Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

South Laguna Community Park acquisition is OFF, as Laguna Beach appears to have dodged major issue

Today, I am applauding those behind the recent attempt to purchase the property where the South Laguna Community Park, at 31610 Coast Highway, resides.

What do I mean by the “recent attempt”? Well, if you haven’t heard, the sale is OFF. It’s simply another setback to a group that has been diligently working on this Garden Park effort since 2009.

So what went wrong? Sometime ago our local group, who we will call the buyers, for simplicity sake, were in discussions to acquire the property with an agent out of Studio City who was representing the out-of-country sellers. The asking price for the garden property was $5 million. And after much discussion, thought, etc., an offer of considerably less was made and rejected.

No counter offer was offered in return. The deal appeared dead.

Fast forward to this summer (August); a listing was presented by two agents, one local from a neighboring city, saying they were representing the “sellers,” who wanted $2 million and a quick 30-day escrow “to raise some cash.”

An agreement in principal was negotiated, subject to due diligence through a property title search.

Then, as the property wound its way through escrow, the title company reportedly discovered that the authenticity of the purported seller(s) could not be confirmed and that the title company would then not be able to provide title insurance.

The sale, which was slated to close escrow last week, took longer because of the discrepancies. In the end, the sale was halted due to concern over who the buyers were dealing with as the “sellers.”

It potentially avoided a sale that could have caused many, many issues…including litigation, loss of cash, etc., to speculate a few.

Fortunately, ALL community and city funds are reportedly safe in accounts and have not been released to the purported seller.

The Garden Park, begun in 2009 and created by volunteers through community donations, is a well-loved community asset to Laguna Beach. Several attempts by Garden supporters and the city to purchase the property for a permanent Garden Park have previously not been successful. So, when the August listing of the property was “offered” for sale, it was met with enthusiasm and optimism.

The South Laguna Civic Association, the South Laguna Community Garden Park and the Laguna Beach Community Foundation, with REALTORS^® Mark Christy and Ray McAfoose, and real estate attorney Michael Obrand worked in good faith to produce an acceptable offer and fulfill the terms of the 30-day escrow.

The Garden buyers were ready, willing and able to close at the $2 million asking price, primarily due to “a heartwarming outpouring of support during the quickly organized fundraising campaign that brought total private community donations to $1 million in addition to a $500,000 contribution from the City of Laguna Beach, and a philanthropic loan to fill the gap.”

So where does this all leave us now? The sale is off, the money is safe, and, the “buyers” believe they are now in touch with the actual legitimate sellers.

The buyers informed me that they’ll proceed with a letter hoping to re-engage in a potential acquisition.

South Laguna Civic Association President Greg O’Loughlin affirmed, “Our desire to purchase the Garden Park land for a permanent garden for the community and for future generations remains. We are not giving up.”

Tom Davis, co-chair and trustee of the Laguna Beach Community Foundation added, “The donated funds are safe in the Foundation’s bank account and those contributions are tax deductible. If donors want their money refunded, we will do that. Otherwise they will remain in the Garden acquisition account for a future purchase opportunity.”

Garden advocate Ann Christoph emphasized, “Our team will continue to work with the City of Laguna Beach to secure a deal and preserve this unique and beautiful participatory park, Laguna’s only community garden.”

There’s no telling where the present and “actual” owners of the property sit as far as what it would take to complete a sale. Only time will tell.

Still, kudos to those involved in the effort!

• • •

The Laguna Art Museum is recognizing Jean Stern for his “exceptional contributions to California as an art historian, exhibition curator, avid lecturer and devoted scholar” with the Wendt Award at their Directors Circle Dinner and Awards Night this Thursday, Sept. 21.

The award is named after one of the great Laguna Beach artists who helped create the museum, William Wendt, and it recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the study and public awareness of California art.

The museum will also celebrate supporters Elie Weaver and Hilton Weinberg with the Anna Hills Award.

The festivities will be presented in the serene sculpture garden at Dawson Cole Gallery, with an especially created menu prepared by celebrity chef Amar Santana of Broadway.

