Dennis’ Tidbits

By DENNIS McTIGHE

January 30, 2015

Breaking the California drought…one step forward, two steps back… 

After a most promising start to our 2014-15 rainy season during the last month of autumn, the faucet has completely shut off with the exception of the far southern reaches of the state; a total reversal of what normally takes place this time of year. 

Thanks to three subtropical lows that drifted north from Northern Mexico, places from Santa Barbara including the showers we are presently getting, plus the 1-2 inch totals from the last two lows, we’re not doing too bad down here with season totals only running about a half inch to an inch below seasonal norms, but in places like San Francisco, it’s seen a complete turnaround from the second wettest December on record there with 11.7 inches, eclipsed only by the 12.65 inches up there in December, 1955 from an atmospheric river.

With only two days remaining here in January, and no measurable precipitation forecast for at least another week in the Bay area, it will be the first time since 1850 when records started that not a drop of rain has fallen. The previous dry January record was set just two years ago up there with 0.06 and the previous dry January record was 0.21 inches in 1961. Normal January rainfall in San Francisco is 4.22 inches. 

As aforementioned, our state needs to receive back to back seasons with at least double normal rainfall just to break even, and I don’t think that’s gonna happen. That’s a tall order at this point.

Here in Laguna, we’re coming off one of our warmest Januarys on record. The rain we have been able to collect has been warm with temps still reaching the low 70’s even with the rain. It’s a wonder we’ve had any rain this month as the Pacific storm track is completely blocked by that strong elongated high pressure ridge that extends from Southern California all the way up to British Columbia. Even places like Seattle and Portland are closing this month with the third driest January on record. If it hadn’t been for these three lows sneaking in from the south, we’d be high and dry too, just like up the road!

With this persistent ridge, winter swells have been few and far between because the North pacific jet is once again doing its wiggle and wobble thing. There hasn’t been an active winter swell season for five consecutive seasons. The winter of 2009-10 was the last time we had an epic winter. According to my weather and surf records that go back to 1958, it’s the longest winter swell drought on record.

The winter of 1969-70 saw below normal rain for the first time in five years with only about 9 inches compared to a previous four year average of 23.5.

The surf that winter was a different story altogether with lots of big swell action from November through March but the capper was the huge swell from December 8-10, 1969 when the whole coast went ballistic with triple plus overhead surf at places like Rincon and Blacks. Up north, Mavericks wouldn’t be on the map for another six years by local Jeff Clarke but I’d be willing to wager it was 60-70 feet at least. Down south, Todos Santos wasn’t really relevant yet, but I’ll betcha it was at least 50 foot plus at outside Killers. 

There was a mild Santana going on at the same time so conditions were epic. This was the very same swell that gave Hawaii their biggest swell ever only four days prior to its arrival here in California. On the morning of Saturday, December 8, 1969, Tidbits was surfing playful 3-5 foot Rincon around 9:30. By noon it was a consistent 6-8 foot plus as every set was getting bigger and by sunset the waves were off the Richter at 12-15 plus capping way outside Indicators! Then in January and February of 1970 a series of strong 8-10 foot swells kept the surf way up for weeks on end with generally good surface conditions. 

I spent more time at the Queen than at college that season. I just had to. I got my PHD anyway; yea, Piled High and Deep! 

See y’all next Tuesday…Patriots by two touchdowns, ALOHA!

Get tickets early for this “don’t miss it” concert as Lee Rocker and Laguna Concert Band team up again

The Laguna Concert Band will once again welcome back Grammy nominated artist and Laguna Beach resident Lee Rocker for two performances only with the Laguna Concert Band at the Laguna Playhouse on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. and Sunday Feb. 22 at 3 p.m.

Rocker is the legendary upright bassist and founding member of the “Stray Cats” and winner of a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from Bass Player magazine plus recipient of the “Visionary Artist Award” from the Laguna Beach Arts Council. Buzz Campbell of the San Diego based rockabilly group “Hot Rod Lincoln” will again accompany Rocker on the guitar.

Join the band as they “Rock this Town” with a “Stray Cat Strut” to the sounds of Rockabilly including a wide variety of Marches and Classics, Swing, Jazz, Big Band, and Dixieland. Jason Feddy, KX 93.5 midday DJ and resident Brit will be the guest host.

