Fair Game
By TOM JOHNSON
Special season for Laguna Beach football continues, and it’s more than just about the wins
It’s been quite a year for Laguna Beach High School football…and it’s not over! Following last week’s win over Diamond Bar, 36-28, in the CIF Southern Section Division 9 Football Championship, the Breakers now move on to state play beginning tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 3). Laguna Beach takes on Granada Hills Charter in the 2022 CIF State Regional 4-A Championship Bowl Game right here in town on Guyer Field. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
A win this weekend would put Laguna Beach in the CIF State Championship Bowl Game on either December 9 or 10 against a Northern California Regional counterpart for all the marbles.
And while their win over Diamond Bar gave the Breakers their first title in 76 years, Laguna Beach has never…ever…won a state football championship.
And while our local football team has been stellar, winning nine in a row and counting, while running their record to 11-3, there are also other stories along the way that have added to their narrative.
Think back to October when Breakers’ running back Bella Rasmussen made sports history by becoming the first female EVER to score two touchdowns in a varsity high school game. When we say ever, we’re talking everywhere and every place.
How big was it? Try acknowledgements on The Today Show, ESPN and USA Today.
Rasmussen is a senior and has been a part of the team for all four years of high school, with her career dating all the way back to youth football beginning at 6 years old.
Lo and behold, Bella wasn’t the only story involving a female in the program. As the season winds down, we find out that freshman Mitzi Ostrick also played football, only she did it on the JV/Frosh team. But don’t kid yourself, Mitzi did more than just occupy a spot on the pine. Yes, Mitzi, who also plays varsity soccer, was a kicker and scored more than 20 points during the year handling those duties.
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Photo by Doug Franz
Mitzi Ostrick kicks off in recent JV/Frosh game
Mitzi is hoping she’s more than a one-and-done, too. Her plans have her continuing on next year. Obviously, her soccer skills are advanced, as playing varsity as a freshman proves, but she’s also worked separately on her football kicking skills by regularly practicing with friends she’s made from the football team. And she also credits senior kicker Vance Simpson, who’s been out injured this year, for helping her get her start.
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Courtesy of LBHS
Mitzi Ostrick poses with an American football during the season, but she’s since traded that in for the round-ball style of football (or soccer as we know it) in another sport she excels in
And, while Mitzi won’t be a part of the action this weekend, Bella will be there ready to throw on that helmet for another shot at fame.
Go Breakers!
• • •
If you’re looking for a stocking stuffer to make some music lover’s holiday, think of Kontrapunktus which will present Bach & Handel Soli Deo gloria in Laguna Beach on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023.
Kontrapunktus is “300 years in the making, performing classical music in the Baroque Style.”
The performance, which will take place at Laguna Presbyterian, will feature concert master Hannah White and acclaimed soloist Aubree Oliverson.
It will be sponsored in part by the City of Laguna Beach, the O.L. Halsell Foundation and the California Arts Council.
Tickets can be purchased at www.kontrapunktus.com/tickets.
• • •
Things are jumping during December at the Laguna Playhouse as they present four magical ways to celebrate the holiday season with four extraordinary holiday experiences: The Wonderful Winter of Oz: A Holiday Panto; The Skivvies: Sleigh My Name; Sister’s Christmas Catechism and Rita Rudner: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like New Year’s.
The Wonderful Winter of Oz: A Holiday Panto will take guests “on a new adventure to the enchanted Land of Oz in this fantastically fun production. Based on the British tradition of pantomime, where the audience’s participation is part of the show, expect a hilarious, heartwarming evening full of song, dance and holiday merriment!”
Performances are December 8-29 (Tickets are $36-$71).
The Skivvies: Sleigh My Name is the “outrageous holiday show of the season. This undie-rock, comedy pop, award-winning duo perform stripped-down, mashed-up versions of holiday favorites and more. Expect to see ukulele, electric cello and an array of zany instruments.”
Performances are December 12 and 13 (Tickets are $41-$51).
Sister’s Christmas Catechism “retells the story of the nativity, as only Sister can…this hilarious holiday production is bound to become a yearly classic. Employing her own scientific tools, assisted by a local choir as well as a gaggle of audience members, Sister creates a living nativity unlike any you’ve ever seen.”
Performances are December 19-20 (Tickets are $51).
Rita Rudner: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like New Year’s invites you to join Rita’s seventh annual New Year’s Eve celebration at the Playhouse.
Performance is December 31 (Tickets are $105-$131).
Tickets can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.com, or by calling 949.497.2787.
Slice Pizza & Beer releases fifth Laguna Beach artist-designed pizza box
Slice Pizza & Beer just announced the release of their fifth Laguna Beach artist-designed pizza box.
“In keeping with the concept of promoting community, we decided when we opened to have local artists design our boxes,” said Suzanne Redfearn, who owns Slice Pizza & Beer with her husband, Cary.
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Photos courtesy of Slice Pizza & Beer
Local artist Larry Stewart with the pizza box he designed
“Our fifth pizza box features the work of local artist Larry Stewart, and he chose the quote on the inside flap, which was written by Paul McCartney: ‘And, in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make,’” said Suzanne.
Stewart is a Laguna Beach artist, born and raised. As he stated on www.five3gallery.com, “I have been honing my craft in contemporary styled artwork for the last decade. Initially a full-time athlete, my notebooks overflowed with artistic creations. Eventually, it came time to hang up the cleats; with my old identity gone, I committed to something new.”
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Larry Stewart (left) with his brother Lance display the five artist-designed pizza boxes – (L-R) Fifth design by Larry, fourth design by Lauren Howell, third design by Lisa Mansour and her daughter Chloe Mansour, second design by Sharon Hardy and the inaugural box was designed by Cynthia Fletcher.
Stewart continued, “Soon the hours in the studio surpassed the hours in the ocean, and I knew that it would be this way forever. Years of athletics created an addictive passion for mastering every detail of my creation and finding new sources of inspiration. The only difference is that art is a game I cannot win, so it looks like I have a lifetime of competition ahead of me.”
Follow Larry Stewart on Instagram @larrydiditt.
Slice Pizza & Beer is located at 477 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach. For more information, visit www.slicelb.com.
New councilmember talks local business, city maintenance, small improvements
By SARA HALL
A newly elected councilmember this week shared some of his plans for filling empty business spaces, his aim to kick-start some much-needed city maintenance and how little improvements can make a big difference.
Councilmember-elect Mark Orgill was the featured speaker at the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee meeting on Thursday (Dec. 1).
Orgill briefly shared a bit about his background during his 38 years in town, including operating various businesses. Being on the board of Visit Laguna Beach for about 24 years also gives him an interesting viewpoint.
Orgill has managed a notable real estate portfolio, leasing and developing both commercial and residential properties. He specifically mentioned that he’s processed his own plans and CDPs
“I believe it gives me a unique perspective as a councilperson to really work with the chamber and businesses,” Orgill said.
He’s passionate about dealing with commerce-related issues, Orgill added, which was the focus of his comments at the Chamber meeting.
Living near Main Beach and Downtown, he’s seen a change in demographics and in the trends of how people interact with retail environments. The retail environment is changing, he noted, and it’s changing rapidly. It’s happening nationwide and even, to some extent, globally.
Addressing concerns about vacant retail spaces, Orgill noted his experience managing properties in town. They had a 90% occupancy rate, he pointed out.
“I do know how to keep properties full,” Orgill said.
He’s recently met with property owners Downtown and asked them what it would take to encourage them to “be a little bit more proactive in getting tenants into their space.”
