Fair Game
By TOM JOHNSON
A look at the $$$ behind the different campaigns
The Campaign Disclosure Statements were released last week for the candidates running for Laguna Beach City Council. No huge surprises or glaring questions arose from them.
Mayor Sue Kempf led in contributions with $41,235. After miscellaneous expenditures she’s left with an ending balance of $20,229, with just about a month to Election Day.
Alex Rounaghi continues to impress. He raised the second most money this last period with $33,758 and after expenses still has $14,306 on hand.
Next up was incumbent Councilperson Peter Blake who raised $22,680 during the last period, taking his overall total to $32,730. He has a remaining cash balance of $9,523.
Louis Weil finished with the second-most overall contributions y-t-d with $40,392, including $19,418 for this last period. He’s also loaned his campaign during the process another $10,000. And while he has $11,557 in cash on hand, he also has outstanding debts of $12,875.
Mark Orgill, a somewhat late arrival to the dance, still managed $17,735 in contributions. That leaves Mark with $10,076 in cash, but he’s also looking at outstanding debts of $8,992.
Jerome Pudwill had monetary contributions of $9,550, including a $2,000 personal loan over-and-above that, leaving him with a balance of $8,346.
Finally, Ruben Flores had $5,250 in contributions, bringing his y-t-d total to $5,690. He has $4,202 still in the bank.
And while I said there were no unexpected surprises in the candidates’ fundraising, the same can’t be said about the committees’ filing reports.
Perhaps the most noticeable was the Protect & Keep Laguna Local group, or No on R & S, who, based on two healthy loans, received $1,370,000. Let that one set in for a second. So far, they’ve spent $886,074, leaving them with $483,926 ending cash.
The loans can be traced to The Montage Laguna Beach and the Surf & Sand, with each group contributing $685,000 as a loan.
The Yes on Measure R & S group showed just one contribution totaling $26,000 from Unite Here, a labor union “working predominantly in the hotel, food service and laundry industries.”
Citizens for Laguna’s Future has raised $10,025 against Measure Q efforts, while Laguna Residents First, on the other side of that issue, has received $23,211 this past period, bringing their overall total to $40,702. They have a remaining cash balance of $10,383.
Village Laguna received $4,819 this last period, bringing their overall yearly total to $28,455. They have an impressive $42,904 on hand.
As we head into the final month before Election Day, it’s important to note that mail ballots will be sent out on Monday, Oct. 10, when the official voting will get underway.
Anyone else just ready for November and the results?
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There’s still time to ask that final question you wish you could ask that local candidate to answer. Simply email me your question and who you’d like us to get the answer from and we’ll do our best to do just that before the Absentee Ballots arrive.
Send them to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I’ll forward them over to our own Sara Hall who is going to undertake this chore.
• • •
A quick look at tonight’s City Council agenda shows approvals of contracts and/or funds for a preliminary design for Cleo Street beach access improvements, replacing the playground equipment at Riddle Field and to cover costs toward trolley services to support the Sawdust Art Festival 2022 Winer Fantasy.
All come up on the Consent Calendar.
During the Regular Meeting is a Public Hearing and Balloting for the proposed underground assessment district for the Diamond St. area and the approval of the City Council meeting schedule for 2023.
Under Public Hearing Appeals will be the appeal of approval by the Design Review Committee for construction of a new, single-family and attached garage home at 44 South La Senda Drive in Three Arch Bay Zone.
Their next meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 18.
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Last issue we told you something special seems to be happening at Laguna Beach High School with their football team. Did you listen? I hope so.
If not, here’s what you missed. Sophomore quarterback Jackson Kollock played in his first game, after being forced by CIF to sit out the first half of the season following a transfer after a freshman season at Santa Margarita, and completed 18 of 23 passes for 263 yards and five TDs. He also rushed for a touchdown.
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Photo by Scott Brashier
Sophomore QB Jackson Kollock sets up to throw in the pocket
The Breakers won 41-22 over Segerstrom, after jumping out to a 34-0 halftime lead.
Laguna Beach is now 4-3 on the year.
Friday night was not only the unofficial homecoming for Kollock, who grew up in Laguna Beach, but it was also the official homecoming for Laguna Beach H.S.
The Homecoming Court honored Jeremy Kanter as King and Lily Gabora as Queen.
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Photo by Scott Brashier
(L-R) Jeremy Kanter and Lily Gabora celebrate their crowning as King & Queen at Laguna Beach High School Homecoming
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It never ceases to amaze me of all the great things going on for our seniors, me being one of them, at Susi Q Center.
Here’s a sampling from their latest newsletter:
–They have a five Mondays group of speakers that look at Shakespeare’s influence in American history, that “most likely will continue into the future.” It’s put on by the Laguna Woods Shakespeare & Modern Culture Society. It’s free and begins Monday, Oct. 10 from 1-2:30 p.m. Register here.
–Gallery Q calls for artists as part of the annual community-wide Laguna Art Museum’s Art & Nature Festival. The exhibition is October 19-December 14, with the Q accepting art entries on Thursday, Oct. 13 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. “Artists are encouraged to submit artwork that celebrates nature as a source of inspiration.” An application can be found here.
–If you follow the daily news and would like to join a group discussing current events with others, look no further. Sheryl Kaner will lead conversations on current events and other topical subjects. You may sign up here.
And there’s more, workouts, looking at the mystery of Stonehenge, and who doesn’t like bridge, yoga, meditation and so much more.
There’s so much going on there, check it all out at www.thesusiq.org.
And, before we leave, one more thing:
Don Vivrette, a CPA, board member for various charities and Laguna Beach resident will be the lecturer on “Charitable Giving Opportunities” this Friday, Oct. 7 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Susi Q Center.
The session will include a discussion as to how to best make a gift for those who are philanthropic, and for those who aren’t, Don adds, “they may want to reconsider since there are very few ways to avoid the capital gains tax on the sale of an asset and receive income for your life, your spouse’s life and for a period of years for your children. Many professionals do not know enough about charitable remainder trust, charitable gift annuities, charitable lead trusts and how they can fit into your financial and estate plan and how they fit into a comprehensive plan.”
The presentation will be the third of a six-part Fall 2022 Workshop Series, “It’s Your Estate,” hosted by Financial & Estate Literacy, Inc., licensed professional fiduciaries.
And coming up on Friday, Oct. 14, Michael Simon, an estate planning attorney, will speak on “Retirement Account Planning.”
For more information on the workshop series, visit www.IYME.org.
Shannon Hall and Danielle Holland: The Ritual Refill provides products with a purpose
By DIANNE RUSSELL
Photos by Mary Hurlbut
Shannon Hall and Danielle Holland, owners of The Ritual Refill, are not only close friends, they have proven to be excellent business partners.
Taking to heart their motto of “less is more,” Hall and Holland opened The Ritual Refill with the intention of creating an inviting space to interact with the community – and together, learn to live more sustainably. There’s no doubt they have succeeded. It’s an inspiring shop with an impressive selection of products, making it easy for customers to adopt the ritual of using “low waste products.”
Through a mutual friend, Hall and Holland met some five-plus years ago. They soon discovered they had a lot in common, both came from Laguna and both worked in the retail and apparel fields. Hall went to Dana Hills High School, and Holland went to Thurston and was then home schooled.
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Owners Shannon Hall (on left) and Danielle Holland
They also shared a passion – one that led to the founding of The Ritual Refill – the desire to reduce single-use plastic, live more sustainably and promote conscious shopping. Prior to opening The Ritual Refill, both Holland and Hall had small businesses, so they already possessed some skill in that area.
As stated on their website, “Having come from years in the retail and apparel world, we’ve witnessed first-hand the insurmountable amount of waste that’s generated by consumers every day. Growing up near the beach, we both developed a deep appreciation for the ocean and nature. We combined our love for low-waste living and supporting like-minded brands with our experience and entrepreneurial spirits and The Ritual Refill was born.”
“It was meant to be,” Holland said. “We complement each other in many ways. If one of us isn’t as knowledgeable about something, the other is. We also have the same idea about the direction of the store and its theme and we love the same products.”