Guest host Jason Feddy, the Delightful Carol Reynolds and Lee Rocker (right) 

The Laguna Concert Band, celebrating its 15th year of tickling by Carol Reynolds, is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization of over 70 members from Laguna Beach and surrounding communities under the direction of Music Director, Ed Peterson, and co-conductor Pete Fournier.

The first portion of the concert program for each of the two performances will feature classic tunes, ‘The Sinfonians” by Clifton Williams and “Songs from the Catskills” by Johan de Meij along with more contemporary hits including Van Morrison’s “Crazy Love” and “Stuck in the Middle With You” written by Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan which will feature vocalist Linda Hughes. 

A special dedication number to honor the gift of a grand piano to the band by the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach will feature Kathie Grasso-Schroeder on “Somewhere in Time,” the 18th Variation on a Theme of Paganini by Sergei Rachmaninoff, arranged by our very own Charlie Warren.

Celebrated local banjo player Doug Mattocks will be featured on several selections as well. And thanks to board member Jennifer Baker, a select group of talented musicians from Laguna Beach High School will be joining in for the concert: Kenji Lee - clarinet, Aaron Alcouloumre - trumpet, Drake Butler - tenor sax, Alex Bonnin - trombone, Andrew Keyser and Emily Baker - oboe.

General admission tickets for each performance are $50. VIP tickets in the front two rows are available for $75. Each VIP ticket includes two autographed CDs by Rocker. Visit the Laguna Playhouse’s website for more information: www.LagunaPlayhouse.com or call 497-2787. View videos from Lee Rocker’s previous sold out shows with the Laguna Concert Band at www.LagunaConcertBand.com.

Ten Boys Who Care reach their 2015 scholarship goal

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Submitted photo

Left to right: Blake Pivaroff, Gustav Morck, Mason Lebby, Sam Reynolds, Enzo Sadler, Noah Linder, Ayrton Garcia, Zack Bonin, Sam Kluver and Kent Cebreros

Ten Boys Who Care passed their goal of raising $2500 for Two Laguna Beach High School Good Sportsmanship Scholarships to be awarded this June. Painting curbs, playing music on Hospitality night, washing cars, selling items at the Thurston Sports Swap, helping neighbors with chores plus their annual Mega Yard Sale have all added up to their goal. 

Thanks to Jon Madison, of Madison Square & Garden Café, and a supportive community, the 2nd Annual Ten Boys Who Care Mega Yard Sale on our only rainy Saturday in January was a success. Jon Madison this year and last year donated his post holiday inventory along with other special items. 

Dominic Droulez, a graduating LBHS senior and this year’s high school advisor for the Ten Boys Who Care, helped work the Mega Yard Sale. He explains, “It was good to see, despite the rainy weather, everyone coming out to help our cause while scoring some sweet deals.”

“We have some more ways to raise money this year” explains Fundraising Co-Chairman Sam Reynolds, “So, maybe we will make enough to give away a third good sportsmanship scholarship like we did last year.” added Kent Cebreros, the other Fundraising Co-Chair.

Ten Boys Who Care is a group of Thurston 8th graders who came together before their 7th grade year to raise money for an LBHS scholarship every year from now until they graduate in 2019. Their overall goal is $2500 for a graduating senior boy and girl every year. 

LBCF will manage largest charitable fund agreement in its history after signing with LB Boys & Girls Club 

The Laguna Beach Community Foundation(LCBF), a nonprofit dedicated to encouraging philanthropy through charitable organizations and residents from its Southern Orange County headquarters, announces an agreement to manage a $1.1 million endowment and reserve funds for the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach– the largest such agreement in the foundation’s history.

“This agreement with the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach punctuates a very exciting and promising time for the Laguna Beach Community Foundation,” said LBCF Executive Director Daniel Pingaro. “Over the past eight months, we’ve come a long way, adding new staff and executive committee and putting into place a strategic plan to help us grow as an organization that reaches beyond just our South Orange County home. This fund agreement with the Boys & Girls Club is a wonderful sign of early success.”

“We chose the Laguna Beach Community Foundation because we felt secure in having our funds managed locally by financial professionals that understand the nonprofit arena,” said Pam Estes, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach. “As members of our community, we knew they could provide direct, one-on-one personal advice and access to us. Partnerships like this help solidify ties and strengthen the fabric of communities.”

