Fair Game
By TOM JOHNSON
Non-profit portrays an innocent face before unleashing upsetting political opinion items at Hospitality Night
Last Friday night (Dec. 3) was Hospitality Night in town, put on by the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce and the City of Laguna Beach. It’s an event that’s intended to be a communitywide evening out to enjoy mingling with neighbors. As such, residents and visitors alike flooded the downtown area to ring in the holiday season and enjoy the festivities.
A full schedule of events were planned throughout the course of the evening, including the singing of Christmas carols, performances by the Thurston Middle School Band and by several elementary school choirs, music from the Community Concert JaZz Band, the Ukulele Band, Mary’s Line Dancing, the Family Style Band, and even an all-join-in community sing-along. But, perhaps most importantly for all the children in attendance was the arrival of Santa Claus.
It was one of those evenings where nothing could go wrong, right? WRONG.
According to Sandy Morales, president & CEO of the Chamber, in the hours leading up to the beginning of the event, one booth/table participant backed out of their commitment and, lo and behold, a new member, in the act of joining the Chamber, assumed their spot. That member, a non-profit named Recycled Pet Rescue, set up their table area, complete with a cute little puppy on display, offering the assumption that all was fine and absolutely nothing was amiss.
That all changed throughout the course of the evening, however, when representatives at the table began making paraphernalia available to all and the selling of certain items, some supporting MAGA (Make America Great Again), some mean-spirited items denouncing President Joe Biden and others putting down COVID-19 vaccinations.
If you’re wondering and haven’t surmised this yourself yet, that’s a huge NO-NO.
Morales told me, “We’re [the Chamber] not a political organization and we don’t support candidates.”
She also said that the group in question never disclosed their plans to get political. In fact, Morales mentioned that both she and a staff member viewed Recycled Pet Rescue’s table area at separate times and all seemed fine.
But community members eventually found differently.
“I attended hospitality night and was shocked and disappointed to see a table displaying materials for sale that denigrated President Joe Biden and promoted a former president who embodies racism, misogyny and a host of other ugly, un-American traits,” said Barbara McMurray. “There were also stickers one could purchase that described anyone taking the coronavirus seriously as a Covidiot.”
Becky Visconti said, “I was shocked to learn that our community, with a long history of environmental action, inclusion, education, and support for arts and sciences, allowed this event to be hijacked by a group promoting misinformation and hatred.”
City Councilmember Peter Blake said that he reached out to the Chamber Sunday morning, adding, “Although I respect one’s constitutional right to political expression, this was done in a despicable way. I’m sure everyone’s learned from this and it won’t happen again.”
Morales was also “equally upset” about the experience and “truly apologizes to the community.”
She also admitted that in many instances at the Chamber that she’s forced to act as “a one-person band,” and that moving forward she will take this as a “painful learning experience,” mentioning that new protocols will be put into place to prevent such future incidents.
The good news is, that other than that, reports were that many, many people enjoyed a wonderful evening.
• • •
It’s party time at Driftwood Kitchen and The Deck this Sunday, Dec. 12, all in the name of charity. From noon to 5 p.m., it’s the inaugural Shake & Stir fundraising event to benefit the Highgate Charitable Foundation. It’s a 21-and-over event with general admission entry tickets going for $125, and early entry VIPs for $175.
Admission includes oysters and a number of other wonderful small bites throughout the day, as well as Champagne, wine, cocktail and beer samplings. Attendees can also enjoy a Shake, Stir & Stay package in conjunction with The Pacific Edge Hotel.
“It is with great excitement that we ‘Shake & Stir’ up some fun again with the community while supporting an organization that impacts so many in need worldwide,” said Director of Operations John Nye. “We look forward to welcoming guests for an afternoon of incredible bites, terrific Champagnes, wines and spirits, and presenting lively entertainment set against stunning oceanfront views. As always at our events, guests can look forward to a few surprises along the way.”
Huh, well that’s a little extra intrigue.
The Deck has also committed to donate $1 from each Red Tide cocktail sold from November 17, 2021 through January 3, 2022.
Highgate Charitable Foundation’s mission is to support philanthropic organizations and communities worldwide that address issues related to poverty, education and healthcare.
More information is available as well as tickets for Shake & Stir at https://events.eventgroove.com/event/Shake-And-Stir-57616.
Committee considers Thurston crosswalk safety, traffic improvements
By SARA HALL
A city committee unanimously decided to study several safety improvements at a crosswalk by a local school after a Laguna Beach police officer raised concerns for the location following some close calls between students and vehicles.
Parking, Traffic and Circulation Committee members voted 6-0 on Thursday (Dec. 2) to direct staff to evaluate eight recommendations as suggested by the traffic engineer to improve safety and traffic flow at the Park Avenue crosswalk at Thurston Middle School.
The items will be noticed to the public and will return at the next PT&C meeting. The staff report will include a cost analysis for each option and the committee can decide to recommend one or more to city council for final approval.
The need for better traffic control and new safety measures at the crosswalk was brought to the committee’s attention by LBPD officer Matt Gregg, who requested a red flashing light device to assist specifically during the hours when kids arrive in the morning and get picked up in the afternoon.
It should help control the flow of traffic and, hopefully, help reduce vehicle speed and prevent any injuries from occurring, he said.
“My partner and I have done enforcement at the location numerous times and have seen kids almost get hit at that location multiple times,” Gregg said. “To be frankly honest, I’m surprised we haven’t seen a student hit there yet.”
Most of Thursday’s discussion centered around whether the flashing light should be red, as requested by Gregg, or yellow, as recommended in a follow-up letter from AGA Engineers, Inc., the traffic engineer company the city hired to review the crosswalk.
Several committee members were on the fence between the two, but ultimately left the red-light option out of the approved motion.
“I’m a little conflicted between the red lights and the yellow lights, but considering I’m no [traffic] engineer I’m willing to go ahead with the proposal,” as described in the traffic engineer’s letter, said committee member Andrew Baxt.
Although the committee may decide on a slightly different approach than what was requested, they should bring something to council in an effort to help, said PT&C Chair Lawrence Esten.
“The officer’s plea for help in this area is well taken,” he said. “It seems like a serious accident waiting to happen.”
Gregg emphasized the safety concerns when he spoke to the committee on Thursday.
He’s seen vehicles speeding on that street while students are crossing. They’ve also received numerous complaints from the crossing guards, Gregg said. Vehicles often don’t obey or yield to the guards, even when they’re in the crosswalk with their stop signs up, he added, and they’ve nearly been hit a few times. There is a big turnaround with crossing guards at that location, he said, largely because of this issue.
Traffic flow is also a problem, Gregg added, particularly during the first few days of school when it’s essentially gridlocked.
“There have been a few times when we go to that location and traffic is completely backed up, mainly because of all the traffic that’s coming out of the school grounds,” he said.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Thurston Middle School
In his proposal, Gregg requested red flashing lights be installed and activated only during the peak morning and afternoon hours, when kids are arriving or leaving school.
An example of what he was requesting are the flashing red lights on Glenneyre Street, at the intersection of Cleo Street, which also has stop signs. They are not proposing actual stop signs by Thurston, Gregg emphasized, just the flashing lights.
He also confirmed that he was not proposing a solid red light like what’s by Laguna College of Art + Design, which was installed following a fatal accident in 2014.
“Our proposal is to hopefully avoid a similar incident at Thurston,” Gregg said. “I pray that it doesn’t happen, but it could happen at any time there, unfortunately.”
These lights would be in addition to the crossing guards already in place, Gregg added. They are not proposing removing the guards already at that location, he confirmed.
Depending on how the city wants to control it, they could give a key to the school to access it or have a city staffer go to the location every day to activate/deactivate it during peak hours, Gregg explained. The crossing guards could regulate or override the lights so they can be turned on and off as needed.
City staff also had the location studied by a traffic engineer, who made several recommendations, but a flashing red light was not one of them, said Associate Civil Engineer Joshua McDonald.
“Because that would potentially create a stop condition, which they were not recommending,” McDonald said.
A flashing red would temporarily create a stop condition during the school arrival/departure times, which the traffic engineer thought would create an inconsistent situation on the road and potentially cause more accidents, McDonald explained.
In the November 30 letter from AGA, Senior Design Engineer Ruben Perales recommended installing solar-powered yellow flashing beacons with programmable time clock units at advance school crossing sign locations for northbound and southbound traffic. The lights may help increase driver awareness during the peak school arrival and dismissal times, Perales wrote.
AGA Engineers also recommended the city monitor traffic during peak school arrival and dismissal times to identify use of the crosswalk at Hillview Drive. If needed, Perales proposed installing additional flashing yellow beacons at advance school crossing signs for both northbound and southbound traffic.
Perales also noted that speeding was observed due to the downhill grade on Park Avenue from vehicles traveling southbound towards the crosswalk. He recommended that police conduct periodic monitoring and patrolling of the area.
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Art courtesy AGA Engineers/City of Laguna Beach
A map of the traffic engineer’s recommended changes
Some of the eight recommendations from AGA Engineers (which were ultimately approved by the committee for further study) include: Flashing yellow light warning signs, LED flashing signs at the crosswalk, striped “bulb-out” on the southerly side of the crosswalk, repainting the crosswalk and cutting back trees.
“It was their opinion that these options would be more preferable than simply a flashing/stopping red,” McDonald said.
While he understands the traffic engineer’s recommendations, Gregg still feels the more appropriate solution would be the red flashing lights. Essentially turning it into a stop sign during those busy hours when kids are crossing the street would help alleviate a lot of the problems, he said.
The red flashing light also gives the officers more leeway in terms of enforcement, he said.
