Rivian theater project moves forward after appeal is withdrawn

By SARA HALL

In an 11th hour development, an appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval of the Rivian reuse and remodel project at South Coast Cinemas was withdrawn during a meeting this week.

Before moving on to the regular agenda on Tuesday (February 23), Laguna Beach City Council dealt with the announcement of the withdrawal of the appeal. After a recap of the agreement between the appellant, the Laguna Beach Historic Preservation Coalition, and Rivian, Council unanimously approved the withdrawal of the appeal, 4-0. Councilmember George Weiss recused himself from the discussion and vote (to accept the withdrawal of the appeal) because he spoke in front of Planning Commission. 

“That’s wonderful news and thanks again to the parties for working so hard to resolve the appeal,” Mayor Bob Whalen said after the vote. “We look forward to a beautiful new building and a ribbon cutting down there.”

The city worked to ensure the implementation measures are compliant with the approved project and can be approved administratively, so there is no need for the project to return to the Planning Commission or City Council.

The Coalition is very happy with the outcome, Catherina Jurca said during a phone interview on Wednesday. This is how historic preservation projects should happen, she said, with “conversation and compromise.”

The aim is to preserve as much as possible, while still letting Rivian reach their project goals, she said.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

The current South Coast Cinemas building

“Our goal from the beginning was to come up with a solution that would do a better job of preserving and restoring the building and still allow them to meet their project goals,” Jurca said. “I do think it’s an improved project. I don’t think they gave anything up that has a negative impact on their project or that would change their need or use for the building.”

Rivian was “lovely” to deal with, she added, very responsive and amenable to suggestions. They were an ideal partner in this process, she said.

Going forward the Coalition’s role will be informal. They’ll be monitoring any possible changes to the design of the building, Jurca said. They will also provide advice or input and “hope it’s welcome.”

The appeal was filed in regards to an approved exemption for the project, a Class 31 Categorical Exemption (Historic Resource Rehabilitation) under the California Environmental Quality Act.

Since the project is not being appealed, just the CEQA certification, Rivian submitted the terms as “clarifications” for the implementation of a condition listed in the Planning Commission’s approved resolution. The condition is related to design methods for the rehabilitation.

The clarifications are focused on the front façade and two clarifications for the interior.

Rivian Senior Director of Facilities Design Denise Cherry said they worked together to “get to a place where we can all agree.”

She went over all of the clarifications to be implemented, including new front entry doors that will be reconstructed based on the original diamond-patterned wood design, but will also be fully retractable to allow vehicles to go through.

The design will also include reconstruction of missing documented historic features, such as the original marquee, Juliet balcony and French doors, retail storefront fenestration, basket weave-patterned brick courtyard surfacing, windows, wood shutters, and cladding at the ticket booth to conform to the original in design, color, texture, and materials, where possible.

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Submitted photo

Rivian’s rendering for the renovation of South Coast Cinemas; certain changes will be made to preserve historic features such as the original marquee

The lobby and the auditorium ceiling are also both listed in the agreement to be reconstructed in a manner compatible with the original design. The auditorium ceiling will be restored or reconstructed at the original height in smooth acoustic plaster.

Also, Rivian agrees to prepare, submit, and support the nomination of the Laguna theater to the National Register of Historic Places and the Laguna Beach Historic Register within two years after issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

Rivian is aiming to open by the end of the year, but they have to re-evaluate the schedule, Cherry said.

The electric vehicle dealer’s project, located at the historic theaters at 154-162 South Coast Hwy, includes retail space, food, and beverage service, a restored theater with seating reduced from the current 674 seats to 130 seats for public programming, and space to display two Rivian vehicles.

At the meeting, Jurca said the Coalition is excited about Rivian’s commitment to adaptively reusing the New Lynn South Coast Theatre and the company’s agreement to retain, restore, and reconstruct key character defining features.

“Our goal from the beginning has been to improve, not derail this project,” she said. “It has never been our contention that Rivian’s project goals could not be met within the theater building or that Rivian could not alter the building, nor that the building must continue to serve as a movie theater.”

The project was very conceptual at the Planning Commission meeting, Jurca noted during the Wednesday phone interview; a lot of details hadn’t been worked out.

“We wanted more clarity about what would be restored, reconstructed, and altered,” she said.

The minute they filed the appeal they reached out to Rivian, Jurca said. They met for a two-hour Zoom meeting a few weeks ago and have kept in contact hammering out the details, part of which was what Council could actually approve. It had to be within the scope of what was already approved by the Planning Commission.

“The compromise didn’t cost them anything, but it’s more faithful to the original historic design,” Jurca said.

City honors Barbara Diamond with a proclamation and press chair dedication

By DIANNE RUSSELL

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

As another expression of how much she meant to all who knew her, during the City Council Meeting on February 23, the city recognized beloved Barbara F. Diamond as a highly respected and talented Laguna Beach resident and journalist. 

Diamond, 88, an iconic Stu News reporter, died February 10. In her memory, the city honored her work and life with a proclamation and the dedication of a press chair in Council chambers.

Before reading the proclamation, Mayor Bob Whalen said, “We’re going to start the evening out with a bit of a sad note but also with recognition of a life well led by Barbara Diamond, who we all know passed away a couple of weeks ago. She was a legend in the community and served many decades as an outstanding newspaper woman in town, in particular covering city activities.”

Flowers by Joyce's Florist

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Barbara’s chair and desk

PROCLAMATION

IN LOVING MEMORY OF BARBARA F. DIAMOND

WHEREAS, the Laguna Beach City Council would like to express its profound sadness in losing Barbara F. Diamond who was a prominent, highly respected, beloved Laguna Beach legend, resident and journalist; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Diamond was born on November 2, 1932, in Grand Junction, Colorado and she passed from this life on February 10, 2021 in her home in Laguna Beach and is survived by two sons: Kevin Diamond, of Sausalito and Kenny Diamond, of Corte Madero. Her son Paul Diamond preceded her in death; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Diamond grew up in the San Francisco area, studied journalism at Galileo High School in San Francisco, where she was editor of the high school newspaper, covered Wimbledon and was the Editor of “Inside Women’s Tennis,” the official publication for the Women’s Tennis Association, married the Executive Director of the Women’s Tennis Association, and started her family and raised three wonderful sons in Marin County; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Diamond moved to Laguna Beach and began working for the Orange County Register (the News-Post) full-time from 1985 to 2000, and became an icon and trusted journalist at City Hall and the Police Department reporting City information to the community, and joined Stu Saffer with the Coastline News where she continued reporting for another decade when the paper was sold to the Los Angeles Times (the Coastline Pilot); and

WHEREAS, Barbara Diamond, after returning from the Bay Area from caring for her son Paul, re-joined forces with Stu Saffer and Shaena Stabler in the summer of 2016 to write about “whatever she wanted to,” and has been writing two stories every issue, two times per week, plus one column per week, ever since for Stu News Laguna; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Diamond has generously sponsored a personal journalism scholarship to Laguna Beach High School students for decades to help pursue their dreams, and continues to be a staple at all City Council and Planning Commission meetings, as well as community events, with flawless attendance; and

WHEREAS, in her memory, Barbara Diamond shall have a press chair dedicated in her memory in City Council Chambers, near her seat next to the Deputy City Clerk where she sat at numerous City Council meetings.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bob Whalen, Mayor of the City of Laguna Beach, California, do hereby proclaim that Barbara Diamond was a highly respected, trusted, and talented Laguna Beach legend, resident and journalist and will surely be missed.

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Barbara in Council Chambers at her desk before the pandemic

After Mayor Whalen read the proclamation, members of the council offered their comments: 

Mayor Pro Tem Sue Kempf said, “Barbara was an old school professional. She was very thorough, she checked on sources and followed up with questions, rather than just filling in the gaps. I considered her my friend. We had a lot of off-the-record conversations. Her BFD license plate on her car was a riot. She had a deep love for her friends, and she had a lot of friends in town. When I first met her, she reminded me of that gossip columnist Liz Smith because she kind of physically resembled her. Then she’d be covering some social event and she would highlight who would be there. Liz Smith was the Grand Dame of Dish. Barbara was the Grand Dame of Laguna Beach.

“To honor Barbara (BFD), we are having a special chair made with a plaque on the back that says: Barbara Diamond Permanent Press Chair. We have to cover the costs with donations. If you would like to contribute, please send a check to the LB Community Foundation, 580 Broadway, Suite 204, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Very important: in the note section of your check, please write: Barbara Diamond. The total cost of the chair and plaque is $2,100.”

“One thing about COVID-19 was not being able to see Barbara for a council meeting and taking a break and checking out her high heels,” said Councilmember Toni Iseman. “Who had better shoes or legs than Barbara? I can only imagine what she was like as an ace reporter running around getting stories, and I think she took a lot of secrets with her about the world of tennis. To have these last couple of weeks be all about tennis, I know how much fun Barbara would have been having watching what was going on. What other town ever had such an institutional memory like Barbara’s? She was great. I miss her.”

