PMMC and community mourns passing of John Cunningham, co-founder of PMMC

By DIANNE RUSSELL

In the past few days, many in the community have called John Cunningham, co-founder of Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC), a “gamechanger.” There’s no doubt that he was – in more ways than one. It appears that he positively affected everyone (and everything) he came in contact with, whether it be human or pinniped. 

Sadly, earlier this week, Laguna lost another legend.

Cunningham was one of the co-founders of Friends of the Sea Lions, now known as the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. While John spent his summers as a Laguna Beach Lifeguard, education was his first love. He taught science in the Laguna Beach Unified School District for over 30 years and was widely known for creating a marine science curriculum for the school and an experiential course in survival skills that people still talk about today. 

John received his BA from California State University Long Beach and received his MA from the University of Redlands. John and his wife, Stephanie, moved to Laguna Beach in 1965. 

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Courtesy of PMMC

John and his wife Stephanie in late 2019 at the last sea lion release that he attended at Aliso Creek Beach

Pacific Marine Mammal Center began as Friends of the Sea Lion (FSL) in 1971 with only three volunteers: Jim Stauffer, John Cunningham, and Dr. Rose Ekeberg.

John, who co-founded FSL with Jim Stauffer, continued to be intimately involved with the organization. He was honored at the PMMC “Call of the Sea” Gala in September of 2019. The fundraiser served as an opportunity to reflect on his contributions to the organization and the greater community over the years. The event kicked off with a tribute video and as reported, there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd as they gave him a standing ovation.

On PMMC’s 50th anniversary in February 2021, he said, “In 1971, Jim Stauffer, Dr. Rose Ekeberg, and I started a small group known as the Friends of the Sea Lions. With the help of a handful of Laguna Beach high school students, our mission was to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sick and injured seals and sea lions along the Orange County coast. Today, 50 years later, I am so proud to still be a part of what’s become a world-class nonprofit now known as the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.”

FSL was the first licensed marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center in the state of California. It began with two lifeguards, a veterinarian, and a concerned little girl for a sick harbor seal on the beach. 

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Courtesy of PMMC

Cleaning up outdoor area at PMMC

In the spring of 1971, a little girl approached Jim Stauffer, a Newport Beach lifeguard, on the beach. The little girl told Jim that she had seen a seal on the beach. Jim hopped in his lifeguard Jeep and went to go investigate. What he found was a young Pacific harbor seal. When Jim placed the animal in his Jeep, it leaped right out. Jim decided the animal must be healthy and just needed to rest, so he returned to work. 

Concern for the animal nagged at him all day. When Jim returned to check on the small seal, it was still on the beach. Jim picked up the seal and took it to the Dover Shores Animal Hospital, where Dr. Rod La Shell examined the animal and found that it had lungworms. With advice from Dr. La Shell, Jim nursed the harbor seal back to health and released the animal back into the ocean. 

Word of Jim’s nursing skills soon spread. Whenever there was a sick or injured seal or sea lion on the beach, lifeguards would contact him. Within a few weeks, Jim was caring for a second a California sea lion. John, another lifeguard, began helping Jim care for the animals. 

The Department of Fish and Game issued the first permit of its kind in California. Jim was allowed to temporarily house seals and sea lions at his home. 

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Courtesy of PMMC

John at the barn door of the marine mammal hospital

With the organization growing quickly, a facility other than Jim’s home and pool was necessary. At that time, the local SPCA was using a barn owned by the City of Laguna Beach. In 1976, when the SPCA relocated, the building was offered to Pacific Marine Mammal Center. Jim, John, and a few volunteers began renovation of the barn that still functions today as the Center’s rehabilitation hub.

During the school year, John taught at Laguna Beach High School and, in 1972, he developed a marine science class. One of the requirements for the students of John’s class was volunteering at Pacific Marine Mammal Center. Dr. Ekeberg of Laguna Canyon Animal Hospital provided medicine and medical advice, as well as housing some of the animals at her clinic.

“John was such an inspiration,” says PMMC Chief Executive Officer Peter Chang. “He made an overwhelming and lasting impression with everyone that he touched. He was always so thankful to the entire Pacific Marine Mammal Center family for carrying on something that he was so extremely passionate about. He left an incredible legacy. In fact, a great deal of what we do today is a result of what John instilled into the fabric of our culture and operations. Although he’s moved on, he will never be forgotten. He is someone that will be missed dearly.”

Council approves Alta Laguna pickleball, street performer ordinance, Ocean Ave parking changes

By SARA HALL

A couple of interesting items were pulled from City Council’s consent calendar on Tuesday (July 27) that prompted discussion before the council unanimously supported items related to pickleball at Alta Laguna Park, street performers, and parking location changes. 

The last consent calendar item the council discussed was “the big one,” as Mayor Bob Whalen described it, regarding the expansion of the pickleball program at Alta Laguna Park.

Mayor Pro Tem Sue Kempf pulled the item, noting that a number of people are interested in it and would like to comment.

Kempf, who plays pickleball herself (as she is unable to play tennis due to a shoulder injury), said she has seen some of the issues on the court firsthand. She pulled the item for discussion so they could determine how to best accommodate as many people as possible.

Council ultimately unanimously approved converting one tennis court at Alta Laguna Park into permanent pickleball courts in a configuration that maximizes court usage for pickleball play. Staff will meet with pickleball players and a contractor to discuss the optimal court layout and orientation.

The item also included a recommendation to maintain two temporary pickleball courts on a second tennis court at Alta Laguna Park, with dedicated pickleball hours consistent with those at Lang Park, and with tennis play allowed at all other times.

Through the action, council approved appropriating $17,000 from the park in lieu fund for associated conversion costs.

For the proposed permanent court, the nets would also be permanent and on the multi-use court, the nets would be the same temporary nets.

The proposed program, based on the Recreation Committee’s recommendation, is in response to an overwhelming number of requests from local residents, said Deputy Director of Public Works Michael Litschi.

Pickleball is a fast-growing sport with a lot of local participation, Litschi said.

Staff’s recommendation aims to grant that request for additional pickleball capacity while still maintaining a capacity for tennis courts in the city, he added. 

Depending on the configuration, there could be up to five pickleball courts at Alta Laguna, while preserving four permanent tennis courts and one joint-use pickleball and tennis court.

The next step would be to meet with a contractor (who would do the restriping) and pickleball representatives out on site, Litschi said. They would discuss the pros and cons of two versus three courts, considering both the capacity potential and the sun exposure.

“Our goal is to maximize the number of courts we can provide, while still providing a positive playing experience,” Litschi said. 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Pickleball players on the temporary courts at Alta Laguna Park

A number of pickleball players spoke during public comment and urged the council to approve the item, noting the sport’s growing popularity both locally and globally. A number of players said the sport is “addicting,” for people of all ages and abilities. 

“It is highly addictive; I would caution you,” joked Roger Kempler, a Recreation Committee member and Top of the World resident.

Kempler said a lot of his TOW neighbors are driving to Lang where there are permanent courts. During his time on the Rec Committee, he’s learned more about the sport and how many locals love to play. He referenced some statistics shared at the last committee meeting detailing the growth.

In their 2020 Pickleball Participant Report (which includes data through 2019), the Sports & Fitness Industry Association reported pickleball currently had 3.46 million players in the U.S. About 1.3 million of those players are “core” players who play eight or more times a year.

According to the USA Pickleball Association, the national governing body for the sport, the Average Annual Growth Rate for all players from 2016 to 2019 was 7.2 percent, for a total growth rate of 23 percent over three years.

According to Tennis Industry Association and the USA Pickleball Association, the number of tennis players grew about 0.9 percent in 2020, while the number of pickleball players grew by about 21.3 percent.

But not everyone was totally on board with the added pickleball play. The key concerns were noise and parking. 

A lot of people can be on the courts at the same time and striking the ball is loud, Jill Cooper said. When the players hit the ball, it’s more of a “pop” rather than just a “bounce.”

“I wouldn’t want to live up there and hear that noise,” she said. “It’s a smack.”

A few others mentioned the noise, noting that it was louder than tennis. 

Councilmember George Weiss asked about sound panels to help mitigate the noise concerns. 

Litschi said the panels would need to go around the entire space, which would partially block the air flow and light. They have pros and cons, he added. There are other noise mitigation solutions they could consider if it became a problem, he added.

Ultimately, Weiss and the other council members were in favor of the program overall.

“I think it’s great that everybody is enjoying this sport,” Weiss said. 

It’s easily accessible to everyone, easy to play, and promotes health and community, he said.

Claudia Redfern said she’s been addicted to pickleball for about two and a half years. 

She’s counted attendance at Lang for the past six weeks. On Tuesday, there were 32 people at Lang Park. According to her tracking calendar, there are usually 10 to 24 people play each day when the courts are dedicated for pickleball, with as many as 32 showing up last Sunday (July 11).

“You can see the need is there,” Redfern said. 

Redfern recommended that court #4, adjacent to the bathroom on the north side, should be the permanent court. It would interfere the least with the tennis courts, she noted. 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

The temporary pickleball courts at Alta Laguna Park

The biggest point of contention was the configuration of the new permanent courts. 

Some didn’t think staff should determine the orientation of the courts based on the sun on any given day. The sun direction and orientation changes throughout the year, Redfern said.