“We actually prefer the flashing red,” Gregg said. “That flashing red device would actually allow us to do enforcement pursuant to vehicle code 21457 [fail to stop for flashing red] and it would actually make that intersection pretty much a stop sign intersection, just without the stop sign.”
According to the California vehicle code, a flashing red traffic signal light means the driver needs to come to a full stop and then proceed when it is safe. A flashing yellow traffic signal light warns driver to “proceed with caution,” meaning slow down and be alert before entering the intersection.
If people are confused, they could add signage explaining that it’s treated as a stop sign when the lights are flashing, Gregg suggested. People will get accustomed to the yellow lights and resume their bad driving habits, he added.
Committee members also had questions about timing, if the lights are programmable, and how well they work compared to just crossing guards. They also raised some concern that if people are disobeying a crossing guard, they will likely disobey a red blinking light.
Answering some questions, McDonald explained that speed tables are not typically considered on slopes as steep as Park Avenue and lowering the speed limit can’t be done without data from a focused speed survey and a recommendation from a traffic engineer.
The downside of the flashing red in that location is that it’s new and different and could be confusing, said Vice Chair Susan Shea. The yellow flashing light is pretty well known as a caution sign and most people driving in the area would likely know there is a school at that location, she added.
Although both options have good points, she agreed with her fellow committee members to follow-up on the traffic engineer’s recommendations, including the yellow light. Something should be done to help improve safety, several committee members agreed.
“If our police feel that this makes crossing safer for the children that go to Thurston Middle School, I believe them and I support it,” Shea said. “I don’t see any issues with it.”
Hospitality Night happenings
Photos by Mary Hurlbut
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Filled with excitement, the crowd waited for the tree lighting at Peppertree Lot on Friday, Dec. 3. Hospitality Night is co-sponsored by the City of Laguna Beach and the Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the start of the holiday season. It was canceled last year, however, the annual event returned in 2021 and drew a huge crowd of festive families.
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Mayor Bob Whalen, his wife Kirsten and their grandson
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With a large official escort, Santa Claus arrived in town, not in his traditional sleigh, but in a Lifeguard Jeep. Only in Laguna! After the tree lighting, he headed down to the outdoor deck at The Promenade to listen to children’s Christmas wishes.
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The tree in all its glory. After the tree was lit, activities included live music, cookie decorating, arts and crafts and letter writing to the troops. Stores were open for holiday browsing.
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Santa Claus and Santa’s Helper Sande St. John
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Getting into the holiday spirit
For more photos by Mary Hurlbut, go to slideshow below:
Editor’s note: Look for more photos from Hospitality Night in Friday’s edition.
“You’re gonna need a bigger boat”
Chief Brody, Jaws (1975)
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Photo by Rich German
Rich German, founder of Our Epic Ocean, took this epic photo of paddleboarder Matt Wheaton, mouth agape, as an enormous ocean sunfish, also commonly known as a mola, swims directly under his board just off the coast. The mola species is the heaviest known bony fish in the world, typically weighing between 550 and 4,500 lbs.
Visitors treated to peek inside Artists’ Studios during open house over the past weekend
By DIANNE RUSSELL
Photos by Mary Hurlbut
It’s not often that one gets to visit an artist’s sacred space – the studio. However, over the past weekend, the public was welcomed into the largest group of Laguna Canyon Artist Studios. It is housed in three buildings on Laguna Canyon Road, just past Big Bend.
Visitors were invited to stroll through the art studios to talk with artists and view their works that represent a wide range of mediums: drawing and painting, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, photography, assemblage and more.
Laguna Canyon Artist Studios has an interesting back story. It’s been the home to scores of professional artists for decades, but it didn’t start out that way. It grew organically from its original purpose as storage and workspace for contractors and tradesmen. It was also the home of the popular ‘80s workout center, The Girls’ Gym.
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Artist Sandra Campbell Jones chats with visitors
Current occupants include abstract and representational painters, ceramicists, jewelers and the headquarters of Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA). The complex currently houses more than 40 artists, including many past and present Festival of Arts and Sawdust Festival exhibitors.
The organizers of this year’s event said that the artist participants this year reflected a good portion of the occupants.
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Teresa Hill (right) stands in front of her series “Juicy Goddesses.” Artist Leslie Sollberger is on the far left.
Teresa Hill has been in the complex since 2017. Hill studied at LCAD, and her work focuses on gender identity, feminism and bi-racial issues. “The first of the Juicy Goddess paintings (“If I Were Venus”) was created in response to an MFA course that I took in 2017 on the topics of women, gender and identity. It’s not as serious as some of my other work, it’s more fun and joyous.” Many of her other paintings deal with thought-provoking and disturbing subjects, so this is a different artistic avenue.
Hill’s friend Leslie Sollberger’s work is displayed in the same space as Hill’s work. The majority of Sollberger’s pieces are portraits with gilded backgrounds based on sacred geometry. However, there is one of her dog. “I use a compass to make them,” she said. “All the designs mean something.” Pastiglia and sgraffito are methods she uses in her work.
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Hand-fabricated jewelry designer Karin Worden in conversation with some of the visitors to her studio
Artist Karin Worden’s specialty is fine silver and gold jewelry. She has exhibited off and on for 15 plus years at the Festival of Arts and has occupied her studio for five years. “This event is definitely worth it,” Worden said. “It helps build clientele. I get a lot of custom orders for birthdays and anniversaries. I also sell online.” A Laguna resident, she received a BA from San Diego State and her Master’s Degree in Fine Arts in Boston. Inspired by botanicals, especially antique botanical illustrations, all her pieces are handmade and she loves goldsmithing. “It’s a centuries old art. I could study it for the rest of my life and still not know all of it,” she said. Worden has a special series which consists of Darkened Silver “Pollinated” with 22k gold.
Amanda Fish, an artist at FOA, said, “Karin’s jewelry reflects her spark and love of nature. It’s unique and exquisite.”
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Fred Hope worked with his mentor Wayne Thiebaud for seven years
Fred Hope’s main focuses now are to see his work exhibited in museums and to teach workshops. Hope has just concluded an exhibition at the Manetti Shrem Museum at University of California Davis during which Wayne Thiebaud, Hope’s mentor, was honored. Hope has been a professional artist, entertainment designer and educator since attending art school at Art Center College of Design in the early 1970s. He holds classes in composition and painting, as well as art critique workshops, which are held at the studio.
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Rosemary Swimm holds a painting by her husband Tom Swimm
A long-term resident, artist Tom Swimm and his wife Rosemary, who is executive director of LPAPA, have been in the studio complex for 13 years. “It’s always been an annual event the first weekend in December,” Rosemary said. “We clean up and decorate for the holidays. It’s a great time for collectors. It’s always been a good show and an interactive event for the collectors. They visit with each other. Over the years, the landlord Reggie Horvath has been incredibly supportive.”
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Adrienne Fayne in her studio with her paintings and sculptures
Adrienne Fayne lived in Los Angeles for 50 years before moving to Laguna in 2017. She’s been an artist for 40 years and began sculpting 25 years ago. She also works in mixed media, found objects and plaster and bronze. “It’s always been my dream to come down here to live,” she said. “I was a stone sculptor and then I started sculpting in clay at a class, and I fell in love with it.”
Fayne is a board member with the CAP Gallery whose mission is to increase the visibility and appreciation of art and serve as a catalyst for Art Education. She is also a member of the Laguna Art Museum Council and past member of LACMA.
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Gianne de Genevraye (left) in a discussion with a visitor
Painter Gianne de Genevraye lives here in Laguna for half of the year and spends the other half in Italy and France. A fairly newcomer to the complex, Genevraye has been in her space for a year and a half. She describes her work as contemporary nature. “I have painted gardens and landscapes on site all over the world,” she said. “Now I’m doing space scapes.”
She received her Fine Arts Degree from UCI in the 1970s. “Back then, there were only 40 people in the department and one of my teachers was Tony Delap,” Genevraye said.
The conclusion of another annual event
This open house weekend is a fantastic event. To have the opportunity to talk with an artist about his or her work in the studio where it is created is a rare pleasure.
The Clarks from Mission Viejo have been visiting the studios every year since the open studio weekends began 20 years ago. What is the attraction? “I love art and love artists. They’re fun people,” said Debbie Clark.
For information on Teresa Hill, go to www.teresahillart.com.
For information on Leslie Sollberger, go tol esliesollberger.com.
For information on Adrienne Fayne, call 310.367.4224.
For information on Fred Hope, go to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
For information on Karin Worden, go to www.botanicalartjewelry.com.
For information on Tom Swimm, go to www.tomswimmfineart.com.
For information on Gianne de Genevraye, go to www.gianne.org.
For the love of art…
LOCA Arts Education is having an online auction & fundraiser going on now through December 12…and many unique art experiences await!
One artist is offering to come to your home to teach you a drawing lesson, another is inviting you to come to their home to view their extensive art collection, an author is offering to come to your book group, and a number are welcoming you into their studio for some art time together.
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Photos courtesy of LOCA
Bid on a printmaking class with Vinita Voogd
The Art Experiences vary in the number of people invited – from one-on-one, up to 15 people. Buy an Art Experience for yourself or give it as a gift to someone you care about. Put a group together for a memorable birthday party, book club meeting or a celebration of a graduation, an anniversary or Mother’s/Father’s Day.
Win a donut painting class with Lisa Mansour if you are the highest bidder
The time and date of each Art Experience is flexible. It will be determined by what works for both the winning bidder and the artist.
So, feast your eyes on all the offerings and be inspired by all the opportunities to receive individual attention and unique access to artists and their studios. Then, start bidding.
To see all the items, go to https://www.32auctions.com/LOCA2.
