Oui, there’s a little slice of France on Forest Ave

Story and photos by LAURA BUCKLE

When Laurent Vrignaud opened the doors to Moulin Bistro Newport Beach in Sept 2014, he had one vision, to make visitors feel as though they had been transported to France: to give them an experience, not just a place to run in for a quick bite. This vision has been carried over to the new Laguna Beach location (where Scandia Bakery used to be), which has been tastefully redeveloped and restored to represent a chic yet traditional French marketplace with seating and service. 

The new decor really does make you feel as though you are sitting in a café in Paris (but with our delightful year round California sunshine).

Laurent’s emphasis on authenticity goes above and beyond, from the Michelin logo adorned walls, to the beautiful one of a kind French sourced produce, the original French tables and chairs, and the scattering of French staff.

Originally hailing from Montmartre, just outside of Paris, Laurent created Moulin out of the love of bistro culture that he has missed every day since moving to California in the 1980’s. 

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The food at Moulin tastes good and looks good

Laurent calls Moulin “a store,” and the all-new Moulin store in Laguna Beach is part of his three-store plan, which he describes as his “small, medium and large” Moulin model.  Newport Beach is the largest of the stores, Laguna Beach the medium, and finally his small store will be at a location yet to be revealed. Each store will feature exclusives, available only at its location.

Moulin Laguna Beach is everything Laurent wanted when he was 12 years old. Ice cream is on menu, but won’t be available to take out. Instead Moulin will serve ice cream in a coupes glacée, an ice cream dessert placed in a stemmed glass in the shape of a tulip. It’s an ideal dessert to share, one that Laurent feels will only enhance the true French experience of Moulin.

He will also serve a French hot dog, presented on half a French baguette.  

The baguette will be cold on the outside, warm on the inside with a simple choice of ketchup or Dijon mustard.  

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Moulin offers a little slice of France on Forest

Laurent is also working on packaging, which will enable the hot dog to be held with one hand as a takeout option. In keeping with this one-handed takeout concept, Moulin will serve waffles de liege, which is a traditional French waffle created using only caramelized pearl sugar. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these waffles need no filling, which makes them much easier to handle as a to-go option.

Alongside the specials, Moulin will also serve 14 inch crepes, which will be made to order and prepared at the front counter. The in-store display menu will feature a selection of cheeses, pates, charcuterie as well as Las Parisiens – cold sandwiches in baguette style – and Les Parigits, hot sandwiches on artisan bread. The store will also feature an assortment of salads and of course beautiful boulangerie and patisserie.

During the press event, we were lucky enough to enjoy a selection of cheeses and charcuterie and artisanal breads, served with French champagne and wine (all sold at Moulin) all of which were delicious, fresh, exciting and authentic. And of course we tried a selection of pastries, éclairs, fruit tarts and coffee tarts. All were exquisite. 

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Well, I declare, a most delicious chocolate éclair awaits Moulin’s guests

Moulin also offers a cuisine menu, food that is prepared in the kitchen behind the in-store options. The cuisine menu offers le petit dejeuner, which includes tartines, granola, and fruit salad to name but a few selections.  

Customers can also choose from a number of omelets, les croques (monsieur and madame) and from 11 a.m. onwards, a selection of Les Classiques, including soup, roasted chicken, salmon and real French fries.

Laurent and his Chef Jeoffrey Offer, who has been with Moulin since its 2014 opening in Newport Beach, were warm, hospitable and so enthusiastic about Moulin Laguna Beach. The food and drinks we tasted were outstanding. In my opinion a little slice of France is never a bad thing anywhere in the world…

Moulin is located at 248 Forest Avenue Laguna Beach. It is open 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. seven days a week and also offers catering services. Phone number is 949-474-0920.

Dennis’ Tidbits

By DENNIS McTIGHE

September 30, 2016

Ed. Note:  If you ever wondered whether or not Dennis knows his stuff – you won’t wonder again after reading his column today!

Our very latest tropical system, namely Roslyn, formed well out into our swell window ended up not doing a whole lot and moved in the wrong direction and is now a remnant low near Scorpion Bay. She started out about 650 SSW of the tip and moved nearly straight to the north, then NNE. As some of you may be aware, the maximum swell energy from these spinners comes out of the storm’s NE quadrant at about a 45 degree right angle, so if a storm is moving NW its main swell energy is being flung northward. The little swell energy from Roslyn spun off to the NE toward the central and Southern west coast of the Baja Peninsula. Had Roslyn moved to the NW from her inception, most of the 3-5 ft. energy would have made it to our beaches up here.

