Corky Smith gave himself to Laguna: now his hometown has the chance to give back
Story by MARRIE STONE
Photos by Mary Hurlbut
These days, it’s easy to take Laguna’s clean ocean and pristine surf spots for granted. The undeveloped hillsides behind our town, home to hidden waterfalls and clandestine caves, almost feel fated. This wasn’t always so. It was a group of mid-century residents who ensured the preservation of our natural treasures.
Briggs Christian Morris-Smith, better known by friends as “Corky,” is one of those local institutional legends. Corky became largely responsible for cleaning up our filthy ocean and preserving the hidden history in our hillsides. All that after years of serving his country overseas. Now, at 83, the Department of Veterans Affairs is letting Corky down. They’ve denied him access to a much-needed hip replacement. For the man who gave to his community, now there’s an opportunity for our community to give back.
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Corky poses at home, modeling his pal Mark Christy’s Ranch apparel
The Silent Generation or the Lucky Few?
It’s fitting that Corky was born in the center of the Silent Generation, a period marked by both good and lousy luck. They were silenced by the McCarthy Hearings and scarred by Korea. Sandwiched between the Great Depression and WWII – resulting in a relatively low birthrate – members of this era were typically stoic, hardworking, and kept their mouths closed. Corky embodies all those traits.
A 2008 book authored by Elwood Carlson coined the cohort the “Lucky Few,” in part because this was the first generation in American history to be smaller than its predecessor, and because they came of age during a relatively prosperous time. Veterans of the Korean War suffered fewer casualties than their WWII fathers and enjoyed higher employment, better health, longer lives, and earlier retirement.
This duality sums up Corky’s life. Where one might see danger, Corky saw adventure. Another man’s battle became Corky’s challenge. In almost every situation Corky found himself in, there was both a silver lining and a cutting sword.
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A quintessential storyteller, even the origin of Corky’s moniker hints at his colorful character. As a baby, his grandparents threw elaborate champagne-fueled parties on their estate. “I’d take the corks and suck on them,” he told OC Weekly back in 1999. “I was an alcoholic at 18 months old.”
Today, unlike many of his fallen friends, he’s still standing. But it’s getting increasingly hard with a hip that’s giving out and a system that’s unwilling to help.
Korea’s youngest soldier
In 1952, Corky faced a difficult decision. He’d had a fallout with his father, and a rocky relationship with his mom. At age 16, he could become a ward of the state, reside in juvenile detention, or enlist early into the Navy. He chose the latter. His own father flew thunderbolts during WWII, so there was some military precedent.
The only man in his company to qualify for the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion (known as the “Seabees”), Corky was soon sent to Japan and told he was no longer in the Navy, but now in the Marine Corps and required to complete marine combat training.
By the following year, he found himself flying between Korea and Japan, pushing cargo strapped to parachutes out of C-119 Flying Boxcars. “We carried no ID and flew in unmarked planes,” Corky says. “I learned to never ask any questions.” Pushing cargo earned Corky $200 a month. For an extra $100, he volunteered to test parachutes by jumping out of planes. His efforts earned him Korean presidential citations. But, six decades later, he carries the reminder of those jumps in his deteriorated hips.
After a short 30-day leave in Laguna, Corky was sent back. This time to Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands – one of the largest missile tracking stations in South Asia set on a tiny piece of land that occupies just over six square miles. Corky says most people couldn’t handle it out there. He made it 18 months. When the day finally arrived for him to ship home, he was informed the military had made a mistake and extended his tour for another four months. “Typical military mess up,” he says.
He keeps a photograph of himself with five friends as a reminder of those difficult days. “When I asked about his friends in the photo, Corky took a few deep breaths and began to carefully give the name and a detailed story of each face in the photo,” says friend and local Laguna legend Mark Christy. “Where they were from. A key personality trait. Where and how they had died. Most had died in battle, another had gone by suicide. Finally, still staring at the picture, he said, “’I’m the only one left.’”
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Corky (far left) poses during a well-deserved R&R with his fallen friends
If early life events turn into our story’s prologue, shaping who we become, this was who Corky became – a man who never ran from risk, who didn’t shy away from a challenge, and who put his own life and well-being on the line to protect others. He siphoned that energy to protect Laguna’s greenbelt and our stretch of the Pacific Ocean.
Battling Hurricane Hattie
Corky returned from the service and settled back into his life in Laguna. He married his wife, Pat, in 1961 and they decided to join some local friends at a skin diving resort in Belize.
It was October and hurricane season was well underway in the Caribbean. Corky and Pat had been there two weeks when Hurricane Hattie struck their small island. It hit on his birthday and bore his grandmother’s name. Winds up to 160 mph pummeled the island. Waves rose 25 feet. “Men tied women to posts,” Corky says. Of the 73 homes on the tiny island, only one and a half were left standing. Corky and Pat were in the half. The death toll began to climb.
The town was described as “nothing but a huge pile of matchsticks.” Officials in Belize City declared martial law. Then the looting began. “Guatemalans came up,” Corky says. “The British from Jamaica. They started shooting people.”
Corky helped Pat evacuate back to Miami, but he stayed behind to help. Mass graves were dug, bodies burned and buried to prevent the spread of disease. He cleared a landing zone, allowing helicopters to drop aid and supplies. One of those helicopters delivered a marine lieutenant who turned out to be one of Corky’s surfing buddies from Laguna (coincidences like those often happened to Corky). He told his pal they needed water and rations and weapons.
The British soon discovered Corky was American and arrested him. Corky found himself in the middle of a race war, the only Caucasian in a sea of Jamaican looters in jail. “They were about to beat the hell out of me when someone recognized me and told them I was okay.”
Was it another case of bad luck turned good? Or, more likely, good luck turned bad? Regardless, it was another case of Corky taking significant risk and making significant sacrifice.
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After returning from overseas, Corky worked for Surfer Magazine and acted in several commercials with Tom Morey and Brenda Benet
Communing with the man in the cave
Whether it was his time overseas or simply his nature, there’s a significant spiritual side to Corky. While studying anthropology, archaeology, and ethnic studies at Cal State Fullerton, Corky uncovered a remarkable cave in Laguna’s vast greenbelt. It started small, only two and a half feet tall, when he began excavating it in 1960s. By the time he finished, the cave was large enough to accommodate a six-foot man.
Inside he discovered arrowheads, quartz crystals, and human bones. He contacted a shaman to bless the cave and carbon dated the human remains. They were 1,500 years old. The cave became a sacred spot for Corky, a place where he could commune with its spirit.
“An argument could be made that Corky is Laguna’s foremost archeologist,” says Christy. “In his home, there are countless books – all neatly stacked and categorized – about the indigenous people who were here centuries before us and he has an encyclopedic understanding of who they were, where and how they lived.”
While most students’ theses clock in around a hundred pages, Corky’s was close to 1,000. Local interest began to grow alongside his research. He eventually attracted the attention of Timothy Leary, Alan Watts, Allen Ginsberg, and Dr. Sidney Cohen, who he took to the cave. At the same time, Corky fought alongside James Dilley to preserve the greenbelt from development.
“I have been in Laguna my entire life and have spent literally thousands of hours in these hills exploring every nook and cranny,” says Christy. “When the massive development was proposed in Laguna Canyon, I was on the original Board of the Canyon Conservancy. Corky took a few of us on a deep dive tour of Laguna Canyon’s hillsides. With palpable reverence, he revealed hidden Native American sites. He demonstrated how they would hunt and harvest only what they needed to survive. They used micro-dust from fungus to determine which way the wind was blowing on a windless day, staying downwind of prospective prey. To date, it was the most fascinating few hours I’ve spent in Laguna’s hills.”
Before Corky’s hips went bad, he led student tours through the preserve. Inner-city kids, disadvantaged youth, those without access to nature. He delivered lectures about environmentalism and preservation at UCLA, the Bowers Museum, California State University Fullerton, and Scripps Institute of Oceanography. On one notable occasion, Corky led a small group of blind students from the Braille Institute in Santa Ana. About 10 children, all 10 years old, tied themselves together with a long rope, and hiked into the hills. They sat amid the grasses and trees and identified the sounds of birds. “The stuff they could hear and smell,” Corky says, looking a little choked up. “It was so far superior to anything I’d seen.”
