Another pedestrian sadly struck and killed by vehicles crossing Coast Highway
On Sunday, Feb. 5 at 6:03 p.m., Laguna Beach Police responded to the report of a traffic collision involving multiple vehicles and a pedestrian near the 30600 block of S. Coast Highway.
Upon arrival, police joined with Laguna Beach Fire personnel to attempt to provide lifesaving measures on the pedestrian. She was taken to a nearby hospital, but pronounced deceased by medical personnel.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the adult female was near Ruby’s and was not in a crosswalk when she crossed the roadway. While in the southbound lanes, she was struck by multiple vehicles.
The decedent has not been identified, and drugs and alcohol do not appear to factor in the collision. The involved motorists remained at the location of the crash and are cooperating with police. The LBPD Traffic Bureau remained on scene in an attempt to determine the cause of the collision.
“We are deeply saddened by yet another pedestrian fatality on Coast Highway and we send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” said Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen. “Coast Highway is owned and operated by Caltrans and we will reach out to them to determine if they can implement additional safety improvements to make the roadway safer for pedestrians. We need to hold Caltrans accountable to find safety solutions to avoid more tragic accidents in our city.”
Anyone with information regarding the collision is urged to contact the Laguna Beach Police Department at 949.497.0701.
Following the incident, all southbound lanes were closed from Nyes Place/Coast Highway to Laguna Terrace/Coast Highway. The #2 northbound lane remained open on Coast Highway. All lanes in both directions on Coast Highway were open by 11:02 p.m.
Students, staff honored at special board meeting, teacher of the year awarded
By SARA HALL
More than 100 Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) students and staff were honored during a meeting last week, including the district’s teacher of the year.
The LBUSD Board of Education held its bi-annual recognition event on Thursday (Feb. 2). The awards night brings the school community together to acknowledge student participants in arts and athletic programs, employees of the year, and staff members nominated by their peers for contributions to school culture and academic programs, according to a district press release.
“I am grateful for the board of education’s unwavering support and investment in academic, visual and performing arts and athletic programs that provide students with the opportunity to explore and pursue their passions,” LBUSD Superintendent Jason Viloria said in a prepared statement. “Our teachers, school staff and parent community play an integral role in providing students with safe and supportive environments to explore these interests. The number of students we recognized makes evident that our students are connected and engaged in their learning far beyond the classroom and throughout the community.”
Mindy Hawkins, a special education teacher at Laguna Beach High School, was selected as the Teacher of the Year. LBHS Principal Jason Allemann presented her with the award and shared a few comments during the meeting.
“I’m lucky enough to work with somebody who embodies the approach of going above and beyond on the daily,” with her students, colleagues, and in the work she does, Allemann said. “A great teacher sees their duties as one that goes well beyond opportunities to learn a specific curriculum.”
It’s important to value the connections with the young adults they work with at the high school level. The team at LBHS values creating a positive culture and environment for learning, he added.
Hawkins “epitomizes this work with kindness, care, and concern among her colleagues and students.” She positively impacts the entire campus culture, he said.
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Photos courtesy of LBUSD
LBUSD Teacher of the Year Mindy Hawkins (center in blue) with district staff and board representatives (L-R): Laguna Beach High School Principal Jason Allemann, Ed.D.; LBUSD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Michael Conlon; LBUSD Board President Jan Vickers; LBUSD Superintendent Jason Viloria, Ed.D.; LBUSD Student Board Member Zoey Cutter and LBUSD Board Member James Kelly, Ph.D.
“As a special education teacher, working with students of varying needs and challenges, Mindy Hawkins truly starts where the student is. She helps her students with the promise of pushing them to be their best,” which includes daily social and life skills, Allemann said, listing off examples like getting on the right bus or grocery shopping. “All of these activities and expectations take place before Mindy’s students even get into a classroom.”
Every situation and scenario is a learning opportunity for the students, he added, and Hawkins is always there coaching and encouraging the kids.
“For many of Mindy’s students, their high school experience is the first time they may have felt seen, felt listened to, felt empowered as a person with special needs to be equal,” Allemann said, choking up a bit. “To the peers that surround them, they feel like one another.”
If that wasn’t remarkable enough, he added, Hawkins goes to extra lengths to engage and show students that there is value in everyone.
In another noteworthy award, LBHS Transition Services Coordinator Amy Tingirides was named the Classified Employee of the Year. Director of Special Education Irene White presented the award and also shared some comments.
“She has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience working with students which has resulted in significant growth and improvement to our district’s transition program,” White said.
She sees what needs to be done and takes action. She’s passionate and a strong advocate for students, White added. She works with teachers and community partners to develop meaningful plans so each student is actively engaged in working toward their targeted post-high school goals.
Before joining LBUSD in 2018, Tingirides previously worked at Irvine Unified School District and served in law enforcement prior to her career change into education.
She’s truly unique and an exceptional individual, White concluded.
There were also three staffers who earned classified employee of the year for their divisions: LBHS receptionist and counseling assistant Missy Palino in the division of clerical and administrative services; John Gonzalez (El Morro Elementary) and Alex Garcia (LBHS) for custodial, maintenance, nutrition and security services, along with LBHS instructional aide Dori Bunting for paraprofessional and instructional assistance.
The special meeting also included a number of students being recognized for a variety of awards.
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Fair Game
By TOM JOHNSON
The pain of Dr. Mammone’s death continues to bring hurt to a stunned community
We here at Stu News are still struggling with the death of Dr. Michael John Mammone, 58, longtime Laguna Beach ER doctor. We assume it’s a common feeling throughout the entire community. The extremely respected and well-liked Mammone was riding his bike up Pacific Coast Highway near Crown Valley Parkway, just south of town, last Wednesday (Feb. 1) afternoon, when he was reportedly run down from behind by a white Lexus being driven by one Vanroy Evan Smith, 39, of Long Beach.
It didn’t end there. As Dr. Mammone was lying injured in the street, Smith reportedly exited his vehicle and began stabbing Dr. Mammone repeatedly with a knife. Ultimately, Dr. Mammone died later at the hospital.
So, Smith has now been charged with one count of murder and personal use of a deadly weapon, which could enhance his sentencing, according to Orange County Superior Court records. He’s now pleaded not guilty and is being held on $1 million bail.
He could face a maximum sentence of 25 years to life and is scheduled to appear in court next week on Thursday, Feb. 16 for a pretrial hearing.
No known cause has emerged as to why the suspect took such action and no apparent connection between the two has emerged.
Stu News will meet this week with friends and family of Dr. Mammone to find out more about the man who brought comfort and healing to many in the community through his work in the emergency room at Providence Mission Hospital in Laguna Beach.
I’m not necessarily the most religious person you’ll ever meet, but I urge each and every one of you to say a prayer offering comfort and strength to those struggling friends and family of Dr. Mammone.
• • •
Okay, you might be able to say you’ve seen a Grammy® award winner perform in-person before…and that’s a maybe. Even so, you probably can’t say you’ve ever seen a Grammy® award winner perform before their statuette even has had a chance to gather any dust.
Well, here goes. This Wednesday evening (Feb. 8), Bijon Watson, fresh off his Grammy® win this past Sunday for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album, will join Laguna Live! for the Jazz Wednesdays Winter series, with “The Soul of Jazz: A Jazz Tribute to the legends of Soul and Groove.” He’ll be joined on stage by the Laguna Live! All Stars featuring Maiya Sykes on vocals.
The other All Stars joining in, besides Sykes, include Tom Luer, saxophone; Will Brahm, guitar; Bryan Velasco, keys; Dan Lutz, bass and Gene Coye, drums. Both Luer and Brahm joined Watson on the Grammy® award-winning album.