The Directors Circle played an integral part of last fiscal year’s success of the museum and helped them serve more than double the amount of people than the previous year, as well as welcoming the most visitors in a single day since 1997.

If you would like to learn more about the Directors Circle, contact Crystal Tosello at 949.494.8971, ext. 215, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• • •

Perhaps you have a young poet or artist in your midst. Well, the California Coastal Commission has a contest that may be of interest. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade can submit artwork or poetry relating to California’s coast and ocean by January 31, 2024.

Ten winners will receive a $100 gift certificate to Blick Art Materials or a bookstore, plus four tickets to Aquarium of the Pacific. In addition, each winner’s teacher will receive a $50 gift certificate from Acorn Naturalists.

Winning art and poetry will then be part of a traveling exhibit through the end of 2024. For more information, go to www.coastal.ca.gov/art-poetry/.

• • •

No Square Theatre, under the direction of Ella Wyatt, presents the 2001 Olivier Award-nominated dark comedy THE SHAPE OF THINGS, from October 6-15. Tickets are available now at www.nosquare.org.

The play, written by Neil LaBute, “will leave you questioning the definition of art and what you would be willing to change for someone you love.”

The four-character play explores how far someone is willing to go and how much they change for who (or what) they love. Two intertwined couples make up the story: the dating Evelyn and Adam (played by Abigail Cox and Laguna’s own Dane Hobrecht) and the engaged Phillip and Jenny (played by Griffin Glenn and Kristin Cortines). Sometimes darkly funny and always gripping, THE SHAPE OF THINGS is a fascinating character study into the nature of love and art, and what happens when the two collide.

No Square Theatre is in Historic Legion Hall, 384 Legion St.

• • •

Reminder: Special Town Hall Meeting this evening (Sept. 19) from 5-8 p.m. in the Laguna Beach City Council Chambers to inform the community about wildfire threats and to discuss mitigation efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of community members.

According to the city’s release, “This is an informational meeting for the public, (in) which there will be no deliberation, nor will there be any formal action taken by the Laguna Beach City Council. While there may be incidental discussion of City business, the City Council will not be deliberating as a governing body of the City of Laguna Beach. Any discussion of public business is purely incidental to the town hall discussions.”

The meeting may also be viewed on Cox Cable Channel 852, the City’s website and on Zoom.

Tuvalu celebrates 20th anniversary with festivities tomorrow, September 20

By DIANNE RUSSELL

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

No one is more shocked that Tuvalu is celebrating its 20th anniversary than the shop’s founder and owner, designer Laurie Alter. “The time has gone by so fast,” Alter said. “I can’t believe it’s been 20 years.”

Tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 20, Tuvalu will be commemorating the occasion all day (from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.) with Champagne for visitors and 20% off everything in the shop.

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Two decades of design and décor

The tale of Tuvalu

Alter, who was born and raised in Laguna, explained how Tuvalu came to be. “My family had just moved back from Idaho, where we had a small antique studio. My brother (Mark Christy of Hobie and The Ranch), gave me the opportunity to open a little store, which we thought was going to be in the Hobie Surf Shop building. However, right about that time, he looked at this property and ended up buying the building.”

Suddenly, what Alter thought was going to be a smaller project, turned into a much bigger endeavor.

“My husband and I had just traveled to Fiji for a Hobie 16 world event [her husband, Jeff, is the son of the late Hobie Alter]. We used to travel all around before we had children, and I had a concept for what I wanted the store to feel like – the vibe and the different vignettes. But hours before we were scheduled to go before the City Council to present the idea, they said we needed the whole package – what brands we were going to carry, the style of the store and the name.

