Sawdust Art Festival’s 56th summer kicked off early with old favorites and new beginnings

By MARRIE STONE

Photos by Scott Brashier

This story is a part of our Arts section. Visit www.stunewslaguna.com/arts for more arts stories as well as our arts calendars.

For the first time in three years, the Sawdust Art Festival enjoyed its traditional preview night, this year a week early. Summer officially began at the Sawdust on Friday, June 24, after Tuesday night’s preview. Crowds poured through the gates at 11 a.m. to welcome the start of the season and celebrate what’s become one of the town’s most important traditions for nearly six decades. 

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Guests line up with their golden tickets for the Sawdust Festival Preview Night on Tuesday, June 21 (the first Preview Night in three years)

This year, 162 artists (including six newcomers) will showcase work across 11 mediums. Three stages will feature a variety of musical genres. Art classes will be taught across mediums for budding and experienced artists of every age. And, for the first time, 28 Laguna Beach High School artists will share a gallery near Studio 1. “We’re hoping for a wonderful summer,” said Marketing Director Franky Duschane. “All our artists are so happy to be back.”

That feeling was palpable across the grounds on Preview Night as artists scurried to put the finishing touches on their booths before guests arrived. I caught up with several exhibitors, hearing their favorite Sawdust stories, what they’ve been working on and what they plan to show this year.

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One frantic artist arrives an hour ahead of her guests to finish her booth

The sweet smell of our town’s tradition

For most of us locals, the Sawdust feels a little like summer camp – it’s an annual custom filled with old friends, familiar faces and a bohemian vibe uncommon around other parts of Orange County. When those wooden gates swing open and the smell of sawdust and popcorn hit, you know it’s summertime in Laguna. 

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Festival of Arts exhibitor Tom Lamb joined the crowds that thronged the aisles of the Sawdust Festival’s Preview Night

“We get a lot of return customers every year,” said ceramic artist Ora Sterling, who’s been showing in the Sawdust for 40 years. “And we get people who haven’t been for 20 years and are so happy to be back. People want to share their memories of spending time here as kids or getting engaged here. They all have these stories they want to tell me about what a special place the Sawdust has been for them. Some kids grew up here and now are fully grown, coming through with their new families. They’ll say, ‘You might not remember me, but I used to work here.’ Then they’ll launch into a memory.”

Backed up against the western wall, Sterling’s small studio (#600) gives her close access to her customers. She loves this new location, which allows her to interact with the kids coming by. “See these circles in the concrete?” she said, pointing out a design in the walkway I’d never noticed. “Most people overlook them. But not the little ones. They follow the patterns and play games. It’s fun watching them out here.” 

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Ceramic artist Ora Sterling begins her 40th year at the Sawdust. Visit her in Studio 600.

Sterling, and several others, are acutely aware of memories both being made and triggered for the roughly 200,000 guests who visit each year. Artists, too, seem eager to share their own memories. Like most exhibitors, Sterling has enjoyed several locations throughout her four decades. “It’s almost like there are different neighborhoods within the Sawdust,” she said. “It allows me to get to know different people every year.” 

Then Sterling invited me into her booth and told me to look up – something I often forget to do. A canopy of Eucalyptus trees stretched high over our heads, providing the perfect backdrop. “It’s the biggest grove of eucalyptus trees in Laguna,” she said as she reminded me to take in their lemony scent. “I have no idea how old these trees are. I only know I’m lucky to be here.” 

It’s easy to take this serene and sweet-smelling spot for granted, but amid the bustle, pull yourself off to the side and look up. It’s another world overhead. 

Returning artists refine their offerings

More than 150 Sawdust regulars returned this year to show off their craftsmanship. One of the things that makes the Sawdust so special is the continuity and enthusiasm of its longstanding exhibitors. Several have shown for more than 50 years. Dozens more than 30. That consistency gives the Festival its established and enduring feel, one that visitors have relied on for decades.

Ceramic artist Robert H. Jones has been showing for 31 years. This year, he said, his pottery is more refined. Using real horsehair to achieve a unique texture and black and white finish, Jones’ work has gained notoriety for its exclusive and stunning look. “I’m most proud of this style with its natural finishes,” he said, holding one of his pots. 

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Robert H. Jones, exhibitor since 1991, shows his horsehair ceramics in Studio 118

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Fire Files

Residential fire damages home in Park Avenue area

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Photo by Bree Burgess Rosen

Smoke could be seen throughout the city from two-story residential fire

Laguna Beach firefighters battled a residential fire Wednesday morning (June 29) in the Park Avenue Estates area near Thurston Middle School. 

According to Laguna Beach Fire Chief Mike Garcia, “Arriving crews found a two-story home with fire showing from both levels in the front of the home. Firefighters made entry and were able to extinguish the fire which appears to have started on the first level in the garage and extended into the upstairs living space.” 

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Courtesy of City of Laguna Beach

Once the fire was extinguished, damage could be seen from the burned-out garage up to the second story

A traffic advisory was sent citywide notifying the community of potential one-hour delays in the Park Avenue/Hillview area.

The fire is under investigation and the Fire Incident Commander is working with the homeowner about the cause and their living arrangements.

Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Welcome to the 4th of July long weekend and the holiday dogs hate everywhere

Obviously, everyone is looking toward the long July 4th weekend. For me, I’m staying away from the crowds. I absolutely hate first, trying to find a parking spot, and then second, trying to find my little bit of sand between hundreds of other people taking over the beach.

So, I’ll stay home…maybe head out and hit some golf balls but mostly stay in and keep our dog comfortable in a weekend filled with those “scary” sounds of the fireworks.

Speaking of that, first off, I love fireworks. The 4th is spectacular. It deserves to be celebrated! In the past I’ve lived in cities that allow you to light things off in the street and I know that, too, can be fun. And I always enjoy watching the featured local fireworks show.

This year, that happens on Monday, at approximately 9 p.m. from Monument Point in Heisler Park. This is the way it should be done, by the professionals.

Unfortunately, where I have a problem is when people begin several days before the 4th lighting off firecrackers or worse and scaring the bejesus out of dogs everywhere. It’s simply not fair to them.

Sometimes this even continues on past the 4th for several days.

The options for dog owners is to “drug” their dogs…which is never a fun exercise and something I’m opposed to other than as a last option.

I truly hope that people can remember “man’s best friend.” They deserve it.

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Courtesy of Tom Johnson

This is my pal “Buddy” who will receive my attention on the 4th

• • •

Once the crowds somewhat dissipate following the long weekend, I’ve put together a list of things I want to do in and around Laguna Beach to enjoy the remainder of summer. It’s my personal top 10 things to do in town before fall.

1 – We have whales off the coast…plenty of them, especially now. I continually hear great stories of them “mugging” for the charter boats. Last week, in fact, a giant Blue Whale cow and her calf mugged and entertained a small craft of onlookers for some 45 minutes with their antics.

So, I need to see them and experience it. The plan is to head immediately north or south, catch a whale excursion and get out there and see what it’s all about.

2 – Summer in Laguna isn’t complete without a trip to the Sawdust Art Festival, so that’s very, very high on my list. I’ve been before and it’s always great…but for those who haven’t gone before, it’s hard to argue with some 200,000 visitors that make their way to the grounds during its nine-week summer run.

3 – Pageant of the Masters is as good as it gets in the performing arts community and a definite must. I’m happy to report I’ll accomplish this almost immediately with it already booked for next week. The theme this year is WONDERFUL WORLD, where guests will be transported, as always, through works of art using, what else, but real people. 

And, while I’m there, I’ll certainly allot enough time to tour and explore the Festival of Arts and experience the more than 100 artists with fabulous works just outside the Irvine Bowl.

4 – I’m all for playing championship golf and over the years I’ve been lucky enough to play some of the greatest courses around. Now, you won’t find Ben Brown’s Golf Course at The Ranch at Laguna Beach in Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Courses, but that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked for a great time. The par-32 course that “stretches” to 2,221 yards is the PERFECT way to experience the game of golf with friends of all levels of golf ability. 

The course meanders its way up through the Aliso Canyon, making for a perfect walk.