“That’s what a visor is for,” Redfern said. 

She suggested putting in three courts, not mercenarily considering the sun.

However, Kempler and others thought the better idea would be converting it into just two pickleball courts because of the sun issues. 

Following the discussion with pickleball players, staff will meet with a contractor to finalize the cost estimate for court resurfacing and restriping, and will purchase permanent pickleball nets, additional court timers, and barrier nets for between the pickleball courts.

The Recreation Committee unanimously approved the proposal on July 12, with the hope that it will meet the demand for the increasingly popular sport and will help some of the conflict that’s happened between pickleball and tennis players.

The specifics on the new Alta Laguna pickleball program include whether or not the rules and signage at Alta Laguna will be the same as Lang (specifically about the open play/round-robin rules), and what the orientation of the proposed permanent courts at Alta Laguna will be (depending on orientation, it could be two or three).

At Lang, during the dedicated open play, or round-robin, hours, teams rotate in and out with winners playing a maximum of two games in a row (play to a score of 11) before they have to exit so new players can come on the court. Outside of those dedicated hours, the courts are first-come, first-served, with an hour time limit if people are waiting (people can play/win as many games as they can fit into that one hour).

Lang Park dedicated hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon, and Sundays/holidays from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Recreation Committee and Laguna Beach City Council approved a Pilot Pickleball program which was implemented at Alta Laguna Park in 2018 that currently includes two multi-use pickleball courts on one tennis court (court #4) that are available to pickleball players Sundays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The court is used for tennis play at all other times.

Council members suggested looking into other locations for additional pickleball courts in the future, including Bluebird Park, the Act V parking lot (only in certain months), or the west end of Lang Park.

Kempler also invited the council members out to the committee’s special meeting on September 13 at 4:30 p.m. at Alta Laguna Park. The Recreation Committee is inviting residents, city leaders, and city staff to come and enjoy the park together, including playing pickleball. Regular business will still be conducted when the meeting officially starts at 6 p.m.

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Courtesy of City of Laguna Beach

Staff identified six possible sites in downtown that would comply with the proposed street performer ordinance

Also during Tuesday’s consent calendar, council once again considered a street performer ordinance, which council unanimously approved after some discussion. 

The ordinance was first heard and approved on June 15.

During the second reading on June 29, council unanimously agreed to continue the item so staff could return with more information on the geographic implications of the ordinance and a list identifying eligible sites in the downtown area. The discussion included some concern about the allowed locations under the new regulations and council wanted clarification before moving forward with the item.

Mayor Bob Whalen, who voted in support of the ordinance at the first hearing on June 15, made the motion for continuance on June 29. 

He was concerned about the breadth and the lack of specificity, he explained at the time. He asked for a more detailed analysis of where they could and couldn’t set up, including maps.

On Tuesday, Whalen said all of his concerns had been addressed.

The ordinance defines the time, place, and manner of street performances within the city’s jurisdiction, including the Promenade on Forest.

Based on council direction, staff reviewed the downtown area, popular with musicians, and was able to identify at least six sites that would comply with the rules.

Staff will also post a draft of proposed educational outreach on the city’s website, so performers can better understand the different opportunities.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

The greeter, Michael Minutoli, waving to cars in Laguna Beach

Council again asked that “The Greeter,” Michael Minutoli, is not affected by this ordinance at his usual location at Brooks Street and South Coast Highway. He’s already the appropriate 10 feet away from the listed areas of concern, according to staff.

Weiss also mentioned certain retailers that want to keep the quiet space outside their businesses.

They can hear complaints and make adjustments accordingly, Poeschl said.

There was some discussion about limiting amplification, but that could be really restrictive for different forms of performances, like playing a keyboard. 

Regulations include: Performances limited between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.; street performers cannot perform within 10 feet of a bus stop, street corner, marked pedestrian crosswalk, business entrance and driveways, or residential entrance; not allowing the reduction of the sidewalk to less than four feet or building a stage or props that could cause a hazard; and performances may not utilize any public benches, waste receptacles, or other street furniture.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Council approved some parking changes on Ocean Avenue

On Tuesday’s consent calendar, council also unanimously approved several resolutions (all under one item) amending parking locations at certain areas on South Coast Highway and Ocean Avenue.

The vote approved temporary actions Public Works Director Mark McAvoy directed his staff to implement recently related to parking on Ocean Avenue and South Coast Highway.

“With the impact of parking and it being the summer season, I didn’t wait for the full process of going back through the PTC and to council, I wanted to get it done a little more quickly and there was a request from a local business to do that,” McAvoy said. 

The three approved resolutions:

--Establish metered parking and removing loading zones at 184 S Coast Hwy.

--Establish a 30-minute parking space at 180 S Coast Hwy.

--Establish a temporary 20-minute loading zone on Ocean Avenue, adjacent to 204 S Coast Hwy.

A request was received by an adjacent business owner to eliminate two three-minute parking loading zoning spaces in front of 184 S Coast Hwy and to add one 30-minute space. 

The white spaces were installed in 2019 to help with the busy times at Starbucks, McAvoy said, and are no longer necessary since the location has closed. 

There was no green limited time parking along the block so they added the 30-minute parking space at 180 S Coast Hwy, which could benefit nearby businesses, McAvoy explained.

The request for a 20-minute loading zone on Ocean Avenue was to offset the loss of the loading zone between 176 S Coast Hwy and 222 Ocean Ave that is currently occupied by a dining parklet. 

They relocated the loading zone temporarily, so long as the parklet is there, to the opposite side of Ocean Avenue, McAvoy explained. 

Parklets are allowed with temporary use permits under the Outdoor Dining & Retail Display, and Temporary Signage Policy, which council established in an effort to support businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Permits granted under the policy run through December 31.

Several public speakers at the June 29 council meeting requested the parklets be reconsidered or removed, specifically noting that one completely blocks the yellow curbed unloading/loading zone in front of the World Newsstand. Shop owner Heidi Miller said she had to close the newsstand primarily because the loading zone was removed.

The yellow space is for the loading and unloading of passengers and freight, McAvoy noted. 

“As a practical matter, it’s hard to enforce that if people do stop and run in to a store, that can happen” McAvoy said. “But the purpose of it is for loading and unloading.”

LBHS girls win silver at the 2021 USA Water Polo National Junior Olympics

Story by Steve Riches

Photos by Scott Brashier

Eight rising LBHS juniors (Tasha Denny, Charlotte Riches, Jordan Schneider, Cleo Washer, Lauren Short, and Myha Pinto) and two rising sophomores (Ava Knepper and Emmy Hensley) made up half the SET 16U Black team, which took silver in the highly competitive USA Water Polo National Junior Olympics (JOs) Championship. 

JOs took place last week (July 22-25) at pools across Los Angeles and Orange Counties, with the top 48 American teams in each age group competing. After the first day, the top 24 teams competed in the Platinum division, while the bottom 24 teams competed in the Gold division.

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Charlotte Riches and Cleo Washer in action

On Thursday, SET 16U Black won games against the team from Praetorian Bakersfield 26-4, and San Jose Almaden 18-3. Friday’s games were harder, as the girls battled with Royal from Fresno for a 14-8 win, and Glendora Foothill for a 12-5 win. 

Saturday was the critical day, as a win meant only one game that day, and a ticket straight to the semi-finals on Sunday morning. A very close game with Pasadena Rose Bowl resulted in a 10-6 win and the remainder of the day off.

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Ava Knepper takes no prisoners

Early Sunday morning, SET 16U Black played San Diego Shores, winning the game in a penalty shootout and taking the team to the final later that day. Despite having beaten Santa Barbara 805 for gold two weeks ago at the US Club Championships, this time, after a hard-fought game, Santa Barbara won 10-6 for gold, and SET 16U Black finished with a well-earned silver.

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Tasha Denny makes a great save

In the 16U Gold division, SET 16U Pink, with LBHS rising juniors and rising sophomores, finished in first place. In the 18U Platinum division, SET 18 Gray, with LBHS rising seniors, finished in fourth place, and SET 18U Black with LBHS graduated seniors finished in fifth place.

A cultural cornucopia: Laguna’s local festivals attract a broad spectrum of international artists

By MARRIE STONE

Photos by Jeffrey Rovner

Although art speaks a universal language, it reflects personal experiences. Art exposes cultural customs, political norms, and religious practices. It can communicate private passions and individual fears. Often, and ironically, the more intimate the artistic expression, the more unifying it can feel. Even if artists’ backgrounds appear wholly different from our own, we might still find ourselves reflected in their imagery. Art knits us together through our shared human experience, evoking collective emotions – humor and whimsy, pleasure and beauty, sadness and despair. The more diverse the artistic voices, the richer the emotional encounters.

While the Festival of Arts requires its exhibitors to live in Orange County, many of them come from countries across the world. Almost 25 percent of the artists were born (and often raised) outside the United States. Twenty-nine of the 120 artists represent 21 countries located on six continents. There’s a South African glass artist and a South Korean oil painter. Photographers from Chile and Australia. Printmakers from Japan and India, and sculptors from Bulgaria and Germany. Two Taiwanese oil painters and jewelers from five different countries. 