Executive Directors: Daniel Pingaro and Pam Estes

In the past five years LBCF has distributed more than 300 charitable grants locally and nationwide. The foundation looks to bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, private foundations and businesses to create charitable funds. The LBCF then administers those funds through grants and other charitable support.

“Community foundations such as ours supply leadership and support to nonprofits that ultimately improves the lives of everyone connected to them,” Pingaro said. “Our foundation was born in Laguna Beach with the love and concern for its future, but it has since developed a nationwide reach as other U.S.-based nonprofits continue realizing the benefits our types of foundations can offer them.”

The LBCF is staffed with experienced nonprofit, finance and risk management professionals. Its trustees are local citizens that represent the diversity of Laguna Beach. Additionally, the LBCF Investment Committee works pro bono to maintain low cost fee structure while delivering the best possible ROI.

The mission of the Laguna Beach Community Foundation (LBCF) is to encourage philanthropy in the greater Laguna Beach area through its charitable organizations and residents while also helping maintain and enhance its community. The LBCF is made up of nonprofit, finance and risk management professionals and local citizens from Laguna Beach, Calif. For more information please visit http://www.lagunabeachcf.org or call (949) 715-8223.

Available for graduating seniors living in Laguna Beach

Festival of Arts now accepting scholarship applications

Since 1957, the Festival of Arts scholarship program has supported rising young artists by making it possible for students to pursue college studies in the arts. The four-year, highly competitive scholarships are awarded to students who excel in Film, Performing Arts (dance, music and theatre arts- including performance and production), Visual Arts and Writing. Applicants may apply for any or all of the four categories, but will only be awarded one scholarship. 

 “Students with talents in multiple fields are encouraged to submit an application in more than one category,” said Festival of Arts Board Secretary and Scholarship Chair Pat Kollenda. She continued, “This is an excellent opportunity for students who are considering a career in the arts.”

 Scholarship applications are now available online at the Festival’s website www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org or at the Festival of Arts office at 650 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach. An applicant must be a graduating high school senior who resides in Laguna Beach or attends Laguna Beach High School. Application deadline is March 13, 2015.

 Auditions and interviews will be scheduled in March and April 2015. Scholarship awards begin at a minimum of $1,000 and can be renewed for a total of four one-year scholarships. Students must reapply each summer for a continuation of scholarship status.

 Last year, the Festival of Arts awarded $35,000 to graduating seniors for the 2014 - 2015 academic year. Many scholarship winners pursue successful careers in the arts, and some even return to the Festival as exhibiting artists. In addition to Scholarship Committee Chair Pat Kollenda, committee members include Susan Davis, Bob and Marge Earl, Wayne Baglin, Jacquie Moffett, Jill Harris-Sturdy and Ann Webster.

 For general scholarship information, call Michelle Reindl at (949) 464-4201 or visit the website at www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org. The Festival of Arts is a nonprofit organization that produces The Festival of Arts – California’s Premier Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. Its mission is to support the arts and art education in and about Laguna Beach.

Patriots Day Parade student contest winners announced

The Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade committee announced the winners of the school contests this week.

The winner of the Thurston Middle School essay contest is Colleen Turner, an 8th grade student in Ms. Laura Silver’s English Class.

The winner of the parade program cover art contest at Laguna Beach High School is Max Casper, a member of the 2018 graduating class and a student in Ms. Kerry Pellow’s Graphic Arts class.

Both students will ride in the parade and will be presented with $100 awards. Union Bank will sponsor one of the awards and the Parade Association will underwrite the other.

The 49th parade starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, at Laguna Beach High School on Park Avenue and winds through downtown Laguna.

For information on the parade, contact Sandi Werthe at (949) 494-6016 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or check the website: lagunabeachparade.org.

Laguna Beach Music Festival artists announced for Feb 12-15

The 13th annual Laguna Beach Music Festival is pleased to announce its 2015 Festival artist mentors, the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, and the appointment of new Festival Director, Laura Ricker. Based in Laguna Beach, the Festival has historically been and continues to be a platform for the discovery of up-and-coming artists with its presentations of world-class musicians in intimate venues. 