I’m there, and afterwards, there’ll be drinks and dining at the Harvest, inside or outside on the deck overlooking the course with some great views.

5 – Have you ever taken a complete loop on the Laguna Beach Trolley? I’ll bet not. I haven’t but want to. I think it would be fun, just one time, talking with other travelers and seeing where they’re visiting from. 

The full loop goes down Broadway, west up Coast Highway and then circles around down on Cliff Drive, back up to Coast Highway, then east (or down the coast) as far as the Ritz-Carlton and back up. 

There are plenty of stops, including most every beach along the way from Shaw’s Cove to Main Beach to Brooks Street Beach to Victoria Beach and finally West St. Beach, and everything in between.

You also have to love the cost…FREE!

6 – It’s hard if you want to be active and don’t include pickleball on your calendar, and I’m up for a match. After all, it’s the fastest growing sport in the U.S. 

A good stop probably means Lang Park, where there are three permanent pickleball courts and one tennis court with dual lines to accommodate more pickleball.

7 – Speaking of being active, with that Pacific Ocean out just waiting, I guess I need to put paddleboarding on the list. Erin O’Malley owns Sunset Stand-Up Paddle and assures me that I can do it and, more importantly, it’ll be fun! 

I’ll be looking for a hot day with some calm water and a boost of courage.

8 – Now that I have some exercise out of the way, let’s get to the arts. The Laguna Playhouse is calling, oh, and celebrating 100 years. It’s regularly been named a “Best of in Orange County” for live theaters and continually offers “captivating comedies, dramas, musicals, stand-up comedy and family fare.”

B-t-w, I’m told Harrison Ford got his start at the Playhouse and he’s done okay.

So far, every time I’ve gone, the performance has been excellent.

9 – To me lawn bowling is like a walk in the park with a little competition added in. There is no more beautiful place to do it than at Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling, located in Heisler Park.

I’ve never played before but it sure has a following. And just in case it works out, I have new white shorts or white long pants to fit right in.

10 – Finally, although I’ve been to the Laguna Art Museum before, I need to get back there again. 

They continually update their exhibits, so there’s always something new going on and deserving of a look. I need to get there more often with everything they always have going on.

Now, if I can do all of this, summer will be good. Let me know if you want to join me on one of the legs. Oh, and if I missed something, let me know…happy to add it to the list.

• • •

Courtesy of Ruben Flores

City Council candidate Ruben Flores to speak at Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee

Next Thursday, July 7, the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee meets at 8 a.m. via Zoom. The guest speaker is Laguna Beach City Council candidate Ruben Flores.

You may log in here.

• • •

Speaking of candidates for City Council, the list of potential candidates is growing. So far, incumbent Peter Blake, and challengers Flores and Louis Weil have filed Candidate Intention Statements to run in November.

Earlier this week Mark Orgill also filed his intention to run. Orgill is the generally well-liked hospitality professional who is on the Board of Directors for Visit Laguna Beach.

Courtesy of [seven degrees]

Potential City Council candidate Mark Orgill

The nomination period officially opens July 18 and closes August 12, unless an incumbent does not file papers and then the period is extended to August 17.

Besides Blake, Mayor Sue Kempf and City Councilmember Toni Iseman are also facing expiring terms and are potentially up for reelection.

Entering wildfire season in a drought year

By SARA HALL

As another hot and dry summer kicks off, the continuing drought keeps the risk for wildfire high.

According to the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), it’s Orange County’s third driest year to date (as of the end of May) over the past 128 years.

The NIDIS drought monitor map shows the OC in stage D2 (of five stages) for severe drought. This indicates that fire season is longer, with high burn intensity, dry fuels and large fire spatial extent. Trees are also stressed in this stage.

The drought is particularly hazardous as California enters what’s typically considered “fire season,” although fire season has changed to an all-year threat, noted Laguna Beach Fire Department (LBFD) Chief Mike Garcia.

“The February Emerald Fire and recent Coastal Fire are both good reminders that our open space can burn during anytime during the year,” Garcia said. 

Drought conditions and water stock

The state overall is entering its third consecutive year of severe drought, according to the Department of Water Resources and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. 

Many of California’s reservoirs, including the state’s largest (Shasta Lake), are heading into the dry summer months at already below-average or critically low levels. The Sierra snowpack is essentially gone, and runoff into the state’s streams and reservoirs has largely peaked for the year, DWR officials noted. 

“The overall water supply for California is still critical going into the dry summer months,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “DWR and its federal partners at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will continue to take a conservative approach to water management decisions to maintain storage, water quality and water deliveries for millions of Californians. We need to be prepared for a hotter, drier future brought on by our changing climate.”

DWR and Reclamation are coordinating closely on water project operations and actions to address expected low river flows and temperature challenges this summer.

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Photo by Kelly M Grow/California Department of Water Resources

A drone view on June 8 of Castaic Lake, a reservoir formed by Castaic Dam on Castaic Creek, in northwestern Los Angeles County. On this date, the storage was 128,615 acre-feet, or 40% of the total capacity. 

Noting years of increasingly severe drought conditions and recent statewide mandates, the Laguna Beach County Water District’s (LBCWD) board of directors, at its June 23 board meeting, declared a water supply shortage alert. The action implements mandatory water restrictions to reduce water consumption including limited watering days, increased notifications and enforcement to fix leaks.

“With California’s semi-arid climate, dry conditions are not unusual and drought is always on the horizon,” LBCWD officials note on the agency’s website. “While dry conditions are a normal pattern in Southern California, we can’t predict with accuracy when drought begins or ends.”

Historically, a typical California climate pattern is seven years: Four dry years, two average years and one wet year. 

“Looking at previous droughts, a recurring trend is that droughts are lasting longer and becoming more severe,” LBCWD officials explained. “Laguna Beach residents should be prepared to face another long dry period.”

Although, there has also been proactive planning and investments by water providers in water recycling, water use efficiency and groundwater storage, and Orange County has benefited from the widespread adoption of water-smart behaviors by residents and businesses, LBCWD officials note on the website.

Local residents have enthusiastically adopted lifestyle changes and taken advantage of water-smart technology over the last several decades. This has saved billions of gallons annually, according to the LBCWD.

“In fact, Southern California is using nearly 40 percent less water today than we were using three decades ago, even as the population has increased by 785,000 people,” according to LBCWD. 

In the OC, a groundwater reservoir known as the Orange County Groundwater Basin managed by the OC Water District provides 77% of the water supply to 2.5 million people in north and central Orange County.

Recurring drought is a feature of California’s climate, noted Orange County Water District (OCWD) officials. OCWD uses a portfolio approach that utilizes multiple sources of water. The basin holds water from a variety of sources, including Santa Ana River flows, stormwater, imported water and recycled water.

“Since the previous drought from 2012-2016, OCWD has worked to substantially refill our groundwater basin,” officials noted on the OCWD website. “At this time, the basin can provide water for two consecutive years at current pumping levels even if drought conditions persist.”

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Photo by Cyrus Polk

The Coastal Fire burns near homes in Laguna Beach in May

Drought impact on wildfires

State DWR officials pointed out that California’s climate in this century has been drying and warming – this period includes the statewide droughts of 2007-2009, 2012-2016 and the current conditions that began in 2020. Cal Fire statistics “paint a clear picture of how conditions have been changing.”

Drought can be a contributing factor to wildfires, NIDIS officials noted. Dried out (and more flammable) grasses and trees act as fuel for wildfires and combined with hot, windy weather the probability for large-sale fire events increases.

Drought can also increase the probability of ignition and the rate at which fire spreads. Low precipitation and extreme heat can lead to decreased streamflow, dry soils and large-scale tree deaths.

“These conditions create increased potential for extreme wildfires that spread rapidly, burn with more severity and are costly to suppress,” the NIDIS website explains.

Although, the relationship between drought and fire is complex. In some instances, prolonged drought can actually reduce fire occurrence due to the limited amount of vegetation available to burn. More often than not though, that dry vegetation provides fuel for fires across California.

The dry vegetation is a fire risk they have been fighting against during the drought, Garcia said.

