Police Files

Motorcyclist sustains major injuries after SUV reportedly makes illegal U-turn

On Friday, Feb 14, at 3:09 p.m., LBPD officers were dispatched to an injury traffic collision on North Coast Highway at San Joaquin Street. 

According to LBPD Spokesperson PIO Sgt Jim Cota, “The collision was caused by a Mazda SUV that [allegedly] made an illegal U-turn from the north curb line in the 1500 block of North Coast Highway to the southbound lanes.”

 Sgt Cota said, “A motorcycle that was accelerating northbound in the number two lane struck the front left fender of the Mazda. The motorcycle rider was thrown approximately 45 feet into the number one southbound lane.” 

Both lanes of North Coast Highway were closed for 15 minutes as LBFD tended to the subject’s injuries. One lane each of northbound and southbound North Coast Highway was opened as soon as practical. All lanes were opened 75 minutes after officers arrived on scene. 

Sgt Cota said, “The rider was transported to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. The single occupant of the Mazda, a Laguna resident, remained on scene until family arrived. The injuries of the rider were substantial.”

 A traffic collision investigation and report was completed.

Man struck with metal object by suspect while crossing the street with niece and nephew

On Friday, Feb 14, at 7:59 p.m., LBPD officers responded to the 100 block of South Coast Highway in reference to an alleged assault investigation. 

According to Sgt Cota, “The victim was walking north on the east sidewalk of South Coast Highway approaching Ocean Ave, holding his younger niece’s hand in one hand and his younger nephew’s hand in his other hand. He was struck in the head from behind with a metal object.” 

The metal object was later identified as a trash can insert, taken from a stationary utility trash can. 

Sgt Cota said, “The victim nearly fell to the ground as a result of the attack. He turned around and observed a male running away from him, south on the same sidewalk.”

LBFD responded and treated the victim for a hematoma to his head. 

“Officers conducted an area search and located a male transient, holding the trash can insert in the 200 block of Park Ave,” Sgt Cota said. “The male was identified as Roberto Torres. He appeared to be under the influence and was making unintelligible statements.”

Roberto Navarro Torres, 55, was positively identified by the victim and subsequently arrested for alleged assault with a deadly weapon. 

“It was later determined Torres also used the metal object to strike two occupied vehicles on South Coast Hwy,” Sgt Cota said. “One of the vehicle owners declined a report and a vandalism report was completed for the other owner.”

Bail was set at $25,000.

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

Elisabeth Brown to be honored

By BARBARA DIAMOND

For three decades, the name Elisabeth Brown has been synonymous with Laguna Greenbelt Inc., recognized throughout Orange County as a scientist, naturalist, and effective proponent of open space and wildlife preservation.

After serving the organization for 30 years, Brown is stepping down as president. She will be honored at the Annual Greenbelt Meeting, set for 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb 27 at the Neighborhood Congregational Church on St. Ann’s Drive. The public is invited to attend. 

“No one person can replace her, it will take the entire board to fill her role,” said Greenbelt Vice President Norm Grossman.

Brown has been a member of the Greenbelt since 1980. She joined to learn more about natural history of the area – she was writing for newspapers on the subject – but her involvement quickly escalated during a time when development threatened the character of Laguna Canyon, according to Greenbelt Outreach Coordinator Gabriella Worrel. 

“We knew we were going to be in a fight for the [Laguna] Canyon, and I realized if I wanted to talk about the natural history, it needed to be saved,” said Brown in a press release from the Greenbelt. 

Brown assumed the presidency in 1983. Grossman followed her onto the board a year later. 

They became collaborators. 

“We were a two-person team of negotiators for the coalition of the groups headed by the Greenbelt that was negotiating with the Transportation Corridor Agency over the construction of the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road,” said Grossman. 

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Elisabeth Brown retires as president of Laguna Greenbelt

They spent two years in courtrooms during the prolonged lawsuit in the early 1990s that was filed to block the toll road as proposed. They lost, but still believe their cause was just. 

“We felt [the toll road] would do irreparable harm to the environment and measures could have been used to mitigate many of the adverse impacts,” said Grossman. 

The duo also represented the Greenbelt in the negotiations with the Irvine Company for the purchase of the Laguna Laurel development approved by the county for 3,200 housing units and a commercial area. About 80 percent of Laguna’s voters cast ballots in favor of taxing themselves to raise $20 million for the initial payment. 

Brown did not rest on her laurels, so to speak.

She and her team have diligently sought to expand the original vision of open space preservation to include the need for wildlife corridors that connect the coastal ecosystem to wild habitat throughout the region, Worrel said. The corridors are essential to prevent inbreeding that weakens the species – not to mention being knocked off by vehicles.

“My hope is that we keep the 22,000 acres of open space in good shape by continuing to work against fragmentation that causes animal populations to get broken down into isolated groups,” said Brown. “As long as the coastal wilderness is a fragmented piece, our work is not done.” 

Grossman continues to support Brown’s efforts. 

“Moving forward, my goals are to see a functioning wildlife corridor in existence and the Laguna Greenbelt as the recognized protector of open spaces and all that make them special,” said Grossman.

“I consider Liz to be a good friend. I have a profound trust in her thoughts and opinions. Thankfully, Liz is not leaving the Greenbelt Board, only moving to a position where she can concentrate her efforts of making the Irvine-Laguna Wildlife Corridor a reality.” 

Grossman will serve as interim president until an election is held at the March board meeting.

The Hankes: Loving life – and each other

By LYNETTE BRASFIELD

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

So, the Hankes’ origin story: Ed’s brother and Kathy’s sister were dating, and they wanted Ed and Kathy to meet.

“No, thank you,” Ed told his brother. “Don’t get me wrong, but if Kathy is anything like her sister, she’s just not my type.”

“No, thank you,” Kathy told her sister. “Don’t get me wrong, but if Ed is anything like his brother, he’s just not my type.”

A few weeks later, Kathy was invited to a birthday party where a friend had lined up desirable suitors along a driveway for her to meet. She passed one after the other, then drew to a stop in front of…Ed.

“At that moment, they looked at each other, and say now, talking in unison, “Within seconds we knew we were meant for each other.”

The following night they went on their first date and saw Grease, each growing ever more confident that “you’re the one that I want,” and from that moment on, they were, well, hopelessly devoted to each other. Two years later Kathy (19) and Ed (21) married. 

Though they say theirs isn’t really a marriage.

Say what?

“How can I explain?” says Ed. “It’s so much more. We’re best friends. We love each other’s company. We support each other in every way. It’s always been that way.”

“I have to force him every now and again to go out with the guys,” she says. 

“I’d really prefer to hang out with Kathy almost always,” he says.

Which is not to say life has always been easy for the pair. The path of true love may have run smooth, but their work lives were rockier.

Kathy and Ed explore the world of work

Kathy started her career as a legal secretary, staying in that profession while they saved enough to buy a house and brought up their two sons. 

“I didn’t like it much. So much repetition, depositions, the same questions again and again, but I stuck it out,” she says. “But I’m a people person, not a paper person. And then carpal tunnel syndrome helped make the decision for me. I couldn’t type any more. When I turned 40, I decided to go to nursing school.”

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The Hankes love downtown Laguna Beach

Ed started out studying marine biology but gave that up to go to stunt school. “I specialized in being hit by cars – of course, I wasn’t actually hit – fights, and jumping 50 feet to land on a mat, just five foot by eight by three in those days,” he explains. “I loved it. Kathy didn’t. I was offered a full-time stuntman job at Universal, but I turned it down. She didn’t like how dangerous the job was. She was right.”

Ed’s lack of fear, and his ability to handle the toughest of physical challenges helped him when, while he was working at Alcoa, the Northridge earthquake set the plant shaking. “It was my job to ride the overhead crane, three stories high, to check for damage to the buildings,” he recalls. “Aftershocks set the crane swaying back and forth on the rails. Didn’t really bother me.”

His career with Alcoa, where he excelled as a millwright – which meant moving, assembling, installing, or dismantling machinery – ended due to a serious back injury, which exacerbated a degenerative disc disease diagnosed years earlier. So he had to quit work.

Ed and Kathy shrug as they tell the tale. “It was fine. We just go with the flow. That’s what we always do.” 