The concert is at [seven degrees] from 6-8 p.m., with doors opening at 5 to enjoy the bar and social hour. This concert is $37.50, or $150 for the full Jazz Wednesday’s season. Tickets are available at www.lagunalive.org or call 949.715.9713.
• • •
No Square Theatre was scheduled to perform Trashy Love, a concert for pre-Valentine crowds. Unfortunately, the show has had to be canceled in its entirety due to a death in the family of several of the performers.
No Square is now moving ahead with the audition process with Roald Dahl’s Matilda – The Musical. This Sunday, Feb. 12, auditions will be held from 12-3 p.m., for singers, dancers and actors, ages 8 and up.
For more info, go to www.nosquare.org.
• • •
The winter sports regular season has ended for Laguna Beach High School. Now it’s CIF-SS playoff time. The Breakers will be represented by the girls basketball program that finished the year 19-9, with a 2-4 record in the Wave League, still good enough for third place.
This Thursday, Feb. 9, the girls team will go on the road to take on Dominguez at 7 p.m. The Dons won the Mid-Cities League Championship but had an overall record of 15-11.
The winner moves on to a Saturday match-up with the victor of Valley Christian and Quartz Hill.
• • •
The Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach has announced that scholarship applications for the 2023-2024 academic school year are now open to local students. Applicants need to be graduating high school seniors who reside in Laguna Beach or attend LBHS. Applications will be accepted through the Festival’s website at https://foapom.com/scholarships until the March 10 deadline.
The four-year, highly competitive scholarships are awarded to students who excel in Film, Performing Arts (dance, music and theater arts – including performance and production), Visual Arts and Writing. A student may apply for just one or in all four categories, but can be awarded only one scholarship.
The FOA Scholarship Committee includes Chair Pat Kollenda, along with committee members Wayne Baglin, John Connolly, Marge Earl, Jacquie Moffett and Jeff Rovner.
“This program is a tremendous opportunity for students who are considering a career in the arts,” said Chair Kollenda. “The arts are such a critical part of a student’s overall education as well as continued personal development. It is with great pride that the Festival rewards and encourages the development of careers in the arts.”
Last year, five students were each recognized with $20,000 scholarships by the FOA. Each recipient was granted $5,000 per year over a four-year period as long as he/she continues to meet the specified requirements. Since 1957, the Festival of Arts scholarship program has supported rising young artists by making it possible for students to pursue college studies in the arts. To date, the Festival of Arts has awarded more than $3.5 million in scholarships.
For general scholarship information, call Michelle Reindl at 949.464.4201, or visit the website at https://foapom.com/scholarships. The Festival of Arts is a nonprofit organization that produces the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. Its mission is to support the arts and art education in and about Laguna Beach.
• • •
Let me see if I have this right. The Laguna Beach City Council recently bans balloons…then just days later, a balloon, suspected from China, is spotted flying over the country. A coincidence? I think not! Call it foresight. Thank you, City Council, I feel safer by your foresight and action.
Incidentally, the China balloon was later shot out of the sky over the Atlantic. I’d like to thank the U.S. Government for following Laguna’s lead and reinforcing the banning of balloons.
Shelley Arends and Kelly Cornwell marry old and new in updating historic Spigot Liquor
By DIANNE RUSSELL
Kelly Cornwell and Shelley Arends, the husband-and-wife team behind the transformation of Spigot Liquor, have lived three blocks from the historic store for 37 years. Before they bought the business in December 2021, it had sadly become an eyesore – with windows boarded up and pornography covering the Pearl Street window.
“It was in a state of neglect and a blight on the neighborhood, but we never intended to be liquor store owners,” said Cornwell. “We heard it was up for sale and decided to purchase it and put a sandwich shop next door. We wanted to revitalize the corner.”
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Kelly Cornwell and Shelley Arends
“Many people didn’t want to go into the store. By refreshing it, we wanted it to become a neighborhood store and part of the community,” Arends said.
“Previously, only about 10% of the clientele were women, now it’s 50% and moms come in with their kids,” Cornwell said.
As the longest continuous running business in Laguna Beach, Spigot Liquor has an interesting and checkered past. It opened on October 1, 1933, two months before Prohibition was repealed on December 4 of that year. Originally a bottle shop, customers came in to refill their jugs from a barrel, hence the name Spigot Liquor. Ahead of its time, it was the first business in California to have stereophonic sound. A popular urban legend is that in the 1930s, they distilled their own liquor, carried it down to Pearl Street beach and loaded it onto boats destined for Santa Monica.
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Courtesy of Kelly Cornwell
Spigot Liquor in the 1960s
Interesting facts: 1950 was the last time the store was robbed. “We installed security cameras,” Cornwell said. “The police used the footage to solve a hit and run in front of the store a while back.” They now have metal screens that roll down at night.
The Quonset hut behind the store was used to house World War II servicemen and many of their names are carved on the inside wall where the bunks were stacked.
“Spigot was owned by the Ware Family, who live in Riverside. We purchased the business, but they still own the property,” Cornwell said. “They were delighted.” The Ware family also owns Sea Horse, residential properties in Laguna and Bev Mo in Dana Point.
A family affair
Thirty-seven years ago, Arends and Cornwell ended up in Laguna due to a real estate upswing in Hacienda Heights. “Our property value doubled and we decided to sell. We looked around everywhere between here and L.A., and we fell in love with Laguna,” Cornwell said. “For 15 years, I drove to L.A. for work, five days a week, sometimes six, but it was worth it.”
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Spigot Liquor 2023
They each brought a specific talent to the store update. Arends has a background in marketing (she owned Rhythmride, Laguna Soup Co., Laguna Magical Cottages and is the founder of beachBRELLA). Cornwell has a background in logistics and retired six years ago from UPS. They worked together to make Spigot Liquor a sought-after place for both locals and visitors.
Sometime in the spring, Arends and Cornwell’s son Zac, a certified financial planner, will launch Wigz, a sandwich deli restaurant in the existing retail space next door. Why the name Wigz? “The space was occupied by Charles Wigs,” Arends said. It was established in 1965. Wigz will have outdoor dining both in the front and the back, a hidden and enchanting area that will be a beer garden.
Their other son, Zane, lives in Boise, Idaho, and is working to get his commercial pilot’s license.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Woodworker Roger Taft made a new spigot for the barrel. It had been missing for decades.
Exterior and interior
“A local woodworker Roger Taft crafted a spigot, which has been missing for decades, for the original barrel above the entrance and donated it,” Cornwell said. “The original exterior pecking wood was retained and windows of the era (which were previously hidden by wood) were uncovered above the door to Wigz.
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Bijon Watson takes the Grammy for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album
Join Laguna Live! in congratulating their artistic director for jazz, Bijon Watson, on Sunday night’s Grammy® win for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album – Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra – Steven Feifke, Bijon Watson, Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra.
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Courtesy of Laguna Live!
(L-R) Steven Feifke and Bijon Watson (with Grammy presenter)
Watson performs in person as he opens the Laguna Live Jazz Wednesdays Winter series this coming Wednesday, Feb. 8 with “The Soul of Jazz: A Jazz Tribute to the legends of Soul and Groove.”
Also, on stage will be the Laguna Live! All Stars featuring Maiya Sykes on vocals; Tom Luer, saxophone (on the winning album); Will Brahm, guitar (on the winning album); Bryan Velasco, keys; Dan Lutz, bass and Gene Coye, drums.
The concert is at [seven degrees] 891 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach from 6-8 p.m.
The doors open at 5 p.m. for bar and social hour.
Concert tickets are $37.50; $150 for full Jazz Wednesday’s season and are
available at www.lagunalive.org, or by calling 949.715.9713.