“Vegetation is fuel for a fire, and when it is not properly maintained (spaced appropriately thinned) and drying out, it becomes a very serious hazard that can easily ignite and spread quickly,” he said. “Over the past few years, we have seen extreme fire weather behavior throughout the state and fires that are growing faster and bigger than previously experienced.”

Firefighters in the region (and throughout the state) work well and train together on all types of incidents, especially wildland/open space fires, he added.

“We need all of us working together to battle these fast-growing more intense fires,” Garcia said.

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Inside City Hall

Dear Laguna Beach Community,

As we approach the 4th of July holiday weekend, excitement grows in the City of Laguna Beach. This is the height of summer in our beautiful town and as we watch the city’s fireworks display reflect over the waters of our stunning coastal community, we realize how lucky we are to live here. 

We ask you leave the fireworks to the professionals at the city and remind everyone that all kinds of fireworks are always illegal within the City of Laguna Beach. This includes “Safe and Sane” type fireworks that may be legal to purchase in other cities. The Laguna Beach Police Department, Fire Department and Marine Safety Departments will have extra officers working over the 4th of July weekend looking for fireworks violations.

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Courtesy of City of Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach Mayor Sue Kempf

If you see or hear illegal fireworks being used in Laguna Beach, please call our non-emergency hotline at 949.497.0701. Our dispatchers will alert officers to the area that the fireworks are occurring. With our dry winter, and two recent nearby wildfires, we cannot take any chances and must remain vigilant against the threat of wildfire in our community.

We are anticipating large crowds for the July 4th holiday and requesting the public’s cooperation to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for our residents and visitors. Our Laguna Beach city departments are coordinating planning efforts for the Independence Day holiday weekend and the city is working with the Orange County (OC) Sheriff’s Department, OC Lifeguards, and OC Parks to ensure all areas in and around Laguna Beach are safe.

The city fireworks show will originate from Monument Point at Heisler Park and will begin at approximately 9 p.m. on July 4. The Monument Point area will be closed all day and at approximately 5 p.m., the area of Heisler Park from Myrtle Street to the Rockpile Beach stairs at Jasmine Street will be closed to the public to allow for fireworks preparation.

City trolleys will operate under a modified schedule on July 4th as the Coastal Route will run from 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. and the Canyon Route from 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. The normal trolley schedule will resume on Tuesday, July 5. After the fireworks show, we can expect heavy traffic as many visitors will be leaving via Laguna Canyon Road and Coast Highway. Members of the Police Department will be conducting increased traffic control to facilitate the flow of vehicles out of town. For traffic and emergency updates, sign up for Nixle by texting 92651 to 888.777.

The Laguna Beach Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works and Marine Safety Departments have all increased staffing for the 4th to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable holiday, including having fire investigators on duty and staffing an additional ambulance.

Speaking of our ambulances, we are excited to be launching an in-house city-operated ambulance service on Friday, July 1! The Fire Department has purchased three 2022 state-of-the-art ambulances to include the highest level of medical equipment and ensure the best care to the community. Eighteen new Ambulance Operators have been hired to work alongside the Laguna Beach Fire Department Paramedics on all medical 911 calls. These 18 new employees attended an extensive Ambulance Academy designed to prepare all the new Ambulance Operators for challenges of the position. 

The new Fire Department ambulances will be staffed 24 hrs. a day, 365 days a year and will be located at Laguna Beach Fire Station #1 and Station #4, with an additional surge ambulance ready for response at Laguna Beach Fire Station #2. We are excited to launch this new ambulance service on Friday, July 1 at 7 a.m. at Fire Station #1 (505 Forest Ave.) and at 8:30 a.m. at Fire Station #4 (31646 Second Ave.)

Here is wishing all of you a safe and enjoyable Independence Day weekend!

In Community Spirit,

Sue Kempf 

Mayor of Laguna Beach

Laguna’s 95th Anniversary Celebration

Photos by Scott Brashier

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A large crowd gathered in the late afternoon on Wednesday, June 29 at the Main Beach Cobblestones to honor Laguna’s 95th anniversary. During the festivities, attendees enjoyed the music of two bands and complimentary ice cream.

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(L-R) City Manager Shohreh Dupuis, Councilmember Toni Iseman, Mayor Sue Kempf and Councilmember Peter Blake cut the anniversary cake

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Attendees listened to Councilmember Toni Iseman’s speech in which she asked the compelling question, “What will Laguna look like on its 100th anniversary?” In Tuesday’s edition, look for more information on the event and highlights of the past 95 years in Laguna.

Laguna Playhouse raises $25,000+ to donate to World Central Kitchen

Laguna Playhouse announced that through the generosity of its audiences, the Playhouse has raised more than $25,000 to donate to Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen (WCK). The Playhouse started collecting the donations following the performances of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; “What A Fool Believes - Tribute to The Doobie Brothers” and its most recent production of A Chorus Line.

Laguna Playhouse staff from all three shows met audience members in the lobby following their respective performances with collection buckets for donations.

According to Executive Producing Director Ellen Richard, “The generosity of our Laguna Beach community cannot be overstated. What started out as our way to help feed the people of Ukraine and indeed, people all over the world, became a true outpouring of incredible generosity from our extraordinary subscribers, audiences and donors. We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and were thrilled to send a check for just over $25,000 to this extraordinary organization.”

WCK is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate and community crises, building resilient food systems with locally led solutions. It started with a simple idea; when people are hungry, send in cooks. Everyone knows that food is central to life and family all over the world. It all began in 2010 after a huge earthquake devastated Haiti. Since those early days the WCK journey has taken them all over the world. For more information, visit www.wck.org.

For more information on Laguna Playhouse, visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

Francis De Erdely’s Striking Figures strikes a resonant chord at the Laguna Art Museum

By MARRIE STONE

Photos by Jeff Rovner

This story is a part of our Arts section. Visit www.stunewslaguna.com/arts for more arts stories as well as our arts calendars.

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me.

Emma Lazarus wrote this iconic stanza – etched in bronze and mounted on the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal – in 1883. An advocate for European immigrants, Lazarus crafted these words of comfort for refugees arriving at Ellis Island, calling the statue the “Mother of Exiles.” 

In the 140 years since Lazarus penned the poem, the United States has maintained a fraught and ambivalent relationship with its immigrants. Politicians on both sides of the debate often cite these lines as our nation grapples with waves of crisis at our borders. In 2019, Ken Cuccinelli (then acting Director of the Citizenship and Immigration Services office) said Lazarus’s words should be rewritten to say, “Give me your tired and your poor who can stand on their own two feet and who will not become a public charge.”

This evergreen issue is on poignant display in Francis De Erdely’s Striking Figures exhibition at the Laguna Art Museum (LAM). Curated by art scholar Alissa Anderson Campbell, the installation spans two floors (appearing in the California Gallery on the main floor, as well as upstairs in the Thomas T. and Elizabeth C. Tierney Gallery) and is accompanied by a 120-page catalog containing Campbell’s in-depth exploration of De Erdely’s life and work, including color-printed plates of each painting. 

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Francis De Erdely’s “Striking Figures” will be on display at the Laguna Art Museum through October 23

Though the Hungarian immigrant died in 1959 and painted much of this work in Los Angeles during the 1940s and ‘50s, De Erdely’s pieces could not feel more contemporary. His subjects may hold newspapers instead of iPads, but their despair feels both immediate and immutable. 

“[De Erdely’s] work remains poignant today, as Southern California continues to face issues relating to immigration, labor and racial prejudice,” wrote Campbell in her essay. “The anonymous individuals in his work could just as well be portraits of contemporary outsiders….There is a timeless relevance to De Erdely paintings that continues to address issues facing California and the contemporary world.”

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Untitled, (portrait of a worker in hard hat and gloves), (oil on canvas, 1945)

Politics, however, didn’t seem to be foremost in De Erdely’s mind as he portrayed the intimacies of the human condition – exhaustion, anguish, addiction and the largely invisible lives led by the American immigrant. More than one man lies face down on a table, gripping an empty wine glass. More than one woman looks hopeless holding her infant. In an undated gouache painting entitled “WWII,” three shrouded women carry the weight of war on their faces as they hold tight to their children. Even when engaged in play (many of De Erdely’s figures are musicians), their expressions look mournful and morose. 

