at the home of Betsy and Dr. Gary Jenkins. Friday was a big day for the Jenkins. That afternoon Betsy was honored as the Laguna Beach Woman’s Club “Woman of the Year.” 

Friends and neighbors praised her commitment to the community and to bettering the lives of those who live here. An astounding 23 men attended the luncheon to honor Jenkins. The group included “Q” Street neighbor Greg Ferguson, Dicterow, Lagunatics lyricist Chris Quilter, Marv Johnson, Gene Felder, Jenkins’ sons Kyle and Christopher and, of course, their dad.

Councilwoman Toni Iseman had first crack at honoring Jenkins. Iseman presented a proclamation from the city, followed by Jenkins’ longtime friend and admirer Rita Conn.

Conn described Jenkins as a goddess and crowned her with a floral wreath.

“This (Woman of the Year) award commemorates years of dedication,” said Conn. “You improve all of us.”

Jenkins, who tends to shun the limelight, said the accolade was painful. “I hope the rest of the speeches won’t be like that,” said Jenkins.

As If. 

Jenkins was also lauded by Bob Braun, who has served on several boards with Jenkins and Carol Nielsen, who claimed Jenkins’ role as peacemaker was a consequence of being a middle child.

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Andrew Bloom on Cobblestones had everyone dancing

“I have known Betsy, since 1969, long before the saintly person of today,” said Kris Evans-Degen. “We were roommates in our early 20s, hippies or wannabes. We listened to Rolling Stones, wore no shoes or bras and spent way too much time at the beach. Our 50-year friendship is one of the delights of my life.”

But the best was saved for last.

When Gary Jenkins said “You are the love of my life,” women at the luncheon melted. 

Club President Kitty Malcom, who had welcomed the crowd at the luncheon, and the 2017 Woman of the Year, Barbara Crane, presented Jenkins with the club’s award. 

“I appreciate this, but it embarrassed the hell out of me,” said Jenkins. 

The annual award recognizes women who have made a difference in the community as a volunteer. The groups in which Jenkins has invested time, energy and/or financial support include the Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Greenbelt Inc., Pacific Symphony, Laguna Beach Live! and of course, the Sister Cities Assn.

Starting with the PTA and SchoolPower, Jenkins spent years supporting the Laguna Beach Unified School District, eventually serving three terms on the Board of Education, twice as president.

Jenkins received a standing ovation to conclude the luncheon.

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.

More photos of this year’s Fête by Mary Hurlbut:

Dennis’ Tidbits

By DENNIS McTIGHE

June 22, 2018

El Nino and La Nina are tricky to predict

Summer 2018 arrived at about 7 a.m. on Thursday. What’s in store? Honestly, your guess is as good as mine. I gave up on summer predictions after the big brick I laid in 2015 when a powerful El Nino was in full swing. For the first time McWeather can remember, El Nino that summer did not behave like one except for the water temps, which did peak out at 75 degrees for several weeks in August and September. Swell wise, it was mediocre at best with only three modest Baja swells and a couple of medium size southern Hemi pulses. 

The general trend for El Nino summers before the latest one broke most of the rules, was lots of south swells, both from Baja and the other side of the Equator, in addition to increased thunderstorm activity from very productive monsoon events and minimal marine layer with well above normal air temps. And, of course, much warmer water, which we got right. 

On the opposite end of the scale, La Nina summers are way more foggy, with colder than average water temps and sparse south swell activity, so it’s usually a bit easier to predict a summer when either of those two events is going on.

Historically, the worst summers under La Nina’s spell were 1959, 1967, 1973, 1991, and 2005. The best summers when Senor El Nino was in town were 1958, 1965 and 1966, 1972, the most epic summer ever, 1983, an incredible summer too, 1992, and 1997. 

The last three summers have seen more morning marine layer than usual, even though water temps have been pretty decent, but we’ve seen below average south swell production. The last really big Baja swell was in late August of 2014 when Category 5 Marie sent south facing beaches off the Richter. Malibu was the biggest I’ve ever ridden at a solid 10 foot plus, and I’ve been riding the place since 1963.

Right now we’re in kind of a transitional mode, so it could go either way. There’s been a lot of gloom this spring but water temps have climbed into the upper 60’s in some spots. 

Anybody who was around in 1972 will also agree that that summer was the best ever. Spyder Wills and McWeather have the weather and surf records for proof. That summer was kind of a once in a lifetime deal. Let’s hope for the best. We’re due for a good one!

See y’all on Tuesday, ALOHA!