Military plane flies low and loud over Laguna
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Photos by Rich German
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Local waterman Rick German was out for a quiet paddle on our oceanfront when this beast erupted in the skies above. It was reportedly an HC-130J Combat King II from the Air National Guard in Mountain View, Calif. on a training flight down to Oceanside.
Scooter and police vehicle collide, rider suffers minor injuries
On Friday, Feb. 3 around 4:30 p.m., a Laguna Beach Police officer was turning into the parking lot at 303 Broadway from Broadway Street when an accident occurred. According to LBPD Lt. Tim Kleiser, an adult male was riding an electric scooter on the sidewalk, heading westbound and collided into a patrol vehicle.
The male, who was not identified, sustained minor injuries.
The cause of the collision is under investigation.
The Life Savers Foundation of Orange County raises nearly $400,000 to benefit living organ donors
The Grand Ballroom of the Balboa Bay Resort came to life on Thursday evening (January 19), as some 300 guests arrived at 6 p.m. for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for the inaugural evening, celebrating the founding of a new nonprofit in Southern California – The Life Savers Foundation. Five years in the development process, the foundation began in 2017 when Laguna Beach businesswoman Heidi Miller stepped forward to donate a life-saving kidney to Newport Beach Daily Pilot/LA Times columnist and author Bruce Cook. Cook also serves as editor of the Bay Window magazine published by the Pickup-Martin ownership of Balboa Bay Club.
Carole Pickup (foundation founding chair) was the first to discover Cook suffered from serious kidney disease in 2015 and began a campaign to find a donor for him. Her effort culminated in the first donor awareness event in May 2017 with some 500 guests arriving at the same ballroom to help find a donor for Cook.
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Photo by Tony Lattimore
(L-R) The Life Savers Foundation Founding Chair Carole Pickup with kidney donor Heidi Miller, a resident of Laguna Beach
No one stepped forward. Word of mouth of the successful event spread. Miller, who did not attend, and did not know Cook, stepped forward. On November 17, 2017, Miller and Cook became related literally as a transplant was performed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, saving Cook’s life.
Five years of planning delayed by 2 1/2 years of pandemic stalls delivered a spectacular launch party, no formal invitations, just word-of-mouth and a small amount of pre-press, and a generous community came together raising an astonishing sum for an unknown start-up nonprofit.
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Photo by Chris Darnall
(L-R) Devon and Kevin Martin (International Bay Clubs’ president) with Pastor Jason Smith
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Photo by Tony Lattimore
Ladies of the committee supporting The Life Savers Foundation
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Photo by Tony Lattimore
The Smith family shared the gift of the daughter’s kidney to her father
A post-cocktail reception was held in the hotel ballroom foyer. Doors opened to reveal a magical, comfortable setting of all white tables, surrounding a glass dance floor underlit with changing colors of the Life Savers rainbow, fronting a stage occupied by the Jerry Mandel Irvine Barclay Theatre Jazz Band. A restaurant-quality dinner began with shrimp cocktail iced in martini glasses, beef tenderloin, fettucine Alfredo and a curated gourmet vegetable salad, to the delight of attendees.
Tributes and speeches followed dinner. Guest of honor and co-founder of the nonprofit, Heidi Miller, mesmerized the audience with her story. More importantly, her work over the last five years helping to facilitate donor transplants for some 30 patients in need called for applause. One story in particular focused on the kidney donation by former Chapman University President Dr. James Doti, who inspired by Miller’s journey, donated his kidney altruistically at UCI which saved a stranger’s life in Santa Ana. Doti addressed the evening via a heartfelt video. Also sharing their journey was Tom Johnson, publisher of Stu News, who was saved with a kidney donation from his brother and the Smith family whose daughter donated to save her father. The crowd was moved. Several individuals stood up when Miller asked if anyone in the audience needed an organ.
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Photo by Chris Darnall
(L-R) Makena Martin and Carole Pickup
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Photo by Chris Darnall
Wing Lam and Heidi Miller
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Photo by Chris Darnall
Mardo and Seyda Ayvazyan
An “ASK” followed, led by Master of Ceremonies John Wortmann, chairman of the board of governors of Balboa Bay Club, joining Devon Martin, daughter of Carole Pickup and wife of International Bay Clubs’ President Kevin Martin. Donor paddles raised continuously across the ballroom as people stood up offering major gifts.
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Pageant of the Masters honors Harlem Renaissance in upcoming production, Art Colony: In the Company of Artists
This summer, the Pageant of the Masters celebrates 90 years of tableaux vivants (“living pictures”) with the production Art Colony: In the Company of Artists. Audiences can expect a diverse theatrical celebration of artists from around the world that have embraced communities where they could live and work, and take inspiration from one another. One of the art colonies featured in this year’s Pageant is New York’s Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that celebrated art and African American culture in the 1920s and ‘30s.
Masterpieces by African American artists Aaron Douglas, Augusta Savage and more will be re-created as “Living Pictures” in the 2023 performance.
“The Harlem Renaissance was painting and sculptures, but it was also poetry, politics and literature. A time of freedom of expression for people of color previously unknown in America,” said Diane Challis Davy, Pageant of the Masters director. “African American art and art by women have been under-represented in the history of American Art. I’m pleased we can present the Harlem Renaissance along with other important art colonies of the USA and the world.”
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Courtesy of New York Public Library
Image of “The Harp (Lift Every Voice and Sing)” by Augusta Savage at the World’s Fair in the courtyard of the Contemporary Arts Building, 1939
The Harlem Renaissance is considered a golden age in African American culture, manifesting in literature, music, stage performance and art. The era is widely known in pop culture for its nightclubs and music: Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway of the Cotton Club and Bessie Smith, to name a few. Lesser known to many are the painters and sculptors associated with the movement. The Pageant of the Masters hopes to shine a light on sculptors Meta Warrick Fuller and Augusta Savage, and painters Archibald Motley and Aaron Douglas.
Kicking-off act two, audiences will see the work of these artists come to life onstage including the signature 16-foot sculpture Lift Every Voice and Sing by Harlem Renaissance artist, activist and educator Augusta Savage; as well as, “Song of the Towers,” which is part of a four-mural collection series by Aaron Douglas. Douglas felt that jazz was a great contribution of African American culture to the world. Meta V.W. Fuller’s bronze statue Emancipation and Archibald Motley’s extraordinary painting Holy Rollers, will also be highlighted during the Harlem Renaissance art colony portion of the show.
“All four of these works of art are new to our stage. I especially admire Aaron Douglas’ style; his colorful silhouette paintings and murals depicting Black history,” added Challis Davy. “I have selected uplifting musical pieces to complement the four tableaux. Jazz, spirituals, gospel will be represented, along with a song that’s considered an anthem – ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing.’ There will be singers!”
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
A Pageant ticket also acts as a season pass to the Festival of the Arts Fine Art Show
Presented under Laguna Beach’s starry-summer night sky, the 2023 Pageant of the Masters will also feature live, original music and narration, breathtaking theatrical illusions and some surprises, all presented in the 2,600-seat amphitheater of the Irvine Bowl.
The art colony established in Laguna Beach in the early years of the 20th century was the primary inspiration for the 2023 theme. “We’re excited about the theme, ‘Art Colony,’ because Laguna Beach was really put on the map as such more than 100 years ago,” concluded Challis Davy. “We don’t acknowledge our local art colony status until the finale of the show, and along the way we will show other art colonies where artists offered support and inspired one another.”
The Pageant of the Masters is celebrating its 90th anniversary this summer with the production, Art Colony: In the Company of Artists, with performances 8:30 p.m. nightly from July 7 through September 1.