“A lot of our property owners in town have become a bit complacent,” he said.
Some properties have been in the same hands for many years and they’re not highly leveraged, he explained.
“The reality is that there’s not a lot of motivation for some of these property owners to be as active as they could be in finding tenants,” Orgill said.
For property owners, it’s easy to fall back and blame the city and not want to deal with it, Orgill said. Some would rather see their property fall into disrepair than deal with city hall. His aim would be to get rid of their ability to use that excuse.
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Courtesy of Mark Orgill
Newly elected City Councilmember Mark Orgill
But before they talk to private property owners, the city should launch a program that “spruces itself up a little bit,” Orgill added. Due to the pandemic and some “distractions” that the city has had over the years, some maintenance has been deferred, he noted.
“I think we’re a little bit rough around the edges right now,” he said, pointing out that there are plans in place to address some of the concerns he heard from residents during the campaign.
They can focus on the simple things, like planters or trash enclosures.
They shouldn’t approach private property owners about improving their building and making it more appealing to possible tenants until the city steps up their end. It’s a bit of “the pot calling the kettle black,” he said.
It’s something he wants to talk to his soon-to-be fellow councilmembers about right away, he added.
There are a lot of little things that could help improve the environment for businesses and help fill empty properties.
“It would be a benefit to all of us,” Orgill said. “Rising tides lift all the boats.”
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Curran named assistant city manager/CFO as Domer departs city for La Verne
City Manager Shohreh Dupuis has announced the appointment of Gavin Curran as the next assistant city manager/chief financial officer for the City of Laguna Beach. Curran has more than 25 years of municipal government and finance experience, 18 of those dedicated to the City of Laguna Beach. Curran will be promoted to his new role effective December 12.
“Over his 18-year career with the City of Laguna Beach, Gavin has proven an outstanding ability to lead projects, build consensus and navigate the unique complexities and opportunities at the city,” said Laguna Beach City Manager Shohreh Dupuis. “I look forward to continuing to work with him as we introduce greater efficiencies into ongoing city operations, streamline and enhance our delivery of services to the community, and devote time and resources to employee wellness, growth and development.”
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Photos courtesy of City of Laguna Beach
Newly appointed Assistant City Manager/CFO Gavin Curran
Curran began as finance officer for the City of Laguna Beach in 2004 and was named director of finance and information technology services in 2008, and director of administrative services in 2017. During his tenure, he has overseen the city’s finance, budget, information technology, and human resources/risk management and the city’s website.
“Laguna Beach is a special place. I am proud and thrilled to be a part of the city’s leadership team and all of the exciting projects ahead for the City of Laguna Beach,” Curran said. “I look forward to continuing to serve this community as assistant city manager/CFO and working with all the capable, caring people I have come to know and respect as my colleagues on our city team.”
Curran succeeds Ken Domer, who the city announced last week had accepted the position of city manager of the City of La Verne. His now vacant director of administrative services position will be retitled director of financial services and information technology and recruitment will begin immediately.
Several other organizational changes have also been made to streamline operational functions, improve administrative efficiencies and better align talent resources with responsibilities.
A new transit and Community services department will be established. Michael Litschi, currently the deputy director of public works overseeing parking and transit operations and the recreation division, will be appointed as the director of rransit and community services with oversight over recreation and community services, cultural arts programs, transit and transportation programs and the expansion of community services due to the purchase of the St. Catherine of Siena School property. Litschi has more than 20 years of local government experience, including the past three years at the City of Laguna Beach and 17 years in a variety of roles at the Orange County Transportation Authority.
Michael Litschi named new director of transit and community services
“I appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve the City of Laguna Beach in this new role,” Litschi said. “I look forward to working with our dedicated staff and the community to expand and enhance the city’s transportation, parking, recreation and cultural arts programs.”
To recognize the growing role, services and areas of responsibility in human resources, the Human Resources/Risk Manager Aggie Nesh will be promoted to director of human resources/risk management. Nesh was named an Orange County Business Journal 2022 HR Leader of Distinction, has extensive experience across multiple HR disciplines, and also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Southern California.
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Aggie Nesh promoted to director of human resources/risk management
“I am proud to be a member of the Laguna Beach executive team. I look forward to continuing implementation of our workforce initiatives to drive inclusivity, attract best in class talent and foster a culture of high performance and learning. The human resources department is committed to creating a meaningful and positive work experience where all our employees can thrive,” Nesh said.
These and other organizational changes will take effect over the next few weeks and formal approval of title changes and salary schedules will be presented to the City Council as part of the mid-year budget update in February 2023. The changes will not result in any increase to the FY 2022-2023 budget.
Auntie Scrooge – a hilarious and irreverent twist on Dickens' A Christmas Carol – appears one night only at No Square Theatre
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.
What happens when Lagunatics scriptwriter Chris Quilter borrows inspiration from Charles Dickens, but applies his own brand of witty humor? When a 180-year-old British novella becomes a modern-day comedy set in Laguna Beach? When Ebenezer Scrooge’s great-great-great grandniece, Auntie Scrooge, is visited by the ghost of reggae singer Bob Marley instead of greedy business partner Jacob Marley? When Laguna’s grazing goats get into a ganja herb garden? The result is a radio play too edgy to run on local radio.
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Courtesy of Chris Quilter
Scriptwriter Chris Quilter and No Square Theatre Director Bree Burgess Rosen
On Monday, Dec. 5, audiences are invited to a one-night-only event on the No Square Theatre stage for the radio comedy that turned too controversial for radio. “I’m sure it will be coupled with responsible amounts of alcohol and probably some caroling,” said Quilter, who succeeds at being funny even when not trying.
No Square Theatre Director Bree Burgess Rosen licensed the rights to Anthony Palermo’s Auntie Scrooge earlier this fall. Originally set in a small-town in Connecticut around 2006, the script felt a little dated and had a few factual errors. “It’s not like we’re doing some scientific dissertation, but it had some very wrong stuff in it which I cannot tolerate,” said Burgess Rosen. “I told Chris, ‘We must endeavor to change this.’”
Her request came on the Saturday before election day – perfect timing for Quilter, who was growing ever more despondent over local politics. “I was on Nextdoor, fighting the good fight, and began to feel like I was suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome without the ‘post’ part. It was really a toxic environment,” Quilter said. “I spent the next week working on the script and cracking myself up. I was desperate for some levity in my life after feeling so beaten down by the election. I’m reading this thing thinking, ‘This is such an absurd task.’ But the very nature of it was funny. It was a Lagunatics kind of show – rewriting someone else’s material like we do with song lyrics. In that spirit, I jumped in and had a ball.”
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Courtesy of Chris Quilter
An early photo of scriptwriter Chris Quilter, who still uses a typewriter for all his scripts, “only now with more typos”
Quilter moved Auntie Scrooge from Connecticut to Laguna Beach, gave her a herd of goats, a garden of marijuana and one laugh-out-loud line after another. “What you will hear is [Palermo’s] storyline and his characters. Everything that happens was set up by him,” said Quilter. “But almost every line of dialogue has been rewritten by me. That was a fun box to work within.”
Auntie Scrooge inherited her bygone uncle’s entrepreneurial spirit but, unlike Ebenezer, Auntie is happy, generous and well-adjusted. “She’s just an uncomplicated nice person, but she’s surrounded by mean people,” said Quilter. “She’s famous for her eggnog, which she makes with goat milk, so the goats play a small part in this.”