I got my first real formal education on storms and the huge swells that get shoved ahead by large expanses of vigorous winds that give birth to these mountains of water. The year was 1969 when I learned about swell forecasting thanks to the newly launched Tyros Weather Satellite that was the very first of its kind. 

I was stationed at Hickam AFB in Weather Recon, in Hawaii. I got to watch the first orbit ever. That first orbit changed everything. Circling our planet from 22,000 miles out, the satellite’s camera would take a picture of the earth every 30 minutes as it traveled eastward relaying the satellite images to earth. Tyros circled the Earth every 24 hours so there were 48 images a day. 

When the first images of the Pacific arrived the view was spectacular of huge comma shaped clouds spread out across the Pacific from Japan all the way to the Pacific west coast. We also saw typhoons in the South Pacific as they spun their way towards Southeast and East Asia. That’s when I learned all about swell production and its forward direction in relation to the cyclone’s forward movement direction. I learned how to predict if one of these huge North Pacific storms would affect the surf on the north Shore. Being a surf fanatic for nearly ten years then, this stuff was right up my alley! The word got out that I was the prime weather connection for predicting when Waimea would get big. Soon I had guys like Eddie Aikau and Ben Aipa calling me at the Base wanting to know the latest. 

My very first swell prediction was nearly right on the money, arriving only a few hours late at a consistent 20-25 ft. with light trades. You don’t want to disappoint Hawaiian surf royalty like those guys and I got lucky. 

Anyhow, to make a long story short, which is a tall order for McWeather, I learned about every kind of storm, whether it be tropical or North Pacific, they’re all called cyclones and they all have that major characteristic about the NE quadrant. In 1972 I began plotting all Eastern Pacific tropical systems. It’s all about favorable direction of the storm’s forward motion. Some years are most favorable and some we really get skunked like this 2016 season. It’s all about the system of checks and balances! 

Have a great weekend, ALOHA!

Barbara’s Column

20th Annual Pet Parade and Chili Cook-off draws a bunch

By BARBARA DIAMOND

Chefs and pets vied for top honors Sunday at the 20th annual Pet Parade and Chili Cook-off sponsored by the Laguna Board of Realtors and Affiliates.

Photos by Anne McGraw

Most Gorgeous Seniors, Mikie and Sophie with owner Heather

Despite sweltering weather, the event brought out the best in folks and their pets. Hardly a growl was heard from humans or animal - the pets were all winning if not winners, but the competition for best chili was hot. 

Cook-off judges included Laguna Beach business woman Angie Miller, Stu News food reporter Laura Buckle, Chef Craig Connole, actor Richard Burgi, city Public Works Director Shohreh Dupuis and Howard Segal, who recently founded with his wife the Veterinary Cancer Foundation to financially assist owners of pets with cancer. 

They chose Coldwell Banker as the overall winner of the Chili Cook-off.  Second place went to the Affiliates, for their recipe which included Smokin’ Ed’s Carolina Reaper chilies, homegrown by Jillian Braverman. 

Villa Real Estate placed third for its chili, but first for booth décor, which featured Cruella and her crew.

Team Laguna, 2015 overall winner, went vegetarian this year with a recipe that included pumpkin and pineapple, cooked up by Matthew Pike and Danielle Purcell. They didn’t win for their chilli, but did come in second for their “Hippie Dippie” booth decoration. Hôm Sotheby’s placed third. 

“The crowd was great, everyone was in a good mood,” said Dede Westgaard-Pike, who was ‘in charge of the whole kit and kaboodle.’ “It just makes you feel good to know you are helping the animals.”

But humans also benefit, she said.

“I told other Realtors that marine animals need to be rehabilitated so we can see them in the wild,” Westgaard-Pike said. 

The Marine Mammal Center was among the four beneficiaries of the event. The center has cared for sick sea lions and seals since 1971. Trained volunteers are on call 24 hours-a-day. The center also provides educational programs for children.

Also benefitting: The Blue Bell Foundation for Cats, which provides long-term care when owners no longer can, the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter, which provides a temporary home for adoptable pets; Protecting unwanted Pets, PUP, is the fundraising arm of the shelter.

Happiest Rescued Pets was a category in the Pet Parade, judged by Mayor Steve Dicterow, veterinarian James Levin, Ann Marie McKay, insurance broker John Campbell and Stu News Associate Editor Lynette Brasfield.