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It was love at first sight and they feel the same 42 years later

Ed became the house-husband, responsible for yardwork, taking the kids to football practice (the Hankes were members of the high school football boosters and say that football is the way they met some of their closest friends), the housework, and some of the cooking, mostly barbecuing.

I ask if Kathy cooks too. They exchange knowing smiles.

“Well, now she does. She cooks the best fried chicken – using my mother’s recipe,” Ed says. “But at first – no. So one night early in our marriage I get home after a late shift, and she’s got the table all set and tells me the chicken is in the oven.”

Kathy palms her face. “Embarrassing!”

Ed continues, “I thought I smelled something burning. She said no, couldn’t be. I check the oven and see that paper towels are aflame.”

Kathy laughs. “I had followed the microwave directions for the chicken instead of the oven directions!”

Their lives take an unexpected turn

Kathy may not have been a whiz as a cook early on, but she became an excellent nurse after going to nursing school at Saddleback College at the age of 40. She turns serious when I ask her about some of the challenges she faced.

“I remember a young bodysurfer who’d become a quadriplegic after an accident. He couldn’t do anything by himself, not even breathe. He said to me all the time, ‘Could you please help me, I don’t want to live,’” she says. “It broke my heart. I took his case to the Ethics Committee and ultimately, after consulting with members of his family and the doctors and psychiatrists, he was taken off the ventilator. I knew it was what he wished, but it was hard, very emotional. The family invited me to his service.”

She also recalls that her first patient was dying of lung cancer – this shortly after Kathy’s mother had died of the same disease.

“I held it together, I didn’t cry,” she says. “But I leaked, I’ll admit that.”

Kathy is now in the great position of being a private nurse for two individuals with chronic illnesses. She loves it. “I’m able to dig deeper, develop bonds with my patients, and it’s a great feeling to know I’m able to help them navigate their health challenges.”

Her job includes coordinating care with doctors, accompanying her patients to appointments, and applying her considerable nursing skills at any given time.

“The bonus is that I get to go to social events with them that I’d never thought I’d ever attend,” Kathy adds. “Recently I flew to Sacramento with my client and sat courtside watching the Kings play the Lakers!”

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Ed and Kathy are seldom seen apart

The Hankes’ oldest son, Eddie, joined the Marines just days after graduating high school, inspired by 9/11, and did two tours in Iraq, “as a grunt” the Hankes say. He earned a Purple Heart, and upon returning home found it hard to pursue any career that required focus and concentration.

“But he’s going to welding school now, just like his younger brother Chris,” Kathy says, “and he’s currently working at Montage resort as a bellman. He says you get the best tips. And we get family discounts…it’s a great deal for us! Love that place!”

Other favorites are Nick’s (“love the seabass!”) and Selanne Steak Tavern.

Going with the flow the Hanke way

Three years ago, a fire caused by an exploding fish tank badly damaged their home (and ensured that they never again had fish as pets).

But these are minor hiccups in the happy Hanke household. 

Ed does admit that they didn’t agree initially about moving to the Laguna area from Monrovia. “We had a great house, best friends just two doors down from us,” he says. “Why move? But I believed in Kathy and now I’m so glad we live here.”

And Laguna Beach couldn’t be happier. First Ed, then Kathy got involved with the Patriots’ Day Parade. Ed has now volunteered his time for 14 years, the last two of which he has served as President of the nonprofit Patriots’ Day Parade organization.

“People think the city puts on the Parade, but really it’s the work of just a few dedicated citizens,” he says. “The city and the police and fire are very helpful though. It’s truly a labor of love.”

Ed also sings with LagunaTunes – he’s a baritone bass – which Kathy then joined as a tenor, “though I’d never sung before,” she says. “I absolutely love it. During rehearsals I just check out for a while and relax, breathe deeply. It’s so enjoyable.”

Her husband interjects, “Please let people know we need more men in LagunaTunes. We even buy them a beer when they join!”

Ed is also a wonderful mimic. I had the pleasure of hearing him do the voices of Donald Duck, Goofy, and Tony the Tiger – he even won a radio contest with his skills. 

They’re also both active volunteers for the Pageant of the Masters, Kathy as a make-up artist, at one point memorizing the first names of 150 participants. Ed revels in his role in The Last Supper.

“It’s a cycle,” Kathy says. “Patriots’ Day Parade, then the Pageant, then LagunaTunes…then it starts over again…that’s the rhythm of our lives and we love every moment, we appreciate every day in this beautiful part of the world, we share a sense of humor and that’s the most important thing.”

“And we meet the most wonderful people in Laguna,” Ed adds, “by just going with the flow. It’s the Hanke way.”

Badge Pinning Ceremony honors members of the Laguna Beach Police Department

Story by DIANNE RUSSELL

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

Last Thursday, a standing room only crowd of officials, police officers, firefighters, and the families and friends of the honorees attended the Badge Pinning Ceremony for four members of the Laguna Beach Police Department (LBPD). 

Capt. Jeff Calvert opened the ceremony, “We’re going to recognize four outstanding individuals who are in different stages of their careers.”

He noted that the day marked 67 years since Gordon G. French, a 48-year-old police officer for the City of Laguna Beach, was killed in the line of duty on February 13, 1953. 

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(L-R) Civilian Services Administrator Jim Beres, Chief Laura Farinella, and Captain Jeff Calvert

In addition to the badge pinning, incoming Capt. Rachel Johnson was sworn into her new position, Captain of Investigations and Support Services. At the same time, Interim Police Captain, Investigations and Support Services, Capt. Rich Rocchi, retired from his position.

Human Resources and Director of Administrative Services Gavin Curran were all thanked for their help in the selection process involved in hiring Capt. Johnson. 

Before the pinning ceremony, the audience was treated to a short video by Officer Mike Short.

Badges were awarded, and pinned on by family members, for the three officers completing one year of probation: Officers James Denevan, Britnie Priest, and Brittany Royer. 

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Britnie Priest and wife Jessica

Chief Farinella said, “The time has come for us to give badges to these officers who have completed their probation. They are problem solvers and forward thinkers, utilizing a blend of experience to find solutions.” 

Officer James Denevan graduated from the Golden West Police Academy, and he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at California State at Long Beach. Denevan’s mother Laura pinned on his badge.

Officer Britnie Priest graduated from Golden West in 2019, as one of the top overall graduates. Prior to that, she attended Concordia and Texas Tech. Her wife Jessica pinned on her badge.

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Officer Brittany Royer and wife

Officer Brittany Royer, formerly of Los Angeles Police Department, was in the West LA Task Force. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences at Ramapo College of New Jersey. Her wife pinned on her badge.

As reported by Barbara Diamond in Stu News, Capt. Rachel Johnson was hired away from the Newport Beach Police Department, where she worked for almost 14 and one-half years and served in a variety of positions and still found time to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Phoenix University. Most recently, she had been assigned to the Patrol Division as Watch Commander of Area 3 of Newport, which covers a wide swath of territory, including the Fashion Island mall and posh Balboa Island. 

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(L-R) Capt. Rich Rocchi, Capt. Rachel Johnson, and Officer James Denevan

Capt. Johnson also managed the Newport jail and oversaw the Police Explorer POST, Mounted Unit, Honor Guard, and Reserve Officer Program. Prior to joining the Newport department, she served as an Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy for four years. 

In part, Capt. Johnson said, “I’m grateful for the confidence of Chief Farinella and the staff. This career has given me more than I ever expected. We are the change, the beacon of light when there is none. We are LBPD.”

As Capt. Johnson assumed her new role, Interim Police Captain at City of LBPD, Investigations and Support Services, Rich Riccohi stepped down from his position, which opened when Capt. Jason Kravetz retired. Capt. Riccohi was honored and presented an award by Chief Farinella and Capt. Calvert.

Congratulations to Capt. Johnson, and Officers Denevan, Priest, and Royer.

For more photos by Mary Hurlbut, see the slideshow below

Planning Commission to hold Major Remodel Workshop

By BARBARA DIAMOND

The Laguna Beach Planning Commission will conduct a workshop on Wednesday to clarify the city’s definition of a major remodel, including ocean front projects.