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“Huey the Clown” (oil on canvas, 1946-47)

“His social commentaries were done in a subtle yet critical manner,” Campbell said. “Although his paintings were sympathetic to outsiders and immigrants, they were never overtly political.”

Born in Hungary in 1904 – and trained in Budapest, Madrid and Paris – De Erdely immigrated to the United States in 1939. A witness to two world wars, he pivoted his classical training to focus on the tragedies of the contemporary human condition. One reviewer of De Erdely’s 1953 exhibition at the de Young Museum in San Francisco observed, “These works are not only magnificent in their technique but also in the tragic, lyric and epic insights which they provide.” Tragic lyricism is an apt description as De Erdely places the viewer inside his subjects’ quiet despair – those private moments usually experienced in solitude. Looking at some of his paintings can even feel a little intrusive.

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“Pancho” (oil on canvas, 1945) 

To me, one of the striking things about Striking Figures are the subjects’ eyes. Take a casual stroll through the canon of western portraiture – from da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring to Grant Wood’s American Gothic to self-portraits by Van Gogh and Rembrandt – and note their gaze. Maybe they’re not always looking at you straight on (though often they are), but it’s easy enough to see their eyes. There’s usually an authority in their expression. I belong here, many of them seem to say. I’ve earned my place on these museum walls. 

Not De Erdely’s. For the most part, his subjects are looking down and away, or covering their heads with their hands, actively avoiding our stares. They either ask us not to look at them, or they’re too preoccupied with their own hardship to notice us. Which is why, of course, it’s important to look. De Erdely doesn’t let us privileged museumgoers off the hook to dismiss a class of individuals as the “other.” Instead, he invites us inside their intimate rooms to sit beside them and witness their grief, even when they won’t acknowledge our presence.

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LBHS teacher helps curate student artwork at Sawdust Festival

Twenty-eight Laguna Beach High School art students were given the opportunity to display 46 unique art pieces at this year’s Sawdust Festival. The installation includes a variety of stunning art types, from sculpture to photography.

Somer L. Selway, beginning, intermediate and AP ceramics teacher, helped curate the collection and installation, and arranged for families and students to gather for a short reception on Saturday, June 25. Some of the artwork on display included sculptures titled, 3 Layer Marble Sandwich and 3 Arch Coast from student Riley Gapp and Gum from student Ariana Bonni.

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Photos courtesy of LBHS

LBHS student Riley Gapp is joined by him mom as he shows off his two pieces, “3 Layer Marble Sandwich” and “3 Arch Coast”

“This is such a unique opportunity that has not happened in over 15 years, I believe, all due to the Sawdust board member Bud Wier who spearheaded the concept of this student showcase,” said Selway.

“I had the absolute pleasure of attending this event and was in absolute awe as I gazed at each unique piece,” said Shelley Spessard, Ed.D., public information officer. “I can’t thank our incredible VAPA teachers enough for always working hard to encourage and empower creativity and self-expression.”

Superintendent Jason Viloria, Ed.D. added, “We want to thank our incredible VAPA teachers and the Sawdust Festival team for the opportunity to collaborate and showcase these young artists’ talent. We are proud of our outstanding arts program in LBUSD and any chance to show off our students’ talent.”

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Student Ariana Bonni’s artwork called “Gum”

Performing arts education is said to be linked to success in high school, college, career and beyond. Students learn unique skills and values through participation in the performing arts, including creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, dedication, and empathy, all of which are necessary for a diverse and innovative culture. Laguna Beach High School’s award-winning performing arts programs offer comprehensive training and performance opportunities in music, dance, and theater, led by accomplished faculty and staff members.

The performing arts programs provide a safe, supportive community through which students flourish as artists and as individuals.

To view additional photos from the LBHS art booth at the Sawdust Art Festival, go here.

Sue Kempf among the City of Hope Orange County welcome messages from OC mayors and board of supervisors

The mayors of Orange County cities, including Laguna Beach Mayor Sue Kempf, and members of the Orange County Board of Supervisors are congratulating City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, for opening City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center this summer.

In individual welcome video messages, nearly three dozen civic leaders praised the transformational impact the comprehensive cancer center in Irvine will have on the Orange County community.

Courtesy of City of Hope Orange County

Laguna Beach Mayor Sue Kempf is among the mayors delivering welcoming messages (see 00.45 in the video)

“We feel so blessed and thrilled that Orange County has welcomed City of Hope with open arms,” said Annette Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County. “We’re here as a good neighbor. We thank the mayors and other elected officials of Orange County for their unwavering support as we begin the next chapter in expanding access to our lifesaving care and pioneering research.”

City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center will also offer precision prevention and early detection, nationally recognized supportive care services and capabilities previously unavailable within the region, including a pioneering integrative medicine program that brings together Western medicine and evidence-based complementary therapies, such as mind-body techniques and acupuncture.

Patients can currently access City of Hope’s care at four Orange County regional sites – in Newport Beach Fashion Island and Newport Beach Lido, Huntington Beach and Irvine Sand Canyon – that form a network of advanced cancer research and treatment.

A grand opening celebration for the cancer center is planned for this summer, along with a groundbreaking ceremony for Orange County’s only specialty hospital exclusively focused on treating and curing cancer. The hospital, which will be seamlessly connected to City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, will open in 2025.

For more information on City of Hope Orange County, visit www.CityofHope.org/oc.

Festival of Arts debuts special 90th Anniversary Exhibit at foaSOUTH off-site gallery

The iconic Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach is celebrating its 90th anniversary this summer. As part of the Festival’s year-long celebrations, the non-profit announced the debut of its latest off-site exhibit titled, the 90th Anniversary Exhibit. Located at foaSOUTH gallery inside Active Culture, the 90th Anniversary Exhibit opened to the public on Friday, June 23 for guests to browse through October 15. The gallery is open daily from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and is at 1006 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. Admission is free.

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Photos courtesy of Festival of Arts

FOA’s “90th Anniversary Exhibit” at foaSOUTH gallery is on display through October 15

“As part of this exciting milestone, we are pleased to offer multiple art exhibitions within Laguna Beach for the community to immerse themselves within, including the latest 90th Anniversary Exhibit at foaSOUTH,” shared Sharbie Higuchi, Festival of Arts marketing and PR director. “Our 90th anniversary is the perfect opportunity to showcase the Festival’s rich history and its commitment to the arts community.”

Since its establishment in 1932, hundreds of thousands of visitors have experienced and admired the arts, events and wonders of the Festival of Arts. The 90th Anniversary Exhibit, curated by Pat Sparkuhl, offers the viewer a glimpse into a variety of historical images of people, places and posters that were instrumental in making the Festival of Arts the world-class experience it is today. Guests will have the unique opportunity to see historical work such as Posters of the Festival from 1940s and 1960s, photographs of visitors at the Festival in the 1970s, newspaper articles on the Festival from 1937 and even cameos of people and scenes at the Festival from the 1980s.

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This 1937 “South Coast News” article is among the memorabilia on exhibit

The limited-time exhibition will also display the Irvine Bowl Dedication for the world-class venue within the Festival grounds where the Pageant of the Masters performs nightly under the Laguna Beach stars. The exhibition will also showcase a montage of early artists and their work. “We are excited to share these unique archival resources with the public. This exhibit provides a window to the Festival’s humble beginnings and how it has evolved over the last nine decades,” added Higuchi.

The 90th Anniversary Exhibit is free of cost to the public. The Festival of Arts is a non-profit organization whose proceeds support the arts in and about Laguna Beach.

For more information, call 949.494.1145, or go to www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org.

LBHS girls water polo team members win gold at United States Club Championships

Members of the Laguna Beach High School (LBHS) Girls Water Polo team shined while competing last weekend with the Saddleback-El Toro (SET) 16U and 18U club teams in the U.S. Club Championships that took place in Corona. 