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Best Costume winner Penny 

Owner Traci Pedersen and granddaughters Sophie & Madeline

Judges picked Bentley as the most handsome male; Panda, as the prettiest female; Penny gussied up like a bee, for the best costume; Sophie, most gorgeous senior; Scooby Doo, the happiest rescue and five month-old Peanut cutest baby, the only entry in that category.

JJ didn’t win a prize in the category in which she was entered, but she was adopted from the “petting zoo” of stuffed animals.

Josh Meador of Title 365 served as master of ceremonies.

Mingling: Nanci Nielsen and Dempsy, her chocolate lab who soon will begin training as a therapy dog; Anne McGraw with daughter Annika, niece Claire; and 11-year-old Pemberton Welsh Corgi, Roxy; Laurie and Mark Brigham with their 75-pound Aussidoodle, Stanford; LBPD officer Joy Butterfield and Beau, a 12 1/2 year-old Siberian Husky, and Judie Mancuso, reveling in the animal lovers.

But wait - There’s more. You will find advance notice of all the fun stuff for visitors or residents to do in Laguna by reading StuNewsLaguna.com.

Laguna Beach – Looking Back

Photo series courtesy The Laguna Beach Historical Society

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Looking east up Laguna Ave from Coast Blvd pre-1920

Visit the Murphy-Smith Bungalow (home of the Laguna Beach Historical Society, on Ocean Avenue). It is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Laguna Beach Historical Society is a non-profit, all volunteer organization, which runs free historical programs at City Hall, and has a newsletter, website, and is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Mike Evans on local gardens at SoLag Garden Park Saturday

Submitted photo

Mike Evans

Pioneering native plants specialist Mike Evans of Tree of Life Nursery will share his recommendations on native plants for local gardens—which ones will fit our soils and climate, when to plant, how to grow, does and don’ts and enjoyments to anticipate.

The program will be held at the South Laguna Community Garden Park, Eagle Rock Way and Coast Highway, Saturday, Oct 1 at 10 a.m.

The event is free, but please RSVP at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Quite the Sunset on Tuesday Part Deux

Photos by Scott Brashier

A different perspective

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Scott McIntosh’s long-anticipated Reunion Kitchen will open tonight in Boat Canyon

Story and photos by DIANE ARMITAGE

What a difference four … I mean six … I mean nine months makes. 

In the same gestation period that brings a newborn human to this planet, Restaurateur Scott McIntosh has finally succeeded in opening his doors of Reunion Kitchen in North Laguna’s Boat Canyon.

The long-anticipated gem opens tonight (Friday). 

Back in January I wrote about McIntosh’s return to Laguna Beach, first with his planned opening of a reborn, more compact Asada in Boat Canyon (which opened several weeks ago), as well as his plans to bring his uber-successful Reunion Kitchen concept to the same shopping strip. 

“We always felt like Laguna was our home,” says McIntosh with wife and restaurant partner, Rose, sitting at the new Reunion community table. “It just took us longer to get back here than we initially anticipated.”

The vision, however, has come to fruition. 

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Before

In January, when I first took this photo of McIntosh in the shell that would become Reunion, he smiled gamely among concrete pillars, hanging electrical wires and a tiny kitchen destined for complete renovation. 

Now, nine months later, every aspect in this successful restaurateur’s head is now reality, from the architectural bronze bar (imported from Germany) to the opened-up, expanded kitchen, to the giant indoor “patio” with equally giant windows that silently roll up for breezy Laguna love.

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After

Hand-fired creamy gray subway tiles adorn the wall around the kitchen, while textured, black/bronze tiles march along the bronze bar’s wall beneath the bar stools. Galvanized iron serves as wainscoting that skirts the interior seating, while thick, handmade butcher block tables gleam with polished finish.  

Where once a cramped bar stood back in the corner for the former Umami Burger space, new seating has been installed with a large mirrored wall that also reflects bronze-y and black elements. McIntosh tells me that the mirrored wall pays tribute to his formative years when he and his brother played in a downstairs rumpus room with a 1970s mirrored wall much like what adorns this revitalized restaurant space. 

The “historical” personal bit melds well with Reunion’s artwork, all of which reflects historical Laguna Beach (most with some humor). McIntosh’s humor extends to small touches throughout the restaurant, including the women’s bathroom door sign. (Sorry, you just have to visit to see it in person or check out my Facebook page.) 

This place is full of gadgetry that shows a longtime restaurateur’s experience. My favorite gadget? Behind the kitchen in the service hallway, great, shining beer lockers house hundreds of gallons of perfectly chilled beer. Their piping rolls under the restaurant and back up into the bar to service ten beer taps installed there. From beginning to frothy end, it’s a work of art. 