Advance tickets are now on sale starting at $35 per person. A Pageant ticket also acts a season pass to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show.
For Pageant tickets, click here, or call 800.487.3378.
Honored with the 2020 Thea Classic Award from the Themed Entertainment Association, the Pageant of the Masters is arguably one of the most unique productions in the entire world. Audiences are amazed and enchanted by 90 minutes of tableaux vivants (“living pictures”), incredibly faithful re-creations of classical and contemporary works of art, with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. A live narrator guides the patrons through the story of each living picture accompanied by a full orchestra.
Pageant of the Masters takes place at Irvine Bowl at the Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.
To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts, follow the Festival at @FestivalPageant and visit www.foapom.com.
Laguna Beach Democratic Club picks new leaders, invites new members to the fold
At its January meeting, the Laguna Beach Democratic Club (LBDC) elected a new slate of executive board officers and appointed committee chairs for 2023. Peggy Wolff will guide the club as its new chair, working on strategic planning, monthly meetings to engage members and working with the entire board to prepare for the 2024 election. Second in command is Nia Evans, who will serve as vice chair. Carrie Reynolds is the new club secretary. Returning as treasurer is Ketta Brown. Gwen McNallan will advise as immediate past president. New committee chairs include:
–Megan Hilliard, membership
–Ann Marie McKay, website
–Barbara McMurray, communications
–Adam Redding-Kaufman, social media
–Debbie Young, outreach
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Photos by Marielena Photography
The Laguna Beach Democratic Club elected its 2023 executive board members (seated L-R): Nia Evans, vice chair; Peggy Wolff, chair; Carrie Reynolds, secretary and Ketta Brown, treasurer. Standing are the club’s newly appointed committee chairs (L-R): Debbie Young (outreach), Barbara McMurray (communications), Gwen McNallan (immediate past president), Adam Redding-Kaufman (social media), Ann Marie McKay (website) and Megan Hilliard (membership).
The club will host one virtual meeting and one in-person meeting each quarter. They are typically held on second or third Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. The next meeting is on March 15 at the Susi Q Community Room, 380 Third St. Laguna Beach. Prospective new members are invited to attend. Club members do not need to be registered Democrats – Independents may join – although Democratic Party registration allows a member to vote on club matters, which include candidate endorsements. Recent general meeting speakers have included Rep. Katie Porter, legal scholar Erwin Chemerinsky, Laguna Beach Mayor Pro Tem Sue Kempf and Dr. Allyson Brooks of Hoag Women’s Health Institute, among others.
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Laguna Beach Democratic Club’s newly elected executive board members (L-R) Carrie Reynolds, secretary; Peggy Wolff, chair; Nia Evans, vice chair; Ketta Brown, treasurer and Gwen McNallan, past president
“I am looking forward to serving the club for the next two years and working hard to elect Democrats at all levels of government,” said Wolff. “Our goal is to increase our membership and engage more Democrats in Laguna Beach. We are delighted to welcome these new board members, who bring great energy and expertise to our team and represent various age groups. Our membership continues to increase as voters realize that Democratic values are people-centered values that help us all to live better.”
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Laguna Beach Democratic Club’s 2023 committee chairs (seated, L-R): Ann Marie McKay, website and Barbara McMurray, communications. (standing, L-R): Megan Hilliard, membership; Adam Redding-Kaufman, social media and Deb Young, outreach
Established in 1945, the Laguna Beach Democratic Club is an all-volunteer, chartered club of the Democratic Party of Orange County. It is in its 78th year of uninterrupted engagement supporting Democratic candidates, policies and values. Democrats believe in an economy that benefits everyone, health care is a right, diversity is strength and democracy is worth defending.
For more information about the Laguna Beach Democratic Club, visit www.thelbdems.com.
Down by the water
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Step by step draws the water nearer
Chamber announces opportunity for local high school graduating seniors to earn scholarship
The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce board of directors has announced the chamber will be funding a yearly $1,000 scholarship for Laguna Beach High School graduating seniors beginning at the 2023 commencement ceremony.
“It has always been a goal of ours to fund a scholarship,” said Chairman of the Board Paula Hornbuckle-Arnold. “After the success of last year’s Taste of Laguna Food & Music Festival, our board of directors felt it was the right time to invest in the future generation who want to focus their career in business and/or entrepreneurship.
“The idea for a scholarship was presented in 2019 by former board member Dawn Knepper. At the time, the chamber was not in a financial position to entertain the option. The staff and board of directors has been working hard to ensure the financial strength and viability of our organization to give something back to our community,” said Hornbuckle-Arnold.
The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce Business & Entrepreneur Award’s purpose is to further education in trade school, community college or university. Free thinkers are the future, and the board of directors would like to encourage students to be creative and think outside the box by pursuing higher education at any institution of their choice.
According to Hornbuckle-Arnold, “It was important to me personally that trade schools be an option for seniors who have decided that college or university isn’t quite right for them. I attended a trade school as college wasn’t an option for me.”
Students interested in applying will need to inquire through the Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Department.
Letters to the Editor
Sadness hits the community following loss of doctor in alleged murder
I read with great sadness about the alleged murder of Dr. Michael Mammone a few days ago while he was riding his bike on Pacific Coast Highway. I had the occasion to be his patient in the ER of Mission Hospital a year and a half ago. Happily, there were no long-term consequences of this visit. But it was scary at the time, and Dr. Mammone could not have been more thorough, more compassionate and more reassuring. What a terrible loss not only for his family, but also for our community.
Glenna Matthews
Laguna Beach
LAM promises a fun February with performances, programs and new exhibitions
A few of the Art & Nature exhibitions are still on view at Laguna Art Museum, featuring groundbreaking, immersive exhibitions including Pyramidion by artist Kelly Berg and Five Summer Stories: The Exhibition. The museum has added public programs, including innovative workshops.
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Photos courtesy of LAM
From the Stuart and Judith Vida Spence Collection: “I Will Not Make Any More Boring Art” by John Baldessari, 1971 lithograph
On February 4, the exhibition featuring Southern California Contemporary Art Gifts from the Stuart Spence and Judith Vida Spence Collection opened and continues through July 2023. For more than 30 years, the Spences collected and lived with contemporary art in their home in Los Angeles, as well as lending pieces to exhibitions and making significant donations to art museums – most notably LAM.
This major gift by Judy and Stuart Spence to Laguna Art Museum includes artworks from the 1970s to the present spanning California Conceptualism, West Coast Pop and Los Angeles’s Lowbrow art movement.
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Kelly Berg’s “Pyramidion”
Pyramidion is an interactive sculptural experience that invites viewers to contemplate the layered history and unique geology of Laguna Beach. The Big One by artist Robert Young is thought to still hold the record as the largest painting ever created in Laguna Beach and is on display in the California Gallery. Pyramidion and The Big One are on view through February 12.
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Visitors have until March 12 to see the “Five Summer Stories” exhibition
Five Summer Stories: The Exhibition, presented in partnership with MacGillivray Freeman Films and Coast Film Festival in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic surf documentary, includes a sneak peek of the film and historic imagery, along with clothing and items from the era of the film. The exhibition is on view through March 12.
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Live! at the Museum, February 9, Douglas Masek
–Thursday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m.
Live! at the Museum, Douglas Masek and Bryan Pezzone
Join this duo consisting of a saxophone and keyboard as they perform in the museum. Please arrive early and enjoy the museum’s exhibitions and social time. Live! at the Museum is presented in partnership with Laguna Beach Live!
Laguna Live! concerts are partially funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach. Advance tickets recommended. Laguna Art Museum members and Laguna Beach Live! Members: Free, Non-members: $14 per person. For tickets, click here.