It’s easy to see he’s itching to get back out there.
Corky’s Erin Brockovich moment: Battling Big Water
In January 1997, like he did every day, Corky went for a run along Aliso Beach. He dove into the ocean and swam along the shore. Two days later, his skin exploded. “Everything was swollen,” he told OC Weekly in 1999. Soon the skin on his hands and feet began to split and bleed. It lasted nearly two weeks.
The cause? Raw sewage – 440,000 gallons of it – had been dumped into the ocean. It was the equivalent of 100,000 toilet flushes. And it was neither the first nor last time. In 1997, Aliso was deemed the second dirtiest beach in the United States.
What ensued was a multi-year legal battle between Corky and the Moulton Niguel Water District and the South Coast County Water District over what we argued was their failure to provide adequate pumps and backup precautions when the systems overloaded, resulting in multiple and routine sewage spills into Aliso Creek and, ultimately, the ocean.
Although Corky lost the suit – at tremendous personal expense – during the course of their fight, the water district made several critical improvements. But the battle essentially bankrupted Corky. He lost his home and all his financial reserves, while Laguna gained much cleaner water.
A local surfing legend
In 1989, Corky became the co-founder of the Surfrider Foundation in Laguna. “Corky is deserving of a place on the Mount Rushmore of Laguna’s surf legends,” Christy says. “When I was a kid, during the nastiest of big winter storms, there were only a few that would paddle out in the ‘victory at sea’ conditions. Corky, Big John Parlette, Joe Epps, Mike Armstrong, and a few others. The rest of the tribe would sit on the rocks at Brooks and watch these warriors navigate the huge and random peaks breaking beyond second reef. It was Laguna’s version of Da Bull (Greg Noll) at Makaha.”
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Corky around age 21
Maybe it’s his membership in the Silent Generation. Or perhaps because he spent his formative years in war. Or maybe it’s simply built into his DNA. But Corky’s many sacrifices – both physical and financial – are remarkable.
“It literally breaks my heart to see this proud man hobbled and in need of a little help,” Christy says. “He has done so much for this town, Laguna’s legacy, our oceans and our hillsides, and this country he loves so much.”
To date, Corky is two-thirds away from his financial goal. For more information on how to help, click here.
Fourth Annual Ability Awareness event plants seeds of kindness at Main Beach
Story by DIANNE RUSSELL
Photos by Mary Hurlbut
Saturday’s beautiful summer weather cooperated with the celebration of World Kindness Day by bringing throngs of visitors down to Main Beach to join in the Fourth Annual Ability Awareness event.
Last year on World Kindness Day, on November 13, Laguna Beach officials signed a declaration of support for a kinder world at a public ceremony at City Hall. This event was Ability Awareness Project’s annual event in collaboration with the city.
During this year’s program, kindness was the operative word and manifested itself in unexpected ways. When the second scheduled band didn’t show up, the sound man, CJ Conway, founder/CEO of Virtual Reality, a talented musician himself, filled the void and played for the mingling crowds. A generous example of “Playing it Forward.”
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Vigils of children who died by suicide due to bullying
Shadi Pourkashef, founder of Ability Awareness Project, said, “This year we decided to have our annual event in November which is Kindness Month rather than October which is anti-bullying month.
“Like every year we also had our vigils of children who have died by suicide due to bullying. With our unity, love, and kindness we let them know that we won’t let their death be in vain and we are here, unified in kindness, to rise up to bullying,” she added.
“Since I became the Goodwill Ambassador of World Kindness for the City of Laguna Beach, we do want to celebrate World Kindness Day coming up November 13 as well and also, it’s always best to be focused on the solution which is kindness rather than the problem of bullying.”
Of this year’s event, which drew a constant flow of visitors, Pourkashef said, “It was a dream come true! We had so much support this time. We had loads of volunteers and we can’t thank the city enough for providing us so much, including the stage. Mayor Pro Tem and our Board Member Steve Dicterow also gave a passionate speech about what kindness means to our community.”
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(L-R) Jo Ann Gains from Compassionate California, Mayor Pro Tem Steve Dicterow, and Founder of Ability Awareness Shadi Pourkashef
“Ability Awareness Project is also a partner with Charter for Compassion and my next step is to sign up the city with Compassion as well as Kindness. That would make us the first city in California to be a Kind and Compassionate [one]. The resolution for California to be the first Compassionate State in the U.S. will most probably be passed by early 2020 and I would like Laguna Beach to be one of the cities listed as well. Steve Dicterow shares my vision and we’re so glad Jo Ann could join us for the whole day at our Day of Kindness event,” said Pourkashef.
There were many talented local musicians signed up to perform and volunteers offered Sing-Along, Free Hugs, Eye-Contact, Meditate with Me, and Dance with Me human connection opportunities. They gave out a lot of free stuff and provided items for donations.
The day was also a time for awards and accolades. Pourkashef gave out six “Cool to be Kind” awards to the musicians who made the Day of Kindness so special: Michelle Scott and the Sound Connected Drum Ensemble, CJ Conway, Orange Collective, Kayla Kraemer and The Black Orchid Band, Robbie Dean, and Ava August.
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Ava August
Pourkashef added, “And one more ‘Cool to be Kind’ award to LB, a local yoga instructor who led the sunset meditation with me, focusing on listening to our inner voice, making sure we’re kind to ourselves and not self-bullying so we can heal our wounds.”
Another “Cool to be Kind” award went to Brent Blossom and StikePoint Media who provided marketing materials to help the Ability Awareness Project and the LB Kindness Movement.
The “Courage to be Kind” award went to Giovanni Labile who in May of 2019 picked up a stranger’s wheelchair in his car and drove her to her destination miles away on a rainy night.
The 2019 “Local Kindness Hero” was awarded to Dan Safkow.
“He is not on our board, just a volunteer who asked, ‘How can I help?’” said Pourkashef. “And then went way above our expectation and created such incredible art works including the ‘Spread Kindness’ butterfly, the ‘I’ for our step and repeat banner, our new Kindness Wall, and all signs including our ‘Choose To Be Kind’ yard signs.”
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Board Member Sande St. John and Adam Gufarotti, Senior Recreation Supervisor, Community Services
“Besides all that, he booked the musicians and did a video and a lot more to promote our event. Without his help, our event would have not been this exceptional.”
Safkow is a proud Dad, creative entrepreneur,r and a mental wellness advocate who volunteers as a speaker for the National Alliance for Mental Illness and event producer/host for The Shine Movement.
Sofkow said, “The underlying theme of The Day of Kindness was human connection. For me, pausing to connect with strangers, with those who have taken their lives via the vigils, with others by soaking in music in front of the ocean, represents an extraordinary opportunity to pause, reflect, and raise not only awareness, but empathy for everyone who suffers when we are not kind to each other.”
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Dan Safkow not only volunteered but made the “Spread Kindness” Butterfly
“I contributed the butterfly wings as a metaphor for spreading the message of kindness. The bright colors and selfie opportunity were meant to attract casual the observer. And once engaged, the invitation to write a message was meant to activate sincere feelings and be in the moment with the vigils, music, and spirit of the event.”
Ability Awareness Project is a nonprofit with a mission to build a united, interconnected world free of bullying. The organization provides Bullying Prevention School Presentations and Kindness Programs for grades K-3rd (can be done as a puppet show), 4th and 5th grades, middle schools, high schools, colleges, parents, educators, and senior centers.
For more information, go to www.kindandsafeschools.org.
Police Files
Juveniles arrested with loaded gun in alleged robbery/carjacking, driver still on the loose
On Monday, Nov 11, at 12:09 a.m., LBPD officers were notified of an alleged carjacking of a vehicle, identified as a Nissan Sentra, in the area of North Coast Highway and Ledroit Street.
