Montage Way home ranks as third largest sale in Laguna Beach in 2019; and it’s all in the family

By DIANNE RUSSELL

It seems inevitable that the paths of two members of a longtime Laguna Beach family would cross businesswise if the father is a well-known local architect and the son is a premier real estate agent in town. Call it serendipity, karma, or whatever you prefer, but this particular intersection is one to be savored.

Last month, The Skenderian Group, led by Marcus Skenderian, secured the sale – at 19 million dollars – for the buyer of 17 Montage Way. Coincidentally, the home was designed by his father Morris Skenderian, a renowned and respected architect who came to Laguna in 1968.

Only two other LB homes sold for more in 2019

Per the California Multiple Listing Service, 17 Montage Way is the third largest sale in 2019 (two Emerald Bay homes sold in low $20 millions range), and in the Top 10 in Orange County (seventh to be exact). The home at 17 Montage was on “hearken” for 140 days prior to its purchase.

In an interview with Stu News Laguna in 2015, the elder Skenderian talked about his involvement with the Athens Group when they were designing and building Montage Laguna Beach back in 1995. 

“They came to me and said, ‘What would you do?’ I said, ‘Wow. That’s a lot of responsibility for me to tell you what to do, but I think if you go with a Greene and Greene, craftsman-style and keep a low profile, people will embrace it,’” he said. “They said, ‘Great! Let’s do it!’ With the way it turned out…that feels really good.”

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Photo by Christina Shook Photography

Marcus Skenderian of The Skenderian Group

Of the sale, which was the largest in his career, Marcus said, “The extra bonus for me, which was so cool, was that it was my dad’s home, he did the design. Knowing that my dad was the architect of the home was just so awesome.”

And the Laguna connections don’t end there. The Tim Smith Group, led by Tim Smith and Amy Calvert of Coldwell Banker Real Estate, represented the seller in the transaction. Amy Calvert is married to Captain Jeff Calvert, a 23-year veteran of the Laguna Beach Police Department.    

Marcus speaks highly of the Tim Smith Group. “It was a very cooperative effort with everybody – with Tim Smith and Amy Calvert.”

All cash, short escrow

According to Marcus, the 17 Montage Way home sold on August 15. “It was a short escrow and a cash sale. We agreed to the deal on the 5th of August, and it closed on August 15.”

He adds, “They were beautiful people to work with – both sides – the buyers and the sellers. We have a very Lagunaeques approach to our business, and I think the buyers really felt that when this was going on.” 

Not only is Marcus experienced in real estate, he is also accomplished in architecture, construction, and development. It appears that real estate, as well as architecture, is in his genes. His mother Carolyn Skenderian was a Laguna Beach realtor for over 30 years.

“The biggest sale of my career,” he said. “Sometimes you get lucky.”

However, as in most cases, luck is usually the result of considerable work.

Marcus says, “You work really hard for many years to put yourself in a position for something like this to happen. It just fell into place.”

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Courtesy of CRMSL

17 Montage Way 

Although Marcus was on a family vacation when the sale was closing, Brendy Michael of The Skenderian Group and the rest of the team worked from Laguna while he worked from Idaho.

At the time of his trip, the house was in escrow and, “Most of it was done electronically,” he explained.

Marcus commends his team and their efforts on the sale, “Brendy [Michael] is a great support and really gets Laguna. She has a great demeanor with clients – she is very nurturing with them, and she knows the style of Laguna Beach.”

And Brendy returns the compliment, “The thing about Marcus is he loves being a part of our community. He’s super friendly (impossible to walk down the street with him), always offering to go beyond, and knows how to get things done whether it’s through the city, with another agent, or a local resource. Everybody loves the guy.”

A bang for your buck!

So what does one get for a $19 million dollar price tag?

Built in 2005, 17 Montage Way is an open-concept residence set within one of the world’s most prestigious resorts, packed with premium services and exclusive perks. It clocks in at 8,000 square feet of space with impressive ocean views facilitated by slide-away stackable doors and an expansive wrap-around patio. It has four bedrooms – including an ocean-facing master suite fit with a private fireplace and spa-bath – and the property also comes with a gourmet kitchen, wine cellar, and media room.

Although this is not the first home designed by his father that Marcus has sold – the number is somewhere around 10 – this will certainly go down in history as a very special one.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar makes surprise appearance at Wyland Whaling Wall unveiling

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

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NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was in Laguna Beach on Thursday to offer his blessing on the new temporary Wyland Whaling Wall at Hotel Laguna. “I’m really happy to see things returning back to normal in Laguna Beach,” said Abdul-Jabbar about the community party, co-hosted by Wyland and Mo Honarkar, and the public artwork.

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Hundreds of locals danced for hours to the music of Nick Hernandez and Common Sense

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Stu News will feature an interview with Robert Wyland next week. Wyland’s original Whaling Wall and the first of his world-famous series originally appeared in the same spot, but was painted over in 1996. Hotel Laguna operator Mo Honarkar and Wyland collaborated together on its return to Laguna.

Council passes a resolution to reset the button on decorum and civility at public meetings

By BARBARA DIAMOND

The City Council unanimously endorsed at the September 17 meeting a resolution designed to stop personal attacks at public meetings on or by city staff, members of the council and the public.

Mayor Bob Whalen consulted with City Manager John Pietig and City Attorney Philip Kohn in the preparation of the resolution as proposed at the meeting. Additions to the resolution were added following comments by the public that the policy appeared biased toward public officials and did not have enough “teeth.”

“It [proposed policy] does not authorize the mayor/presiding officer/chair to determine non-adherence of the decorum rules by the elected; instead issuance and enforcement gets left to a majority of the council governing body,” said MJ Abraham. “Frankly, this is the equivalent of suggesting a police officer should have a powwow with two other officers before issuing a ticket.”

Abraham said she had been informed that staff was responsible for developing the policy, which was reviewed by Mayor Bob Whalen.

“Well staff got it wrong,” said Abraham.

In response to public comments, the council added wording to the policy, to be brought back for its approval.

--Members of the public while attending a public meeting shall refrain from abusive conduct, personal charge, or verbal attack on the character of city officials.

--The presiding officer shall be responsible for maintaining decorum and civility at public meetings and enforcing the Rules of Decorum in a uniform and even-handed manner, and may intervene to ensure that no city council member interrupt members of the public while at the podium.

--City officials who interrupt and repeatedly do not adhere to the rules may be reprimanded by the presiding official or formally censured by a majority of the body to which the offending official is a member.

Fifteen members of the audience spoke at the hearing, some of them referring to the raucous hearing in April on the graphic on police cars, a tipping point for them. 

“MJ has been working on this since March,” said Michele Monda, who spoke at the hearing against what she said have been personal attacks on her by Councilman Peter Blake, rather than addressing her policy issues.

“This bullying, intimidation, and threats have done nothing but show his ‘mean girl’ tactics,” said Monda. “This is not proper behavior from an elected official to constituents and deflects attention from policy issues. 

“I support the existing municipal code that specifically addresses conduct of public officials and I support the conduct policy that helps strengthen its enforcement and serves to get us back on the right track and free of bullying.”

Monda included in her testimony comments allegedly made by Blake online and on social media.

It should be noted that the policy approved by the council also applies to electronic and written communications from those acting in city official capacity.

Councilman Peter Blake didn’t back down.

“I own everything I have ever said,” reiterated Blake. “I take back nothing.”

Councilwoman Toni Iseman, often at odds with Blake, said she would stop meetings for five minutes if someone on the dais belittled a speaker or, made rude remarks. 

“When people tell me they are afraid to come to the council meetings, I fear for the future of Laguna,” said Iseman. 

Mayor Pro Tem Steve Dicterow, a devote adherent of the First Amendment, said it was sad to have to institute some form of censorship, but necessary, based on public comments on the street and at the meeting.