In these closing days of September, McIntosh’s smile is just a little wider. He’s excited, practically vibrating with the energy of those last few hours before flinging the doors open once and for all. 

He and Rose talk animatedly about their staff’s return to Laguna Beach … nearly 40 people followed Scott and Rose from Laguna Beach to Reunion Kitchen in Anaheim Hills three years ago, and now more than 20 have followed them back to help staff these smaller renditions. 

Short Rib Griller

“We think our food will stand the test of time, but the strength of the brand is in the strength of the people,” says McIntosh. “Reunion Kitchen is built for Laguna Beach locals, and every one of our people knows it. We’re here to bring back that social, warm, cozy feeling that Laguna locals love sharing with each other.” 

Indeed, Reunion Kitchen is the reunion everyone in Laguna Beach has been hoping for.  

ŸŸŸŸ

Diane Armitage is the author of a recently published 175-page book – “Laguna Beach’s Best” – a travel guide for locals and visitors. She writes a subjective blog found at www.LagunaBeachBest.com She is a regular contributor to StuNews

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Retired pediatric urologist Dr. Silber joins his wife on the Laguna Food Pantry board of directors

Laguna Food Pantry has welcomed to its board of directors Dr. Igal Silber, a retired pediatric urologist. Dr. Silber joins his wife, Dr. Diane Silber, a retired clinical psychologist, who was voted onto the Pantry’s board in February.

The Silbers have lived in Laguna Beach since 1978 and are involved in numerous philanthropic and civic causes.

Dr. Igal Silber joins his wife Dr. Diane Silber on the Food Pantry board

“We are thrilled to have this power couple on our board of directors,” commented board president Dr. Korey Jorgensen. “Together they have a wealth of nonprofit board experience and have already offered many excellent ideas that will help make us better able to carry out our mission – to provide free groceries to those who are struggling to make ends meet.”

Every weekday, the Laguna Food Pantry collects and distributes 2,000 pounds of free, fresh, nutritious groceries to shoppers from area low-income households, at least half of which have babies and young children at home. Hours are 8 to 10:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. New volunteers are always welcome. Phone: 949-497-7121 www.lagunafoodpantry.org.

Sunset Serenade Friday in Heisler Park Amphitheatre

The final Friday evening for Sunset Serenades is this week, Sept 30 at 5:30 p.m. The city’s Arts Commission will present the final 2016 Sunset Serenade. The free concert is sponsored by The Arts Commission in the Heisler Park Amphitheatre. 

9/30 - Alexandra Jack - singer songwriter

The lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach fund this program.

Legendary bass player Max Bennett will perform at a benefit with SwingSet on Oct 2 at [seven-degrees] 

Legendary bass player Max Bennett and his band Private Reserve will perform on stage with Laguna’s SwingSet on Sunday, Oct 2 from 3 to 6 p.m. at [seven-degrees], 891 Laguna Canyon Rd, followed by a VIP after-party from 6 - 7 p.m. 

Recently the organizers, the Laguna Concert Band, announced that Bennett will be joined by the great keyboardist, singer/songwriter, arranger and producer Bill Cantos.

The excitement is building with the news that now two new stellar vocalists have been added to the bill. San Diego vocalist Robin Adler, a lifelong fan of Joni Mitchell, will instill her spirit into the music as the bands perform together. Robin and her husband Dave Blackburn’s group “Mutts of the Planet” perform nationally as a way to keep Mitchell’s memory alive.

Canadian vocalist Chris Williams has been performing professionally since he was 15 years old. Chris is the 2007 winner of the Orange County Music Award for best Latin and a ten-time OCMA nominee. He engages audiences with passion, versatility and musical maturity.

The event – which represents LCB’s First Annual Fundraising Benefit, and is entitled “A Musical Tribute to Living Bass Legend Max Bennett” – will benefit the Music in the Schools program. 

The star of the show, internationally recognized bassist and composer, Max Bennett, has played on more than one thousand albums, 19 of them Grammy winners. 

“Fans and followers of contemporary jazz need no introduction to Max Bennett,” said Craig Gordon, executive director, Laguna Concert Band. “We are thrilled to join him to raise awareness for the fundamental value of Music in the Schools programming and to share with our community the iconic music of Max’s sixty-year career.” 