The 2015 Festival, taking place Feb. 12-15 at a variety of venues in Laguna Beach, will also include special appearances by friends of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, including the Los Angeles Percussion Quartet (LAPQ), Janelle DeStefano, Phil Proctor and L.A. Flamenco.

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Los Angeles Guitar Quartet

“Every year the Festival brings premier artists to Laguna Beach and our mission is to share this artistic talent and exploration with our community and beyond,” says Ms. Ricker. “This year, the Festival includes Valentine’s Day weekend so it’s only fitting that LA Guitar Quartet and friends will explore Spanish romance, Flamenco dance, Don Quixote and a dynamic repertoire they have developed. Through concerts, free outreach events, student discounts, the new Thursday Taste of the Festival and discounts being offered for Valentine’s Day dinners, Laguna Beach Music Festival is excited to offer a wonderful Festival weekend in Laguna Beach.”

The Festival is a unique and memorable weekend including the new Thursday Taste of the Festival where guests will mix and mingle with the Musicians while delighting in tasty hors d’oeuvres and wine, and the Friday Night Opening Celebration where guests will toast to the musical discoveries to be made at the Opening Concert with delicious wines and special food treats. Cheer the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet and the Los Angeles Percussion Quartet afterwards at a private on-stage dessert party. Important to the mission of the Festival is to bring music and education to the Laguna Beach community. Join LBMF for Discovery Discussions and Q&A at the Playhouse on Friday and Saturday, as well as a number of Outreach opportunities throughout the community.

The 2015 Laguna Beach Music Festival features three concert performances taking place throughout the weekend, with its Opening Night concert on Friday, Feb. 13. The Opening concert brings the first-ever collaboration between the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet and the Los Angeles Percussion Quartet and will be a night of discovery, with two of America’s most dynamic chamber groups coming together to explore new and exciting music. The highlight of the evening will be the world premiere of a new work, “Ymir,” commissioned by Laguna Beach Music Festival and written especially for the occasion by celebrated composer Jeffrey Holmes, conducted by Brian Head. For the Festival, Holmes felt compelled to compose a piece inspired by the sea and derived the work from his Scandinavian heritage exploring the origin of the ocean through the first primordial being in Nordic religion, a Frost Giant. The concert will also feature moving and energetic repertoire including Steve Reich’s Six Marimbas, Steve Forman’s Bitcoins and John Bergamo’s Piru Bol.

Thirty years young in 2010-11, the Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet is one of the most multifaceted groups in any genre. The LAGQ is comprised of four uniquely accomplished musicians bringing new energy to the concert stage with programs ranging from bluegrass to Bach. Consistently playing to sold-out houses worldwide, their inventive, critically acclaimed transcriptions of concert masterworks provide a fresh look at music of the past, while their interpretations of works from the contemporary and world-music realms continually break new ground.

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Los Angeles Percussion Quartet

Since 2009, the Los Angeles Percussion Quartet has forged a distinct identity as a world-class contemporary chamber music ensemble that is dedicated to commissioning and presenting new works for percussion quartets. Originally, members Nick Terry, Matt Cook, Justin DeHart, and Cory Hills joined together to create a classical percussion ensemble that would champion the important contributions of 20th century West Coast composers while collaborating with local artists to continue the tradition of innovation and exploration. Today, the group continues this mission while broadening creative output through recordings, performances, and educational outreach.

Saturday’s program lands on Valentine’s Day and will bring an evening of romance and passion. The evening’s program includes Boccherini’s Fandango, Bizet’s Carmen and Manuel de Falla’s haunting Seven Songs sung by mezzosoprano Janelle DeStefano exemplify the fire and passion of Andalucía, culminating in a grand finale performance of Falla’s complete ballet El Amor Brujo featuring the phenomenal L.A. Flamenco dance troupe. Sunday will prove to be an exploratory performance where the audience will be immersed in music as LAGQ and Firesign Theatre’s Phil Proctor come together to bring Don Quixote to life. With images and lighting highlighting LAGQ’s brilliant arrangements of music from Spain’s Golden Age, the result is inspired storytelling in its most elevated form. Immediately following, a panel discussion and Q&A on “Don Quixote and the Art of Adaptation” will be held onstage with Phil Proctor and LAGQ.