Speakers who wanted more control in the policy over outbursts by a council member said Whalen should have taken more definitive action in the past.

“I am not going to defend my actions,” said Whalen. “Could I have done more – maybe. But I am not looking back. I am looking forward.

“I am responsible for enforcing the rules. As for censure, the council can’t do it on the spot. It will be brought back at the next meeting.”

“We need to reset the button and go back to the way we were,” said Councilwoman Sue Kempf.

No more free trolley rides to hillside neighborhoods

By BARBARA DIAMOND

The City Council unanimously voted to discontinue the extended hours of weekend trolley service to Top of the World, Bluebird Canyon, and Arch Beach Heights, but might bring it back for Festival season.

City Manger John Pietig said he had no choice but to recommend eliminating the service, due to lack of riders and advised the council that the “Little Blue Buses” on the Main Line service are also suffering.

Staff recommended the extended hours be discontinued by September 30, when the Orange County Transportation Authority eliminates its funding for the service because of the low ridership. 

It wasn’t a popular decision with some residents who attended the September 17 council meeting.

“I love the trolleys,” said Lorna Cohen. “My husband takes it every day.”

She also noted that the trolleys reduce the number car trips down the hill, which reduces emissions into the environment.

“We used the trolley four times last weekend,” said TOW resident Carole Reagan. “This whole system is a godsend for kids who don’t all live in a $5 million house.”

Reagan was referring to a comment made by Councilman Peter Blake who said the city should stop giving kids living in mansions a free ride that is costing the city money.

Top the World resident Gary Schwager said if his neighborhood knew that ridership was a problem they would have done something. He did not specify the something.

Other speakers said low ridership might be attributed to the difficulty determining the schedule said Johanna Felder, whose home is near one of trolley stops. 

“We would take it if we ever knew when it was coming,” Felder said.

Mayor Bob Whalen expressed dissatisfaction with the app that is supposed to inform riders where the trolley is and about how long they will have to wait before it reaches them. 

Whalen also said his proposed four-month restoration of the service in 2020 was subject to ridership.

“If ridership doesn’t increase enough to get the Project V grant – then it’s over,” said Whalen.

The council also approved the staff proposal to reimburse OCTA for the $130,000 grant with which the city purchased a new trolley for the service. The trolley will be used during Festival season, paid for out of the Vehicle Replacement Fund.

South Laguna residents, who objected to a short-lived trolley route up Third Street to Scenic and down Fifth Street, were informed at the meeting that the service has been rerouted.

Barbara’s Column

For want of a nail…

By BARBARA DIAMOND

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

Laguna’s longest continuous business is the lumber yard founded in 1912 by Joseph Jahraus, sold by his grandsons, Jeff and Joe, to Ganahl Lumber Co. and still going strong more than 105 years later. 

The sale raised some eyebrows in Laguna, where residents get testy about local businesses being bought by large chains or outsiders. However, despite Ganahl-owned lumber yards scattered around Southern California, the local “branch” soon established ties to the community. 

“What contributed to our success was our commitment to the success of homeowners and contractors in this area,” said Steve Schroeder, manager of Ganahl’s lumber yard in Laguna Canyon. 

“We have a clean facility, which makes it a good shopping experience for our customers. And we changed the hours [of operation]. We are open when people want to shop.” 

Schroeder, who has managed the store for about one and a half years, said participation in the community is part of the Ganahl culture.

“Ganahl is a generous partner of the Chamber of Commerce, with cash contributions toward our mission,” said chamber Executive Director Paula Hornbuckle-Arnold. 

And the company is here to stay. Recent rumors of the sale of the facility were just that, according to Peter Ganahl, the company’s chief executive officer.

“We’ve been here [Laguna] since 2001, when we bought it from the Jahraus family,” said Ganahl. “Our intention is to keep it growing and going. We’ve invested a lot in the site over the past 19 years.

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Jeff and Joe Jahraus sold the lumber yard founded by their grandfather to Ganahl Lumber in 2001

“Laguna is a special place and any development that takes place happens at a certain pace.”

The facility has been remodeled twice and Ganahl bought the land under it, which the Jahraus family leased from a trust, but never owned, according to “Joe” Jahraus, the elder grandson of the lumber yard founder. 

“The underlying land was owned by a whole series of family members spread out all over the country,” said Ganahl. 

“It took quite a few years. I think we probably bought it three or four years ago. But it did take corralling of all of those interests. We told the parties that if they wanted to sell, they had to sell it all. We came to an agreement and we bought the property.”

The property is easily identified as a Ganahl lumber yard by the giant band saw that has fronted Laguna Canyon Road since 2005. 

Band saws have become the logo for the company. The one at the entry to the yard in the canyon was in use in the 1920s in the Pacific Northwest, Schroeder said.

Ganahl Lumber Co. is even older, in fact, the oldest lumber yard in all of California, according to the company’s online biography. 

“It all began in 1884, when an Austrian immigrant named Christian Ganahl and his brother, Frank, moved to Los Angeles. Building was flourishing in L.A. and many people were moving west.”

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In April 2005, Conley Ware and Peter J. French hand built this structural platform and re-assembled this iron giant in tribute to all the tradesmen that live and work in Laguna Beach

Christian opened a lumber yard in Los Angeles, then another and then… 

“Although his ‘branch yard theory’ was a new business idea, it took off and eventually he had several yards located throughout the Los Angeles area, including one he opened in Anaheim in 1904, selling only lumber and cement.” 

Over the years, new products were added to the inventory, including plywood in 1906 and hardware in the 1930s.

The company name was changed to Ganahl Grimm Lumber Co. when Christian’s nephew, Ernest, partnered with Charles Grimm to buy a part interest in 1921, according to a published family history. 

“Following the death of Grimm in the 1930s, Ernest bought out the Grimm family’s interest and changed the name to the Ernest Ganahl Lumber Company.”

 Ernest was dropped from the name after he died in 1959. But five subsequent generations of Ganahls have continued to operate under the “branch yard theory.”

There are 11 locations today – 10 that are open to the public, and the 11th for distribution. 

Ganahl Lumber Co. has always been a family-owned business, as was the lumber yard while owned by the Jahraus family for almost 90 years.

According to one report, an estimated 90 percent of the older buildings in town were built from wood from the Jahraus family’s lumber yard. 

But the Jahraus’ had their fingerprints on more than the woodwork in town.

Patriarch Elmer Ellsworth Jahraus moved here 1902 and opened a cigar factory and curio shop. He eventually went into real estate business, joined the Chamber of Commerce, and served on the School Board. 

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Ganahl has 11 locations, one of which is a distribution center 

In 1929, Elmer was instrumental in saving what was to become Heisler Park. When developer Howard Heisler decided to renege on his promise to dedicate the land as a park, Elmer sued and won. 

Elmer’s son, Joseph Richard “Joe” Jahraus, was among the men who found a new source of water in 1925 when the wells in Laguna Canyon began to run dry. They floated a couple of bonds to fund the incorporation of the Laguna Beach County Water District and to pay for land in Huntington Beach that kept faucets running in Laguna.

When “Joe” Jahraus started the Laguna Beach Lumber Co., it was on Forest Avenue, memorialized in the names of the Lumberyard Mall and the restaurant that now occupy the site.

Prior to that, wood for building was floated in from ships or hauled by mules down Laguna Canyon, according to Karen Wilson Turnbull’s book, Cottages  and Castles of Laguna.

Joseph Richard Jahraus II, known as “Dick,” was president of the water district’s board of directors for 25 years. The reservoir at Alta Laguna is named for him. He also served on the boards of the Festival of Arts and the Boys Club when it was on Main Beach.

His sons, Joe and Jeff, ran the family business until they sold it to Ganahl Lumber.