However, each has her own personal favorites – Hall’s favorite is Mind and Body Wash by Bathing Culture and Holland’s is the shampoo and conditioner by La Tierra Sagrada.
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The Ritual Refill opened in February 2022
Contrary to the notion that sometimes friends don’t make good business partners, Hall and Holland agree on everything. “We never have disagreements,” said Holland.
“It’s a collaboration, even on our name, which has specific meaning – and the logo,” Hall said. “We wanted to incorporate the word ritual into the name and I added the sun.”
However, each has assigned tasks. “We play to each other’s strengths,” Holland said. “We do tackle a lot of the tasks together like buying, event planning and overall store vision, but I tend to be the creative eye, while Shannon is the brains.”
Holland and Hall concur that their biggest accomplishment thus far has been opening the store. A surprising fact is that the store was completely self-funded by 29-year-old Hall and 27-year-old Holland. To start the business, Holland sold her car and Hall used her savings.
“There are no investors or loans,” Hall emphasized, which must give them an element of freedom in their business decisions.
Purposeful products
In attempting to incorporate low waste with high quality products, Hall and Holland do meticulous research. The criteria for products – it must be clean and pure, with no harmful ingredients, some are vegan.
“We didn’t get stuff to just fill the store,” Hall said. “These are products we stand behind day in and day out.”
“It’s hard to find vendors that sell product in bulk,” said Holland. “We’ve learned so much.” As much as possible, they try to buy from vendors in California.
Holland continued, “I’m passionate about what I put on my skin. I’m a licensed esthetician. Focusing on less waste is what keeps us looking to the future.”
Some of the products they carry: hand soap, dish soap, laundry soap, shampoo, body wash, sunscreen and wellness products. They are looking to add dog shampoo.
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Welcoming shop features work of local artists
When they opened the store, they had only 10 refillable products, now they have more than 40 and hope to double that in the future. “Our long range plans include making our own products,” Holland said. “Shannon’s father has experience in that area.”
The Ritual Refill also carries many local brands such as Laguna Beach’s Kung Fu Tonic, Anoint Daily from Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa’s Etto Oil and Iron Lion Soap from Santa Ana. Customers can shop for silk scarves from Bryn Valaika of Colorem in Laguna Beach. Additionally, the store offers Coastline Pottery Ceramics from Capo Beach, as well as Bowman Ceramics of Long Beach.
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Council agenda includes wildfire mitigation report, Cleo Street Beach improvements, consent calendar projects and contracts
By SARA HALL
Tonight’s (October 4) City Council agenda for covers a variety of issues and projects during both regular business and on the consent calendar.
At the meeting, during regular business, council will: Hear an update on the project implementation of the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety report and a status report on the citywide Fuel Modification Program; set their meeting schedule for 2023 and hold a public hearing for proposed undergrounding utilities along portions of Diamond Street and Crestview Drive.
On the council’s consent calendar (usually passed without discussion, unless an item is pulled by a councilmember or member of the public) are several items of interest: Cleo Street Beach access improvements; contract for furnishing and installing the Riddle Field playground replacement; purchasing rugged technology devices for fire and marine safety departments; trolley service for the Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy event and second readings of several noteworthy resolutions.
Council will also hear an appeal of an approval of a Three Arch Bay residential project.
Up first during regular business, is an update on the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety report project implementation and status report on the citywide Fuel Modification Program.
On July 23, 2019, the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety subcommittee presented a comprehensive report which included 42 opportunities to increase fire safety within the city. Council unanimously approved the recommendations and staff has since been implementing the short-term and some medium-term funded items.
At the Aug. 24, 2021, meeting, council heard an update of the project implementation from the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Subcommittee.
Highlights of the report include: Four additional outdoor warning sites are scheduled for installation by the end of 2022 and in early 2023, including two new locations in Bluebird Canyon and two locations still to be determined; four fire detection cameras were installed in the city’s open space and project design approval was obtained for several utility undergrounding projects.
The Fuel Modification Program highlights include: Streamlined the Coastal Development Permit process for future fuel modification zone development; three new FMZs were implemented; completed phase one for the Bluebird FMZ; completed maintenance of all implemented FMZs and updated the program maps and educational materials.
Staff is also working on expanding the city’s fuel modification program next year, including to initiate the process to develop the final two FMZs in Hobo Canyon and Diamond Canyon.
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Photo by Joel Goldstein
Council will consider a contract for preliminary design of Cleo Street Beach access improvements
Earlier in the meeting, on the consent calendar, council will consider a task order contract with Stantec, in the amount of $160,786, for preliminary design of Cleo Street Beach access improvements.
In addition to the task order contract amount, staff is recommending that council authorize the city manager to approve change orders in an amount not to exceed $16,000 for any unforeseen additional design-related services.
Fiscal year 2022-23 budget includes $200,000 to design the Cleo Street Beach access improvements project, the staff report explains. The scope of work includes replacing and extending the existing stairs and handrails to reduce the drop-off from the bottom step to the sand.
Preliminary design services include an analysis of alternatives, conceptual design, public outreach, environmental compliance, design review and other entitlements. The final design service needs will be determined after the preliminary process is complete.
Task order proposals were requested from three on-call consultants. The proposals received were ranked based on similar work performance, availability of key staff dedicated to the project and cost reasonableness. Stantec’s proposal ranked the highest.
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Art courtesy of Innovative Playgrounds Co./City of Laguna Beach
A conceptual rendering of the proposed playground at Riddle Field
Also on the consent calendar, council will consider a contract with Innovative Playgrounds Company, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $249,872, for furnishing and installing the Riddle Field playground replacement.
The project includes replacement of the playground equipment, an ADA access ramp and the installation of a shade canopy for the spectator bleachers. The variance was requested because the shade canopies on the proposed new playground structures exceed the maximum structure height permitted in the recreation zone.
A plaque displayed on the play structure will honor former local resident, Jack Norworth, who wrote the popular baseball anthem “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in 1908. Although not included in the proposed wording of the plaque, Norworth also founded the LB Little League in 1952, the oldest in Orange County.
On September 7, the Planning Commission unanimously approved the design review and a variance for improvements at Boat Canyon Park, the play area at Riddle Field.
Commissioners also approved additional conditions directing staff to reconsider the dark green color of the mat surface and consider an additional shade structure by the bleachers. Although the dark colors still appear in the project being presented to council next week and the staff report does not include the commissioners’ comments.
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“Art in Public Places” – The Discussion by Ralph Tarzian
By DIANNE RUSSELL
Photos by Mary Hurlbut
Some of the art you see around Laguna Beach is the result of two city programs: “Public Art and Murals” and “Art in Public Places.” The goals of the Public Art and Murals and Art in Public Places (adopted in 1986) initiatives are to create diverse art installations of the highest quality that will, over decades, reflect the city itself and its citizens, and improve the quality of life; and to be a source of pride to all Laguna Beach residents.
The Discussion by Ralph Tarzian was installed in 2004 at the corner of Third Street and Ocean Avenue in front of Anastasia Café. It was funded by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach.
Tarzian’s signature style is elongated female figures wearing sandals or flip flops, and this style is also reflected in his public art installation Canyon Spirits at [seven-degrees] on Laguna Canyon Road.
“A sculptor is a person who is interested in the shape of things, one who is compelled by the form and shape of everything,” said Tarzian. “I try to depict my pieces as a moment, frozen in time and space, figures that have withdrawn from the present into a more quiet place.”
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“Discussion” is in front of Anastasia Café on Ocean Avenue
Born in Fresno in 1923, Tarzian was born an artist – painting, drawing and sculpting since before he could remember. As reported by his family, some of his earliest memories were of building sculptures from wood and paper. The walls and shelves of his Laguna Canyon studio, where he worked nearly every day until 2011, were adorned with his work spanning 90 years.
After serving time in the Army during World War II, Tarzian married and studied art while working to support his family. He became an “artist’s artist” in Orange County, treasuring and seeking out the work of his colleagues, yet always staying humble as they too sought out and treasured his increasingly masterful work in bronze and stone. In 1966, the family moved to Laguna Beach and Tarzian established the sculpture department at Orange Coast College, where he was a professor of fine arts until he retired from teaching in 1984.