Festival Director Laura Ricker comes to the Festival from the Western Arts Alliance, a membership association based in Portland, Oregon, of touring and performing arts professionals where she worked for the past nine years as a senior level manager. Ms. Ricker is an Orange County transplant who has more than 16 years of experience in conference planning, musical performances, special events and festival management. With a background predominantly in event and conference management, she also previously served as the Oregon Symphony’s Director of Events and has a proven ability to develop and strengthen the organizations she manages in order to maximize profitability and efficiency while exploring creativity and inspiration. She received her undergraduate degree from School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has since built her professional career spanning New York City, Portland, and Orange County.

The Laguna Beach Music Festival is a presentation of Laguna Beach Live! and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County. Tickets for the 2015 Laguna Beach Music Festival are now on sale and can be purchased at www.lagunabeachmusicfestival.com.

LB Live! Winter Jazz opener was a sell out at [seven-degrees]

By DIANE ARMITAGE

The kick off to the Winter Season Jazz Series at [seven-degrees] was a sold out, high-energy success. Always an immensely popular seven-concert series event sponsored by Laguna Beach Live!, the 2015 winter season opener did not disappoint. More than 240 people enjoyed a luxurious buffet while listening and dancing to opening act, Latin Jazz Syndicate. 

Tickets for next week’s performance on Wednesday, Feb. 4, are already close to selling out as the Jet Set Quintet is booked for this exclusive engagement. Remaining tickets can be purchased at www.LagunaBeachLive.org for just $15 (part of the rare “music that everyone can afford” gift that this non-profit organization provides to Laguna Beach).

Specializing in mambos, cha-chas, swing classic and “cocktail centric” anthems, JetSet brings back the fads, fashion and optimism of Mid Century America. The five renowned players come from decades each in critically acclaimed work that spans global tours, numerous film scores, and world-famous orchestras as they’ve covered every scene from Jump-Swing to Big Band and Rock ‘n Roll. 

It’s an engaging, somewhat rollicking time machine review of our 1950s and ‘60s. See www.LagunaBeachLive.org for JetSet details, video performances and tickets.

Open enrollment for Covered California ends Feb 15

Unless you qualify for a Special Life Event, you won’t be able to enroll or change existing plans after Feb 15. The effective date of your new policy, or change for the current one will be March 1, 2015. 

This enrollment period applies to both Covered California plans and “off exchange” plans that do not get a subsidy (advance premium tax credit).  

The penalty for not having health insurance coverage in 2015 increases from 1% to 2% of your income or a minimum of $395.

A Certified Insurance Agent costs you nothing to use to help you enroll or to check your existing enrollment. There are changes for 2015 over the 2014 plans. Agents are paid a small commission by the Insurance plan you select.  

Be smart, use a Certified Insurance agent. 

Would you go to court without an attorney? 

Info provided by Patrick and Joann Freeman, licensed agents who are both certified by Covered California. 497-7473 http://www.laguanbeachinsurance.com

Free belly dancing class preview Thursday, Feb 12 at Susi Q

Jheri St. James, award-winning local dancer and instructor, will host a free preview belly dancing class from 7:30 – 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, in Studio 2 at the Susi Q. Community Center, 380 Third Street, Laguna Beach CA 92651

JJ & the Habibis Laguna Beach Belly Dancers

The evening will include live performances, refreshments, and class time activities in the beautiful art of belly dancing, the oldest dance on planet earth, dating back to 20,000 B.C. in cave paintings depicting ancient goddess worship ceremonies.  

Treat yourself and all your family members to this opportunity to study this sparkling, fun dance form.  Learn about finger cymbals, veil dancing, ethnic cane dance, sword dancing, and as your skills increase, become part of the very active performance group: JJ & the Habibis Laguna Beach Belly Dancers!  

More information is available at www.JheriCo.net, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or (949) 494-5031. Free parking is available in the downstairs garage at the Susi Q.

International Wine & Food Society’s new wine and food event

The Laguna Beach Branch of the International Wine & Food Society announced today that their next event would be held at Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach, on Tuesday, Feb. 10.

Kicking off the branch’s first event of 2015, the dinner begins at 7 p.m. and the cost is $125 per person. “I’m working with Chef on pairing food and wine,” said Branch President Bart Zandbergen. “The evening should be nothing less than fantastic!” 