Flowers by Joyce's Florist

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Flowers in memory of Barbara’s legendary reporting

Councilmember Peter Blake remembered an interview with Barbara, “When I first ran for the council, she interviewed me for an hour, and I told her everything that was on my mind and why I was running. When we got done, she said, ‘You know I have to tell you I like you too much to print this article. I want you to just take some time and think about all the things you told me today and all the issues you’re having and the people you’re having them with and call me back and I’ll happily do the interview again.’ But that was Barbara. She wanted to get the story out but at the same time, she wasn’t going to lead you down the path of destruction. Unfortunately, it didn’t work, and I told her to print everything I said. She was great. I really enjoyed getting her phone calls. We had very candid conversations about a lot of things, and I’m going to miss her.”

“I always found Barbara to be a very cheerful and welcoming person and journalist,” said Councilmember George Weiss. “She loved Westies, and so do I. I think she had a few of them in her lifetime. I have to say she lived a good life and passed well at 88. We all miss her. She was a great lady.”

Resident Larry Nokes offered his comments, “When I had my office at 580 Broadway, we had offices adjacent to each other. It was at a time when my daughter McKenna was young and we were starting up a Y Princesses Tribe. Barbara became fascinated by it, and she covered these people all the way through to a point after about four years, the Y gave her the special honor of naming her ‘Princess Running Ink.’ She always got a kick out of that. The other thing that was entertaining about Barbara was her passion for women’s tennis. Her knowledge was incredibly deep. When the Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King film came out, Barbara went nuts and called me and asked me if I’d seen it and told me all the anecdotes. If there were some secrets, there were a few less after that conversation. We love her. We’re going to miss her.”

“As a neighbor and friend and someone who read her column every single issue, it was the first thing I looked at,” said neighbor Matt Lawson. “Earlier in my career, I had the privilege of working with figures of American journalism, and I have to say that within her realm, Barbara was every bit their equal. She had a wonderful sense of humor. She was a wonderful person – even a better person than a journalist. We were richer for having her as part of our community, and we’re poorer for her loss. God bless you, Barbara. I’m sure you’re going to get the story and get it right, wherever you are.”

It’s no coincidence that the presentation of the proclamation to honor her was listed under “Extraordinary Business” on the council agenda – as her friends and colleagues attest, Barbara was an extraordinary woman.

BSA Troop 35 girls earn “Scouting Spirit” District recognition, three achieve Eagle Scout rank

The 15 girls of Scouts BSA Troop 35, chartered by Laguna Presbyterian Church, were honored in OCBSA’s El Camino Real District for their unusual accomplishments in their second year of operation. In 2019, the Scouts BSA (formerly known as the Boy Scouts) welcomed girls to participate in the program, and Troop 35 had 10 who became founding members of the group. 

Two years later, three of these girls have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, placing them among the world’s first female Eagle Scouts. The three also make up an unusually large portion of the total 11 girls who have earned this rank across all of Orange County. 

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Submitted photo

Elizabeth Keyser (on left, member of troop) and Alexandra Keyser, who achieved Eagle Scout rank, with The Spirit Bear

Peter Jensen, commissioner of the El Camino Real district, commented, “The ‘Spirit Bear’ is awarded to the Scouting unit that best exemplifies Scouting Spirit. The district commissioner staff was impressed with all the Troop 35 girls. Not only did three of them join the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts, we were also impressed with how all the girls supported and helped each other, through their Eagle Scout service projects and beyond.” 

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Submitted photo

Alexandra Nottage 

The three girls who achieved the Eagle rank were Alexandra Nottage, Alexandra Keyser, and Ani Hovanesian. Nottage, a seventh grader at Thurston Middle School, taught a series of acting and improvisation classes at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach in order to bolster students’ confidence in speaking in front of an audience. Commenting on the help from her fellow Scouts, she said, “Our troop is a team. We encourage and help each other achieve our goals – Scouting and non-Scouting alike.”

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Submitted photo

Alexandra Keyser

Alexandra Keyser, a junior at Laguna Beach High School, taught yoga, meditation, and gratitude classes to girls from Corona Del Mar High School to impart skills in relieving anxiety and preventing depression. Keyser said of her project, “I was so happy to be able to share these lessons with the young women of my community.” 

Ani Hovanesian, an LBHS sophomore, created a pilot program for the Laguna Beach Boys & Girls Club teaching a week-long Space Camp over the summer. Hovanesian explained, “The purpose of the program was to get kids excited about science, technology, engineering, and math. We did just that, and we felt good that most of them said it was a ton of fun. There was a lot of work preparing for the program, and I could never have done it without the help of my troop.”

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Submitted photo

Ani Hovanesian 

All three girls relied heavily on the support of the other girls in the troop who helped sew puppets, teach yoga classes, and became Space Camp counselors in addition to all the cutting, sorting, sewing, and organizing of supplies for each project. 

The El Camino Real District spirit award is presented monthly to the top unit in southern Orange County from Laguna Hills and Laguna Beach south to San Clemente. Those interested in learning more about boy or girl Troop 35 can learn more at www.lb35.org.

Council votes on hot topics of fuel modification, fire prevention

By SARA HALL

Fuel modifications and fire prevention were the topics of a heated discussion this week.

After about four hours of input, reports, and public comment, Laguna Beach City Council on Tuesday (February 23) approved a portion of the item and directed staff to start an initial study regarding the amendment to the Landscape and Scenic Highways Element of the General Plan, the more hotly contested segment of the item. 

An initial study under the California Environmental Quality Act is not as involved or complex as an Environmental Impact Report. It’s typically used to decide whether to prepare an EIR or a negative declaration.

The approved portion only contained the amendment aimed at streamlining the process for voluntary applications to apply fuel modification standards to properties, Director of Community Development Marc Wiener explained. What a property owner does is at their discretion; the city or LBFD would provide advice, and city fees for those programs would be waived. The exact wording will be finalized at the second reading.

The second vote directed staff to start an initial study regarding amending the Landscape and Scenic Highways Element of the General Plan, and authorize up to $40,000 for a consultant to complete the study, to be appropriated from the general fund available balance.

“I very much want to see these move ahead,” Mayor Bob Whalen said. “I’m convinced we should have an initial study done and it will tell us whether we need to do anything further with CEQA beyond just a negative declaration or not.”

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Courtesy of City of LB

Experienced hand crews work in fuel modification zones to clear brush by hand

Wiener said the initial study process should take about two or three months, possibly six months. Pietig suggested the end of June would be reasonable.

Both votes were unanimous.

There was some general consensus on the Council that something needs to be done, but disagreement about whether the resolution as originally written was the right way to go about it.

There needs to be a balance, Whalen said. The bigger challenge is the defensible space state requirements, which we will have to wrestle with as a community, he said. Change is necessary as this point; it can’t be left as is.

Measure twice, cut once, Councilmember Toni Iseman said. She wants to know more about what we are getting into before moving ahead. There will be compromises, she said, but the City needs to understand any possible CEQA impact. 

There might be unintended consequences, Iseman noted; taking out some of these targeted species may make it harder for other plants to grow. There is a compromise to provide everything needed, but it needs to be done right.

Councilmember Peter Blake strongly supported the item. Safety is the most important issue that they could face as a community, he said. 

“I can’t imagine that we wouldn’t vote for this,” Blake said. “Trees will grow back, people won’t.”

LBFD Fire Chief Mike Garcia led the staff report on the issue. He noted that there was a lot of confusion and misinformation out there and tried to clarify a few key issues.

The concern that it won’t allow for any fences or decks is not true, he explained; it would just require non-combustible material. He also emphasized that it’s a misconception that the resolution will apply to all properties; it’s actually only new construction or major remodels.

The use of “targeted species” was a big part of the conversation during the meeting.

Garcia said the list has been in use on properties that have been newly built or a major remodel in high severity zone since 2012.

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Courtesy of LBFD

A rendering of how the plant list is applied on a property

Wildland fire defense and fuel management consultant Mike Rohde said the list of targeted plants is not “arbitrary” nor was it made up without any scientific backing. It has been researched and documented by credible sources, he explained.

Fire Marshal James Brown spoke about codes and practices. The guidelines allow for quite a robust landscape, he said. 

LBFD provided an example of a home (which is in the early stages, but the plan has been approved) with compliant fuel modification landscaping. The landscape plan has 14 trees on it, including three live oaks, three sycamores, a couple of redbuds, two avocado trees, and a lemon tree. It’s also “thick” with shrubs and succulents, Brown said.

“The fuel mod guidelines do not denude the property,” Brown said. “The property will be rich and vibrant with vegetation and still fire safe, which is really critical for us. I think it meets the needs of everyone.” 

Nearly 50 people spoke up on the issue, almost evenly split. Many speakers suggested the city take one more look at it with more public input before returning to Council.

Many opponents worried about how this would change the aesthetic and character of Laguna Beach. Several argued it will damage the character of Laguna Beach with little actual benefit. It might seem like a good idea in the short-term, but it will cause long-term undesirable changes, they suggested.

Several noted that they want to take precautions, but not in a way that would be detrimental to the beauty of Laguna.

“Everybody is in the same boat. We’d all like to be fire safe and we’d all like to have beautiful homes,” Christina Shook said.