Memories of Bruce Hopping

By JOHN SLOWSKY

I have found that particular individuals live their lives as selfless beings (and without knowing it). I first met Bruce Hopping when I was around 12 there on the beach at Thalia Street. He was a figure known to most of us as an advocate for health and sport. He was loud and full of spirit. Everyone on the beach seemed to know him, and you could address him by his first name, which was rare to talk to adults informally like that. He took full advantage of his location near the water and would do exercises and runs on the beach almost every day of the year. 

When I was 14, I wanted to play water polo and during that summer, several of the Laguna Beach Lifeguards would gather a bunch of us kids at the high school pool to teach us the skills one needed to play. The old pool was fatigued with a heater that had been broken for some 12 years. If you wanted to swim or play water polo, you had to tough-it-out in the cold water. There was no school budget or desire to hire a real coach for water polo or swimming, so it was always assumed one of the men teachers would become the designated coach for the year (no experience necessary). 

When Bruce got wind of the lifeguards teaching a group of us that were eager to learn the sport and the awareness that there was no real coach for the high school team, it was Bruce Hopping that came forward, and to the disdain of the entire male school faculty, somehow arranged and sponsored Jack Lincke (who played in the Nationals and also one of the summer lifeguards) to become an independent coach for the frosh/soph and JV teams. 

This would be 1967 and the varsity water polo team is swimming laps…mind you…sideways (you heard that right, width of the pool, not length). And to make sure there were no conflicts in coaching styles with the then newly assigned varsity water polo coach (he was the driver’s education teacher), Jack would separate us from them and take his squads on a death march. 

We would begin our workout by running from the high school bleachers down to Sleepy Hollow beach (barefoot), where we would do the most difficult calisthenics exercises I have ever done (no lie). After a painful expression of physical exercises, we would throw off our sweats and run from Sleepy Hollow to Main beach in our speedos (Jack would be leading the pack). Jack would establish the marker one had to run around before entering the ocean and begin your rough water swim to the buoy and then turn north to Bird Rock (with no fins). 

After the last person had entered the water, Jack again would charge into the surf himself and pass every one of us until he once more would be demanding that you touch Bird Rock before making your return back the way you came. Jack would always set the pace by out-swimming all of us back to the beach. Then the group would run back to Sleepy Hollow where you would put your sweats back on and make the return run back to the High School, where we would begin our water polo workout for the day (by this time, the varsity had already finished for the day and were in the showers).

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Bruce Hopping walking the beach he loved

Towards the end of the season, Bruce found out that only the football teams had season ending awards banquets. The school board refused to pay for any other sport. So, Bruce Hopping arranged the very first alternative sport banquet (other than football) and by doing so, he really pissed off the old school coaches who enjoyed their privileged position. Bruce rented a venue which I think was the Elks Club downtown, had the evening meal catered, instructed the staging and decoration, ordered a full photographic awards program to be printed (expensive in the ‘60s) and then began to make some calls. 

Bruce Hopping was a well-known sports advocate and his Kalos Kagathos Foundation contributed a lot to the advancement of sports for both men and women. Because of his influence and sports relationships, he had the sports editor for the LA Times speak at the banquet along with other sport dignitaries. The evening was a great success, we even were written up on the LA Times sports page, and from this event forward…EVERY LBHS sport team now has their own awards banquet. Not to mention that the following year the school board finally hired a real swimming and water polo coach (George Carey). 

Bruce Hopping was a two-time Olympic timer for the swimming events. In the Olympics prior to 1972 (where they used electronic timing for the first time), three Olympic timers hung over the edge of the pool (for each swimmer) and physically clicked their stopwatches to get the average time. Bruce was one of those people. 

In that same year that I played my first season of water polo, I had expressed to Bruce that I had always wanted to do gymnastics, but our school didn’t offer any program or competition. He encouraged me to travel to CdMHS (Corona Del Mar High School) and selflessly volunteered to drive me every Tuesday and Thursday evening to workout with the members who participated there. He introduced me to the coaches there, one being the 1964 Olympic Women’s coach. 

He basically dropped me off there, and he would then drive over to the UCI library and kill time until it was time to pick me up at the end of the evening. After which we would stop for dinner before returning home at one of his favorite restaurants in between Newport and Laguna. He told me that he always ate dinner at restaurants, and it was obvious when we would walk in and the entire staff knew him. I never paid for anything or was made to feel unwanted. For a young man with no father… this was very significant. We did this for 10 weeks until I decided to transfer to Newport, so that I could join the gymnastic team. 