City staff has been working with the California Coastal Commission to develop a new definition and set of standards for major development, which may have to be separated into two categories, one specifically for erosion-prone oceanfront properties. Differences in city and commission interpretations have led to a backlog of appeals to the commission, delaying construction and adding to the cost. 

In the interim, city staff will begin interpreting a definition of the major remodel similar to the one used by the commission for projects in the appealable area, although staff does not agree with the commission’s threshold for major remodel, and specifically the threshold for elements that count toward demolition.

Architect Marshall Ininns learned recently that the use of the commission standards for demolition include the removal and/or replacement of non-structural elements such as drywall or reroofing and will be used in the assessment of the Coast Inn project that has been in the works for several years. 

Other projects, also created under past standards, are also in limbo.

Despite the disagreement on the standards, staff does wish to reduce the number of appeals. 

A handout will be created and distributed to the public to clarify what the city believes is the commission’s threshold for major remodel. 

A notice of Wednesday’s workshop was emailed to local architects, developers, and builders. An announcement was also sent to local newspapers. 

Staff is requesting feedback from the professionals, the public, and the commission to further refine the proposed amendments to the city’s municipal code related to major remodels.

For more information, go to the city’s website at www.lagunabeachcity.net for the six-page agenda item. Click on meetings and agendas. 

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers in City Hall at 505 Forest Ave.

Big fundraiser keeps getting bigger this Sunday for Adam and Rachel Bernstein

By Diane Armitage

Photos by Adam Bernstein

Three weeks ago on January 25, a GoFundMe page went live for well-loved, longtime Laguna Beach bartender Adam Bernstein and his wife, Rachel. The couple has been financially beleaguered since Rachel was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer last summer. 

GoFundMe raises nearly $40,000

The moment the link went live, it lit up the rails like a high-speed train. Now, three weeks later, and just shy of their $40,000 goal on GoFundMe, Adam and Rachel say they’ve been emotionally humbled by the overwhelmingly supportive community.

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Adam and Rachel

“Initially, it was humbling to see how generous our closest friends were,” said Adam from their home in Winchester. “But then all these people started showing up…people I’ve worked with and served for years…and people who’ve known Rachel or met her with me…even anonymous donors. We are literally blown away. The love from the community is absolutely incredible! 

“We have been on a long, rough road and our family, friends, and community have shown us how blessed we all are to have each other – family members, true friends, neighbors, even people we’ve met in passing – making such a lasting impression and showing care in our community. Everyone who has reached out to us – please know we are reaching back at you with open arms and the biggest hugs ever,” he said. 

Big fundraiser in San Clemente this Sunday

Well, it’s not over yet. 

This coming Sunday, Feb 23, in San Clemente at Salon Bleu’s sunny courtyard, friends and family have put an afternoon fundraising party together. The event runs from 1 - 5 p.m. What started as a $5 donation event with a few gracious participants has grown by sheer leaps. 

“We thought we’d do this small little local thing and it blossomed into this really giant thing. It’s so amazing,” said Adrienne, one of the fundraiser organizers and Adam’s twin sister. 

“We have friends playing live music with hula dancers coming in, a raffle and silent auction, plenty of food, and a tiki bar set up with beer and wine and kegs donated from Artifex, Docent Brewing, and Brewery X,” said Adrienne.

“And, of course, Adam had to create a special ‘love potion.’ You know mixologists. You can’t stop them if you try,” she added.

Big silent auction items

Silent auction items continue to roll in, including a full-day golfing package for four at Monarch Beach Golf Links valued at $5,000, Oats cashmere wonderfulness, high-end jewelry (including a $350 package from San Clemente’s Urba, one of my favorites), pottery and art, interior design consultations from esteemed decor queens, a $600 surf lesson package from our own Sli Dawg (Steven Chew), and more.

Superb food & drink

While Rocco’s, Vine, Active Culture, Cassano’s, and the Sapphire Culinary Group are providing plenty of great food and drinks, many more restaurants are donating to the silent auction, including The Cellar (with many bottles and a wine club membership), Antoine’s Cafe, Sancho’s Tacos, and Maison Cafe. 

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Adam as bartender at Sapphire

“I think the greatest thing is that Russ (Bendel) from Vine and Chef Azmin from Sapphire are both participating at our event on Sunday, and they just announced the change in ownership between the two for the Sapphire restaurant in Laguna,” said Adam. 

“They’ve both been two of the most phenomenal individuals to work for, and Russ’s move into Sapphire couldn’ be a better fit. They’re class acts, through and through,” Adam concluded.

Chef Azmin: “It’s our duty to do whatever we can”

“No one should go through this sort of hardship,” said Chef Azmin Gharhreman of Sapphire Culinary Group. 

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Adam and Rachel Bernstein

“Adam is such a stand-up guy. I don’t think he ever called in sick in the 11 years he worked for me. When I was running a concept on Crystal Cruises, I had the pleasure of sending Adam on those cruises as our top mixologist, and he was such a beacon of our brand. 

“Adam has always been a man of his word – always supporting his wife and family – and it’s our duty to do whatever we can to make this easier and better for Adam and Rachel. 

“We’ll be there Sunday to support in service, wine, appetizers, and any auction item we can do,” continued Chef Azmin. 

“But Sunday isn’t just about eating food and drinking wine. It’s about gathering together in support of two really wonderful people and doing what we can against this son-of-a-gun cancer,” he added. 

“We want Adam to come out of it knowing that he has friends in the industry who will stick with him and Rachel no matter what. We are all big supporters of Adam Bernstein.”

Author’s note: While there isn’t a lot of room left for physical objects, silent auction gift cards, gift certificates, and restaurant gift cards/chefs’ dinners are still being happily accepted. Please get these items to Adrienne Bernstein no later than Thursday afternoon at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Laguna Beach restaurants and businesses are welcome to also contact me, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., with donation ideas or questions. 

Salon Bleu is a short block south of Avenida Del Mar on El Camino Real (next to Ollie’s Tavern), 207 S El Camino Real, San Clemente. The fundraising party is 1- 5 p.m.

Click here for the GoFundMe link for Adam and Rachel Bernstein.

For more from Diane Armitage, visit www.TheBestofLagunaBeach.com.

Moody blues in Laguna

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Nights in white satin…

LBUSD Board of Education announces new TOW Principal

At the February 13 regular meeting of the Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education, the board took action to approve the appointment of Dr. Julie Hatchel as Principal of Top of the World Elementary School (TOW) effective April 20. 

Dr. Hatchel replaces Michael Conlon, who was promoted to the position of Director of Human Resources in September. She was selected from a candidate pool in a competitive process that included input and participation from the TOW staff and community. 

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Dr. Julie Hatchel announced as new TOW Principal

Dr. Hatchel has more than 20 years of experience as an educational administrator, currently serving as Principal at Deerfield Elementary School in Irvine. She holds a doctorate in education leadership from California State University, Fullerton and a proven track record of furthering student success and well-being through collaboration with teachers, staff, students, and families. 

“Through the screening and interview process, Dr. Hatchel demonstrated that she is a dedicated, reflective, and collaborative leader,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jason Viloria. “We are excited to have her bring her diverse experiences and leadership skills to our district, where I know she will continue to work with the school community to support student achievement,” he stated.

Dr. Hatchel was one of 16 candidates selected from the pool of applicants to participate in the initial interview process. Six candidates were selected to move forward to the next round and were interviewed separately by two stakeholder panels consisting of parents, teachers, support staff, and administrators. From that group of candidates, three were selected to move on to the final interview panel with the Superintendent and other District administrators. 

“I am honored and excited to join the team at Top of the World Elementary,” said Dr. Hatchel. She continued, “I look forward to supporting the important work of the staff and community in continuing to provide an outstanding education for our students.”

The District will host a meet and greet event for the TOW community to meet Dr. Hatchel in April.

“Just the facts, ma’am”: Mock crime scene at Thurston strictly business for forensic student teams

Story by DIANNE RUSSELL

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

Last week, sixth and seventh grade forensic students at Thurston Middle School (TMS) took the Mock Crime Scene Assassination of Abraham Lincoln very seriously. Sgt. Jim Cota and Corp. Cornelius Ashton, LBUSD School Resource Office, and several members of the Laguna Beach Police Department (LBPD) were on hand to lend support.