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Good shopping experience for customers 

“I have no regret about selling,” said Jeff Jahraus, a fourth generation Lagunan. “At one time I think we had the largest inventory of finished wood, but after the fire in 1993 and new building codes, people stopped using wood and the prices tumbled. 

“We lost our niche and we couldn’t compete with Ganahl, which was buying up all the small lumberyards – and paying cash. 

“We got more than I expected.”

Like the Ganahl kids, Jeff and his older brother, Joe, worked in the family business as children. 

“I was 12 when I started,” said Jeff. “We learned the business from the ground up. We did it all from sweeping flours to delivering.”

But he still found time to play on the varsity football team, which won 10 games out of 11 in 1968.

Jeff’s wife Linda wrote a book about the family: Jahraus – A Family History. The Laguna Beach Historical Society has a copy.   

But wait – there’s more. You will find advance notice of all the fun and interesting stuff for visitors or residents to do in Laguna by reading StuNewsLaguna.com. Contributions are welcomed.

Grom Squad

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Photo by Chris Williams

Small waves didn’t stop 9-year-old Brooks Carter from having fun at after-school surf practice on Monday

Police Files

33-foot sailboat lands on Main Beach Thursday morning

On Thursday, Sept 19, at 5:08 a.m., Marine Safety received a 911 call for a large Morgan sailboat run aground at north Main Beach.

According to Marine Safety Capt Kai Bond, “Lifeguards responded and found a 33-foot sailboat on the beach. Lifeguards were able to rescue two subjects and bring them safely to shore.”

Neither the male or female subjects needed medical attention. Capt Bond reported that they were both adults. He did not have information regarding their ages or city of residence.

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Photo by Keith Peery

33-foot sailboat lands on the beach early Thursday morning

Capt Bond said, “Inattention caused the accident. I’m not sure of their destination. But at approximately 10:15 a.m. [Thursday] morning, Towboat US was able to move the boat by water and tow it to Dana Point Harbor.”

The conditions were green flag and the surf was about 2-3 feet when the incident occurred.

Capt Bond advised, “Whenever boating be aware of your surroundings and stay at least 200 feet from the shore off of City beaches.” 

Arrest made following jacking of Jaguar from Frank’s Motorcars

On Monday, Sept 16, at 9:30 a.m., an LBPD officer responded to Frank’s Motorcars, at the 900 block of S Coast Highway, regarding a stolen vehicle report.

According to Sgt Cota, “An employee reported that a 2004 Jaguar XJ was stolen from the lot at approximately 9 a.m. The vehicle’s plate was checked on city cameras. The last record captured the vehicle traveling into the city on Friday, Sept 13, but there was no record of it leaving.”

An area check was conducted, but the vehicle was not found. Later in the shift, Brea Police Department contacted our department after locating the occupied vehicle due to a LoJack hit.

Sgt Cota said, “The driver, Derrick Yates, was placed in custody and taken to St. Jude’s Hospital in Fullerton for a medical clearance after he claimed he ingested drugs.”

According to police records, Derrick Adam Yates, 28, was arrested for alleged vehicle theft and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Jailers took custody of the arrestee and transported him back to LBPD.

Bail was set at $40,000.

Military flare found on Emerald Bay Beach

According to LBPD Spokesperson Sgt Jim Cota, “On Tuesday, Sept 17, at 6:01 p.m., LBFD personnel and one LBPD officer responded to 600 Emerald Bay to assist OCSD personnel with a military phosphorous flare that had washed onto the beach. 

LBPD officers assisted with closing a street and were cleared from the call after 45 minutes.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every suspect is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

-By Suzie Harrison

Investigators seek public’s assistance to identify child annoyance suspect(s)

Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigators are seeking the public’s help to identify suspect(s) involved in separate child annoyance incidents during the last week.

At approximately 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept 12, deputies received a report that a 12-year-old female walking to Aliso Viejo Middle School was touched by a male suspect. The 12-year-old confronted the suspect and yelled at him before getting away. The victim went to school and reported the incident. 

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Submitted photo

OC Sheriff’s investigators are seeking the public’s help to identify this man 

Special Victim’s Detail investigators responded, along with a sketch artist. The investigation is ongoing.

The victim described the suspect as a man, possibly Caucasian, in his early 30s, with dirty blond hair and a goatee. The suspect was wearing sunglasses and was dressed in all-black clothing.

At approximately 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept 17, deputies received a report that a 16-year-old female walking home from Aliso Niguel High School along the Aliso Creek Hiking Trail was touched by a male suspect.

As the victim was walking, the suspect pulled on her skirt. The victim slapped the suspect’s hand away, ran back home and reported the incident. The suspect ran off in an unknown direction. Special Victim’s Detail investigators responded, along with a sketch artist. The investigation is ongoing.

The victim described the suspect as a man, possibly Hispanic, between 30 and 40 years old, 5’6”, 140 pounds, with short black hair. The suspect was wearing sunglasses and was dressed in a black collared shirt and tan cargo pants.

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OC Sheriff’s investigators are seeking the public’s help to identify this man 

Investigators are working to determine if the incidents are connected.

If you or your child are the victim of a similar crime, immediately get to a safe area and call 9-1-1.

Anyone with information they believe may assist the investigation is asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (714) 647-7419, or submit an anonymous tip to OC Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at www.occrimestoppers.org.

Tickets on sale for No Square Theatre’s “Shticks & Shtones” edition of Lagunatics

“Shticks & Shtones,” the latest and 27th edition of Lagunatics, opens on Friday, Oct 11 at No Square Theatre. This year the “Roast of the Coast” takes aim at all the furor over being nice. That’s right, kindness. Courtesy and decorum – commodities in short supply these days. 

The contentious arguments and name-calling in government (the shtones) are mercilessly skewered in hilarious song parody spoof (the shticks). Lagunatics hits on the crazy new stuff (parking app, cop car art) and also takes on the perennial topics of City Council, tourists, development, and trees. Will there be goats? Come to the show and find out!

As a tribute to the underlying subject of all the cross words exchanged in the public discourse, No Square Theatre offers a Lagunatics-themed crossword puzzle, at the No Square website at www.nosquare.org. The solution will be in your playbill at the show.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut 

Goats crossing Laguna Canyon Rd at last year’s Lagunatics 

“Shticks & Shtones“ is directed by founding Artistic Director Bree Burgess Rosen, choreographed by Rylee Bullington, Juliet Fischer-Schulein, and Paul Nygro, with music directed by Roxanna Ward. Live music is provided by Roxanna Ward (piano) and David Aguiar (drums). Original lyrics are by Bree Burgess Rosen, Chris Quilter, Bridget English, Ella Wyatt, and Rebecca Lyles. 

The talented cast of zanies includes Eric T. Anderson, Yvonne Browning, Rylee Bullington, Bree Burgess Rosen, Bridget English, Juliet Fischer-Schulein, Susan Geiser, Rob Harryman, Marc Marger, Kristen Matson, Nick Reardon, Jay Rechter, Steven Reiner, and Roxanna Ward.

The show opens Friday, Oct 11 and performances continue every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night until the show’s run closes on Sunday, Oct 27, with a gala party featuring fine food, a martini bar, wine, and a silent auction. Snacks and beverages are available at all other performances as well.

Seating is extremely limited and the theatre has enjoyed a long run of sold-out events, so tickets must be purchased in advance. The will be no late seating, so come early. 

To purchase tickets, visit www.nosquare.org. Cost is $45 for all regular performances, and $100 for the final Gala.

For additional information on events, auditions, classes, and to purchase tickets, visit www.nosquare.org and sign up for newsletters.

No Square Theatre is in Historic Legion Hall, at 384 Legion St two blocks south of LBHS. The high school has ample free parking.

Where’s Maggi?