Santa parade coming to town on December 12
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Santa has been busy in his workshop preparing for the holiday season, but he will be taking a break and driving through Laguna Beach accompanied by Christmas carolers. Don’t miss the City of Laguna Beach Santa caravan on Sunday, Dec. 12. The caravan will start in South Laguna at 3:30 p.m. making its way through town. Use the Trolley Tracker app for the route and to track Santa live in real-time.
Napa Valley meets Paris right here in Laguna at Arrow&Branch Home & Lifestyle
By DIANNE RUSSELL
Photos by Mary Hurlbut
The Contursi family – Steve and Seanne and their five children – is not one to sit on their laurels. Quite the contrary – they have a long history of unique and diverse endeavors, from rare coins to vineyards, to acting, dancing, fashion, finance, design and now a boutique – Arrow&Branch. By all accounts, this seems to be yet another successful dip into their bottomless well of creativity.
On May 11, without any fanfare, Arrow&Branch opened its doors. Since its debut was strictly under the radar, many residents are still discovering this one-of-a-kind shop. “The response has been endearing and so many people from the community have stopped by,” Seanne, founder of Arrow&Branch, said. “It’s lovely to see people walk by and take notice of us. It’s been rewarding to connect with locals and some of the residents are even familiar with our wine brand Arrow&Branch.”
On Sunday, Dec. 12, residents are invited to stop in for a “Sip & Shop Pop Up” from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. They’ll be offering a 15%* event discount (*a few exclusions apply).
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(L-R) Seanne and her daughter Lexie
Seanne’s passion for home interiors and hosting led her to pursue her desire to open a local boutique. In putting together Arrow&Branch, she has curated a captivating balance of décor, gifts and wardrobe essentials.
“I always dreamed of having a shop and working alongside my daughters in a creative project to share with the Laguna Beach community – which is really what the boutique is all about,” Seanne said.
Now that vision has come to fruition, and daughters Lexie and Nicolette are creative partners in the boutique.
Having lived in town for 33 years, the Contursi family is well-rooted in all things Laguna. All of Steve and Seanne’s children have gone through the Laguna school system. “We raised five children here and were entrenched in Laguna – Steve coached a lot, and we were active in SchoolPower. I missed those days, and I wanted to reconnect with the community – and the next generation.”
Their daughter Carly has been an HR Director for firms such as Broadcom, Allergan, Johnson & Johnson and Experian, son Michael is president of Rare Coin Wholesalers, their multi-generation business, and son Steven is in finance and lives in Charleston, SC. The Contursis have four grandchildren.
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The shop opened on May 11, 2021
However, Seanne did have reservations about opening a boutique. “I didn’t want to duplicate the items of the other décor/home shops in town,” she explained. “I wanted the merchandise to be specialized and unique, and I tried to pay attention to that. It’s a collaboration of the aesthetics of family and friends who are all on the same wave length.”
There’s no doubt that she’s achieved her goal. From exquisite jewelry to vintage barware and Hermes pillows, there’s nothing commonplace about her merchandise – or the charming Arrow&Branch building which has a distinct European flavor.
The Contursi family built the structure that houses the shop 15 years ago, but it sat vacant until this year.
“We didn’t have the time and vision to put a boutique in here during those years, it was too crazy,” Seanne said.
They had quite a lot to keep them busy. In 2007, the Contursi family bought Tony Soter’s home/vineyard in Napa Valley and started producing wine – Arrow&Branch. “We said, ‘we either have to sell the grapes or start producing it ourselves,’” said Seanne. “I have been very hands on for the last 14 years.”
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A mixture of old and new
Seanne splits her time between Laguna and the family’s Napa Valley vineyard, where she manages their wine label. Their wine is in a very select few restaurants in town and in Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa. “We produce approximately 1,500 cases each year of all our wines combined. In 2020 we did not produce any red wines due to the fires. Our 2021 vintage is currently in barrel. We make a Red Wine Blend, a Cabernet Sauvignon, two Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, a Sauvignon Blanc & Rosé.”
Chat Noir
Daughters Nicolette and Lexie each bring their own personal touch to the Arrow&Branch boutique.
“Lexie has been in Los Angeles for the last 13 years pursuing her acting and dancing career,” Seanne said. “She came back home during COVID. Most of the auditions are done by Zoom now, so she can do them from here.”
Lexie and Nicolette turned their love of vintage jewelry into a jewelry line called Chat Noir, which includes a Classics Collection – all gold with no adornment.
“I’ve always been into jewelry and accessories, even in high school,” said Lexie. “It comes from my mother, but then I developed my own personal style through accessories. Friends would ask me where I got my (1980s) collection and then asked if I could help them find some pieces. I had the idea for a couple of years, and I rolled it out in April. I like 14K and 18K gold – with diamonds and gems. It’s cool to have actual pieces from the 1980s, and it’s nice to have something you can wear every day and not just save for a special occasion.”
Not all the pieces from her Classic Collection are in the store. She has just released her fourth collection, which is going to bring back more stones.
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Toni + Cholë Goutal Jewelry
Nicolette has been living in Paris for five years studying and working in the luxury fashion industry. She brings touches of her Parisienne life to the boutique, sourcing vintage garments and décor from her extensive sojourns throughout Europe. She is currently working on a capsule collection of clothing for Arrow&Branch Home.
One of the fine jewelry lines the shop offers, Chapter Six Jewelry, is a sustainable brand with a mission to give back. They use recycled gold, CVD diamond and lab grown gemstones.
Practicing the ultimate in recycling, Seanne created shark tooth pendants using shark teeth that her son Steven collected on an island off of Charleston.
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Lexie wearing one of the Toni + Cholë Goutal crescent moon necklaces
One of Lexie’s friends has an antique fine jewelry line of celestial necklaces and love token rings – Toni + Cholë Goutal. According to Seanne, the love token rings were very popular in the early 1900s. “People are starting to discover them,” she said.
Shoppers will also find rare items such as handmade silk-blended pillow covers from a Paris show, silk totes made in Turkey and petrified wood stools from Brazil.
They also carry a line of Arrow&Branch candles with two signature fragrances. Ecologically friendly French Girl botanicals, out of the Pacific Northwest, are featured along with other skin care products.
Nicolette and Lexie’s friend of many years, Vy Nguyen is the founder of Lolli Swim. She more recently started Sunshine Brands, and the shop carries their Paradise Club (CBD-infused skin care line) and her Hello Goldie (organic CBD-infused botanical teas).
Everyday elegance
Arrow&Branch has a nice supply of vintage barware. “It’s like a trip down memory lane for some people who come in,” Seanne said. “Then it’s fun for them to pull out their vintage pieces and use them. It’s about mixing the old and the new.”
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Pillows made from Hermes scarves
It’s a perfect mix of old and new. Exquisite Hermes scarves from Paris are made into pillows and are also framed. A prime example of elegance that can be used and appreciated every day.
To search for merchandise, Seanne goes to a few markets, but not just to bring home “stuff.” “I purchase what I enjoy,” she said. “It was a new project, since I’ve never been in retail. With the difficulties in traveling and the supply chain, lately we’ve been heavier into vintage.”
Arrow&Branch - what’s in a name
Although they are two separate entities, the home shop and the winery do share the same name, which has an unusual origin.
Steve is a professional numismatist who specializes in the finest quality, historically significant, rare U.S. coins, and is the founder of Rare Coin Wholesalers. It maintains the largest active United States Rare Coin Inventory in the world. Contursi was inspired to name the vineyard and wine brand as a reference to an historic, multi-million-dollar gold coin he owned at the time. The 1787-dated Brasher Doubloon, created by goldsmith Ephraim Brasher, a New York City neighbor of George Washington, depicts an eagle clutching arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other.
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Vintage barware
As described by Seanne, Arrow&Branch is inspired by a casually elegant California lifestyle along with many travels. “To us, this style is all about family, farm-to-table meals, loads of entertaining, an effortlessly chic wardrobe, thoughtful gifting and mixing new with vintage. At Arrow&Branch Home, these key concepts are at the heart of the boutique.”
Arrow&Branch Home and Lifestyle is located at 867 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.
For more information, go to www.arrowandbranch.com, or call 949.464.4353.
Follow them on Instagram @arrowandbranchhome.
For more on Chat Noir, go to www.chatnoirjewels.com.
For more on Nicolette’s vintage fashions, go to www.lesarchivesparis.com.
For information on the Arrow&Branch Winery, go to www.arrowandbranchhome.com.
“Art in Public Places” – Water Lily by Larry Gill
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.
Water Lily by Laguna artist Larry Gill was installed behind Tuvalu in 2004.
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Sculpture depicts three brass leaves
Water Lily, a fountain made of brass, copper and stainless steel, is situated near the intersection of Forest Avenue and Glenneyre Street, discreetly located between two buildings. The structure comprises three brass leaves that direct water into an irregularly shaped, concrete basin.
It serves as a source of peace and tranquility a few steps away from the energetic avenue. Upon encountering the piece, visitors will notice sound emanating from the water that cascades down each brass leaf into a pool of water. Gill explains that the inspiration behind the fountain was that kind of sound. “When water falls from more than one source, you get harmony – like violins all playing at once,” he said. “By making [the fountain] with three leaves, I was able to come up with a really beautiful sound.”
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Gill has several public art pieces in Laguna
Though he originally aspired to be a painter, Gill discovered early on in his career that he was far too tactile not to sculpt. For the past 40 years, he has been creating his works of art using stone, metal and other media. He has a welding studio in Santa Ana, which allows him to shape metals into inspired pieces of art.