The theme of the Lincoln Mock Crime Scene, which took place in the TMS Black Box Drama Classroom, was assigned by instructor Mrs. Michelle Martinez, along with the layout and game plan for the scene. 

 TMS forensic students were tasked with re-enacting the crime scene of the assassination of Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre – with the assistance of the LBPD.

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Members of LBPD join Thurston Forensic Team

Sgt. Jim Cota said, “Teachers and assistants pick a crime, clues, etc., for the drama department as an assignment. Certain teams focus on certain items, but it was a team effort. They were all business, and they didn’t mess around. Before I could enter the crime scene, they told me I had to sign in and wear booties. 

“It took from 9 until 11:30 a.m. to solve the crime. They knew what they needed to do, they broke into teams – for example, one team took notes and conducted a roundtable discussion, another team looked for evidence, and so on.”

The mock crime scene began with a recorded gunshot sound and a scream from Mary Todd Lincoln. John Wilkes Booth entered the scene in front of the curtains, stating to the audience “sic semper tyrannis” and then ran off the stage. The curtains opened, showing Lincoln positioned behind the balcony structure with the witnesses to the crime. At that time, the Thurston Forensic Crime Scene Unit was called in to investigate the crime scene and unravel the murder mystery.

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Documenting evidence 

The LBPD detectives accessed the TMS crime scene unit and ensured they conducted proper protocol with regard to crime scene investigation. If not, students were instructed on how to correctly process the crime scene. The unit lead detective then gained command of the scene and proceeded to make the assignments. 

Student assignments were: One lead investigator, one note taker (scribe), one medical-legal investigator/medical examiner (ME), two photographers, two sketch artists, two patrol officers, four evidence collectors, and five eyewitnesses.

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Interviewing witnesses 

 TMS patrol officers (students) secured the scene, gathered the witnesses, assessed any injured personnel, and took detailed notes for the lead detective when he/she arrived on the scene. Patrol officers were stationed at the front doors of the Blackbox to record individuals entering and leaving the crime scene. 

The lead detective interviewed the witnesses, and then called in the ME, who removed the body to an area away from the crime scene to simulate a “lab.” The ME, who accounted for any evidence found on the body, performed a short examination of the victim and pretended to prepare the body for an autopsy.

Laguna Beach Unified School District School Resource Officer Corp. Cornelius Ashton said, “We assisted the students and emphasized the importance of working together as a team in approaching the crime scene first. We worked as a team; some were witnesses, photographers, some collected evidence or examined evidence. We wanted the kids to understand the importance of communication and working within the system, one wrong procedural move could harm the investigation.”

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Collecting and analyzing evidence 

 “We focused too on utilizing investigative, forensic, and scientific techniques, and the importance of documentation, to dot every “i” and cross every “t.” We wanted them to understand to communicate with each other so that everyone is on the same page, and evidence is not ruined. As they worked with detectives, there were smiles on all the kids faces.”

Corp. Ashton continued, “Police officer involvement in working side by side with the kids can build future law enforcement and helps with the way they view us in the community.”

Eventually, through a great deal of teamwork by TMS students and the assistance and dedication of the LBPD, the crime was solved. Analyzing “just the facts” in a systematic and investigative manner paid off.

For more photos by Mary Hurlbut, see the slideshow below

Where’s Maggi – the answers!

This decorative detail is right downtown – above Ken’s Jewelry store. Who knew? Jackie Curran knew, and so did Nancy Wade and Barbara Stirrat.

Thanks for sending in your answers and keeping Maggi on her toes!

Look for the next photo challenge coming up on Friday.    

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Fancy shutters above Ken’s Jewelry, beside the downtown parking lot

Locals Only Music Showcase at Marine Room features local favorites 133 and Crimson Crowbar this Sunday

Two great bands will be playing at Marine Room on Sunday, Feb 23 as part of the venue’s Sunday Locals Only Music Showcase. The showcase is from 2 to 9 p.m. and includes 133, made up of Laguna musicians, and Crimson Crowbar.

Charles Sepulveda, Marine Room bar manager, explains the concept behind the Sunday Locals Only Music Showcase: “When I came into the Marine Room when I was in my 20s and 30s, they’d have music every Sunday. Then when I started working here, I missed the feeling of the locals being in one spot, enjoying music, and talking about the old times.” 

As a result, Sunday Locals Only came into fruition, and this Sunday will showcase two fantastic bands.

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Photo by Ellen Germano

133 band

Some of Laguna’s greatest musicians came together to form the fabulously popular 133 band. Now the keepers of a CD, an EP, and stars of a documentary film, these eight musicians perform on rare occasions when their full-time bands don’t require their presence. Always a great, fun time for locals and visitors alike, the 133 band performance is a memorable one.

Clay Berryhill, 133 band manager, says of their appearance at Marine Room, “We’re playing just inside the window on Ocean Ave old-school style like the Missiles of October used to do. They [Marine Room] kicked off the series with the Missiles, and it was absolutely jam-packed with local music lovers, you couldn’t even move inside. This is their third in the series, which is ongoing monthly.”

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Photo by Gary Goubert

Crimson Crowbar performs at Black Marlin 

In 1991, David Shelton formed Crimson Crowbar, initially to be able to play with all of the talented L.A. musicians he had met over the years. It was a “collective.” With so many top “touring pros” coming home on tour breaks, David was able to put together some incredible lineups of musicians that would otherwise never get to play together. Players like Jorgen Carlsson (Gov’t Mule), Mitch Marine (Dwight Yokum), Mike Malinin (Goo Goo Dolls), Chris Ralles (Pat Benetar), Erik Eldinius (Billy Idol), Stevie DiStanislao (CSN & David Gilmour), John Avila (Oingo Boingo), Greg Camp (Smash Mouth), and Michael Klooster (Smash Mouth) were regular members of the ever-evolving band. 

In the present day they have a “special lineup” once again. Enter Todd Wolf on drums (Beth Hart) and Emily Kilimnik on violin. Together these four have been playing to packed houses all over Southern California. With their popularity on a steady rise and big plans for the future, as anyone who has seen them will tell you, this is a polished, great sounding, must see show.

Berryhill says the vibe of the show will be similar to the video below by Steve Wood, shot at Marine Room, featuring many of the 133 band members.

“The people in the video are either local Marine Room music lovers, employees of the Marine Room, or on stage local musicians. Steve of course is in 133 along with his wife Beth Fitchet Wood. Poul Pedersen, Bob Hawkins, and Frank Cotinola are also in 133 and they are three of the four founding members of the Missiles of October, the iconic band that played to their ‘dancing congregation’ at the Marine Room Sunday afternoons for 20 years. This magic is what the new Sunday afternoon locals day is recreating.”

So join other local music lovers for an afternoon and evening of fun at Marine Room featuring these two favorite local bands and more.

Marine Room is located at 214 Ocean Ave. 

Public invited to provide input on Neighborhood Trolley

The City of Laguna Beach invites the public to provide input on the Neighborhood Trolley services, routes, and usage at three upcoming listening sessions and through participating in an online survey.

Three public listening sessions regarding Neighborhood Trolley service will be held at the Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Center. 

The first session on February 24 will focus on the Top of the World neighborhoods and routes and run from 6 -7 p.m.; the second session on February 26 will focus on Bluebird Canyon and Arch Beach Heights neighborhoods and routes and run from 6 -7 p.m.; and the March 9 session will focus on North and South Laguna neighborhoods served by the Coastal Route and run from 6 -7 p.m. 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Three sessions regarding Neighborhood Trolley services to be held

The public is invited to attend any or all of the sessions to provide input or ask questions about Neighborhood Trolley service. 

The public is also invited to take an online survey to provide feedback regarding Neighborhood Trolley service by clicking here.

Printed copies of the survey will also be made available for the public at the Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Center and at City Hall.

The Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Center is located at 380 3rd St.

For more information, contact Michael Litschi, Deputy Director of Public Works, Transit and Parking, at (949) 497-0303 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Laguna Beach Live!’s Jazz Wednesdays 2020 off to a rockin’ start

Laguna Beach Live!’s Jazz Wednesdays 2020 kicked off to a tremendous start with Grammy winner Peter Erskine and his Trio last week. The concert, sponsored by Laguna Beach local Ruth Stafford, was enjoyed by a packed house.