Auntie Scrooge is about to get schooled by a group of ghosts who urge her to keep up with the times, become a little more capitalistic, a lot more jaded and maybe even a bit high. While visited by the “Ghost of Christmas Presents,” for example, she finds herself in a space that looks “exactly like South Coast Plaza after Indigenous Peoples’ Day.” Christmas, the ghost argues, is all about consumerism and Auntie’s eggnog could use an upgrade.
With songs like “I’ll Be Stoned for Christmas” and “Who Spiked the Eggnog?,” some hilarious lines about Tiny Tim and one suggestive reference to “the horn of plenty,” the script delivers the right dose of holiday humor suitable for almost any audience. “I never thought I would have this much fun in retirement,” Quilter said.
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Committee learns about Housing Trust Funds, how to address affordable housing
By SARA HALL
A city committee heard a detailed presentation this week on Housing Trust Funds, which prompted a discussion on how Laguna Beach can address the need and encourage affordable housing.
During their Wednesday (Nov. 30) meeting, Housing and Human Services Committee member Jacquie Schaefgen focused on the highlights of HTFs and shared some example case studies from other California cities.
“A Housing Trust Fund provides dedicated sources of revenue to support housing needs,” Schaefgen explained. “Every one of them is unique, which makes sense, they’re really trying to meet the needs of their community.”
While no two HTFs are alike, they essentially create loans and grants for various housing-related purposes, but the primary aim is construction of new affordable housing, she said.
Overall, committee members and the council liaison Mayor Pro Tem Bob Whalen were supportive of the idea.
The presentation was incredibly informative and a lot of good points were made and questions raised for future conversations, Committee Chair Ketta Brown noted as the discussion wrapped up.
“This is something that we absolutely need to address,” Brown said. “This particular thing can move us forward.”
It gives them all an opportunity to think about the issue more and continue researching it, she said.
“It also makes it that much more incumbent on our city councilmembers…to understand that this is not something that we can sit back and watch happen,” Brown said. “We have to be part of this solution and we have to think outside the box.”
They first need to determine if there are potential projects out there and what they want to fund, added committee member and City Councilmember-elect Alex Rounaghi.
“My initial take on all this is we first have to answer the question: What do we want to do with this? Are there projects in the pipeline that are going to happen in our city where there’s going to need to be (a way to fill) a gap (in) funding? I think the answer to that is probably,” Rounaghi said.
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Photo by Scott Brashier
A city committee discussed Housing Trust Funds during a meeting this week and addressed the city’s housing needs
Most of Wednesday’s discussion revolved around the various HTF models and specific questions/examples (like how someone could donate their house). They also commented on areas where they’d like some clarity, including the permissible uses and differences between the recently created “housing fund” and the housing in-lieu fund.
“There are funds that do already exist and, in addition, there is income every year that’s derived from that…and there’s also additional fees that are generated,” Schaefgen said. “At a minimum, it would be great, we can’t do everything…but getting some clarity as to the permissible uses of those funds would be great. And if we can contribute to suggesting prioritization of how those funds are used, even if we just advocate for starting to use the term affordable housing trust fund.”
Those would all be steps in the right direction, she added, but there’s much more to be discussed in the future.
Whalen commented that he didn’t see any reason why they can’t designate the housing in-lieu and the housing fund as sources for the Housing Trust Fund. There are technical reasons as to why they can’t get rid of the housing in-lieu fund, he added.
According to Schaefgen’s detailed agenda memo that accompanied her presentation, HTFs are distinct funds that typically receive ongoing dedicated sources of public funding, and sometimes private funding depending on the HTF structure, to support the preservation and production of affordable housing. Donations (either monetary or land/housing) can also be accepted.
“HTFs systemically shift affordable housing funding from annual budget allocations to the commitment of dedicated public revenue, thereby providing a more permanent and reliable source of financing housing,” the memo reads.
Schaefgen explained that the funds are commonly used for:
–Grants or low-interest loans to fill the gap in financing needed to make affordable housing projects financially feasible, including using funds as a local match to secure other sources of funding such as housing tax credits and state housing funds (such as the CA Local Housing Trust Fund program).
–Grants or low-interest loans for construction, conversion, or rehab/repair of units that will increase the supply of affordable housing, including ADUs.
–Financial assistance to low-income homeowners to maintain/repair their homes, including to promote historic preservation and energy conservation.
–Permanent affordable rental housing assistance (rent subsidies to low-income residents).
–Conversion of market-rate units to affordable housing units.
–Temporary assistance to low-income homeowners at risk of foreclosure for housing costs.
There are three typical models for HTFs: Public - government/government agency; private/public partnership and private - non-governmental.
The public model is the most common, Schaefgen noted. That’s when a government agency sets up an HTF, typically financed by housing in-lieu fees. Some municipalities allocate money from their general fund, she added.
“To the extent that development is actually going on in that town may drive the sources of revenue that the town decides to utilize, or the model decides to utilize,” Schaefgen said.
For example, if there’s not a lot of development projects happening in town, there aren’t a lot of development fees to contribute to the housing fund.
The private/public model is an HTF set up by a government agency, but supported by both government and private financing funding (which could be from a nonprofit).
The private model is typically established by a nonprofit entity and usually funded through philanthropic donations (both monetary and other types, like real estate).
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Ninety years of excellence: Selections from the FOA Permanent Collection on display at City Hall
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.
Even if you have no business to conduct at City Hall this month, it’s worth paying a visit. The Festival of Arts (FOA) is currently offering a glimpse inside its roughly 1,100-piece Permanent Collection with 20 works of art spanning 86 years and representing three different medias.
“This exhibit features artworks from the Festival of Arts Permanent Art Collection that range from the 1930s to recent times,” said curator Pat Sparkuhl. “The variety of subject matter, as well as media, illustrates the wonderful diversity of artwork that has been recognized and collected by the Festival of Arts.”
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Photo by Pat Sparkuhl
Visitors view the FOA Permanent Collection now on display at City Hall through January 13, 2023
Two newly acquired pieces are on display. Watercolorist Molly Hutchings has exhibited at the Festival for 29 years and photographer Chris Bliss has exhibited for 28 years. Neither one had their work acquired until this past summer.
“For several years, I’ve been riding my bicycle along the bluffs of San Onofre State Park,” said Hutchings. “My cycling friend and I usually stop along the way and sit on a bench overlooking the sea. A pair of ravens started perching nearby every time we stopped. Sometimes they’d spot us farther up the trail and follow us to our bench.
“After a few years of this, I wanted to try working a raven into one of my watercolor quilt paintings. I’ve painted many different types of birds during my nearly 30 years exhibiting at the Festival of Arts. Ravens are fascinating and beautiful birds, but they somehow escaped my artistic attention.
“The reference raven in my painting is not one of the ones I’ve been visiting – I couldn’t get a clear enough photo. Then came the challenge of painting a nearly black bird so that some of its deep blue undertones and feathers would be visible. Lots of layering and drybrush technique went into that. For balance, there needed to be plenty of black in the border’s patterns but a relatively lighter background behind the bird so it would stand out.”
After nearly three decades, Hutchings had given up hope of having a painting acquired by the Festival. “To know that my work will be part of the history of the Festival of Arts and may be shown after I’m gone is very moving to me,” she said. “My work is in many private collections, but this is the first institutional permanent collection that I am a part of.”
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Photo by Pat Sparkuhl
“The Raven” (2021) by watercolor artist Molly Hutchings
Chris Bliss began his artistic career as a concert pianist. A native New Yorker, he’s been photographing Manhattan for as long as he can remember. “It was a beautiful Saturday evening in the fall. This was before the pandemic and Times Square was absolutely mobbed with people and traffic, probably because it was unusually warm. Just an incredible night with everybody out having a great time,” said Bliss.