Prehistoric fossil in Laguna? Or, is it… The bigger question is, where in Laguna did Maggi spy this? 

Send your answers in to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The location will be revealed in Tuesday’s edition, and we’ll let you know who got it right.

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Exciting lineup announced for Laguna Beach Live!’s Laguna Generational Jive

Back to School…and Laguna Beach Live! is leading the way with entertaining yet educational programs on music. First up is Laguna Generational Jive on Tuesday, Oct 1, a concert all about American music and how jazz has been a culmination of so many elements. 

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Dan Reckard to perform on sax and piano 

This fascinating exploration opens up beyond jazz to blues, gospel, and other styles and will be performed by Beth and Steve Wood (Honk, Kenny Loggins, Sting, Paul McCartney), Frank Cotinola on drums (133, Righteous Brothers, Jose Feliciano), and Laguna Beach school graduates Billy Mohler on bass (The Calling, Aimee Osbourne, Kelly Clarkson, Macy Gray), Phil Gough on guitar (Common Sense, English Beat, many film and TV compositions), and Dan Reckard on sax and piano (a serious up-and-comer in the jazz world). 

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Submitted photo

Jazz director Steve Wade 

Representing the next generation will be jazz director Steven Wade and the Laguna Beach High School BHS jazz band. The show will be an evening of mix and match music and musicians that is sure to be enhancing and entertaining and one you do not want to miss. Proceeds benefit the free educational programs presented at the schools by Laguna Beach Live! 

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Phil Gough of Common Sense will be on guitar 

Laguna Generational Jive will be held on Tuesday, Oct 1 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the Laguna Beach Artists’ Theatre. General admission tickets are $20 presale and $25 at the door; students 18 and under are $10; VIP tickets are $100 with reserved premier seating and a special Meet and Greet. 

Reservations can be made at www.lagunabeachlive.org or by phone at (800) 595-4849. Information line is (949) 715-9713. 

The Laguna Beach Artists’ Theatre is located at 625 Park Ave.

Dennis’ Tidbits 

By DENNIS McTIGHE 

September 20, 2019

Is Mario going to bring waves? 

Here comes fall, my favorite time of the year.

The tropics in both oceans are on steroids big time right now. There are four systems on our side and four in the other pond. Here in the Eastern Pacific there’s Kiko, Lorena, Mario, and Narda. Mario just might be providing a few fun waves around here by the weekend. Here at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Mario is now in our swell window, and he’s moving to the NW as a high-end tropical storm with winds at 65-70 mph. He might even graduate to hurricane status by Thursday. 

If Mario can maintain his track to the NW for the next couple of days and doesn’t weaken, then there’ll be some kind of a decent pulse arriving by Saturday. Most likely the waves would be in the three to five foot range with good shape as his waves would be coming in at a severe angle. A lot can happen between now and Saturday, but if the planets do line up for a change then Brooks Street is a go. 

Meanwhile, Lorena is creeping up the Mainland Mexico Coast and quickly strengthening. She’s kind of aiming at the tip of Baja and is expected to become at least a Category 3 in a couple or three days. There hasn’t been a direct hit on Cabo since Category 3 Odile in 2014.

Farther west by about 700 miles at latitude 17 North, we have Kiko who just today returned to hurricane status and is setting his sights on the Big Island of Hawaii. After literally getting the wind knocked out of him as he struggled to keep it together after scratching and clawing through a large pool of colder water, he’s now surrounded by 83-degree water with minimal upper-level wind shear.

Narda just appeared on the scene and is just offshore from Oaxaca, Mexico. It’s quite rare to have four tropical systems in the Big Pool at the same time. The same deal in the Atlantic with four systems right now and that’s also a rare event.

Speaking of tropical systems, it doesn’t always take a full-fledged hurricane or even a named tropical storm to dump truckloads of rain. 

Occasionally a mere tropical depression can wreak havoc, especially if it’s creeping along at a snail’s pace at 5-7 mph but with winds of only 35 mph. The system I’m referring to came ashore in southeastern Texas as a weak tropical storm with a lifespan that lasted only a few hours, but its effects have been in the form of Biblical rains being measured in feet, not inches, in some areas surrounding the Houston area. Yes, Houston, we have a problem! A couple of outlying towns got upwards of 20 inches in less than 30 hours, which is about a year and a half’s worth here in Laguna! 

Most stronger systems move more quickly when they make landfall, moving roughly 12-20 mph, so it’s roughly blow ‘n go in a few hours. By the next morning, they’re already in another state and weakening once they’re far inland. With depressions like this one, it’s all about the water instead of the wind and storm surge. Rainfall rates can be as much as three to four inches per hour. A similar situation occurred in 2001 when low-end tropical storm Allison, with winds no more than 45 mph, stalled over the Houston area, dropping up to four feet of rain in one week. That system literally stalled over the area for nearly a week. Bottom line – if you’re gonna get nailed by a tropical system, hope and pray it’s a fast mover! 

ALOHA!

ECO Warrior to double Annual Coastal Cleanup Day efforts tomorrow

ECO-Warrior Foundation, a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate, inspire, and activate every Californian to live litter free, will now include two locations as part of tomorrow’s annual Coastal Clean Day event: Laguna Beach and newly added Lake Merritt in Oakland, Calif.

Tomorrow, Saturday, Sept 21, ECO Warrior will renew its annual commitment to Coastal Cleanup Day, the world’s largest volunteer day to protect the environment. 

Organized by the California Coastal Commission, volunteers from all over the world participate in cleaning local beaches, rivers, creeks, and parks. The addition of a second cleanup location in Oakland, Calif. is a major undertaking for ECO Warrior and significantly expands the longtime participant’s involvement in the annual event and its commitment to the commission. 

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James Pribram and team keeping our beaches clean 

In 2018, ECO Warrior began moving beyond just clean beaches, and shifting its focus “upstream” to include parks, waterways, inner cities, and beyond. Adding the first Northern California location of Lake Merritt, an urban park in the heart of Oakland’s inner city, exemplifies this shift. 

“Coastal Cleanup Day is much more than picking up trash. It’s a chance for Californians to join people around the world in expressing their respect for our oceans and waterways. With that, we couldn’t be happier to be extending our mission to live litter free with our new Northern California location of Oakland,” stated James Pribram, Founder of ECO Warrior. 

“This is an opportunity for the community to demonstrate its desire for clean water and healthy marine life...And it’s a moment to come together to accomplish something vital and worthy on behalf of our environment.” 

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Locals participating in Coastal Cleanup Day 

ECO-Warrior Foundation’s Coastal Cleanup Day event takes place tomorrow, Saturday, Sept 21, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Aliso Beach County Park. The day features special guest host Garth Wycoff and lunch will be provided by Chronic Tacos.

ECO-Warrior Foundation is a California and Federal non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving our oceans and beaches through education, activation, and motivation. 

The foundation was created out of one man’s passion for the ocean, Laguna Beach resident James Prigram, his courage to fight for a cause he believes in, and his hope to inspire and encourage others to always protect our coastal environments. 

To learn more, visit www.eco-warrior.org.

Village Laguna General Meeting to focus on Downtown Specific Plan

On Wednesday, Oct 2, the draft Downtown Specific Plan update will be on the Planning Commission’s agenda for action.

Village Laguna will discuss the proposed changes at its next General Meeting, to be held on Wednesday, Sept 25 at 7 p.m., at the Laguna Beach Community & Susi Q Senior Center. All are invited and encouraged to attend.

Village Laguna President Johanna Felder states, “The updated plan would introduce some flexibility to the system, but at the same time, [we feel] some of the update’s proposed changes in land-use regulations seem misguided.”