Laguna Beach Live! thanks all who came out to support and enjoy live music in our city. Up next is Black Market Reverie on Wednesday, Feb 26.

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Submitted photo

(L-R) Ruth Stafford, Peter Erskine Trio, and Laguna Beach Live’s director for jazz Bijon Watson

Lyman Medeiros and Renne Myara find common ground between jazz, classic French pop, Americana, and their own original songs to create the sounds of Black Market Reverie. Equipped with vocal harmonies and clever arrangements, their music is both familiar and unique. 

Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door, and can be purchased at www.lagunabeachlive.org. For more information, call (949) 715-9713.

Laguna Beach – A Look Back

Courtesy of Laguna Beach Historical Society

Walter Pyne came to Los Angeles as a youth at the end of the 19th century. To make ends meet, he played guitar on a cruise ship that sailed back and forth between San Pedro and San Francisco. Eccentric and moody, he always had an entrepreneur’s spirit.

In the first decade of the 20th century he negotiated the exclusive rights to sell the player pianos that played music from a paper roll. He named it Pyne Piano Company and based it in Santa Ana.

He had heard of the great success of orange groves in north Orange County and so bought acreage in the Santa Ana canyon near two packing houses in what is now East Anaheim. Planting hundreds of acres of oranges brought him more wealth.

While in the canyon he found oil being discovered in the Richfield area right under his orange groves. Talk about a Jed Clampett scenario!

Now a rich man, he looked for an ocean view to build his dream mansion. Choosing North Laguna Beach, he bought 100 lots totaling almost four acres adjacent to what is now called Boat Canyon. Taking seven years to build the home, Pyne christened the home Broadview Villa in roughly 1928. But to locals it was known as Pyne Castle.

Located on 770 Hillcrest Dr, the villa looks nearly identical today. Built in a Normandy Revival style, it has anchoring conical turrets and an immense footprint. Inside are ornately detailed ceilings, sweeping staircases, and even a grand ballroom.

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Pyne Castle

Today only a manicured landscape with a circular drive and the many neighboring homes define any differences from its opening.

The cost to build was $200,000 and settled in at over 18,000 sq. ft.

Pyne was briefly married but had a reputation of being a loner during his time in Laguna. Only himself, his mother Lucretia, and his housekeeper Marie Hannon lived in the mansion.

Lucretia died in the home in 1936. Pyne himself died of cancer in the home in 1945. With no other family and apparently few friends, he left the home to the housekeeper, Ms. Hannon. Upon her death it stood a number of years vacant.

In 1960, a local contractor, David Young, purchased the estate and won a variance to convert it to apartments. It has changed hands a number of times and still remains a collection of apartments and condos.

And that is how a guitar player on a cruise ship became a millionaire and built one of Laguna Beach’s first mansions that stands unchanged 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.

Laguna Beach Historical Society presents program on the Digester on March 5

On Thursday, March 5, the Laguna Beach Historical Society will present a free program on the historic Sewage Treatment Plant [aka “the Digester”] at the Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Center from 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

This facility ceased operation in 1983, and in 1989, most of the plant was demolished with the exception of the Digester and adjacent office, which was saved. In his 2014 book titled The New Deal in Orange County, author Charles Epting refers to the Digester as “the most interesting sewage treatment plant in the county.” 

The program will be presented by Bob Borthwick, local resident and landscape architect; Krista Nicholds, Historic Resources Specialist and President of Preserve Orange County; and Glenna Matthews, local resident and retired professor of American History.

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Courtesy of LB Historical Society

The Digester was built in 1935

Designed with a Normandy castle tower, winding exterior stairway, and Mediterranean influence, the remaining structure has been an iconic sentinel at the Village Entrance for over 85 years. Many people feel that this quaint and charming building embodies the special artistic qualities of Laguna Beach. On September 25, 2019, the City Council voted 3-2 to demolish the Digester and an EIR is pending.

The Sewage Treatment Plant was completed in 1935 with New Deal federal funding and helped to make Laguna a functioning town. Building the sewer plant created many construction jobs for local unemployed residents at the depth of the Great Depression, and saved local families from economic devastation. In the past decades, the office portion of the structure has served as a storage facility for police evidence, and the tower structure is vacant. 

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Courtesy of LB Historical Society

Interior of the Digester 

The building is built with solid reinforced concrete walls nearly a foot thick, so its bones are strong although the exterior has faded over the years. The Digester tower extends some 20 feet underground, and the remaining composted material from almost 40 years ago will soon be removed in preparation for either demolition or preservation of the structure. 

From “Cultural Resources Reconnaissance for the Village Entrance Project, Laguna Beach, California, SWCA Cultural Resources Report Database No. 2006-200, April 2006”:

“The 1935 Laguna Beach Sewage Treatment Plant is a significant surviving public works facility from a community that greatly upgraded its infrastructure in the 1930s with New Deal assistance to accommodate projected growth. The town could not become the popular artistic and tourist destination without this facility. The facility design, intended to blend with the romantic geography and early twentieth-century architecture of the community, now is a major landmark for the town. It retains strong integrity aspects of location, design, materials, workmanship, feeling, setting, and association.”

The Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Center is located at 380 3rd St.

Dennis’ Tidbits

By DENNIS McTIGHE 

February 18, 2020

It’s not easy seeing the green

It’s been a beautiful week. Chilly but beautiful. Temps are running about 4-6 degrees below seasonal normals. Ocean temps are still close to 60 degrees, which is at least four degrees above seasonal normals. This is the sixth consecutive winter with well above average ocean temps.

Never in my nearly 62 years of keeping track of the weather and surf have I ever seen such a prolonged lack of significant swell action. I’m not talking days, weeks, or months but years! We haven’t had a decent winter since 2015-16 and a decent summer since 2014.

More weather terminology…

The Green Flash Phenomenon: Some people have never seen one, let alone even know what it is. Personally, I’ve witnessed the green flash probably 50 times or more over the decades. My longtime local weather buddy Spyder Wills first turned me on to it in 1972. He was showing a surf movie that he filmed that year called The forgotten island of Santosha, actually filmed on the island of Mauritius in the tropical Indian ocean off Africa.

In one segment he shot a brilliant sunset there on a super clear evening. Just as the sun began to sink below the horizon it went from a bright yellowish orange to a brilliant green bordering on turquoise flash that lasted no more than two seconds. It was a kind of green I’ve never seen before. Then the sun disappeared over the horizon. He showed me in detail what to look for and what kind of conditions that needed to be in place to produce such a phenomenon.

First off, the air has to be nearly crystal clear with no clouds to obscure the sun and there can be no pollutants. If you’re viewing from here in Laguna as the sun begins to touch the horizon, Catalina Island should be in full view, in fact if you can see San Clemente Island which is 52 miles offshore, you’re in there. Of course when it’s that clear, you still can’t look directly at the sun until the last one or maybe two seconds, when it does its magic. You just have to know what and when to look for this incredible phenomenon.

Inversion: An increase in temperature with height, which is a total reversal of the normal decrease with height in the troposphere. That’s when air pollutants get trapped in valleys and also thick ground fog forms. In the past that’s when the worst smog events would occur.

Jet stream: A quasi-horizontal stream of winds of 75 mph or more concentrated within a narrow band embedded in the westerlies in the high troposphere. On a couple of occasions, these winds have exceeded 300 mph. A couple of weeks ago a jet airliner rode the 305 mph jet stream from New York to London in a record two hours and 54 minutes with the airliner attaining speeds of up to 825 mph! The jet stream is the main train track for eastward moving cyclones in the mid latitudes often separating warm air from cold air.

La Nina: The condition where the central and eastern Pacific tropical waters become cooler than normal, creating drier winters here in the southwest, and chilly ocean temps even in some summers here in Laguna. During stronger La Ninas, local ocean temps have gotten as cold as 54 degrees in the middle of July and August, like in 2005 and 2010. There’s not as much surf either.

Lenticular cloud: A species of cloud whose elements have the form of more or less isolated and generally smooth lenses or almonds, often resembling saucer-shaped forms. These clouds appear most often in formations of orographic origins, the result of lee waves, in which they remain nearly stationary with the respect to the terrain (standing clouds), which usually hover over mountain tops.