Photos courtesy of Steve Riches/Laguna Displays

SET 18U team includes LBHS recent graduate students Ava Houlahan, Lela McCarroll, rising seniors Lauren Schneider, Charlotte Riches, Cleo Washer and rising junior Ava Knepper

SET 16U team includes LBHS rising juniors Emmie Hensley and Claire Turner, and rising sophomores Kara Carver and Presley Jones

Both teams went undefeated (6-0) and won gold medals. LBHS team members competing included both current and recent graduates. The SET 18U team beat SOCAL from Tustin, 9-7, in their gold medal game and the SET 16U team also beat 805 from Santa Barbara, 9-7, in theirs. 

Both teams will travel up to Stanford University next month, to finish out their season competing in the Junior Olympics National Championships.

The Sawdust Art Enrichment Fund provides classes and kits for the military and underserved

The Sawdust Art Enrichment Fund (SAEF) has announced receipt of a generous grant from the Festival of Arts Foundation. This grant will aid in funding classes and kits for active military personnel and their families. Students learn art skills for both pleasure and the ability to generate income from items to sell wherever they might be based. 

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Courtesy of Sawdust Art Festival

The grant funds art kits with all supplies needed and instructions for the military families at Camp Pendleton. Shown is a lino block printing set.

This successful and rewarding program for the military began in 2016 with a previous grant from the Festival of Arts Foundation and has generated an interest in a variety of media including jewelry fabrication, silk painting, printmaking, drawing and painting and more. During the pandemic, with in-person classes untenable, their artists created kits that included all supplies needed and instructions for the military families at Camp Pendleton. They hope to continue this practice along with returning to in-person classes on the Sawdust Art Festival grounds. 

As a philanthropic effort supporting education of the public about the arts while providing hands-on experience, the SAEF partners with organizations to fund classes for underserved populations including at-risk students, low-income seniors, military, and homeless populations in rehabilitation and recovers as well as others. 

Sawdust Art Festival is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public and promoting art created in Laguna Beach. For more information about the Sawdust Art Enrichment Fund, or to make a contribution to the fund, visit www.SawdustArtFestival.org.

Letters to the Editor

Sally’s Fund is a godsend to local seniors

I am writing to spotlight the invaluable spectrum of services that Sally’s Fund provides seniors like me. Not everyone knows how much this nonprofit does. With the arrival of summer tourists and children out of school, the availability of the trolley and local van services for older residents can become a concern. 

It’s an unusual benefit to have access to a service that assists and escorts older people from their door to their destination, waits with them at appointments, if needed, and makes sure they are safely inside their door at the end of their excursion. They even do occasional field trips just for fun, like to eateries at Dana Point Harbor. Trips to and from the Susi Q Senior Center are free and there’s no registration fee. 

Unlike the city’s free Laguna Local on-demand ride service or trolleys, for a nominal charge, Sally’s Fund drives within a 30-mile radius to take seniors for medical, physical therapy and dental appointments. It also takes us grocery shopping and to run errands. We are able to go shopping at Gelson’s, Trader Joe’s, Ralphs, Walmart and Target. It is empowering to be able to pick out exactly what we want and socialize a bit while we’re doing it. 

This is such a vital, convenient service for all of Laguna’s seniors and their family members to know about. Now that gas prices are so high, this door-to-door, escorted service is increasingly appreciated. I always know I am in good hands with Sally’s Fund. You can learn more at www.sallysfund.org.

Arlene Bernholtz 

Laguna Beach

The Plant Man: Summer means baseball, warmer days and July 4th 

By Steve Kawaratani

“I always have the most fun on the Fourth of July. You don’t have to exchange any gifts. You just go to the beach and watch fireworks.” 

–James Lafferty

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Photos courtesy of Steve Kawaratani

Steve Kawaratani

Speaking of gifts, summer has dropped in nicely, with the sun expected to be substantially sunny throughout the Fourth of July holiday. The experienced gardener will keep her/his plants happy by deep and infrequent watering during our anticipated warmer weather. Read on, and let’s get back to the garden with the Plant Man.

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It’s time for Dodgers baseball

Answering some questions this week:

Q: If the Dodgers are in first place on the Fourth of July, does that mean anything?

A: Baseball superstition holds that the team that is leading each division on July 4th will continue to play during the playoffs. During the past 25 years, this lore has been substantiated by fact two-thirds of the time.

Q: Is there danger of breeding insects and fungi in my compost pile?

A: There is a chance, so it is prudent to dispose of infested or diseased plant material in the trash, rather than the compost pile.

Q: Does the type of fertilizer affect the taste of fruits or vegetables?

A: I was taught no, however, my experience has proven that poor soil fertility will affect the flavor of fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes and melons.

Q: What should I feed my Sago palm?

A: My father, Pete, always recommended using blood meal – an organic fertilizer; it releases nutrients to plants evenly and slowly. And of course, his Sago palms were the best!

Q: Dear Plant Man, should I prune my tomato plants?

A: No. As long as the tomato plant is kept well fertilized and watered, there is no need to prune. The side shoots help to protect the fruit from sunscald.

Q: Help, please. Can you tell me about the magic formula of baking soda that wipes out mildew on roses?

A: It is almost magical the way 1 1/2 tablespoons of baking soda, 1/2 tablespoon of horticultural oil and one gallon of water will control powdery mildew. Repeat the spray at intervals of seven-10 days if mildew reappears.

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Meet Isabella, our Loretan cat

Q: How can I keep cats out of my garden?

A: Why would you want to? Our feline friends do little damage to a garden; however, they can sometimes be deadly to birds (although cars are deadlier to birds than cats). Don’t forget that cats aid the gardener and homestead by controlling rodents and rabbits.

I always look forward to the Fourth of July holiday, usually take a couple days off from work and enjoy Laguna’s spectacular fireworks celebration. Don’t lose your freedom by drinking and driving, whether by land or by sea. See you next time.

Steve Kawaratani has been a local guy for seven decades and likes to garden and drive the Baja Peninsula with Catharine and Loki. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 949.494.5141.

Enjoy the City’s fireworks

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Photo by Scott Brashier

The City fireworks show will originate Monday evening at approximately 9 p.m. from Monument Point in Heisler Park. The Monument Point area will be closed throughout the day on July 4th in preparation, with the streets around the Heisler Park closing, too, around 5 p.m. The LBPD will assist the crowds gathered in Laguna Beach with their exit from the City via Laguna Canyon Road and Coast Highway following the fireworks.

Fireworks show planned for July 4th from Monument Point

The City of Laguna Beach fireworks show originating from Monument Point at Heisler Park will begin at approximately 9 p.m. on Monday, July 4. Large crowds are anticipated, so the city is requesting the public’s cooperation to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for residents and visitors. 

The Monument Point area will be closed all day on Monday, July 4th. Additionally, at approximately 5 p.m., the area of Heisler Park from Myrtle Street to the Rockpile Beach stairs at Jasmine Street will be closed to the public to allow for fireworks preparation. 

City trolleys will operate under a modified schedule: the Coastal Route will run from 9:30 a.m.- 7 p.m. and the Canyon Route from 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. The normal trolley schedule will resume on Tuesday, July 5.

After the fireworks show, expect heavy traffic as many visitors will be leaving via Laguna Canyon Road and Coast Highway. Members of the Police Department will be conducting increased traffic control to facilitate the flow of vehicles out of town.

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Courtesy of City of Laguna Beach 

The City of Laguna Beach is anticipating large crowds for the July 4th holiday and is requesting the public’s cooperation to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for residents and visitors

The City of Laguna Beach is reminding visitors and community members that all kinds of fireworks are illegal at all times within the City of Laguna Beach. Any member of the Police Department or the Fire Department can seize any fireworks, and persons in possession of or discharging fireworks of any kind – including firecrackers, bottle rockets, mortars, roman candles, or anything that flies/shoots through the air – may be cited for a misdemeanor offense, which carries a fine of up to $1,000 and jail time of up to six months.