Located at 1464 S. Coast Highway, Selanne Steak Tavern, owned by NHL legend Teemu Selänne and Kevin Pratt, “Brings the spirit of much-loved classic American steakhouses and taverns to California’s iconic Laguna Beach along Pacific Coast Highway.” Anyone who is interested in attending should contact Bart Zandbergen at (714) 313-5306.

The International Wine & Food Society (IW&FS) is the world’s oldest and most renowned gastronomic society. The Society’s mission is the promotion of a broad knowledge and understanding of both wine and food, the enhancement of their appreciation, and the nurturing of camaraderie among those who share the pleasures of the table. To learn more visit www.iwfs.org/americas.

Mariner’s 936 took Winter Cruise to Catalina Island

The recent long weekend saw 27 youth and their adult advisors head to Catalina Island for their annual Winter Cruise. 

Quartermaster candidates Sofia Maranto of San Clemente and James Talay of Mission Viejo completed their cruise requirement during this trip by each taking command of a vessel with a crew of sea scouts for 40 consecutive hours, including two nights, during which time they delegated and supervised all duties. Requirements included anchoring, docking, maintaining a course, and remaining underway for an extended period during darkness…an impressive undertaking for a couple of teens! At the island the youth enjoyed hiking, kayaking, swimming, and great food prepared by the crew and at the local eateries in Avalon. 

To quote Maranto: “This was awesome!”

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Photo by Melissa Fox

The four Mariners 936 sailing boats at anchor in Avalon Harbor

Mariners 936 is based out of Dana Point Harbor and is open to co-ed youth age 14-18. Mariners offers a year round program that includes supervised Saturday sailing and two seasons per year in which youth may participate in Sea Scout activities and competition; no previous sailing experience is necessary to join. Mariners is a youth led adult advised program that promotes leadership and teamwork. A shorter seasonal program is available to youth 12-14 offering sailing and water craft instruction. 

A new season kicks off on Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. with an open house for prospective new members and their parents at Sea base, 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point.

For more information, go to Mariners936.com, or for weekly updates and events, visit www.facebook.com/mariners936seascouts.

The Festival of Arts newest art exhibit, “Now & Then”, featuring three artists, at Wells Fargo through April 9 

The Festival of Arts announces its newest exhibit, Now & Then at the historic Wells Fargo Building in downtown Laguna Beach, now through April 9. 

Now & Then features the work of photographers Ron Azevedo and Mike Heintz, and painter Susan Jarecky. The public is welcome to join the artists for a free reception on Saturday, Jan 24 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Bank.

“This exhibit presents artwork that examines images, scenes, and environments that have deteriorated with time,” said Exhibit Curator Pat Sparkuhl. “They are a look back through history, encouraging viewers to fill in the stories behind these unique subjects.”

CBS-LA recently named Ron Azevedo as one of the “Most Artistic Photographers in Orange County” for his worldwide approach to photography. From the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in Ukraine to the abandoned sanatorium, Beelitz-Heilstätten in Germany, Ron strives to waken viewers to the diversity of the world and to cultures so different from our own. Born in Southern California, Ron spent his youth in the mountains of Big Bear Lake before moving to the San Clemente beach community where he and his family have resided for the past 30 years. 

Ron has exhibited at the Festival of Arts for three years.

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Ron Azevedo’s “Ghost of Pripyat”

Mike Heintz’s photography represents a more innocent time in the history of America. After college in the mid 1970’s, he travelled back and forth between California and South Dakota where he was born and raised. During these trips, Mike began photographing abandoned vehicles in open environments. He later refined his focus to vintage vehicles produced before 1950. In addition to being a photographer, he is also an accomplished jeweler. 

Mike exhibited at the Festival of Arts for 13 years beginning in 1982.

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Mike Heintz’s “Ol’ Paint”

Mixing the immediate impressions of the plein air style of oil painting with the social commentary addressing the changing dynamics of the Western ranching, Susan Jarecky involves the viewer with more than just the landscape. Native to Southern California, Susan was raised in rural Irvine in the 1960 – 70’s.  Throughout her childhood, Susan was drawn to the western genre, rode horses, listened to Roy Rogers, and dreamt of being a cowgirl. Although she chose to become a professional artist, her inner voice is expressed as she weaves the western theme throughout her work. Susan travels all over the United States to research her subjects and connect with her natural surroundings.