See y’all on Friday. ALOHA!

Solo flight

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Photo by Scott Brashier 

Master of all he surveys

Assistance League invites volunteers to Prospective Member Coffee on March 16

The Assistance League of Laguna Beach is looking for individuals who care about the community and want to make a difference by volunteering in the Thrift Shop and serving on one of the Assistance League’s many Philanthropic Committees.

Those who are interested are invited to attend the nonprofit’s Prospective Member Coffee on Monday, March 16 at 10 a.m. at the ALLB Chapter House.

Assistance League of Laguna Beach is a volunteer organization whose members put caring and commitment into action through community-based philanthropic programs. They aspire to meet the needs of challenged individuals in Laguna Beach and underserved populations in surrounding communities with particular attention focused on schoolchildren and those who are developmentally delayed.

They do this in a variety of ways:

--Assistance League listens to the needs of the community and provides support, including the Early Intervention Programs, for special needs and developmentally delayed babies to children’s clothing, helping military families, and much more.

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Assistance League volunteers

--The Assisteens® is an auxiliary of Assistance League, a program for boys and girls in 7th grade through high school.

--Assistance League participates in the annual Action Week® to promote the Legacy of Literacy. Every year, ALLB participates in Chapters for Children event to help outfit school-age children for school.

To help fund their philanthropic projects, Assistance League, which is a 501(c)(3), operates a thrift shop with a wide selection of items.

 Assistance League of Laguna Beach volunteer members believe that their work in local philanthropic programs can help make the world a better place. They are a Gold Participant recognized by GuideStar.

For more information, contact Reann at (949) 494-6097.

The AALB Chapter House is located at 547 Catalina St.

Laguna Presbyterian celebrates the 75th anniversary of Troop 35 and first year of Girls in Scouts BSA

On Sunday, Feb 9, Laguna Presbyterian Church celebrated a special Scout Sunday: it was the 75th anniversary of Troop 35’s founding and the first anniversary of girls joining the troop. 

Scouts BSA (formerly known as Boy Scouts of America) began admitting girls in February 2019. 

“Laguna Presbyterian Church, recognizing the value of Scouting to all young people, immediately opened a troop for girls, allowing them to pursue the path toward Eagle Scout,” said Tom Fay, Laguna Presbyterian Chartered Organization Representative. “We are very proud of the success of the Girl Troop led by their Scoutmaster, Jane Heath.”

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Submitted photo

(L-R) Katherine Stella, Advancement Chair, Isabella Powell, Sophia Arata, Anneka Neukomm, May Chapman, Ani Hovanesian, Alexandra Keyser, Elizabeth Keyser, Alexandra Nottage, and Chloe Duong

The boys’ and girls’ troops hold some joint activities, such as Scout Sunday when scouts attend church to celebrate the birthday of Scouting and help with the service. Camping, meetings, and other activities are often separate events, allowing youth to develop leadership skills and bond with same-gender peers. 

Rooted in England, Boy Scouts started in the United States in 1910, offering youth a program to develop leadership skills and provide service to their communities in the setting of fun, outdoor adventures. 

At the Court Of Honor, a Scout award ceremony, Scoutmaster Jane Heath presented each girl a special award for being a “Founding Member” of the troop, as well as many merit badges and rank advancements the girls have earned in the last several months. 

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Submitted photo

Scouts and Scout leaders

Scout Ani Hovanesian remarked, “Scouting has been incredibly fun, and it’s inspiring to see how many girls are joining us. Together we will be among the first female Eagle Scouts.”

 Laguna Beach’s Girl Troop will hold an informational meeting on February 27 at 7 p.m. at Laguna Presbyterian Church’s Youth Center. Girls ages 11 and over interested in learning more can contact Tanya Hovanesian at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Boys ages 11 and over interested in the Laguna Beach Boy Troop can contact Kimberly Leeds at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Guest Column

Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce Member Spotlight – Garage Collective

By J.J. Ballesteros, President of LB Chamber of Commerce

Owner Kristin Lewis started from her garage doing pop-ups in 2015 and manages a space where artists, makers, and creatives collaborate and inspire each other. The Garage Collective is where you can discover unique home goods and gifts you may not find anywhere else. With a real eye for fashion, we sit down with Kristin to find out why her store has become successful despite the challenges most home goods and gift stores face. 

J.J. Ballesteros: How did the Garage Collection come to be?

Kristin Lewis: I have always had an interest in fashion and design, specifically interiors. In 2015, I read the book Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and to say I was inspired would be an understatement. The book, which I have read about four times since then, talks about creative living and not allowing your fear of failure (and other fears, insert list of a hundred other fears here) hold you back from doing what you want to do. It also talks about inspiration and acting on an idea. I reached out to a couple extremely talented friends to see if they would be interested in doing pop-ups out of our garages and the Garage Collective was born. For a year we transformed my garage and a couple other locations into a store. We also began to do pop-ups with local businesses. Each of us offered a unique product. I specialized in rugs, textiles, pottery, and leather. 

It currently still maintains that collaborative environment. When I opened the shop, I wanted to expand my product lines, and you can’t be good at everything.  I found women in my same position. They were makers and wanted to branch out from doing only pop-ups or online to the retail aspect of business. So in essence, their shop is within my shop. They rent shelf space for a specific time and eventually are rotated out with new makers so that the products change.  Some of them also work in the space and use it as their creative time, which allows them to connect with their customers and curate their products. In addition to sharing in overhead, we also collaborate and support one another.

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Submitted photo

J.J. Ballesteros and Kristin Lewis, owner of Garage Collective 

JB: Why did you join the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce?

KL: I joined the Chamber in order to connect with other local businesses.  The Chamber offers amazing networking, education, and services for the local businesses to help us not only succeed but thrive.

JB: How has joining the Chamber benefited you and The Garage Collective?

KL: In addition to meeting other local entrepreneurs, the Chamber assisted me during an extended period of construction in front of my store. I was unable to get any information regarding the scope of work and length of time our parking would be affected. Paula and J.J. from the Chamber were a crucial part of me getting a response, working with the city to mitigate the impact on my business, and most importantly, they advocated for me.

JB: Can you tell us something fun about your shop people may not be aware of?

KL: We currently offer more than just amazing home goods and gifts, we offer a community. We host monthly women’s networking and business groups as well as a local co-working day, workshops, and private events. 

JB: How do you compete with other stores that offer online services?

KL: Customer service! It is the only thing that we can offer, being a small local store, that other companies can’t. We spend time with our customers to find their needs and offer resources, design help, tips and tricks.

JB: What is it about Laguna that made you want to open up your store here?

KL: I am a Laguna Beach native. I grew up in Laguna, attended the local schools, and currently live in town. I want to offer our community something that we don’t currently have, a unique and affordable curated approach to decorating.  As well as a place that you can grab a cup of coffee, meet a friend, and hang out in one of our outdoor lounge areas, or attend an event/workshop or networking group.

JB: Do you have any advice for other stores competing in today’s retail environment?

KL: The riches are in the niches. Find your niche, know your customer, and provide them value. Also use available free resources like Instagram. Instagram is an amazing free marketing tool. It has been a huge part of growing my community, connecting with my customers, and increasing online sales. There are tons of amazing resources out there like Later. I highly recommend you find one.

The Garage Collective is located at 1524 S Coast Hwy, across from the Surf and Sand Hotel. For more information, call (949) 371-6049.

Calling all Vietnam Veterans and other U.S. military service vets to march in Patriots’ Day Parade

Vietnam Veterans and other U.S. military service veterans are being called to march in the Patriots’ Day Parade on Saturday, March 7.

Local Vietnam Veterans have reserved a position (Entry #9) in this year’s Patriots’ Day Parade. The organizers are seeking area veterans interested in marching in the parade. 

This group, South Orange County Vietnam Veterans, has participated in the parade every year since 1985. All branches of the service are welcome, and the group is encouraging all U.S. service veterans – World War II, Korea, Cold War, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria – to participate and be recognized for their service.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Veterans march in prior Patriots’ Day Parade

Veterans are encouraged to wear their uniforms (or parts thereof). The group will form near Laguna Beach High School, located at 625 Park Ave between 9 and 10 a.m. 