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Courtesy of City of Laguna Beach

Existing Building Heights (left) vs. Potential Building Heights (right)

Village Laguna’s concerns discussed at the meeting will include: “Changing land-use regulation, and the ability to consolidate lots, increasing density and diminishing open space in downtown; Second-story buildings downtown; Encouraging market-rate housing, decoupled from parking spaces; Moving to a single relaxed formula for required parking.”

To review the proposed changes, visit the City’s website here.

The Laguna Beach Community & Susi Q Senior Center at 380 Third St.

The SeaDog Skim Challenge returns on Sept 28 and 29 to raise funds for PMMC

The SeaDog Skim Challenge is back, this time for two days on Saturday, Sept 28 and Sunday, Sept 29 at Aliso Beach, starting at 8 a.m. Funds raised will support the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC). 

This not-for-profit skimboarding contest is open to Amateur and Professional skimboarders of all ages and genders. Four-time Skimboarding World Champion Sam Stinnett is the host The SeaDog Skim Challenge for the third time. 

After the contest ends on Sunday, there will be an awards ceremony and

fundraiser to honor competitors and gift them with prize bags, as well as provide

opportunities for the community to donate to the cause.

Opportunities include an optional entry-fee to the ceremony for non-contestants, donating any amount to the PMMC, purchasing raffle tickets, and bidding on silent auction items. Raffle prizes include Vissla shopping sprees, Catch Surf surfboards, Sector 9 skateboards and much more. 

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Skimboarder Blair Conklin at last year’s contest 

The awards ceremony will be hosted at Laguna Beach Beer Company, who has generously donated their space for the cause. All net profits from the contest, awards ceremony, and individual donations will go directly to PMMC.

After two successful events in 2016 and 2017, The SeaDog Skim Challenge raised over $8,000 for the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, and this year, the organizers hope to raise even more. 

To sign up and/or donate, or for more information about the event and sponsors, visit www.theseadogskimchallenge.com and follow along at @theseadogskimchallenge on Instagram.

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center rescues, rehabilitates and releases marine mammals, and inspires ocean stewardship through research, education, and collaboration. To learn more, visit www.pacificmmc.org.

Yoga Play opens next week at Laguna Playhouse, free tickets for patrons under 21

Laguna Playhouse proudly presents the second show of its 99th season, the critically acclaimed San Francisco Playhouse production of Yoga Play, written by Dipika Guha and directed by Bill English. 

Yoga Play begins previews on Wednesday, Sept 25, opens on Sunday, Sept 29 at 5:30 p.m., and will be performed through Sunday, Oct 13 at the Laguna Playhouse. 

Artistic Director Ann E. Wareham and Executive Director Ellen Richard comment, “We are thrilled to bring the wonderful San Francisco Playhouse production of Yoga Play to Laguna Beach. Our subscribers and audiences are going to love Dipika Guha’s smart and funny comedy under the inspired direction of Bill English.” 

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“Yoga Play” opens on Sept 29 at the Laguna Playhouse 

At the top of their game, yoga apparel giant Jojomon is hit with a terrible scandal that sends them into freefall. Desperate to recover their earnings and reputation, newly hired CEO Joan stakes everything on an unlikely plan. Yoga Play lovingly and hysterically highlights the intersection between spirituality, commerce, and comedy.

Performances will be held on Wednesday through Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 and 5:30 p.m. There will be added performances on Thursday, Sept 26 and Thursday, Oct 10 at 2 p.m., and on Tuesday, Oct 1 at 7:30 p.m. There will be no performance on Sunday, Sept 29 at 1 p.m. There will be Talk-Backs following the performances on Saturday, Oct 5 at 2 p.m. and Thursday, Oct 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $45 - $65 and can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.com or by calling (949) 497-ARTS (2787). Group discounts are available by calling (949) 497-2787 ext. 229. Prices are subject to change.

Thanks to the generosity of Suzanne and James Mellor, Laguna Playhouse will offer two free tickets to patrons age 21 and under to selected performances, from Sept 25 - 28. (Enter code: 21UNDER!*)

The box office is open Monday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. (open until showtime on all performance days).

Laguna Playhouse is located at 606 Laguna Canyon Rd. 

Ebell Club invites ladies of the community to New Membership Drive on Sept 24

The Ebell Club of Laguna Beach, a nonprofit public benefit philanthropic organization, invites ladies to attend its New Membership Drive event on Tuesday, Sept 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the Rooftop of Nirvana Grille.

The drive is an opportunity for ladies of the community to learn about the organization’s mission, activities, and meet club members.

 Ebell Club holds a monthly dinner meeting the first Monday each month at 6 p.m. and hosts speakers that discuss topics about issues of importance to the community that are supported by Ebell Club’s fundraising efforts. 

The Ebell Club is a wonderful opportunity for philanthropically minded members to join together for friendship and work on fundraising projects. Monthly meetings provide a forum for leaders of our local nonprofits to educate Ebell’s members about their important work. The October 7 meeting speaker is Cindy Prewitt, president and founder of Laguna Beach Live!.

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Photo by Scotty Wise 

Nirvana Grille will host Ebell’s New Membership Drive on Sept 24

Ebell President Jennifer Dawson explains, “Ebell ladies with Owner, Chef, and new Ebell member Lindsay Smith-Rosales, will host light appetizers with great drink specials available for purchase. 

“Meet Chef Lindsay and taste some of her amazing culinary creations while visiting with friends and neighbors who are Ebell members and learn about all the important charitable work the Ebell Club accomplishes for our community through philanthropy and scholarship.” 

Dawson adds, “Chef Lindsay’s food is so thoughtful, fresh, and delicious, it will leave you wanting more – so after the meeting stay for dinner or make reservations before you leave for the full culinary experience.”

The Ebell Club of Laguna Beach, founded in September 1933, has continuously worked to actively support projects to develop Laguna Beach as a home and family community. 

To RSVP for the New Membership Drive event and for more information, contact Ebell Club President Jennifer Dawson at (949) 500-3567 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Nirvana Grille is located at 303 Broadway.

Royal Hawaiian pulls off first Argentinian beef agreement in Western U.S.

Story and photos by Diane Armitage 

The Royal Hawaiian Fire Grill, long known for its iconic Lapu Lapu cocktail, recently invited two iconic and internationally renowned chefs into full ownership and operation in January of this year – brothers Martin Molteni and Mariano “Maro” Molteni.

Now, this Laguna-based restaurant is enjoying another iconic moment as the first in California…and the first in the Western United States all the way to Chicago…to be wood-grillin’ the hallowed beef of all beef – Argentinian Angus Beef.

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A giddy Chef Maro Molteni holds his newest arrival – Argentinian beef

Argentinian beef has not been served in any Western U.S. restaurant since 2001. The rare treat will be featured as a special to the regular menu that began last night (Thursday, Sept 19) until a larger supply chain can be established. 

The brothers plan to replace all of the steak cuts on the menu with Argentinian beef. It will join popular and new menu items such as Hawaiian Opah, Local Lobster, Hawaiian Poke, Seared Ahi Tuna, and the RoHi’s best-selling Pacific Sea Bass.

Royal Hawaiian: The best of international coastal cuisine

Since opening their rendition of Royal Hawaiian Fire Grill in April of this year, Chefs Maro and Martin have introduced a coastal culinary heritage to the menu by featuring combined wood-fire grill magic from the Hawaiian Islands, South America’s coastal regions, and North America’s Pacific Coast.

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The Prime Ribeye Roast is a group event favorite amongst the Royal Hawaiian Fire Grill’s cross-cultural wood-grilled dishes

And, while the brothers have only produced the finest in organic proteins on their menu from their opening day – wild-caught fish and grass-fed beef, pork and poultry from America’s most vaunted ranches – Maro and Martin had an ace up their sleeve. 

Even before they opened the Royal Hawaiian Fire Grill, they were working with U.S. and Argentinian governments to allow them to fly in what is largely considered the finest in beef produce globally – Argentinian Angus Beef.