“There’s this stairway in the middle of Times Square. It’s a great observation platform. I went out there and started taking pictures. This particular one stood out with all the billboards and marquees, shoulder-to-shoulder people, nobody wearing a mask. New York is almost back, but it’s not quite like that night. I don’t know if it ever will be like that again. Who knows. But I felt like I captured a moment in time,” he said.
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Photo by Marrie Stone
“Times Square, Saturday Night” (2017) by photographer Chris Bliss
The exhibit is full of these captured moments. A series of theatrical images taken by Ronald Greene between the late 1940s and early 1960s of Laguna’s iconic greeter, Eiler Larsen, once hung in the old Cottage Restaurant (now Urth Café). When the Cottage Restaurant sold in 2012, the Festival acquired the images through a donation where they’ll now be preserved as part of Laguna’s important history. Four of them are on display now.
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Photo by Pat Sparkuhl
“Eiler Larsen” (circa mid-20th century) by photographer Ronald Greene
The Festival itself is also memorialized by plein air painter Michael Obermeyer. “I was inspired by that view as an exhibitor at the Festival of Arts year after year,” Obermeyer said. “I would sit at my booth in the evenings and watch as the setting sun would light up the hillside across the road. It became almost a nightly ritual to see the light and color change by the minute. Finally, I decided I had to paint it, or at least attempt it, and grab that moment on canvas. As I was painting the scene, I noticed the intimacy of the artists’ booths on the grounds, almost in darkness in the foreground against the glowing hillside.
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Tickets on sale for 2023 Pageant of the Masters’ Art Colony: In the Company of Artists
Just in time for holiday gift giving and merrymaking, tickets for the much-anticipated 2023 Pageant of the Masters performance of Art Colony: In the Company of Artists are now on sale to the general public. The Pageant of the Masters is world-famous for its theatrical performance of tableaux vivants (living pictures). Next summer’s Pageant production will acknowledge the deep connections and memorable stories of artists assisting one another throughout history.
With performances nightly from July 7 through September 1, 2023, Art Colony: In the Company of Artists will highlight significant artist communities from around the world through the use of living pictures, original music, live narration and breathtaking theatrical illusions. The 2023 production will showcase more than 40 live re-creations of art masterpieces, with many works appearing on the Pageant stage for the first time.
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Courtesy of Festival of Arts
Pageant of the Masters’ re-creation of “The Sketchers” by John Singer Sargent to be presented in the 2023 production of “Art Colony: In the Company of Artists”
Featured works include Alone and Together (Under the Freeway) by Chicano artist David Botello, Lift Every Voice and Sing by African American sculptor Augusta Savage and Native American paintings by Bert Geer Phillips. Also featured are artworks by French artists Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Danish painter Michael Ancher, Italian sculptor Luca della Robbia and paintings by Laguna Beach artist Roger Kuntz. Plus, audiences may look forward to the Pageant’s traditional finale, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper.
The Pageant of the Masters has been drawing crowds from across the U.S. and around the world for nearly a century – celebrating its 90th anniversary next summer. In 1932, local artist John H. Hinchman produced a summer festival (the Festival of Arts) for art enthusiasts and as a means to attract tourists who also happened to be in nearby Los Angeles for the Olympic Games. It proved so successful that the following year the Festival of Arts organizers added “living pictures” to the lineup, featuring real-life replicas of a number of famous works, including James McNeill Whistler’s 1871 oil painting titled Whistler’s Mother. It was called the Spirit of the Masters Pageant. This publicity stunt was the very humble beginning of what would become the renowned Pageant of the Masters.
Fast forward 90 years, the 2023 Pageant of the Masters will welcome hundreds of thousands of guests to experience the magic of living pictures, performed by volunteers. Roughly 90 minutes in length and presented under Laguna Beach’s starry-summer night sky, the Pageant will once again feature a live orchestra and narrator, elaborate sets and costumes and some fresh, innovative, surprises. Art Colony: In the Company of Artists will honor and celebrate the artists and art colonies formed in history and continue to thrive today, like the booming art colony in Laguna Beach and at Festival of Arts.
The 2023 Pageant of the Masters production, Art Colony: In the Company of Artists takes place July 7 through September 1, 2023. Tickets, starting at $35 per person, are available for purchase at www.PageantTickets.com, or by calling 800.487.3378. To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts, follow the Festival on social media at @FestivalPageant and visit www.foapom.com.
Laguna Beach Garden Club to hold monthly meeting on December 9
Laguna Beach Garden Club (LBGC) is holding its monthly meeting on Friday, Dec. 9, featuring Nan Sterman who will be focusing on the topic of waterwise gardening.
Sterman holds several titles: garden expert, garden designer, teacher, author, botanist, award-winning writer, TV host and producer, among others. Her most recent book, Hot Color, Dry Garden, is a guide to creating a color-filled, waterwise garden. She also produces an award-winning TV show, A Growing Passion which she hosts, produces and writes.
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Courtesy of LBGC
Nan Sterman
Sterman is dedicated to the transformation of planted landscapes from overly thirst and resource intensive to climate appropriate and sustainable. Her efforts combine age-old techniques with modern technologies. Her other passion is taking garden lovers on adventures around the world, including Europe, South Africa, Costa Rica and the U.S.
The LBGC invites you to join the program: There is social time and refreshments from 9:30-10 a.m. with 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.
Bare Bones Theatre presents Santa Hates Me at LBCAC on December 20
Get in the Christmas spirit when Bare Bones Theatre presents Santa Hates Me on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. at Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center (LBCAC).
Directed by Lojo Simon, Santa Hates Me is a fun-filled night of holiday music, poems and tall tales that celebrate the naughty in all of us. It stars Jason Feddy, Ava Burton, Tom Shelton, Diana Burbano and Lionel Shelton.
Simon is a playwright, journalist and dramaturg. Her play, Adoration of Dora, was part of Moxie Theatre’s Fighting Words Festival in San Diego in 2010, and premiered at University of Idaho in September 2011.
The cast is comprised of: Local musician Jason Feddy appearing in many productions around the city and is known for Mad Dogs & The Englishman, an All-Star band fronted by Feddy, paying tribute to the legendary Joe Cocker; Ava Burton, a classical Shakespearean-trained actress; Tom Shelton, who has appeared in 15 shows at the Laguna Beach Playhouse; Diana Burbano, a playwright and teaching artist at South Coast Repertory and Lionel Shelton, who has performed in many Bare Bones Theatre productions.
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Courtesy of LBCAC
“Santa Hates Me” will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.
There is limited seating. Santa does NOT want to see kids at this event, as it’s rated for adult audiences.
The LBCAC is a beacon and catalyst for advancing art appreciation, enhancing the quality of life, and promoting civic and cultural development. The arts center contributes to Laguna Beach and the surrounding community through its exhibitions and events. It 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.
For tickets, click here.
For more information about LBCAC, go to www.lbculturalartscenter.org.
Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center is located at 235 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach.
Local Anita Razin shares her story during 75 Days of India at LBCAC on December 11
On Sunday, Dec. 11 at 5 p.m., Laguna Beach resident Anita Razin will discuss her unforgettable trip to India in 2020, what took her there and what she brought back during 75 Days of India. The event will be held at the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center (LBCAC).