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Susan Jarecky’s “Old Truck with Coat”

The exhibit is on the third floor of the Wells Fargo building at 260 Ocean Avenue. It is part of an ongoing series of shows that the Festival of Arts will be holding at Wells Fargo. The building is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is free. The Festival of Arts is a non-profit organization whose proceeds support the arts in and about Laguna Beach. 

For more information call 494-1145 or click here: LagunaFestivalofArts.org

Change your luck: spread happiness this Valentine’s Day with tickets to the Pageant of the Masters

Nothing says “Be My Valentine” better than to the 2015 production “The Pursuit of Happiness,” running July 8 – Aug. 31. For a limited time, $14 tickets are available for Director’s Tier Side seating, regularly $20. This special offer applies to Monday – Thursday evening performances only and ends Feb. 14.

This summer’s production of “The Pursuit of Happiness” will explore the many sources of happiness, both ancient and modern, through the theatrical performance of “living pictures.” The 2015 Pageant of the Masters will be a sentimental journey through depictions of pastimes and activities that gave people joy long before the instant gratification of the computer age.

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Pageant of the Masters to re-create Currier and Ives’ “Youth: Season of Love” in the 2015 production “The Pursuit of Happiness.”

“It doesn’t get more romantic than watching the Pageant of the Masters under the stars,” said Festival of Arts Marketing and Public Relations Manager Sharbie Higuchi. “The show makes for a great date night, a fun outing with friends, or just a memorable evening to share with someone special.”

The Pageant of the Masters is arguably one of the most unique productions in the entire world. Audiences are amazed and enchanted by ninety minutes of tableaux vivants (“living pictures”), incredibly faithful re-creations of classical and contemporary works of art, with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces.

The 2015 Pageant of the Masters, “The Pursuit of Happiness” will be staged July 8 through August 30. Ticket prices range from $15 to $230. Tickets are on sale now by calling 1-800-487-3378 or online at http://www.PageantTickets.com. 

The Festival of Arts is a non-profit organization that produces The Festival of Arts – California’s Premier Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. Proceeds support the arts in Orange County.

Police Beat Primer

Police Beat derives from information in the log maintained at the front counter by the Laguna Beach Police Department and required under CA Government Code Section 6254 (f). The press does not have access to written police reports.

Information in the police department log is deemed reliable and StuNewsLaguna is not responsible for mistakes made available as public record by the Laguna Beach Police Department.

Parents with children in school may contact 949-497-1615 to request that their names be omitted from Police Beat. The decision of StuNewsLaguna is final.

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

Abbreviations sometimes used in Police Beat

647f – Public Intoxication; DUI – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; NFA – No fixed address; RP – Reporting/Responsible Party; UTL – Unable to locate

DUI Arrests

No DUI arrests this period

Incident Reports

Tuesday, January 27

Coast Hwy & Vista Del Sol | Warrant Arrest

4:07 p.m. A female passenger, 42, was arrested for an outstanding Harbor Court traffic warrant during a traffic stop. The bail for Sandra Cedeno of Tustin was $1500.

Louise Street | 1600 Block | Theft from a Vehicle

3:19 p.m. Two backpacks and a makeup case valued together at $600 were taken from an unlocked vehicle overnight.

Florence Avenue | 31600 Block | Vandalism, vehicle

9:59 a.m. A white Isuzu Trooper was keyed.

Monday, January 26

Top of the World Park | Vandalism

3:10 p.m. A water tank was tagged.

Coast Hwy & Lagunita Drive | Warrant Arrest

10:11 a.m. Miguel Lopez, 35, Huntington Beach, was arrested for an outstanding West Court warrant with charges of domestic battery and violation of a protective order. Bail: $15,000.

Dartmoor Street | 300 Block | Theft from a Vehicle

7:31 a.m. $10 in cash was taken from an unlocked car overnight.

Sunday, January 23

Main Beach | Warrant Arrest

10:51 p.m. Alexis Hanson, 42, no fixed address, was arrested for an OC DUI warrant with bail set at $15,000.

Temple Hills Drive | 900 Block | Theft

12:36 p.m. A cement twin dolphin fountain was pilfered from the RP’s front yard overnight. The RP place a value on the fountain of $500.