Gill has installed sculptures around Laguna Beach, from Welcome, a permanent waterfall structure at the Sawdust Art & Craft Festival, to Waves, which resides on the corner of Forest Street and Coast Highway. He also created the new gates at the Sawdust Art & Craft Festival with fellow artist Gavin Heath to commemorate the 50th anniversary.
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A serene setting near a busy street
This is the 38th 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.
Letters to the Editor
Today is Pearl Harbor Day
Early on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese fighter pilots attacked U.S. forces at Pearl Harbor. It wasn’t just the beginning of World War II for America, it was, as President Roosevelt solemnly told Congress the next day, “a date which will live in infamy.”
The war lasted more than four years. In the end, 407,316 U.S. troops fought and died so that future generations, like mine, could live in peace and freedom. Ironically, Col. Edward Shames, the last remaining officer of the historic WW II parachute infantry regiment, known as Easy Company, died a few days ago at age 99. So did Bob Dole. On Sunday, the 1996 Republican nominee for president, passed away at age 98. I’m sure Shames, this proud member of the Band of Brothers, and Dole, the former U.S. Senator, would have wanted us to remember Pearl Harbor Day.
Today, we are fighting several wars simultaneously. First, the war on international terrorism; second, the war against COVID; and third, the war against each other. After fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan for 20 years, we owe it to the more than 7,000 U.S. troops who died there to continue guarding against threats to America. The same is true when it comes to the memory of the more than 750,000 moms, dads, brothers and sisters, who have been felled by the coronavirus. If you ask me, the sooner tens of millions of our neighbors get vaccinated, the sooner we can resume our pre-pandemic lives.
And then there is the war Americans are fighting on street corners and in Congress. Except for places like Charlottesville, where Neo-Nazis marched in 2017, and the steps of the U.S. Capitol, where rioters tried to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power last January, today’s war is mostly vile, disgusting words. My fear is, if left unchecked, these words easily could escalate to hand-to-hand combat here at home. And that, my friends, is not what Col. Shames, Bob Dole – or the millions of U.S. soldiers who marched off to war in the 1940s – fought to protect.
Yes, Dec. 7, 1941 was a date which will live in infamy. For the sake of our nation’s future, I hope and pray we never see another one.
Denny Freidenrich
Laguna Beach
Free jazz concert on December 9
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Courtesy of Lisa Morrice
On Thursday, Dec. 9, the public is invited to a free holiday jazz concert presented by the Laguna Community Concert Band and the City of Laguna Beach Recreation Division. Directed by Lynn Olinger, the concert takes place at the Community and Susi Q Center terrace from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, coffee and holiday cookies. RSVP today at www.lagunabeachcity.net/recreation, or call 949.497.0788 for more information.
Meet Pet of the Week Wallace
Wallace is currently taking over Pet of the Week. He is a 7-year-old Dobermann who is neutered. He is very calm, affectionate and a favorite to anyone who meets him. Wallace is on the quiet side, and is a great companion to have in your life. Nancy Goodwin, shelter director, is hoping to have Wallace adopted as soon as possible.
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Courtesy of the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter
Wallace is currently looking for a new home before Christmas
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.
LagunaTunes Community Chorus to present a “Re-Gifted Christmas”
LagunaTunes Community Chorus will present “Re-Gifted Christmas,” a live, free concert on Sunday, Dec. 19 at 4 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church. After a long break from Zoom meetings, virtual rehearsals and recorded mini-concerts, the chorus members are excited to be cautiously back together in person. With a variety of new music and popular re-gifted favorites, LagunaTunes Chorus will entertain concert-goers with some sweet, some funny…but definitely something for everyone.
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Courtesy of LagunaTunes
LagunaTunes will sing new tunes and some re-gifted favorites
For the health and safety of performers and audience, a strict COVID policy will be in effect: All audience members (5 years and older) must wear a mask and show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within the last 72 hours before the performance. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, they will not be able to accommodate children under the age of 5.
The chorus is led by Bob Gunn, popular director of Orange County’s Men Alive chorus and Laguna’s St. Mary’s choir. LagunaTunes is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides choral singing to everyone (no auditions). Funding is by the FOA Foundation, The Lodging Establishments and City of Laguna Beach.
St. Mary’s Church is located at 428 Park Ave., Laguna Beach.
For more information, go to www.lagunatuneschorus.org or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Where’s Maggi – the answers!
Several folks were onto Maggi’s whereabouts this week. These happy children are playing out at the front of Boat Canyon/Pavilions shopping center – the sculpture is in front of Reunion restaurant. Mark Porterfield was on it, as were Beth Johnsen, Janene Freitas and Judy Barry.
Thanks, everyone, for playing along!
Check in on Friday for a new challenge.
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Children playing in the bushes – in front of Boat Canyon
Stock the Pantry opportunity drawing 2021
In December 2020, the residents of Laguna Beach came together and raised more than $65,000 for the Laguna Food Pantry through the “Stock the Pantry” fundraiser sponsored by the Mike Johnson Group of Compass. Generous local retail partners created gift baskets to be given away to selected donors in an opportunity drawing and were the catalyst to this fundraiser’s success.
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Photo courtesy of the Mike Johnson Group
A Cock & Tail gift basket is among those in the opportunity drawing
In 2021, the need is greater than ever. In partnership with 10 generous local businesses, the Mike Johnson Group is again sponsoring the Stock the Pantry Fundraiser and Opportunity Drawing for Laguna Food Pantry. Any donations in the month of December to the Pantry at www.lagunafoodpantry.com will be entered to win one of eight incredible gift baskets from Gorjana, Tuvalu, Cock & Tail Home, Studio Taka, Laguna Surf and Sport, Laguna Books, Stitch and Feather, Vertigo Home, Koloa Surf Company and Good Together House.
Remember when you donate at the website, you must type Stock the Pantry in the “Write us a Comment” section of the online donation form. Donate $25 for 10 entries, $100 for 50 entries and donations of $200 or more will receive 150 entries.
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A Studio Taka gift basket will be given away in the opportunity drawing
The best part is the Mike Johnson Group will match donations up to a maximum of $5,000.
Thank you to all their donors and please consider making a year-end donation if you can. The recovery from COVID has been very uneven and there are neighbors who are still in need. The Laguna Food Pantry is serving far more families than ever, and they do it on a shoestring budget.
If you have any questions, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 949.226.2119.
Dennis’ Tidbits
By DENNIS McTIGHE
Two paths in life
My first path in life came to me the day I was introduced to the beautiful blue Pacific at the tender age of three on a sunny, warm and calm summer’s afternoon at Main Beach. Something clicked right then and there, and since that very eventful day, I’ve probably spent more time in the water than I have on land, seriously.
When I was young, I think my mom and pop started checking behind my ears to see if I was growing a set of gills – I kid you not! Surfing and bodysurfing became a major part of my life at a very early age and remain so to this day. It’s become a daily ritual to go check out the waves and look at the satellite maps as soon as I roll out of bed. The ocean dictates what I’ll be doing that day and which responsibilities will suffer – or at least be put off – until I get in that water.
I’m sure there are some folks out there that search for their path in life, but for some reason, never discover it. I guess I was one of the lucky ones as I had not one, but two paths, laid out before me. My second lifelong path was set on my fifth birthday way back on August 3, 1952 at the Grand Canyon when I was introduced to the drama of the Earth’s atmosphere. Here’s how that one went down:
My pop was a professional photographer and took photos for the popular monthly magazine called Arizona Highways. The magazine sent my pop on an assignment to the Grand Canyon for a few days to capture the beauty of the place which was one of the seven “Wonders of the World.”
It was a warm, still and muggy August afternoon as my pop set up his camera gear at the Canyon’s North Rim. Although it was sunny at that time, to the south there were clusters of deep dark cauliflower clouds. Some anvil-shaped ones were protruding from the tops of these monster clouds. My pop knew a thing or two about weather, so he figured he had at least an hour or two before all hell broke loose, and he had some time to get in some shots.
Sure enough, around an hour later, these dark menacing cumulonimbus clouds were starting to overtake the sky. I might note that August in the Grand Canyon is smack dab in the middle of their “summer monsoon season” and thunderstorms – some severe – are nearly a daily occurrence in a busy summer.
The grumble of distant thunder was heard and flashes of lightning could be seen in the southern sky. Minutes later a cold wind began to drop out of these foreboding boiling monsters as the thunder got louder with each passing moment. Intense flashes began to light up the entire sky, followed closely by ear- piercing thunder as huge raindrops began to pelt the ground, causing tourists to run for cover. In seconds everyone was gone. Except for me.
I was so overwhelmed and enthralled by all of this atmospheric chaos, I was frozen in my tracks. Standing fearlessly at the rim’s edge, I shouted these ear ringing words, “Show me what you’ve got!”
Suddenly my pop grabbed me, and we sprinted for shelter to our nearby cabin. When we got there, he said to my mom: “I don’t know what’s going on with our son, Monet. He’s not the least bit scared!”
My second path in life was laid out for me right then and there. Some 69 years later, I remember that day like it was yesterday. Anyone who knows me knows I’m not bluffing. More on my two paths on Friday.
Have a safe and healthy week, ALOHA!
An angel among us
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Photo by Scott Brashier
These cirrus clouds offer up the image of an angel watching down over us
One-of-a-kind holiday sing-along planned for the community this Saturday
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Courtesy the Garden Band
With the decorations up, holiday hats, rhythm instruments and song books ready to be provided, the community is once again invited to a traditional holiday sing-along this Saturday, Dec. 11 from 3-5 p.m. It all takes place in the South Laguna Community Garden Park, located at Eagle Rock Way & Coast Highway. Garden Band founders Tom Joliet and Tony Bisson will lead the music. Guests can bring instruments if they wish, their singing voices and snacks or treats to share. And, for those concerned, the Garden Park offers ample room for social distancing.