Rules and regulations include: no alcohol on the beaches, no smoking in public places and no single-use plastics are allowed on beaches, trails or in parks. There is no drone use over city beaches, Heisler Park, Main Beach Park, Treasure Island Park, or Crescent Bay Park without a valid Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA. No canopies, awnings, umbrellas, tents or covers over six feet in height or wider than six feet square on or in any public beach, park are allowed. Any canopy, awning, umbrella, tent or cover installed, shall have no more than one side closed to public view. No portable barbecues are allowed on city beaches or in parks. No dogs are allowed on city beaches from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. during the summer season, which extends from June 15 through September 10. Note that all OC Park trails will be closed at sunset. The Laguna Beach Police, Fire and Marine Safety Departments will be strictly enforcing all the ordinances.

Woods Cove Art Studio and Gallery to host book signing during First Thursdays Art Walk

During First Thursdays Art Walk on July 7 from 5-9 p.m., stop by Woods Cove Art Studio and Gallery for a book signing with bestselling author T. Jefferson Parker, for his newest book, A Thousand Steps.

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Courtesy of Laguna Art Museum

Set in Laguna Beach, “A Thousand Steps,” is penned by New York Times bestselling author T. Jefferson Parker, who at one time resided in Laguna Beach

Set in Laguna Beach during the late 1960s, this beguiling thriller follows a teenage Matt Antony as he searches for his older sister, Jasmine, aka, Jazz, who has suddenly vanished. The police see this as another runaway hippie chick, enjoying a summer of love…but when another missing girl turns up dead on the beach, Matt is determined to find out what really happened to Jazz.

Parker weaves Nicholas Hernandez, a 50-year resident of Laguna Beach and international renowned artist, as well as a personal friend, into this coming-of-age novel. Hernandez is also a featured artist in the gallery.

Books will be available for purchase and signing. 

Woods Cove Art Studio and Gallery is located at 1963 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. For more information, visit www.woodscoveart.com.

City Manager Shohreh Dupuis: A passion for transforming ideas into reality 

By DIANNE RUSSELL

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

Over three decades ago, while working for the County of Orange, Shohreh Dupuis discovered her passion. Having just graduated from the University of California at Irvine (UCI) with a degree in Applied Mathematics and a minor in Engineering, her first project was mapping Toll Roads 73, 241 and 261. Using both traffic modeling and engineering, it was Dupuis’ responsibility to determine the location of the roads, how many ramps were needed, and the alignment of the exits and on-ramps. 

“I found that I really loved the area of public infrastructure – to provide services and amenities to the community,” she said. “There was great satisfaction in taking a good idea – a concept – and turning it into a reality for the community. It was always my dream to become a City Manager and after 30 plus years of working in municipal government, it finally happened.” 

Journey to Laguna

However, the journey to Dupuis’ fantasy job has not been without its share of struggles. 

Dupuis immigrated from Iran to the U.S. in 1984, just after she started her senior year of high school.

“I am Persian and was born and raised in Iran,” she said. “When the Iranian Revolution happened in the late 1970s (the borders closed in 1979) and the war between Iran and Iraq broke out, the conditions were harsh for us as a family. My dad was in private business in Iran and as a result of the revolution, all the private commerce was closed and made public. My father lost his livelihood.” 

Dupuis continued, “When the borders reopened in 1984, my dad said, ‘we are leaving.’ Of my three brothers (Sonny, Jean and Will), the two older ones had already come over here 10 years earlier for higher education.” At the time, one lived in Kansas City, one attended Georgia Tech and the other was in France.

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City Manager Shohreh Dupuis

“My father decided he wanted to move his family to be closer to my brothers in California and to be able to provide for his family where we could be free, enjoy an education and free commerce,” Dupuis said. 

Dupuis and her mother and father left for America with only a suitcase, a dream and a small amount of cash in their pockets. On July 4th, the family arrived in Kansas City, where her second oldest brother lived. “I remember seeing the fireworks and wondering what is this, do they do it all the time?” she said. “I hadn’t seen my brother for 10 years and I hardly recognized him.”

After staying in Kansas City for two months, they came out West to visit her father’s sister in Huntington Beach. Dupuis said, “When we got here, my father quickly admitted, ‘this is better than Kansas City.’ We lived in Huntington Beach and my brother in Kansas City came out here as well. I’ll never forget the Don Henley song ‘Boys of Summer’ was popular at the time and now whenever I hear it, it takes me back to my first summer of freedom in Orange County. I fell in love with the area and I have never left.” 

Dupuis’ father opened a restaurant in Mission Viejo named La Ferme, where she worked 60 hours a week while also going to school full time, putting in the long hours on the condition he’d pay for college. 

Dupuis went to Saddleback JC for two years and then transferred to UCI. 

“My brother Sonny signed me up for the classes – computer science and applied mathematics, which is really software modeling. He said, ‘You’re going to take one of these, pick one.’” 

Tragic times 

Although Dupuis loves Laguna and her life here, the city holds its share of sad memories.

“On Sundays – my day off from the restaurant – I’d come down here to Laguna with my brother Sonny, and we’d go to the beach and then to the Boom Boom Room. In 1987, Sonny was killed in an auto accident on the way home from the Boom Boom Room. The accident site was just a block from where I live now, so I go past it all the time.”

Her daughter Sunnyjoy is named after him. 

Dupuis’ first husband, who she met while working for the OC Transportation Authority, also died in Laguna. After suffering a cardiac fibrillation in Catalina, which resulted in a severe brain injury, he died in 2007 in a house they were renting on Circle Drive. He was the father of Sunnyjoy, who was only 12 years old at the time. 

“Laguna is a special place to me. I’m surrounded by memories of the men I lived my life with,” she said.

In 2009, Dupuis was still grieving when she met her current husband Farzad (Tino as most call him). “I was in the salon one day, and my hair stylist said, ‘last night I ran into a guy I went to high school with, and I’m going to fix you up.’ I was still very raw with grief and not ready and he was recently divorced. But we met for coffee. Farzad made me laugh for the first time in a long time. He was a huge part of my recovery.” 

They were married in 2010 in Seal Beach and Sunnyjoy served as her maid of honor. “He’s retired now,” Dupuis said. “When I decided to take this position, we knew he would need to do everything at home, so he does all the shopping, cooking and cleaning.” She added that he’s an excellent cook. 

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Administrative Assistant Mariann Tracy in Dupuis’ office

Lifelong professional dream 

Dupuis has worked her entire 32-year career in municipal government in Orange County. Prior to assuming her role as city manager, Dupuis served as Laguna Beach assistant city manager and director of public works for five years. Before that, she put in eight years as the deputy director of public works for the City of Irvine. In addition, she previously held management level positions at the City of Anaheim, the consulting firm of Parsons Brinckerhoff and the Orange County Transportation Authority and County of Orange. 

The recipient of several awards for her dedication to teamwork, customer service and outstanding performance, Dupuis has been recognized as the Woman of the Year for her contributions to the transportation industry in Orange County. She was further honored as a leader by the National Iranian American Women’s Foundation.

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Laguna Beach – A Look Back: Festival of Arts’ “tableaux vivants”

By Dr. Gregg DeNicola, Laguna Beach Historical Society

In a week, our unique “tableaux vivants” at the Festival of the Arts will declare it summer in Laguna Beach and begin a two-month run at our own Irvine Bowl (July 5-September 2).

It was in 1932 that the Festival of the Arts was born by our local artists hoping to capitalize on the throngs of tourists coming to Los Angeles for the Summer Olympics.

In 1933, to increase attendance, board member Lolita Perine thought of the idea of “living pictures” where local residents dressed in costume, while mimicking famous paintings, with a wooden frame surrounding them. Naming it the “Spirit of the Masters Pageant,” it ran again for eight days in 1934, but was under intense criticism by local artist and construction worker Roy Ropp. He felt the productions were of poor quality and amateurish.

The Festival Board did what any smart thinking board would do – they put Ropp in charge of the Pageant. The first thing Ropp did was rename the event “The Pageant of the Masters.”

With a major contribution from his wife Marie, the Pageant was retooled and upgraded. In his second year, 1936, Ropp had the idea of a grand finale and introduced DaVinci’s The Last Supper, which has gone on to end every pageant since, save three times.