An “unrealistic” home example in the staff report was echoed throughout public comment, as well as concern about what the changes would do to the bird population in town.

Local landscape architect Ann Christoph shared a presentation about protecting trees for Laguna’s vision of the future. The City doesn’t need to give up the trees residents love for fire safety, she said. Applying wildland rules to residential areas in the city just doesn’t fit, she argued. 

“Trees are not the enemy,” she said. 

It’s over-reaching and short-sighted, Carey Strombotne stated. There are still too many questions and too many issues that are open for interpretation, to which Karen Martin agreed.

Several supporters of the amendments mentioned their personal experience with fires, noting that the beauty of the city that many opponents are worried about could be gone in a matter of hours if a fire burned through town. It could become a death trap, some said.

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Courtesy of LBFD

North Emerald Bay during the 1993 Laguna Beach fire

Lucas Hekma said he was here in during the devastating Laguna Beach 1993, and it will happen again. 

“It’s a matter of when, not if,” Hekma said. “It’s not fear-mongering, it’s reality.”

Hopefully some sensible version of this amendment will better contain the damage when it does happen, he added.

A possible cost increase on insurance, or maybe losing it altogether, needs to be considered, several supporters pointed out. If the city is seen as taking inadequate measures in mitigating fire risk, insurance companies will have a legitimate case to stop covering their homes, Hekma said.

The changes are a small price to pay for the safety of people and property, many agreed, as there are lives at stake. Many agreed that doing nothing would be worse and the city should err on the side of safety. 

It’s not demanding that current vegetation be removed, Susan Weidhaas noted. It can still be beautiful within the constraints, others added.

Tim Templeton summed up the two camps of opinion.

“One that says we need defensible space, and we can’t be 100 percent safe, but we must do everything we can. The other camp says the risk of fire does not outweigh the loss of trees natural beauty,” Templeton concluded. “Group one’s worst-case scenario is much worse than group two’s.”

Moonrise wonder

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Last night’s almost full “Snow Moon” moonrise was a sight to behold

Community mourns loss of longtime resident and friend Bruce White

By Tanya A. Yacina

After a yearlong battle with Stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer, longtime Laguna Beach resident and proprietor of the “world-famous” Shark Bite Lounge Bruce R. White died Sunday, Feb 7, at age 68. For the past five years and at the time of his passing, he lived in Corona del Mar with his wife, Suzi. He will be remembered for his vibrancy, living in the moment, and bringing together a community of people.

“He was incredibly talented and creative. He never stopped giving to all of us,” says longtime friend Russell Won of Hawaii. “If it was his Halloween parties or something on the calendar, he always had something planned for it. He kept us together as a family of friends. There was never a dull moment with him around. I will keep on our tradition of what we do.”

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 Submitted photo

Bruce Richard White

Born Bruce Richard White on Jan 1, 1953, he grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and moved to Florida to attend the Florida Institute of Technology where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. After his education, he started to make his way to California and worked in airline management for a few different airlines. He wintered in Lake Tahoe, working at local ski shops and skiing every chance he got. In the mid-1980s, he made his way to Laguna Beach, which he called his home for 33 years until moving to Corona del Mar.

An American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) certified inspector for more than 30 years, White founded Buyers Profile Inc – The Home Inspection Company in 1990, successfully working and coordinating with many local builders, real estate agents, and architects to inspect local homes and offices. 

Laguna Beach Coldwell Banker real estate agent Bill Rolfing utilized White’s services for physical home inspections for his real estate transactions. They had a 30-year history of “climbing around Laguna Beach homes” together. 

“Professionally, Bruce was a stellar inspector. I used his services for 30 years and though many referred to him as a ‘deal killer’ with his expert property investigations, I learned that was exactly what I wanted for my clients,” Rolfing recalls. “He knew I wanted a thorough job completed and he never disappointed. We worked like a team to discover all new and old elements of a property. 

“I think Bruce’s positive attitude and easy style provided enjoyment for all those who came in touch with him. He brought an authentic care and curiosity to each moment,” Rolfing says. “I was rewarded to have many conversations with Bruce while he battled cancer. His positive and courageous attitude will always impact me. I will miss him.”

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 Submitted photo

Bruce and his wife Suzi

After opening his Laguna Beach office in 1990, local architect Si Teller met White while he was on a job in town, completing an inspection.

“He didn’t have reverse. Just always seemed to look and move forward with an adventurous, positive attitude and smile. He was always Bruce – never moody, down, or negative,” Teller says. “I know that most of the time I was with Bruce, he had a camera – I bet there are some real gems in his library.”

White loved everything outdoors, and could be frequently found hiking, skiing, and bicycling. He even competed in the Death Ride in Lake Tahoe five times – and lived to tell the tales. He was also a notable participant in Laguna Beach’s Save the Canyon marches in the late 80s.

After many years of “dating,” White and his wife, Suzi, married in December 2017. As their love story continued, the king and queen of the Shark Bite Lounge took their thrones and carried on White’s legacy of bringing friends together. His generous heart was personified in his elaborate parties and get-togethers, many of which continue to be spoken of decades later. 

Whether he was coordinating a Monday Night Football gathering at his house or expanding the production of his legendary Halloween parties at The White House, White lived every day to the fullest and loved to surround himself with friends. He genuinely took joy in seeing people happy and having a good time, and went to great lengths to make sure that happened.

Local photographer Don Leach says White will be remembered for his laughter, sense of humor, sense of adventure, love of the outdoors, and his continuous positive attitude.

“He didn’t take life too seriously, but when he did, he meant business. He was such a great guy, yes, but he backed it up. He wasn’t a fake at all. He was genuine (and) people wanted to hang with him,” Leach says. “He was super creative and had the skill to create or adapt almost anything – just look at his props and Tiki bar. He was always happy to be where he was.”

Local artist and longtime friend Kaj Garmhausen says White loved to gather friends and was very generous with his time. He had a very uplifting attitude about everyone and rarely had anything negative to say about folks.

“Bruce was an intricate piece to my life and to many others, the segments of which are simple times, sunny, rich days spent laughing, building friendships creating the early fun-filled days that bonded us all, and not quite realizing it would ever end,” Garmhausen says. “Every time a memory of Bruce comes to light, it’s with a smile and with his undeniable zest for adventure.”

White is survived by his wife, Suzi (Corona del Mar); his 94-year-old mother, Eleanor White (Ohio); sister Joyce White (Ohio); and sister Norma Tague and brother-in-law Pat Tague (Ohio).

A Celebration of Life will be planned for a future date. If you are so inclined, and in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the GoFundMe account established for Bruce and Suzi White prior to his death – making sure his wife and the love of his life is taken care of would have meant so much to him. 

Rest peacefully, dear friend. Someday, we’ll join you at the Shark Bite Lounge Tiki bar in the sky and toast to the good ol’ days.

LBHS Class of 1970 creates “Virtual Reunion” for its 50-year class reunion

Due to the pandemic, the 50-year class reunion for the Laguna Beach High School Class of 1970 was canceled (or postponed a year). It was scheduled to be celebrated last September. However, as with many events during the past year, the organizers came up with an innovative plan.

What occurred was a collaboration to create a “Virtual Reunion,” whereby old classmates were encouraged to send photos and an expression of gratitude. A site was set up to host the outpouring from those who participated, and it was a complete success.

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Submitted photo

LBHS Class of 1970 graduates can connect with their classmates virtually

John Slowsky (class of 1970) says, “We have lost contact with a lot of our classmates, although they stay in contact with their hometown via Stu News. Here is the site, so if anyone wants to see the virtual reunion, they can go to the following address: www.kindmemories.com/LBHS1970.” 

Notable alumni from this class are artists Jon Seaman (who created the whale sculpture in Heisler Park), Hedy Buzan, and Laguna patriot Howard Hills.

Gold nuggets

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Photo by Scott Brashier

The dusky light reflects on the houses and landscape like pieces of gold

LCAD unveils plans to honor Jonathan Burke’s retirement after 40 years

Laguna College of Art + Design (LCAD) has announced plans to honor Jonathan Burke who retired as President, culminating a career of 40 years. 

Terry Jones, chairman of the LCAD Board of Trustees, said, “Jonathan’s life’s work has left an indelible mark both on LCAD as an institution and on countless students, faculty, staff, and volunteers. We look forward to celebrating his tenure in a way that is befitting of his grand legacy.” 

Jones and the LCAD Board of Trustees announced several initiatives that will honor Burke’s distinguished LCAD career, including the renaming of the College’s current fine art program as the “Jonathan Burke Fine Art Program” so that all future graduates will carry his name on their BFA and MFA diplomas in perpetuity. On May 21, 2021, Burke will be the keynote speaker and receive an honorary LCAD degree at this year’s virtual Commencement. 

LCAD will also name the path to studios 8, 9, and 10 as Burke Way, honoring Burke’s roots as a teacher. The LCAD Board of Trustees commissioned Cedar Waxing, Benevolence, a painting by LCAD Alumnus Alia El Bermani, BFA, 2000 who graduated summa cum laude. 