Live! At the Museum: AlmaNova
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Courtesy of LAM
On Thursday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m., the award-winning innovative flute and guitar duo, AlmaNova, will present an eclectic program of chamber music in the museum gallery. Their music has been featured for various film and TV projects including “Chuck,” “Human Target” and “From Mexico with Love.” Advance tickets recommended. Tickets are $7 for Museum members; $14 for non-members. For tickets and more information, go here.
St. Mary’s completes six-month food drive
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Laguna Beach has just finished its food drive to help the hungry children and families who come to the Pantry in great numbers every day of the week. The church members donated a different staple food each month for six months, and delivered multiple bags of food to the Pantry monthly.
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Courtesy of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
St. Mary’s parishioners donated a total of just over 900 pounds of food in a six-month period
By focusing on gathering one or two staple items per month, St. Mary’s really assisted the Pantry staff who did not have to spend so much time sorting the food. Also, the parishioners found it easy to pick up one extra box or jar of food as they did their weekly shopping.
The church gathered 144 cans of beans in June, 263 tins of tuna in July, 130 jars of peanut butter and jelly in August, 52 boxes of cereal and 50 packets of rice in September, 52 packets of pasta and 70 jars of pasta sauce in October and 104 boxes of mac ‘n cheese in November. These are the staples most in demand at the Pantry. St. Mary’s parishioners donated a total of just over 900 pounds of food.
For more information on the Food Pantry, visit www.lagunafoodpantry.org. To find out more information on St. Mary’s, visit www.stmaryslagunabeach.org.
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is located at 428 Park Ave., Laguna Beach.
Local dentist selected to “The Incisal Edge 40 Under 40” edition
Dr. Alex Kalmanovich, DDS of Laguna Family Dentistry has been selected and included in “The Incisal Edge 40 Under 40” edition.” This honor is presented to “rising dental stars in the U.S.,” according to Chuck Cohen, founder of Incisal Edge dental lifestyle magazine.
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Submitted photo
Dr. Alex Kalmanovich
“Incisal Edge celebrates dentists’ achievements both inside the operatory and during their hard-earned downtime – and nothing better exemplifies this than the magazine’s annual 40 Under 40 edition, a series of informative profiles of the finest young practitioners in our industry. Whether they’re renowned for their medical innovations, their volunteer work and philanthropy or simply their commitment to outstanding patient care, these 40 honorees, nominated by industry experts from around the country and vetted by an independent panel, represent the best of dentistry today, and the promise of even better dentistry tomorrow.” (Incisal Edge).
Dr. Kalmanovich, has been practicing in Laguna Beach since 2013. He practices general and cosmetic dentistry utilizing the newest technologies to provide customized dental care with a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry. “Dr. Alex,” as he’s known to many patients, makes going to the dentist fun and exciting with his friendly and compassionate nature. Any new patient always says that they feel extremely welcome upon joining and current patients say that they feel like they are part of the Laguna Dentistry Family.
Dr. Kalmanovich is honored to be selected for this achievement and moreover honored to continue to serve the incredible people of Laguna Beach. http://lagunafamilydentistry.com
Look who’s back
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Photo by Scott Brashier
Could it be? Jonathan Livingston appears to be back for an early holiday visit
‘Tis the season for holiday art workshops
By MARRIE STONE
This story is a part of our Arts section. Visit www.stunewslaguna.com/arts for more arts stories as well as our arts calendars.
Handmade gifts and crafty Christmas ornaments are a festive way to commemorate the season and lock memories in time. Throughout the month of December, several holiday art workshops are being offered around town for every age and skill level. Creating the piece may be as much fun as taking home the keepsake.
Kick off December this Friday Night at Laguna’s Annual Hospitality Night. LOCA teachers will be on hand to help your little ones make a colorful ornament for the tree.
Every weekend through December 19, the Sawdust Festival is offering a wide spectrum of art classes and workshops, as well as various art demonstrations. Try your hand at making a pinch pot or animal sculpture at the Ceramics Center. Help your little ones create festive pipe cleaner wreaths, chalk art, polar bear sculptures or other creations at the Children’s Art Spot. Or stop by Studio One for a variety of other art classes appropriate for both children and adults.
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Photo by Marrie Stone
The Children’s Art Spot (located near GG’s Bistro and the petting zoo) offers an array of hands-on art options for young guests
We’ve chosen a few examples to give you a small sampling of what’s available this month for creative hands, both large and small.
Tim Hahne’s Sunshine Swirl at Sawdust Festival
Tim Hahne returns this winter with his popular Sunshine Swirl watercolor class on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. in Studio One. Appropriate for ages 4-104, students are often surprised by what they’re able to produce.
“I take people step-by-step through the process and show them there’s no wrong way of doing it,” Hahne said. “Once they understand the concept of inking, they’re able to produce something that looks really nice. People come back all the time to tell me they framed their piece because it looked so good.”
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Photo by Jeff Rovner
Tim Hahne shows off his Sunshine Swirl. Classes are offered on Saturday mornings at 11 a.m. through December 18 in Studio One.
Last summer, an 8-year-old boy attended Hahne’s Sunshine Swirl class. “He was working on his piece, doing all the color. Then he started doing the inking and put all these stitches along the edges. I asked him about it, and he said, ‘I’m stitching the universe back together because it’s broken.’”
After that experience, Hahne said he learns as much from his students as they do from him.
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Photo by Marrie Stone
Tim Hahne teaching in Studio One
Holiday art with Hedy Buzan at Sawdust Festival
Longtime Sawdust Festival and former Festival of Arts exhibitor Hedy Buzan will teach a variety of art workshops every Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. through December 18. From three-dimensional snowflake ornaments to festive holiday shadowboxes, Buzan brings her decades of instructional experience to every class. Because every week’s project is unique, regular visitors can return for a wholly new experience.
Buzan taught a “Let’s Draw an Apple” watercolor pencil class this past summer that proved popular. “For the Christmas season, we’ll draw pears,” she said. “I’m excited because these make perfect gifts for grandmothers or other relatives.”
A fellow artist recently donated 40 greeting card boxes to the Sawdust. Buzan soon saw their potential and went to work creating a shadowbox project she plans to teach later this month. “It’s a fun challenge to find projects appropriate for all ages that can be done quickly enough to allow people to enjoy the show and still have something to take home that they’re proud to have made,” she said.
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Photo by Marrie Stone
Hedy Buzan showcases her Christmas tree shadowbox. Buzan teaches on Saturday afternoons at 1 p.m. in Studio One.
“Children sit down, listen to me talk about texture and contour and color. Then they do their own thing, and it turns out better than mine,” Buzan said. “Kids know how to draw in their own wonderful ways.”
Buzan’s workshops are appropriate for children of all ages, though smaller hands may need help with scissors and some adult supervision. Classes are usually between 30 and 45 minutes.
Kate Cleaves’ Magical Peg Doll Fairies at Sawdust Festival
Inspired by the fairy corner she’s created in booth 419, Kate Cleaves is offering a Peg Doll Fairy Class on Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. Made from old-fashioned clothespins, bits of colorful fabrics, yarn and ribbon, these fairies make adorable ornaments or sweet gifts to put under the tree.
“I tried to simplify the process so anybody can do it,” said Cleaves. “Older kids can decorate them in greater detail and younger kids can still make them with a little help.”
Cleaves offers a few color choices for each step, including brunette and blonde wigs and various wing colors. The full project takes less than an hour.
Before devoting herself to art fulltime, Cleaves worked as a nanny for several years. Engaging with children is a longstanding passion. “There’s something sacred about the way kids see the world,” she said. “I feel like we can learn some important things from them. I love getting to do this class. I get charged up with these little faces, their wide eyes and their inspiration. They’re amazing.”
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Photo by Jeff Rovner
Kate Cleaves shows off her Peg Doll Fairy. Classes are offered on Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 19 in Studio One.
Other classes and demonstrations
In addition to formal art classes and workshops being offered on the grounds, several Sawdust artists also offer pop-up demonstrations. A few artists work in their booths, soldering jewelry or perfecting their paintings. The glass blowing booth is a Sawdust Festival favorite. Watch artists as they maneuver around a furnace heated to more than 2,000 degrees. The glassblower manipulates the glass using a process known as “marvering,” which forms a cool skin on the molten glass blob and shapes it. The show is both hypnotic and fascinating.
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Photo by Jeff Rovner
Glassblower Bruce Freund demonstrates the art of making a glass bowl
Pottery workshops are also offered at the Ceramics Center throughout the weekend. All classes are complimentary. Visit the Sawdust Festival website for a schedule.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Complimentary ceramics classes are offered throughout the weekend at the Ceramics Center located to the left of the front entrance
For a complete listing of all classes offered this December at the Sawdust Festival, visit their website at https://sawdustartfestival.org/festival-classes/.
Winter Fantasy is open weekends through December 19. Hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for children (6-12) and free for veterans and children ages 5 and under. A season pass is available for $20 which allows unlimited admission. Tickets may be purchased in advance online or in person at the box office.
The Winter Fantasy is located at 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.
This story is a part of our Arts section. Visit www.stunewslaguna.com/arts for more arts stories as well as our arts calendars.
Bushard’s Pharmacy thanks community as they celebrate anniversary; cheers to 75 years!
By DIANNE RUSSELL
During Hospitality Night this evening, stop by Bushard’s Pharmacy and join in the festivities as they commemorate their 75th anniversary. “We got permission from the city to use the parklet for a festive space to serve snacks and such,” said Marisa Fader, a third generation Bushard. “We wouldn’t have been here for 75 years without the community’s support – we couldn’t have stayed in business without it. We want residents to know how thankful and appreciative we are for their loyalty.”