At dinner he taught me fine dining table manners, how to speak properly, how to present one’s self in public, how important it was to be the person that you are. He told me that he had grown up on the East Coast in a well-to-do family. He had inherited a sizeable account, but he never flashed his cash. He drove that car of his into the ground before buying another, his clothes were always clean but were old and faded. He wasn’t cheap but lived smart. After everything he had done for me, he never asked for any favors in return…never. 

A few years ago, I was walking on the beach with my wife when I saw a familiar form in the distance walking in our direction. I pointed out to her Bruce Hopping and mentioned to her that this was the man who helped me on my way in my youth. When he finally came close enough I reached out and said; “You probably don’t remember who I am, but you affected my life for the better when I was young. I just want to thank you for everything you did for me, it was very kind and I have never forgotten you.” That was the last time I ever saw him. Rest in peace, Bruce Hopping.

Betty Turnbull collection of Renowned California Art is coming to BC Space June 29

BC Space Gallery is pleased to present the Betty Turnbull Collection of contemporary California art, opening on June 29 and running through July 29.

Turnbull, formerly Curator of Exhibitions and Collections at the Newport Harbor Art Museum, today the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA), an institution she helped found, collected the work of major California artists during the mid 20th Century.

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Submitted photo

Portrait of Betty Turnbull by Lance Richbourg

After Turnbull’s passing eight years ago, her son, Mark, and daughter, Glenda, stored many of her artworks, but have decided to find appropriate homes for them. They will put on display and offer for sale at BC Space the paintings and sculptures by artists including Paul Wonner, Theo Brown, Jerry Davis, Jim Dine, David Gilhooly, John Paul Jones, James Strombotne, Wayne Thiebaud and others, as well as sculptural eggs by Joan Brown, Bruce Connor and Tony DeLap.

Mark Turnbull explains, “The prices for the various pieces are strictly the best offer proffered, regardless of their ‘market value,’ a large portion of which will go to supporting BC Space, to keeping it alive and kicking after Mark Chamberlain’s faithful 45-year stewardship of the gallery.” 

Local artist Willie O’Leary will be in charge of the installation, in consultation with former OCMA curator Phyllis Lutjeans.

The exhibition will open on Friday, June 29 at 6 p.m. Singer/songwriter Mark Turnbull has created four new collections of songs and stories for the exhibition, one collection for the Friday, June 29 opening, and one for each subsequent Friday evening: July 6, July 13, July 20 and July 27. Each performance will begin at 8 p.m.

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R Star Foundation completes clean water project with Terai Rotary Club in Kathmandu for Nepal school 

Earlier in the year, R Star Foundation joined forces with Rotary Clubs in Patan South and Terai, to complete a project for clean water in the flooded area of Terai, Nepal. Prompting this partnership was a single donor who asked R Star to undertake the project, however, Terai is not an area where R Star works. 

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Photo from Patan South Rotary Club

Kids enjoy clean drinking water at Shree Janta Adharbhut School

“Without much of either clean water or proper sanitation, there is no doubt about the need in this area,” says Rosalind Russell, founder of R Star Foundation.

Russell decided to collaborate with Rotary’s Club in Patan South, a club she attends when in Nepal, in order to get the funds safely in capable hands for completion of the job. Russell is familiar with these Rotarians, whom she describes as, “People who have big hearts and large brains.”

Excited to have supply funds to go forward for a wonderful water project, the Patan Rotary Club, in turn, joined with a Terai Rotary club. “The project is quite encompassing,” adds Russell. “Rotary has a few aims...eradicating polio over the world, (with only six breakouts this year in two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan, it will happen) and clean water worldwide and peace, a favorite of mine.” 

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Photo from Patan South Rotary Club

Students have proper sanitation 

She continues, “I mention these matters as too few people know the greatness Rotary provides here and around the world.” 

As for this undertaking, she says, “This has been a long ongoing attempt to get the project completed. It has been done! We put in two toilets, a sink (sanitation station is how they are referred to), and clean pure water for the children with a hand pump station along with the storage unit for pre-pumped water.”

Further details on the project: Shree Janta Adharbhut School (Government school), Ward No.8, Barahachettra Municipality, Number of Students: 120 (67 Females, 53 Males), Number of Staff: 10 (Including full and part time teachers), Established: 2038 BS (1982).

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Photo from Patan South Rotary Club

Plaque honoring R Star Foundation for its donation

After completion, a plaque was installed on site honoring the donations. “This is the first time ever a mention of R Star has been on a plaque to state who participated in the gift giving,” Russell says.

R Star’s mission statement: R Star Foundation serves and educates the isolated and disempowered women and children of Nepal. We connect resources to the neediest people in one of the most remote areas on earth in helping to bring about peace.