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LCAD’s former president Jonathan Burke 

A fundraiser in support of the LCAD Student Center has been launched, allowing all to make a tribute gift in honor of Burke’s unprecedented and unequaled impact on the College. 

Burke joined LCAD, then known as Laguna Beach School of Art, as a Fine Arts instructor in 1980. His rapport with the students and his extraordinary artistic talents positioned him for growth and leadership within the organization. He soon took on the responsibilities of Chair of Fine Arts, then Dean of Fine Arts, Interim Dean of Visual Communications, and Co-VP of Academic Affairs, which led him to his role as President and CEO. 

“Jonathan has been the heart and soul of this institution since its early days and his commitment to excellence and creativity will long endure at LCAD. I am grateful for the many years we worked together, and I know that he will be missed,” said Hélène Garrison, Chief Operating Officer and Provost of LCAD, who has worked alongside Burke for 35 years. 

During Burke’s tenure as President, the school experienced unprecedented evolution and improvements that positioned LCAD for strategic and responsibly-managed growth that allowed the college to provide the state-of-the-art facilities and extensive services to its staff, faculty, and, most importantly, its students. 

The College added East Campus, which houses the Suzanne Chonette Senior Studios and the Administration Building; South Campus, home to campus housing, AR/VR, graphic design, fine arts photography classrooms, and photography and recording studios; the LCAD Gallery in downtown Laguna Beach; and expansion of the Big Bend Campus, home to classrooms and studios for animation, graphic design, and game art. 

With Burke at the helm, the school also added the MFA programs in Drawing, Painting, and Game Design, a Post-Baccalaureate program, and new undergraduate majors including Entertainment Design and Experimental Animation. 

A constant voice and advocate for the students, Burke is a driving force behind the development of a capital campaign to build a new student center at the Big Bend Campus, designed to enhance the student experience. 

As Burke embarks on his well-deserved retirement, he said, “As I think about my future, I am eager to return to my first passion: spending valuable time in the studio drawing and painting, as well as a desire to return to the wonderful community of representational artists. More than ever, I firmly believe in the value of an art and design college. LCAD continues to provide the best conditions for a creative person to transform and communicate their passion to be an artist into a relevant and fulfilling life and career.”

For more information about the Jonathan Burke Tribute Campaign, visit www.lcad.com.edu/about/support/jonathan-burke-tribute.

COVID-19: 179 new cases and 4 new deaths reported in OC

Sadly, OC Health Care Agency reports that 3,921 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including four new deaths reported today (March 1). There have been five deaths of Laguna Beach residents to date.

The county reported 179 new cases of COVID-19 in OC today. There have been 246,634 cumulative cases to date.

The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 31.1 percent. 63 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 419 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (-2 since yesterday’s report – includes ICU); 119 are in ICU (-13 since yesterday’s report report).

The county reports that there have been 794 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Laguna Beach to date, including nine new cases reported since last Monday’s report.

The county estimates 232,083 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.

For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated daily by Stu News Laguna and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsLaguna.

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Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

Orange County COVID-19 case data posted on March 1, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

Sports are back in session

Based on updated guidance for youth and recreational adult sports issued February 19 by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), outdoor sports competitions may resume in Orange County (OC) with modifications starting March 3.

“Orange County has lowered its COVID-19 case rate of less than 14 per 100,000 thanks to our communities’ diligence in helping slow the spread and the county’s vaccination efforts,” said Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors Andrew Do. “Per the state’s guidance, this means certain outdoor sport competitions can resume once again. Something that many families have been looking forward to for months now.” 

The state’s guidance applies to all organized youth and adult sports, including school and community-sponsored programs, and privately organized clubs and leagues. Outdoor sport competitions may resume in Purple Tier counties including OC with modifications that include testing requirements for certain outdoor high-contact sports. Outdoor moderate-contact sports, such as baseball, cheerleading, and softball, can be played in OC without the testing requirement.

Youth and adult sports include varied activities that have different levels of risk for transmission of COVID-19 depending on the physical contact between players. Outdoor activities that allow for consistent wearing of face coverings and physical distancing are lower risk than indoor activities that involve close contact between participants and high exertion that increases the spread of exhaled particles.

“I am very excited that our youth, who have been anxiously waiting for months to get back to competitive sports, now have the opportunity to compete,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “I have always been a strong supporter of exploring all options that would allow our youth to safely resume outdoor sporting activities.”

For more information on examples of sports with different levels of contact and risk by tier, go here.

Where’s Maggi?

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You know the view…But Maggi is asking, where is this mural? Send your answers in to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The location will be revealed in Tuesday’s edition, and we’ll let you know who got it right.

Guest Column

How I came to find and love Laguna

By Jerry Immel

Dianne Russell’s story in your February 23 issue about Mark Christy and Hobie Alter reminded me of the part Hobie played in my life, including discovering and moving to Laguna. In 1968 I graduated from engineering school and moved from the frozen tundra of Milwaukee to Los Angeles to start an engineering career as a field engineer for a instrumentation company in Pennsylvania. 

In January of 1969, in the midst of the record-breaking rainstorms that lashed Southern California at that time, I received a call at my Los Angeles office from someone named Hobie Alter. He asked me if I could help him with the production of a new surfboard. I had never even seen a surfboard close up, so I wasn’t sure how I could help. He said that he was aware that my company sold precision temperature control systems, and he needed equipment like this for a new kiln he was designing for a prototype of a fiberglass surfboard. I said yes, I could be of help. I asked him where he was located and he said Capistrano Beach. I asked him where that was, and he said South Orange County. 

A week later, I left L.A. for Capo Beach during the continuing rainstorms. I drove with a lead foot in those days, so as I was traveling through San Juan Capistrano, I was pulled over by the Highway Patrol and given a citation for excessive speed. Twenty over the limit, he claimed. I decided to fight the ticket and learned that the traffic court for South Orange County in those days was held once a week at the Laguna Beach City Council chambers. 

On the day of the hearing for my ticket, I left Los Angeles early so that I would be on time. I arrived in Laguna around 7 a.m. and had time to kill. I parked my car and walked down Forest Ave to Coast Highway and discovered the old boardwalk and what would later become Main Beach Park. I was enthralled with what I saw and decided that I would bring my wife and daughter back here one of these days to look at this place. Coming back up Forest Ave, I stopped at Trotter’s bakery and had breakfast, and then went on to my traffic hearing. I think I beat the ticket. 

A few weeks later, my wife and I were returning from San Diego and saw the Beach Cities exit and I said, let’s go look at Laguna, that place I was telling you about. As we were driving through Dana Point, I looked to the left and could see that there were large cranes and a construction project underway. We turned left and entered the beach area and could see that they were constructing a huge jetty of granite boulders that would become the outer protective wall for the Dana Point Harbor which was about to begin construction later that year. While standing on the shore, I noticed two scuba divers struggling in the water about 100 yards offshore. One diver was attempting to rescue the second diver but was having a very difficult time of it because of the high shore break. 

I stripped down and jumped into the ocean and swam out to help. Between the two of us, we were able to get him ashore and stabilized. It turned out that the guy who I helped save, the other guy lived in Laguna and felt he needed a more reliable diving buddy. I had just gotten my SCUBA certificate in Los Angeles and I said I would love to dive with him. So Rocky and I made many diving trips together over the course of the following year. Many of them off Scotchman’s Cove where the lobster diving was great. 

In early 1970, I got a call from Rocky saying that he was promoted to CFO of Fleetwood Enterprises in Riverside and was going to have to sell his house on Alta Laguna and was offering to sell it to me at his cost. I told him that I was about to go into escrow for a house in Garden Grove that was $5,000 cheaper. 

He said to me, “Sit down, shut up, and listen closely. If you pass on this deal, you will spend the rest of your life kicking your butt down the street.” He got my attention − I decided to accept his wise counsel, we found the extra money, and moved to Laguna in April of 1970. I have never looked back.

 As a postscript, I received a call three years ago from a man who said he was Hobie Alter. I paused for a few moments, knowing that Hobie had died three or four years earlier. The man went on to explain that he was calling me because I was the president of a large HOA in Mammoth Lakes, and he was checking in with me as a new owner. 

After a few more moments, he added, “I’m Hobie Jr.” I then told him that his dad was the key factor in my finding and living in and loving Laguna. Like Mark, Hobie was a pivotal presence in my life, if only for the one visit to his Quonset hut in Capo where he was building his new surfboard line.

LBUSD to hold special virtual meeting on Board Policies/Bylaws on Monday

Laguna Beach Unified School District will hold a special virtual meeting on Monday, March 1 at 9 a.m. regarding Board Policies and Bylaws. To view the agenda, visit the district’s website here.

The meeting will be available to the public to view and participate in virtually at the link here.

Public comment may be submitted prior to the meeting via electronic submissions no later than Friday, Feb 26 by 8 p.m. at the link here.

If you would like to make a comment and you are viewing the meeting via Zoom webinar, raise your hand during the designated public comment period, and un-mute your microphone once recognized to do so.