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Collage Workshop
–Sunday, Feb. 12, 2 p.m.
Jo Situ Allen leads Mixed Media Collage Workshop
Inspired by Robert Young’s painting, The Big One, local artist Jo Situ Allen (aka Dirty Eraser) will lead a mixed media collage workshop using found images, objects and reproductions of marine life from The Accidental Naturalist, her book on native California species. She will share some insights about the wonderful species found just off the beaches of Laguna. Energized by the intuitive flow of the ocean, students will create their own magical underwater landscape through colors, forms and textures. The Oceanic Flow workshop will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase through the Laguna Art Museum website and the cost is $20 for museum members and $30 for non-members. Children under 12 can attend the workshop for free, but must be accompanied by at least one paying adult. Supplies for the workshop are included with the ticket.
For tickets, click here.
Storytime Saturday
–Saturday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m.
Storytime Saturday, The Day You Begin
Bring literature to life during a participatory story time that will have you making and moving! We’ll craft a storytelling experience inspired by a museum artwork or exhibition to foster children’s understanding of art’s role in their lives. Read-alouds will be supplemented with mindfulness exercises, art-making projects, or in-gallery activities that promote meaningful connections with caregivers and others. Sessions are designed for PreK–2 learners and their families.
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R Star shares 2022 successes
R Star Foundation, a 100% volunteer-run organization, serves and educates the women and children of Nepal.
During 2022, R Star Foundation’s successes and accomplishments included:
–Gifted a rural school in Nepal with 50 new Samsung tablets which are serving 500 children a week. The computer program delighted the children, as education is the way out of poverty.
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Photos courtesy of R Star
A computer class where Nepal students are using Samsung tablets
–Coached Myriam, 16, a Malibu high school student for a New York Times summer writing camp she was invited to. She presented information about period stigmas, quite common in Nepal villages.
–After more than 2 1/2 years, R Star was involved in the collaboration of better roads being completed to Nepal villages. “It is so much easier for the villagers to get their produce to market because of the roads,” said Rabindra who oversaw the project.
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A smiling Rabindra, who oversaw the road work and water projects
–R Star’s water project, another collaboration with the government, now benefits 350 homes, completed after two years. It was also overseen by Rabindra, who manages R Star’s ongoing projects in Nepal. A planned celebration was enjoyed by the government officials and the residents, who received water to their homes in the Kavre District. No longer do the women and children have to hike five times a day for water, trudging up and down slippery hills for the day’s water, regardless of the climate. About 81% of Nepal’s population (30 million people) lacks access to safe water. Your tax-deductible contribution can provide clean water for a family and all the improved health they can enjoy.
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R Star passed on goats to single women in the municipality of Nomo. Rosalind Russell, CEO and founder of R Star, is pictured kneeling (center).
–Many rural villages requested R Star’s program for goats and microfinancing. Although the delivery has been slowed because of elections and the time to purchase goats, delivery is expected soon to two selected villages. R Star’s successful 20-year goat program has directly benefited women and their families with increased financial independence.
–R Star worked with the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary which received a $60,210 global grant from Rotary International for drinking water and a sanitation station in R Star’s single women’s village – Kapuradhunga. The clean water project is in process with a completion date expected the later part of 2023.
–Raised $3,000 through three mini-fundraisers.
–Received grants from Soroptimists ($1,000) and First Church of San Juan Capistrano ($3,400).
–Donors independently gifted funds monthly or at their will for R Star programs.
–R Star sent Christmas cards to all our donors and supporters and sent out all donor letters by year end.
R Star Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible organization. Gifts go directly to their projects, as they are volunteer based. To reach them, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., call 949.497.4911 and visit www.rstarfoundation.org.
Palette of color
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Photo by Scott Brashier
A weekend sunset offered this explosion of colors
LBCAC adds performances to February calendar
The Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center (LBCAC) has three exciting and diverse events in their February lineup. Two of them honor Black History Month.
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Courtesy of Bare Bones Theatre
In honor of Black History Month
–Tuesday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m.
Bare Bones Theatre Presents: L’Dor v’Dor lll By Lojo Simon
Three generations of Jewish Americans travel to Natchez, Miss. to learn about the history of their family from its start during the Freedom Summer of 1964.
There is limited seating. For tickets, click here.
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Courtesy of LBCAC
Jordan Ferrin – Melodic-groove jazz and live storytelling
–Wednesday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m.
The Jordan Ferrin Storyband
The Jordan Ferrin Storyband combines melodic-groove jazz and live storytelling into an experience of connection. It is an experience as unique as it is engaging.
California-born woodwind player Ferrin spent years traveling the world as a cruise ship musician, inspiring The Jordan Ferrin Storyband, whose debut album Tales of Transcendence was released in March 2022. It was received well throughout Europe.
According to Chris Spector of Midwest Record, “A sax man makes his debut by taking an impressionistic trip around the world to unleash his creativity in new ways. It’s got that seeker kind of vibe the jazzbos of yore had when they were romping about in India.”
For tickets, click here.
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Courtesy of LBCAC
Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. and discussion
–Saturday, Feb. 25, 8-10 p.m.
“SIMPLY SAMMY”
A Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. starring Doug Starks
A 90-minute reflection of the music, memories and moments of one of the world’s greatest entertainers. Starks will share his conversations, common interests and motivations, whereby his relationship went from fan to friend. Join him as he recounts the music, the dance, the stories and the man. Simply put, “SIMPLY SAMMY.”
For tickets, click here.
LBCAC is located at 235 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach.
For tickets and the LBCAC calendar, go to www.lbculturalartscenter.org.
LBCAC has installed a Patriot Air Purification System to ensure a virus free environment.
Grant funding was made possible by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach.
Dennis’ Local Almanac
By DENNIS McTIGHE
Warmer weather is on the way!
Here on Sunday, (Feb. 5), we were at the exact midway point of winter. The sun rose at 6:46 a.m. and set at 5:24 p.m. February is normally Laguna’s wettest month by a few hundredths of an inch with an average of around 3.22 inches.
Our wettest February occurred in 1998 with a grand total of 15.02 inches with 22 days recording measurable rainfall. The wettest day that month occurred on the 23rd when a total of three inches fell. We were in the midst of a powerful El Niño event, arguably the strongest such event of the 20th century, right up there with the 1982-83 episode.
The 1997-98 season wound up as the wettest season ever with a total of 37.27 inches. There have been two completely rainless Februarys and that was in 1961 and 1984. February’s normal hi-lo temp is 66-46. The warmest February day occurred on February 5 (in 1988) with a high of 88 and the coldest February night was on the 20th in 1989 with a low of 32. The normal water temp for February is 56 degrees with the warmest of 64 degrees in 1997 and the coldest was 52 in 1989. The strongest wind gust was 80 mph early in the morning of February 10th, 1978.
A new coldest temp record was set last Friday with a reading of minus 112 degrees at Mt. Washington, N.H., making it the coldest temp ever recorded in the continental United States. It broke the old record of -108 degrees which happened at the same location. These readings factored in wind chill and were a product of a polar vortex – in which barometric pressures as high as 31.30 inches of mercury occurred in the center of a very strong high-pressure cell that sank unusually far to the south from the Earth’s Arctic Circle.
Normally this high would be stationed north of the U.S.-Canadian border, but a buckle in the west to east jet stream allowed this huge pool of bitter arctic air to become greatly displaced to the south. Remember, this huge high pressure is sitting right on top of a very thick snow cover at the surface up there, thus adding considerably to the very cold air that surrounds this high.