For more information on R Star Foundation or to donate securely, go to www.RStarFoundation.org or post a check to R Star, PO Box 4183, Laguna Beach, 92651. R Star Foundation is a 501(C)3 organization.

LAM continues centennial celebration in 2018 with interior gallery renovation and a new website design

A series of special events, public programs, and an upcoming historical exhibit continue as Laguna Art Museum celebrates its 100-year anniversary. In addition, the interior of the gallery will be renovated and a new website is under design.

With funding from the City of Laguna Beach through the Cultural Facilities Improvement Matching Grant Program, which provided funding to improve the museum’s HVAC systems last year, the museum now is undertaking a major renovation of its lower level galleries. The Brief Gallery and the Segerstrom Family Gallery, spaces which host exhibitions and family programs, were closed in February to begin the project. The passageway between the two galleries will be enlarged; the exhibition space will be expanded by some 20 percent; and the historic floor, inscribed with the names of the donors to the project of finishing the lower level in 1934, will be restored. 

“Most people would agree that the shows the museum has presented on its lower level recently have looked good in spite of the galleries rather than because of them,” said Malcolm Warner, executive director of Laguna Art Museum. “The present remodeling will give us fresh-looking, architecturally satisfying spaces that actually enhance the art. We can’t wait to unveil the new look down there.” 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Newly renovated LAM interior gallery and website will be completed in September

The renovation project is due to be completed in September 2018. Architectural services have been provided pro bono by Anders Lasater Architects, and the construction will be taken on by Oligino Construction. 

To celebrate its centennial year, and to look toward the future of reaching global audiences with new technology, Laguna Art Museum has launched a new website. With generous underwriting for the project, the museum engaged Studio Misfits, a creative agency based in Laguna Beach who specialize in web design, branding, and digital marketing. 

“There is no landmark more important or historically relevant to the personality of Laguna Beach than Laguna Art Museum,” said Warren Ellison, founder and creative director of Studio Misfits, “and so being awarded the website redesign on the Museum’s Centennial year has been a huge win for us. Projects of this scale and complexity can often be extremely challenging, but this has been nothing but smooth sailing thanks in large part to the Museum’s incredibly attentive staff and its donors. It has been both an honor and a fun ride, and we’re excited to see how the new look is received!”

The new site combines advanced web design and aesthetics that improve the visitor experience and better represent the museum as a dynamic and engaging cultural center. With more than 1,000 works of art from its permanent collection represented online, the site supports one of the museum’s primary goals to represent the rich history of California.

LAM is located at 307 Cliff Dr.

For more information, go to www.lagunartmuseum.org or call (949) 494-8971.

Eric Jessen discusses LBAA artists in the early 1900s at Laguna Art Museum on Thursday, June 28

In conjunction with the exhibition “Art Colony The Laguna Beach Art Association, 1918-1935,” which opens on June 24, local historian Eric Jessen will discuss the artists who gathered in Laguna Beach in the early 1900s and the places they painted on Thursday, June 28 at 6 p.m.

The summer of 1918 was filled with many firsts for Laguna Beach. On July 27, the town’s first art gallery, what is now known as the Laguna Art Museum, opened its doors and hosted the town’s very first exhibition. More than 300 visitors crammed the modest building in order to view nearly 100 paintings on display in both oil and watercolor, as well as several pieces of sculpture. 

I

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Eric Jessen discusses LBAA early artists

There were 25 participating artists, and by the end of its three-week run nearly 2,000 people had signed the guest register. That August the 150-charter member Laguna Beach Art Association (LBAA) was founded, and the following year the association became a chapter of the American Federation of Arts. By the end of the 1920s, the band of Laguna Beach artists were being lauded at galleries across the nation as their works of California’s rugged coastlines, verdant hills, vibrant flora and other environmental elements were well received.

With each passing year, the Laguna Beach Art Association continued to play an instrumental role in promoting the area as a cultural destination.

The discussion is included with museum admission. Advance tickets are recommended.

LAM is located at 307 Cliff Dr.

For more information and tickets, call (949) 494-8971 or visit www.lagunaartmuseum.org/events/eric-jessen-on-the-artists-of-the-lbaa.

A whole lotta shakin’ going on as Million Dollar Quartet opens at Laguna Playhouse on July 5

Laguna Playhouse presents the first show in its 98th season, the Tony nominated Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet, with a preview on Thursday, July 5 and opening on Sunday, July 8, and running through Sunday, July 29. The show is produced by Gershwin Entertainment, with the book by Colin Escott & Floyd Mutrux, original concept and direction by Floyd Mutrux, and musical direction by Jon Rossi. It is directed by Tim Seib. 