According to LBPD Spokesperson PIO Sgt Jim Cota, “The robbery occurred approximately six hours prior in the city of Moreno Valley in Riverside County and the weapon used was a handgun.”
An officer located the Sentra driving east on Broadway Street. The vehicle was occupied by three males.
Sgt Cota said, “Officers followed the vehicle out the Canyon while attempts were made to get mutual aid assistance from an air unit and a K-9. Both air units were grounded due to weather, fog, and OCSD had an available K-9 unit that began responding.”
In the area of Laguna Canyon Road and Lake Forest Drive, an enforcement stop was initiated.
Sgt Cota said, “The Sentra stopped and the driver fled on foot. The officers provided a description and direction of travel of the driver to responding units while they stayed with the vehicle, which was still occupied by two males. The males were ordered out of the vehicle and detained.”
They were identified as two juvenile males, 16 and 17 years old.
Sgt Cota said, “A search revealed one of them was in possession of a loaded handgun in his waistband. The driver was last seen running towards the gated residential community of Laguna Altura.”
Personnel from Irvine PD, Costa Mesa PD, OCSD, and CHP responded to assist with a perimeter search for the driver. The search was discontinued after approximately three hours.
Sgt Cota said, “Riverside County Sheriff’s Department was contacted and they responded to assume custody of the minors, the recovered stolen vehicle, and the handgun.”
Suspect allegedly on drugs arrested after alleged threats to officers and their families
On Sunday, Nov 10, at 12:16 a.m., LBPD officers contacted a male subject near North Coast Highway and Emerald Bay.
Sgt Cota said, “When they began conducting a drug influence investigation, the subject threatened to kill the officers and their families. The subject was identified as Fullerton resident John Wesley Alexander III, 30. He was arrested for threatening an executive officer.”
Bail was set at $25,000.
Former nanny now facing 690 years to life for molestation charges
A man who served as a male nanny for families across Southern California, including in Laguna Beach, was charged with additional felony child molestation charges last week for allegedly victimizing 17 young boys under his care. The boys ranged in age from two to 12 years old.
Matthew Antonio Zakrzewski, 30, of Costa Mesa, was arrested on May 17, 2019 by LBPD detectives at a local airport after deplaning an international flight. Zakrzewski was originally charged with three felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under the age of 14, and one felony count of oral copulation of a child under the age of 10. He was also charged with one felony count of possession of child pornography.
Courtesy of LBPD
Matthew Zakrzewski faces 690 years to life plus eight years for molestation charges
Zakrzewski pleaded not guilty to the original charges in May. He is currently being held at the OC Jail on $1.25 million bail.
Zakrzewski now faces a total of 33 felony counts, including 27 felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under the age of 14, one felony count of oral copulation of a child under the age of 10, and one felony count of possession of child pornography. He also faces one felony count of using a minor for sex acts, two felony counts of distributing pornography to a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct, and one felony count of an attempted lewd or lascivious act with a minor under the age of 14.
Prosecutors allege the crimes were committed between January 1, 2014 and May 17, 2019. He faces 690 years to life plus eight years if convicted on all charges.
Investigators asked for the public’s help in locating any other potential victims. As the investigation progressed, additional victims were identified through video evidence and tips from the public, resulting in additional charges being filed against Zakrzewski.
In early May 2019, a Laguna Beach couple had reported to Laguna Beach Police that their babysitter, Zakrzewski, had touched their eight-year-old son inappropriately and was concerned for the safety of their son and potentially other children.
The couple had hired Zakrzewski to care for their eight-year-old child through one of his several babysitting websites. The LBPD’s Major Crimes and Intelligence Unit immediately opened an investigation, which led to the identification of a seven-year-old boy in the City of Los Angeles who reported abuse too, and ten more boys from across Southern California.
“These parents were led to believe that they could trust this man with the most precious thing in their entire world – their children,” said OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Instead, he preyed on these innocent boys and violated that trust in a vile and sadistic way.”
Anyone who has information related to this investigation or any other unreported incidents involving Zakrzewski is urged to call the Laguna Beach Investigations Division line at (949) 715-1300.
Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every suspect is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
-By Suzie Harrison
First Annual Coast Film Festival celebrates people, places and purpose around the globe
Story by DIANNE RUSSELL
Photos by Scott Brashier
Ben Warner, founder and executive director of Coast Film Festival, admits that, “Starting a film festival from scratch is no easy task, especially without a working public theater in town.” The three-day festival included a variety of activities in addition to the 28 films and 18 speakers – a beach cleanup, canyon nature hike, artist appearances, and athlete presentations at LBUSD schools.
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Get Outside Panel: (L-R) Pat Parnell, Richard Yelland, Dick Metz, and Stacy Bare
After attending the “Healing for Nature” film block on Saturday morning, it appears as if Warner and his team were up to the task – and more. The audience in the Forum Theater at the Festival of the Arts had the privilege of viewing seven incredibly moving short films about the power of nature in the healing process. It was followed by a discussion with Pat Parnell and Stacy Bare, whose film Adventure Not War screened. Made in 2017, it is the story of three U.S. veterans traveling back into the mountains of Iraq on a mission to heal wounds and experience the country and its culture without the shadow of war.
Bare said, “What started out as a goal to save myself has turned into a goal to get everyone outside to share in nature’s healing powers.”
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After Saturday’s feature filmmaker showcase: (L-R) Pat Parnell, Giovanni Derousseau, Jeremy Jones, Ben Warner, Enich Harris, Chad Nelson, Ben Classen, and Erich Roepke
Lynette Brasfield said, “I spent an amazing morning at the Coast Film Festival here in Laguna Beach watching short films with the theme ‘Healed by Nature.’ We were treated also to a conversation with Stacy Bare, an Iraq war veteran and founder of Adventure Not War. If you get a chance to view this film, please do! It’s remarkable.”
“We were really pleased with the attendance,” said Warner. “A few events sold out! The least attended event was the ‘Healed by Nature’ short films on Saturday morning, which was unfortunate since it was one of the favorites with powerful topics and speakers! There’s an opportunity for us to do a better job at explaining the caliber of films and speakers.”
“Healed by Nature” dealt with moving, powerful, and varied topics – from a 97-year-old runner George Etzweiler to Vietnam veteran, author, and eco-warrior Doug Peacock who founded the Save the Yellowstone Grizzly.
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Pat Parnell (on left) and filmmaker Greg McGillivray
How did Warner feel about the venues? “We had to get scrappy without a working public theater in town, which turned out great because we created an outdoor experience at Seven7Seven that was very unique from other film festivals. The Forum Theater was fantastic with the 4K projector and large screen.
Transformed: Sawubona won the people’s choice award. Warner says, “The crowd gave a standing ovation to Giovanni Derousseau and his amazing story.”
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Winner of People’s Choice Award, “Transformed: Sawubona”
Warner relates some of the high points of the festival: “To actually see each element of the festival happen after so much planning, especially the athlete presentations at El Morro, TOW, and the high school. There wasn’t a fourth grader in the room that didn’t have a hand up to ask Greg Long a question! Also – the tremendous support from friends and volunteers to help make it happen. The bringing together of people of all ages with passion for film and the outdoors. The amazing feedback from attendees and comments by many that the experience moved them so much they would make changes to their lives.”
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Jon Van Hamersveld
The festival also included artist appearances. In his career of fifty years, the iconic multidisciplinary pop artist John Van Hamersveld created influential and recognizable graphic design. At the start of his career, Van Hamersveld created the timeless, culturally transcendent Endless Summer film poster while he was still attending art school at Art Center and Chouinard.
Looking into the future to next year’s event, Warner says, “We are excited about next year. There is so much more that we can do. We’ve already been contacted by sponsors and filmmakers. A priority, however, is to take the time to build this carefully and as a community event. It is too soon to say what changes we will make for next year. We have ideas and will use feedback from participants to guide us. We can say that we are doing it again due to the success and outpouring of positive feedback. All of the elements of the event were successful.