Tarzian continued to grow as an artist, as a carver of marble, travertine and alabaster and as a master of lost-wax bronze works that increasingly became sought after among collectors. After studying in Italy, he began to show work in galleries throughout the Southland and beyond.
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“Discussion” reflects Tarzian’s signature style
He was a regular exhibitor at the Festival of the Arts, and served on the boards of the Laguna Art Museum and Long Beach Art Association, garnering awards for his work, public installations, and more recently, lifetime achievement recognition, including the 2010 Laguna Beach Art Alliance Art Star Lifetime Achievement award.
After retiring from teaching in 1984, Tarzian began working solely out of his Laguna Canyon studio. He worked in his studio until 2011 and loved the community of artists who sought him out as a mentor.
Tarzian passed away in June 2019 at the age of 95.
This is the 79th article in our weekly series featuring Art in Public Places. Since there are more than 100 pieces of public art scattered throughout Laguna, it will take a while to cover them all.
For a map of Art in Public Places (not every piece is listed), click here.
To apply for the Arts in Public Places program, click here.
Friendship Shelter recommended for two new housing programs
Orange County’s Continuum of Care Board, the governing body that reviews and recommends programs for state and federal funding, has endorsed two new programs proposed by Friendship Shelter for funding by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in its annual funding competition.
Funding for the two programs, which would total $2.76 million, will now be reviewed by HUD. The annual funding competition begins at the local level as communities choose projects that will best address the needs of people experiencing homelessness in their region. This year, HUD announced a special competition for an additional $333 million to address unsheltered homelessness in addition to its annual $2.8 billion competition.
In Orange County, proposals are recommended by an ad hoc committee of the Continuum of Care Board and then subject to a vote of the full board. The top-scoring projects are then passed along to the national level. Friendship Shelter’s projects will now be a part of the county’s HUD applications that will total more than $53 million this year. Nationally, nearly $32 billion is available for similar projects.
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Courtesy of Friendship Shelter
Henderson House in San Clemente, Friendship Shelter’s first housing site
Friendship Shelter’s successful applications include a $362,000 rapid re-housing program that would provide temporary rental assistance to ensure more immediate housing for individuals while they work to increase income in order to sustain their housing on their own. Also recommended for funding is a $2.4 million permanent housing program that Friendship Shelter will target to extremely vulnerable unsheltered individuals, such as seniors and those with multiple disabling conditions, by supporting their housing costs and specialized services they need, including clinical services. Both programs leverage federal health care dollars that Friendship Shelter receives from CalOptima to provide housing navigation and wraparound services that help ensure housing stability.
The two new programs competed in separate categories within the local competition and each received the highest score within its category. Friendship Shelter’s current HUD programs were also recommended for continued funding.
“We’re thrilled to bring these programs to South Orange County,” said Dawn Price, Friendship Shelter’s executive director. “Our organization is unique in that we focus solely on one geographic region and we take that responsibility seriously. Our team is focused on extending and growing programs that work and continually innovating to address challenges that remain.”
Friendship Shelter’s Director of Program Development & Compliance Analisa Andrus said the programs were developed to further the organization’s growth in providing housing solutions. “Housing is the most critical component to ending homelessness. We’re very excited to be considered for two Page 2 opportunities that will fund housing units. If awarded, this will be life changing for the individuals housed and extremely positive for our community as a whole.”
South Orange County saw the most encouraging results in Orange County’s most recent Point In Time count, a biannual assessment of the scope of homelessness in a region. The 2022 count demonstrated a 23% drop in homelessness in South Orange County since 2019, and in Laguna Beach – where Friendship Shelter operates two emergency shelters and a street outreach program – unsheltered homelessness dropped 60% during the same time period.
Friendship Shelter operates two shelters and a street outreach program in Laguna Beach, and permanent housing in both dedicated and scattered sites throughout South Orange County. By the end of 2022, the organization’s housing program will reach an important milestone, topping 200 units region-wide. Year-over-year, supportive services ensure that more than 90% of housing clients remained stably housed.
The local competition results will be submitted to HUD by September 30 and final results are typically announced in the first quarter of the following year.
“We’re optimistic about the final outcome for both of these projects,” Price said. “Both are culminations of strategy and planning that has taken place over the past several years. Our past work and growing understanding of our communities’ needs is evident in the success of our current programs. We feel the project design and data speak for themselves, and we’re excited at the prospect of bringing these resources to South Orange County.”
For more information about Friendship Shelter, visit www.friendshipshelter.org.
Obituary
Vina Williams
Courtesy of Craig Williams
Vina Williams
On September 27, 2022, Vina Williams (née Malvina Louise Montgomery), loving wife of Thomas Slattery, passed away at the age of 86. Vina is survived by her husband Tom, son and wife Craig and Lee, daughter-in-law Kathi, grandson and wife Drew and Megan, grandson Joel, granddaughter Abigail, grandson Stewart, and two great-grandchildren Emersyn and Oliver. She was pre-deceased by her first husband Barry, son Mark, and brother William Montgomery.
Music was always at the center of Vina’s life, beginning her career as a young girl singing solos in the Old Stone Church, East Haven, Conn. She sang as soloist and chorister in churches and concert halls for more than 60 years. For 17 years, she was the professional soprano soloist at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Laguna Hills, working with Don Walker and Gary Toops. When she moved to Orange County in 1969, she joined the Irvine Master Chorale under Maurice Allard. In 1970, she was soloist in the Verdi Requiem and she remained in the Pacific Chorale under John Alexander until 2010.
When orthopedic and eyesight issues made it too difficult to perform, she continued her fundraising efforts for the Pacific Chorale and Pacific Symphony. For the Pacific Chorale, she was on the Emeritus Board, established the Encore Society, chaired the Gala fundraiser three times and was the recipient of the 2014 Entrepreneur in the Arts award. With the Pacific Symphony, she was on the Board of Directors, Board of Counselors (which she chaired 2010-2011), and Symphony 100. She spearheaded the Pipedreamers, supporting the William Gillespie pipe organ in Segerstrom Hall. She was a sponsor of many Chorale and Symphony concerts, including several featuring the brilliant young pianist Conrad Tao, whose career she actively promoted.
Music played a big role in the lives of her children and grandchildren; Mark playing drums while serving as a missionary in the Philippines, with his children and grandchildren surrounded by music; Craig becoming the fourth organist/choirmaster of the West Point Cadet Chapel; granddaughter Abigail becoming a high school choral director; and grandson Stewart graduating with a degree in musical theater. There are many professional musicians whom she considered “spiritual” musical children, those who were directly inspired in their musical journeys through her example.
A memorial service, open to all family and friends, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 1 p.m. in Grace Lutheran Church, 6931 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92647. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Pacific Symphony, www.pacificsymphony.org and Pacific Chorale, www.pacificchorale.org.
Laguna Craft Guild this Sunday, Oct. 9
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Courtesy of Laguna Craft Guild
The Laguna Craft Guild will return to the Main Beach Cobblestones this Sunday, Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to dusk. Come by and meet the local artists offering jewelry, ceramics, glass blown art, paintings and more. For more information and the schedule of future shows, visit www.lagunacraftguild.com. Pictured are Rachel Goberman’s jewelry creations.
Letters to the Editor
Mancuso has been rejected twice, why does she keep running?
Judie Mancuso has run twice for Laguna Beach City Council and was soundly rejected both times. She has spent her whole career lobbying politicians in Sacramento on a single-issue platform while neglecting the needs of the people in her community. Now she has the audacity to run for State Assembly. If the people of her own city won’t elect her, what makes her think that the voters in the eight cities which make up the 72nd Assembly District will?
Christopher Kling, President
Greater Laguna Beach GOP
Laguna Beach
Misinformation is circulating about Measure Q
There has been much misinformation circulating about Measure Q in columns and in the letters to the editor written by developers, REALTORS® and architects. The PAC, Citizens for Laguna’s Future, has raised more than $10,025 in opposition to Measure Q with 40% coming from developers and REALTORS® in California and 25% from REALTORS® from out of state!