Members of the public may call in using the Zoom meeting phone number: (669) 900-6833; the Webinar ID is: 962 6673 4944. Press *9 on your phone if you would like to comment during the designated comment period. Once recognized to make your comment, press *6 to un-mute your phone. When you hear “your phone is un-muted,” please proceed with your comment.

Public comment is limited to the single agenda item regarding Board Policies/Bylaws.

Art That’s Small and Banner Competition online application now open

The City of Laguna Beach Arts Commission is now accepting online submissions for the 2021 Banner Competition and pre-registrations for the Art That’s Small at City Hall exhibition. Both programs are open to Orange County residents ages 18 or older. 

The City’s annual Banner Competition was established in 1982. The hand-painted banners are displayed citywide from light poles during the summer season. The 2021 competition deadline to submit banner designs, which celebrate our summer season and our culture, is March 1.

The selected artists are awarded $3,000 to create their banner which is added to the City’s temporary art collection. Online design submission is free. Submissions will still be made via physical drop-off at City Hall, 505 Forest Ave.

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Last year’s 1st Place winner – Hedy Buzan, “Good Neighbors,” Oil

Arts Commissioner Karen Wood said, “We are so excited to see your ideas and look forward to adding new banners to the city’s vibrant collection and proudly installing them for all to enjoy in the upcoming months!”

The City’s annual Art That’s Small at City Hall exhibition is in its 19th year and showcases work 12” by 12” or smaller from local artists. Online pre-registration is open through Thursday, March 4. Artwork drop-off at City Hall will take place on Saturday, March 6.

All appropriate works will be accepted and exhibited through April 15. This year’s exhibition will be juried by Carol Heiman-Greene, Michael Obermeyer, and Mike Tauber. Placement prizes include $500 for First, $250 for Second, $175 for Third, and a $50 City Hall Choice award.

Michael Ervin, Exhibitions Subcommittee Chair, said, “We’re happy to present our annual exhibit of Art That’s Small at City Hall again this year. This important juried show brings out the small, but very compelling, art of our local artists – proving that small art can have a big impact. Please enter the exhibition that continues to bring the joy of art to Laguna Beach.”

The guidelines and application portal for the programs can be found at www.lagunabeachcity.net/culturalarts. 

For more information on either program, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Dennis’ Tidbits

By DENNIS McTIGHE 

February 26, 2021

Dry February – will March be any different?

Our weather has been on a real winning streak as of late with clear, sunny skies and clear, brisk starlit nights with mild daytime temps, and that’s OK by me. If it’s rain and constant gloom you like, then go to the Pacific Northwest where they’re lucky to get a half hour of sun a week. I don’t see how they do it up there in Spongeville. 

Our 2020-21 rainy season remains locked in at a paltry 2.66 inches. We could end up with only our second rainless February on record, tying February of 1984 with no rain, and only a trace in February of 1951. Our driest season on record was 3.71 inches in 2006-07. As wonderful as it is here in Southern California, we still have our own issues like fire, flood, earthquake, and drought. Nary a year goes by without one or more of those events occurring, but I’ll take my chances. I ain’t going nowhere!

Here comes March and just about anything can happen during March. Santana wind events are a bit less frequent on the average, but they still happen, and a few have been known to be accompanied by very warm temps as the sun is getting quite a bit higher in the sky. Thanks to an earlier shift to Daylight Savings Time on March 14 this year, we’ll approach twelve hours of sun time. 

In March of 1988, a strong Santana wind event sent temps up into the low 90s and in March of 1996, the mercury topped out at 95 here in Laguna, a March record that still stands. March is normally our fourth wettest month, so we can still get some real downpours on occasion.

Our average March rainfall is 2.52 inches with our wettest March on record having occurred in 1983 with a real soaking at 10.40 inches. Other wet Marches were 9.69 in 1938, and 8.02 in 1978. Our rainless Marches have been in 1961, 1972, and 1997. Our average high-low temp for March is 68-48 with the highest March reading of 95 in 1996 due to a very strong, warm Santana wind event. Our coldest March temp occurred in 1976 with a low of 35 in town and 30 out in the canyon. Our normal March ocean temp is 57 with the warmest at 66 in 1997 and our coldest at 52 in 1989.

Sand migration occurs every year to some degree, but we have more of that in Laguna as there are many crescent-shaped coves and beaches here. There’s less movement of sand from Seal Beach to Balboa as the beach is much wider and it’s a straight, constant beach that faces the same direction the whole way. 

Here in Laguna it’s all about the tide and swell direction. Most of Laguna faces to the southwest, so there’s only a lot of sand displacement when there’s a severe angle strong swell, like a SSE close-interval Baja swell with a high tide of six feet or more. A severe angle NW ground or wind swell with a high tide of six feet or more will also move a lot of sand. 

During big winter swells, the sand will be pushed to the south end of that particular cove, and in the summer severe angle SSE swells will push all of that sand to the north end of that cove. Southern Hemisphere SW swells come in pretty much parallel to the beach, so they tend to pile up a lot of sand over the entire beach, and the same goes for straight west long-period groundswells. 

The winter of 1982-83 still stands out in my memory as the entire stretch of beach from Main Beach to Brooks Street and beyond was totally stripped of all sand. It was all bedrock and boulders. When the sand’s in, you can walk from Main Beach to Brooks Street in about 20-25 minutes or so, but in 1982-83 it took nearly a whole hour as you had to navigate all the rocks and boulders. 

You can tell if it’s been a mellow winter by April or May if there’s still quite a bit of sand left. In 1983 it took until late August for the beach to retain its normal complexion. What a winter that was! 

Have a great weekend and I’ll see y’all in March.

ALOHA!

No explanation needed

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

“The breaking of a wave cannot explain the whole sea.” –Vladimir Nabokov

Guest Column

It’s all about dogs: Reasons why they are welcome on some trails, but not on others 

By Cameron Davis, Laguna Canyon Foundation

We are now almost a year into the colossal changes that a global pandemic continues to bring to our daily lives. As time has gone on, we’ve all had to adapt to this new normal. We have been forced to appreciate the little things and look for peace and joy in new places. This can be seen daily out on the trails. 

Like a great migration back to nature, we are seeing hordes of people, yes literally hordes, seeking solace in the wilderness. Our new visitor numbers have shot through the roof and have just kept going straight out into space. It makes sense. American writer Edward Abbey once said, “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread.” Especially nowadays. 

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Photo by Paula Olson

Miro looks forward to a walk along West Ridge

As we welcome new visitors from near and far, we have also seen a significant increase in non-human visitors. Yes, the loveable canis lupus familiaris, dogs! If anyone has benefited from all of the changes we have endured to our slower day-to-day routines, it is our wonderful canine companions. With more time at home, our pups couldn’t be happier with their new lifestyle. And, of course, we want to include them in our adventures outdoors. 

But here’s the thing. The local wilderness is what it is because of how we treat and protect it. Many local trails do not allow dogs – but despite the many signs prohibiting dogs, we continue to see more out there. Many folks will ask why an animal would “disrupt” a place where other animals live. Well, here are some of the facts.

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Photo by Jon Barber

Claire and Scooby enjoy a beautiful day on the trails

First of all, domestic dogs are predators and not part of this delicate ecosystem. Wildlife becomes very stressed when a dog introduces its scent on the trails. It has been shown that wildlife such as deer, bobcats, and coyotes will significantly avoid an area where a domestic dog has left its scent – making it that much harder for these animals to find food.

Second, dogs scare native birds from their nesting areas. This can be tragic for the young left behind.

Also, only a few truly wild habitats are left in the county where our native species can truly thrive, and they do not have other options. Our wonderful pups, however, do have choices.

These are just a few reasons behind the why of keeping our dogs off trails. If you want to read more about the details, check out this past story by clicking here. 

It’s not just about the protecting the wildlife; we want to protect our dogs too! There are always emergency rescues in the park; unfortunately, it comes with the territory, but some of the more heartbreaking ones involve our canine companions overheating in the backcountry. It’s easy to forget extra water or underestimate the heat. When you get too far out there, and your dog runs into trouble, it can (and has) become dangerous. 

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Photo by Paula Olson

Make sure you carry enough water to slake your dog’s thirst too

Just to reiterate, we LOVE dogs, and we want to see them happy – trust us. There are some beautiful trails, and parks are the perfect place for your furry friend to explore. Here are a few trails that are open for doggies:

--Aliso Creek Bike Trail

--Aliso Peak Trail

--Aliso Summit Trail

--Aswut Trail

--Canyon Acres Trail

--Pecten Reef Loop Trail

--Toovet Trail

--West Ridge Trail

Please remember to plan ahead, check the trail rules at www.ocparks.com, and (pro tip) bring extra water and make sure you have a way to give your dog the water (squirt bottle, portable dog bowl).

Thanks for helping us protect what we all love – our pups and the open space.

You can read more about our pets on our website. Yes, we have an entire page dedicated to our pets: www.lagunacanyon.org/about/our-pets. See what I mean?

The Ranch at Laguna Beach honored with multiple prestigious travel awards

The Ranch at Laguna Beach is kicking off the New Year with multiple industry accolades. The iconic canyon resort received a “Recommended” ranking for the 2021 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards and ranked the second-best hotel in Laguna Beach for the U.S. News & World Report 2021 Best Hotels List. 