Max has toured and performed in concert with Ella Fitzgerald, Joni Mitchell, Barbra Streisand, Peggy Lee, and Aretha Franklin - a list that literally runs from Frank Sinatra to Frank Zappa and includes jazz greats like Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Stan Getz and Dizzy Gillespie. The list of outstanding artists with whom Max has recorded includes Quincy Jones, The Beach Boys, Elvis, Joni Mitchell, Marvin Gaye, Motown Artists, Celine Dion, Nelson Riddle, Henry Mancini, Ray Charles, Michael Franks, Frank Sinatra, Phil Spector, Michel LeGrand, The Crusaders and countless others.

Max created a new concept of jazz in the world- renowned L.A. Express that included Joe Sample, Larry Carlton and John Guerin, under the leadership of Tom Scott. 

Max Bennett has met – and played with – numerous musical greats

Bennett is, in turn, a fan of Laguna Beach and a big supporter of art in addition to Music in the Schools.

“There is a special vibe of artistic creativity one can be a part of when in Laguna,” said Bennett. “I am very excited about playing with the Laguna Concert Band to raise awareness and funds to provide kids in Laguna a positive opportunity to express themselves through music education.” 

Max has a new book coming out soon, which will feature many stories about his time playing with Joni Mitchell, Frank Zappa, as well as his musical start in Chicago, movie scores with Marilyn Monroe, and of course his dates with Peggy Lee. (It was Max that brought the song FEVER to her to sing.) 

Bill Cantos has released six solo CDs. The most recent is Love Wins: New Standards For The New Millennium, a collection of new songs written in the style of classic jazz standards. Among his current projects, Bill can be heard singing the main title song “All Right Day” in the new film Home Run Showdown (co-written by Bill and his wife, Mari Falcone). He records and tours with Herb Alpert and Lani Hall and is also a featured live performer with Burt Bacharach.

The artists with whom Bill has toured and/or recorded include Phil Collins, Alan Bergman, Elton John, Leon Russell, Diane Schuur, Lisa Ono, Kirk Whalum, Bob Dylan, Brian Bromberg, Barry Manilow, Jay Graydon, David Foster, Kevyn Lettau, Deniece Williams, Debby Boone, Freddie Hubbard, Vikki Carr, Steve Amerson, Tony Guerrero, and Rita Coolidge. His songs have been covered by Ramsey Lewis, Lea Salonga, Patti Austin, Brenda Russell, and Cheryl Bentyne. 

Bill has a deep love for Brazilian music, and has worked extensively with many of Brazil’s best-known artists, including Sergio Mendes, Dori Caymmi, Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, and Gal Costa.

Multi-talented Bill Cantos will perform with Max Bennett and the SwingSet

“This is a tremendous opportunity to support our efforts to bring music programming into local schools and children’s organizations in Orange County through specialized music clinics, summer programs, yearly scholarships, instrument loans to deserving children and provide them with a positive musical learning experience,” noted Jennifer Baker, board member, the Laguna Concert Band. 

The Laguna Concert Band (LCB) is a volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization of more than 70 members from Laguna Beach and surrounding communities, under the direction of Ed Peterson and associate conductor Pete Fournier. LCB’s members are comprised of musicians from numerous performance ensembles, music instructors and professional musicians.

Tickets are available at: www.lagunaconcertband.com/maxbennett.html.

LBHSSF launches Emeritus Society and announces its Board Member of the Year at back-to-school event

The Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Foundation (LBHSSF) recently celebrated the induction of the organization’s first three presidents into a newly formed Emeritus Society during its annual back-to-school event, held Sept 16.  Past presidents Hiroko Falkenstein (1988-1990), Patty Collisson (1990-1992) and Jayne Berberian (1992-1994) were honored for their important work and dedication to the students of Laguna Beach High School. 

Hiroko Falkenstein, also a former district PTA President, joined the then grassroots LBHSSF once her own children had graduated from LBHS. An immigrant to the United States, Falkenstein says she found, “volunteering to be the quickest way to learn American culture.”  

Under Falkenstein’s presidency, LBHSSF generated over $100,000 in scholarships. Falkenstein is a UCI graduate, a former LBHS teacher, and a published author of books written in both Japanese and English. She stays involved in the LBHSSF by supporting the annual Donor Dinner and attending Convocation.

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Left to right: past LBHSSF presidents Jayne Berberian, Patty Collison and Hiroko Falkenstein are now part of its Emeritus Society

Patty Collisson served as the second President of the LBHSSF and was instrumental in setting a solid financial management foundation for the future.  Although she enjoyed direct dealings with donors, her true interest was in fiscal management, and she worked closely with the organization’s first treasurer, Morgan O’Dell, and volunteer, Alex Alpert, to establish controls for the financial growth and future of LBHSSF.  