Parking can be challenging, so participants are asked to arrive as early as possible to ensure a parking spot on the street. Ask the check-in booth at the corner of Park and Short streets for specifics on where the group is forming, but most likely the group will be in the school district parking lot across from Laguna Beach High School.

The parade will cover about six blocks (all downhill or level) and will begin promptly at 11 a.m. The group is in need of a convertible automobile to accompany the group so that vets needing to ride, rather than march, may do so in the convertible. The traditional annual get-together at Hennessey’s Tavern at 213 Ocean Ave will follow immediately. 

Interested veterans should contact Patrick Freeman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (949) 497-7473.

City hosts exhibition featuring LCAD work through March 5

The City of Laguna Beach is currently hosting an exhibition of artwork from the Laguna College of Art + Design. The exhibition, titled 2020 Vision, features work by 20 current students of the college’s Master of Fine Arts program in painting and drawing. The exhibition will be on display until March 5.

 The current exhibition will be followed by the City’s annual Art That’s Small at City Hall exhibition and competition, which exclusively features two-dimensional and relief works that measure 12” x 12” and under including frame. 

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Submitted photo

Agostino Vaccaro, “The Outlaw”

Artists 18 years of age or older who reside in Orange County are invited to participate by bringing their work and the $15 entry fee to City Hall, 505 Forest Ave, on Saturday, March 7 between 9 - 11 a.m. 

Accepted works will be on display from March 9 - April 17. The competition carries a $500 First Prize award as well $200 for Second Place, $150 for Third Place, and Honorable Mentions, which will be announced at the exhibition reception on April 2, from 6 - 7 p.m. 

Adam Schwerner, Chair of the Arts Commission, says, “We truly appreciate the ability to host local arts organizations and display the incredible work by local artists at City Hall. The rotating exhibitions bring life and energy to the walls and we hope the public takes the time to engage with each exhibition.”

All exhibitions and receptions are free to attend and open to the public during City Hall business hours. City Hall exhibitions are a program of the Arts Commission and funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach. 

For more information, contact Arts Program Coordinator Michael McGregor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (949) 497-0722.

Animals come to life at Jane McCracken’s Drawing for Endangered Species Workshop

Artist and designer Jane Lee McCracken, founder of Drawing for Endangered Species Workshops, hosted a workshop “Where Did All the Animals go?” on Thursday, Feb 6 at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach. 

Children ages 5 to 18 years of age participated and celebrated the beauty of endangered Californian wildlife with the UK-based artist and designer and created their own wildlife portrait using ballpoint pens.

Jane said, “It was an absolute joy and privilege to work with the children and staff of B&G Club!”

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Jane with staff member Mar and workshop participant Rosie

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Jane founded Drawing for Endangered Species Workshops in 2014 in partnership with international wildlife charity Born Free. Meru National Park in Kenya was the home of Elsa, the lioness made famous by the book and film Born Free, which gives children and wildlife a voice. Elsa is the inspiration for the charity. The organization works in Meru to safeguard the lions that call this national park home. They are Elsa’s legacy.

In 2019, Jane founded Where Did All the Animals Go? (WDATAG) art and environmental education. Sharing her passions for drawing and wildlife, she has conducted drawing workshops for hundreds of children and adults. 

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5-year-old Rocko with his drawing of sea otter and pups

“My art practice includes my own artwork which explores loss generated by human destruction, designing products, Drawing for Endangered Species ballpoint pen workshops, and the Where Did all the Animals Go? (WDATAG) art and environmental education project,” says Jane.

“The workshops and WDATAG project give children and the wider community the opportunity to learn about vulnerable species, how to help them, and create emotional connections with animals by drawing them. Creating emotional connections is a key element to conservation. If we care, we want to conserve.”

Jane hopes to be back in November to work with Laguna Art Museum and Ocean Institute as well as other workshops in Laguna and Orange County. 

For more information about Jane, go to https://janeleemccracken.co.uk.

LagunaTunes to hold spring signups on Feb 24

LagunaTunes Community Chorus reconvenes on Monday, Feb 24 at 7 p.m. in the Thurston Middle School theater room. Expectations are high, since last year’s June concert – “Ladies and Gentlemen – The Beatles!” – was enthusiastically enjoyed by a packed house at the Laguna Beach High School Artists’ Theatre. 

This year’s June concert – entitled “LagunaTunes Does Vegas!” – promises an entertaining look at music identified with Sin City, and the artists who have performed there.

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Fun at last year’s LagunaTunes Beatles concert

New members are welcome, especially tenors and baritones. In fact, President Patti Jo Kiraly declares to all new male members, “If you join LagunaTunes, I’ll buy you a beer!” 

The group looks forward to a new season of fast-paced, energetic, and positive practice sessions. Both new and returning participants are encouraged to attend the initial rehearsal because preparation begins immediately for the June concert. Rehearsal schedule is weekly, Monday nights, with two or three Saturday practices.

LagunaTunes, a no-audition chorus, welcomes singers of all training and experience levels. Some members read music, some don’t, ages cover a broad range, and all are united by a love of music. 

Emphasis is on fun, learning, improving performance skills, and the joy of group singing. Everyone who registers at the first rehearsal will receive the June concert music. Registration and music fee is $90.

The 70-member chorus is led by Bob Gunn, popular director of Orange County’s MenAlive chorus and Laguna’s St. Mary’s choir. Gunn’s entertaining local, national, and international choral productions are well known.

LagunaTunes is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides choral singing to everyone (no auditions) and presents two concerts per year, in December and June. Funding is provided by the Festival of Arts Foundation, the lodging establishments, and the City of Laguna Beach.

For more information, visit www.lagunatuneschorus.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Laguna Beach Live! presents Black Market Reverie on Feb 26

Lyman Medeiros and Renee Myara bring Speakeasy Jazz to Laguna Beach Live!’s Jazz Wednesdays on February 26 with their group Black Market Reverie. 

Lyman Medeiros has toured the world playing bass with legendary artists including Michael Buble, Dianne Schuur, and Steve Tyrell. A musical chameleon, you’ll find Renee Myara playing many instruments, and writing and singing in multiple languages.

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Black Market Reverie hits the stage on Feb 26 

Jazz Wednesdays Winter presents some of the hottest straight-ahead jazz musicians in the region at the distinctive [seven-degrees] event facility. Concerts are from 6 - 8 p.m.; doors open at 5 with a full bar and dinner, offered on a pre-sale basis.

Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door, and can be purchased at www.lagunabeachlive.org. 

For more information, call (949) 715-9713.

[seven-degrees] is located at 891 Laguna Canyon Rd.

Hortense Miller Gardens hosts free Mindful Meditation retreat on Feb 29

On Saturday, Feb 29 from 9:45 a.m. - 1 p.m., Hortense Miller Gardens will host a free three-hour Mindfulness Meditation retreat.

The Hortense Miller Gardens are the perfect environment to practice Mindfulness Meditation, as the quiet beauty lends itself naturally to feeling calm and peaceful. There are over a dozen hillside trails and 2.5 acres of hundreds of varieties of plants and trees in the gardens.

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Hortense Miller Gardens presents free Mindfulness Meditation retreat on Feb 29

Mindfulness Meditation can deepen our experience and appreciation of the environment, manage the chatter of inner dialogue that can cause distractions and stress, and help us to develop a deeper connection with the natural sense of peace that exists both outside of our surroundings and within ourselves.

Mindfulness Meditation is developing awareness of breath and senses. Meditating with the senses includes, smell, taste, sight, sound, and body sensations. 

Participants must register in advance to participate; for more information or to RSVP, contact Diane Lennon at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Laguna Beach Beautification Council presents Laura Cohen at meeting tomorrow

The Laguna Beach Beautification Council (LBBC) presents “Gifts from Nature…the Miracle that is Laguna Coast Wilderness Park,” featuring special guest speaker Laura Cohen, at the Montage Laguna Beach on Wednesday, Feb 19 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. in Executive Suite 227. 