Executive Director Ellen Richard comments, “What a way to start our 98th season with a musical inspired by the electrifying true story of four legends in the same recording studio on one magical night.” 

Adds Artistic Director Ann E. Wareham, “With our friends from Gershwin Entertainment, our subscribers and audiences are going to rock the night away with this amazing cast, amazing songs and we hope we can keep the roof from blowing off the Playhouse with this spectacular summertime musical event!” 

Million Dollar Quartet explodes on stage with a monumental night of rock ‘n’ roll. Inspired by the most famous jam session in recording history, this smash-hit musical tells the story of legendary music icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins as they come together on December 4, 1956 at the famous Sun Studios. 

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Photo by Billie Wheele

(L-R) Daniel Durston as Elvis Presley, Austin Hohnke as Carl Perkins, Peter Oyloe as Johnny Cash, Taylor Gray as Jerry Lee Lewis (with Jon Rossi as Fluke) on tour

Featuring 21 timeless hits, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “Fever,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “See Ya Later, Alligator,” “Fever,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “Hound Dog,” this thrilling musical brings the audience inside the recording studio to experience an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations. The show is recommended for audiences 10 and older.

The Cast of Million Dollar Quartet will feature: Daniel Durston as Elvis; Peter Oyloe as Johnny Cash; Austin Hohnke as Carl Perkins; Billy Rude as Jerry Lee Lewis; Hugh Hysell as Sam Phillips; Bill Morey as Brother Jay; Jon Rossi as Fluke and Tiffan Borrelli as Dyanne.

Tim Seib (Director) has directed productions all over the country, including Theatre Raleigh, The O’Neill Center, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis.

Musical Director/“Fluke” Jon Rossi’s national tours include: Million Dollar Quartet (2017-2018), A Night With Janis Joplin (2017-2018), Million Dollar Quartet (2015-2016), Smokey Joe’s Café (2014-2015). 

Floyd Mutrux (Original Concept, Director, and Co-Author) apprenticed at the Alley Theatre in Houston and worked at Second City in Chicago; he attended Columbia University. He also co-wrote the musical Baby It’s You! with Colin Escott and helped adapt Sun Records, the new television series based on Million Dollar Quartet. Million Dollar Quartet received three Tony Award nominations in 2010, including Best Book and Best Musical.

Million Dollar Quartet opens on Thursday, July 5

Colin Escott (Co-Author) was born in England. He is the author of “Good Rockin’ Tonight: Sun Records and The Birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” the first in-depth account of the Sun Records story. His book “Hank Williams – The Biography” has been adapted into the movie “I Saw the Light,” starring Tom Hiddleston and Elizabeth Olsen. His multi-CD box set, “The Complete Hank Williams,” won a Grammy®, Million Dollar Quartet received three Tony® nominations, including Best Book and Best Musical. 

Gershwin Entertainment (Producer) is a diversified entertainment production and marketing agency founded by industry veteran Todd Gershwin. Gershwin Entertainment specializes in producing live events, theatrical tours, and lifestyle marketing. 

Scenic Design is by Adam Koch. Lighting Design is by Kirk Bookman. Sound Design is by Ben Selke. Costume Design is by  Jeffrey Meek. General Manager is Evan Bernardin. Production Stage Manager is Megan Barrett. 

The season is generously underwritten by The Hale Family. 

Million Dollar Quartet begins previews on Thursday, July 5 at 2 p.m. and will open on Sunday, July 8 at 6 p.m. The show will run through Sunday, July 29. Performances will be Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. There will no performance on Thursday, July 12 at 2 p.m. or Sunday, July 29 at 5:30 p.m. 

Tickets range from $75 - $105 and can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.com or by calling (949) 497-ARTS (2787). Group discounts are available by calling (949) 497-2787 ext. 229.

The box office is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (open until show time on performance days); and on Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

For complete biographies of the talented cast and those involved in the production, and for information on all shows and programming, go to website listed above. 

Laguna Playhouse is located at 606 Laguna Canyon Rd.

Crystal Cove Cottages restoration more than halfway complete; donations needed to finish the job

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Courtesy of Crystal Cove Conservancy

The cottage restoration process at Crystal Cove is more than halfway complete. With 29 of the 46 cottages already restored, Crystal Cove Conservancy officials have announced the need for more money to finish the project.

The total remaining cost for restoration is estimated to be around $35 million. With a goal to fundraise $5 million before the start of September, the group has raised about $1.1 million. Luckily, on Friday, June 8, the Packard Foundation approved a low-interest $10 million construction loan. This will make the final stages of the restoration process go by even faster!