Jayne Berberian, our final inductee and the third president of LBHSSF, knew when asked that her time had come to, “shoulder the responsibility” of the organization and added she always wanted to be, “where her sons were.”  Berberian’s fondest memories of her time with the LBHSSF include seeing the pride on the faces of the students and their parents as awards were announced and accepted.  

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Chair of the Honoree Committee Walt Lawson and Board Member of the Year Robin Hall

Also recognized during the event was interim LBHSSF treasurer, Robin Hall, a 16-year member of the Foundation and recipient of this year’s Board Member of the Year, an honor bestowed for her tremendous dedication and generous spirit. 

According to founding member and chair of the Honoree Committee, Walt Lawson, Hall “has saved our Foundation thousands of dollars by serving as our accountant. She keeps our records on track, has established an unofficial audit procedure to be certain our accounting practices are in line with professional standards, and she prepares and files our lengthy tax reports for the IRS. And Robin does it all with a smile! We are grateful for her continued presence and participation with the Foundation.”

The LBHSSF was founded in 1947 by the Ebell Club, a prominent women’s community service organization, to offer post-graduate support at Laguna Beach High School. Since then, the program has grown through the combined efforts of community volunteers who serve on the Board of Directors and work diligently with LBHS staff, past and present, to support the scholarship process.

For more information about the Laguna Beach High Scholarship Foundation, visit lbhssf.org or contact Lynn Gregory, LBHS scholarship coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 949-497-7750 x 1212.

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New city class: Behind the Classics - A Night at the Movies  

This new class at the Community Center will show a series of classic movies from the 30’s to the 60’s followed by discussion about the making of that movie, its impact and legacy. 

Instructor Theo Siegel is a writer, researcher and television professional with over 30 years of industry experience.  He worked for CBS News and was a film archivist and researcher at E! Entertainment/Comcast Networks for 20 years. He also did freelance-work for the CBS daily show “The Talk” and the History Channel series, “America’s Book of Secrets. 

For ages 18 and over; Thursdays, 7 - 9:30 p.m.The next five-week session begins Oct 13. The cost is $50/5-week series or $10 drop-in. More info: (949) 464-6645. Register at: https://secure.rec1.com/.

“Music from the Heart” benefit concert at NCC on Sept 30

Musical artists Airi Tamura-Enomoto and Jeffrey Briar will present compositions by Chopin, Piazzolla, Bach, Lloyd-Weber and others on Friday Sept 30 at Neighborhood Congregational Church in Laguna Beach. The concert benefits music programs of the church.

“Music Heart-to-Heart” performances by Mrs. Tamura-Enomoto on violin and viola and Jeffrey Briar, accompanist and soloist on piano and organ will feature: the tango from Scent of a Woman by Gardel, Oblivion by Piazzolla, Albinoni’s Adagio, Chopin’s Eb Nocturne, and a medley from the musical Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd-Weber. Original works by composer/pianist Jeffrey Briar are also on the agenda. 

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Airi Enomoto

Airi Enomoto mastered her first instruments, violin and viola, in Japan. She is a music therapist, acclaimed soloist and chamber musician who performs throughout Southern California. 

Jeffrey Briar is a concert pianist and composer who graduated from the University of California and then completed graduate studies in Paris and Vienna. A solo performer since the age of 8, he has also accompanied films, operas and musicals. 

The evening will include a brief session of laughter yoga. Briar is a world-acclaimed trainer of this laughter-for-health technique. As a laughter yoga enthusiast, Briar appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show and Dancing with the Stars. 

There is a suggested donation of $15 general, $10 senior/student. Neighborhood Congregational Church is located at 340 St. Ann’s Drive. Church info: (949) 494-8061, email: mailto: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. For program information please contact The Creativity Center at (949) 376-1939 or email mailto: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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New Lagunan Rick Malcolm joins Laguna Beach Live!

Rick Malcolm believes that Laguna Beach Live! is integral to the town

Laguna Beach Live! has welcomed new member Richard Malcolm to its Board of Trustees. Rick and his wife Kitty recently moved to Laguna from Philadelphia and have enjoyed the nonprofit group’s concerts. Convinced that these events add to the unique charm of Laguna, Rick sought out a way he could contribute to his new hometown in a meaningful way through the program.