The Sawdust Festival, which restricts exhibitor residency to Laguna Beach itself, includes artists from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Russia, Italy, and Sweden. The Laguna Art-A-Fair, not having any residency requirements, draws roughly 15 artists born and raised in countries like Nigeria, Turkey, Iran, Russia, Georgia, Belarus, Korea, France, and Cambodia. 

What these artists offer stretches beyond their talents. They bring cultural traditions, but they also bring unique upbringings, diverse perspectives, and rich educational backgrounds. Some grew up in nations that demanded conformity. Many received a rigorous and competitive education. Others enjoyed an uncommonly open childhood. A few endured wars and oppressive regimes. Several were saturated in European art, architecture, and literature. Some were isolated and oppressed while many were given free rein to explore the distant boundaries of their passions. They all contribute to the grand mixture of art on display at this year’s festivals. 

Click to read story in our Arts section…

Laguna Art-A-Fair’s summer Sip & Pour and other daily workshops unlock both the inner-artist and the inner-child

By MARRIE STONE

“If you made it through kindergarten, you can do this,” says acrylic pour instructor Emilee Reed. Laguna Art-A-Fair’s last scheduled Sip & Pour of the season happens this Friday evening, July 30th, at 4:15 p.m. Participants will be given two canvases and a drink voucher for a glass of wine. Aprons are provided and casual clothing is encouraged because things are about to get messy…and fun. 

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Photo by Barbara Palmer Davis

Instructor Emilee Reed guides participants Pennilee Fallow, Kelli Amador, Mark Amador, Geri Medway, Richard Jenkins, and Lorna Jenkins at a July Sip & Pour event

Using metal chains, inflated balloons, egg cartons, ice cube trays, bubble wrap, and anything else Reed can conjure – and her imagination is active! – participants will produce two different acrylic pours. Swipe, smash, pull, or pour the paint, and every creation will look unique. 

“I get most of my tools at the hardware store,” says Reed. “I see something and think, ‘What if I tried that?’” Reed even adds silicone to the paint to create bubbles in the image which burst when the paint is spread. “It almost paints itself,” says Reed. “There’s no limit to the things you can do.” The effects are spectacular.

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Photo by Emilee Reed

An example of one of the pieces produced in the acrylic pour workshop

Originally a watercolor artist whose work is on display in local galleries and the Art-A-Fair, Reed discovered acrylic pours more recently. “Pour painting allows me to loosen up in a way much different than my watercolor style,” she says. “Paint flow and canvas manipulation combine to create endless unique and exciting design possibilities.” 

Although Friday evening’s event is the last scheduled Sip & Pour this season, additional August dates may be announced depending on participation and interest. 

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Photo by Barbara Palmer David

Instructor Emilee Reed begins her acrylic pour

For those more attracted to pouring paint than sipping wine, acrylic pour workshops are offered every Thursday and Friday afternoon on the Art-A-Fair grounds. Reed teaches the Friday class through August 27, introducing a different pour technique each week, ensuring no two classes will be the same. Barbara Palmer-Davis teaches on Thursday afternoons through September 2. Each class is limited to six participants, so students are guaranteed personal attention. “Look forward to controlling the uncontrollable and celebrating the unexpected,” Palmer-Davis says. 

Click to read story in our Arts section…

Obituary

Carol Suess 

August 22, 1943 - July 22, 2021

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Submitted photo

Carol Suess 

Irene Carol Suess, age 77, passed away on July 22, 2021, in Dana Point.

She was born in Detroit on August 22, 1943, and spent her early years in Southfield, Mich. Before coming to California, Irene attended the University of Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Irma (Hartung) Suess. 

As an artist and jeweler, Irene was involved in many area art shows. 

However, she was most well-known at the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach – being a part of the Festival from 1968-2019. Her jewelry could be found at art galleries across the Southwest. 

Services are private. Donations in memory of Irene may be sent to the Sawdust Artists’ Benevolence Fund, 935 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, or you may donate online at www.sawdustartfestival.org/donate/funds-scholarships.

Rep. Steel introduces resolution to designate August 24 as “Kobe Bryant Day”

Rep. Michelle Steel (CA-48) announced the introduction of a congressional resolution to designate August 24, 2021, as “Kobe Bryant Day,” in honor of the basketball legend who tragically passed away last year. Bryant was a Newport Beach resident and lived in the 48th Congressional District with his family. The date August 24 honors Bryant’s two numbers during his 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, No. 8 and No. 24.

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Courtesy of the Office of Rep. Michelle Steel

Rep. Steel before introducing the Kobe Bryant resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives

“Kobe Bryant used his platform to inspire millions and help kids around the world achieve success and strive for greatness. On August 24, we should remember Kobe, celebrate his life, and encourage the next generation to dream big just like Kobe did,” said Rep. Steel.

Last year as Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Rep. Steel led an effort to pass a similar resolution in honor of Bryant. You can view a copy of the resolution here.

Where’s Maggi?

Maggi wants to know who can spot this Laguna walkway – and where does it go?

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.

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Sunset shadows limn the coastline

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Photo by Scott Brashier

The sun sets the sky aglow as the land darkens

Dennis’ Tidbits

By DENNIS McTIGHE

July 30, 2021

Warmest, coldest, and wettest Augusts

This July ended up being cooler than normal for the high temp at an average for the month of 74.7 degrees, compared to a normal of 77.0, and the average low for July was 65.2, compared to a normal of 64.4, with not a single 80-degree temp the whole month. It’s looking like that trend will continue for at least the foreseeable future with near normal temps at least here on the coast, and no major heat waves inland for a while. Local ocean temps have taken a bit of a plunge as of late with temps across the county a brisk 62-65 degrees.

Here comes August, our warmest month of the year for both air and water temps, with a normal hi-lo of 78-65 here in town and normal water temps at around 70. Our hottest August day was 101 in 1981 and 1983. Our coolest August low was 51 in 1953. Incidentally, Laguna picked up 0.16 inches of rain from the showers we had earlier this week. It was the first measurable July precipitation since 2015 when a July record of 0.90 fell. 

Normal August rainfall in Laguna is around a tenth of an inch. Our wettest August on record was a robust 2.23 inches back in 1977, followed by 0.75 in 1983 and 0.35 in 1972. Our warmest water temp was 79.5 for a brief period in August of 1994, and our coldest water temp was 55 in 2010 when there was a strong La Nina event going on.

When we surfers see a huge pool of very warm water expanding and pushing far north here in the Eastern Pacific Tropics come summertime, we know that’s the prime sign of a developing strong El Nino event coming on, so El Nino, our friend, is coming to pay us a visit. This means that the enemy, La Nina, has been evicted from the area taking her cold water, flat surf, and drought-plagued winters with her! It is now the year of abundance! 

In 1983 and 1997, the strongest El Ninos of the 20th century were running the show as super-warm Eastern Pacific waters pushed far to the north with ocean temps reaching as high as 72 all the way north to Northern California, and even as far north as British Columbia with their water temps as high as 68! One of my surf buddies, Costa Azul’s owner Rod Greenup, was up in B.C. in September of 1997 and he called me to tell me about that epic event.

Those two mega El Nino events produced off-the-charts surf for months on end from every direction, all the way from heavy SSE hurricanes off Baja, to huge SSW and SW long-period mackers from the Southern Hemisphere, to seemingly never-ending North Pacific monster waves from the west, WNW, and NW lighting up spots on Hawaii’s north and west shores as well as all of California and Baja and even mainland Mexico’s west coast!

Both El Ninos produced two of the wettest years in all of California, setting records in rainfall to new levels. More coverage on our friend and enemy next Tuesday!

Have a safe and healthy weekend, ALOHA!

Laguna Playhouse announces its 100th season of shows – a century of theatrical artistry

Laguna Playhouse is thrilled to announce its doors will open after a too-long 18 months, so they can (finally!) celebrate their 100th year of creating exceptional theatre in one of Southern California’s most beautiful and vibrant communities. 

Comments Executive Director Ellen Richard and Artistic Director Ann E. Wareham, “We cannot wait to welcome you, our subscribers, and audiences back to the Laguna Playhouse after this unprecedented intermission. It may have been delayed, but we are going to celebrate our 100th season in style with shows that are uplifting, hilarious, and life-affirming!” 

The Playhouse’s 100th season begins with Denny and the Dreamers singing all your favorite 1960s songs in the smash-hit, jukebox musical Sh-Boom! Life Could Be A Dream; followed by the heart-warming musical drama, based on the hit film, The Spitfire Grill; then Ella Fitzgerald will take the stage in First Lady of Song: Alexis J. Roston Sings Ella Fitzgerald; next is a play you’ll find almost perfect as you experience the funny and heartwarming, Almost, Maine; the summer will bring the musicals you are going to dance in the aisles to, starting with the infectious songs of the Bee Gees in Saturday Night Fever; and the Playhouse will complete its season with the exhilarating Xanadu! It is a season worth the wait and a spectacular way to welcome you back to the Laguna Playhouse.

Sh-Boom! Life Could Be A Dream – October 13-31, 2021

Take a trip to Springfield and meet the Crooning Crabcakes as they prepare to enter the Big Whopper Radio contest and realize their dreams of making it to the big time! The 60s hits say it all: “Fools Fall in Love,” “Tears on my Pillow,” “Runaround Sue,” “Earth Angel,” “Stay,” “Unchained Melody,” “Lonely Teardrops,” and “The Glory of Love.” This delightful, award-winning jukebox musical, written and created by Roger Bean (The Marvelous Wonderettes), will leave you laughing, singing, and cheering – let’s hear it for the boys!