There will be an opening reception from 5-6 p.m., with food and drinks available for purchase. The presentation, film, stories and Q&A will take place from 6-7:30 p.m.
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Courtesy of LBCAC
Join Anita Razin for an evening of “75 Days of India”
This essential, magical, breathtaking journey is a rare opportunity to connect to another world. It is described by audiences as “impressive,” “universally appealing,” “a testament to the beauty of humanity,” “a love letter.”
The LBCAC is a beacon and catalyst for advancing art appreciation, enhancing the quality of life, and promoting civic and cultural development. The arts center contributes to Laguna Beach and the surrounding community through its exhibitions and events.
The event is free with an RSVP, so click here to make a reservation.
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.
Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center is located at 235 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach.
Angry breaks
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Photo by Scott Brashier
And the waves come crashing down…
Lots of new events at Laguna Art Museum
In addition to the already exciting list of events coming up, Laguna Art Museum (LAM) has scheduled a discussion by Jean Stern on California’s history through its paintings for Sunday, Dec. 11. Also on the lineup are two enchanting children’s book selections for Saturday Storytime on Saturday, Dec. 17 and Holiday Storytime on Wednesday, Dec. 28.
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Photos courtesy of LAM
Paul Frank Art Workshop on Dec 4
–Sunday, Dec. 4 at 12 p.m.
Art Workshop: Paul Frank
Create a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree topper inspired by the colorful and playful world of Paul Frank. The creator of Julius the Monkey, and many more whimsical characters, Frank is an iconic California designer, artist and maker. Join Frank himself as he leads the workshop and gives participants the opportunity to let their own creativity shine by adding special touches to their Julius-themed holiday decoration. Supplies are included with a ticket.
As well as being a one-of-a-kind experience, the workshop is an extraordinary opportunity for budding artists, arts and crafts fanatics as well as Frank’s fans to gain expert mentorship and quality time directly with the artist. It’s the perfect place to learn DIY crafting skills. Frank’s imagination continues to bring magic into our lives and each guest leaves his workshops with an uplifting feeling that they are a creative person. He has taught his workshops to children, adults as well as families at events and venues such as Disney HQ (Glendale) Hello Kitty Con (Los Angeles) and the Henry Ford Museum (Mich.).
Masks/Face coverings are requested to be worn for the duration of the workshop. Limited space is available. Advance tickets are recommended.
Youth 12 and under: Free; Museum members: $100; Non-members: $120.
For tickets, click here.
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Alma Nova Duo
–Thursday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m.
Live! At the Museum: Alma Nova Duo
Join this flutist and guitarist duo as they perform a Christmas program in the museum.
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.
Please arrive early and enjoy the museum’s gallery and social time.
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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California through its art, present and past
–Sunday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m.
Jean Stern discusses Artists as Conservationists: Looking at the Past Through California Paintings
In this illustrated lecture, Jean Stern discusses the various aspects that make California one of the most ecologically diverse places on earth. He will relate how early expeditions recorded the natural beauty of the land and how some locales became National Parks. The lecture will end with a series of images that show how specific places looked a century ago and how they look now.
California, during the last part of the 19th and early decades of the 20th centuries, was home to a large and prolific group of landscape painters. These dedicated artists painted outdoors, or en plein-air, in order to capture the true appearance of California’s rolling hills, snow-capped mountains, beaches and deserts.
The lecture consists of about 100 slides and lasts approximately 45 minutes with time for questions and answers afterwards.
Tickets: Museum members: $7; Non-members: $14. All children receive free admission. Tickets are required for accompanying adults only.
For tickets, click here.
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December 17 Storytime selection
–Saturday, Dec. 17 at 11 a.m.
Storytime Saturday
Bring literature to life during a participatory story time that will have participants making and moving! On the fourth Saturday of each month, LAM crafts 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.
Join this month’s session We are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade, with an activity kit that inspires everyone to protect the environment.
Tickets: Museum members: $7; Non-members: $14. All children receive free admission. Tickets are required for accompanying adults only.
For tickets, click here:
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Holiday Storytime on Dec. 28
–Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 11 a.m.
Holiday Storytime
Bring literature to life during a participatory storytime that will have you making and moving! On the fourth Saturday of each month, you’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. Join this month’s session The Mitten by Jan Brett, with a fun activity capturing the winter spirit.
Tickets: Museum members: $7, Non-members: $14. All children receive free admission. Tickets are required for accompanying adults only.
For tickets, click here.
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Surfing Into the new year
–Thursday, Dec. 29 from 6-9 p.m.
Kids’ Night Out: Surfing Into the New Year
Celebrate the new year with a Kids’ Night Out. Kids take over the museum for a special, fun-filled night with dinner, art activities and an interactive surf-themed scavenger hunt around the museum. Caregivers and parents can enjoy a night out, too, as their education team takes over to guide the young learners on an exploration of the museum exhibitions and provide opportunities for hands-on artmaking activities.
–Registration is open to children aged 6-12 only.
–Advanced registration is required. Additional paperwork regarding policies and registration will be sent to guardians of registered students directly and must be returned on the day of the event.
Museum members: $80; Non-members: $90.
If registering two or more children, they offer a discounted price of $70 per child. To register, click here.
For more information about Laguna Art Museum, visit www.lagunaartmuseum.org.
Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach.
The Plant Man: Taking a road trip
By Steve Kawaratani
“By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea…” –Lyrics by Harold R. Atteridge
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Courtesy of Steve Kawaratani
Steve Kawaratani
We traveled through a dusty stretch of desert, from the Mexican border towards Palm Springs, to celebrate Thanksgiving with our family. Passing through small enclaves, the adjacent landscape is punctuated with oases of date and citrus groves, before the highway bends northwest towards the eastern shore of the Salton Sea.
Despite its reputation as an accidental lake, the formation of the Salton Sea was actually a natural cycle of Colorado River flooding that has historically filled the desert basin and eventually dried for thousands of years. What was not contemplated has been the continuous agricultural irrigation runoff from the adjacent valleys and local rivers that both sustains and pollutes the lake, which is 50% saltier than the Pacific Ocean.
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Photo by Catharine Cooper
Bombay Beach TVs
Catharine and I (and now Loki) like to explore on road trips and we expected Bombay Beach to be a ghost town of the former getaway for beachgoers. The increasing salinity of the Salton Sea severely damaged the lake’s ecosystem and the town withered out of existence. And while it is true that a number of abandoned structures remain, the town appears to be “enjoying a rebirth of sorts with an influx of artists, intellectuals and hipsters who have turned it into a bohemian playground.” It has become a destination for interesting desert art that certainly caught our attention.
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Courtesy of Steve Kawaratani
Why are there straw bales at the Salton Sea?
Fresh water from the Colorado River into the Salton Sea has ceased and the lake is shrinking. As the Salton Sea recedes, the newly exposed lakebed is creating dust that is harmful to nearby communities like Bombay Beach and beyond.
A state-funded project “aims to establish and enhance native vegetation on the exposed lakebed to create habitat for desert wildlife and reduce wind-blown dust.” The initial phase of work was initiated in late 2021, including placement of 300,000 straw bales, to protect and facilitate favorable conditions for plant growth, by mitigating wind speeds, improving soil texture and reducing dust emissions. “Planting and seeding are scheduled to restart this fall as the weather cools and will continue until vegetation communities are established.” I wish the project much success!
Thanksgiving was also a success, with a splendid time enjoyed by all. The road less traveled is always my favorite and it found us on Ortega Highway returning to Laguna. I couldn’t help but wonder what the future holds for California’s largest lake, and I also couldn’t help but hum the remainder of the stanza, “You and me, you and me, oh how happy we’ll be!” See you next time.