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Bushard’s opened in 1946 on PCH and moved to the current location in 1960
It has yet to be officially determined which local business has chalked up the most years of continuous operation since opening its doors, but Bushard’s Pharmacy is certainly a contender. They were even open during the pandemic.
A downtown Laguna landmark that is family-owned and run, Bushard’s is a pharmacy where the customer is not just a prescription number. Both the pharmacy and store staff know residents by their first names and have served generation upon generation of local families. Much like a mom-and-pop store, it feels like a gathering place where neighbors and friends bump into each other and catch up on what’s going on in their respective lives.
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Courtesy of Bushard Family
Earl and Joe Bushard
What have been the most memorable moments for Fader?
“The fantastic part of being here at the store is hearing all of the stories that I didn’t know before about when my mom and dad and grandparents,” Fader said.
Since the Bushard family has been in Laguna since 1942, there must be a lot of stories to tell. In 1946, four years after arriving in town, Joe Bushard and his brother Earl opened up Bushard’s Pharmacy and Apothecary – which included a soda fountain – on Pacific Coast Highway across from the Hotel Laguna.
Joe, a graduate of the USC School of Pharmacy, had a dream. His vision was to build something for his wife Mary and family – and to serve the residents of Laguna Beach.
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Photo by Gabe Sullivan
(L-R) Marisa Fader, Jamison Fader, Sheila Bushard-Jamison and Luke Jamison
The business moved from its original location on PCH to the space Moulin now occupies on Forest Avenue. Then in 1960, Bushard – tired of renting – built the pharmacy just down the street on Forest – its current location.
“The city thought the walkway next to the building was too modern and progressive, but I don’t know what we’d do without it,” Fader said.
After being the pharmacist and owner for 40 years, Bushard was ready to retire and his daughter Sheila Bushard-Jamison became the new owner. No stranger to the business, Bushard-Jamison had worked at the pharmacy in some capacity since she was 13. Bushard-Jamison and her then partner Tony D’Altorio, the pharmacist, ran the store for the next 20 years until Tony’s passing in 2007. Bushard-Jamison then became the sole owner of the business.
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Courtesy of Bushard Family
1950s filing system; Joe with his brother Earl in the background
And if there was an award named the “The Most Local Family” of all local families in Laguna, the Bushard-Jamisons would be hard to beat. Bushard-Jamison’s husband was also born in Laguna. His father was a member of Laguna Beach High School’s first graduating class.
Bushard-Jamison and Fader are now at the helm of the family business.
Fader admits that she’s always been interested in fashion and business. “I love the business side of Bushard’s.” It’s not a surprise that she graduated with a business degree from Loyola Marymount. Unfortunately, it just happened to be during the recession. “There weren’t a lot of jobs, so I came here in 2010 and ended up loving it.”
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Courtesy of Bushard Family
Marisa with her grandfather Joe
Her brother Luke, who received his BS in Cinematography and Film/Video Production from Los Angeles Film School in 2021, has worked on and off at the store doing deliveries – especially during summers off from school – and helps out whenever he can.
“My mom comes in two days a week now, so she can enjoy her semi-retirement and spend more time with Jamison [Marisa’s 2-and-a-half-year-old son],” Fader said.
Last year in May when they launched their new website, they gave the outside of the building a facelift with a fresh coat of paint and a new logo. “It was a little rebranding,” Fader said. “It’s a delicate balance of old and new.”
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Courtesy of Bushard Family
(L-R) Joe Bushard, Sheila Bushard-Jamison and Tony D’Altorio (Bushard-Jamison’s business partner for two decades)
As a benefit to residents, Bushard’s continues to provide COVID vaccinations at the vacant drug store building on Broadway Avenue. “Customers are very appreciative,” Fader said. “It’s easy and there’s parking. There are days that we are fully booked. We’ll begin providing children’s vaccinations on a separate day, and we’ll show Disney movies.”
From 1946-2021, an amazing 75 years, Bushard’s Pharmacy evolved into what it is today – a full-service pharmacy (the only one in town that makes deliveries), and according to Fader, fills 150-200 prescriptions a day – that’s a lot for an independent pharmacy. They also carry high-end makeup and skin care products, an unequaled line of perfumes, sundries, beach supplies and an incredible selection of hats.
“Again, we want to thank the community, and we hope to keep going as long as possible,” said Fader.
Bushard’s Pharmacy is located at 244 Forest Ave. It is open Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and closed Sunday.
For more information, go to www.bushardspharmacy.com or call 949.494.1059.
Tony’s Treehouse seeks adoptive families for their annual “Adopt A Family” tradition
As Tony’s Treehouse celebrates their 21st year of their “Adopt A Family” Holiday program, they seek “adoptive” families to provide a season to remember. Again, partnering with Share Ourselves of Orange County (SOS), presents and home goods will be purchased, wrapped and delivered to local underserved families. To ensure prompt gift delivery to families, the deadline for signup is Tuesday, Dec. 7 as gift delivery date is Monday, Dec. 13.
For 21 years, Tony’s Treehouse 501©3 organization has remained 100% volunteer operated, funded only by private donations. Directed by two Laguna chicks, Becky Martinez and Sue Bottassi, this small but mighty group continues to carry on their mission of “Remembering one child’s love by embracing families and youth in need”…with the help of our generous Coastal community!
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Courtesy of Tony’s Treehouse
(L-R) Becky Martinez and Sue Bottassi at pre-COVID “Adopt A Family” gift gathering
“There are many different opportunities for service. If you wish to adopt a family for the holidays, you will receive your families’ personal information packets, short bio and detailed wish list,” Martinez said. “From there, you can do the shopping, wrapping and delivery, or you may simply donate to the cause and our volunteers do all of that for you!”
Tony’s Treehouse is a nonprofit organization based in Laguna Beach, California. It was founded in memory of a beloved little 9-year-old boy named Tony. The legacy he left his family and friends is one of giving, loving and living life to its fullest extent.
On December 23, 1999, during an hour-long stable ride with his family in Palm Springs, Tony’s horse suddenly bolted. The small 55-pound boy would have fallen off of the horse, but his foot became trapped. The horse ran at full speed. “Tony’s little body couldn’t survive the massive injuries; we lost him hours later at the hospital,” Martinez said.
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Courtesy of Tony’s Treehouse
Santa Claus greets children at pre-COVID “Adopt A Family” event
Together with his older brother Danny, both boys took many opportunities to help the needy and less fortunate in their community. Digging deep into their pockets, they would give to the homeless. Trips to Tijuana, Mexico are filled with memories of buying gum and candy from children on the street, and giving them money to help feed their families. Our family shared a concern and caring compassion for children in need.”
So, in celebration of both Danny and Tony’s charity and generosity, Tony’s Treehouse has found a way to reach out to families and children who are in need. Their group of family and friends numbering well over 150, volunteer in various activities, from providing meals for the homeless to distributing food and clothing to the working poor of Orange County. Numerous trips have been made to the Casa Hogar De Los Niños orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico in which they bring fundamental items, such as shoes, clothes, blankets and food.
Martinez said, “The Treehouse is a living memorial of Tony in which each of its members are sharing their time and energy to make this world a better place, one life at a time.”
There’s something for everybody who wishes to serve and children especially love this event. Contact Tony’s Treehouse for more information on “Adopting” or make a secure PayPal donation at https://tonystreehouse.org.
Net-Works reaching out to the community for the needy in the neighborhood
Join Net-Works in giving holiday gifts to many this holiday season. Help them collect gifts for the homeless, single moms, seniors and anyone needing one in Laguna Beach. There are many who need a gift of love now.
Drop gifts off at three locations:
1. Laguna Exchange at 995 Pacific Coast Highway (corner of Anita and PCH), Laguna Beach.
2. Treasures of Laguna at 355 Broadway St., Laguna Beach.
3. Woman’s Club, 286 St. Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach on Sunday, Dec. 19 at the Net-Works Christmas Breakfast and Celebration between 9 and 11 a.m.
Please mark the gifts as children, or adult woman or man.
If you don’t have time to get a gift, please send your donation to Net-Works
and they can take care of the rest.
Here are three (3) ways to donate electronically:
1. Paypal - www.net-workslb.org
2. Venmo - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
3. Zelle - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Send checks to:
Net-Works Laguna Beach
303 Broadway, Suite 107, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Net-Works is a 501 c3 non-profit organization, which allows you a tax deduction for your gift.
If you have questions, contact Don Sciortino at 949.328.7230 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Net-Works Laguna Beach, a nonprofit, brings together resources to help those in need experience change and growth. The purpose of Net-Works is to serve the City of Laguna Beach by networking people into a community that works.
Laguna Beach Garden Club’s in-person meeting scheduled for December 10
The Laguna Beach Garden Club will host its live meeting on Friday, Dec. 10 at Laguna Presbyterian Church in Tankersly Hall. Social time begins at 9:30 a.m. where refreshments are served. The meeting begins promptly at 10 a.m.
Rose expert extraordinaire Tom Carruth will be their guest speaker. The title of his presentation will be “The Lost Spring of 2020.”
Carruth is an award-winning rose hybridizer who has created more than 100 rose varieties, including 11 All-American Rose Selections. He is currently the E.I. and Ruth B. Hannon Curator of the Rose Collection at the Huntington Library in San Marino, just in time for bare-root planting season.
Attending or not, during these challenging COVID times is a personal decision for everyone. In order to promote the most comfortable in-person experience, masks will be required inside Tankersly Hall. Refreshment tables will be outside. There will be no eating or drinking inside the meeting space.