The Spitfire Grill – January 26-February 13, 2022 

Run away to a small town where they “roll the streets up at night” and find yourself in a café that serves up a soul-stirring story with a strong cup of joe. This joyous musical bubbles over with toe-tapping fun and soaring, heart-felt melodies – and is proof that a new beginning is as close as your own back porch.   

The music and book are by James Valcq, the lyrics and book are by Fred Alley, and it is based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff

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Courtesy of Artists Lounge Live

Alexis J. Roston stars in “First Lady Of Song: Alexis J. Roston Sings Ella Fitzgerald”  

First Lady Of Song: Alexis J. Roston Sings Ella Fitzgerald – March 2-20, 2022

Presented by Artists Lounge Live, award-winner Alexis J. Roston salutes America’s favorite jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. Roston is known for her mesmerizing star turn as Billie Holiday in multiple productions of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, earning Chicago’s Jeff Award and Black Theatre Alliance Award. In a spellbinding concert performance, Roston effortlessly emits the sultry swing and playful joy that made Ella an American treasure. 

Almost, Maine – April 20-May 8, 2022 

Written by John Cariani. Propelled by the mystical energy of the aurora borealis and populated with characters who are humorous, plain-spoken, thoughtful, and sincere, Almost, Maine is a series of loosely connected tales about love, each with a compelling couple at its center, each with its own touch of sorcery. Strangers become friends, friends become lovers, and lovers turn into strangers. On one cold and magical winter night, the citizens of Almost experience the life-altering power of the human heart.

Another Spectacular Show! TBA – May 25-June 12, 2022 

The Playhouse is working hard to find the perfect show to fit into this special season. 

Saturday Night Fever – June 29-July 17, 2022 

Tony Manero doesn’t have much going for him during the weekdays. On the weekends, however, he is the king of the dance floor at the local disco where he and his friends go to dance the night away. When a big dance competition is announced, he wrangles the beautiful and talented Stephanie to be his partner. As the two train for the big night, they start to fall for each other as well. Packed with disco classics including the Bee Gees’ hits “Stayin’ Alive,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” “Night Fever,” “Tragedy” and “More Than A Woman,” the musical is filled with explosive energy and sensational choreography.

The show is based on the Paramount/RSO Picture, based on a story by Nik Cohn, the screenplay is by Norman Wexler, stage adaption is by Nan Knighton, and it features songs by The Bee Gees.

Xanadu – August 3-21, 2022 

Xanadu follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, Calif., in 1980 on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time – the first Roller Disco. (Hey, it’s 1980!) But, when Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation.

The book is by Douglas Carter Beane; music and lyrics are by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar.

Subscriptions to the 100th Anniversary Season are now available. Seven-play season tickets range from $268-$408 and can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.comor by calling (949) 497-ARTS (2787).                                                                                                                   

The box office is open Mondays through Saturdays from 12 to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (The box office will open in September and will be open until showtime on performance days).

Laguna Playhouse is located at 606 Laguna Canyon Rd. 

Laguna Playhouse COVID-19 protocols: Laguna Playhouse will offer both vaccination-only and open-to-all performances this season. The first two weeks of each run will be for fully vaccinated patrons only, followed by a week of open performances for all audiences. Subscribers who would like to move to a week that better serves their needs can do so. Any additional protocol will depend, of course, on governmental regulations.

Tropical flavor of palm and ocean

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Hawaii or Laguna Beach?

Guest Column

Changes at Mission Laguna Beach

By Seth Teigen, Chief Executive, Providence Mission Hospital

Last December, we took a historical step forward as a hospital when we updated our exterior Mission Hospital signage on our Mission Viejo campus to reflect our identity as part of the Providence health system and our new name…Providence Mission Hospital. I am pleased to share that we have begun the same transition at our beautiful Laguna Beach campus. I wanted to check in with you, our community, as you start to notice these exciting changes.

The first phase of this transition included changing the signs on the ground level, like the monument sign on Coast Highway, the signs outside the Emergency Department, and the signage on the wall near the Rose Garden. I’m happy to share that those changes are already complete. 

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Seth Teigen, Providence Mission Hospital CEO

In mid-August, we will begin the most significant transition by removing the current master brand signage on the top floor of the hospital, facing Coast Highway. Our new Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach brand will be installed in early September. We’ve been planning this exciting change for some time and it’s so wonderful to see it come to fruition. 

The next wave of sign changes will be made to our medical office buildings in the fall. “Physician Center East and West” will soon be called “Health Center East and West,” which is more inclusive of different types of health care providers.

I recognize that change can be difficult, especially when the change involves the name of a beloved and treasured community resource like our hospital. Luckily, Mission Hospital Laguna Beach will still continue to provide exceptional care close to home. Our caregivers and physicians offer the most compassionate care to our community and are dedicated to providing our patients with the high-quality, safe experience they deserve. We promise to continue putting our patients first, as it is an honor to be your partner in health.

As we enjoy the last few weeks of summer, I hope that you have made use of the beach parking that we made available in designated locations in the parking lot that sits in front of the hospital on Coast Highway and alongside 7th Street. This year we also added restrooms, hand washing stations, and additional waste containers for beachgoes near our parking structure. Through our ongoing partnership with the City of Laguna Beach, we learned that these resources could benefit residents, as well as visitors, and we are very happy to make it available. We are always committed to easing your way – whether you’re inside our hospital as a patient, or if you’re just looking for a fun day outside at the beach!

Laguna Board of REALTORS® donates 55 pounds of fruit and vegetables to Laguna Food Pantry

Members of the Laguna Board of REALTORS® (LBOR) donated 55 pounds of homegrown fruit and vegetables from their gardens to the Laguna Food Pantry in support of its efforts to give back to the community. 

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Tracy Lineback, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, loves donating from her “Lemon Giving Tree”

Bags of lemons, unusual lemon cucumbers, tomatoes, kumquats, grapes, oranges, and apples were delivered to the Pantry, which gladly accepts locally homegrown fruits and vegetables. It is a treat that their shoppers really enjoy. 

In August, the LBOR members will be donating dry goods from the Food Pantry’s “Big 7” need list, which includes cereal, peanut butter, pasta, rice, beans, and soup. LBOR is also working with the Pantry to coordinate a volunteer day to help stock their shelves in the coming months.

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Jesse Brossa, Surterre Properties, proudly shows off his homegrown mega bunch of grapes and delicious apples

The Laguna Food Pantry, which serves more than 800 families a week, believes no one should go hungry. Their mission is to collect and distribute free, fresh, and nutritious groceries to people in need.

Laguna Live! welcomes legendary songwriters to upcoming Beth’s Tuesdays

Laguna Live! is delighted to welcome the legendary Jack Tempchin and Alfred Johnson along with an in-person audience to the nonprofit’s upcoming Beth’s Tuesdays. The event will take place on Tuesday, Aug 3 at 7 p.m. at the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center. Tickets are $10 in advance ($15 at the door) and can be purchased at www.lagunalive.org.

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Legendary hit songwriter Jack Tempchin 

Jack Tempchin is a legendary hit songwriter, whose compositions “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and “Already Gone” are synonymous with the Southern California sound. 

Alfred Johnson is a highly regarded singer/songwriter and funky piano player. He is considered by some as one of this century’s most animated and original songwriters.

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Acclaimed singer/songwriter and funky piano player Alfred Johnson 

The show can also be viewed virtually, starting at 7 p.m., on the Laguna Beach Live! Facebook page, YouTube channel, or at www.lagunalive.orgafter the concert. 

The Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center is located at 235 Forest Ave.

Festival artists paint platters at Collector’s Night on Saturday

A special ceramic glazing demonstration will be presented at the Festival of Arts on Saturday, July 31 from 8:30-10:30 p.m. during the Collector’s Night events. Visitors to the art center will enjoy watching 12 exhibitors paint signature designs on ceramic platters. 

“It’s the first time I’ve ever done this,” said textile artist Lisa Kijack, known for her vintage neon sign-themed quilts. “I’m deciding between a neon star and an ‘eat’ sign from a diner,” she said.

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Photo by Cheryl Walsh

Platter artists and event supporters

Other artists stepping out of their comfort zone include wildlife illustrator Ray Brown, who will use both wax and underglaze pencils in creating his piece featuring swallows. Scratchboard artist Maaria Kader will do a platter in black and white – her signature palette – and printmaker Vinita Voogd will do a design inspired by a topographical map of Laguna Beach. 

“I’m sure you’ll all do a great job,” said Bryan Vansell, owner of Laguna Clay Company, who furnished the materials. Additional artists include Paul Bond, Bruce Burr, Kate Cohen, Monica Edwards, Brian Giberson, Mark Jacobucci, Yuri Kuznetsov, and Anthony Salvo. The fired platters will be available alongside the Art-To-Go display in late-August.

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Photo by Cheryl Walsh

Mike Tauber explains the glazing prosess to platter artists

Collector’s Night is an all-new nighttime experience at Festival of Arts, featuring pop-up art performances, a make-your-mark graffiti wall, a mystery mural in progress, a strike-a-pose conga line photo activity, an opportunity drawing to win $250 in “Buyers Bucks,” and much more. 