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(L-R) Bettina, Rose and Laurie behind one of the shop’s design vignettes

With only three hours to pick a name before the City Council meeting, Alter called her husband. “Since we had recently been to Fiji, it was on our minds,” she said. “It’s a pure place with wonderful people, and the entire experience of going to that country was amazing. So, we just opened an Atlas and started pointing at different locations there. Suddenly, we saw this tiny spot called Tuvalu – we thought it was just a single island – at the time, we didn’t know it was a country. We liked the name Tuvalu, it kind of rolled off our tongues and sounded perfect.” (Tuvalu, is an independent island nation within the British Commonwealth. Its nine islands comprise small, thinly populated atolls and reef islands. Sadly, it is sinking into the Pacific.)

At the appointed time, Alter went to the meeting with nothing written down and presented the concept to the council, explaining the vibe she had in mind, and that it would appeal to both tourists and locals alike. “They gave us the stamp of approval that night – it was set in stone.”

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Extraordinary, one-of-a-kind items

Through experience, Alter’s vision has evolved over time – she knows what locals want.

“My original concept was that we would show a sofa or some other piece and then sell it off,” she said. “I soon realized everybody wants instant gratification, so if they came in unsure of what they wanted, we’d be moving chairs around and pulling pillows to create a scene. Then it developed into the creation of vignettes, and often customers buy the entire ensemble – furniture, pillows, accessories and all. Having inventory in the warehouse helps, because every time a collection sells, we switch things around. Locals are loyal, but they also want to come in and see something fresh and new every single time.”

Over time, the initial idea of showcasing accessories and furniture expanded into a full-scale interior design division (the design space was added in 2012 from an adjacent shop) which now accounts for 50% of Tuvalu’s business.

To customers’ advantage, Tuvalu has a very lenient return policy.

“We’re like the Nordstroms of return,” Alter said, “If you have it for 30 days, and you’re not happy, then bring it back. We have close relationships with our vendors. In two years’ time, if a sofa doesn’t hold up, they stand behind us. We’re supporting them and they’re supporting us, so we trust our products. I research the products we feature. I love competition, and I wish more home stores would come into Laguna, because I think it makes us all do our jobs better.”

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Some of the most popular items – coffee cups, wooden hearts and kitchen towels

Tuvalu’s foundation

Alter emphasized two of the factors that have contributed to the store’s longevity – the loyalty of locals and, what is extremely important to her, a staff that is family. Including the other Tuvalu location in San Clemente, the staff totals 48 – each critical to Tuvalu’s success, according to Alter.

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Local monarch butterfly gardens support imperiled pollinators, community encouraged to help conservation effort

By SARA HALL

Volunteers have worked hard to plant – and re-plant – native gardens in Laguna Beach parks over the last few years to support the imperiled monarch, arguably North America’s most beloved butterfly. But the effort, which is starting to see some encouraging successes locally, hasn’t been without its challenges, and more help is needed.

A habitat in Heisler Park was installed in 2021 and the butterfly garden in Bluebird Park (planted in two sections, one by Cress Street and a second area at the back of the park) was planted in 2022. The Pollinator Protection Fund, which proposed the previous spaces for the monarchs, is raising funds for a new area, possibly near the gazebo at Heisler Park.

“If we could get the funds together to do that then we’re happy to do the work,” PPF Managing Director Laura Ford said in a recent phone interview with Stu News Laguna. “(It’s the next step for the) patchwork of habitat that we are trying to create across Laguna Beach to make it a monarch-friendly city.”

They’ve put a lot of time, energy and emotion into the project. Recently, they’ve been doing a lot of weeding, pruning and re-planting at the current gardens. There’s a lot of work to do and they welcome both donations and volunteers to help with the effort.

“We just need help, generally, with maintenance and replacing the plants. We appreciate any support that we can get to keep it going and keep everything growing,” Ford said.

Pollinator Protection Fund is also considering possibly hosting a butterfly festival or event to encourage local community involvement. It would be fun and educational, she said.