Vorticity is the turning of the atmosphere. It may be embedded in the total flow and not readily identified by a flow pattern. 1. absolute vorticity: The rotation of the earth imparts vorticity to the atmosphere; absolute vorticity is the combined vorticity due to this rotation and vorticity due to circulation relative to the earth; 2. negative vorticity: vorticity caused by anticyclonic turning; it is associated with downward motion of the air; 3. positive vorticity: vorticity caused by cyclonic turning; it is associated with upward motion of the air and 4. relative vorticity: vorticity of the air relative to the Earth, disregarding the component of vorticity resulting from the Earth’s rotation. I think I know how to spell the word vorticity by now.
The upcoming week is looking warm and dry with possible Santana winds that should send temps up into the low to mid 70s and that’s music to my ears.
Have a good week!
LPAPA’s “Younger Generation Plein Air Project” resumes after going dark during the pandemic
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.
The Laguna Plein Air Painter’s Association (LPAPA) has made it their mission to advance arts education in our local elementary schools. In 2013, they created the “Younger Generation Plein Air Project,” a four-part series that includes lessons in art history, art appreciation, a museum visit and hands-on instruction in rendering paintings. Alongside the statewide curriculum designed to introduce fourth graders to California history, LPAPA’s program exposes students to our regional history through art. To date, well over 5,000 fourth graders from both public and private schools have benefited from this unique and immersive program.
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Photos courtesy of LPAPA
A LPAPA volunteer guides a group of fourth graders at Alta Laguna Park
But like so many things, the project shut down during the pandemic. This year marks its return. And if last month’s paint-out proved anything, it’s that parents, teachers, students and LPAPA volunteers alike are thrilled to be back. “This is one of our biggest community outreach programs,” said LPAPA Vice President Celeste Gilles. “And certainly the biggest for our youth.”
Jeff Sewell, LPAPA signature member and director of education, founded and leads the program. He visits fourth grade students inside their classrooms for an overview of plein air painting – the terminology artists use, the methods and techniques they employ and the work they produce. “I introduce them to the idea of impressionism. There’s realism, there’s abstract art and impressionism comes right between them,” said Sewell. “We talk about the rainbow scale, everything between realistic impressionism and abstract impressionism. So they get excited to see that.”
The students then visit the UCI Langson Institute and Museum of California Art for a docent-guided tour that gives them up-close access to both historical and contemporary examples of California Impressionism. “We’ve already talked about the vocabulary and ideas,” said Sewell. “Now, at the museum, we get to compare and contrast what we’ve talked about.”
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TOW students visited the UCI Langson Institute and Museum of California Art. This work by early California Impressionist painter Granville Redmond is one of the many works they studied.
Back in their classrooms, students are treated to a real-time demonstration. Using a photo as reference, and enhancing it with his memories, Sewell teaches landscape composition, color theory, the art of mixing and blending paints and other techniques used by professional artists. The class observes each step in the process and can ask questions along the way.
The program culminates with a paint-out, giving students the opportunity to try their own hands at holding a brush and working on a canvas in an outdoor environment. Top of the World (TOW) students walk to Alta Laguna Park, where they’re treated to unobstructed views of the Santa Ana Mountains and Old Saddleback. This year, the windy day was brisk but clear, which made for perfect vistas but some challenges keeping the easels from blowing over. Within the next few months, the program will be repeated at El Morro Elementary and students will paint seascapes at Crystal Cove.
“The parents were especially excited [to return],” said Gilles. “Some parents remembered their older kids going through the program. We also had a few parents who have current 6th graders who were disappointed they didn’t get to experience this [during the shutdown].”
Sewell is the ideal instructor. A longtime LPAPA Signature Artist and father of six, he’s got the perfect combination of knowledge, experience, relatability and patience. “Jeff is super cool and mellow,” said Gilles. “The kids see that in him, so they respond to that in the classroom. He spends a day with them at the museum. By the time they get out to paint, they’re excited to take what they’ve learned and put it on the canvas.”
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Founder of the program and LPAPA Signature Member Jeff Sewell instructs the group at Alta Laguna Park before sending them out on their paint-out
The paint-out day finally arrived at Alta Laguna Park and students were fully engaged. Sewell gathered them around for a pre-paint pep talk. He refreshed their memories about that “French phrase plein air” and the meaning of impressionism. He reintroduced the rainbow scale and the difference between realism and abstract art. “We all paint different,” he told them. “And we all paint to the best of our abilities.” Using a paper plate as a canvas, Sewell began mixing colors and laying out his composition. Students offered their suggestions – dark colors in the foreground, cool temperature colors for the distance. “Remember that word ‘foreground?’” he asked. They did.
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Catmosphere and LB Animal Shelter partner for adoption event
Catmosphere Laguna Foundation introduced Orange County’s first Cat Café & Lounge. Catmosphere Laguna Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit feline rescue which serves Laguna Beach and the surrounding communities every day of the week dedicated to finding forever homes for homeless, relinquished, abandoned and special-needs cats and kittens.
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Photo by Erin Weber
(L-R) Catmosphere Laguna Foundation Founder Gail Landau with Moe Howson holding Brownie
Laguna Beach has long been known and loved for its artistic community and embrace of nature in all its forms. Catmosphere Laguna Foundation enhances and strengthens that reputation in its mission to prevent cruelty to animals by rescuing, fostering, and assisting in public adoptions and awareness of the plight of homeless felines. Their adoption events are fun for the whole family with snacks and giveaways for all and volunteer opportunities are available.
On Saturday, Feb. 18 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Catmosphere Laguna cats and kittens will be featured for adoption at the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter, 20612 Laguna Canyon Road.
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Photo by Alex Lim
(L-R) Foster moms Leanne and Adrian open their hearts and homes to these rescued kitties, here with two from the Latte litter
The following weekend on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Catmosphere Laguna cats and kittens will be featured for adoption at Gelson’s Laguna Beach location, 30922 Coast Highway.
For more information, contact Catmosphere Laguna Foundation at 949.619.MEOW (6369), or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
–Laguna Beach Animal Shelter and Catmosphere Laguna adoption events in 2023: February 18, April 15, June 17, August 19, October 21 and year-end holiday events.
–Gelson’s Laguna Beach and Catmosphere Laguna adoption events in 2023: February 25, May 27, August 26, October 28, and year-end holiday events.
For more information, visit www.catmospherelaguna.com.
Strike up the Band: Love shines through in Community Concert Band’s newest performance
By THERESA KEEGAN
This story is a part of our Arts section. Visit www.stunewslaguna.com/arts for more arts stories as well as our arts calendars.
It’s fitting Sunday’s concert at Laguna Beach High School is entitled Songs from the Heart, because the Laguna Community Concert Band (LCCB), which will be performing, is all about heart.
“We really love to play music and we really love to perform,” Director Mark Lowery said of the group of dedicated musicians. “The community band is an outlet for people who want to play for fun.”
And who are willing to invest their time.
The group rehearses every Tuesday night at 6 p.m. and hosts concerts whenever the opportunity arises – a situation that is dictated more by venue availability than systemic scheduling.
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Photos courtesy of LCCB
Director Mark Lowery started conducting the LCCB almost seven years ago, after retiring as a school band director. However, he was familiar with the group, because his father played French horn with them into his nineties. And yes, Lowery was able to direct his dad in a performance.
A busy performance schedule
The valentine’s-themed concert is the first of the year, but at the following Tuesday’s rehearsal, the musicians will receive the music for the band’s performance in March’s Patriot’s Day Parade. And then there’s a show featuring film scores in early May and the annual Memorial Day concert at Main Beach followed by performances at the Festival of Arts in July and August.
Each concert has its own theme, and the music is selected by the directors – in addition to Lowery, Pete Fournier is also at the helm of the 50-plus musicians.