Collector’s Night is free with regular Festival admission. It is presented by The Artists Fund with support from the Festival of Arts and Laguna Clay Company. 

For more information, visit www.theartistsfund-foa.org or call (949) 612-1949. 

The Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters is located at 650 Laguna Canyon Rd.

ECW features Tommy Benson and Friends at fundraiser for local nonprofits on August 7

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Women (ECW) is planning a series of community fundraiser concerts and events this summer and early fall. Their next one will be on Saturday, Aug 7 with local musicians Tommy Benson and Friends. They play all kinds of music including jazz, rock, country, and requests! 

The concert will be held on St. Mary’s ocean view terrace behind the church at 428 Park Ave from 5-7 p.m. 

Benson is the host and producer of Guitar Gods Power Hour and co-host and co-producer of Jazz Quest Radio on Laguna Beach’s KX FM.

​He says, “My guitar journey is just beginning, and it’s already been 25+ years. Listen to my shows, come to my gigs, and buy music…it nourishes the soul.”

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Tommy Benson and Friends plays on August 7

ECW is also offering meals provided by local restaurants which can be ordered with tickets. The ECW group, made up of volunteers, will donate all proceeds to local charities such as Laguna Beach Community Foundation – COVID-19 Relief Fund, the Laguna Beach Community Clinic, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Sally’s Fund, and Laguna Beach Seniors, among others. 

The St. Mary’s Chapter of ECW is a great way for women in the St. Mary’s community to come together and to create fundraisers and activities that benefit local, national, and global causes. ECW welcomes women of all ages and from all walks of life to meet, connect, and participate! 

For complete information on the event on August 7 and to buy tickets, go to https://stmarysecw.simpletix.com/ or contact Linda Bratcher at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (704) 576-2261, or Joslyn Aitken at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (949) 683-9770.

Guest Column

You are worthy

By Dr. Vidya Reddy

This week we’re exploring worthiness. Do you feel worthy? Let me remind you just how pure, whole, and perfect you really are. 

You are so worthy, so it’s time to stop second guessing yourself.

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/.

There are three basic directions that love can flow and three basic questions we can ask in every moment to determine how worthy we feel or how awakened our heart is. They are:

--Love of self – “In this moment, do I genuinely love myself?”

--Love of another – “In this moment, how am I expressing my love to someone else?”

--The ability to receive love – “In this moment, am I worthy of love?”

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Photo by Johnny Antezana

Dr. Vidya Reddy

The Divine Power of Your Heart holds the key to your self-worth; your awakened heart allows you to not only express love to another, but it also allows you to celebrate yourself. Your ability to see yourself in the hearts of others and hold another person’s heart in your own begin with a solid foundation of how worthy you feel of receiving your own love.

When your heart is truly “awakened,” it is the most powerful, expansive, and transformational aspect of your being. In this divine state of bodhicitta, you can effortlessly give and receive love, flow gratitude, step beyond fear, awaken your purpose, and experience joy in each moment…feeling completely worthy to receive it all! 

When storm clouds seem to overtake your emotions; when you find yourself feeling shame, jealousy, self-doubt, inadequacy, or loneliness; when the shield of pride you constantly hold up to protect yourself has become too heavy – your awakened heart is there to comfort and heal you.

Those moments of anger, arrogance, judgment, and condescension, where you brandish a sword of self-importance to demonstrate your strength, power, or confidence – your awakened heart knows this is simply a defensive ploy to attack the world and distract yourself from the tender hurt oozing from the center of your heart-puddle.

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Photo by Kavita Reddy

Your heart holds the key to your self-worth

Your awakened heart knows all, sees all, feels all, and is capable of healing all the pain and suffering that rests inside you. And in its boundless wisdom, your awakened heart can deliver an ever-expanding wholeness to your every thought, word, and action.

The pathway to this higher state of existence is through living each moment from that sacred space of love to be divinely guided to fulfill your heart’s desires, summoning the courage to take your life to the next level, and discovering your meaning in life.

This week, be gentle with yourself, love yourself, forgive yourself, trust yourself, and remember just how worthy you are. 

You’re beautiful, you’re doing a great job, and much love to you! 

In Peace, Love and Gratitude. 

‘Til next time.

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

www.Naturally-Happy.com

COVID-19: 25 new cases and no new deaths reported in Laguna Beach this past week

Stu News Laguna is now reporting COVID-19 numbers on a weekly basis, as reported by the OC Health Care Agency.

This week, July 21-27, there have been 25 new cases in Laguna Beach and no new deaths, bringing the overall totals to 935 cases reported to date and six deaths.

During the past week, the county reported a total of 2,829 new cases, raising the total to 262,524 to date. The death totals for the county were four for the week, bringing the overall total number of deaths to 5,140.

As of Tuesday, July 27, Orange County has performed a cumulative of 4,290,726 tests to date. There are 212 current cases of hospitalized patients in Orange County, of which 48 are in ICU.

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 County’s data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated weekly by Stu News Laguna in Friday’s new edition.

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Data courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

The Guitar Shoppe: a unique and world-renowned pro guitar shop right here in Laguna

By DIANNE RUSSELL

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

For almost 50 years – as of January 2022 – The Guitar Shoppe has been the go-to place for guitarists far and near. Musicians in Laguna have been especially fortunate that a shop offering a multitude of music-related services is right here in their own backyard – and clients all over the globe seek out their expertise as well. 

If one has the idea that this is merely a retail store, that would be a mistake. Of course, The Guitar Shoppe does sell guitars (and folk instruments) – ranging from $99 to six figures – but they offer so much more. They build custom guitars and provide everything in the realm of musical needs – lessons, repair, and restoration. 

This half-century of skill and experience originated from Jim Matthews and Kirk Sand, owners of The Guitar Shoppe. Kirk came to California from Illinois in 1972 to study classical guitar at the University of Redlands. Coincidentally, 1972 was also the year Jim opened The Guitar Shoppe and Kirk joined as an owner in 1974. A fixture at the local guitar shop in Illinois, Kirk learned much of the business there. When he first came to California, he worked at the Fender Guitar Factory, but eventually, he found The Guitar Shoppe, and that was it. 

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Co-Owner Kirk Sand builds custom guitars upstairs – this one is ready for the neck and back 

“We want customers to buy a guitar and then come back,” says Jim. “Sales are brisk; however, we don’t rely on the professional musicians, we rely on the hobbyists who can afford a nice guitar.” 

According to Kirk, one reason they’ve been in the same location for 50 years (through fire and floods) is the great relationship they’ve had with their landlord. “I don’t complain, I get things fixed,” he says and wants to publicly thank his landlord who didn’t charge him rent during the pandemic when the store was shut down. “We’ve always had a great relationship with the landlord and now Dave Csira of Cove Realty, who took over recently. If you’re nice to your landlord, they’re nice to you. I call the plumber and electrician if something needs to be fixed and try to help as much as I can.”

Loyalty and longevity

The Co-Managers are Ben Wagner, who has been there for 20 years, and Sean Copeland, who has been there18 years. 

“Ben and Sean will take over the business when Jim and I retire,” says Kirk. “They’ll have first right of refusal.” 

Never idle, Ben and Sean, when not helping customers, are repairing or doing other things around the shop. Don’t think for a minute that anyone follows customers around when they’re browsing, and visitors – to their delight – can try out the guitars to their hearts’ content without anyone hovering nearby.

Adding to the welcoming atmosphere, there have been generations of shop dogs at The Guitar Shoppe. The new one is Sean’s four-and-a-half-month-old Great Dane puppy Bigsby who sleeps under a work bench. Ben’s Akita Eila showed up later in the day. Past shop dogs include Jack and Blue, whose photos hang on the wall.

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Co-Manager Ben Wagner (on left) and Co-Owner Jim Matthews

Growing up with guitars

Kirk, Jim, Ben, and Sean all grew up with guitars.

“I’ve always been a guitar player, and on February 19, 1964, after the Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, the guitar exploded, and every boy was in a garage band,” says Kirk. “I knew right there and then that I wanted to be in the guitar business and a guitar player. But I didn’t much like the traveling and playing and got into business pretty quickly doing custom construction.” 

Sand Guitars enjoys an international reputation with endorsers such as Chet Atkins, Jose Feliciano, Jerry Reed, Richie Sambora (a Laguna resident), Tommy Emmanuell, the late Lenny Breau, and many others.

Kirk builds around six guitars a year and custom orders are two to three years out. 

“I have a deal in the works to make copies of my handmade guitars, and they will sell in Japan – I hope this year. Sand Guitars will be made in Japan with a design I approved. They approached me – Chet Atkins is very popular there. It will be the Japanese Sand Guitar, and it will sell all over country and the world.”

Jim attended high school in Riverside and got a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology at Long Beach State. Always into constructing things, when he was eight years old, Jim began building model airplanes. “I built radio-controlled airplanes. I’ve been doing that forever, and I really enjoy the building process. Now they’re made of foam and need to have instruction. It’s such a great hobby, but very few people do it. I imagine every pilot and astronaut must have had it as a hobby. It teaches young people to work with their hands and problem solve. As a kid of the 1950s, I was also into cars.” 