“We feel very fortunate to start the film festival in Laguna and appreciate the support that we have gotten in the first year.”
I’m already looking forward to the Second Annual Coast Film Festival.
For more information, go to www.coastfilmfestival.com.
Sewer rate increases needed to fund improvements
By BARBARA DIAMOND
The City Council will be asked to approve more than $43 million to improve and maintain the city’s wastewater system.
Staff recommends increasing user rates by six percent for the next four fiscal years but will offer two other options at Tuesday’s meeting: one involves loans, the other jacks up the first year increase to 10 percent but decreases subsequent years’ hikes to five percent.
The increases will pay for $21.3 million in capital repairs and replacements to the regional coastal treatment plant operated by South Orange County Wastewater Authority. The rate increase will also fund $22.1 million for improvements to the city pipes, lift stations, and transmission lines used to convey wastewater to the treatment plant.
The capital improvement program is needed to maintain the city water system in a reliable manner, according to staff. The goal is to minimize sewage spills, beach closures, protect ocean water quality and the environment, and avoid adverse impacts on the local economy and on regulatory issues.
Laguna’s Water Quality Department, under the direction of Dave Shissler, is responsible for the 95 miles of pipes, 25 lift stations, and 17 urban water diversions that reliably deliver wastewater to SOCWA, without spills or beach closures.
The city provides service to businesses and residents from Irvine Cove in the west, north along Laguna Canyon Rd, up to the condominiums on El Toro Rd, and south to Cardinal Dr.
South Coast Water District services South Laguna.
SOCWA’s treatment plant was built in 1950 and considerably expanded in 1983. It is in need of significant capital rehabilitation, replacements, and upgrades, according to the staff report.
Moon gazing
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
The pale moon above…rides high in a violet sky
Amendments to municipal code required to comply with federal regulations
By BARBARA DIAMOND
The City Council on Tuesday will do some housekeeping, cleaning up disparities between city and federal regulations related to wireless facilities.
Staff has requested feedback from the council on recommended changes to the municipal code that respond to a Federal Communications Commission rule passed in October of 2018. The stated goal of the FCC rule is to streamline state and local reviews of wireless communication facility applications and to facilitate the deployment of small wireless facilities.
The council will review at tonight’s meeting the amendments city staff has recommended to improve compliance with the FCC rule and move regulations of the facilities and similar utilities to the section of the city code dealing with streets and highways.
Recommendations include offering incentives for facility locations to be shared and updating rules for facilities that use the public right of way.
Among the 16 recommendations:
--Applications that meet city aesthetic guidelines chosen by the council would be issued administrative permits for installations in the public right-of-way on commercial and city-owned property.
--Deployment in residential areas would be strictly controlled.
--View impacts should be minimized.
--Locating facilities on pre-existing structures should be encouraged.
The council was advised in April that the city would either adopt the FCC guideline or default to the government regulation pertaining to the facilities, which are expected to accommodate Fifth Generation wireless infrastructure –commonly called 5G. The city has little say in the matter.
Asked at the April meeting how much discretion the city has, City Attorney Philip Kohn said, “The short answer is very little.”
The FCC claims the order was necessary to “help ensure the United States wins the global race to 5G” by removing regulatory barriers that it claims would “unlawfully inhibit deployment of infrastructure necessary to support these new services.”
Local regulations related to radio frequency emission impacts on the environmental, human health and safety concerns could not be imposed to restrict cell towers, according to City Attorney Travis Van Ligten.
Local governments tried unsuccessfully to obtain a stay of the FCC order pending the outcome of litigation.
Mayor Bob Whalen said in April that the city’s best hope is legislation. A previous legal challenge by the city some years ago on its control of telecommunications installations had ended up in court – and it didn’t go well for Laguna.
“These [installations] are going to happen,” said Matt Lawson, chair of the Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee. “We don’t have that much control.”
Tonight’s recommendations provide the council with strategies to implement an efficient process for small-scale cell sites, to minimize the number of utility poles and health risks and still comply with federal and state requirements.
Dennis’ Tidbits
By DENNIS McTIGHE
November 12, 2019
McWeather the veteran
Yesterday on Veterans Day, we had a bit of June Gloom in November with cool high temps only in the mid-60s. That’s nothing compared to what’s going on in a major chunk of the rest of the U.S. with round after round of Arctic blasts compliments of the unrelenting polar vortex – with bitter cold temp records being shattered from Montana to Florida.
It’s more like early January almost everywhere else while we’re laughing here in Lotusland as the late longtime icon Terry Neptune used to call Laguna. Today’s 65 forecast high is warmer than 45 other states. Even Miami, which is latitude 25 degrees north, is only 62 today with a low of 45 which is roughly 20 degrees below their season normal. It’s already well below zero in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. It’s going to be a long, rough winter for them. That’s why we live here!
I am an Air Force Veteran. I served from January 13, 1967 until September 27, 1970 during the escalating Vietnam conflict, but I didn’t see combat. I guess I was one of the lucky ones as I was stationed at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii as a meteorologist for Weather ReCon for the 61st Military Airlift Wing. Hickam is situated between Honolulu Airport and Pearl Harbor Naval Base.
On August 3, 1965, I turned 18. Back then when you turned 18, you had to report to your local Draft Board within 60 days of your birthday. Vietnam was really ramping up, so they did away with voluntary enlistment in the Army and Marines, so you had to report. Even back then I was aware of what was going on in Southeast Asia. There was no way I was going to sit in a trench and kill innocent women and children and people I’ve never met. My Pop served in World War II, but he volunteered because we were attacked. He was totally against the Vietnam situation, as he claimed it was a police action and we had no business being there in the first place. There was no way I was going to Nam even if it meant jail time which meant a year in the Brig if you refused to go, for what? For someone like Nixon? My Pop said there was no way he was possibly going to lose his only son.
My Pop sat me down and said, “Son, you do have an option. You can enlist in the Navy or Air Force where there’s a good chance you won’t see combat and a good chance you’ll land some kind of office job somewhere here in the States or Germany. Of course you’ll go where they send you, but you’ll most likely get stationed here in the U.S. Vietnam stinks, so your way out is signing up to be a Flyboy or a Sailor. That way you’re still serving your country for three or four years and when you get out you’ll have all kinds of benefits. Should you decide on college, the Air Force or Navy will pay for all your tuition except for books for any given classes you take. You can also finance a home for barely any money down. Another big benefit, son, is your primary care for any medical needs will be the VA for a lifetime, plus you’ll receive a monthly pension for a lifetime, so it’s your choice.”
I reported to the local Air Force recruiting station the very next day. I passed the test and all I had to do was wait until they called on me. Seeing as I was to become property of the USAF, I couldn’t get drafted into the Army. After Weather School, I received orders to work in Hawaii for three plus years. You go where they send you, but I really got lucky on that one!
Uncle Sam was paying me to surf the North Shore! Smart guy, my Pop!
See y’all on Friday, ALOHA!
The Golden Sunset
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Photo by Scott Brashier
“The golden sea its mirror spreads/Beneath the golden skies/And but a narrow strip between/Of earth and shadow lies” –Samuel Longfellow
New City arborist to lead Urban Forest Management Program and Tree Care Services
The City of Laguna Beach has hired Nate Faris as the new City arborist to lead the City’s Urban Forest Management Program and Tree Care Services.
Faris brings a breadth of experience in best practices in tree care, pests and disease prevention, proper pruning techniques, and knowledge of enhancing the long-term structural integrity of trees to the position.
“I love being outside, working with trees and people who are passionate about the urban forest,” said Faris. “My focus is not only the health and well-being of individual trees, but also a larger-scale perspective like canopy cover and the overall benefits of trees to our community.”
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Nate Faris announced as new City arborist
Faris holds both of the arboriculture’s highest distinctions, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist. He also has 15 years of experience creating and leading tree-planting programs at nonprofit organizations, both in Indiana and Florida.