Steve Kawaratani has been a local guy for seven decades and likes to garden and drive the Baja Peninsula. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 949.494.5141.
Cultural Arts Updates: What’s happening in the arts around town in December
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
The Promenade all decked out for Christmas
December Performances at the Stage on Forest/Promenade:
Saturday, Dec. 3
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Stage on Forest - Felisha Dunne
Sunday, Dec. 4
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Stage on Forest - Adam Lasher
Friday, Dec. 9
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Stage on Forest - Jodi Siegel
Saturday, Dec. 10
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Stage on Forest - Ava August
Sunday, Dec. 11
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Stage on Forest - Andrew Corradini
Friday, Dec. 16
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Stage on Forest - Beth Wood
Saturday, Dec. 17
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Stage on Forest - Kelly Fitzgerald
Sunday, Dec. 18
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Stage on Forest - Molly Bergman
Sukhi Dail: Turning seeds of imagination into magical pieces of art
By DIANNE RUSSELL
Thirty years ago, at the end of a long, adventurous journey – one that included leaving India with only $5 in his pocket, riding the Orient Express, teaching and working at Hanna-Barbera studios in Hollywood – the sculptor, painter and lifelong philanthropist Sukhdev (Sukhi) Dail finally settled in Laguna.
Dail readily admits he’s a nature lover. “I had a friend who lived here, and I was in awe of the beauty of the coastline and the wilderness.”
Residents may be aware of Dail’s work from his public art installation Seabreeze (2015) overlooking Main Beach. “It captures the human spirit, in awe of the beauty,” he said. Although it’s his only public art piece in Laguna, he has created other public art throughout his life. His prototype of a larger work Where is My Forest? took second place in the Laguna Art Museum’s 2022 Art & Nature competition.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Sculptor and painter Sukhi Dail came to the US in 1968
Sprinkled with colorful anecdotes, Dail’s tales of his younger years and travel escapades are as mesmerizing as his works of art. “I grew up in the countryside – farmland – in India and rode my bike 10 miles to high school,” Dail said. “I was an artistic child and liked to fix things. My father was a medical doctor. He wanted me to be a brain surgeon, but every time I saw blood, I passed out. So, he put me in art school.”
After graduating from the Delhi College of Art, Dail took a teaching job at the Teacher’s College. “But I got tired of the repetitive nature of teaching,” he said.
In 1965, his need to create sent him on a journey to Paris to see the French Impressionists. Crossing the forbidding Persian Desert, the car he and a friend were travelling in, ran out of gas. Due to a sandstorm, the road was invisible, and they ended up walking six miles with no water and without finding a gas station. Tired and thirsty, they stumbled upon a settlement that saved their lives.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
The stained glass artwork on the front of his canyon home on Arroyo Drive is from the 1970s
“We spent a few days in a hotel in Iran, then ran out of money and went to temples, which provided good food and shelter. The car gave out, and we wondered, without money, how would we get to Europe?”
Unfortunately, the adventure had significantly stalled. They were broke and still in the vicinity of India.
“I had a cousin in Tehran and he sent me 100 pounds, so we got a bus to Istanbul, to catch the Orient Express,” Dail said. “On the train, we met an antique dealer from Brussels, and he invited us to Brussels. So we stopped there and looked at the galleries and museums – it was a completely different world. Everyone was happy and friendly, and they loved Indian songs. I walked the streets looking for a job, and I got one after three days. I’d say, ‘I’m an artist, are you looking for an artist?’”
“I got a job copying paintings by the artist Henri Toulouse-Lautrec for the owner of a studio who had night club and wanted the paintings for it, to cover the dance floor,” he continued. “He showed me a book with 50-60 paintings by Toulouse-Lautrec and asked if I could paint like that. In my early days, I had practiced copying masters. I was fast, I could sketch one in 15-20 minutes and color it in two to four hours.”
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Dail with his sculpture, “Where is the Forest?”
If one believes in serendipity or karma, the chance meeting on the train with the Brussels’ antique dealer was fate.
“What is written will happen, we had no plan to stop there,” Dail said. “It just happened.”
In Brussels, Dail attended the Royale Academic Des Beaux Arts in order to have a place to create, as well as to obtain a higher degree in art education. He held his first European exhibition at the Gallerie Romain Louis in Brussels. Upon graduating, he decided to cross the Atlantic for the Americas.
Landing in Canada, he had his first experience in animation. Dail met his late wife of 48 years, Croatian-born Marija, who was in the arts and cinema, in a studio in Canada. “It was love at first sight,” he said.
He has two daughters, Mirna and Vera and two sons, Mavi and Pixote.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Self-portrait in his gallery
Marija was the inspiration for Seabreeze, Dail’s public art piece. “When she saw the Taj Mahal, she lifted her scarf over her head in awe,” he said. “Seabreeze represents a mythical spirit who emerges from the sea, happy and graceful. It is something that people can relate to.”
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Laguna Community Concert and JaZz Bands rock the holidays with three concerts
This holiday season brings a series of free concerts to fans of the Laguna Community Concert and JaZz Bands.
Both bands ring in the holidays on Friday, Dec. 2 for Hospitality Night, at the Peppertree parking lot on Forest Avenue starting at 6:15 p.m. The Laguna Community Concert Band kicks things off with holiday classics, “Sleigh-Ride,” “Christmas on Broadway” and “Christmas Pop Sing-Along,” featuring vocalist Lisa Morrice.
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Courtesy of Greg Carter Photography
Lisa Morrice will sing with the Laguna Community Concert Band on December 2 for Hospitality Night
Next, the Laguna JaZz Band plays its holiday blend of jazz and pop standards, Latin, pop and rock with talented vocalist, Ginger Hatfield. On Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m., Hatfield and the JaZz Band swing the Susi Q Community Center with holiday favorites such as “Santa Baby,” “Feliz Navidad” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
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Courtesy of Peyton Webster
The Laguna JaZz Band plays at the Suzi Q on Wednesday, Dec. 14
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Courtesy of Peyton Webster
Vocalist Ginger Hatfield will join the Laguna JaZz Band on December 14
The Laguna Community Concert Band performs its holiday repertoire at the Laguna Beach High School Artists Theater on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. The concert features favorites such as “The Hanukkah Song,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and “White Christmas,” as well as a visit from “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” and a rousing sing-a-long finale. Vocalists include Lisa Morrice, Gary Greene and Samantha Morrice.
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Courtesy of Peyton Webster
The Laguna Community Concert Band plays at the LBHS Artists Theater on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m.
“We just played a concert at the Laguna Playhouse to an enthusiastic crowd on November 18,” said Mark Lowery, co-conductor of the Laguna Community Concert Band. Everyone – audience and band – really enjoyed themselves. And that’s why we perform, to bring the joy of live music to Laguna Beach.”
Now in its 22nd season, the Laguna Community Concert Band rehearses at the Laguna Beach High School band room on Tuesday nights at 6 p.m. For the latest news about the concert and jazz bands and a calendar of concerts, or if you would like to play with the band, visit www.lagunaconcertband.com.
Susi Q Community Center is at 380 Third St., Laguna Beach.
Laguna Beach High School is located at 625 Park Ave., Laguna Beach.
Laguna Historical Society to hold program on Laguna Beach free community clinics
The Laguna Beach Historical Society will hold their next historic program, “The History of The Laguna Beach Free and Community Clinics” on Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Susi Q Community Center’s Great Room.