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Co-Manager Sean Copeland and shop dog Bigsby 

Ben, who grew up in Laguna, has been playing the guitar since he was 10 years old and took lessons at The Guitar Shoppe. “I had a great experience and fell in love with it.” His wife Katlin is an exhibitor at the Festival of the Arts and has also shown at the Sawdust Festival in past years (she is also featured in Stu News Laguna this issue). They live in the canyon.

It’s easy to say that music is pretty much Ben’s life. The name of his band is The Great North Special. “I also play duo gigs with Andrew Corradini (who is also in The Great North Special),” he says.

Around ten years ago, Jim, Ben, and Sean had a band called Doggie Style. 

Outside of work, Sean spends most of his time with his children, who are six and 10. He loves photography and plays guitar as well. He’s also a songwriter and composer and records music commercially.

“This is a great lifestyle,” Sean says. “It doesn’t feel like work, it’s like an extended family.”

Repairs

 Guitars are shipped to the shop for repairs from all over the world. A professional musician in Nashville flew out here just to get a particular nut for his guitar.

Jim explains the repair process on a guitar that looks as if it’s encased in a medieval torture device. “The top came loose on this 1964 Epiphone guitar that was shipped from Pittsburgh by a professional musician to be repaired.” Smiling, he points out the numerous clamps that will remain in place for 24 hours, “It’s being punished.”

Playing guitar during the pandemic

“We are one of the oldest businesses in town,” says Jim. “Musicians were dead in the water during the pandemic. We were closed for three months; the pandemic hurt others but helped us. People were staying home and playing their guitars. We got repair shipments from all over the world. We also took advantage of that time to reorganize the store and inventory.”

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1964 Epiphone guitar in for repairs

“People want quality, good guitars, and we’ve always done a lot of repairs, but it completely snowballed during the pandemic.” Jim gestures to a wall filled with slips of paper. “We’re three weeks out on repairs.”

They get inventory from a variety of manufacturers and carry a full spectrum of guitars.

“There’s been a longer lead time for ordering guitars,” Jim says. “We just ordered for 2023. We are also being limited by manufacturers as to the number of guitars we can order. Because of the social distancing and lockdown, fewer were made, and then when they do get here, they set in the ports waiting. Getting imported guitars is a problem, it’s such an unknown. There suddenly may be a deluge of guitars. We have to be covered, because some manufacturers charge for cancellation.”

Jim laments the effect of technology on the younger generations. “Over the last 10-20 years, kids want instant gratification, however, to play the guitar is a learning process, but it’s so rewarding. Guitars aren’t the all-consuming thing anymore. Some hobbies take long and meticulous work and that is one of them.

We’re always trying to get beginners. They become future customers and friends.”

Guitars love Laguna weather

Not only do Laguna residents love the weather here, surprisingly, so do guitars.

“It’s the perfect climate for them,” says Kirk. “It’s not too dry or too wet. We usually have 50 percent humidity, and they don’t mind humidity. If it’s too dry, they crack. Dry is bad.”

Luckily, there are humidifiers for guitar cases that circulate air.

Strange occurrences

In response to the question, “Have any strange things happened over the years?” Sean says, “Well, we are a guitar store and on PCH.”

“One day a guy in his 40s parked across the street and ran across the highway. He came in and tried out some guitars,” says Kirk. “He was really good. I didn’t know who he was. Turns out he was Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day. Ben sold him an entry-level acoustic guitar and then Armstrong ran across the highway, got into his car and drove away.” 

Over the years they’ve had famous visitors such as Sting, Lauren Hutton, and Diane Keaton.

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Ben testing out a guitar

“One time I was here at 2 a.m., and I got a call,” says Kirk. “The people across the street were having a party and one of the guests swore she was a country singer – they needed a guitar for her to play and wanted to buy one at 2 a.m. Another time, an executive came in and kept placing guitars on the counter. He ended up buying five guitars, one was very expensive.” 

Twice they’ve had bricks thrown at the windows. One of the instances was a diversion for the police while the perpetrators robbed stores in South Laguna. “But we’ve had good luck with crime.”

Surprises 

It’s not a surprise that honesty is the policy at The Guitar Shoppe.

“People will come in to sell guitars,” says Ben, “something as valuable as a 1960 Fender Stratocaster that has been kept 100 percent original or a $15 guitar. Sometimes they don’t know what they have. A woman had been cleaning out her grandmother’s things and brought in an extremely rare guitar that was worth around $50,000. She would have been willing to take a few hundred, but we found a buyer at $50,000 for her.”

Kirk adds, “We have collectors who are good friends.”

Guitar teachers

Once a customer purchases a guitar, that’s just the beginning – then come the lessons, and The Guitar Shoppe offers a variety of teachers.

Their guitar Instructors – Peter Dobson, John Heussenstamm, and Ed Krajec – each have long lists of credentials. 

Ed is their resident rock guitarist. He possesses the unique ability to inspire players of all ages – especially young beginners – and get them having fun immediately. Ed’s song catalog is vast, and he is able to teach students the music that is important to them. Ed currently plays solo acoustic guitar at local art shows as well as many gigs with different bands around Southern California.

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The Guitar Shoppe carries a wide variety of guitars

John is an American guitarist and music educator. He is the author of Guitar Workout, a book published by Hal Leonard Corporation in 2010. With over 40 years of professional experience, John has developed a formidable technical prowess on the guitar. He specializes in jazz, blues, modern fusion, rock, and country. John teaches players of all ages and skill levels, inspiring and motivating his students to exceed their expectations and reach their potential. 

Peter is a prolific composer, recording artist, and record producer. An Oxford graduate and BBC composer, he began his recording career at Abbey Road for George Martin’s AIR label. His touring and recording bio includes such artists as The Crusaders, The Soul Train Band, The Wailers, The International Reggae Allstars, and Taj Majal’s Phantom Blues Band.

Robert Kazer showed up for a lesson and had nothing but praise for Peter. “Peter is an excellent teacher. He teaches me what I want to learn. I’ve been playing guitar my whole life, but you never stop learning no matter how good you are or what level you’re at.”

“We really know guitars and that’s why we’re still in business,” says Kirk. “It’s easy to stay in business if you know the product. Customers realize how fortunate they are to have a shop here that does repairs, offers lessons, and is a pro shop. They don’t have to send their guitars to New York for repairs. That’s how we’ve weathered the storm of big lot guitar stores.

“Customers can shop online at 2 a.m. in the morning from any state. Our customer base is anyone who walks in the door and the internet makes it possible to have a customer base around the world. Locations doesn’t matter – we sell to Australia, Poland, England, Japan, and Sweden just to name a few.” 

Kirk sums it up, “A guitar store is a happy place. It’s heaven. It’s like a candy store for old guys into music.” 

And evidently, for musicians of all ages – and locations.

The Guitar Shoppe is located at 1027 B North Coast Hwy. 

For more information, go to www.theguitarshoppe.com, call (949) 497-2100, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In Pencil Walking, FOA artist Katlin Evans beckons viewers to feel the power of silent reflection 

By DIANNE RUSSELL

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

Artist Katlin Evans, in her fifth year as an exhibitor at the Festival of Arts, says her drawings are quiet for a reason – and that stillness speaks volumes. In her exhibit Pencil Walking, Katlin takes visitors on a journey of discovery, inviting them to get lost in what they see.

Further describing her graphite drawings and 3D sculptures as calming, Katlin says, “We’re all on sensory overload. In my drawings, it’s about each moment leading to the next moment. It’s not the big things, but the tiny pieces on top of each other – the collective.”

Layers of meaning

Katlin’s work is layered in both meaning and method. She starts with two sheets of vellum and a graphite pencil. She draws on one side and then turns it over. “It’s a call and response,” she says, “and it either works out or it doesn’t.”

She explains that it’s not a 3D form, but it still has layers that create depth – a depth that warrants attentiveness.

“Be in the moment when you’re walking around, slow it down,” she says. “It becomes not so much about the process of looking. It’s the whole idea of recognition – the forms I depict are both recognizable and not. You recognize it, but then you don’t, and it pulls you away from everything.”

This concept comes into play when viewing her piece Tidal. One experiences something akin to shapeshifting – is it seaweed, is it intestines, or some type of sea creature? It’s for certain, one gets lost in the discovery.

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Katlin uses gold in “Pencil Walking” 

Katlin first exhibited at FOA in 2007, then from 2016-2018, and now in 2021. Over the years, she’s also been part of the Sawdust Festival and had numerous shows in Southern California, as well as in Texas, Oregon, and New York, to name just a few. 

In her new work Pencil Walking, she uses imitation gold, which is shinier and less expensive than real gold. There’s something beautifully fluid about the gold. It reflects the light as one passes by, morphing into different forms.

“I was influenced by the commission work I did in the spring to put the gold in the drawing,” Katlin says. “However, the gold does have meaning. It’s about a disruption in our pencil walking journey. Disruptions aren’t always negative. It can be a positive to have our visual and mental ‘journeys’ disrupted, leading us down a path we didn’t plan.” 

Always an artist

In an interview with Voyage LA Magazine in 2019, Katlin said, “When I was five years old, I use to sit out on the street with my drawings and tried to sell them. Kind of like a lemonade stand but with my drawings. I suppose I’ve never stopped from there. Pursuing art as a profession was never looked down upon nor encouraged, it just was. ‘If you wanted to do it, you just did it’ seemed to be the family motto.”