Faris also has 9 years of experience in owning and operating a tree consulting business. In 2018, Faris was one of five arborists to be given the True Professionals of Arboriculture Award by the International Society of Arboriculture.
Shohreh Dupuis, Laguna Beach Assistant City Manager and Director of Public Works, says it will be beneficial for the City to have a tree expert on staff rather than going through a contracted company as the City has done in recent years.
“The City takes great pride in maintaining its urban forest and appreciates all the benefits of trees in our community,” said Shohreh Dupuis, Assistant City Manager and Director of Public Works. “This position allows us to take a more hands-on approach with our urban forestry issues, both internally and with the public and advocacy groups.”
Last year, the Public Works Department replaced over 30 street trees in the Downtown and Coast Highway corridor areas. Faris started as City Arborist with the City of Laguna Beach on Monday, Nov 4.
Tonight’s School Board meeting will include a report from El Morro principal
The agenda for tonight’s (Tuesday, Nov 12) regular LBUSD Board of Education meeting has been posted online here. The Board will receive a principal’s report from El Morro Principal Chris Duddy and an informational report regarding developer fee requirements.
Open session will begin at 6 p.m. at the District office, at 550 Blumont St, with closed session occurring beforehand at 5 p.m.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
El Morro Principal Chris Duddy to give report during tonight’s meeting
The Board will consider action on an updated memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the City of Laguna Beach to provide an additional School Resource Officer (SRO), a positive certification of the first interim financial report, and resolutions in support of National Nutrition Month and National Child Safety and Protection Month.
Where’s Maggi – the answers!
Hiding in plain sight? This week’s photo puzzler was identified by just one savvy reader – Kathryn Delp Dew. As she said, “This window is in the alley between Forest and Mermaid, right by the red phone booth.”
Congratulations, Kathryn!
Look for the next photo challenge on Friday. Let’s keep Maggi on her toes.
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Window detail featured on the side of the building, along the alley between Forest and Mermaid
Laguna Beach – A Look Back
Courtesy of Laguna Beach Historical Society
Recently Stu News posted about the kitchen closure at the White House on South Coast Highway. Whatever the future may hold, let’s take a look back at one of the earliest known photos of the venerable institution.
Now 101 years old, it opened in 1918 as one the city’s first taverns. This circa 1922 photo is taken looking south on Coast Highway, from the intersection of Park Ave. A nice collection of Model T Fords congregate around the watering hole.
Coast Highway looking south, circa 1922
Across the street on the “ocean side” of Coast Highway, the long building housing the current Greeter’s Corner Restaurant is instead a string of eucalyptus trees. On the lower right of the pic, we see a small raised platform. This was a point for a traffic cop to stand and direct traffic on Coast Highway, with both Park and Forest avenues intersecting at that point. Tire marks indicate the street was still dirt.
What appears to be a couple of Laguna maidens stroll in the middle of Coast Highway – not a feat any of us would contemplate today.
• • •
Laguna Beach Historical Society is located at 278 Ocean Ave. They are open Friday - Sunday from 1 - 4 p.m. For more information, call (949) 497-6834 or visit www.lagunabeachhistory.org.
Summer in November
Photos by Mary Hurlbut
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Soaking up the Saturday sunset
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The sound of music
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Traffic, trolley, and tourists
Laguna Beach Police Department announces first Holiday Food Basket Program
Last year the Laguna Beach Police Department (LBPD), Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), and the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach teamed up to collect food donations to help families in need during the holidays. With the help of the community, they were able to donate 38 holiday meals to families in Laguna Beach. The LBPD says, “Thank you to everyone who participated!”
This year, LBPD is proud to announce its first Holiday Food Basket Program. The Food Basket Program will take place in November and December. Families in Laguna Beach will receive a basket of food during the holiday season from donations received by donors and sponsors.
Recipients of the food baskets are selected by referrals from LBUSD and the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach. To provide a meal during the holidays, the baskets will be distributed to children and families in Laguna Beach.
In order to make this program a success, donations are needed from citizens and organizations in the community. Donations of any size will help LBPD to make a difference in a family’s life during the holidays. All net proceeds go to buying food and supplies to package the baskets.
Courtesy of sutphinbladbid.org
LBPD Holiday Food Basket Program is underway
The following is a list of requested non-perishable food items: boxed stuffing mix, boxed instant potatoes, boxed mac n’ cheese, canned gravy, gravy mix packages, canned soup, canned broth, canned green beans, canned corn, canned cranberry sauce, canned yams, boxed Bisquick, pumpkin pie filling, boxed pudding, pie crust, turkey pans, and apple cider. (Please make sure to check expiration dates before you donate.)
Grocery store gift cards are also welcome. Gift cards are accepted at the police station. Drop off donations in the designated bins inside the LBPD lobby (through November 21).
If you cannot arrange for delivery to the police station, call (949) 497-0382, and a pick-up will be arranged.
LBPD will solicit volunteers from the police department and the community to help collect, sort, and deliver food to the recipients. Delivery will be in the morning, two days before Thanksgiving and Christmas.
For questions about the Holiday Food Basket Program, or how to
contribute, contact Community Services Officer Natasha Hernandez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Laguna Beach Police Department is located at 505 Forest Ave. For more information, call (949) 497-0382.
“Give It Forward” this holiday season by supporting food drive for Laguna Food Pantry
Katrina Martino, owner of Hudson Salon & Spa, has partnered with several local businesses to form “Give It Forward,” a collective community effort by Hudson, to support a local food drive for Laguna Food Pantry. The November food drive will continue through Saturday, Nov 16, and the drop-off locations are listed below.
Laguna Food Pantry’s nonprofit is an almost completely volunteer-run enterprise that provides free, fresh, nutritious groceries to individuals and families in need who live, work, and attend school in or around Laguna Beach.
Martino says, “Clean out your pantry this holiday season for the Laguna Food Pantry. Your extra canned goods help support local families in need. Bring in your goods for great discounts.”
Food items at the Pantry are purchased from regional food banks and donated by local markets and private donors. The Pantry is funded by generous donors, corporate and private foundation grants, churches, schools, and local government.
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Photo by Lynette Brasfield
Most requested food items
Executive Director of Laguna Food Pantry Anne Belyea says, “We are so grateful to the local Laguna businesses (Hudson Salon & Spa, Art of Fitness, Rhythm Ride, Catmosphere, The Vault Clothing Stores, The Shop, Hobie, Brass Tack, and Yoga Sapien) that are joining together in support of the Laguna Food Pantry with a ‘Give It Forward’ food drive this month! Special thanks to Katrina Martino with the Hudson Salon & Spa for coordinating the efforts. Every weekday, the Laguna Food Pantry collects and distributes over 5,000 lbs. of free, fresh groceries to over 100 families, most of whom have children.”
“This holiday season, give it forward, please support our local food drive, and help support your neighbors in need,” says Martino.
Laguna Food Pantry’s most requested food items are: canned tuna and chicken, peanut butter and jelly, pasta and pasta sauce, rice and beans, and cereal.
The following businesses have partnered to collect donations and will have bins available at their locations, and in some cases, they are offering discounts to those who donate.
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Look for this flyer on the donation bin
--The Hudson Salon & Spa – Katrina Martino
Drop-off location: 361 Forest Ave, #104
(Offering 30 percent off new services/gift certificates/raffle for facial services.)
--Art of Fitness – Marian Keegan and Fernanda Rocha
Drop-off location: 1080 S Coast Hwy
--The Vault clothing stores – Gila Leibovitch
Drop-off location: 361 Forest Ave
(Gila is offering 20 percent off for customers in her store.)
--Rhythm Ride – Stephanie Chapel
Drop-off location: 100 S Coast Hwy, #209a
(Steph of Rhythm Ride is doing a raffle to win prizes.)
--Catmosphere – Gail Landau
Drop-off location: 381 Forest Ave, Suite 100A
(Starting November 15, offering 15 percent off all retail and logo items in the café.)