If you are not a member, feel free to join as a guest for this informative speaker.
For more information, contact Karen Nelson at 949.280.4417 or Lynn Jax at 949.497.7363.
Laguna Presbyterian Church is located at 415 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach.
A “Magical Girls Night In” to benefit Boys & Girls Club
On Wednesday, Dec. 8, “A Magical Girls Night In” with lovely ladies takes place at the Phillips Estate in Irvine Cove. This event is a fundraiser for the new Teen Well Space at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach.
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Submitted photo
Gorgeous coastline views will be the perfect backdrop to the fundraiser in Irvine Cove
The evening’s festivities:
–4:30 p.m. - Uplift Yoga begins by a transformational experience on the lawn overlooking the ocean and sunset skies.
–6 p.m. - Dinner, beverages, readers, crystals, aromatherapy and more.
If you would like to participate in yoga, wear comfortable clothes to arrive by 4:20 p.m. Uplift teens will be guiding guests in a 75-minute immersive experience. All others, feel free to arrive 5:45-6:15 p.m. for the main event.
It promises to be an exquisite evening including opportunities to connect with other women including demos related to wellness, happiness, peace and beauty.
Space is limited to 50 guests. If you wish to attend, please register with a donation towards the project. Every dollar helps get the Boys & Girls Club closer to their build goal of $25,000. ($150 is suggested with full respect for each person to decide what they feel positioned to donate.)
To RSVP and make a donation, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or text with the name and number in your party. Call 949.813.7681.
Woman’s Club continues tradition of raising funds for Adopt-A-Family this year
Kitty Malcolm, president of the Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach, said “The club’s overall mission is to provide an environment for the enrichment of women through friendship, community service and inclusiveness. Our community outreach focuses on children-in need in the community.”
The Woman’s Club will celebrate its 100th year anniversary in 2022. If you think that this is a group of women whose core is socializing, you would be dead wrong. At their heart is providing for children of low-income families in Laguna Beach. But, they do like to socialize, as well.
Historically, women’s clubs began a long time ago, tackling tough agenda such as child labor and juvenile justice. In this regard, through the years, the Woman’s Club of LB has followed suit, as it positively influences the circumstances of children in our town and continually strives to improve their lives in countless ways.
“Members join for many reasons,” said Malcolm. “I see from membership applications what experiences they have and what they are looking for, and it almost always involves wanting to do something in which they can give back to the community.”
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Submitted photo
2019 gift wrapping party: (L-R) Melinda Salem, Kathleen Reedy, Caroline Wright, Nancy Shurtleff, Anne McGraw, Kitty Malcolm, Lindsley Lowell (back), Patti Oshlund and Trudie Perkins
The club was closed from January 2020 for bathroom renovations, reopened early in March, and was then closed due to COVID at the end of March. It was just able to re-open this past June. But that didn’t deter the Woman’s Club. Due to lack of rental revenue during this period, the board did something they had never done before in order to continue providing Christmas gifts to these kids – they asked the community for help. And the community did. Because of already-existing funds held aside by the club and the community’s help, the club was able to purchase 120 gifts for 34 kids in 2020.
“We were completely overwhelmed by the generosity shown by our community,” Malcolm commented. “Last year was a tough year for all of us but 2021 is going to be just as tough for many kids and their families. We are working again with Sande St. John to help those same families from past years; they are still in need. Sandy gathers wish lists from children at Santa’s House on Hospitality Night. Although we are able to have our Holiday Luncheon this year, we are hoping to raise enough money through additional community support that we can give as much as we were able to do last year.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Woman’s Club Laguna Beach will celebrate 100th year anniversary in 2022
“All anyone needs to do is make a donation, and we will purchase and wrap the gifts for the families to pick up. We know many people, businesses and organizations receive requests for financial support, but for our kids, these are the only holiday gifts they receive. All children are from Laguna Beach families who are low-income and need a helping hand at this time of year, and almost all of the wish list items are for clothing and a toy or two. Knowing we have helped put a smile on their faces when they can open a present is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves,” said Malcolm.
Because of the community’s help last year, in addition to being able to help 34 kids through the Adopt-A-Family program, the club also partnered with the Laguna Beach Fire Department in their Spark of Love program Toy Drive, providing 35 gifts consisting of games, basketballs and soccer balls. And, they provided Christmas stockings filled with gifts for the individual residents of their local Waymakers, as well as hygiene products, blankets and sports/exercise equipment for the organization itself. Waymakers Laguna Beach Youth Shelter provides caring and healing housing and support for abused, at-risk youth and children experiencing mental health crises between the ages of 12-17.
Board members Nancy Shurtleff and Kathleen Reed have been the angels behind this program. Most of their time starting right after Thanksgiving is spent purchasing gifts, organizing the “wrap” party to package the gifts, and then managing to get them all ready so the families can pick them up right before Christmas. Countless woman-hours are spent pulling this all together and these ladies continue to do it with undaunted spirit.
The Woman’s Club is a 501c(3) non-profit organization and a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.
For more information on what the club is about and its activities, visit www.wclb.org, follow on Facebook @womanscluboflagunabeach and on Instagram @womanscuboflaguna.
To make a donation, visit the club’s homepage at www.wclb.org and click the “Donate” button.
Allow yourself a little luxury; visit Le Macaron French Pastries in their new location
By DIANNE RUSSELL
Photos by Mary Hurlbut
The French lifestyle is all about living a simple life. Indeed, it is said life in France doesn’t revolve around work, money, or having the nicest and most expensive things. Instead, it’s all about enjoying the best moment in life, whether it’s through social gatherings, amazing food, art, fashion or architecture. If one is on a quest for the best, look no further than Le Macaron French Pastries for the finest in macarons and pastries.
Stroll over to the enchanting new location and savor a pastel macaron or one of the many delectable delicacies. Owners Alexi Bouhbot and her husband Itsik moved into the beautifully remodeled space (formerly Starbucks) across from Main Beach on November 2 and, judging by the visitors last Wednesday morning, it’s already a hit.
Alex, one of their staff members, helps on the weekends, and they also have a couple of part-time employees.
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Itsik and Alexi Bouhbot
Macarons not macaroons
First things first, macarons are not to be confused with macaroons. Macaroons are small and slapdash coconut haystacks, and are often dipped in chocolate. Macarons are elegant little sandwiches that are made with meringue, almond flour and buttercream filling.
Clearly, cookie connoisseurs know the difference, and there are many in Laguna.
“We have a lot of locals who are regular customers,” Alexi said. “People also come into town – sometimes from quite a distance – just for the macarons.”
Alexi survived almost two years in the previous location (in the former South Coast Laguna Cinema building), weathering more than one crisis during that time.
Le Macaron French Pastries originally opened in Feb. 20, 2020, and closed a month later for three months during the pandemic. Earlier this year, the store also endured road construction on Pacific Coast Highway that blocked the sidewalk in front of the shop.
Then three months ago, Rivian, the owner of the building housing the theater, said the store would have to move. Even though another contender for the Starbucks’ space was ahead of the Bouhbots, that deal fell through and they were able to secure it.
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184 S. Coast Highway
Now Le Macaron French Pastries has been reborn in a beautifully pink appointed and meticulously renovated space. It is said that pink embodies all things good in the world, and if the contents of Le Macaron are any indication, it was the perfect color choice.
The 20 flavors of macarons are made with no gluten containing ingredients, and are great for sharing and as a gift for any occasion. Le Macaron offers a variety of ideas for parties and events including children’s birthday parties, graduation parties, company celebrations, fundraising events, wedding or baby showers and so much more.
Beyond their signature macarons, the Le Macaron French Pastries menu includes colorful confections, shaved ice, specialty European-style coffees, classic French pastries and homemade candies. They have a wonderful selection of gluten free and vegan pastries as well. The Lavazza coffee is imported and I can attest to its rich flavor.
They also support companies such as Bandini Toffee in Palm Springs by featuring their product.
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Macaron towers are perfect for weddings
Location
Alexi is thrilled by the location. “Sometimes I see dolphins swimming past,” she said. “I wake up every single day and I’m grateful. I can’t wait to come to work.”
The Bouhbots are originally from Johannesburg, South Africa. Before immigrating to the U.S., for the past 10 years, they ran a little resort hotel on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand.
“When the kids got older, they needed more and we decided to come here,” Itsik said. Their son Levi is now 7 years old and daughter Micah is 11 years old, and they love coming to the shop.
Why did the Bouhbots choose a macaron shop as their business endeavor?
“My wife loves baking,” Istik said.
Alexi adds, “And we both love sweets.”
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Vintage shaved ice from an imported machine. The fine ice is similar to snowflakes. It’s saturated with organic fruit syrups. It’s like a volcano of delight.
Origin of the macaron
Where did the macaron come from? It has a long and illustrious history.
The first known appearance of the macaron in Europe was during the Middle Ages. At the time, it was a small sweet made of almonds, egg white and sugar, and was crunchy on the outside and soft inside. Even though the French are often given credit for the macaron, Catherine de’ Medici likely brought the maccherone to France in the 1500s from Italy, where it had been produced in Venetian monasteries since the 8th century. Back then, they were rather humbly called “priests’ bellybuttons” due to the shape of the pastry.
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Take a box of macarons to a gathering
Nevertheless, France is where the confection became popular. The first written macaron recipe appeared in France in the 17th century, with a number of versions emerging since.
However, the macaron as we know it now (with two meringue cookies brought together by a light, flavored filling) was a creation of the French capital. In the 1830s, Parisian confectioners introduced the world to the macaron parisien. The recipe was popularized by pâtisserie Ladurée, a company created in 1862 by Louis-Ernest Ladurée, a gentleman who clearly knew how to make a great sweet.