If you want to know who the developers are in town and who supports major development in Laguna Beach, they are the ones displaying the No on Measure Q signs and the Peter Blake signs.
Lagunans who support Measure Q want to preserve and promote the unique charm, architectural heritage and human scale of the village of Laguna Beach. It does this by giving residents the right to vote on major development.
Please consider financially supporting the campaign by mailing a check to Laguna Residents First, P.O. Box 285, Laguna Beach, Calif. 92652, or at least by publicly endorsing Measure Q by emailing a supportive statement to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Johanna Felder
Laguna Beach
A solution looking for a problem – Why Measure Q is bad for the community
Good intentions are often paved with unrealized consequences. A group calling themselves Laguna Residents First has put forward a complex and untenable initiative whose goal is to set guidelines governing development both small and large. Perhaps there are some reasonable concerns amongst their group. They often cite other cities who have created development standards as a method of controlling what most would consider “over-development.” Bravo to those cities.
What is overlooked here is that our community has had extremely ridged development standards on the books for decades and hats off to those who crafted them. In their time they were appropriate. Decades later many of these guidelines are still in place however we are living under very different circumstances. Laguna Beach has a reputation as a city of “NO!” In fact, the only major development that has occurred in the last 15 or 20 years has been the Montage Resort which many opposed but now has proven to be a great asset to our community.
What the Laguna Residents First initiative seems to forget is that we already have some very difficult policies and commercial design guidelines in place in terms of development. The example that they continue to use as a reason for Measure Q was the proposed Museum Hotel project in North Laguna. It came before the planning commission more than three years ago for a concept review and was immediately sent packing. There were so many flaws in the project because it didn’t even come close to meeting the policies and guidelines currently in place. Would Measure Q had it been in place made any difference? NO is the answer.
I want to establish a few facts that the proponents of the Measure Q never talk about.
–Since 2017 to date, there have been approximately 36-plus projects that would have been under the purview of Measure Q. Every one of those projects be it a sandwich shop to a hotel remodel would have had to go to a special election.
–The cost of each special election is broken down by the number of registered voters in each community. Laguna Beach has about 18,500 registered voters. The cost of creating a special ballot for each registered voter is about $4.80 to $5.30 plus about .70 for mailing the oversized envelope.
–In Laguna Beach, every time we were to have a special ballot measure election (and to date since 2017 we would have 36), using the numbers from above, each one would cost in the vicinity of $102,000 to $111,000. Total cost to date would be up to $3,800,000.
–So, who pays for the almost four million dollars in costs? Mainly the applicant except for city projects like the new fire station. Then it is our tax money going to work! No one who is interested in bringing an interesting business, housing, restaurant or anything else for that matter would ever consider doing a project in Laguna Beach and this appears to be the goal of Measure Q. STOP ALL PROGRESS IN ITS TRACKS resulting in a city of “papered windows and weathered facades.”
We hear so much about these “developers” waiting in the wings to add high-rise hotels and block-long developments all over town. Time for a little historical context here. We all love our theater. Thank you, Mr. Aufdenkamp! We love the Hotel Laguna. Thanks Mr. Underwood! We love the Coast Inn. Thank you, Mr. Smith! We love the Coast Liquor store. Thank you for your design, Mr. Abel. We also love the Heisler Building, The White House and Pyne Castle. Guess what my friends, these fine folks were ALL developers. Had Q been in place when these historic buildings were proposed, we would not have any of these landmark buildings we all love and cherish today.
No retail applicant, hotel owner, restaurateur or multi-family home developer would touch Laguna Beach knowing that their project would have to go to a special election requiring a majority vote of, (and this is important), a majority of Laguna’s registered voters which means around 9,300 “yes” votes to approve the project. It would cost over a hundred thousand dollars to the applicant not to mention years of delay and an uncertain outcome. Let’s not forget that we currently have a design review board, a planning commission, a city council, a coastal commission, a building department and a fire department all of whom would be and are involved in the review process of all new projects proposed in the city prior to any entitlements being given. We already have stringent commercial development guidelines and policies in place and over the last several years they have been better defined and clarified thanks to our community development staff.
Measure Q is a solution looking for a problem. Don’t be fooled by their misrepresented facts! It is wrong for the times and wrong for Laguna Beach. I urge you to vote NO on Measure Q in November 2022.
Jorg Dubin
47-year resident, artist and planning commissioner
Laguna Beach
Upcoming events at Laguna Art Museum
Check out these upcoming events at Laguna Art Museum (LAM) for the month of October. From a Paul Frank artist workshop and Family Halloween Day to a discussion about the art and life of artist Edgar Payne and a Classic Film Night, there is something for all ages.
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Courtesy of Laguna Art Museum
Create a Julius Jack O’Lantern
–Sunday, Oct. 9 at 12 p.m. – Artist Workshop: Paul Frank
Create a one-of-a-kind Julius Jack O’ Lantern inspired by the colorful and playful world of Paul Frank. The creator of Julius the Monkey, and many more whimsical characters, Frank is an iconic California designer, artist and maker. Join him as he leads the workshop and gives you the opportunity to let your own creativity shine by adding your special touches to your jack o’lantern. All supplies included with ticket. Masks/face coverings are required for the workshop. Limited space available. Advance tickets recommended. Museum members: $150, Non-members: $170. For tickets, click here.
Courtesy of Laguna Art Museum
Have a Spooktacular time at Halloween Day
–Saturday, Oct. 15 at 12 p.m. – Family Halloween Day at LAM
Monsters & Marionettes take over the Laguna Art Museum for a family-friendly Halloween celebration. Enjoy a spooktacular performance by the Bob Baker Marionette Theater with a showcase of spooky spirits, including Dracula and Vampira, Black Cat and Grumpy Pumpkin. Afterwards, create your own Halloween-inspired art projects to get you in the haunting spirit. Advance tickets recommended. Tickets: Museum members: $20, Non-members: $30. For tickets, click here.
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Courtesy of Laguna Art Museum
Storytime Saturday
–Saturday, Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. – Storytime Saturday: Adventures with Finn and Skip: Forest by Brendan Kearney
Bring literature to life during a participatory storytime that will have you making and moving. On the fourth Saturday of each month, LAM will craft a storytelling experience inspired by a museum artwork or exhibition to foster children’s understanding of the role of art in their lives. Read-alouds will be supplemented with mindfulness exercises, art-making projects or in-gallery activities that promote meaningful connections with caregivers and others. Sessions are designed for PreK-2 learners and their families.
This month’s session: Adventures with Finn and Skip: Forest by Brendan Kearney, with a comic activity that tells stories of us growing alongside nature.
Tickets: Museum members: $7, Non-members: $14.
The Segerstrom Foundation provides free admission for children under 12 years of age. Tickets are required for accompanying adults only. To register and to purchase tickets, click here.
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Courtesy of Laguna Art Museum
Discussion of Edgar Payne’s art and life
–Sunday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. – The Art & Life of Edgar Payne
Join Curatorial Fellow Jean Stern as he discusses the life and art of Edgar A. Payne with a slide-illustrated lecture on one of California’s most important artists. Born in Missouri, Payne was essentially a self-taught artist. He came to Southern California in 1911 and fell in love with the beauty of the landscape. He was one of the first artists to paint in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and became one of the founders and first president of the Laguna Beach Art Association.
The lecture will feature archival photographs and show numerous examples of his works. It will last approximately 45 minutes, with time afterwards for questions and answers. Tickets: Museum members: $7, Non-members: $14. For tickets, click here.
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Courtesy of Laguna Art Museum
1922 silent horror film
–Sunday, Oct. 30 at 6 p. m. – Classic Film Night: Häxan
Häxan, a possible inspiration to William Mortensen, is a 1922 silent horror film that imagines the occult world of witches from the Middle Ages through the 20th century. Filled with nightmarish scenes of pagan practices and satanic worship, this film will surely put you in the mood for Halloween. Complimentary popcorn and candy available for a complete theater experience. Advance tickets recommended. Museum members: $7, Non-members: $14. For tickets, click here.
Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. For more information, visit www.lagunaartmuseum.org.
Meet Pet of the Week Ruby
Ruby is currently taking over Pet of the Week. She is a 6-month-old brown and black boxer mix who is spayed. Ruby is extremely sweet and playful. She will need a standard sized home and does well with other dogs or pets around.
Nancy Goodwin, shelter director, is hoping to have Ruby adopted as soon as possible.
Courtesy of the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter
Meet Ruby, a sweet boxer mix, is looking for a new home
The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter adoption procedures are designed to make sure that both the potential family and the animal adopted are in the very best situation possible. Due to their approach to adoption, their return rate is five percent as compared to the national return rate of 50 percent.
The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter is located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Road. Call 949.497.3552, or go to the website for information on adoption procedures, www.puplagunabeach.org/our-pets.php.
Susi Q talk: Why special planning is needed for retirement accounts
Michael Simon, an estate planning attorney and a Laguna Beach resident, will be speaking on “Retirement Account Planning” at the Susi Q Center on Friday, Oct. 14 from 1-2:30 p.m. There is no charge to attend the presentation.
Simon’s presentation will include a discussion about important new rules related to retirement accounts, how to choose beneficiaries for retirement accounts and how to avoid common mistakes with retirement accounts. The information presented will benefit those who are just beginning to save for retirement as well as those who have already retired.
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Michael Simon
The presentation will be the fourth of a six-part Fall 2022 Workshop Series, “It’s Your Estate,” hosted by Financial & Estate Literacy, Inc. Peter Kote and Trevor Murphy, licensed professional fiduciaries who are moderating the series.
The series is unique because it is sponsored by many Orange County charities including Laguna Beach Seniors, Laguna Canyon Foundation, Blue Bell Foundation, American Heart Association, CHOC Foundation, Mary’s Path, Newport Library Foundation, Pacific Symphony, Providence Mission Hospital Foundation, Susan Komen of Orange County & Inland Empire & San Diego and City of Orange Library Foundation.
The series is purely educational – no presenter will receive or request an attendee’s contact information, no for-profit sponsorships are allowed such as brokers, insurance or banks and the workshop series promotes tax-wise giving after you have taken care of yourself and your family. For more information on the workshop series (offer Zoom sessions as well), visit www.IYME.org.
“We are lucky here in Laguna to have Susie Q and Laguna Beach Seniors to provide programs on important topics that benefit our community,” said Simon. “I am happy to share this important information with the Laguna Beach community and to provide people an opportunity to ask questions and learn in a safe environment.”
Susi Q Center is located at 380 Third Street, Laguna Beach.
Amy Gross graces the pages of Neiman Marcus catalog
Modeling has always been a sideline to the full-time pursuits of Laguna Beach’s Amy Gross, especially when she was a young-ranked tennis player on the professional circuit. She was approached by various sporting goods brands and fashion houses including FILA, Adidas, Lacoste and Rossignol to model during her competitive years.
Now, in her early 50s, Gross is again finding modeling opportunities, most recently as one of the first-ever customers and non-contract models featured in luxury retailer Neiman Marcus’ new Fall 2022 “The Book” catalog.
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Amy Gross featured on the pages of Neiman Marcus’ “The Book” catalog
“Amy has a very special, long-standing relationship with her Neiman Marcus style advisor and was selected to tell us her story,” according to a statement by the company. She was photographed in June by renown celebrity photographer Eric Ray Davidson at one of the homes she shares with husband Bill Gross, Orange County philanthropist and co-founder of the PIMCO bond trading firm at the Vintage Club in Indian Wells.
Gross was photographed in Balmain, Tom Ford and Armani, as well as in the bathrobe that was selected as the final published photo – in which she appeared both glamorous and relaxed, the ultimate combination many women aspire to today.
“Fashion speaks to me in a way sports never did,” said Gross, who attended the Gucci show and other events at Milan Fashion Week in Italy in late September. “In fashion, it is so much more about the art of the designer and how it transforms one into something different and special.”
Dennis’ Tidbits
By DENNIS McTIGHE
October occurrences
Now it’s October and just about anything can happen during our 10th month, including some of our hottest days. October’s average high-low temp is around 74-59 degrees or thereabouts. Laguna’s hottest October day occurred on October 1, 1987, with a sizzling 102 at water’s edge thanks to the hot, dry northeast winds resulting from the first major Santana wind event.
Anytime now we’ll see our first Santana event. The average date of that first event is around October 10. Other 100-degree days in October were 101 on October 9 and 10 with 101 and October 8, 1959 and October 11, 1971. The record high of 102 occurred on October 1, 1987. There have been a few 97s along the way as well, including that horrible day on October 27, 1993, the day Laguna lost 435 homes to an out-of-control wildfire. Tidbits lost everything he owned except the clothes he was wearing that day.
Laguna’s chilliest October low temp was 39 degrees on October 20 of 1971. Average October rainfall here in town is a little less than a half inch. Our wettest Octobers were 6.57 inches in 2004 from a couple of surprise visits from an atmospheric river. October 1987 saw Laguna collect 2.37 inches and third place goes to 1996, when we collected 1.51 inches. The average October ocean temp is around 66 degrees, but it’s been as warm as 73 degrees in 1997 and as cold as 57 in 1978.
“The Thing” – continued from September 1939: The National Hurricane Center didn’t begin naming tropical systems until 1950, so I gave this monster storm the name “The Thing.” By September 17, the monster storm had beefed up into a strong Category 4 with sustained winds of 150 mph with a central pressure down to 930 millibars. It sped to the west at 18mph and late in the evening of the 17th, it was a Category 5 with winds of 162 mph with a central pressure of 924 millibars. This monster was huge, nearly 700 miles across!
On the 18th, the storm was even stronger with winds up to 180mph thanks to a huge pool of water up to nearly 90 degrees fueled by a mega El Niño that year. The system continued on its westerly course as its center was nearly 850 miles SSW of the tip of Baja. There were no worries at that stage of the game, but on the 19th, “The Thing” suddenly made a sharp right turn and began trucking to the NNW – while maintaining its strength at a Category 5 with winds of 175 mph with a central pressure down to 907 millibars.
By September 20, the system was located about 700 miles to the SW of Baja’s tip, still well out to sea. On the 20th, “The Thing” took on a more northerly to NNE course. It was about 700 miles WSW of the tip of Baja, while maintaining its Category 5 status. Giant swells were beginning to march toward the west coast of Baja and the coast of Southern California as a record heat wave was baking all of Southern California.
On the 21st, the monster storm found itself about 650 miles to the west of Baja’s tip as it began to slow down a bit. It was now moving to the NNE at 14 mph and was still a very strong Category 4, and that course would have had Southern California as its target within three or four days. The next day, the 22nd, “The Thing” was only about 700 miles to the SSW of Laguna – as it maintained its course as a Cat. 4.
On the 23rd, a stream of tropical clouds began to flow northward into Southern California, meaning the outermost bands of the storm had reached our coast. It maintained its NNE course, now a Cat. 3 at 400 miles to our SSW. Ocean temps off our coast were a ridiculous 78-80 degrees, which was plenty warm enough for the storm to hold its own.
Stay tuned for next week’s Stu News Laguna as we cover “ The Thing’s “ final assault on Southern California.
Until then, ALOHA!
Locally composed: Laguna Beach’s Artist in Resident premieres site-specific piece
By THERESA KEEGAN
This story is a part of our Arts section. Visit www.stunewslaguna.com/arts for more arts stories as well as our arts calendars.
Summer may be over, but the premiere of Laguna Beach Suite: From the Canyons to the Sea brought the Festival of the Arts facility to life on September 24. In fact, the music seemed to resonate off the canyon walls which inspired part of the suite by composer Pamela Madsen.
“I love site-specific work,” she said, and as the Laguna Beach 2020 Artist in Residence, she was thrilled to bring her nationally recognized talent to fruition in her own hometown, albeit two years later than originally planned.