The Ranch at Laguna Beach also made its debut as one of just two Laguna Beach hotels featured in the coveted Travel + Leisure T+L 500, which celebrates the 500 best hotels in the world. 

“Throughout the unprecedented challenges of 2020, our team at The RanchLB rose to the occasion each day to provide a safe and serene escape for our guests, surrounded by revitalizing Laguna Beach nature. It is incredibly rewarding and humbling to see these heartfelt efforts recognized through the T+L 500, U.S. News’ Best Hotels List, and the 2021 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards,” said Kurt Bjorkman, General Manager of The Ranch at Laguna Beach. “We look forward to upholding this standard as we welcome new and returning guests to our canyon oasis on the California coast.”

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The Ranch lands multiple travel awards

The Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards are the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas. Trained inspectors anonymously visit and rate properties based on 900 objective criteria, from service to safety and design. As a “Recommended” hotel for the 2021 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards, The RanchLB is acknowledged as an excellent property with consistently superior service and facilities.

U.S. News & World Report identifies the winners of its Best Hotels list using a comprehensive methodology centered on three components: reputation among professional travel experts, guest reviews, and hotel class ratings. Out of 22 hotels in the area, U.S. News 2021 Best Hotels list ranked The Ranch at Laguna Beach as the second-best property in Laguna Beach. The RanchLB also earned a Gold Badge for ranking among the top 10 percent of hotels in the United States.

The Travel + Leisure 2021 T+L 500 is a prestigious list showcasing the best hotels in the world. This year’s awards draw from the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Hotels list, in which readers rate hotels on the following characteristics: rooms/facilities, location, service, food, and value. The elite roster of properties, divided into eight geographic regions, has served as a trusted resource for millions of enthusiastic travelers and will help inspire and guide travelers’ next adventure, wherever – and whenever – it may be. Results are available in the March 2021 issue of Travel + Leisure.

For more information on The Ranch at Laguna Beach, visit www.theranchlb.com.

Guest Column

What to do when you think you’re not good enough 

By Dr. Vidya Reddy

“We can’t hate ourselves into a version of ourselves we can love.” 

Sometimes I am really terrible to myself and relentlessly compare myself to other people, no matter how many times I read or hear about how good enough or lovable I am.

Not sure about you, but on some days, I meticulously look for evidence that I am a nobody, that I don’t deserve to be loved, or that I’m not living up to my full potential.

There is generally a lot of pressure to “stack up” in our culture. We feel as if there is something wrong with us if, for example, we’re still single by a certain age, don’t make a certain amount of money, don’t have a huge social circle, or don’t look and act a certain way in front of others. The list could truly go on forever…

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Photo by Johnny Antezana

Dr. Vidya Reddy

As a thought exercise, I’ve learned a lot of things over the past few months and feel compelled to share them with you in the spirit of robust helpfulness. If you would like more information, techniques, and meditation based on Life Lessons, please refer to my blog: https://naturally-happy.com/blog/.

Sometimes in the midst of all the pressure, I seem to totally forget all the wonderful, unique things about myself.

I get stuck in my head and allow my inner critic to completely tear apart my self-esteem until I hate myself too much to do anything except eat ice cream, watch daytime television, and sleep.

The other day, while I was beating myself up over something I can’t even recall at the moment, I read a comment from one of my blog readers telling me that one of my posts literally got them through the night. Literally. And if that one simple word was used in the intended context, this person was basically telling me that one of my posts saved their life.

I get comments like these on a pretty regular basis, and they always open my eyes to just how much I matter, regardless of my inner critic’s vehement objections.

Such comments also open my eyes to all the things we beat ourselves up over that don’t matter – like whether or not we look like a supermodel in our bathing suit, or whether or not we should stop smiling because of crooked teeth, or whether or not the hole in our lucky shirt is worth bursting into tears over.

Lately I’ve been trying harder to catch myself when I feel a non-serving, self-deprecating thought coming on. And I may let these thoughts slip in at times, but that’s okay because I’m only human.

While my self-love journey is ongoing, here are a few things I try to remember when I’m tempted to be mean to myself:

The people you compare yourself to compare themselves to other people too.

We all compare ourselves to other people, and I can assure you that the people who seem to have it all do not.

When you look at other people through a lens of compassion and understanding rather than judgment and jealousy, you are better able to see them for what they are – human beings. They are beautifully imperfect human beings going through the same universal challenges that we all go through.

Your mind can be a very convincing liar.

I saw a quote once that said, “Don’t believe everything you think.” That quote completely altered the way I react when a cruel or discouraging thought goes through my mind. Thoughts are just thoughts, and it’s unhealthy and exhausting to give so much power to the negative ones. 

There is more right with you than wrong with you.

This powerful reminder is inspired by one of my favorite quotes from Jon Kabat-Zinn: “Until you stop breathing, there’s more right with you than wrong with you.”

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Photo by Pieter Baetens

Learn to love yourself

As someone who sometimes tends to zoom in on all my perceived flaws, it helps to remember that there are lots of things I like about myself too – like the fact that I’m alive and breathing and able to pave new paths whenever I choose.

You need love the most when you feel you deserve it the least.

This was a recent epiphany of mine, although I’m sure it’s been said many times before.

I find that it is most difficult to accept love and understanding from others when I’m in a state of anger, shame, anxiety, or depression. But adopting the above truth really shifted my perspective and made me realize that love is actually the greatest gift I can receive during such times.

You have to fully accept and make peace with the “now” before you can reach and feel satisfied with the “later.”

One thing I’ve learned about making changes and reaching for the next rung on the ladder is that you cannot fully feel satisfied with where you’re going until you can accept, acknowledge, and appreciate where you are.

Embrace and make peace with where you are, and your journey toward something new will feel much more peaceful, rewarding, and satisfying.

You are enough just as you are. And self-love will be a little bit easier every time you remind yourself of that.

In Peace, Love and Gratitude. 

‘Til next time.

Dr. Vidya Reddy, ND, AMS, DAC, CLC

www.Naturally-Happy.com

LB Democratic Club to feature speaker Emerson T. Brooking via Zoom on March 3

Emerson T. Brooking, a national expert on identifying and calling out dangerous disinformation on digital media, will address the Laguna Beach Democratic Club via Zoom on Wednesday, March 3 at 7 p.m. The subject will be “Dealing with Disinformation: From Analysis to #Digital Sherlocks.”

“All in the community are welcome to register for this free meeting, which addresses a critical issue in retaining our democracy and addressing domestic terrorism,” said Club President Gwen McNallan. 

Brooking has written widely on the vulnerability of elections to foreign interference, the relationship of disinformation campaigns to actual war and other conflicts, propaganda campaigns, and other matters relating to democracy and digital security. 

He is a Resident Senior Fellow with the Washington, D.C.-based Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRL) of the Atlantic Council, a non-governmental organization think tank that has studied pressing issues in every region of the world. Its recent report is a timeline on the online campaign that led to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. 

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Emerson T. Brooking

As part of DFRL, Brooking is involved in identifying, exposing, and explaining disinformation when it occurs in the digital space. Brooking’s first book, Like War: The Weaponization of Social Media, co-authored with P.W. Singer, received positive recognition from both the New York Times and Amazon. The book’s success has made him a leading cyber warfare commentator. 

He will be introduced by Laguna Beach resident and Atlantic Council colleague Stephanie Wander, Deputy Director and Senior Fellow. 

“Promoting objective truth is a foundation of government. It’s necessary for protecting democratic institutions from those who wish to undermine them in the digital universe,” Brooking said. “We have created a system for the study of disinformation, exposing falsehoods and fake news and documenting human rights abuses. It’s essential for retaining trust in democracy in our digital age.” Atlantic Council’s in-depth analyses and reports cover a wide range of environmental, climate, water, conflict, and democracy matters, working with allies and partners across all disciplines. Its DFRL is building a hub of digital forensic analysts who will track events in governance, technology, and security, a virtual network of #Digital Sherlocks.” 

The Laguna Beach Democratic Club is entering its 75th year of uninterrupted engagement supporting Democratic candidates, causes, and values. It welcomes the community to its free monthly informational meetings.

For more information about the Laguna Beach Democratic Club, or to register for the March 3 meeting, visit www.thelbdems.com.

For more information, contact Gwen McNallan, President, Laguna Beach Democratic Club, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.(949) 325-4727.

“Book Talk” hosts best-selling author William Kent Krueger for an online Q&A

The public is invited to join award-winning author William Kent Krueger as he discusses his book Ordinary Grace, live via Zoom, at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9. This virtual book club event is presented by Laguna Presbyterian Church.

Raised in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, William Kent Krueger briefly attended Stanford University – before being kicked out for radical activities. After that, he logged timber, worked construction, tried his hand at freelance journalism, and eventually ended up researching child development at the University of Minnesota. He currently makes his living as a full-time author. His last nine novels were all New York Times bestsellers. Krueger has been married for over 40 years to a marvelous woman who is a retired attorney. He makes his home in St. Paul, a city he dearly loves.