Submitted photo
Dr. Korey Jorgensen is the featured presenter
Dr. Korey Jorgensen, one of the first members to join the free clinic, will present the history of its earliest days as a doctor supporting the clinic. Dr. Jorgensen later became medical director.
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Photo by Douglas Miller
Early Laguna Beach Free Clinic staff of volunteers, Ocean Avenue
The Laguna Beach Free Clinic was organized by a group of individuals who identified a need and found a way to serve the health services in the community. The group believed that individuals should have access to health care regardless of the ability to pay. In the late 1960s, their idea became a reality and the Laguna Beach Free Clinic was born. The clinic quickly grew in both staff and patient interest.
During the 1970s, the free clinic moved their locations and grew within the Downtown area and became well known in the community. Military doctors were recruited, as the El Toro base was near town. Services expanded and outside labs were often used when those facilities were not available. Through fund raising and hours of service by volunteers the group continued to meet the needs of many residents.
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Photo by Douglas Miller
(L-R) MaryAnne Yeager, Keys Keel, Marley Martin and Ricky Methout, October 1977
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Photo by Douglas Miller
Waiting Room at The Free Clinic, 1970s
Come listen and learn much more about how the clinic served the needs of the community, and how as a non-profit organization they have remained strong nearly 52 years later.
Susi Q Community Center is located at 380 Third St., Laguna Beach.
Pageant Legacy Society: Every plaque tells a story
With Giving Tuesday today, the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters celebrates the art of giving this holiday season with an opportunity to join the organization’s Pageant Legacy Society. The Pageant Legacy Society began in 2020 as a way for donors to support the Festival of Arts during financially challenging times due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as a way to leave a permanent mark in the Pageant’s iconic Bowl in Laguna Beach. When joining the Pageant Legacy Society, members select one of the 2,600 red seats in the amphitheater to have an engraved plaque installed on it, which acknowledges their gift.
There are now 250 members in the Pageant Legacy Society. Proceeds from this campaign helps to subsidize student scholarships, cultural and education programming and operational costs. “We are very grateful for the support received so far through this program. It has been such a great pleasure meeting and talking with our Legacy members and discovering that each plaque installed has a story to tell,” said Sharbie Higuchi, director of marketing/PR at Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach.
Seats have been reserved and named in memory of loved ones, recognition of a milestone, or a celebration of memories spent together at the Pageant of the Masters. Below are the stories behind five of the engraved plaques. Learn how you can join the Pageant Legacy Society and add your story at www.foapom.com/legacy-society.
Colin King from Highland, Calif. requested two specific seats for his plaques to go on. His grandmother, Mary-Ann, had brought him to the Pageant of the Masters nearly every year since he was 10 years old until she passed away in 2021. “The Pageant holds a special place in both mine and my grandma’s hearts. It was the last event we had attended together, so I decided to make a donation to add our names on our last seats, so we can watch the show together in spirit, in perpetuity,” King said. Their names are engraved in plaques permanently installed into the seats they last shared together, Row H, seats 33 and 31.
Jade-Addon Hall of Redondo Beach wanted to give a truly special and memorable gift to his grandfather for his 90th birthday this past October. As big fans of the Pageant of the Masters, he had two plaques engraved with the name of his grandfather Raymond and grandmother, Lolita. His grandfather was surprised and grateful for this meaningful gift. The number 90 also holds a special significance this year for the Festival of Arts, which celebrated its 90th birthday as well in 2022.
Luciana Coutchie of Laguna Beach donated to the Pageant Legacy Society in recognition of her beloved son, LBPD Motor Officer Jon Coutchie, who died tragically on duty in 2013. She picked Row M, seat 13 in the Irvine Bowl in honor of Jon’s call sign M-13.
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Courtesy of Festival of Arts
Julie Malino and Lynn Waldron sitting next to their Pageant Legacy Seat in the Irvine Bowl at the Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach
Pageant of the Masters super-fan Julie Malino of San Diego donated to have her name engraved alongside her significant other, Lynn Waldon. “For the last 10 years we have driven up from San Diego and stayed in Laguna Beach just to see the Pageant of the Masters. When we learned about the Pageant Legacy Society, we had to get involved,” shared Malino. “We wanted to be a part of something that is bigger than us and helped us feel like we’re part of the larger community. To be able to leave our mark with the Pageant, and help make sure it returns year after year – it’s truly the best gift there is.”
Longtime supporter of the Festival and Pageant Lois Mastrocola generously donated to reserve a block of seats in Row M of Loge Center. While some seats are engraved with names of her family members and friends, there are a few that she left blank. These plaques will be engraved with the names of her future grandchildren – the first, Chiara Loren, was added to her family this past August.
Other seats in the Irvine Bowl have been named for current and former Pageant volunteers, Laguna Beach high school graduates, local arts organizations, art lovers, patrons, family members and friends.
This holiday season, consider joining the Pageant Legacy Society and sharing your story. Tax-deductible donations begin at $500 for a seat in the Director’s Tier, $1,000 for Main Tier and $2,000 in Loge. Specific seat requests will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis. In recognition of donations, a plaque will be attached to a seat in the Irvine Bowl and the engraving will be listed in the annual souvenir program and on the Festival’s website. A printable certificate is also available to gift the lucky recipient. To become a Pageant Legacy Society Member, visitwww.foapom.com/legacy-society.
“Dedicating a seat is a timeless gift that can enrich the life of the recipient for years to come. Your plaque will remind future audiences of your loved one, or company, and be a reflection of your personal commitment to help make the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters possible for future generations,” concluded Higuchi.
To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Fine Arts Show, visit www.foapom.com, or follow @FestivalPageant on social media. To support the Festival of Arts, visit www.foapom.com/supportnow.
Five resident artists form Arroyo Artists’ Collective with inaugural Open Studio event on December 10
By DIANNE RUSSELL
Sukhdev (aka Sukhi) Dail, a well-known artist, sculptor and philanthropist, who has lived and worked in Laguna for 30 years, announced the debut of his new studio, in situ, on Arroyo Drive. A longtime dream of Dail’s, his studio at 1685 Arroyo Drive will be open to the public on Saturday, Dec. 10. Collaborating with four other resident artists on Arroyo Drive, the group comes together as the Arroyo Artists’ Collective. This is the first of a series of open studio events for Dail.
Dail will have open studio hours from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and the four other artists in the Arroyo Artists’ Collective – Siân Poeschl, Troy Poeschl, Monica Prado and Sandy Groves will have open studios from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dail will debut his recent work in his new studio and will donate a portion of the proceeds from sales of his art to Laguna Greenbelt.
Courtesy of the Dail family
Sukhi Dail with “Seabreeze” public art installation at Main Beach
As part of the festivities, The Den Laguna, a collection of privately curated vintage items, will have a pop-up on Arroyo Drive as well. (They are by appointment and available for events.)
Street parking is available at the beginning of Arroyo Drive in the dirt lot or ask the street attendant for a parking permit. For a link to the trolley schedule, click here.
Sharing the genesis for the open studio event, Dail said, “I wanted to have the feeling of the more informal way artists interact with the community, going back to the ‘70s when I first came to Laguna. This street is an enclave of creativity and we support each other as neighbors and artists.”
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Courtesy of Linda Arroz
“Crows,” one of Dail’s sculptures on display in his studio
Inspired by nature and their surroundings, the Arroyo Artists’ Collective interprets five elements of the Universe: fire, wood, earth, water and metal in their various practices. Dail sculpts with bronze, steel and concrete; Siân Poeschl focuses on glass; Troy Poeschl is devoted to photography, while both Monica Prado and Sandy Groves work with clay.