An 18-year effort to bring back the beef

If you’ll remember, back in 2001, England reported a particularly venomous hoof-and-mouth disease outbreak in its cattle. It was a giant mess that began in two small ranches and spread like wildfire through Europe. 

When that moment occurred, the United States shut its doors to many incoming international beef sources, only slowly re-opening the doors as the various countries leapt through new, fiery hoops of proven sanitation and cleanliness at both international and U.S. FDA approval levels.

In January of just this year – 18 years later – the announcement was made that Argentina would, once again, be allowed to export its renowned grass-fed beef to the United States. Martin and Maro, our local Argentinian chef brothers, were the first to jump on board, eagerly working behind the scenes with Premier Meat to import this “cut above the rest.”

Why Argentinian beef is so revered

For thousands of years, Argentinians have been raising cattle in the Pampas, an endless stretch of glorious wild grassland at the base of the Patagonias. 

They practiced conscious care long before the rest of the world hopped on board, and today’s Argentinian cows are still fed a grass-only diet, allowed to wander aimlessly on the plain, and are completely hormone free. Their beef shows higher levels of natural vitamins, minerals and proteins, and contain three times more CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) than conventional beef raised in feedlots. CLAs are fatty acids that provide anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

But to those who love eating beef, Argentinian beef simply represents tenderness, glorious flavor, and juicy texture. “It’s unbeatable palatability,” said Chef Martin Molteni. “There’s really nothing like its taste in the world.”

“Finally, it’s here!”

Royal Hawaiian Co-Owner Chef Martin Molteni continues to operate one of the most vaunted restaurants in Buenos Aires, Argentina and travels back and forth between the two restaurants. 

Maro, first known in this town for Laguna’s local favorite Maro Wood Grill, until he sold it in 2017, has taken on more of the day-to-day-helm at Royal Hawaiian Fire Grill. It was Maro, then, who giddily received his first shipment of Argentinian beef this week. 

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It may still be called a New York steak, but this beef is all Argentinian

He immediately stoked the Hawaiian’s new wood-fire grill and sliced several New York cuts. After holding one steak cut in his hands for that long-awaited Holy Grail moment, he grilled several cuts for his staff, happily ingesting two steaks himself.

“I may sound crazy, but this is one of my happiest days ever,” said Chef Maro, with a beaming smile. “Finally! Finally, it’s here!”

The best-selling book author and blogger on The Best of Laguna Beach™, Diane Armitage is on an endless quest for the most imaginative adventures in Laguna’s restaurants, events, and lifestyle. Check out chef interviews, retail and restaurant news, and favorite events at www.TheBestofLagunaBeach.com.

REALTORS® get insight into leaders’ edge

An expert panel of top local REALTORS® did not disappoint when sharing their ideas about marketing, use of social media advertising, and internet resources at a recent panel discussion convened by the Laguna Board of REALTORS®. 

The panel included Jim Ardery of Laguna Beach Properties, Andrea Ballesteros of Coldwell Banker, Harold Noriega of Compass, and Meital Taub of First Team Estates. Moderator Leonard Newman of Surterre Properties crafted the questions to highlight the different style of each REALTOR® and their experience.

(L-R) Leonard Newman, Meital Taub, Andrea Ballesteros, Harold Noriega, and Jim Ardery

The crowds’ interest was most piqued by the apps they use, how to handle rejection, what has been the most beneficial to their business in advertising and lead generation, what are the benefits of professional coaching, nuances of working on a team, and having a supportive mentor.

Some highlights were: Meital felt choosing an advertising medium that you will stick with is beneficial; Andrea relies on a demonstrating integrity and promotes a personal side of face-to-face contact with her clients; Jim sees value in print media by branding yourself through your image which helps keep yourself present with current clients and attract new clients; and Harold strives to be involved in the community youth sports programs and brand awareness to promote lead generation.

This event, which filled the room, was held at the Neighborhood Congregational Church, Laguna Beach.

PTA Coffee Talk presents “New Families Welcome Tea” on Sept 26

On Thursday, Sept 26, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., PTA Coffee Talk will host a “New Families Welcome Tea” for families that are new to LBUSD at Kitchen in the Canyon. 

This is a chance for new parents to meet other families that are also new to the district, and get to know a little bit more about our schools and charming town.

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Courtesy of Kitchen in the Canyon

PTA Coffee Talk invites new families and longtime residents to Kitchen in the Canyon on Sept 26

Longtime residents are welcome to join the talk and help the PTA welcome the new families. Light breakfast and beverages will be served. 

To RSVP, visit www.ptacoffeetalk.org. The talk is free to PTA members or a $10 donation.

Guest Column

Self-love guide: loving yourself 

By Vidya Reddy

Hello and welcome to the self-love corner this week. Learn how to love yourself and others any way you can.

The purest, the most coherent, and the most understandable definition of self-love is self-compassion. It’s merciful, delicate, and tender…and so very, very accommodating and unselfish. It’s the kind of love that goes way deeper than Self Care Fridays, or thinking you’re being good to yourself because you “let yourself” have a nap. (Naps should be basic of life!)

It’s easy to love yourself when you’re at your best – when all your hard work is paying off and you’re looking like your cute self. You think, “I’m awesome. I have my stuff together. And I so love myself because I’m awesome and have my stuff together.” 

But how about when you just lied…can you find compassion for yourself? When you cheated…can you access your lovability? When you’re still in agony and depressed over the breakup and are struggling to get over it...can you love yourself anyway? When you fell off the wagon...where are on the self-love scale then?

This week’s column is a collection of choice for self-loving. Every time you choose the more compassionate thought and action, you’re retraining your mind to draw on the boundless power of your heart. We’re building spirit muscle, here. And, we’re doing our service in the world – deepening our self-love expands our ability to love others. It’s boundless, it really is.

Can you love yourself, even when you are in the throes of hating yourself?

Deep growth happens when our self-care is a celebration of our goodness and value – not a “fix” for what we think is broken, or our original defectiveness. Loving what seems unlovable…that’s the kind of love that changes everything. That’s the love that wins. That’s where darkness gets transformed and transmuted into the light of consciousness. Pain into strength. Density into beautiful awareness and ultimately into consciousness.

“So precisely at the time when you think you deserve criticism and punishment, instead, respond with gentleness and kindness to yourself. Apply love to your own internal resistance to receive that love and compassion. Be the loving parent of your wounded inner child. That’s love as a verb, as a medicine, as a force of nature, as a force for change.” 

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Photo by Johnny Antezana

Dr. Vidya Reddy

You have to accept it before you can transform it

Loving yourself doesn’t mean you’re selling yourself a bill of goods or lying to yourself that you are perfect. It doesn’t mean that you think you’re right all of the time and can do no wrong. When you can be really intimate with your shadows, your shadow self, you can see exactly what you have to offer and where you fall short; where and when you go wrong; where you punish and chastise yourself; where you hurt yourself; and where you hurt other people.

Accepting a perceived flaw or limitation doesn’t mean that we don’t intend to change it. In fact, it’s when we completely accept something that we can begin to transform it. We give it the light of our full attention, and that consciousness is the transformative force. 

Here’s huge tip: Your self-talk generates your self-love

Love is patient. Love is kind. Love says, “You poor thing.” When’s the last time you said to yourself, “No wonder you feel this way. It’s been really tough.” Just like your best friend would say. Just like the Divine Mother would lovingly hold you, with words of compassion. 

Most of us are productive and wise and our esteem is pretty much in check, most of the time. We’re aware of our woundedness or our wounding and we don’t need another pep talk. And sometimes, we don’t want to use meditation to distract us from our pain. What we need are some compassionate messages from our own selves.