--Hobie – Mark Christy
Drop-off location: 294 Forest Ave
--The Shop – Jessica Watson
Drop-off location: 1020 S Coast Hwy
--Brass Tack – Kristin
Drop-off location: 311 Ocean Ave
--Yoga Sapien – Lori Khan
Drop-off location: 610 N. Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste 208
If readers know of a family that is in need, please contact Katrina Martino at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To donate funds directly to Food Pantry, go to www.lagunafoodpantry.org/give.
Friday night lights
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Photo by Dennis Piszkiewicz
Traffic lights and South Coast Hwy sparkles – Surf and Sand (on the right)
LAM’s Art & Nature continues exploration of art and the natural world with Yorgo Alexopoulos
Laguna Art Museum presented the seventh annual Art & Nature, a multidisciplinary exploration of art’s many and various engagements with the natural world this past weekend.
For the first time in the event’s history, the commissioned work of art was inside the museum rather than outside. The specially commissioned work, 360° Azimuth, is a large-scale multimedia installation by the Los Angeles-based artist Yorgo Alexopoulos.
It transforms the museum’s largest space, the historic Steele Gallery, with a two-channel video projection with sound in which landscape symbols become metaphoric “characters” in an animistic meta-narrative where reality and constructs of our collective subconscious seem to co-exist peacefully.
Unlike previous Art & Nature commissions which have been on view only during the festival weekend, 360° Azimuth will remain on view through January 5, 2020.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
360° Azimuth will remain on display at LAM through Jan 5
Art & Nature weekend began in conjunction with First Thursdays Art Walk on November 7, making it a community-wide event in which local galleries presented nature-inspired exhibitions.
Participating galleries included Forest & Ocean Gallery, Kelsey Michaels Fine Art, The Redfern Gallery, and saltfineart + RAWsalt; and other partners included the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, Community Art Project, and Gallery Q at The Susi Q. At Laguna Art Museum, 360° Azimuth opened to the public at 6 p.m. and more than 300 visitors attended the museum during Art Walk.
On November 8, Alan Braddock, Ph.D. gave the keynote lecture, From Nature to Ecology: The Emergency of Ecocritical Art History. Braddock is the Ralph H. Wark Associate Professor of Art History and American Studies at the College of William & Mary.
He has published, lectured, and taught courses about the history of American art and its ecological significance, and is currently an Art and Ecology scholar at the Getty Research Institute in Los Angeles. He is co-author of the book Nature’s Nation: American Art and Environment, which accompanied a major traveling exhibition that won the Association of Art Museum Curators Award for Excellence.
On November 9, the museum presented a full schedule of programs on the theme of Art & Nature, beginning with a screening of the film A Boy’s Dream, which premiered at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam and was selected in partnership with the Newport Beach Film Festival. It documents the artist Theo Jansens, who creates large-scale “beach animals” that move independently, powered by the wind.
On Saturday afternoon, Elizabeth Turk signed copies of the recently published book documenting Shoreline Project, the 2018 Art & Nature commissioned work. The film and book signing were followed by the conversation Art in a Time of Climate Change with Professors Victoria Vesna and James K. Gimzewski.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
More than 400 visitors enjoyed free admission and hands-on art over the weekend
Vesna is an artist and professor at the UCLA Department of Design Media Arts and Director of the Art|Sci Center at the School of the Arts and California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI), and Gimzewski is a distinguished professor of Chemistry at UCLA and a member of the California NanoSystems Institute. On Saturday evening, an engaged audience gathered to hear Yorgo Alexopoulos discuss his work, including the Art & Nature commissioned piece, 360° Azimuth.
Also, in the museum, three recently-opened exhibitions complemented Art & Nature with themes of different approaches to landscape. Thomas Hunt: California Modernist features works by the 20th century artist best known for the coastal and harbor scenes that he painted in Southern California and during regular visits to Gloucester, Massachusetts.
Etchings by Mildred Bryant Brooks, from the museum’s permanent collection, highlights landscape etchings in which lovingly observed trees often occupy center stage. Laurie Brown: Photographs presents works by the Newport Beach-based artist from the 1970s onward that document mankind’s relationship to the landscape in its less comfortable forms, dwelling especially on zones that form a no-man’s-land between the man-made and the natural.
On November 10, the museum concluded Art & Nature with a family festival on the theme of art’s engagements with the natural world. The day began with a family-friendly yoga session hosted by Bala Shala Yoga.
More than 400 visitors enjoyed free admission and hands-on art and science activities with the museum’s partners: Art Division, Center for Art Education and Sustainability, Environmental Nature Center, Laguna Bluebelt Coalition, Laguna Ocean Foundation, Newport Bay Conservancy, Ocean Institute, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, and Lojo Simon, the Literary Laureate of Laguna Beach. The festival concluded with a family-friendly concert of eco-conscious music by Birdsong and the Eco-Wonders.
Major support for Art & Nature was generously provided by the McBeth Foundation, the Draper Family Foundation, the Orange County Community Foundation, Chris Quilter, the Festival of Arts Foundation, the Ebell Club of Laguna Beach, and anonymous donors. Sponsors also included the Lodging Establishments and the City of Laguna Beach, The Inn at Laguna Beach, and Visit Laguna Beach. The Art & Nature 2019 Committee were Gregg and Kathleen Abel, John and Yasuko Bush, Jane and Joe Hanauer, Barbara and Greg MacGillivray, David Powers, Chris Quilter, Elie Weaver, and Hilton Weinberg.
The eighth edition of Laguna Art Museum’s Art & Nature is scheduled to take place from November 5-8, 2020.
New evacuation plans unveiled at Wesley District meeting
By Sandi Cain
Wesley District residents who attended a November 7 meeting about emergency readiness at the United Methodist Church heard a lot about new procedures and alert systems for the area. That was thanks to a presentation by Emergency Operations Coordinator Jordan Villwock, who shared newly updated plans to keep Laguna Beach residents safe and able to get out of town if evacuation is needed. Revised evacuation routes, shelter-in-place options, and other updates to the city’s arsenal of emergency readiness tools available were all part of the program.
The year-long effort to update neighborhood maps, identify shelter resources and tag various routes out of town – along with new emergency alert services – is bearing fruit as the public is introduced to the updated procedures and tools at our disposal. Each of Laguna’s neighborhoods now has its own package of pertinent information and instructions to assist residents during major emergencies – whether they are at home, in a shelter, or on the road.
Neighborhood-specific brochures were provided to the two dozen or so attendees, along with a zone map of the city so that residents will have options whether they are at home or away when an earthquake, fire, or other event happens. In all, there are 20 specific zones within the boundaries of Laguna Beach; plans are available for each zone.
Villwock said his staff can issue evacuation information for specific zones based on the degree of urgency. Those levels include: a pre-evacuation advisory, potential evacuation notice, and immediate evacuation notice. A demographic survey of estimated time needed by residents to get ready to evacuate is set for November 14-16 at various locations in town. Results of that survey will help determine lead times needed for residents. In addition, Villwock said the city is developing a process that will enable the emergency operations center to send cell phone messages without the use of cell towers.
For now, residents still are encouraged to sign up for all relevant alerts, which can be done by registering for AlertOC at www.alertoc.com; and for Nixle, by texting 92651 to 888-777. (If you work in a different zip code, you also can text that zip code to 888-777 to receive alerts for your work area as well as for home). Both systems are important if you wish to receive the most thorough and relevant information for emergencies.
TOWNA urges preparation at meeting at Susi Q on Nov 20
The Top of the World Neighborhood Association (TOWNA) will hold its next General Meeting, including election of the Board of Directors, at the Susi Q on Wednesday, Nov 20 from 6 to 8 p.m.
The meeting’s program will be conducted by Jordan Villwock, the Emergency Operations Coordinator of the Laguna Beach Police Department, discussing the emergency alert system, warning, and evacuation during natural disasters. In addition, Laguna Beach Fire Chief Mike Garcia will discuss the fuel modification program along with answering questions.