However, Katlin admits, “My dad said, ‘You’re going to have a hard life.’”

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Katlin Evans is exhibiting for the fifth time at the Festival of Arts

Originally from New Jersey, Kaitlin moved here when she was 10 years old and went to Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School. After graduation, she attended the University of Montana, Missoula for her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Painting/Drawing. In 2008, she owned the Flower Stand next to the Lumberyard before she went to California State University, Fullerton, graduating with a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Painting/Drawing in 2014. 

Katlin comes from an artistic family. Her grandmother was an actress at the Laguna Playhouse, her mother a writer and singer, and her father was an actor and director for the soap opera Ryan’s Hope. Once that series ended, her father wanted to move back to this area from the East Coast.

A Laguna connection

While at LBHS, Katlin met her husband Ben Wagner – but they didn’t become friendly until a year and a half later. They’ve been together for 16 years – married for six – and live in Canyon Acres with their Akita Eila.

Currently, Katlin teaches freshman and sophomore Drawing and 2D Design at California State University Long Beach and at California State University Fullerton. She also taught at MSJC in Menifee for five years.

“Last year, it was a process to adjust to teaching online. I’ll be teaching four classes this next semester – two in-person at Cal State Fullerton and two online at Cal State Long Beach. It’s adjunct every semester, so there’s no guarantee of a position. I admit it’s hard to maintain a balance with my art and teaching.” 

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The summer is off to a good start 

Shows

“I always name my shows,” Katlin says. “One year it was Short Stories with Long Endings.” 

She says the names typically elicit comments. The name for her exhibit this year – Pencil Walking – has drawn some unusual ones. One woman asked, “Is it [pencil walking] a thing?” and then, “so do you take LSD?”

Fortunately, most visitors just ask what pencil walking is and then Katlin explains her process. 

From painting to pencil

From 2010-2011, Katlin’s work evolved from painting large abstracts to pencil drawing.

“The act of the pencil is completely different than painting. I really like the material and how far you can push it, but my love affair with paint isn’t over.”

Katlin admits she doesn’t have a plan in mind when she begins drawing. “I don’t know why I’m doing something; the answer comes later, one thing leads to another.”

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Closeup of “Pencil Walking”

“The work is going to do what it’s going to do,” she says. “I also took old paintings and sewed them together. Polarity of Center is a single 5,000 strand of clothes pins. Each piece represents the individual part of a collection – and that we’re not alone but part of a community. I want to add another 5,000 because it’s said that it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert at something.” 

During the last few months of 2020, Katlin did quite a bit of commission work for hotels. “I work with an art consultant, Daniel Fine Art Service in San Jan Capistrano. They work with a few artists, and the amount of work depends on what they need. Last year, there were lots of hotels doing remodeling.”

FOA 2021 

“This summer is off to a good start,” she says. “I’ve sold two large pieces. People seem much happier this year to be at the festival and are glad to be out and about. They are more patient.”

The invitation Katlin has for viewers of her art is the same as the one she gives her students. “I tell my students draw what you see. Forget it’s a cup or whatever. Get lost in what you see.”

Take her advice, and there’s no doubt you’ll enjoy the journey. 

Katlin is in booth 63.

The Festival of Arts is located at 650 Laguna Canyon Rd.

For more information about Katlin and her work, go to www.katlinevans.com.

“Art in Public Places” – Rock Pile Carve by George Stone

By DIANNE RUSSELL

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

This is the nineteenth in our weekly series featuring Art in Public Places. Since there are over 100 pieces of public art scattered throughout Laguna, it will take a while to cover them all.

Some of the art you see around Laguna Beach is the result of two city programs: “Public Art and Murals” and “Art in Public Places.” The goals of the Public Art and Murals and Art in Public Places (adopted in 1986) initiatives are to create diverse art installations of the highest quality that will, over decades, reflect the city itself and its citizens, and improve the quality of life; and to be a source of pride to all Laguna Beach residents.

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“Rock Pile Carve” was dedicated in honor of Maryellen Enright Brannon, who passed away in 1999

Installed in 2000, Rock Pile Carve was created through a donation from the Brannon family. Bob Brannon funded the $8,000 artist-designed bench in Heisler Park where his wife, the late Maryellen Enright Brannon, used to walk every day. 

Rock Pile Carve by George Stone is an approximately 4-foot high by 9-foot by 4-foot stainless steel, stone, and concrete sculpture. The title of this sculpture references Rockpile, a Laguna Beach surfing spot named for a group of rocks, located to the south.

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The sculpture’s title references Rockpile, a south LB surfing spot 

Stone, an accomplished Los Angeles public artist, created this site-specific piece to convey his own experiences of surfing at Rockpile (a grouping of rocks located south of the installation). The sculpture lends itself not only to “check out the surf” but also to enjoy views of Catalina. 

A Los Angeles native, Stone received his Bachelor of Arts from Cal State Long Beach and a Master of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design. Stone is the recipient of numerous awards and has had his work exhibited and reviewed throughout the region, nationally, and in France and Japan. Stone incorporates advanced technologies, sound, movement, and a sense of irony into his work.

For a map of Art in Public Places (not every piece is listed), click here. 

To apply for the Arts in Public Places program, click here.

Wispy clouds point to the heavens

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Blue merges into orange at the day’s end

Laguna Beach Seniors nonprofit awarded Festival of Arts Foundation grant

Gallery Q at The Susi Q was awarded a $2,000 grant from the Festival of Arts Foundation to showcase the work of emerging, semi-professional, and professional artists in Laguna Beach and surrounding Orange County.

“We are so pleased to continue our partnership with the Festival of Arts to encourage the work of our community’s many gifted artists, and grateful for this important show of support,” said Susi Q Executive Director, Nadia Babayi. Normally holding five exhibits annually, Gallery Q didn’t let the isolation of the pandemic hinder artistic expression. Gallery Q’s first of five virtual shows went live in June 2020 and showcased 85 pieces of artwork by over 50 participating artists.

Exhibits are organized by Gallery Q art director Bill Atkins and arts coordinator Judy Baker, and feature a wide selection of paintings, textiles, photography, ceramics, digital, and mixed media. Much of the art displayed is for sale, with a portion of the proceeds subsidizing the Susi Q arts budget.

Barring any future pandemic restrictions, Gallery Q has announced its first exhibit returning this August to the Susi Q Senior Center – Harmonious Diversity.

Adds Baker, “Gallery Q started out as an informal showcase, but it’s become much more, thanks to the support of the Festival of Arts Foundation and a limited amount of donors.” 

For more information about Gallery Q and Laguna Beach Seniors at The Susi Q, visit www.thesusiq.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Guest Column

From Laguna with Love: The French baker

By Edward Clark

I had to be careful with my approach to the French bakery and coffee shop in Laguna Beach’s Boat Canyon Shopping Center. The owner had a unique marketing plan which was to attack the self-esteem of his customers. This was why, for 30 years, customers repeatedly asked, “What has he done now?” until his shop closed.

Those who returned regularly, however, were served with dignity and invited into his band of regulars. That is, if they adhered to the baker’s rules.

I stood about 10 feet outside the entrance and planned my approach. I had to navigate through the regulars who sat at tables on the sidewalk. The French baker’s shiny balding head with its tinsels of gray hair streaming into the neck of his colorful Lacoste shirt was visible through the window of the otherwise empty shop. 

I was determined to confront him and break a primary rule: no conversation. I needed information from this Parisian immigrant.

An elderly female sitting at a sidewalk table among the regulars dropped her shoulders, lowered her chin, and stared protectively at me as if to say, “Be careful. Don’t make any mistakes.” 

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Photo by Jen Griffiths

The baker of Boat Canyon

I entered, walked to the rack of European magazines, and lifted a hand to select one. The red-faced baker barked, “Don’t touch a magazine unless you are going to buy it!” I snapped my hand back and turned instead to browse the bakery display case. 

Meanwhile, a blonde, teenaged girl in a bathing suit entered the bakery carrying hot coffee in a Starbucks cup. He served her a croissant, but then sent her packing with a sharp rebuke. “Leave with your trashy American coffee!” Another rule broken. The baker blamed the new neighboring Starbucks for taking customers away from his classic French pastry shop. If you asked for a Frappuccino or Venti, he would scold you, declaring, “I only sell espressos or caffe lattes.”

Since the baker’s aggravated attention had turned away from me, I felt free to break the “no conversation” rule. I ordered an espresso with steamed milk and an almond croissant, thinking, this is a safe order. 

But the baker turned abruptly and with his characteristic lisp told me, “It’s called a caffe latte, not steamed milk in coffee.” 

I tried to break the tension. “I am going to Paris,” I said, “and I wonder if you have any restaurant recommendations.”

His puffy, round face softened into a smile. Worry filled me. Perhaps he has a sinister plan.

He handed me the croissant, the latte, and a business card for a Paris restaurant named Aux Trois Canettes. “I worked there for many years.” 

Conversation over, I left feeling victorious.