“I pick music the audience wants to hear and music that the musicians want to play,” explained Lowery. But simply because a piece is good doesn’t mean it’s a good fit for the Community Concert Band.
“I just listened to the soundtrack of Dances with Wolves,” he said. “It’s beautiful, but I don’t know yet if it’s right for this band. Part of my training as a conductor is listening and choosing music that challenges, but doesn’t overchallenge, the musicians.”
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Juxtaposed
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Photo by Scott Brashier
The moon perfectly encapsulates local palm trees
Festival of Arts now accepting student scholarship applications until March 10
The Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach has announced that applications for the 2023-2024 academic school year are now open to local students. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior who resides in Laguna Beach or attends Laguna Beach High School. Applications will be accepted through the Festival’s website at www.foapom.com/scholarships until the March 10 deadline.
“This program is a tremendous opportunity for students who are considering a career in the arts,” said Festival of Arts Board Secretary and Scholarship Chair Pat Kollenda. “The arts are such a critical part of a student’s overall education as well as continued personal development. It is with great pride that the Festival rewards and encourages the development of careers in the arts.”
Since 1957, the Festival of Arts scholarship program has supported rising young artists by making it possible for students to pursue college studies in the arts. To date, the Festival of Arts has awarded more than $3.5 million in scholarships.
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Courtesy of FOA
Past recipients of FOA Scholarships
Last year, five students were each recognized with $20,000 scholarships by the Festival of Arts. Each recipient was granted $5,000 per year over a four-year period as long as he/she continues to meet the specified requirements. “I learned about the Festival of Arts scholarship through my art teacher, Ms. Porter and the high school scholarship advisor, Ms. Shipp,” said Colette Reed, 2022 Festival of Arts Student Scholarship recipient. “I’m so grateful for this scholarship – it’s helped me take more classes in college, and pursue my degree in Art and potentially an MFA, which is so fantastic!”
The four-year, highly competitive scholarships are awarded to students who excel in Film, Performing Arts (dance, music and theater arts – including performance and production), Visual Arts and Writing. A student may apply for any or all of the four categories, but will only be awarded one scholarship. The Festival of Arts Scholarship Committee includes Chair Pat Kollenda and committee members Wayne Baglin, John Connolly, Marge Earl, Jacquie Moffett, and Jeff Rovner.
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Photo by Robert Hansen
FOA accepting scholarship applications until March 10
Scholarship recipient Reed added, “I was so, so excited to learn I was a scholarship recipient! I worked really hard on this scholarship, and I was really honored to be recognized for it, and to be among such an awesome group of artists! I feel so grateful to the Festival and the board, because this scholarship will and already has helped me so much in college.”
The Festival of Arts, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), has always been a local leader that has helped with the growth and development of the community and the arts in Laguna Beach. Established in 1932, the Festival of Arts’ mission is to promote, produce and sponsor events and activities that encourage the appreciation, study and performance of the arts. The Festival of Arts annually produces two world-class events: The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. Together both shows attract more than 225,000 visitors into Laguna Beach.
For general scholarship information call Michelle Reindl at (949) 464-4201 or visit the website at www.foa.com/scholarships. The Festival of Arts is a nonprofit organization that produces the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. Its mission is to support the arts and art education in and about Laguna Beach.
The Festival of Arts, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), has always been a local leader that has helped with the growth and development of the community and the arts in Laguna Beach. Established in 1932, the Festival of Arts’ mission is to promote, produce and sponsor events and activities that encourage the appreciation, study and performance of the arts. The Festival of Arts annually produces two world-class events: The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. Together both shows attract more than 225,000 visitors into Laguna Beach.
For more information, visit www.lagunafestivalofarts.org, or call 949.494.1145.
Bare Bones presents L’Dor v’Dor lll, a new play in the trilogy by Lojo Simon, at LBCAC
One year after it first debuted Lojo Simon’s play L’Dor v’Dor (from Generation to Generation), Bare Bones presents the final reading of the trilogy on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center (LBCAC), 235 Forest Ave. in Downtown Laguna Beach.
“I’m super excited to share this play, which is set in Natchez, Miss., during the Civil Rights movement, as part of Black History Month,” Simon said. “I’ve gotten to know these characters so well over the last 18 months of writing about them. When I watch them come alive in the voices and bodies of actors – that’s one of the great rewards of the collaborative process that is making live theater.”
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Photos courtesy of Bare Bones
Nzinga Moore makes her Bare Bones debut in February’s play reading, which honors Black History Month
Ava Burton directs the play, which features actors Jaidyn Johns, Sarah Levin, Nzinga Moore, Veltria Roman, Sheila Silver and Tyee Tilghman. The audience is invited to stay after the reading to discuss themes of race, assimilation and social justice with facilitator Pastor Rod Echols.
“We’ve been developing this trilogy for the past year at Bare Bones, which is a great honor as both an actor and director to be involved in the early creative process of making a new play,” Burton said. “I can’t wait to share it with an audience, so they all can see where the story’s gone and discuss it with Lojo and Pastor Rod.”
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Tyee Tilghman makes his Bare Bones debut in February’s play reading
General admission is $30; $50 tickets include premium seating and a bar drink. For tickets, click here.
Please note that LBCAC is not currently ADA-accessible, as it requires patrons to walk up steep stairs. (Once upstairs, the theatre is ADA-friendly.)
Bare Bones is a project of ART WOW (Art Without Walls), bringing theater you can chew on to discerning Laguna Beach audiences.
Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center is a creative epicenter in Downtown Laguna with exhibition space, events, and promotion to support artists in theater, visual arts, music, video and still photography, film, dance, prose and poetry, and arts education.
Just Gather ‘70s-style inaugural gala to be held at LAM
On Sunday, April 16 at 5 p.m., Laguna Art Museum (LAM) will be transformed into a mission-focused community wellness party that transports guests back in time. Sponsors host guests from different-sized ‘70s living rooms surrounding a dance floor. Coffee tables include board games, fondue, charcuterie and Polaroid cameras. The event presents a short program, a high-end silent auction, dancing and unique entertainment.
As in its work with youth, visual expressionism through fashion is encouraged. Anything ‘70s goes. Sponsorship levels range from the premier level, “All In the Family,” down to “The Brady Bunch.” The nonprofit welcomes community participation in the form of silent auction donations, furniture loans, houseplant loans, volunteers, guests, sponsors and cause-related marketing.
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Courtesy of Just Gather
Just Gather is gearing up for its inaugural fundraising night, in ‘70s style, at LAM. This sparkly dress at Heidi Miller’s World Newsstand exudes ‘70s bling and she’s donating to the cause’s marketing effort for the gala.
In Laguna Beach, The Vault Men & Women is offering unique styles for gala guests with a 10% donation back to the cause, starting in February. Heidi Miller at World Newsstand is donating 10% to the cause for those who mention Just Gather up until the gala, so check out her ‘70s-style bling. Stylists from Belo Blow Dry Bar are doing scarf hair and fringe bangs at the event. For those who want to relax, the secondary event space will offer art therapy and crafts with opportunities to meet Just Gather’s executive team.
According to Just Gather’s Michelle Highberg, “For our inaugural event, being mission-aligned matters. With that, we removed the table element and live auction to encourage more time to mingle and dance. Living rooms are fun for families/groups of friends, as well as for businesses to entertain clients. Guests are welcome to add personal furnishings to feel at home.”
For information on sponsorships, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and to volunteer or get involved, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Just Gather is under the fiscal oversight and governance of One O.C. to ensure standards of ethics, accountability and safety.
For more information, visit www.justgather.org.
LagunaTunes Community Chorus is turning 20
LagunaTunes Community Chorus resumes rehearsals on Monday, Feb. 13, in preparation for a 20th anniversary celebration performance called Lagunatunes, Greatest Hits.