Here’s the mind training: Choose thoughts of worthiness – even if you have a hard time fully believing them, in the moment – especially when you are being way too hard on yourself. With every self-compassionate sentence, you say to yourself, you will move from doubting to considering to believing them. Work your way up the spectrum of love vibration. Keep speaking steadily loving phrases to yourself and you will move into knowing them, to living them, to spreading them to the world around you. 

Here are my favorite words of affirmations for compassion, when we’re unkind and unloving to ourselves. 

--“Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” 

--“I choose to love myself in this moment.”

--“I am here to experience the wonder of my own being.” 

--“Every moment of self-acceptance is a victory. My journey is rich with purpose.” 

--“It is through my unconditional loving presence that deep healing occurs.”

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Photo by Pieter Baetens

Practice self-compassion 

Your pleasure empowers you

Pleasure heals. Pleasure makes the hard things easier. Your pleasure generates power – and you know this deep down in your bones. Pleasure isn’t about excess and debauchery. It’s about life force and sustenance. And in a culture that’s obsessed with productivity and out of touch with the simple sweetness’s of human life, prioritizing pleasure is an expression of living lovingly.

My Reflections

I created the Naturally Happy podcast as a tool to help as a reflection exercise for building spirit muscle. Please listen to it by clicking here. Use the podcast guide to find episodes to create some catharsis in your life. This inquiry of self-mastery is a deeply sensitive one – much like yourself. Please give yourself the space to be lovingly compassionate with yourself.

Five questions for self-compassion

Keeping in mind that self-love – and compassion – is one of the deepest, most sensitive and certainly transformational paths we can and should explore in our lifetime, then how may I offer some simple reflections? I can only scratch the surface here. Almost everything I’ve been talking and writing about for years leads back to self-love and the journey is never complete. But here are a few soul queries to keep us pointed toward compassion and change for the better. 

--If my very best friend showed up at my door sobbing and anxious, confessing that she/he/they felt worthless of the love they craved and behind on all they wanted to have done by now in their life…With all of my fiercely unwavering and profoundly tender true love, this is what I would do and say to them: 

--A few things I’m having a hard time accepting about myself…

--The most loving and encouraging messages that an angel, Spirit Guide, my favorite deity, or beloved friend would give to me are…

--Five simple things that give me pleasure…

--The most compassionate thing I could do for myself this week would be to…

I close by asking you: What if you gave yourself a dose of compassion instead of judgment, how would your life change?

In Peace, Love and Gratitude. 

‘Til next time. 

Dr.Vidya Reddy, ND, AMS, DAC, CLC

www.Naturally-Happy.com

Laguna Art Museum presents One Hour/One Painting with author Peter Clothier on Sept 26

On Thursday, Sept 26 at 6 p.m., author and art critic Peter Clothier welcomes participants to spend a full hour in front of a single work of art at the Laguna Art Museum. Admission is free. 

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Author and art critic Peter Clothier will host One Hour/One Painting at LAM

Clothier is an internationally-known writer, speaker, and creative consultant who specializes in writing about contemporary art and artists, including the popular Slow Looking: The Art of Looking at Art. He has given talks for TEDx Fullerton, UC Santa Barbara, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Portland Art Museum, and many other venues.

Advance tickets are recommended.

For more information, visit www.lagunaartmuseum.org or call (949) 494-8971 x203.

Surf and Sand hosts Seaside with Sommeliers event

On Thursday, Sept 26, Laguna’s luxury beach resort the Surf and Sand presents Seaside with Sommeliers on the Ocean Terrace featuring the Heitz Cellar. Guests will enjoy a five-course dinner with wine pairings while sampling a range of varietals from this family-owned winery.

The menu will be presented by corporate executive chef Ron Fougeray featuring: 

--Passed Appetizers: Corn & Sunchoke Veloute Albacore Crudo, Tomato & Speck

--First Course: Crushed Marcona Almond, Celtuce, Watermelon Cucumber, Plum Vinaigrette, Olive Crisp 

--Second Course: Five Spice Charred Ahi 

--Third Course: Sous Vide Duck Breast 

--Fourth Course: Dry-Aged New York Steak 

--Fifth Course: Hazelnut Leaf 

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Guests will enjoy a toast at the Surf and Sand with Heitz Cellar 

Reception starts at 6:30 p.m. with dinner following at 7. 

Tickets are $195 per person inclusive of tax and service charge. 

For reservations, contact Jordan Rocha at (949) 376-2754 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sunset’s celestial complexion 

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Photo by Louise Thornton

Such rich and varied dyes…John Howison

Locals invited to Top of the World Neighborhood Picnic on Sunday

The Top of the World Neighborhood Association (TOWNA) will hold its annual Neighborhood Picnic on Sunday, Sept 22, at Alta Laguna Park from 3 to 5 p.m. All are invited and all are welcomed. You do not need to be a member of TOWNA to come and enjoy this meet your neighbor event.

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Photo by Gene Felder 

Friends and families enjoying the picnic and a visit from the firefighters at last year’s event

Neighbors will be bringing their favorite dish to participate in an old fashioned potluck dinner. 

The TOWNA Board is very concerned about recent fire damage and inappropriate activity such as setting fires and smoking in the Laguna Heights open space and encourages anyone seeing such activity to report it to the LBPD non-emergency number at (949) 497-0701.

For additional information, contact Gene Felder at (949) 939-7257.

Two nonprofits come together for Taste of Laguna Food & Music Festival

Local nonprofits KX 93.5 and Laguna Beach Chamber have joined forces for the Taste of Laguna Food & Music Festival on Thursday, Oct 3 at the Festival of Arts grounds.

In January, General Manager and Founder of KX 93.5 FM’s Tyler Russell McCusker approached J.J. Ballesteros, President of the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, with an idea. Both organizations each have their signature events: The Taste of Laguna and KX 93.5’s holiday concert in the Irvine Bowl. 

“Tyler asked me if the Chamber would consider doing a joint event combining the Taste with their concert. My initial thought was that was a great idea,” said Ballesteros.

After getting approvals by both the boards of both organizations, the Taste committee comprised of Chamber Executive Paula Hornbuckle-Arnold, Chamber Event and Marketing Manager Ashley von Gremp, and KX Development Director Monica McCusker, went to work on the event. 

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KX 93.5 and the Laguna Beach Chamber collaborate for the upcoming Taste of Laguna event 

The event is now called the Taste of Laguna Food & Music Festival. There will be more than 30 of Orange County’s finest restaurants serving food. For music, Tyler was able to book four different bands spanning four decades of music. 

At 6 p.m., 60s band Woodie and the Longboards will play. At 7 p.m., Polyester Express will play hits from the 70s. At 8 p.m. Flashback Heart Attack will bring festival goers back to the 80s. And finishing up at 9 p.m. is Sega Genecide with 90s favorites.

“Between the amazing food being served and music from four generations, there really is something for everyone,” said Ballesteros.

“Part of our goal was to create an event which is a value add to locals as well as visitors. Prior to this year, both the Laguna Beach Chamber as well as KX 93.5 were having separate fundraising events. The grand vision was to make our city less event-heavy thereby creating an opportunity for more people to attend a single event with a better experience,” said Paula Hornbuckle-Arnold.

“I’ve always thought Taste of Laguna was among our town’s best annual gatherings. And I’ve also always thought that KX 93.5 brings the best concerts and dance parties to the Festival of Arts! So, what’s better than putting them both together?” said Tyler.

“The public response has been overwhelmingly positive. People are loving the concept and many people who have never attended the Taste or concert in the past are coming this year,” said Monica McCusker. 

Promotion for the event is in full swing. Both organizations are advertising through social media, Cox Cable, and on KX 93.5. You will see the event being promoted on the movie theatre marquee very soon.

“Since this is the primary fundraising event for both organizations, a concentrated effort is being made to make this the event of the year in Laguna,” said Hornbuckle-Arnold.