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Photo by Jen Griffiths

Espressos and caffe lattes were the offerings of the French baker

Two weeks later, I was in Paris and reserved a table at Aux Trois Canettes, expecting fine French cuisine. My apprehension returned, as if I were approaching the French baker in Laguna Beach, when I saw a mural of three dead ducks hanging on a rope on the restaurant’s window. I didn’t want to be served Daffy Duck on a platter. 

When I entered, I quickly saw that Aux Trois Canettes was an ordinary Italian restaurant. Red velour drapes covered two walls. Red glass candle holders on each table held flickering candles which brightened an otherwise dark room.

The hostess was middle aged with strings of black, oily hair sweeping over her intense stare. She ambled toward my table in a black dress covering her ample waistline, the taffeta material rustling together in an otherwise quiet room. The sides of her mouth dropped as if she was going to spit on me. 

Has the French baker set me up? I wondered.

She pulled out a chair and sat next to me. I broke the drama by mentioning the Laguna baker who recommended her restaurant. Her hand reached across the table to tenderly grasp mine. 

What is her connection the French baker? When will the ball drop?

“I have the ability to see into people’s souls,” the hostess said.

Here we go, I thought. Can I escape this place with only a stomach full of lasagne or will the French baker in Laguna be responsible for my body being found in the Seine? 

The hostess gave me an unrequested “reading,” recognizing my gentle but apprehensive spirit. She told me that I had to claim my power. 

Oh, no. Now she’s going to invite me to a séance.

Thankfully, the waiter interrupted to ask for our order. The hostess left the table with a kiss on my forehead. I let out a sigh of relief.

Miraculously, I escaped the restaurant with only a full stomach and the soul-seer’s prognostications. The French baker’s restaurant recommendation had reached across the Atlantic and helped heal my spirit. Not a bad guy after all.

When he is not ordering coffee, Edward Clark enjoys writing creative nonfiction.

Organized by the Laguna-based nonprofit Third Street Writers, “From Laguna with Love” features personal stories (anecdotes of up to 200 words and longer pieces up to 750 words) and photographs that celebrate only-in-Laguna moments and experiences, whether they’re funny, sad, insightful, or simply a reflection of daily interactions.

If you or someone you know has a Laguna experience to share, you can submit your story or photo to https://thirdstreetwriters.submittable.com/.

Questions? Contact Amy Dechary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Signature Gallery hosts Chuck Joseph on Saturday

The Signature Gallery will host Las Vegas-based artist Chuck Joseph for his opening and reception on Saturday, July 31 from 6 to 9 p.m. on Forest Avenue. The public is invited to an evening showcasing his latest palette knife paintings, and to enjoy a night of excitement while soaking in the beauty. 

With a timeless rendering of scenes depicting the glamorous energy from locations like Paris, Monte Carlo, and Venice, Chuck Joseph has a stylized, illustrative approach to his palette knife techniques that makes his work stand out against the crowd. He has even been known to embed vintage material onto the canvas, and then paint the subject matter over it in oil for texture and a piece of history. Above all, Chuck strives to create art that is unique, interesting, and beautiful. 

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Submitted photo

Chuck Joseph’s painting

Growing up in Huntington Beach, Chuck Joseph was fascinated by sketching people and coastal scenes as well as his father’s creations. He would spend countless hours watching his father, a gifted craftsman, sculpt both fine art and furniture. Fascinated with the intricate carving techniques, precision, and movement of the medium his father employed, the young artist began to work with palette knives to “sculpt” his ideas on canvas.

Chuck chose to teach himself the techniques involved in his craft rather than taking the more traditional classroom approach to studying art. He enjoyed the process of discovery in all areas from mixing paints to understanding color and developing his own style, often challenging traditional perceptions of art. Inspired by the work of Salvador Dali, he frequently added something a little unconventional to his work.

In 2008, Chuck broke into the Laguna Beach art scene with great success. He immediately captured the attention of collectors with his avant-garde style of using the palette knife to create sculpted strokes and flow in his art. Inspired by his surroundings, personal experiences, and eccentric styles, Chuck’s work has a familiarity that viewers can identify with.

Established on Forest Avenue over a decade ago, The Signature Gallery has held to its mission of “Inspiring and Uplifting the World through the Beauty of Artwork” by connecting hundreds of thousands of fine art collectors with the artists and the pieces that touch their soul. The gallery will offer live music, chilled refreshments, and an ensemble of cutting-edge new artwork on display for the summer season. View the excitement and drama of a recently updated gallery and experience a night out in Laguna with Chuck Joseph.

For more information and to view the gallery’s full roster of artists, visit www.thesignaturegallery.com.

The Signature Gallery is located at 220 Forest Ave.

American Red Cross to hold blood drive at Laguna Presbyterian Church on August 13

On Friday, August 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive – “Summer Full of Life” – at Tankersley Hall at Laguna Presbyterian Church (LPC), located at 415 Forest Ave. 

Sandy Grim, ARC/LPC Blood Program Leader (BPL) reports the totals for the last drive on June 4: 61 total appointments were scheduled, hitting the drive goal of 61; 50 people “presented” (were able to donate); 50 units of blood were collected, exceeding the drive goal of 48; 40 units of Whole Blood were collected and there were 5 Power Red donors (2 units collected from each, while plasma and platelets are returned to the donor = 10 units).

Also posted was the LPC achievement of “Premier Partner” status with the American Red Cross (ARC). The minimal requirements are the collection of 50 units annually and a minimum of 30 units per drive. The totals for the 45 blood drives hosted by LPC have averaged 31 units/drive and a total of 1,416 units and 1,517 total donors. 

“These numbers could not have been achieved without the continued support through the years of the members, pastors, and staff of Laguna Presbyterian,” says Sandy. 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Laguna Presbyterian Church at 415 Forest Ave.

History of LPC/ARC Blood Drives

LPC/ARC Blood Drives began with one per year. 

“As the years and the number of donors increased, the Red Cross pressed us to hold more drives,” says Sandy, “contining to educate us on how to expand, invite, and accommodate first-time donors, reach out to more businesses, schools, and other churches in Laguna, many who included our ‘Ask’ in their bulletins and websites. A few years ago, Stu News and KX FM also ‘spread’ the word. Our donor numbers kept growing, and we responded with increasing our ARC Blood Drives, first to two a year, then three, and in the last few years, four per year, as the scheduled donor goals for each were set higher.” 

Sandy reports that part of the increased number of blood donors was due to COVID-19, causing other Red Cross Blood Drive sites nearby to close and/or cease operating. “We gained people from all over Laguna, as well as those who work in town. It was wonderful to see so many people greet each other and to welcome those who ‘discovered’ our location (many said they read about us in Stu News, and many ‘heard about it on the radio’). They commended the friendliness and speed of the volunteers and Red Cross staff, that they could shorten their time spent to only 45 minutes when they used Rapid Pass, the cool comfort and large size of Tankersley Hall, and ease of parking. Our goal for scheduled appointments per drive is now 60, with units collected at least 48. First-time donors and Power Red donors (2 units collected per person) are steadily increasing as well.” 

To schedule an appointment, sign up online at www.RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code “lagunap.” Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete pre-donation reading and health history questions.

For questions, call Sandy Grim at (949) 735-7930 or email her at 

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

BBB Pacific Southwest seeks ethical essays for student scholarship contest

Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest (BBB) is offering up $5,000 in scholarships to high school students in graduating classes 2022-2025, residing in Orange County. 

The Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship Contest requires students to submit a 400-word or less essay on the topic of “The Importance of Ethics and Integrity in the Community.” There is no cost to enter.

“At Better Business Bureau we believe it is never too early to introduce and emphasize the importance of ethics. In high school, students begin to face ethical decisions that will impact the rest of their lives. The honorees will serve as role models whose moral compass not only guides their actions, but also influences those around them,” said Matthew Fehling, President/CEO of BBB Pacific Southwest.

The deadline to submit applications is September 1. Five scholarships will be awarded in the amounts of $500, $750, $1,000, $1,250, and $1,500 to help students pay for college tuition and expenses. Winners will be recognized at the annual Torch Awards for Ethics celebration on October 20. 

BBB’s scholarship contest is part of the 2021 Torch Awards for Ethics which honors companies that demonstrate ethical business practices throughout operations, internally and to consumers. Companies interested in sponsoring or making a donation to the scholarship program can contact Faustine Chan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Applications are accepted at the link here. To request a paper application or for more details, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

BBB encourages businesses to operate with integrity, and helps consumers make wise marketplace decisions. BBB’s innovative approach to business growth provides the tools that companies and entrepreneurs need to build better businesses.

Meet Shelter’s Pets of the Week

Two guinea pigs are taking over as Pets of the Week. This pair of friends have yet to be named, but are looking for a home that will take the both of them in. They were found abandoned behind a restaurant dumpster in the Canyon, but have made a full recovery at the shelter and are in great health. These two love to have fun, and are very entertaining when it comes to ensuring they get enough food. Nancy Goodwin, shelter director, is hoping to have these two guinea pigs adopted together as soon as possible.

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These two friends come as a package, and are full of love to give

The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter adoption procedures are designed to make sure that both the potential family and the animal adopted are in the very best situation possible. Due to their approach to adoption, the shelter’s return rate is five percent as compared to the national return rate of 50 percent.

The LB Animal Shelter is located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Rd. For information on adoption procedures, call (949) 497-3552 or go to www.puplagunabeach.org/our-pets.php.

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.