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Laguna’s Fire Chief Mike Garcia will speak at Nov 20 TOWNA meeting
Attendees will learn the different alert systems utilized as well as evacuation plans including neighborhood specific evacuation maps. A family emergency kit and planning ahead is recommended.
TOWNA relies upon voluntary dues of $10 per year per household. TOW neighbors can send dues checks to TOWNA c/o Mark Mani, 2798 Temple Hills Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 or bring payment to the General Meeting. The meeting is free and open to the public.
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Nov 20 TOWNA will be conducted by Jordan Villwock, LBPD Emergency Operations Coordinator
The TOWNA Board will be elected at the meeting. Current board members on the ballot are Duane Allee, Chris Brazelton, Carol Buss, Gene Felder, Sandra Lucidi-Azera, Mark Mani, Karen Schwager, Carey Strombotne, Tim Templeton, Piero Wemyss, and Scott Woodard.
Other TOW neighbors interested in serving on the TOWNA Board, which meets every other month, should contact TOWNA President Gene Felder at (949) 939-7257.
The Susi Q is located at 380 Third St.
12th Annual Laguna Hero Festival will take place on Nov 16
The 12th Annual Laguna Hero Festival will take place on Saturday, Nov 16, from 4 - 6 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach. This family-friendly program will feature live performances, art activities, and screenings of short films.
This year’s festival coincides with the International Day of Tolerance, designated by the United Nations. Audrey Azoulay, director-general of the UN’s educational branch UNESCO, said, “Tolerance is an act of humanity, which we must nurture and enact each in our own lives every day, to rejoice in the diversity that makes us strong and the values that bring us together.”
To honor the day, MY HERO is calling for local nominations of heroes who are working for peace and tolerance. Nominations can be made by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
The 12th Annual Laguna Hero Festival will take place on Nov 16 at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach
The MY HERO Project, a Laguna Beach-based organization with a mission to celebrate heroes from all walks of life, is working with students and staff at the Boys & Girls Club to prepare special presentations for this event. Media Partners for the event include Stu News Laguna and our local radio station KX 93.5.
MY HERO Media Arts mentors will work with students to create unique artwork and music and dance presentations. Rapper/hip-hop dancer and choreographer Trey Carlisle will help students at the club develop an original performance.
Support for the Laguna Hero Fest comes in part from The City of Laguna Beach, the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, and The FOA Foundation.
To RSVP, click here. Tickets are free and donations are welcome to support the ongoing work of The MY HERO Project.
The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach is located at 1085 Laguna Canyon Rd.
LB Beautification Council presents “Beauty & the Beast” on Nov 20
The Laguna Beach Beautification Council (LBBC) will feature Ray Lutz from Citizen’s Oversight in a program titled “Beauty & the Beast,” at Montage Laguna Beach, in room 227, on Wednesday, Nov 20 at 6 p.m.
It will be an informative program, focusing on where nuclear fuel rods are buried along a fault 100 feet from rising tides in thin-wall 5/8” storage casks. Lutz will discuss the important actions the public and officials need to know to ensure health, habitats, and the natural beauty is safe from San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).
The public is invited to attend to hear and see what Lutz is doing regarding this issue, as well as major safeguards and permanent storage issues. Public concerns and questions are welcome.
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Ray Lutz discusses SONGS safety issues on Nov 20
Ray Lutz has a Master’s Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering and has been active on San Onofre since the emergency shut down on January 31, 2012. He has represented ratepayer interests at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in the San Onofre closure costs and decommissioning proceedings. His organization, Citizens Oversight, sued the CPUC and Southern California Edison (SCE) in Federal Court, which eventually encouraged an improvement in the closure costs by $775 million.
Free parking is available for LBBC members and guests attending the Beautification Program.
Montage Laguna Beach is located at 30801 S Coast Hwy.
Due to limited seating, reservations are recommended.
RSVP for seating and more details by calling (949) 494-5787.
Enhance Your Life: Woman’s Club presents Women’s Health and Wellness series on Nov 19
Over the next few months, the Woman’s Club Laguna Beach will present “Enhance Your Life,” three, two-hour programs spotlighting women’s health and wellness. Designed to provide helpful insights presented in unique ways, the series focuses on different aspects of participants’ overall life goals and physical wellness. The programs are open to both Woman’s Club members and the community.
The series begins on Tuesday, Nov 19 (5:30 - 7:30 p.m.). During the “Reaching Optimal Health” program, participants will learn about anti-aging tips and how everyday foods play a role in health. The speaker will be Marcela Owen, a Certified Health and Life Coach.
In addition, speaker Michelle Schneider, a Certified Natural Alternative Specialist and Medical Protocols, will explain how to use essential oils to improve health and wellness.
Certified Clinical Thermographer Dana Baze will discuss how to understand Thermography in supporting women’s health.
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“Enhance Your Life” series kicks off on Tuesday, Nov 9
On Thursday, Jan 16 (5:30 - 7:30 p.m.), the focus is “Setting Goals for Life Experiences.” In an interactive group setting, participants will create their own personal vision board to identify, clarify, and maintain focus on specific life goals – aiming to make 2020 the best year ever. The speaker will be Michelle Schneider, Certified Natural Alternative Specialist/Medical Protocols and Marcela Owen, Certified Health and Life Coach.
On Thursday, March 12 (5:30 - 7:30 p.m.), the topic will be “Women’s Health – A Healthier World.”
Attorney Veronica Gray, a high performing, effective speaker, trainer, and mentor, will discuss women’s health and wellness, gender equality, and the role of women in life at the upcoming by-invitation-only Women4Impact Conference in Bhutan. She will share these and other topics concerning women on a global basis.
The Woman’s Club is located at 286 St. Ann’s Dr.
The cost for each event is $20.
Light refreshments will be available as well as a wine bar accepting donations.
RSVP to www.wclb.org/events.
For more information, contact Marcela Owen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Health in Balance presents free Food Intolerance Testing Workshop on Nov 20
On Wednesday, Nov 20 at 6:30 p.m., Health in Balance will host a free Food Intolerance Testing Workshop. There will be light dinner provided.
Attendees will learn what a food intolerance is, and why it’s so vital to know whether or not you have one. Attendees will also discover which foods they have an intolerance to, and how these intolerances may be causing symptoms.
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Dr. Lisa Arthur talks nutrition with Dr. Gary at Health in Balance on Nov 20
Dr. Gary and Lisa Arthur, naturopathic doctors, will use applied kinesiology to test guests on six of the most common food allergies to determine which foods may be detrimental to your health.
To RSVP, click here.
Health in Balance is located at 380 Glenneyre, Suite G.
Laguna Beach United Methodist Church hosts Messy Church with thanks on Nov 17
This month’s Messy Church event at Laguna Beach United Methodist Church will celebrate the upcoming holiday with thoughts of ThanksLIVING and GrATTITUDE on Sunday, Nov 17 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Messy Church is an intergenerational, interactive alternative to traditional church services for people who seek community and spirituality in a non-conventional, but welcoming setting. A meal is always served, and this month attendees will make the meal together, preparing a vegetable soup in 30 minutes with provided ingredients.
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LBUMC hosts Messy Church Thanksgiving style on Sunday
All are welcome to Messy Church and attendees typically range in age from toddlers to octogenarians. “We hope people will add Messy Church ThanksLIVING to their family traditions,” says Barbara Crowley, who leads the event. “We’re going to have activities and crafts that explain secrets for a happy life and appreciation for our daily blessings.”
An RSVP is appreciated, but not required. Contact Patricia Reyes at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information and to RSVP.
Laguna Beach United Methodist Church is located at 21632 Wesley Drive, up the hill from the Gelson’s Shopping Center.
Thanksgiving day service at First Church of Christ, Scientist announced for Nov 28
First Church of Christ, Scientist, Laguna Beach welcomes everyone to its annual Thanksgiving Day service on Thursday, Nov 28 at 10 a.m. Christian Science churches have been giving this special Thanksgiving Day service since 1902 and are one of the few remaining churches to continue to do so.