This project has not been an easy one. From unstable cliffs to sewage systems, it has been hard to obtain the financial and physical means needed for completion. However, the cottages have a special place in peoples’ hearts, for some of them have been around since 1940. It is the history and memories that matter, not necessarily how fancy they look.

The workers are looking at a five-year timeline for the final completion of the cottages. Once finished, we will all want to check them out! 

For more information regarding the cottages and how to support the project, visit www.crystalcove.org.

Stephen Jenvey of Laguna Beach elected to Project Scientist Board of Directors

Leaders representing five industries across the country were elected in March, 2018 to the board of directors for Project Scientist, a nonprofit organization that provides camps and enrichment opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at five university campuses including Concordia University to girls ages 4-12. 

The new members bring to the board their experience from the marketing, finance, technology, science, strategy and engineering fields. The diverse members from five cities, including Laguna Beach and Irvine, share a commitment to closing the workforce and education gender gap that currently exists in STEM fields. 

Although women fill nearly half of all jobs in the US, they hold less than 25 percent of STEM jobs, according to the US Department of Commerce. This statistic is even more striking given the results of a University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Harvard University and Project Scientist study finding that 78 percent of school-age girls have an interest in STEM subjects.

“Project Scientist is serious about fostering a love of STEM subjects in the next generation of female scientists, engineers and innovators,” said Erika Duncan, Project Scientist board chair and community relations manager at Bank of America. “A serious commitment takes dedicated leadership, and we are thrilled that these new board members share our passion for Project Scientist’s mission.” 

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Submitted photo

Stephen Jenvey appointed to The Project Scientist Board of Directors

The Project Scientist Board of Directors welcomes the following new members:

Laguna Beach resident Stephen Jenvey is director and vice president of architecture and strategy at Capital Group based in Irvine. With more than 25 years in financial services, he has covered both technical and business functions with companies such as Merrill Lynch and Fidelity Investments. 

Jennie Ibrahim is a software engineer at Google in Irvine and has previous experience with several Department of Defense contractors. She holds a master’s degree in computer science from Northeastern University. As a child in Sudan, Ibrahim saw firsthand how nonprofits can improve entire communities through investment in education.    

Lori Friedman is senior director of translational oncology at Genentech in South San Francisco. She earned her Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology at the University of California, Berkeley followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge, U.K. Friedman serves on the Women in Cancer Research Council of the American Association for Cancer Research. 

Dan Fromm is chief operations officer for Barkley, an integrated marketing and advertising agency with offices in Kansas City, Mo., Pittsburgh, Pa., and Boulder, Colo. Fromm graduated from Boston University with a degree in film and television and previously worked in production for ESPN. 

Betsy Grider is chief strategy officer at Patron Technology, having previously built, launched and led NASCAR’s technology development and integration division. Grider is a keynote speaker on sports innovation, virtual and augmented reality, strategic alliances and women in sports and technology. 

Project Scientist is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, coaching and advocating for girls and women with a passion, aptitude and talent for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Core programs include Project Scientist Academy, a six-week summer science intensive for girls ages 4-12 held on university campuses in North Carolina and California. 

For more information, go to www.projectscientist.org.

Sponsors needed for Illumination Foundation’s
 5th Annual “Carnival for Kids” on Sat, July 28

Every child looks forward to a family day at a carnival or fair. Cotton candy. People on stilts. Ferris wheels. Giant stuffed toys to win. Face painting. Food galore. And maybe even a petting zoo!

Illumination Foundation, the Orange County-based nonprofit agency focused on breaking the cycle of homelessness, is also focused on building hope, joy and community for homeless and low-income children. For five years now, Illumination Foundation has produced a giant summer Carnival for Kids that brings every wished-for element together for a child’s perfectly memorable day.

This year, the Carnival for Kids, presented by Disneyland® Resort, takes place Saturday, July 28 at La Palma Park in Anaheim.

 “In Orange County, there are more than 32,000 children who are currently homeless or unstably housed. As you can imagine, it’s extreme stress and trauma for kids,” says Illumination Foundation president & CEO Paul Leon. “So, we make it our focus to put events together every year that help children celebrate just being kids.”

 Hundreds of Illumination Foundation families are specifically invited and admission is free.

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Submitted photo

Carnival for Kids on July 28 needs sponsors

 Presented by Disneyland® Resort, the event includes restaurateurs, seasoned carnival vendors, foundations (including the Bickerstaff Family Foundation), and corporate sponsors (including Starbucks, CalOptima and Sprouts Farmer’s Market) who work with Illumination Foundation to build a child’s mecca for that single day.