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Author William Kent Krueger

In the novel Ordinary Grace, Krueger looks back to 1961 to tell the story of Frank Drum, a boy on the cusp of manhood. A typical 13-year-old with a strong, loving family, Frank is devastated when a tragedy forces him to face the unthinkable – and to take on a maturity beyond his years. 

The book was the winner of the Edgar Award, the Anthony Award, and the Barry Award for Best Novel, as well as the Macavity Award for Best Mystery Novel, among several other honors. 

This book selection gives readers an opportunity to reflect upon the ordinary graces and miracles they have experienced and consider how small moments help us deal with larger-than-life trouble.

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Ordinary Grace, a novel

Hosted by Laguna Presbyterian Church, “Book Talk” is a book discussion group that meets quarterly – normally in person, but currently online. This virtual event is open to anyone who has read the book. The group welcomes members of the community who are not otherwise involved in the life of the church.

During these pandemic times, the church has found the use of Zoom to be a helpful medium that enables groups to meet safely together online, letting people talk and see each other through live video. The online book group has proven to be a wonderful way to enjoy staying connected at a time when interaction is especially needed and appreciated. 

For this book group, Krueger will talk about himself, why he writes, and what led to the writing of Ordinary Grace. Then he will open it up for questions and discussion.

To sign up to participate in this free event, send your name and email address to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Never too late to become an author: Steve Pope publishes his first novel at the age of 73

Steve Pope, a native Southern Californian, has published his first novel, And Life More Perfect, at the young age of 73. 

“While I’ve been writing for a number of years, this is the first novel worth reading to emerge from the chaos,” Steve says. “And while time-travel and the assassination of JFK seem like well-worn devices, I’d like to think that, through the character of Arthur Twohey, they take on new and interesting dimensions.”

Arthur Twohey, according to the book flap, is no angel (or is he?), and his journey is one of self-discovery, as he learns about himself from the challenges he faces and the people he meets as he inches toward his true nature. 

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Novelist Steve Pope

Running from the cops, Arthur accidentally falls off a roof and goes back in time forty-five years. So instead of being a broke sixty-something he is a teenager, with his whole life ahead of him (or so he thinks). Unfortunately for him it is 1963, and since he is the only one on the planet who knows what’s about to happen in November in Dallas, he is obliged to take action (albeit against his better judgment). 

“Arthur is someone who goes with the flow, and while the flow takes him to places he’d rather not be, it also possibly delivers him to some form of transcendence,” Steve explains. “He is not one to take himself, nor anyone else, too seriously.”

Things change when Arthur meets Amanda. He finds himself wondering whether she is the answer to his search for meaning, or yet another marker guiding him in the direction he needs to go? 

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“And Life More Perfect” book cover

“People may wonder what the bird on the cover signifies, or, for that matter, the title,” Steve adds. “The answer is that And Life More Perfect is a quote from Satan. Yes, that Satan. It is the scene in Paradise Lost where he’s trying to convince Eve of the benefits to be had from eating of the forbidden fruit. You can draw your own conclusions.” 

Steve began his narrative in greater L.A., with detours to Dallas, the desert, and mountains, before finally dropping down to Puerto Vallarta for the grand finale. He was an English major in college, which explains the literary references, for which, he says, he apologizes in advance. 

These days Steve divides his time between writing, painting, and picking up trash on the beach.

The novel is available on Amazon at the link here.

Laguna Beach couple founds new nonprofit to serve our protectors

On Friday, March 13th, all of our lives changed in one way or another. In an instant, our perspectives shifted, humility arrived, and, for more than a moment, we felt unified to battle a national pandemic. It was shortly after the arrival of this surreal time that Laguna Beach local Norman Rest found himself pondering his role and purpose here on earth.

With Hoag Hospital standing tall in his field of vision, Norman was reminded of his wife Debra’s vision to promote wellness through her favorite new sport –stand-up paddle. Over a decade ago, she felt a calling to provide aid to those in need, for those feeling challenged or off balance. 

In that moment of gratitude for the many protectors out on the front lines, Norman knew that they must begin a nonprofit to serve and honor our first responders and veterans by providing recreation, wellness, balance, and strength through stand-up-paddle, kayak, and other related offerings. And naturally, Debra felt peace in this decision that a dream she paved over a decade ago would finally be realized. 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Norman Rest and Debra Kottke, co-founders of Lido Paddle Project Foundation

Lido Paddle Project is a gift to society borne out of COVID-19. The organization is here to uplift our leaders, heal our healers, protect our protectors, and turn the focus back to health and immunity. It has begun serving first responders and veterans with operations in Newport Beach, Dana Point, and Laguna Beach. 

A dreamer and builder from birth, Norman grew up considering that anything he could imagine he could make happen. 

Norman’s father served in WWll, while his entrepreneurial mom started her own hair salon business on Rodeo Drive at age 19, the same year she co-authored The Modern Encyclopedia of Cooking. His parents taught him great values, a strong work ethic, respect, and honor. They always encouraged him to do what he loved and to follow his dreams – which led Norman to Laguna Beach to pioneer building into our cliffs and mountains.

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Norman and his guitars 

After being a teenage “treehouse master,” Norman, at 21, set out to build a three-story home for his young family. This Top of the World property, completed in 1971, launched Norman into an illustrious lifelong career of building, several on Old Top of the World Laguna Beach, shortly followed by larger developments throughout Orange County. Today, his projects and properties are visible in many regions, states, and a few countries, too.

In addition to his beautiful wife and two children, Norm’s greatest passions include playing and restoration of stringed instruments, surfing, downhill skiing, E-biking, and paddling.

Co-founder Debra Kottke lives life fearlessly and fully – a brilliant force of nature to all who know her. 

This world traveler, real estate investor, and joyful adventurer has always been an advocate for health and fitness. She fell in love with stand-up paddling 13 years ago in Colorado, years before this ancient Peruvian fishing activity gained mass popularity in California. 

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Barnard Court Home 

It was Debra who inspired Norman to feature this new form of SUP recreation at their Newport Beach sailing club which ultimately transitioned to Lido Paddle Sports. The impeccable timing of this business pivot proved successful and well-suited for the Newport Beach community. 

Debra grew up in the Midwest with a wholesome family who inspired physical activity for balance, strength, and health every day. As an avid hiker and expansive thinker who loves to conquer new heights, Debra understands the value of solitude in nature to recharge and regroup. Mountain biking, downhill skiing, hiking, yoga, paddle boarding, and conquering new heights – including Mt. Kilimanjaro at almost 20,000 feet – all keep Debra intrigued and fulfilled when she is not focused on her successful business as an independent court deposition reporter.

The family’s current philanthropic involvements include ocean stewardship, water preservation, wind energy, holistic healing, music, education, and veteran-related causes. 

Knowing that it takes a strong team to succeed, this Laguna Beach-based nonprofit’s board of directors’ talents span from Western medicine to holistic healing, with PTSD specialists and innovative practitioners. Since the onset of the pandemic, veterans and first responders are among the most vulnerable and severely impacted communities. In addition to our first responders facing unforeseen levels of mental and physical stress, our veterans are facing isolation-related challenges to their health. 

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Board Member Brooke Bergman Parr 

The founding board of Lido Paddle Project includes Laguna Beach community leaders: Ron Pringle, Heather George, Brooke Bergman Parr, Matthew McCulloch, and Monique Brown. 

The team at Lido Paddle Project, along with a creative event committee, is planning its first hybrid fundraiser, aptly entitled “Stand Up With Us,” on March 27. Live attendance will be quite limited; however, all can participate online for only $5. To learn more or get involved, visit www.lidopaddleproject.org or contact Laguna Beach’s Chief Development Officer Michelle Highberg at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (949) 813-7681.

Red Cross looking for heroes in OC, nominations due March 1

The local Red Cross is looking for Orange County heroes. Do you know an “ordinary” person with extraordinary courage? Someone who has saved a life, helped a neighbor in need, or made a difference in Orange County? If you know a local hero, the American Red Cross of Orange County asks you to nominate them to be recognized at its Orange County Heroes Awards.

The Orange County Heroes Awards honors local individuals who have created safer and stronger communities or provided help when disaster strikes – in Orange County and beyond. Award recipients will be honored at the virtual event on Friday, May 14.

“Orange County is home to many heroes with tremendous courage and compassion,” said Becky Firey, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Orange County. “We need the public’s help to nominate heroes in our community who we can recognize for their contributions.” 

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Courtesy of Red Cross 

Local lifeguard Gavin Pike honored as recipient of Red Cross 2020 OC Youth Hero Award

The Red Cross of Orange County is accepting nominations in the following categories: 

Animal Welfare Hero: Presented to an animal that has protected a human or another animal in a time of need, to a person who has rescued an animal from a traumatic situation, to an animal that is making a difference to impact someone’s life, or to an individual that cares for animals.

Corporate Hero: A business or organization that has contributed significantly to the American Red Cross mission and/or made a positive impact in our community.

Disaster Services Hero: An individual or an organization that has exhibited heroic efforts in any or all of the areas of disaster services, including preparedness, response, or recovery during a natural disaster or emergency situation through mission-driven response assistance to people in need. 