“I go into a place and listen carefully. I listen to all the sounds in the environment and bring them into my music.” And during 2020, as COVID changed everything, the sounds of Laguna Beach were no exception.
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Photo by Theresa Keegan
Composer Pamela Madsen introduced her work during its world premiere at the Festival of Arts on September 24. As the Laguna Beach Artist in Resident, she composed “Laguna Beach Suite: From the Canyons to the Sea” in 2020.
Finding the sounds in silence
Madsen wandered about a town that was largely vacant and, to an untrained ear, seemingly quiet. There were no throngs of tourists laughing, shouting or talking. Crashing ocean waves were not offset by car engines racing past.
“The quiet of the town was really amazing for me as a composer,” she said. “That just washed over me. The streets were empty. I could wander through the streets – I didn’t have to worry about cars – and I thought of the significance of the years and what it was like 100 years ago, with poets and artists and the origins of our town as an artists’ colony.”
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Courtesy of Pamela Madsen
Composer Pamela Madsen is also a professor of music composition and theory at Cal State Fullerton and specializes in site-specific compositions
Reflecting Laguna Beach’s history
While some felt alienated by the orange construction fencing keeping them from the beach, Madsen experienced a welcoming feeling.
“I went every day to the ocean to be inspired and to listen,” she said.
She realized that, despite all the changes, there were fundamental scenarios taking place that also took place a century earlier when the country was emerging from the Spanish Flu pandemic, the scars of the Civil War were still fresh and economic and social divisions were creating havoc.
In addition to being a composer, Madsen is also a historian and theorist.
“I’m allowed to shine a light on things that are beautiful or need listening to,” she explained of her music. “It is not just what I’m hearing – they’re not just songs – but they’re songs that have a social impact as well – social issues and concerns are highlighted.”
In addition to her landscape-inspired creations (she also produces an annual piece for Crystal Cove and has received funding from the National Endowment for the Arts), Madsen is a professor at Cal State Fullerton and her opera Why Women Went West just premiered to rave reviews. Excerpts from the opera were presented by Brightwork newmusic, featuring soprano Stacey Fraser, at the Festival show before the suite was performed.
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Photo by Theresa Keegan
The Eric Dries Trio, including Eric Dries, Trevor Ware, Peter Buck and vocalist Meloney Collins are joined on stage with composer Pamela Madsen following their performance of Laguna Beach Suite
While composing Laguna Beach Suite, Madsen delved into the past with vigor, including discovering poetry that reflected the three composition areas: Main Beach, Heisler Park and Village Entrance – from the Canyon to the Sea. Initially, there was to be one piece for each area and it would be performed on site. But when COVID restrictions made three unique gatherings a thing of the past, Madsen shifted gears, decided on one performance and added another sequence to each piece. The Laguna Beach Suite, which is now about a 30-minute performance, is enhanced with the lengthier compositions.
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Comedy Night fundraising gala at FOA grounds to support Extraordinary Lives Foundation
Extraordinary Lives Foundation (ELF) – a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving children’s mental health and wellness – will present its annual Comedy Night fundraiser on Wednesday, Oct. 19 on the scenic Festival of Arts grounds. This year’s featured comedians include headliner George Wang, Lowell Benjamin and comedian/host Frances Dilorinzo.
More than 200 guests are expected to attend the lively evening featuring a silent auction, dinner and comedy show. Headliner George Wang Jr. is an actor, professional comedian and skate coach known for his Cruzzin with Laffter Comedy Show, Inside the Laughter and What’s Up Fool? podcast.
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Headliner comedian George Wang Jr.
Lowell Benjamin is a professional comedian and cohost of You Don’t Know Schiff podcast and the quick witted, creator of Dry Bar Comedy Special, Frances Dilorinzo, returns for the third year as fundraising host.
According to ELF Founder and CEO Mara James, “While this evening will bring a fun evening of light and laughter, it also sheds awareness and generates funding for our important children’s mental health and wellness programs.”
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(L-R) ELF Founder/CEO Mara James, Fritz Coleman and 2022 Host Frances Dilorinzo
An estimated one in five children have a diagnosable mental health condition and funds from the Comedy Night will fund ELF’s Piggie Bear educational resources to increase children’s emotional development and their HUGS for Life Healing Center bridging the gap between mental health medical professionals and holistic healers.
The evening is cocktail attire and begins at 6 p.m. with social hour and silent auction followed by dinner, comedy show and live auction at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $225 and a limited number of tables of 10 and sponsorship opportunities are still available.
To register for the Comedy Night, visit www.charityauctionstoday.com/t/elfgala22-495ff0ea0f and for general information about ELF, visit www.elfempowers.org.
Festival of Arts is located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Free valet parking will be available.
&Art’s inaugural open studio gathering takes place on October 8
Mark your calendar for &Art’s inaugural free open studio gathering taking place on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 4-10 p.m. at 2535 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.
Featured resident artists include Stephanie Bachiero, Candice Brokenshire, Jorg Dubin, Katlin Evans, Mark Garry, Colas Moore, along with guest artists Baldemar Fierro, Jim Olarte, Emily Howell and Tyler Brooks.
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Artist Stephanie Bachiero’s, “Helix,” 2020, engineered aerospace composite and automotive lacquer, 24 x 22 x 22
Beginning at 7 p.m., music will be provided by Ben Wagner & Friends and The Sherman Underwood.
Festivities include artwork for appreciation and acquisition, live music, yard games, a photo booth and a taco guy. Please bring your own beverage.
There is no onsite parking, so attendees are encouraged to use Lyft, Uber, a cab or Laguna Beach Local (a free service). The lot is located on the outbound side of Laguna Canyon Road. No parking is allowed at the main campus lot.
For more details, follow them @andArtLaguna on Instagram.
Avran Fine Art presents a special show with artists T Barny and Blu Smith
Avran Fine Art is holding a special show featuring artists T Barny and Blu Smith on Saturday, Oct. 8. Sculpture and painting come together in this show for a colorful, abstract and unique experience.
Come meet the artists in this joint show taking place from 6-9 p.m. There will be wine and light bites.
The event is free to attend, but please RSVP here.
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Photos courtesy of Avran Fine Art
Artist T Barny
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Artist Blu Smith
Avran Fine Art is located at 540 S. Coast Highway #106, Laguna Beach.
Gallery Q’s far-reaching approach welcomes a variety of artists with themes ranging from cultural fusion to celebrating nature
By THERESA KEEGAN
This story is a part of our Arts section. Visit www.stunewslaguna.com/arts for more arts stories as well as our arts calendars.
Leave it to Laguna Beach to not only have a community and senior center, but to also have a gallery within this civic-minded structure.
“We’re very pleased we can show artwork in this setting,” said Bill Atkins, art director for Gallery Q, which is located within the Susi Q Center. He explained the gallery is a labor of love and is essential to the community because of the diverse artists who can be represented.
In a town that has juried shows and exclusive galleries, Gallery Q is a welcome beacon for artists who may be intimidated to try elsewhere.
“We are open to artists of all levels and all ages,” said Judy Baker, who wears the dual hat of finance manager and Gallery Q arts coordinator. “It’s a nice opportunity for them to exhibit here, especially if they haven’t had the courage to try for a festival or if they’re new in the area. “
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Photo by Bill Atkins
The mantle in the elegant and inviting library room at the Susi Q doubles as part of the Gallery Q display area
The gallery is a great leveling ground, with new artists mingling with established artists who are veterans at the Sawdust Festival or Festival of the Arts.
Atkins says the planning for Gallery Q’s five annual shows starts in January when he and Baker meet to decide the exhibition titles. Although they mix it up throughout the year in the fall, for the past five years, they’ve been thrilled to dovetail with the Laguna Art Museum’s popular Art & Nature Festival.
“This is always a popular show,” said Atkins. “Everyone loves nature, especially artists.” According to Baker, the synergy by having artists at the Gallery Q pursue a topic at the same time as the Laguna Art Museum is energizing. “It just gets the whole community involved. We really like to collaborate with other organizations.”