 There are plenty of ways to help bring this year’s Carnival to life. Individuals or companies can sponsor the event itself, provide in-kind donations such as beverages, snacks and school supplies, or sponsor a child’s happy attendance.

 This event will provide supporters of Illumination Foundation an opportunity to develop positive relationships with the community, while promoting healthy and positive experiences for homeless families and their children. This is a fun experience they could not afford through other means. 

Since July 2008, Illumination Foundation has worked tirelessly to break the cycle of homelessness for Southern California’s most vulnerable populations. They assess clients to identify needs and provide immediate relief when necessary, followed by care that combines housing, case management, medical care, mental health and workforce services to decrease community dependency. To date, Illumination Foundation’s housing programs have served 2,316 families and have provided medical and social services to more than 20,000 individuals. For more information or to become a sponsor, visit www.ifhomeless.org.

Meghan Coolbaugh of Laguna Beach travels to Washington DC to advocate on behalf of FPA

On June 6 and 7, Meghan Coolbaugh, MA, CFP®, a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor and owner of the Laguna Beach firm Oak Street Advisory Group, LLC, was among 85 members of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) who traveled to Washington DC to advocate on behalf of Certified Financial Planners (CFP®). 

The FPA is the principal professional organization for Certified Financial Planner professionals who are committed to elevating the profession that transforms lives through the power of financial planning. The FPA is the leading voice on issues related to financial planning among legislators and regulators. 

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Submitted photo

Meghan Coolbaugh, far right, second row, with CA group in Washington DC

While in DC, Coolbaugh met with members of congress Adam Schiff and Dana Rohrabacher, and with legislative assistants for Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris.   

Coolbaugh is the 2018 President Elect and 2019 President of the FPA of Orange County – the local chapter, which is a community of over 550 professionals. The association connects those who provide, support, and benefit from professional financial planning. She is also a presenter at the “It’s Your Money” educational workshop, a national award-winning series serving to prevent financial abuse by educating seniors to take control of their financial, estate, and charitable giving decisions. Coolbaugh has a passion for education and for helping people achieve goals through proactive financial planning.

For more information about Oak Street Advisory Group, go to www.oakstreetadvisory.com.

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Documentary film about women outrigger paddlers, Year on the Water, is in production for 2019 release

Year on the Water is a documentary film that tells the story of the 2018 Southern California Outrigger Paddling season through the eyes of top women athletes, Aimee Spector of Lanakila Outrigger Canoe Club (OCC) from Redondo Beach, and Laguna Beach’s Courtney Hamchuk (Dana Point OCC). Both women are fierce competitors, dedicated athletes and extraordinary role models. 

Their respective journeys through the 2018 SCORA racing season will capture imaginations while showing what’s possible when you’re driven by passion, courage and yes, obsession. In the current political and social climate, a story about strong, determined and driven women athletes and their lives is sure to appeal to audiences. A good portion of the film takes place in Laguna Beach.

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Photo © Year On The Water Documentary Film

Courtney Hamchuk

The film documents Spector, Hamchuk and other paddlers’ lives, sacrifices, setbacks and triumphs as they race the 2018 season with their teams, including the 2018 Catalina Crossing (culminating in qualification to race the Women’s Championships), the Na Wahine O Ke Kai (a treacherous and challenging 42-mile race in Molokai, Hawaii in September). 

Unlike outrigger in Polynesia, which is dominated by men’s teams, outrigger racing in Southern California is a sport dominated by women. There are men and coed teams, but an estimated 60-70 percent of the participants in the SCORA Series are women.

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Photo © Year On The Water Documentary Film

Brandi Cumin Baksic and Courtney Hamchuk paddling in the 2018 

Santa Barbara Rig Run

Los Angeles-based producers Dan Brockett and Tony Peck are experienced documentary filmmakers searching for compelling stories about real people who, in their own ways, redefine their world. Brockett’s wife took up Outrigger Paddling a few years ago with a Ventura paddling club, Hokuloa Outrigger, and as she progressed deeper into the sport, he began to notice interesting and compelling details about how the sport of paddling and women’s roles in the sport have evolved in Southern California. This story was too compelling to not make a film about it. 

Year On The Water isn’t just about a sport you’ve probably barely heard of, it’s a discovery of what captures the heart, spirit and imagination of these extraordinary women. Besides racing and the competition, the film documents the challenges and triumphs in each woman’s life throughout an entire year. 