Rick spent over thirty years in healthcare management and has extensive experience in business, including sales and marketing. He is currently a partner in a small healthcare consulting organization, Bingham Associates, which focuses on clinical research in the pharmaceutical industry.

Rick will be working with other Laguna Beach Live! board members, who include Cody Engle, Sam Goldstein, Joe Hanauer, Judith Jelinek, Betsy Jenkins, Elizabeth Pearson, Madeleine Peterson, Carol Reynolds, Cindy Prewitt , Rob Schlesinger, and Juan Vázquez.

Dedicated to artistic excellence and innovation, Laguna Beach Live! presents professional live music in an eclectic mix of styles and venues. For more information, visit www.lagunabeachlive.org.

It Never Gets Old…

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Katie Arnold

Selanne Steak Tavern gets fourth Golden Foodie Award on top of Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 

At the fifth annual Golden Foodie awards ceremony and gala held on Sunday, Sept 25 at the Fairmont Newport Beach, Selanne Steak Tavern again received Best Steak Award for the restaurant’s outstanding menu execution, service and overall program.

This is the fourth Golden Foodie Award bestowed on the Laguna Beach steakhouse and tavern. Previous awards from this organization include Best New Restaurant and Best Steak in 2014, and Best Wine in 2015.

The Golden Foodies – the People’s Choice Food Awards – honors excellence in the world of restaurants, chefs, bartenders, food and drinks. Results are culled from online nominating and voting by industry professionals, avid restaurant devotees and others. The 2016 red carpet affair was attended by many of the “who’s who” in the culinary arena, including master of ceremonies Simon Majumdar from Food Network, who presented Selanne’s Best Steak Award to general manager Joshua Buckner. 

“This year has been another great year for us as our guests and the food industry continue to recognize our hard work and passion in all we do. Receiving this fourth Golden Foodie Award, in addition to recently being given a prestigious Award of Excellence for our outstanding wine program from Wine Spectator magazine, is a great testament to Chef Joshua Severson and our professional team both in front- and back-of-the-house at Selanne Steak Tavern,” said owners Teemu Selanne and Kevin Pratt. 

Selanne Steak Tavern, located at 1464 S. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, opened in Nov 2013 and is owned by legendary former Anaheim Duck’s hockey player and six-time Olympian Teemu Selanne and local Orange County businessman Kevin Pratt. Housed in a reimagined 1934 historic home along the Pacific Coast, it’s an upscale contemporary steak house with an upstairs dining room, downstairs tavern and bar area, a wine room for more intimate dining, and two patios for alfresco dining. 

The restaurant supports local farms and fisheries that practice sustainability and humane practices. Menus feature the finest of steaks and seafood served with a variety of accompaniments enhanced by herbs from the restaurant’s herb garden. 

Along with its carefully selected California-focused wine list, craft signature cocktails are created from quality farmers’ market produce, homemade mixers and top-notch shelf spirits. 

Selanne Steak Tavern is open for dinner only, Tuesday through Sunday starting at 5 p.m. For reservations and more information, call 949-715-9881 or visit www.selannesteaktavern.com.

Extravaganza benefits Pacific Marine Mammal Center

Shop until you drop, and rescued sea lions at PMMC will thank you

Outlets at San Clemente’s annual Shopping Extravaganza fundraising event on Saturday Oct 8 will benefit 25 Southern California nonprofits, including Laguna’s Pacific Marine Mammal Center. 

Consumers buy tickets in order to receive exclusive discounts on top of daily savings at most of the 50 stores, while Outlets at San Clemente donates $25 for every $35 ticket purchased to a local nonprofit organization of the shopper’s choice. 

Last year’s inaugural event raised $37,465 to benefit 18 local nonprofits.

In addition to exclusive discounts at most of the center’s 50 stores, Shopping Extravaganza includes live entertainment, prizes, gift cards, lunch and wine and craft beer tastings.

Outlets at San Clemente Shopping Extravaganza tickets are on sale now at ShopOSC.com/tickets. For more information, follow updates at ShopOSC.com. 

The lifestyle center is situated between Avenida Vista Hermosa and Avenida Pico along the I-5 freeway at 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa in San Clemente.

Laguna Beach Garden Club speaker announced for Oct 14 

On Friday, Oct 14, Zenaida Sengo will speak on Designing with Air Plants – Demystifying Tillandsias. As author of her own book and with publications in Sunset magazine, New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle, Zenaida will speak about how to care for Tillandsias, from proper lighting to maintaining their appearance. She will also give a demonstration after her talk.