The first eight years, the Pageant had no permanent home, but Ropp had a vision for a large stage in the canyon, with a Hollywood Bowl-esque feel. A land donation from the James Irvine Trust was reflected in naming the site the Irvine Bowl. It was dedicated on June 30, 1941, just in time for the summer Pageant. But beginning 1942, with World War ll in full swing, the Pageant was dark for four years.

Reopening in 1946, Ropp was not invited back, having burned too many bridges with the board. He did direct one more Pageant in 1950. Ropp died in 1974 and is still remembered as the “Father of the Pageant.” The Pageant would go on each summer for 74 more consecutive years until shutting for the COVID epidemic one year in 2020.

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Courtesy of Laguna Beach Historical Society

The newly built Irvine Bowl, showing box seating ala the Hollywood Bowl in front, with bench seating toward the back, circa 1940

In this 1941 photo, workers in overalls are seen wearing fedoras working hard to finish the stage at the Irvine Bowl for its inaugural show.

Folding chairs provided seating for patrons, and three large loudspeakers adorn the top of the stage for 1941 state-of-the art acoustics. The absence of hillside homes is glaring.

Ropp had worked for seven years to design and build the stage. It only lasted 10 years when it was replaced by a more permanent cement block stage at a cost of $110,000.

This summer, as we sit in the Bowl under the stars, enjoying the Pageant of the Masters orchestra, the wonderful narration of Richard Doyle and the “tableaux vivants,” we should raise a toast to Roy and Marie Ropp – whose vision of the Pageant and Irvine Bowl has served us well for almost 90 years.

“Art in Public Places” – Pearl by Dan Skaggs

By DIANNE RUSSELL

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

Some of the art you see around Laguna Beach is the result of two city programs: “Public Art and Murals” and “Art in Public Places.” The goals of the Public Art and Murals and Art in Public Places (adopted in 1986) initiatives are to create diverse art installations of the highest quality that will, over decades, reflect the city itself and its citizens, and improve the quality of life; and to be a source of pride to all Laguna Beach residents. 

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“Pearl” on the corner of Pearl Street and Pacific Coast Highway

Installed in 2007, Pearl was created by sculptor Dan Skaggs. Located on the corner of Pearl Street and Pacific Coast Highway, the sculpture is comprised of stainless steel with glass marble tile and was funded by Bowers Perez Associates.

Skaggs holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Art Education and a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis on sculpture. He spent 15 years teaching art at both public schools (Long Beach Unified School District) and college and was a 30-year exhibitor at the Festival of Arts. 

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The sculpture is comprised of stainless steel and glass marble tile 

After bouncing around the world as a surfer and a self-employed cabinet maker, Skaggs returned to his first love, sculpture. 

“One year I displayed a sculptural water wall at the Festival of Arts,” Skaggs said. “I was taken aback by the interest it received. It was chosen for purchase by the Festival of Arts for its permanent collection. The next summer, I decided to show another water feature along with my sculpture. With a family to support and a public hungry for water features and ‘feng shui,’ I was discovering this was a viable way to earn a living as an artist.”

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A burst of sun 

In describing his work, Skaggs said, “Pearl is a term surfers would use to describe the wave that breaks off the rocks at the beach at the end of this street. This sculpture was inspired by the large rock sitting in the sand at this beach and the waves breaking on it at high tide.”

This is the 65th article in our weekly series featuring Art in Public Places. Since there are more than 100 pieces of public art scattered throughout Laguna, it will take a while to cover them all.

For a map of Art in Public Places (not every piece is listed), click here. 

To apply for the Arts in Public Places program, click here.

Laguna Art Museum presents Black and White

Laguna Art Museum will present Black and White: Contemporary Art from the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation on view July 2 through October 9. Curated by Foundation Director Billie Milam Weisman, the special exhibition features 30 artworks from the Foundation created by artists living and working in California across different generations.

“We’re pleased to partner with the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation and Billie Milam Weisman on this special exhibition, showcasing a unique variety of works from modern and contemporary California artists,” said Julie Perlin Lee, executive director of Laguna Art Museum. “The exhibition will celebrate Mr. Weisman’s legacy and passion for the arts, as well as our mission of presenting California art.”

Each of the 30 artworks featured in Black and White will demonstrate a diverse array of artistic approaches, materials and techniques used by Southern California-based artists over the past half century. The exhibition is a cross-section of works from the Foundation by artists who draw attention to black and white – as palette and, in some cases, as theme. Funding for Black and White has been provided by the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation. Additional funding has been generously provided by Angel and Tom Papa and the Joan B. Rehnborg Exhibition Fund. 

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Courtesy of Philip Martin Gallery, Los Angeles

“Pineapple Grit No. 36,” by Michael Rey, 2014, is featured in the “Black and White” exhibition 

“Frederick R. Weisman would say that when you are fortunate enough to be able to collect art, you have a responsibility, not only to the artists but also to share their works with the public. The Foundation would like to thank the Laguna Art Museum for the opportunity to bring a sample of our collection to their community,” said Weisman, director and president of the Frederick R. Weisman Art and Philanthropic Foundations.

“The theme of this selection of works is variations on black and white as used by a diverse selection of California artists. Especially in California, the effects of sunlight greatly influence artists in the creation of their work, with black being the absorption of light and white reflecting it. Each of us sees color differently, and while the powerful contrast of a black and white palette creates visual drama, monochromatic works utilizing varying shades of gray or sepia may be more deeply engaging. This exhibition features artists who have explored the formal, conceptual and technical possibilities of black and white, monochromatic, and ‘in-between’ shades,” said Weisman.

Weisman was born in Minnesota and raised in Los Angeles, as was her late husband, Frederick R. Weisman. For more than nine years during Frederick’s lifetime, Billie worked closely together with her husband to acquire works for the Frederick R. Weisman collections, as well as to foster and expand the activities of the Foundations. Today, she continues to carry on the legacy of her husband’s art and philanthropic endeavors.

Billie received her Master’s of Arts degree in Art History with honors at the University of California Los Angeles, followed by a post-graduate internship in art conservation at the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University. She was senior art conservator at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, as well as Conservator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture at the Getty Museum. In addition, she had her own art conservation and consulting business. She has traveled internationally with exhibitions and lectured in conjunction with exhibitions and professional meetings.

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Courtesy of the Ed Moses Estate/Frederick R Weisman Art Foundation

“Racko No. 2,” 1995 

On Saturday, July 9 at 6 p.m., Laguna Art Museum will present “In Conversation with Billie Weisman,” a special event providing exclusive insight into the collection of the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation with Billie Weisman and Laguna Art Museum’s Curatorial Fellow, Rochelle Steiner. Join Weisman and Steiner as they engage the exhibiting artists in discussions about the artworks selected, which represent a cross section of the Weisman collection and demonstrate a diverse array of the artistic approaches, materials and techniques that Southern California-based artists have deployed over the past half century. Ticket registration will go live on Monday, June 27 at www.lagunaartmuseum.org/events.

For more information, visit www.lagunaartmuseum.org. Additional information about the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation can be found at www.weismanfoundation.org.

City Council accepting applications for Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee

The City Council is accepting applications for the Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee (EDPC).

Interviews and appointments will be conducted on Tuesday, July 19 at 4:30 p.m., by the City Council. All applicants may be interviewed. Applicants may be contacted by City Councilmembers prior to the interviews and appointments, so please be prepared to make a brief statement about your desire to serve.

Laguna Beach residents who are interested in serving on this committee should obtain an application from the City Clerk’s office or online from the city’s website at www.lagunabeachcity.net, and file by Monday, July 11 at 5:30 p.m.

Questions may be directed to the City Clerk’s office at 949.497.0705.

Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.

There will be one position open due to an unscheduled vacancy as a result of a resignation; however, the City Council may reduce or increase the number of positions at its discretion:

One two-year term on the Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee with term effective immediately, through June 30, 2024. The Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee is a nine-member body appointed by the City Council whose charge is to advise the City Council on all matters pertaining to disaster prevention, planning and preparedness. The committee will make recommendations to the City Council and will have staggered terms. Meetings are generally held on the first Monday of the month at 6 p.m.