While the city maintains the park as a whole, Ford and other PPF volunteers take care of the butterfly habitats, which can be a bit challenging as some of their plants have been trampled or stolen (which shocked Ford the first time, but has unfortunately happened a few times since). As a nonprofit, they have limited funds to replace the native vegetation that is so vital to monarchs and other pollinators, she noted. They end up doing double the work to keep the garden healthy, and it can be harder for the plants to re-establish and grow back. They are also raising funds to fix a bent fence and upgrade a divider (but still low-key and unobtrusive) at the gardens to help keep the plants and caterpillars safe from people crushing or disturbing them.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

The Pollinator Protection Fund is working to support monarch butterfly habitats in Laguna Beach

And the monarchs themselves need a lot of help, Ford said.

“They are in great need of habitat with their numbers dropping so desperately,” she said. “We’re trying to protect these imperiled creatures.”

Each fall, monarchs migrate to central Mexico and some parts of the Southern California coast, including Laguna Beach, where they overwinter in large clusters on trees. In spring, they return north and the females lay eggs on milkweeds, the only plant on which monarch larvae will feed.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced in December 2020 that monarch butterflies’ status warranted being listed as “endangered,” but was precluded by work on higher-priority listing actions. With this decision, the monarch becomes a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act, and its status will be reviewed each year until it is no longer a candidate. The monarch is currently slated to be listed in 2024.

While insect populations often fluctuate from year to year, the overall downward trend of monarch butterflies remains concerning for officials.

A stable population for western monarchs is closer to the historic averages that ranged between 1 to 4 million. In the 1980s, the California overwintering population was estimated at 4.5 million. By 1997, they declined to about 1.2 million and by 2019 officials counted fewer than 30,000.

Recently, the western population that winters along the California coast has experienced dramatic swings, from a low of about 2,000 in 2020 (a 99.9% decline since the 1980s, which indicates that it’s nearing collapse) to more than 200,000 in the 2021-22 count, according to The Xerces Society, a nonprofit environmental organization that focuses on the conservation of invertebrates. While those numbers signal the possibility of a rebound, the population is still drastically low and remains in serious danger.

The primary drivers of decline are loss of overwintering, breeding and migratory habitat in California and pesticide use, according to Xerces.

“Pollinators, in general, are essential to life on this planet. And we’ve done a very good job in our towns and cities of eradicating pollinator habitat,” Ford said. “Without them nothing would exist, we’d live in a barren landscape.”

Flowers, trees and other beautiful flora that people appreciate are able to grow because of pollinators. A pollinator garden with native plants creates healthier soil and encourages different species to bloom, creating biodiverse environment. They need to encourage all pollinators and birds in order to help the overall ecosystem, she explained.

People like to see parks tidy and leaf blown, Ford noted, but that’s not the best the way to encourage life in a healthy ecosystem. It’s ok for things not to be perfectly symmetrical, designed and sculpted, she said. Instead of formally styled landscapes that can become a bit sterile as a result of over-manicuring insects out of a habitat, they should create some spaces focused on restoring the wild and natural environment, which will rejuvenate the local ecosystem.

“It’s about encouraging life and seeing the beauty of how things can be slightly wild – and rewilded – and the different life that you can attract in that way,” Ford said. “We really, really want to protect the habitat and make sure that we have this lasting area that is like a little sanctuary for all these different species.”

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Hovanesian’s Eagle project brings Wheel Wednesdays back to Boys & Girls Club

Daniel Hovanesian, a member of Boy Scout Troop 35 in Laguna Beach, recently completed an Eagle Scout service project that involved designing and building two large scale skateboarding ramps for the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach (BGCLB). With these ramps and others donated by the Jaffe Family Foundation, the nonprofit is bringing back a popular skating program called Wheel Wednesdays.

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Photos courtesy of BGCLB

Hovanesian testing the completed ramps

Hovanesian, a ninth grader at Laguna Beach High School, attended the club regularly in elementary school. “When I recently found out that Wheels Wednesdays were no longer happening for several years because the skate ramps were ruined from the rains, I knew I had to do something! Wheel Wednesdays were my favorite day at the club, because we had so much fun learning to skateboard, trying new tricks and the staff were always there to help.  And skateboarding has continued to be important to me.”