The event promises to have great food, fun music, and a multitude of carefully chosen, unique silent auction items. Some great experiences have already been secured with more in the works. Sponsors see the value of the event and are jumping in. All this will lend to an even greater experience.

“Even though there are more costs than normal with all the music we did not want to increase the price for our attendees. There are a lot of heavy discussions going on in town. We want everyone in our community to come together and enjoy the food and music,” says Ballesteros

Tickets are $85 and $150 for VIP. To purchase tickets, visit www.tasteoflagunabeach.com. Come hungry and wear your dancing shoes! 

Laguna Beach Books proudly presents author Bruce Holsinger on Sunday

On Sunday, Sept 23 at 4 p.m., Laguna Beach Books is pleased to welcome author Bruce Holsinger to the store. Bruce will be discussing and signing copies of his new book, The Gifted School. There is no charge for this event. 

This deliciously sharp novel captures the relentless ambitions and fears that animate parents and their children in modern America, exploring the conflicts between achievement and potential, talent, and privilege. 

Set in the fictional town of Crystal, Colo., The Gifted School is a keenly entertaining novel that observes the drama within a community of friends and parents as good intentions and high ambitions collide in a pile-up with long-held secrets and lies. 

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Bruce Holsinger will discuss his new book, “The Gifted School”

Seen through the lens of four families who’ve been a part of one another’s lives since their kids were born over a decade ago, the story reveals not only the lengths that some adults are willing to go to get ahead, but the effect on the group’s children, sibling relationships, marriages, and careers, as simmering resentments come to a boil and long-buried, explosive secrets surface and detonate. It’s a humorous, keenly observed, timely take on ambitious parents, willful kids, and the pursuit of prestige, no matter the cost.

Bruce Holsinger is a fiction writer and scholar of medieval literature who teaches at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. His first two novels, A Burnable Book and The Invention of Fire, are set in and around medieval London, where the poets Geoffrey Chaucer and John Gower spent much of their lives. 

His third novel, The Gifted School, was published in summer 2019. He is also the author or editor of six nonfiction books on medieval literature and culture, and he is the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship.

For more information, visit www.lagunabeachbooks.com.

Laguna Beach Books is located at 1200 South Coast Hwy.

Captain Underpants author to bring children’s literature to life at library on Saturday

On Saturday, Sept 21 at 11 a.m., Laguna Beach Library presents an interactive theatrical presentation of Dog Breath by Dav Pilkey, author of Captain Underpants and the Dog Man Series.

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Author Dav Pilkey will bring literature to life at the Laguna Beach Library on Saturday

Children from the audience are invited to don costumes and perform as the

storybook characters. Come dressed up as a dog, fish, skunk, police officer, princess, prince, or another wonderful character from the story. 

For more information, contact the library at (949) 497-1733. 

The Laguna Beach Library is located at 363 Glenneyre St.

LBUMC presents Messy Church on the beach on Sunday

Put on your sunscreen and join Messy Church on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Treasure Island Beach behind the Montage resort. Messy Church is a creative, interactive experience for people of all ages who are looking for a place to explore spirituality outside of a traditional Sunday morning worship service. 

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Submitted photo

LBUMC will host church on the sand this Sunday

What could be more “outside” than an afternoon at the beach discovering the sparkling places in your heart? Barbara Crowley, who has been leading Messy Church at Laguna Beach United Methodist Church, asks, “Where do you keep your treasure? Finding, seeking, hiding, diving, discovering, or digging into Messy Church at the Beach?”

Crowley suggests people bring something to drink. A meal is always provided at Messy Church gatherings. RSVPs are helpful, but not required. Attendees may park at LBUMC’s parking lot, 21632 Wesley Drive, and walk down to “Montage” Beach. Look for the Messy Church banner.

For additional information, visit www.lbumc.org or contact Patricia Reyes, family ministries coordinator at LBUMC, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (949) 499-3088.

City Manager’s Updates

South Laguna Neighborhood Route Realigned at Mission Hospital – Service to Mission Hospital via 3rd Avenue and Scenic Drive has been re-routed to Coast Highway. The bus stops on Scenic Drive have been eliminated and the bus stop on Coast Highway at 7th Street will now serve Mission Hospital. For questions, contact Deputy Director of Public Works Paula Faust at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (949) 497-0303.

Anita and Calliope Crosswalks on Coast Highway – Construction is underway by Caltrans to install new high visibility crosswalks across Coast Highway at the intersections of Anita and Calliope Streets. The improvements include an in-road warning light system and overhead flashing lights, which are activated by pedestrian push buttons at either side of the crosswalk. Work is expected to be completed by the end of December. 

For questions, contact the Caltrans Resident Engineer Gagandeep Sidhu at (949) 279-8466.

Audition Call – The City of Laguna Beach is holding auditions for its 1st Annual Adult Variety Talent Show on Thursday, Sept 26, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Community & Susi Q Center, 380 Third St. The City is harkening back to the era of magicians, barbershop quartets, harmonica players, tap dancers, mind readers, and illusionists. Auditions are open to amateur performers age 21+. The “Really Big Show” will be held on Thursday, October 24, at 7 p.m.

To register, visit www.lagunabeachcity.net/varietyshow or call (949) 464-6645 for more information.

Fact Check – Recent media reports have inaccurately stated that the Laguna Beach City Council agreed to move forward with plans to achieve zero liquid discharge into the ocean from the Coastal Treatment Plant (CTP). That is not true.

Rather, the City Council voted to support research done by the Environmental Sustainability Committee on zero waste discharge and subsequently forward a report summarizing the research to the South Orange County Water Associate (SOCWA). 

The City Council did not vote to support zero liquid discharge at CTP, as that technology does not currently exist. Any current technology available discharges a brine and even so, all discharges from CTP currently meet federal clean water standards. 

Although the Coastal Treatment Plant may be able to achieve zero discharge to the ocean, the Aliso Creek Outfall will not achieve that without the help of several other surrounding agencies. It was also falsely reported that water quality reporting will be soon available on a real-time basis. Though this technology is coming in the future, it is very costly, and is not anticipated to be available in Laguna Beach anytime soon.

Police Department Offering Free Car Seat Inspections – The Laguna Beach Police Department, in partnership with “National Child Safety Passenger Week,” will be offering free car seat inspections to parents and caregivers in front of the police station on Friday, Sept 20 and Friday, Sept 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

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Submitted Photo

Rocco Keller uses his fingers to make a heart a few years ago, showing his love for the importance of car seat safety

The event will include instruction on finding the right car seat for children, as well as instruction on the correct installation of car seats. Interested participants are encouraged to schedule appointments for a free child safety seat inspection. The appointments are in 30-minute increments so schedule your appointment soon.

To reserve an appointment, contact Debi Jensen at (949) 497-0396 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Coastal Cleanup Day – The Laguna Beach Police Department, in partnership with the Laguna Ocean Foundation, will be hosting the first Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day event at Main Beach near the basketball courts on Saturday, Sept 21, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Coastal Cleanup Day is an international day of action to protect our oceans, watersheds, and wildlife from trash and debris. Tons of trash gets dumped on our coastal land every year. The garbage includes plastic bottles, plastic bags and packaging, food wrappers, and cigarette butts – detracting from the natural beauty of the shore and harming wildlife. California Coastal Cleanup is part of an international campaign focused on keeping trash out of oceans, bays, rivers, and lakes. 

To register for this free event, visit the Coastkeeper Eventbrite page here. Once on the website, click the green register button, select Main Beach Laguna Beach as the location, and enter the number of volunteers, then click register. Buckets, bags, and gloves for trash collection will be provided. 

For further information, please feel free to contact Community Services Officer Natasha Hernandez at (949) 497-0382.