A sculptor and painter, Dail’s life-long need to create sent him on an epic journey across the world to experience art. After graduating from the Delhi College of Art, in 1965 he found himself traversing Europe from India, where he was born, via the Orient Express. Settling in Bruxelles (Belgium), he attended the Royale Academic des Beaux Arts. Not one to stay in one place long, Dail crossed the Atlantic to Canada where he began working in animation.
In 1968, Bill Hanna of the iconic Hanna-Barbera studio invited Dail to Hollywood as the art and animation director. This led to work at Warner Brothers and Universal Studios where he became known for his work on such epic cartoons as the Flintstones, Scooby Doo, Casper the Friendly Ghost and Rugrats, to name just a few. Continuing to paint and sculpt, he’s participated in solo and group shows in American museums and galleries.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Glass art by Siân Poeschl
Dail’s work is currently at New Masters Gallery in Carmel and Nikko Gallery in Palm Desert. Dail’s statue, Seabreeze, a figure holding aloft a canopy of colored glass, was installed at a Main Beach overlook in Heisler Park adjacent to the Inn at Laguna Beach.
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LBCAC presents Opera Re-Imagined “Holiday Special” on December 17
Celebrate the holidays in style when Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center (LBCAC) presents their Opera Re-Imagined “Holiday Special” on Saturday, December 17 at 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30 p.m.)
In this fifth edition of their ongoing classical music series, audiences will enjoy holiday classics from some of Southern California’s sweetest voices, including mezzo-soprano Molly Noori and sopranos Bella Rusin and Christa Stevens (making her LBCAC stage debut!). They’ll be joined by the incomparable Katherine Bode on piano.
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Courtesy of LBCAC
Katrina Murphy will be taking the stage during the Opera Re-Imagined “Holiday Special” at LBCAC
As a special holiday treat, they’ll also be featuring Katrina Murphy, who starred as Christine in the London production of Phantom of the Opera.
Murphy will be performing a medley from Phantom of the Opera and transform the LBCAC into the Kit Kat Club to keep the party going.
The evening is hosted by Laguna Tenor Rick Weber.
Tickets are VIP, $50; General admission, $30. Click here for tickets.
Grant funding was made possible by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach.
Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center is located at 235 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach.
LCAD presents “DESIGN AT WORK” alumni stories
Laguna College of Art + Design is presenting “DESIGN AT WORK,” an exhibition showcasing the creative process and actual products from professional practices by LCAD’s Graphic Design + Digital Media Alumni. The opening reception is taking place on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 6-9 p.m. at LCAD Gallery. The exhibition runs through Jan. 22, 2023.
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Courtesy of LCAD
The “DESIGN AT WORK” exhibition showcases stories from alumni of LCAD’s Graphic Design + Digital Media BFA program
Through conceptual prototypes and professional projects, LCAD’s Graphic Design + Digital Media alumni stories and experiences demonstrate the design process from concept, research and ideation sketches to actual applications for clients, products and services.
The alumni of LCAD’s Graphic Design + Digital Media BFA program produce creative solutions within a broad range of industries both nationally and internationally. This exhibition showcases design concepts and solutions in technology, apparel, footwear, publishing, experiential design, professional sport and creative agencies.
LCAD Gallery is located at 374 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach. Admission is always free. Hours are 11a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. It is closed Monday and Tuesday. For more information, visit www.lcad.edu.
Laguna Beach Seniors’ Annual Holiday Luncheon planned for December 12
Friends! Help kick off the holiday season at the Laguna Beach Seniors’ Annual Holiday Luncheon scheduled for Monday, Dec. 12 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at The Woman’s Club.
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Photos provided by The Susi Q Center
(L-R) Bree Burgess, Charlie Quilter, Cheryl Post and Ann Quilter at the 2019 Laguna Beach Seniors Annual Holiday Luncheon
This year’s event is fully catered by Panache Catering & Events and includes roasted turkey, homemade cranberry sauce, traditional bread stuffing, sautéed seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes and freshly baked dinner rolls plus pumpkin pie for dessert. Community entertainment will be provided by the Ho Ho Ho Daddys.
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The Ho Ho Ho Daddys will be performing at the luncheon
Tickets are $40/person and can be purchased online at www.thesusiq.org/classes--registration.html, or by contacting Christine Brewer at 949.715.8105, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Table reservations are available. All reservations must be paid by December 5. Please include the names of your guests and be sure to note if you would like a vegetarian meal.
Tickets are going fast, so reserve your space early.
The Woman’s Club is located at 286 St. Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach. Free parking is available across the street at the Neighborhood Congregational Church.
Laguna Dance Festival Holiday Gala is scheduled for December 3
The holidays are fast approaching and so is the Laguna Dance Festival Holiday Gala, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Surf & Sand Resort.
The evening will start at 5 p.m. with sunset cocktails, followed by dinner and dance performances throughout the evening.
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Courtesy of Laguna Dance Festival
The Laguna Dance Festival Holiday Gala takes place at the Surf & Sand Resort on December 3
Seating is limited, so purchase your tickets and tables here.
For more information on Laguna Dance Festival, visit www.lagundancefestival.org.
Surf & Sand Resort is located at 1555 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.
Music Director Ami Porat announces opening of his 38th season with Mozart Classical Orchestra
Musical Director Ami Porat of the Mozart Classical Orchestra (MCO) announced the concert programs of the Orchestra’s 2022-2023 season, featuring masterworks in new settings celebrating the Orchestra’s 38th season. Three subscription programs from December through May 2023 will feature, among others, works of Mozart, Dvorak, Piazzolla, Brahms, Vivaldi, Strauss, Haydn and Vivaldi. The orchestra’s education and outreach events “Mozart on the Move” and “Mozart for Teens” enter their 35th year.
As of last season, the MCO has returned to the Artists Theater in Laguna Beach High School, where it played its first professional season in 1985. “In the friendly and warm acoustics of this beautiful hall, the classic masterworks shine and the audience shares the intimacy of the theater,” said Porat.
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Courtesy of MCO
Musical Director Ami Porat conducting the Mozart Classical Orchestra
On Sunday, Dec. 4, MCO will be performing Strings Attached at 3 p.m. This is an eclectic program of masterpieces written for strings, mingled with two superlative examples of the Italian Baroque concerto for violin by Venetian composer Antonio Vivaldi, also known as “Il Prette Rosso,” or “The Red Priest.” Violinist Reina Inui will play “Winter” and violinist Alexis Mescher will perform “Summer,” both works from the Vivaldi’s masterpiece, the Four Seasons.
Brahms’ Hungarian Dances, built on the composer’s own original melodies, not folk tunes, was written following Brahms’ service as accompanist for a concert tour with Hungarian violinist Szigeti. Brahms’ capture of the Gypsy musical idiom is indeed remarkable. Originally written for piano-4 hands, they present it in a new orchestration for strings by their own Maestro.
Written in just 11 days in May 1875, Dvorak’s Serenade for Strings, a tour de force of melodic invention and mellifluous writing for strings, concludes this unique concert program, performed only at the Artists Theater.
To purchase December 4 concert tickets ($39 per person), visit www.mozartorchestra.org/tickets. For season tickets (three concerts for $117), visit www.mozartorchestra.org/season-tickets.
Who let the dog out?
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Photo by Scott Brashier
Enjoying a jaunt down the beach
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.