The Thanksgiving Day service at Christian Science churches includes the reading of the Thanksgiving Day Proclamations by the President of the United States and the Governor of California.
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Photo by Mary Hurbut
First Church of Christ, Scientist, Laguna Beach to host Thanksgiving service
Several beloved, traditional hymns are sung, and a soloist will perform a hymn of gratitude. A special Thanksgiving Bible lesson is read and then members of the congregation are invited to share testimonies of gratitude and praise for God’s blessings.
The Thanksgiving holiday was very important to Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer and founder of Christian Science, who was born and raised in New England, the birthplace of Thanksgiving.
In 1878, before Mrs. Eddy had a church built in Boston, she gave a Thanksgiving Day service in rented halls that featured a special sermon and testimonies of gratitude from her congregation.
When asked by the Boston Globe in November of 1900 to write an article on the last Thanksgiving of the nineteenth century, she wrote, “New England’s last Thanksgiving Day of this century signifies, to the minds of men, the Bible better understood and Truth and Love made more practical; the first commandment of the decalogue more imperative and loving thy neighbor as thyself more possible and pleasurable. That Love, unselfed, knocks more loudly than ever before at the heart of humanity and finds admittance.”
President George Washington declared the last Thursday in November to be America’s first national Thanksgiving in 1789. It wasn’t an annual holiday until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln was convinced by the letter-writing campaign of Sarah Josepha Hale, who said that “Thanksgiving, like the Fourth of July should be a national festival observed by all the people.”
After the pivotal victory in Gettysburg, Lincoln announced that Thanksgiving would now legally be an annual national holiday, and that helped to unify the country. Lincoln argued in several newspaper editorials that, “in the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, the American people should take some time for gratitude.”
The First Church of Christ, Scientist is located at 635 High Dr.
KX 93.5 announces winner of 1964 Ford Mustang raffle
KX 93.5, Laguna’s only FM radio station, just wrapped its raffle of a rare 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang. 100 percent of the proceeds of the raffle benefitted KX 93.5. The raffle raised more than $16,000 for the nonprofit station.
The winner of the raffle, Kevin Simmons from Redlands, won the Mustang after spending $100 on five raffle tickets. His winning ticket was drawn October 6 at the Laguna Beach Classic Car Show, presented by the Laguna Beach Rotary.
“I’ve been listening to you guys for a few years, and I’ve always loved hearing new stuff,” said Simmons on the air. “I used to work at a radio station back in the day, so I really appreciate what you guys are doing. I’m so excited to win this car!”
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Submitted photo
Kevin Simmons is the lucky winner of a 1964 Ford Mustang
Built March 19, 1964, this Mustang was the 2041st one off the original assembly line. Only 1,274 cars of this model, this color (Wimbledon White), and this package were originally sold.
The engine is a 170 cubic-inch, six-cylinder, three-speed manual. Some parts of the prototype were “borrowed” from the Ford Falcon, including the original horn ring on the steering column. A previous owner of the car completely restored it, including a fully-rebuilt engine. It originally sold for $2,320.
This is the second classic car raffle KX 93.5 has executed. The nonprofit station raffled off a red 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible in 2013. According to KX 93.5 General Manager Tyler Russell, the station is always looking for creative ways to raise money to sustain itself.
“We’d like to thank the community for their support in this raffle, and we’d like to invite everyone who values KX 93.5’s role in Laguna Beach to become a member of our station as well,” said Russell. “We need sustaining contributions to ensure that FM radio remains integral part of our town forever.”
To become a member, visit www.KX935.com/join.
For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Meet Pet of the Week Kirby
Kirby is currently taking over Pet of the Week. She is a one-year-old black and grey terrier mix who is neutered. Because Kirby is so young, she is a very active dog who loves the outdoors. She would do best with children who will keep her busy all day long. She can also live with other dogs and plays well with other animals. Kirby is very friendly, and easy to take care of. She adapts well to new environments and will be a great addition to the family. Kirby is ready to explore as much as she can. Nancy Goodwin, shelter director, is hoping to have Kirby adopted as soon as possible.
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Kirby is an active dog who is ready to play with you all day long
The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter adoption procedures are designed to make sure that both the potential family and the animal adopted are in the very best situation possible. Due to their approach to adoption, the shelter’s return rate is five percent as compared to the national return rate of 50 percent.
The LB Animal Shelter is located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Rd. For information on adoption procedures, call (949) 497-3552 or go to www.puplagunabeach.org/our-pets.php.
Feline dental hygiene
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Photo by Leonard J. Porto III
Nestor searches high and low, “Has anyone seen my toothbrush?”
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.
Incident Reports
Saturday, Nov 9
St Ann’s Drive | 300 Block | Warrant
9:28 p.m. Leslie Jan Shacklett, 57, was arrested on a warrant for trespassing. Bail was set at $2,500.
S Coast Hwy | 100 Block | Possession of Controlled Substance Paraphernalia, Possession of a Narcotic Controlled Substance, Warrant
12:04 p.m. Eli Saipani Feinei, 44, was arrested for possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (no bail was set), possession of a narcotic controlled substance (bail was set at $500), and on a warrant for second degree burglary (no bail was set).
Beach St & Broadway Place | DUI
2:53 a.m. A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Bail was set at $2,500.
Broadway St | 300 Block | Disorderly Conduct – Alcohol
1:58 a.m. A 37-year-old man was arrested for disorderly conduct related to alcohol. Bail was set at $500.
Glenneyre St & Eiler Larson Lane | DUI, Driving with a Blood Alcohol Content 0.08% or Higher
1:46 a.m. A 53-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of DUI (bail was set at $2,500) and driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher (bail was set at $2,500).
N Coast Hwy & La Brea St | DUI
1:15 a.m. A 49-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Bail was set at $2,500.
Friday, Nov 8
S Coast Hwy & Moss St | Possession of Controlled Substance Paraphernalia, Possession of a Narcotic Controlled Substance
3:18 p.m. Rachael Gayle Pearlman, 40, was arrested for possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (bail was set at $500) and possession of a narcotic controlled substance (bail was set at $500).
S Coast Hwy & Moss St | Driving without a Valid Driver’s License, Violating Probation
2:26 p.m. Robert Michael Taylor, 34, was arrested for driving without a valid driver’s license (bail was set at $500) and violating probation (no bail was set).
S Coast Hwy | 600 Block | DUI
1:19 a.m. A 52-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Bail was set at $2,500.
Thursday, Nov 7
Laguna Canyon Road | 2200 Block | DUI
10:29 p.m. A 49-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Bail was set at $2,500.
Forest Ave | 200 Block | Violating Probation, Possession of a Narcotic Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription, Destroying/Concealing Evidence, DUI – Drugs
9:22 p.m. Adam Oliver Drabczynski, 26, was arrested for violating probation (no bail was set), possession of a narcotic controlled substance (bail was set at $500), possession of controlled substance without a prescription (bail was set at $500), destroying/concealing evidence (bail was set at $500), and on suspicion of DUI – drugs (bail was set at $2,500).
Broadway St | 300 Block | Disorderly Conduct – Alcohol
2:02 p.m. A 56-year-old man was arrested for disorderly conduct related to alcohol. Bail was set at $500.
S Coast Hwy & Moss St | Warrant
8:54 a.m. Efren Zapeita, 59, was arrested on a warrant for causing a hit and run accident. Bail was set at $500.
Wednesday, Nov 6
Laguna Canyon Road | 20600 Block | Violating Parole
4:57 p.m. Eric Sterling Mutz, 66, was arrested for violating parole. No bail was set.
S Coast Hwy & Bluebird Canyon Drive | DUI, Driving with a Blood Alcohol Content 0.08% or Higher
2:25 a.m. A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of DUI (bail was set at $2,500) and driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher (bail was set at $2,500).
Laguna Canyon Road & Canyon Acres Drive | Possession of Controlled Substance Paraphernalia
1:46 a.m. Luis Samaniego, Jr, 40, was arrested for possession of controlled substance paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.