The macaron has endured a never-ending process of reinvention and an unceasing emergence of new flavors and colors. At the beginning of the 21st century, confectioners started offering macarons with a difference in flavor between filling and cookie.
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Wide selection of colorful confections
And who knew that the macaron has its own special day of the year: 20 March. It was introduced in 2005 by Pierre Hermé, another famous French confectionary house. Save the date.
In the meantime, be inspired by the French “quality of life” philosophy. Bring a little luxury into yours and visit Le Macaron French Pastries. Let Alexi and Istik be your guides into an unlimited number of tantalizing taste treats!
Le Macaron French Pastries is located at 184 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. For more information, go to www.lemacaron.us/lagunabeach or call 949.715.5282.
Follow them on Instagram @lemacaronlaguna and Facebook at Le Macaron Laguna Beach.
LAGUNATICS REMASKERED coming in December
This year’s annual No Square Theatre parody show, LAGUNATICS REMASKERED, takes aim at pickleball, infrastructure, global warming and a partridge in a pear tree…for a start. As usual, all topics are fair game, and no one is spared in the pursuit of fun and a good laugh.
Through 2021, Lagunatics has survived to cautiously reunite, rehearse, reopen and remask for a part-live, part-online show.
In-person performances will take place on December 17, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m., but get there early to enjoy the specialty cocktails and catch up with theatre friends. Wear a mask and bring your proof of vaccination. Seating is extremely limited and tickets must be purchased in advance online at www.nosquare.org. The recorded show will be viewable on the website on December 26 and January 1, 2022 at 8 p.m.
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Courtesy of LAGUNATICS
The talented cast includes these favorite familiar faces: Eric T. Anderson, Sophia Barajas, Yvonne Browning, Rylee Bullington, Bree Burgess, Bridget English, Juliet Fischer-Schulein, Grace Gilchrist, Kelly Goldstein, Rob Harryman, Emma Hutchinson, Tom Joliet, McKay Mangum, Marc Marger, Kristen Matson, Justin McCoy, Paul Nygro, Patrick Quilter, Jay Rechter, Danny Rios, Roxanna Ward and Ella Wyatt.
LAGUNATICS REMASKERED is directed by Bree Burgess Rosen and Paul Nygro, with choreography and cinematography by Paul Nygro and music direction by Roxanna Ward. Writers include Bree Burgess Rosen, Paul Nygro, Rebecca M. Lyles, Bridget English, Roxanna Ward and Ella Wyatt. Costumes are by Brigitte Harper with props by Jean Fallowfield and Larry Lewis.
No Square Theatre is sponsored by the City of Laguna Beach, Lodging Establishments, Yvonne and John Browning, Patrick Quilter, the Dorene and Lee Butler Family Foundation, the Laguna Real Estate Charitable Assistance Fund and Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce.
No Square Theatre is located at at 384 Legion Street (in Historic Legion Hall), Laguna Beach.
Yippee-Ki-Yay captures the Wild West at JoAnne Artman Gallery
There is just nothing like the good ol’ Westerns. JoAnne Artman Gallery is presenting Yippee-Ki-Yay, an exclusive exhibition featuring works by Billy Schenck, Greg Miller and America Martin. Titled after the joyful expression of 19th century cowboys, Yippee-Ki-Yay captures the toughness, independence and adventure of the Wild West. Continuing the legacy of the American Frontier’s popularity in art, film, and literature, each artist independently explores this history through personal narrative and the familiar imagery of archetypal heroes. The exhibition takes place December 1 through January 31, 2022.
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Photos courtesy of JoAnne Artman Gallery
“The Southern Trail,” oil on canvas 30 x 36 by artist Billy Schenk
Billy Schenck’s oil on canvas depictions of the American West establish visual links between film and art history. Stark contrasts, use of pattern, vivid hues, and a pop sensibility imbibe the work with a contemporary edge that confronts some of Hollywood’s most popular tropes. Frequent motifs in Schenck’s work include heroes, villains, the seductive femme fatale, and Native American figures. Acquiring his imagery from both personal references and historical sources, Schenck ties his personal narratives to those that came before.
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“Time,” acrylic, collage, gloss varnish on panel 30 x 36 by artist Greg Miller
Greg Miller’s mixed media approach unifies Pop Art, collage, and the concept of collective memory. Utilizing collected paper ephemera, Miller draws on his urban Californian roots to create tangible, evocative, visual narratives across his compositions. Often using vintage texts, illustrations, newspaper and photographs as a base, Miller completes the works with elements of typography, resulting in visual landscapes of great narrative depth. Miller’s unique brand of Americana celebrates as well as notes our ties to iconic imagery that transcends the passage of time.
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“Man with Blanket,” oil + acrylic on canvas 50 x 46 by artist America Martin
LA-based artist America Martin draws inspiration from her Colombian heritage and the natural world. Recognized by her unique use of line and her portrayal of form across mediums, Martin often treats the figure and background with equal importance. Luscious, generous strokes of the brush, thick layers of paint, and a bold use of line are emblematic of her style. Returning to her series of Native American portraits, Martin’s expertise of the human form lends depictions that are solid, grounded, and in tune with the environment.
These artists’ work will inspire, provoke, engage and mesmerize. With visual perceptions always changing, peek behind the stories told and you’re sure to find the right artistic expression.
JoAnne Artman Gallery is located at 346 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. Open by appointment. www.joanneartmangallery.com.
Win the role of a lifetime: Enter for a chance to be Pageant of the Masters walk-on cast member
The Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters is adding a twist to Giving Tuesday this year with the opportunity to win the role of a lifetime. Starting on Giving Tuesday, November 30 and running through December 7, patrons, art-lovers and the extended community are invited to support the non-profit organization with a monetary donation to be entered into a drawing for a walk-on-role in the 2022 Pageant. To donate and enter to win, visit www.foapom.com/supportnow.
Anyone who donates a minimum of $50 USD to the organization may not only be eligible for a tax benefit and entered into the contest to be a Walk-On-Role winner in “Wonderful World,” but will also contribute to the Festival and Pageant. The support will ensure that the Festival continues to make the arts accessible to the community by creating quality summer productions and exhibits; providing career and income opportunities for visual and performing artists; presenting hands-on art workshops, and importantly, awarding scholarships to local students – the artists and art patrons of the future.
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Courtesy of the Festival of Arts
Pageant of the Masters patron and walk-on-role winner Maureen McGrath backstage during 2021 “Made in America”
This will be the second time in Pageant history that the arts organization is offering this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Following the announcement of the cancelled 2020 Pageant of the Masters and Fine Art Show due to COVID-19, ticket holders who donated their tickets back to the non-profit were entered for a rare opportunity to “strike a pose” in the 2021 production of “Made in America: Artists and Their Trailblazing Stories.” The contest kicked-off in May of 2020 as a way for the Festival of Arts to continue to fulfill its mission of promoting, producing and sponsoring events and activities that encourage the appreciation, study and performance of the arts.
“We were beyond excited to be able to showcase these lucky winners on our stage for the 2021 summer performance. What better way to celebrate the return of the arts than by welcoming our patrons to be part of ‘living art’ with us for a special, once-in-a-lifetime occasion,” said Sharbie Higuchi, director of marketing/PR at the Festival of Arts.
Among the selected winners was longtime patron Nancy Kollisch of San Diego. She, her husband, and their lifelong friends have attended the Pageant of the Masters every summer for the last 40+ years. When she learned she was one of the winners for the walk-on-role contest Nancy was beyond enthusiastic to learn what role she would be casted as.
“This is a night I will never forget. To be made into living art and be a part of a production that we’ve been attending for decades is beyond special. I am so grateful for the opportunity,” shared Kollisch following her one-time Pageant performance as Benjamin Harrison in the re-creation of the Declaration of Independence by John Trumbell.
Other walk-on-role winners who appeared during the 2021 summer season included Laguna Woods resident Maureen McGrath, Bob Schirripa from Claremont and Connie Pittard from Rancho Santa Fe. Pittard enjoyed her experience as a walk on role so much she is thinking of auditioning to be in the 2022 Pageant performance. “The Sunday night performance I guest starred in was also my birthday! This could not have been a better present,” said Pittard. “I have always been fascinated by the Pageant each year and to know how it truly works was magical. Everyone was so delightful and helpful, and I can officially cross off being in the Pageant from my bucket list.”
All proceeds will help the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters build upon its art legacy and keep the non-profit organization a Laguna Beach staple for years to come.
For more information and to stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts Fine Art Show, follow the Festival on social media at @FestivalPageant, and visit www.foapom.com.
Philanthropy At Home Art Contest for Laguna Beach
The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach in partnership with Locals for Laguna Beach is holding a community-wide art contest for philanthropy at home. The subject is “Laguna Beach Gratitude – For What Are You Most Thankful?”
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A youngster works on his painting at the Boys & Girls Club
The submission deadline has been extended and artwork is now due by Friday, Dec. 17, midnight (12 a.m.). Originals may be mailed to the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, 1085 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92561 or delivered there to a drop-off box. Winners will be announced later in December. The requested size is 8 1/2” by 11” one-dimensional visual art. Digital submissions of the same size may be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Awards will be given in four different age categories: up to 4 years, 5-10 years, 11-13 years and 14-18 years. Winning imagery will be used to spread kindness throughout Laguna Beach via yard signs and merchandise to promote love in action. Judging will be by jury with representation from Laguna College of Art + Design, LOCA and Laguna Art Museum. Each winner will receive a Locals for Laguna Swag Bag filled with $200 in gift cards and products from local retailers. All participants will receive a special gift. To learn more on how to get involved, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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.