Several members of LagunaTunes sang their appreciation for a cultural arts grant to City Council in November, inviting them to the 20th anniversary performance. The concert is a look back at the group’s favorite music from 2003, when the group was founded, to the present. In a survey sent to all past and present members, participants were invited to vote for their favorite songs from the last 20 years. Past members are particularly urged to return to the stage, greet old friends, and join in this nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Courtesy of LagunaTunes
LagunaTunes singing at City Council
The concert – LagunaTunes, Greatest Hits – will be on Sunday, June 11 at 4 p.m. in the Artists Theater at Laguna Beach High School. Both new and past members are welcome, and there are no auditions. All you need is a desire to sing and learn with a fun group of people and a great director. Recorded rehearsal tracks are available for all parts. Listen to them in your car, while exercising, any time you want, to learn effortlessly between rehearsals.
To join LagunaTunes, come to the rehearsal on February 13 from 7-9 p.m. at Thurston Middle School, 2100 Park Ave., Laguna Beach. Bring a check for $90 (music fee) and a willingness to sing. COVID vaccinations, though not required, are encouraged.
The chorus is led by Bob Gunn, former long-time 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, and the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.
For more information, visit www.lagunatuneschorus.org, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
More fun events and workshops added to LOCA’s February calendar
LOCA just added two new events to this month’s calendar – “An Evening with Nelson Coates” on February 22 and “Illustrate Create for Kids” on February 27 (a five-part series).
–Tuesday, Feb. 7, 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Contemporary Landscapes with Cydette Vikander, Feb. 7 and 8
Laguna Beach Community Center, 380 Third St., Laguna Beach.
Two Day Workshop: Tuesday and Wednesday, February 7 and 8 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Working from photo references, students will learn what makes a strong composition and how to arrange it on their canvas. Participants will be using water mixable oil colors. Participants may bring their own supplies if they choose. Members: $50. To register, click here.
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Vikander’s work
–Wednesday, Feb. 8, 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Contemporary Landscapes with Cydette Vikander
Laguna Beach Community Center, 380 Third St., Laguna Beach.
Two Day Workshop: Tuesday and Wednesday, February 7 and 8 from 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Working from photo references, students will learn what makes a strong composition and how to arrange it on their canvas. Participants will be using water mixable oil colors. Participants may bring their own supplies if they choose. Members: $50, Non-members $100.
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Open Studio with Joy Vansell – make Valentine’s Day cards
–Thursday, Feb. 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Art Talk, Open Studio, Joy Vansell
LCAD Gallery, 374 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach.
Love is in the air at the Art Talks “open studio” event where everyone gets to create a valentine card to take home. Visitors may select from an amazing array of specialty decorative papers provided by Joy Vansell, who will be on hand to show how to arrange the cuttings and affix them to a card using a glue stick. Plastic templates will be available to create fitted envelope liners. The casual, “open studio” format allows everyone to work at their own pace, and come and go as desired. Members are free, non-members $20. Advance registration is required, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Nelson Coates, multi-award-winning production designer
–Wednesday, Feb. 22, 5:30-7p.m.
“An Evening with Nelson Coates”
Laguna Beach Community Center, 380 Third St., Great Room, Laguna Beach.
Everyone who likes TV and movies will love this “must see” presentation by multi-award-winning Production Designer Nelson Coates. He will share stories of creating visual concepts including sets, props and costumes for hit feature films including Crazy Rich Asians, Hocus Pocus 2 and In the Heights, and for television including The Morning Show and Home Before Dark. Advance registration is required, so to register, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Visitors are $20, Free to LOCA members.
Carole Boller
–Saturday, Feb. 25, 9-11 a.m.
LPAPA and LOCA - Carole Boller: Laguna Plein Air Paint Together
Heisler Park, 375 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach.
Register to join LPAPA Artist Member Carole Boller for this fun and informative LPAPA+LOCA in-person Mentor Paint Together session on “Boller’s Bloomers: The Value of Plein Air Painting.” In this mentor session, Boller will demonstrate her oil painting process, brush stroke by brush stroke, of a lovely garden scene at Heisler Park in Laguna Beach. LPAPA and LOCA members $25, non-members $50. To register, click here. Advance registration is required, so to register, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Participants will draw a Great Horned Owl on February 27
–Monday, Feb. 27, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Illustrate Create for Kids
Laguna Beach Public Library, 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach.
LOCA has partnered with Crystal Cove State Park in this five-week series of afterschool workshops for kids, ages 7-11. Students will learn about sea and animal life as taught by an educator from the State Park, then enjoy an art lesson with Elizabeth McGhee. Subjects include Great Horned Owl on February 27 (pictured), March 6 is Octopus, 13th is Opossums, 20th is Sea Star and 27th is Sharks. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. Free. For a map, click here. For questions, call the library at 949.497.1733.
LOCA Art Talks are for anyone and everyone who loves the visual arts. Their events, offered monthly in Laguna Beach and surrounding areas, are educational and informative, yet casual and fun. Attendees get to meet fascinating artists and industry leaders, and learn about their work and careers.
For more information about LOCA, go to www.locaarts.org.
Laguna Beach Garden Club’s monthly meeting and speaker series, special plant and planter sale on February 10
From baskets bursting with bright spring blooms, romantic heart-shaped containers planted with blushing pansies to sleek modern creations, unique container gardens will be auctioned to the public at the annual Plant & Planter Sale, on Friday, Feb. 10 in Downtown Laguna Beach.
In lieu of the regular speaker series presented monthly by the Laguna Beach Garden Club (LBGC), in February the public is invited to mingle with garden club members, get garden questions answered by certified Master Gardeners and bid on beautiful and imaginative arrangements donated by club members.
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Photos courtesy of LBGC
A container garden makes a distinctive Valentine gift
In addition to more than 50 container gardens, plants, crafts and a boutique of vintage garden objects and books will be for sale in the courtyard outside the Laguna Presbyterian Church Tankersley Hall. This is an opportunity to buy a distinctive Valentine gift for your special someone and beat the Valentine’s Day rush.
If you’re feeling lucky, enter the raffle to win one of many prizes donated by artists and local vendors. The public is welcome to this special annual Garden Club event.
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A variety of plants will be for sale in the courtyard
Join this program with social time and refreshments taking place from 9:30-10 a.m. and the meeting beginning promptly at 10 a.m. Meetings are held at Laguna Presbyterian Church in Tankersley Hall located at 415 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach. Non-members are invited to attend for free on their first visit.
For more information about the Laguna Beach Garden Club, visit www.lagunabeachgardenclub.org.
Pageant of the Masters is offering a “lovable” discount for your favorite Valentine
Looking for a unique gift for that special loved one? Pageant of the Masters is helping charm sweethearts this Valentine’s Day with tickets to the nation’s most iconic presentation of living pictures with a lovable discount! Special for Valentine’s Day, save 20% on tickets to this summer’s production with promotional code VDAY23 (excludes loge center and premium ticket seats).
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Courtesy of Festival of Arts Laguna Beach
Pageant of the Masters’ re-creation of “Women in the Garden” by Claude Monet will appear in the 2023 production “Art Colony: In the Company of Artists,” taking place July 7 through September 1
To take advantage of this incredible offer, call 800.487.3378, or visit www.PageantTickets.com. This offer is good through February 14. Give a gift that lasts through summer with tickets to the 90th Annual Pageant of the Masters production of Art Colony: In the Company of Artists, offering shows nightly July 7 through September 1.
Pageant of the Masters takes place on the Festival of Arts grounds located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. For more information, visit www.foapom.com.
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.