Pieces for the show will be accepted on October 13 at the Susi Q and the exhibition will run from October 19-December 14. As with all Gallery Q shows, there will be an elaborate public reception, with wine, music and food, this year on October 21 starting at 5 p.m.
“We often have over 120 people at receptions,” Baker said of the 90-minute indoor and outdoor event. “People love meeting the artists and talking with them, and the artists love showing off their work.”
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Courtesy of Susi Q
Organizers gathered during last year’s opening reception of the Gallery Q Nature exhibit including, (L-R): Judy Baker, Gallery Q arts coordinator; Carole Zavala, Gallery Q founder; Julie Perlin Lee, Laguna Art Museum executive director; Bill Atkins, Gallery Q art director and Nadia Babayi, Laguna Beach Seniors executive director
In addition to the people who come specifically to see the work at Gallery Q, hundreds of others see the art as they pass through the center’s hallways and in the five rooms where classes and meetings are held.
In fact, it was the organic, constant foot traffic, as well as the lovely lighting, that inspired artist Carole Zavala, more than a decade ago, to establish a gallery in the community building said Atkins.
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Courtesy of Susi Q
The opening receptions for the Gallery Q shows attract a variety of people from throughout the community and offer artists a chance to meet with the public
Although it took a few years, grants and a lot of determination to get Gallery Q established, it is now on steady footing explained Baker, and it operates with a budget under $10,000 annually. It is all museum-quality hanging and lighting options – a feature few community galleries could ever imagine. As a nonprofit, the gallery does not handle sales of artists’ work, but Baker is able to connect potential buyers with artists who have expressed a willingness to sell. Each show always has a few pieces that sell and Baker said she is probably the most ardent consumer, as she walks past the displays daily on her way to the office.
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Photo by Bill Atkins
The fully functioning museum-quality display system throughout the building allows all the art shown in Gallery Q to hang without ever having to hammer a nail in a wall
“There’s always a piece or two that just really speaks to me,” Baker laughed.
In addition to the Nature Show, this year Gallery Q hosted a popular show entitled Animals: Wild and Not so Wild.
“Many artists approached me concerned because they didn’t paint animals,” recalled Atkins.
“I told them to just have fun with it; I even suggested maybe it could be a picture of their ex. Don’t just say, ‘I don’t do animals so I’m not going to participate.’ If you can make the title work, it’s great. We just want artists to enjoy themselves.”
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Laguna College of Art + Design presents Parallel Disasters
Laguna College of Art + Design’s BFA program in Drawing and Painting is presenting Parallel Disasters, an exhibition of paintings at LCAD Gallery. The opening reception takes place Saturday, Oct. 6 from 6-9 p.m. The exhibition is on display through November 13.
Tornados engulfing the skies above familiar suburban landscapes, specters of the Confederacy hovering over shells of spacious single-family homes; such fantastic and haunting scenes characterize Parallel Disasters, a two-artist exhibition of paintings by John Brosio and Perin Mahler.
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Courtesy of LCAD
“After School,” oil on canvas, 2002, 36 X 48 by artist John Brosio
Rooted in crisis and speculation, both personal and social, Brosio and Mahler’s paintings peer into uncharted territories rife with new systems of logic, possibility and risk. Mahler and Brosio’s works ring urgently in a climate – social, political, environmental and otherwise – that increasingly demands new resolve to address looming catastrophes, but also possibilities. Answering the call to interrogate the past and present, and prepare for an uncharted beyond, Mahler’s mise en scénes set a framework with which to make sense of contemporary chaos and crisis, while Brosio thrusts us into worlds that demand new language. Both challenge us to reconsider what it means to be in control.
LCAD Gallery admission is free. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
LCAD Gallery is located at 374 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach. For more information, visit www.lcad.edu.
Festival of Arts accepting applications for the 2023 Fine Art Show
Calling all Orange County artists! One of the nation’s most prestigious and highly competitive art exhibitions, the Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach is now accepting artist applications for the 2023 juried fine art show. Heading into its 91st season, the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show showcases original artwork from more than 100 of Orange County’s finest artists, attracting worldwide audiences of more than 200,000 during the two-month summer season.
Artists interested in applying for the 2023 Fine Art Show are required to submit three digital images per media and complete an online application on the Festival’s website by clicking here – by Monday, Oct. 31. Artists applying to the Festival of Arts must be able to show that they have resided in Orange County for at least one year prior to October 31 by 4 p.m. Jurying fees are $50 per medium submitted. The Festival jurors score the submitted artwork based on excellence of craftsmanship; facility with media; excellence in the use of design elements and professional presentation.
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Photo by Robert Hansen
Applications for the 2023 FOA Fine Art Show must be in by October 31
The Orange County Center for Contemporary Art (OCCCA) will host a free seminar to share all the necessary information on the Festival’s application and jurying process on Sunday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The event will include a presentation by Festival of Arts Exhibits Director Christine Georgantas and also offer the opportunity for attendees to meet current and past Festival of Arts exhibitors.
The seminar will be hosted at OCCCA, located at 117 N. Sycamore St., Santa Ana. Click here to reserve a spot by Wednesday, Oct. 5. Refreshments will be served.
For questions on the seminar, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., call 949.464.4205, or visit the FOA artist event page by clicking here.
The Festival of Arts, a non-profit 501(c)(3), has always been a local leader that has helped with the growth and development of the community and the arts in Laguna Beach. Established in 1932, the Festival of Arts’ mission is to promote, produce and sponsor events and activities that encourage the appreciation, study and performance of the arts. For more than 90 years, the Festival of Arts has produced two world-class events: The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. Together both shows attract more than 200,000 visitors into Laguna Beach. For general information, visit www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org, or call 949.494.1145.
To stay up to date on all things Festival of Arts, follow the Festival on social media at @FestivalPageant and visit www.foapom.com.
PMMC is calling all “Ocean Heroes”
The ocean is critical to all life on Earth and we are fortunate enough to have it as an accessible feature in our own backyard. All the more reason for kids in Orange County to learn more about it, the inhabitants that live there and how we can protect it. You can get your kids involved in ocean science and conservation through an awesome STEM program opportunity at Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) called “Ocean Heroes.” This highly engaging after school science club for children, ages 8-12, meets once a month for four months and exposes youngsters to a diversity of marine mammals and the ecosystems in which they reside though presentations, activities, experiments and art.
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Photos courtesy of PMMC
Children making notes while observing elephant seals
This fall, kiddos learn about some unusual marine mammals found in different parts of the world and why those animals and areas are important to us all, including the Tucuxi dolphin, the Minke whale, the crab eater seal and the right whale dolphin. Students play a game to “balance the biome” in the Amazon River basin to help save the Tucuxi and their habitat, work together in teams to tackle a STEM challenge to reduce vessel strikes along Minke whales’ migration routes and experience the effects of biomagnification of pollution in the food web through an interactive game. After learning how counter shading on marine mammals helps them camouflage from predators and prey, youth get crafty creating their own animal with adaptation to survive in the big blue.
The ultimate inspiration comes from the patients at PMMC’s marine mammal hospital. Children learn about their local furry marine mammals when they get a rare tour inside critical care areas of the facility where seals and sea lions are nursed back to health. Additionally, they have the opportunity to observe the animals each session, hear their stories, and talk with the experts that rescue and care for them. Each student receives a picture of their very own adopted animal to take home.
By the end of the program, youngsters are motivated and inspired to tackle the threats these animals currently face in the wild through ocean stewardship actions shared with them during the sessions. The fun doesn’t end there, as another series of Ocean Heroes sessions is offered in the spring, delving into a variety of “Mystery Mammals” in the sea.
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Using microscopes to discover patient ailments
Parents weigh in on PMMC’s after school programming through program evaluations. Here is what they have to say: “Wonderful loving, passionate and knowledgeable teachers. Thank you!”
“After the class, my daughter would tell anyone that would listen all about it! Incredible program for any child interested in the ocean and marine life. Thank you!”