Zenaida Sengo

The Laguna Beach Garden Club meets on the second Friday of every month, Sept through May at the Laguna Presbyterian Church, 415 Forest Ave. 9:30 a.m. Social, 10 a.m. General Meeting. The public is welcome; there is no charge for guests on their first visit. Before or after the meeting, browse the outdoor “Garden Boutique” where donated garden-related items and plants can be purchased at “dirt-cheap” prices. Fantastic garden gloves are only $7/pair. Parking is free in the Laguna Canyon Rd lot (spaces 300-422) or $3 for all day in spaces 185-228. 

For more information on the garden club: www.lagunabeachgardenclub.org

Laguna woman, 22, arrested for felony DUI & felony hit and run in Costa Mesa after hitting a bicyclist Tuesday night

Aya Ibish, 22, Laguna Beach was arrested Tuesday night in Costa Mesa for felony DUI causing injury and felony hit and run causing injury.

From her Facebook Page

Aya Ibish

Costa Mesa police responded to a report of a hit and run crash involving a bicycle rider round 11 o’clock Tuesday night. On scene at 19th St and Monrovia Ave, the injured man on the bicycle was complaining of a possible broken leg and various cuts and bruises.

He gave the police a description of a gray Mercedes-Benz and it was located not far away on 18th Street, police said. Her car had damage consistent with hitting a bicycle and Ibish failed field sobriety tests. 

She posted $100,000 bail and was released from county jail Wednesday.

Police Beat Primer

Compiled by Alli Rael and Stu Saffer

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

Rosalino Pavia Almazan, 21, Huntington Beach – Wednesday, September 28

Ashley Jean Mattingly, 30, Laguna Beach – Sunday, September 25

Incident Reports

Wednesday, September 28

S. Coast Hwy | 100 Block | Warrants

1:24 a.m. Alfonso Agustin More, 31, Los Angeles was arrested on a $1,500 West Court warrant for DUI, and a Harbor Court warrant for vehicle violations. A second man, Gary Thomas Chadwell, 23, Los Angeles, was cited on a Los Angeles warrant for municipal code violations.

Tuesday, September 27

Eagle Rock Way & Coast Hwy | Warrant

10:43 p.m. Ross Lee Jertberg, 60, San Jose, was cited on a San Luis Obispo warrant for open container and for failure to appear in court.

Laguna Canyon Road | 20600 Block | Battery

4:22 p.m. Two victims were transported to the hospital after being hit by an individual who left the scene. Their injuries were minor, police said.

Ocean Avenue | 200 Block | Warrant

11:51 a.m. Andrew Nathan Patrick, 25, no fixed address, was arrested for a warrant.

Monday, September 26

Cliff Drive | 200 Block | Drugs

9:28 p.m. Sidonia Thomas, 28, Arizona, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Katella Street | 1100 Block | Theft from a vehicle

7:05 p.m. Coins and a laptop valuing $500 were taken from an unlocked Chrysler convertible.

Jasmine Street & Cliff Drive | Warrant

4:35 p.m. Jeffrey Noon, 62, no fixed address, was arrested on a $2500 North Court warrant.

Jasmine Street & N. Coast Hwy | Warrant

2:26 p.m. Jorge Gonzalez Alvarez, 52, San Diego, was arrested on a warrant for threatening to injure another.

Bolsana Drive | 600 Block | Theft from a vehicle

11:08 a.m. An unknown person entered the RP’s vehicle and took miscellaneous items including an iPad, briefcase, and passport.

La Mirada Street | 800 Block | Traffic collision

9:37 a.m. A truck hit a parked vehicle, causing minor damage. One subject received medical treatment.

Barracuda Way | 700 Block | Theft from a vehicle

9:15 a.m. A briefcase and laptop were removed from the victim’s unlocked vehicle.

Sunday, September 25

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Melissa Cekic, 40

Heisler Park | Warrant

3:11 p.m. Officers were called to check on the welfare of a subject standing over the railing between Picnic Beach and Divers Cove. Michael Gregory Lusk, 23, Hollywood, was arrested on a $2500 warrant for theft and for failure to appear in court.

Crescent Bay Drive | 100 Block | Theft from a vehicle

9:34 a.m. The RP’s Jeep Wrangler had $7,000 in various items removed from it. The victim was unsure if the vehicle had been locked or not.

San Joaquin Street | 200 Block | Theft from a vehicle

8:23 a.m. Two vehicles had change and other miscellaneous items stolen from them. Both were unlocked.