Hovanesian’s project began with a conversation with Pam Estes, CEO at the BGCLB, who indicated a desire to bring back the popular Wednesdays program.  Steve Sliwoski, volunteer specialist at the club, assisted in giving approval to the design for the two eight-foot ramps that Hovanesian envisioned. With approval from the Boy Scouts, he got to work on a design.

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(L-R) Steve Sliwoski, Danny Hovanesian and Hans Laroche

Hovanesian wanted his ramps to be weatherproof, so that the ramps could last many years through rain and harsh sunshine. But weatherproof surfaces for skate ramps are expensive, so he initiated a fundraising campaign that brought in $2,000 for the club and used the funds for materials. The two ramps were finally completed over the summer after many hours of preparation and planning followed by four days of building with his friends Hayden Castillo, Reese Hill, Thomas Jensen and Rocco Tosti. Adult supervision of the use of power tools was provided by family and other volunteers.

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(L-R) Reese Hill, Thomas Jensen, Hayden Castillo, Danny Hovanesian, Rocco Tosti, Steve Sliwoski and Joseph Hovanesian

Hans Laroche, area director for the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, remarked to Hovanesian and the other volunteers, “You have no idea how this project is really going to serve our kids. So many of the kids are interested in skateboarding and some of them are just beginning. Thanks a million!”

Upon completing the project, Hovanesian remarked, “Skateboarding is great exercise, teaches kids perseverance and confidence and gives kids a community to belong to. I wanted the kids at the club to have the same opportunity I did. And I am so thrilled that Wheel Wednesdays is finally back!”

For more information about Scouting in Laguna Beach, visit www.lb35.org.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, visit www.bgclagunabeach.org, or call 949.494.2535.

Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach preschool program announces open enrollment

The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach licensed preschool program is now open for 2023-2024 school year enrollment. The preschool is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., with additional extended daycare available from 12:30-3:30 p.m.

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Photos courtesy of Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach

Learning is fun at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach

The program provides an opportunity for your child to learn, grow and share in a structured environment, while preparing for kindergarten. Preschoolers cultivate their curiosity, develop language and social skills and learn through the power of play.

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Preschoolers take a field trip to the aquarium

The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach preschool teachers are required to have 24 units of Early Childhood Education/Child Development studies, including core courses and 16 GE units or a Preschool Teacher Permit from the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing.

The program tuition costs $225 per week. For extended care, there is an additional $30 fee per day, or a total fee of $300 a week (including the $225 tuition). Breakfast and lunch are included in the fees. Parents can sign up here.

For more information, contact Jonathan Navarrete, Early Childhood & Family Services Director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 949.494.2535, ext. 7812.

The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach serves more than 3,000 youth per day in the Laguna Beach, Lake Forest, Aliso Viejo, and Mission Viejo areas. For more information, visit www.bgclagunabeach.org.

Laguna Beach Parents Club planning an online auction to support mom battling breast cancer

Friendships that parents make when their children are young often last a lifetime. And that’s evident of many folks involved with the Laguna Beach Parents Club, who are now gathering to support Allison Sladeck, a parent in need who is now dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

In April, Sladeck, 48, discovered a lump in her breast and was ultimately diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer.

“I was devastated and scared,” she said. “At first I became an expert in all the terminology, then figured out what was the best (treatment) for me.” At the end of May, she started 12 rounds of chemotherapy, along with taking a targeted drug every three weeks.

Her summer became one of avoiding sun and the ocean as her body’s immune system became vulnerable. Her sons, AJ, age 16 and Jed, age 8, adapted as their once-energetic mom become the first in the family to go to bed at night, sometimes as early as 6 p.m.

“I sleep a lot,” says Sladeck. “I really miss my life.”

She still does an early-morning workout to keep her body active and tries to remain social to keep her spirits up. Her husband, Timothy Glenn, has lost his job in the auto industry, but thankfully is around to help with the kids, said Sladeck.

But there were still many challenges. While she is on Covered California insurance, many items are not covered and deductibles are expensive, said Sladeck. Earlier this summer, the Parents Club created a Meal Train schedule and a GoFundMe campaign to assist their friend.