Upcoming events at Laguna Art Museum

Check out these upcoming events at Laguna Art Museum (LAM). From topical discussions and participatory storytime to a book signing and figure drawing workshop, the line-up beckons.

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Photos courtesy of LAM

Join the discussion on “Introduction to Realism” on July 10 

–Sunday, July 10 at 7 p.m. – Introduction to Realism: 1600 to the Present

Join Curatorial Fellow Jean Stern as he discusses Realism, from Dutch 17th century paintings to the present. Learn the differences between Traditional and Contemporary Realism with masterwork examples of the development of Realism throughout history. Advance tickets recommended. Museum members: $7; Non-members: $14. More information can be found here.

–Thursday, July 14 at 7 p.m. – Live! At the Museum: Duo Ondine

Join Duo Ondine as they perform on the harp and flute at the museum. Live! at the Museum is presented in partnership with Laguna Beach Live! Arrive early and enjoy the museum’s gallery and social time. More information can be found here.

–Sunday, July 17 at 10 a.m. – Artist Workshop: Collage – An Artistic Composition Made of Diverse & Unexpected Materials

Join recent MFA graduate from LCAD, Jill Maytorena as she leads a workshop on collage. Discover the surprising impact that can be created by incorporating various elements as you blend decoration and craft with fine art. Supplies included with purchase of a ticket. Limited space availbler. Advance tickets recommended. Museum members: $20; Non-members: $30. More information can be found here.

–Wednesday, July 20 at 9:30 a.m. – People, Portraits, Personalities Summer Day Camp

Join these single-day summer camps that transform the museum into a space exclusive for kids! Students take over the galleries on Wednesdays when the museum is closed to the public for all kinds of artful engagement. You’ll fill the day with opportunities for making, exploration and play that you wouldn’t usually get at the museum. Camps place students into two groups by age and include activities suited to diverse learning abilities. Two camps are available for both age groups. Curricula are different for each camp, so students can sign up for both of their age group’s sessions. Geared to ages 10-12 only. Camps run from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. A healthy snack will be provided by the museum. Campers should bring their own lunches. Cost: Museum members: $35; Non-members: $45. Registration fees are fully refundable up to four weeks prior to the scheduled day camp session. More information can be found here.

Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. For more information, visit www.lagunaartmuseum.org.

Crystal Cove Conservancy to hold first 2022 speaker series 

You’re invited to the first 2022 Speaker Series experience in the fresh air and golden light of Crystal Cove.

Join this program on Thursday, July 14 in the Historic District. The reception begins at 4:30 p.m. with wine and hors d’oeuvres, followed by the main program from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Tickets for Conservancy members are $10 each and $20 for non-members/ Register today.

The first 20 registrants will receive a signed copy of Janice Munemitsu’s book, The Kindness of Color.

Crystal Cove Conservancy CEO Kate Wheeler will lead a panel discussion on the Japanese American community at Crystal Cove and Orange County. You’ll hear California State Parks Interpreter Blythe Wilson share the history of the Japanese American farming community at Crystal Cove, as well as their efforts to gather records and tell the story of those families in the interpretative space in the Japanese Language Schoolhouse at Crystal Cove’s Historic District. Learn a broader context of the times in Orange County during the World War II era from author and activist, Janice Munemitsu and Sandra Mendez Duran.

For more information, visit https://crystalcove.org/2022speakers/.

Meet Pet of the Week Molly

Molly is currently taking over Pet of the Week. She is a 7-year-old golden doodle. She came from an abusive environment, and the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter has been treating her for the last six months. She has made great progress and is very well behaved. Molly is sweet hearted and loves all animals. She will also gain a beautiful coat of fur as she continues to grow. Nancy Goodwin, shelter director, is hoping to have Molly adopted as soon as possible. 

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Courtesy of the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter

Molly is on the lookout for a new place to call home 

The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter adoption procedures are designed to make sure that both the potential family and the animal adopted are in the very best situation possible. Due to their approach to adoption, their return rate is five percent as compared to the national return rate of fifty percent.

The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter is located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Road. Call 949.497.3552, or go to the website for information on adoption procedures, www.puplagunabeach.org/our-pets.php.

Expect crowds

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Photo by Scott Brashier

With our near perfect weather, a three-day weekend in the heart of the summer, Laguna Beach is the perfect destination for a trip to the beach. Expect crowds to flock to our beaches.

Chamber to hold ribbon cutting at Art-A-Fair

On Thursday, July 6 at 12 p.m., join the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce in a welcoming and grand opening ceremony with a ribbon cutting in celebration of Art-A-Fair.

“After a five-year hiatus as chamber members, Laguna Art-A-Fair is pleased to once again become a member of an organization that supports the community, small businesses, entrepreneurs and arts,” said Artist and Chamber Liaison Diane Lamboley.

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Courtesy of Art-A-Fair.com

Art-A-Fair is open July 1 though September 4

“Laguna Beach is very fortunate to have such amazing art festivals,” said Paula Hornbuckle-Arnold, interim CEO of the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce. “Art-A-Fair is part of the fabric of our community and deserves a celebratory ribbon cutting!”

For those in attendance, Art-A-Fair will be offering a complimentary Paint Pouring, liquid art workshop valued at $45.

Art-A-Fair will be providing a light lunch including sandwiches, chips and dessert. Please RSVP to the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Art-A-Fair is located at 777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.

Groove the summer with a series of jazz

Laguna Live! invites you to experience the musical history of jazz in four outstanding concerts this summer with all-star groups. Concerts take place at the intimate and well-ventilated Woman’s Club on St. Ann’s Drive from 6-8 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. for social hour.

On Thursday, July 7, Natalie Hanna Mendoza and her All-Star Trio will be celebrating the swing era, the most popular style of music in the U.S. from the early 1930s until the late 1940s.

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Photos courtesy of Laguna Beach Live!

Natalie Hanna Mendoza

On Thursday, July 21, BEBOP with The Lineage Trio will perform, featuring vocalist & trumpeter Benny Benack III. Bebop came about in the mid-1940s as a reaction to swing that focused on music for dancing and it was meant for serious listening. 

Adryon Deleon with the Will Brahm Trio brings soul, the blend of bebop with rhythm and blues and gospel music that began in the mid 1950s on Thursday, Aug. 4.

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Adryon Deleon

On Thursday, Aug. 18, the season will end with blues featuring vocalist Maiya Sykes with her All-Star Trio. The blues originated in the Deep South around the 1860s from roots in African American work songs and spirituals.   

For this series of concerts, Laguna Live! is excited to partner with Mercado for pre-purchase light meals. 

Concert tickets are $35 in advance; $40 at the door, or $140 for the full season.

All tickets are available at www.lagunabeachlive.org, or by calling 949.715.9713.

The Woman’s Club is located at 286 St. Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach. For more information, visit www.lagunabeachlive.org.

Join the Great Plein Air Art Experience

Celebrate more than 100 years of plein air art at Crystal Cove State Park. Come spend a relaxing day capturing the beauty of Crystal Cove on canvas with the guidance of a Crystal Cove plein air artist.

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Courtesy of Crystal Cove Conservancy

Plein air painting at Crystal Cove

Classes are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 5 through August 30 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and are likely to sell out. Register now.

Sessions are held in Cottage #13 (The Beaches Cottage) in Crystal Cove State Park’s Historic District.

The cost is $100 per workshop; $85 for Conservancy members.

All supplies are provided. Class size is limited to 12 people, ages 18 and up only. 

  New dates have been added for their Family Plein Air Art Exploration classes for you artists 8 years of age and up. During the two-hour program, family teams will explore the basics of plein air painting, and then each family member will create a masterpiece that captures the summer spirit of the Cove. These classes from 9-11 a.m. are offered July 6 and July 20, so register now! Sessions are held in Cottage #13 (The Beaches Cottage) in Crystal Cove State Park’s Historic District.

For more information, visit www.crystalcove.org.

Police Beat Primer

Compiled by Suzie Harrison

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.