First Responder Hero: Presented to a professional or volunteer serving as a law enforcement official, firefighter, first responder, or responder in the medical or healthcare field. This award is presented to a person or persons who has exhibited heroism in their response to an emergency, on or off-duty, through acts of courage or selflessness.

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Courtesy of Red Cross 

2020 First Responder Heroes: Officer Michael Orr and Officer Jose Ruelas, Fullerton Police Department

Gift of Life Hero: An individual or group that supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross through blood or platelet donations or inspiring others to give blood or platelets.

Good Samaritan Hero: Presented to a person who has demonstrated outstanding heroism, skill, commitment, or resourcefulness in attempt to save one or more lives by utilizing skills aligned with those taught in American Red Cross programs such as CPR/AED/First Aid or other health and preparedness training.

Service to the Armed Forces Hero: Presented to a member of the armed forces (active or veteran, commissioned, or non-commissioned) whose heroic action(s) demonstrated exceptional courage or improved the welfare of the military community. This award may be presented posthumously and may also be awarded to ROTC members or civilians/organizations that have made a significant impact on the military community.

Youth Hero (age 18 or younger): Presented to a youth in the community who has demonstrated courage, initiative and/or compassion in the spirit of the American Red Cross in service to another individual or the welfare of the region.

Nomination requirements: 

All nominees must work or reside in Orange County. The heroic act may have occurred elsewhere. The heroic act must be either an ongoing commitment to the community for more than one year, have occurred in 2020, or early 2021.

It is possible to have more than one person awarded in a category for the same act. The 2021 Class of Heroes will be selected by the Heroes Selection Committee based on Hero merit, availability for filming, and award acceptance and adherence to Red Cross of Orange County’s fundamental principles.

Nominees may meet the criteria for more than one category or moved to a different category at the discretion of the Selection Committee during deliberation. 

For more information, or for questions, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (714) 481-4444.

How to nominate a hero: 

Nominations are due by Monday, March 1, 2021. 

--Submit via Online Nomination Form: www.redcross.org/ocheroes.

--Submit via Email: Download the nomination form at www.redcross.org/ocheroes and email completed nomination form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

--Submit via Mail: Download the nomination form at  www.redcross.org/ocheroes and mail completed nomination form and any supporting materials to:

American Red Cross 

Attn: Melissa Rutan 

600 Parkcenter Dr

Santa Ana, CA 92705 

For more information, visit www.redcross.org/ocheroes, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (714) 481-4444.

Laguna Presbyterian Church and Red Cross to hold Community Blood Drive on March 5, the need for donations is high

On Friday, March 5, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Laguna Presbyterian Church and the Red Cross will hold the first Community Blood Drive of 2021. It will be held in Tankersley Hall.

The need for blood donations is high. “Because of the emergency shortage of blood supply due to the pandemic, the Red Cross has set our goal of blood donor appointments at 60,” says Sandy Grim, ARC/LPC Blood Drive Coordinator. “I thought we ‘broke the ceiling’ last October when they set our goal at 52 (which we achieved!) and we collected 45 units, and brought in seven first-time donors.”

As of Tuesday, 32 of 60 of the donor appointments have been filled, according to Grim. “I’m excited about the response, but please ask your readers to consider the ‘extreme’ shortage of blood supply our area (and our country) is experiencing.”

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Laguna Presbyterian Church (pre-pandemic)

“We could also use 3-5 more Volunteer Helpers to assist with handing out snacks, juice, and water for the Blood Donors so they rehydrate and rest for a few minutes before they leave the facility.

All donations are tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Plasma from antibody-positive donations may help current coronavirus patients in need.

So, get out there and tell your families, friends, etc. All COVID-19 safety precautions, cleanings, etc. will be enforced. 

To schedule an appointment, sign up online here. Use sponsor code: lagunap.

Call the Red Cross at (866) 236-3276 to find out if you are eligible to donate. Laguna Presbyterian Church is located at 415 Forest Ave. 

If donors have a LB Parking permit, they are urged to use it, as our Parking Lot behind the church will be crowded.

For questions, email Sandy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

LCC to feature City Manager John Pietig during Zoom meeting on Monday

Laguna Canyon Conservancy (LCC) invites the public to hear City Manager John Pietig speak on Monday, March 1 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. This might possibly be his last public event before his retirement. Because LCC has questions regarding the parking garage study, he said he would include that topic into his talk. 

The public is invited to join; however, attendance is limited to 100 guests. Access the Zoom link to join the meeting by clicking here (Meeting ID: 98588480070).

You may also access via your phone by calling (669) 900-9128 and entering the code 98588480070#.

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City Manager John Pietig

Agenda:

7 p.m. – Open meeting – time for announcements, LCC President Gayle Waite introduces speaker 

7:15  p.m. – Speaker’s presentation 

7:45  p.m. – Time for Q&A – questions from Gayle Waite, using LCC Board questions and suggestions from Chat Room 

8:15 p.m. – Meeting over

Laguna Canyon Conservancy (LCC) is a long-standing volunteer environmental group dedicated to save Laguna Canyon and preserve it as natural. LCC has held educational meetings on most first Mondays of the month, September through May. However, due to COVID-19, the group is not able to meet at its monthly dinner meetings as it would normally, but via Zoom. 

To suggest questions for the city manager, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least one day before the event, or use the Zoom chat feature during the meeting.

From tee to shining sea

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Photo by Lynette Brasfield

View of Ben Brown’s Golf Course at The Ranch and Aliso Beach on a clear winter’s day

View obstructed

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Another unforgettable sunset

LBUSD COVID-19 Dashboard

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Courtesy of LBUSD

For more information and to access the dashboard, visit www.lbusd.org/resources/covid19/covid-19-reporting

Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre presents The Outsiders, streaming through Sunday

Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre presents The Outsiders by Christopher Sergel, based on the novel by S.E. Hinton. The show will stream through Sunday (February 28) via www.lagunaplayhouse.com. The Outsiders is produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Ill.

Based on S.E. Hinton’s high school experience in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1965, The Outsiders has been one of the most popular books among teens and preteens since it came out in 1967. 

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Cast member Joe Spano 

Hinton’s gritty coming-of-age story follows the “Greasers,”  narrator Ponyboy Curtis and his friends,  as they navigate teenage angst and class warfare in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

In this coming-of-age story, Ponyboy struggles with right and wrong in a society in which he believes that he is an outsider. “As he steps out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house,” a series of events unfold that prove to Ponyboy the hardships that Greasers and their rivals, the “Socs,” face may take different forms, but that the members of both groups – and youths everywhere – must inevitably come to terms with fear, love, and sorrow.

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Cast member JoBeth Williams 

“Few books capture the heart and soul of the American teenager like The Outsiders,” states Director of Education and Outreach Dylan Russell. “We are thrilled to offer a virtual production of this powerful story. It is an incredible novel that speaks to teenagers who are fighting for belonging in their lives and acceptance through their families – either blood or chosen. It also illuminates the ways socioeconomic disparity drives community and family violence. 

“Unfortunately, these themes remain present 50 years later, which is why it is so important to present this work today. We present this show with a Panel Discussion featuring community leaders and teens discussing the reasons why these themes continue and how to take steps towards positive change through awareness and action.”

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Cast member Aron Farkas 

The Outsiders is directed by Tamiko Washington, with Media Design by Tyler Reid Scrivner, Costume Design by Becca Michelle, Sound Design & Editing by Kate Wecker, and Video Editing by Jesús López Vargas. The Production Stage Manager is Jessica Keasberry-Vnuk. 

The cast is Caitlin “Birdie” Basham (Cherry); El Colover (Mrs. O’Briant/Doctor); Aron Farkas (Johnny); Caroline Field (Marcia); Finn Quinn Flanagan (Bob); Sophia Gabal (Jerry/Nurse); Charlie Grace Goubran (Ensemble); Christopher Hoile (Darry); Robert “Bobby” Houston (Randy); Grant Hughes (Sodapop); Carson Kubelun (Two-Bit); Elijah Lopez (Ponyboy); Charlie Massey (Mr. Syme / Paul); Maris Morgan (Ensemble); Sarina O’Neill (Sandy); and Aidan Russell (Dallas). 

Tickets are $20 (full price) and are available at www.lagunaplayhouse.com. 

Through a special partnership with the County of Orange County, a limited number of tickets for audience members aged 16-24 are free. Visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com/education-outreach/the-outsiders-tay for more details. 

The online production of The Outsiders will be made available for on-demand streaming from noon today (February 26) through 10 p.m. Sunday (February 28). through www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

Police Beat Primer

Compiled by Suzie Harrison

Police Beat derives from information in the daily police and arrest logs published on the City of Laguna Beach’s website and required under CA Government Code Section 6254 (f). Additional information is obtained through communication with the Laguna Beach Police Department’s Public Information Officer.

Information in the logs is deemed reliable and Stu News Laguna is not responsible for any mistakes made available as public record by the Laguna Beach Police Department.

Any person arrested is innocent until found guilty in a court of law.