Laura is the new Resource Specialist for Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. She received her MA in biological science from CSU Fullerton. She worked for 10 years as the Director of the Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy before learning of the new Resource Specialist position for the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

“I was excited about the idea of working at a park that so many people had fought to protect,” states Laura. 

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Laura Cohen (middle) is the Resource Specialist for Laguna Coast Wilderness Park 

Laura will provide an introduction to the park, its history, wildlife, and the many benefits to our community and beyond. Laura works in the Nix Nature Center on weekends, assisting members of the public. She helps plan larger nature center programs four to six times a year designing new exhibits and restoring older exhibits. 

Cohen occasionally leads interpretive hikes and responds to calls from the public and emergencies in the park. Some of her special projects include a new cell phone “wildflower library,” which you can find on the cell phone site at www.lagunacoast.oncell under the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Audio Tour and an online quiz to teach people how to protect the park. 

The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is supported by the Laguna Canyon Foundation. Tthe park is open seven days a week all year (except during rain or fire closures).

LBBC programs and valet parking are free to members and guests.  

There is limited seating for the event and a RSVP is required to attend. To reserve seats, contact Leah Vasquez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (949) 494-5787. 

The Montage is located at 30801 South Coast Hwy.

Registration open for 2020 Leadership Laguna Citizens’ Academy

The City of Laguna Beach is proud to announce registration is now open for Leadership Laguna 2020, a citizen’s academy consisting of a series of five workshops. The purpose of these workshops is to introduce participants to the various operations of the City. 

This year, Councilmember Sue Kempf is excited to host Leadership Laguna and teach participants about how to get involved with serving the community. The program will provide information about the City’s various departments, committees, and commissions. Speakers from each department will address the participant’s questions.

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Sue Kempf to host City’s Leadership Laguna Citizens’ Academy 

Leadership Laguna takes place on five Thursday evenings beginning on March 12 and ending April 16. Sessions will start at 6 and end at 8 p.m. and will be held in the Multipurpose Room at the Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Center. Space in the academy is limited, so interested candidates should submit their application as early as possible. 

For additional information, visit www.lagunabeachcity.net/leadershiplaguna or contact Jeremy Frimond, Senior Administrative Analyst in the City Manager’s Office, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (949) 464-6673. 

The Susi Q is located at 380 Third St.

Meet Karin Worden at LOCA Art Talks event on Thursday

LOCA Arts Education invites art lovers to its LOCA Art Talks events, offered monthly in downtown Laguna Beach. The 2020 season continues with Karin Worden on February 20. The fun, educational, and interactive gatherings take place the third Thursday monthly from 4 - 5:30 p.m.

“Our events are great for artists and non-artists alike,” said program coordinator Cindy Fletcher. 

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Goldsmith Karin Worden will speak at Thursday’s LOCA Art Talks event

The goldsmith Karin Worden is noted for her botanical themed jewelry, embellished with gemstones, and inspired by flowers and twigs. She holds both BFA and MFA degrees, and her necklace Waiting Boats is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. 

Additional presenters include poet and magic realist painter Paul Bond on March 19, gallery owner, arts editor, and curator Vanessa Rothe on April 16, and  eco dye textile artist Reem Khalil on May 21.

 Admission is $20 per event, and free to LOCA members. Advance registration is requested. To register, call (949) 363-4700 or visit the calendar page at www.locaarts.org. 

LCAD Gallery is located at 374 Ocean Ave.

Breakers Girls Youth Basketball spring clinic is open for applications

The Breakers Girls Youth Basketball spring clinic, taking place March 3 through May 28, is a great opportunity for girls to improve their skill level and strengthen their love of the game. Sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 - 7 p.m.; the clinic is open to all girls from first to eighth grade, no matter their skill level.

Coached by the LBHS girls basketball coaching staff, the clinic will focus heavily on the fundamentals of shooting, dribbling, passing, rebounding, and defense. 

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Coaches Matt and Brianna Tietz

“We as coaches have a vested interest in the girls’ improvement,” says coach Matt Tietz. “We hope one day to be coaching them at the high school level and we will do everything we can to make sure they want to play and are ready to compete.”

The coaching staff will explain the basic rules of the game and how they apply to the fundamental skills the participants are learning. The goal is then to build on the proper core mechanics and teach advanced skills.

Coaches will also teach concepts and strategies to improve the girls’ understanding of the game. They’ll also run drills that strengthen what has been taught, along with organizing competitions, scrimmages, and games that put skills to practical use.

Tietz notes that the fee of $100 is a great deal for 26 hours of professional coaching.

To sign up and pay, click here or email your interest/registration to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and pay by check at the first day of the clinic.

Girls basketball registration now open at Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach

Girls basketball registration is now open at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach. Registration includes practices, competitive league games, and a uniform. 

Boys & Girls Club Athletic Coordinator Erik Vasquez has an outstanding reputation among both Club kids and parents for making this league a great experience for everyone involved. 

From kindergarten through 9th grade, participants will learn basketball skills, enhance their self-esteem, and have a great time being part of a team.

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Registration for girls basketball at Boys & Girls Club is now open

 Skills Checks will take place the week of March 9. Pre-season camps will be offered the week March 16 and official practices begin Marth 30. 

To register, go to www.parentportal.bgclagunabeach.com; log in and sign up through February 28.

For more information, contact Erik Vasquez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.bgclagunabeach.org. 

Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach is also actively recruiting both boys and girls volunteer basketball coaches and seeking corporate sponsorships for the year. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.bgclagunabeach.org.

City partners with OC Registrar of Voters on new voting process

The City of Laguna Beach has partnered with the Orange County Registrar of Voters to make voting more convenient in the upcoming Presidential Primary Election. 

Voters have the option to vote at one of two Vote Centers in Laguna Beach or vote at any regional Vote Center, drop off ballots at a ballot drop box, or mail in ballots anytime on or before March 3, 2020. All registered voters in Orange County will receive a vote-by-mail ballot.

If you prefer to cast your ballot in person, you have the option to visit one of two Laguna Beach Vote Centers from February 29 - March 3 or visit a regional Vote Center from February 22 - March 3. 

Vote Centers allow you to vote, solve voter registration issues, register to vote, obtain a replacement ballot, and obtain general assistance over the course of several days if needed. You can vote at any Orange County Vote Center. 

Voters casting their ballot in person in Laguna Beach are encouraged to vote early during the four-day period. Two Vote Center locations will be open from February 29 - March 3 in Laguna Beach. 

Locations and hours of operation are as follows:

Laguna Beach Community & Susi Q Center, 380 3rd St (park in Parking Lot 13)

--February 29 from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

--March 1 from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

--March 2 from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

--March 3 from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

American Legion Post 222, 384 Legion St (between Glenneyre & Park Ave; enter off Goff St)

--Feburary 29 from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

--March 1 from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

--March 2 from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

--March 3 Election Day from 7 a.m. – 8pm

Ballot drop boxes are also a great way to deliver your ballot. Click here to view a list of all ballot drop boxes in your area. Laguna Beach has ballot drop boxes conveniently located at the following locations:

--Laguna Beach Branch Library, 363 Glenneyre St

--Laguna Beach Community & Susi Q Center, 380 3rd St

--American Legion Post 222, 384 Legion St

During the election, traffic on Third Street and Park Avenue could be impacted. The city advises residents to take alternate morning routes on Monday, March 2 and Tuesday, March 3.

You can find more information regarding the upcoming Presidential Primary Election on the Orange County Registrar of Voters website at www.ocvote.com. 

If you have questions about voting locally in Laguna Beach, contact Laguna Beach City Clerk Lisette Chel-Walker at (949) 497-0309 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

20/20 Visions exhibition kicks off 34th anniversary year at Pacific Edge Gallery

20/20 Visions, an exhibition of new paintings by longtime Laguna Beach Artist Tom Swimm, will kick off the 34th Anniversary Year at Pacific Edge Gallery with a public reception on Sat, Feb 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. 

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“Tranquil Morning,” Oil by Tom Swimm, 36” x 48”

The show will also feature guest artist Pil Ho Lee, who exhibits his work at the Festival of Arts and is becoming known for his striking urban impressionist oil paintings of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The gallery is located at 540 S Coast Hwy in Laguna Beach, and is open daily. The show will continue through March 13 and the entire collection can be viewed here.