Year On The Water just launched an IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign at https://igg.me/at/yearonthewater to raise funds to complete production for the remaining races for the 2018 season. Production will wrap up in November of this year, with post-production beginning in January 2019. The film will play film festivals and seek distribution through the spring and summer of 2019, hopefully finding a home with Netflix, Amazon or Hulu. Details about the production can be found on the film’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/yearonthewater.

Police Beat Primer

Compiled by Cameron Gillespie

Police Beat derives from information in the daily police and arrest logs published on the City of Laguna Beach’s website and required under CA Government Code Section 6254 (f). Additional information is obtained through communication with the Laguna Beach Police Department’s Public Information Officer.

Information in the logs is deemed reliable and Stu News Laguna is not responsible for any mistakes made available as public record by the Laguna Beach Police Department.

Any person arrested is innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

Incident Reports

Tuesday, June 19

Laguna Canyon Road & Phillips Street | DUI

5:46 p.m. A 40-year-old woman from Newport Beach, was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Bail was set at $2,500.

Forest Avenue | 200 Block | Drunk in Public

5:34 p.m. A report was placed of a man who had fallen into the planter box at the location. A 40-year-old man from Laguna Beach was arrested for being drunk in public.

Temple Hill Drive | 1300 Block | Vandalism

12:27 p.m. The RP stated that the passenger window of their gray VW Jetta had been smashed.

Virginia Way | 31600 Block | Stolen Vehicle

12:07 a.m. A burgundy Lexus four door ES300 was reported stolen by the RP. The RP stated that they had the keys to the vehicle, and that no glass was in the area where the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was later returned to the location where it was originally stolen from, and the RP then let officers know that they wished to press charges. Officers found Sophal Chris Nam, 44, Laguna Beach, at Table Rock Beach, who was positively identified by the RP as the individual who took the car without permission. Nam was arrested for taking a vehicle without consent of the vehicle’s owner. Bail was set at $2,000.

Broadway Street | 200 Block | Traffic Stop

12:06 a.m. A traffic stop was made on a vehicle with no headlights on just after midnight at the location. The adult driver had four other passengers (under the age of 21) inside of their vehicle; one was a juvenile (16) from out of town. One of the passengers informed the officers that he was on probation with search and seizure terms. A search of the vehicle revealed a backpack with alcohol and cocaine inside. The minor was arrested for being in possession of cocaine, for minor possession of alcohol, and for a curfew violation. Additionally, he had a no-bail juvenile warrant. He was transferred to Juvenile Hall. 

Monday, June 18

Coast Hwy | 31500 Block | Possession of a Controlled Substance

11:51 p.m. Phillip Arthur Rose, 52, Laguna Niguel, was arrested for being in possession of a controlled substance (bail was set at $500), and for being in possession of drug paraphernalia (bail was set at $500).

Irvine Cove Drive & N. Coast Hwy | DUI

8:44 p.m. Luis Alberto Guerrero Ochoa, 32, Laguna Niguel, was arrested on suspicion of DUI with one prior arrest for DUI (bail was set at $10,000)

Ocean Avenue & S. Coast Hwy | Traffic Collision

2:42 a.m. An Emergency Response Team unit responded to the location for the report of medical aid needed due to the result of a traffic collision involving a motorcyclist.

N. Coast Hwy | 100 Block | Warrant

2:22 a.m. Elmer Danilo Bautista Aguilera, 37, Anaheim, was arrested on an El Segundo PD warrant for driving without a license. Bail was set at $20,000.

Coast Hwy | 30800 Block | Warrant

1:14 a.m. Alejandro Ramon Guerra-Osorio, 29, Santa Ana, was arrested on a Central Court warrant. Bail was set at $500.

S. Coast Hwy | 400 Block | Drunk in Public

12:30 a.m. A 35-year-old man from Paradise Valley was arrested for being drunk in public. Bail was set at $500.

S. Coast Hwy | 700 Block | DUI

12:15 a.m. A 33-year-old woman from Lake Forest was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Bail was set at $2,500.

Sunday, June 17

N. Coast Hwy | 200 Block | Trespassing

9:56 p.m. Reese Mitchel Westenberger, 53, Laguna Beach, was arrested for trespassing. Bail was set at $500.

Coast Hwy | 100 Block | Drunk in Public

10:46 p.m. A 29-year-old man from Buena Park was arrested for being drunk in public. Bail was set at $500.

Beach Street & Ocean Avenue | DUI

2:11 a.m. A 24-year-old woman from Corona was arrested on suspicion of being DUI. Bail was set at $2,500. 

Laguna Canyon Road | 20600 Block | Being Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance

1:03 a.m. Dustin Paul Cort, 26, Mission Viejo, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $1,000.