“What a FABULOUS, highly informative and relevant series of information for our children in today’s world! As a parent, I want my children to know more than just information, but also to learn material that is impactful and can help them to take care of our world and be a contributing and concerned citizen in the world in which they live. This is a responsibility we all need to embrace and appreciate.”
To learn more and sign up your own ocean enthusiasts, go to www.pacificmmc.org/ocean-heroes. Don’t delay! Ocean Heroes begins at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7.
Pacific Marine Mammal Center is located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. For more information, visit www.pacificmmc.org.
Tickets nearly gone for Taste of Laguna
Tickets are nearly gone and VIP tickets are all sold out for the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce’s signature event, Taste of Laguna Food & Music Festival. The Taste features tasty bites from some of the area’s best restaurants and food artisans, in addition to the amazing sounds of The Mighty Untouchables on Thursday, Oct. 13 from 5-10 p.m. at the Festival of Arts grounds.
The participating restaurants, bakers and food artisans will be serving up delicious culinary creations. The 2022 Taste of Laguna Food & Music Festival has defiantly become the event of the year.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
The Taste of Laguna Beach will feature delicious culinary creations
“We are excited to welcome so many wonderful restaurants,” said Erin Slattery, president-CEO of the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Participating restaurants include: Ahba, Alessa By Chef Pirozzi, Broadway By Amar Santana, Carmelita’s, C’est La Vie, Crumbl Cookies, Comedor, Driftwood, Filo’s Gelato, Finney’s Crafthouse, Freelance Coffee Project, Hendrix, Jedidiah Coffee, Kitchen in the Canyon, Larsen, Nick’s Laguna Beach, Pizza Bar Laguna Beach, Oak Laguna Beach, Ristorante Rumari, Roux Creole Cuisine, Rum Social, South of Nick’s Laguna Beach, Splashes, Tango, Terra Laguna Beach, The Cliff, The Loft-Montage Laguna Beach, The Rooftop and Wine Gallery.
Ticket prices are $85 for general admission. This is a 21+ event.
To register, visit the website at www.TasteofLaguna.org, or call 949.494.1018.
Festival of Arts is located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.
Beth’s Tuesdays returns to the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center on October 11
Same Beth, different Tuesday. Historically, Laguna Live!’s singer songwriter showcase, Beth’s Tuesdays, hosted by Beth Fitchet Wood, would take place on the first Tuesday of every month. After a two-month sabbatical, Beth will be back in the saddle on October 11, the second Tuesday of the month. Going forward, the second Tuesday will be the usual date for Beth and her guests. Guests for October are Tracy Ann Newman and CEJ.
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Photo by James F. Dean
Tracy Ann Newman
Tracy Ann Newman is an American television producer, writer, comedian and musician. Newman is a founding member of the improvisational theater troupe The Groundlings (as is her sister, Laraine Newman). She was co-creator and executive producer of the sitcom According to Jim (2001-2009). She is also a singer and songwriter, as well as an early member of The New Christy Minstrels and lead singer of Tracy Newman and The Reinforcements. She is the mother of artist/writer Charlotte Dean, with whom she co-directs the live comedy show Charlotte’s Shorts.
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Courtesy of LagunaLive!
CEJ
CEJ’s first CD, Sleepwalker In Paradise, landed on the Folk-DJ Top Albums list 2014. His next two CDs, Clovis Man (2017) and Adobe Road (2019) have expanded his radio presence. Friend Of The Sky, was released in the fall of 2020 and shows promise of outrunning the previous releases.
“CEJ is one of our favorite soulful, storyteller song writers,” said Fitchet Wood. “He travels the world as a therapist working with military veterans suffering from PTSD. If that isn’t grist for the songwriting mill, I don’t know what is. But his sensitive and insightful take on the world makes for wonderful music.”
Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and available at www.lagunalive.org, or by calling 949.715.9713.
Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center is located at 235 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach.
No Square Theatre brings Access Excellence program to young vocalists in preparation for auditions
Get cast with Access Excellence! No Square Theatre is bringing expert advice to young people who plan to audition for any kind of singing role. Children and teens ages 11-18 now have affordable access to instruction and the “inside knowledge” of successful professionals in theater entertainment thanks to a new program, Access Excellence. The program consists of two opportunities – Square One and Square Two.
Learning how to audition well is the secret to success in musical theater. Casting decisions are sometimes based on factors you can’t control (age, height, vocal range), but consistently good auditions and call-backs are the key to long-term success.
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Courtesy of No Square Theatre
Student rehearsals
SQUARE ONE: The vocal audition
Who’s teaching? Respected professional entertainers and educators with decades of experience in the industry from L.A. to Broadway and around the world: Bree Burgess Rosen, Roxanna Ward, Ella Wyatt, Sabrina Harper and Susan Geiser.
How long is it? Twelve hours of instruction (six two-hour classes), beginning November 1, plus two performances on December 10. The performances will simulate actual audition experience and entertain friends and family.
What does it cost? $50 (scholarships available).
How do I prepare? Sign up at www.nosquare.org and attend classes. They’ll provide the rest.
What will I learn?
–A great song for you to use at auditions. At the first class, they’ll help you figure out your range and match you up with an audition piece. You’ll be provided with the sheet music and a rehearsal recording of that song so you can come to the next lesson prepared to work on it.
–Confidence that comes from knowing the procedures, vocabulary and what happens in an audition, as well as the tools to present your best self.
–How to choose audition pieces in the future, for any show role. What vocal material shows off your skills? Age-appropriate lyrics, ballad or upbeat, character or specialty songs, standard, or less well known? Learn how to select the right range and style for each show and role.
–What to know about your material’s source, composer, lyricist and performance history.
–Audition etiquette. How to dress, stand, slate, enter, exit, take applause and direction, prepare and present material to an accompanist (or secure an edited audio track).
–Some basics of singing, dance, acting as applied to the musical audition. How to interpret lyrics and correctly use phrasing and dynamics to present the most important element of a vocal audition: Telling the story.
–How to use character voices to cover range challenges, protect the instrument and support strong acting choices.
–How to warm up, improve memorization skills, and care for the vocal instrument and body.
–How to talk the talk with accompanists and musical directors. Sight reading at your call-back, music fundamentals.
–What to expect and how to plan for call-backs.
–What’s expected in a résumé.
–How to do homework and research for auditions: Breakdown, find sheet music and accompaniment tracks, edit charts or tracks to requested length (32 bars, 16 bars, for example). Basic audio editing for audition purposes (with Audacity software, provided).
–How best to add to your repertoire of audition and performance material.
To register, visit www.nosquare.org.
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Courtesy of No Square Theatre
Vocalist rehearsal
SQUARE TWO: The remote audition
Additional help with self-recordings for remote university and scholarship submissions.
–How to present a quality video, appropriate for university and scholarship applications when requested.
–Students with performance experience or who have completed Square One.
–You rehearse your selected song, scene, or dance over time, and schedule a date and time to return to the theater with a deep understanding and polished interpretation of your material. Their directors will then help you polish and record your submission.
–This support is available to any student seeking higher education in any musical theater discipline: Dance, acting, or voice.
How long is it?
Approximately two hours, as needed to create your best video.
What does it cost? This is a free support service provided by No Square Theatre to the community.
To register visit www.nosquare.org.
No Square Theatre is located at 384 Legion Street, Laguna Beach. No Square Theatre is sponsored by lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach, Patrick Quilter, Dorene & Lee Butler Family Foundation, Yvonne & John Browning, Chris Quilter, Rotary Club of Laguna Beach, FOA Foundation and Laguna Real Estate Charitable Assistance Fund.
Access Excellence is made possible by a grant from the City of Laguna Beach.
Police Beat Primer
Compiled by Suzie Harrison
Police Beat derives from information in the daily police and arrest logs published on the City of Laguna Beach’s website and required under CA Government Code Section 6254 (f). Additional information is obtained through communication with the Laguna Beach Police Department’s Public Information Officer.
Information in the logs is deemed reliable and Stu News Laguna is not responsible for any mistakes made available as public record by the Laguna Beach Police Department.
Any person arrested is innocent until found guilty in a court of law.