“We all know Allison personally and she’s done a lot for the club,” said Rachel Rotabi, vice president of the Parents Club.

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Courtesy of Laguna Beach Parents Club

Laguna Beach Parents Club is holding their fundraising online auction from September 24-29 to raise funds for Allison Sladeck as she battles cancer

As Sladeck moves onto the next challenge of her cancer treatment, which includes surgery in early October at UCI Cancer Center, the parents club is hosting a fundraiser to help the family over these new challenges. A silent, online auction will be held from Sunday, Sept. 24 through Friday, Sept. 29.

Many community organizations and businesses have donated services and experiences, valued at more than $15,000, said Rotabi. She credits their support to the fact that many know Sladeck, who has been in the community for a decade, and others just want to help a neighbor in need.

Donations include children’s dance classes, photo sessions, hotel stays and even a voucher for an installation of Christmas lights.

“Many in town know Allison from her many years of involvement with the Laguna Beach Parents Club,” said Jennifer Leonti, also a member of the Parents Club. “I’ve had the pleasure of Allison’s friendship in the big, fun moments of life like snowboarding, group fundraising and girl-gang outings.” But it’s in the quiet moments of friendship that Allison has stepped up, said Leonti.

“A few years back, I shipped my dad’s old car from Southern New Jersey to Southern California. I was stoked to have a piece of him in Laguna Beach and Allison was stoked for me. Without pause, Allison showed up at my house with a pair of fuzzy dice to hang on the rearview mirror. It was something simple but meant a ton to me in the moment I was learning to say goodbye to my dad,” said Leonti.

The diagnosis, chemotherapy and now the upcoming surgery has impacted Sladeck in ways she never imagined.

“It puts everything in your life in perspective,” she said. “You tell everybody you love them and now when I see my friends, I hug them right away. I wasn’t that type of person before all this.”

And the support she’s received has eased her situation, said Sladeck.

“You don’t want attention for this reason, but all the people reaching out and helping is like a silver lining in all of this.”

Information about the auction, which ends September 29, can be found at www.32auctions.com/lbpc.

To contribute items, please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information on the Laguna Beach Parents Club, visit www.lagunabeachparents.com.

Local high schoolers invite community to help clean up our beaches on Saturday, Sept. 23

The Laguna Beach High School Interact Club invites the community to participate in the inaugural Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, Sept. 23 beginning at 9 a.m. at all of the beaches in Laguna…from Crescent Bay to Treasure Island.

The Laguna Beach Interact Club is a local high school club sponsored by the Rotary Club of Laguna Beach. Working in unison with other Interact Clubs throughout Orange County, the local Interact students, led by George Mohammed and Chase Benson, have coordinated with surrounding cities’ high school students to expand this beach cleanup beyond Laguna to clean up a significant portion of Orange County beaches.

Their efforts are supported by Laguna Beach Unified School District Superintendent Jason Viloria, who has suggested that a school board resolution be passed to make this an annual event. Participants in this event include the Laguna Beach Police Department and the Laguna Ocean Foundation, among numerous other groups.

Coastal Cleanup Day on September 23 is being celebrated up and down the California coastline to encourage volunteers to clean up the beaches…so come join in.

Please bring a bag to collect trash and join the students for a walk along the coast, and pitch in to help clean up our beaches and ocean.

If you have any questions, email George Mohammed at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Diana at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

OC Supervisor Katrina Foley highlights wildfire safety guidelines for homeowners

On September 18, Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley joined the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) and California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara for a wildfire demonstration to show the effectiveness of science-backed wildfire mitigation actions homeowners can take to protect their property. During the demonstration, OCFA firefighters simulated conditions of a home catching fire with winds going 10 mph.

“As wildfire seasons continue to escalate each year, I encourage Orange County homeowners to prioritize home hardening to help mitigate wildfire threats to our community,” said Supervisor Foley. “Homeowners can protect their property, qualify for insurance discounts and stop the spread of wildfires in neighborhoods by making simple improvements to their home, fences and landscaping. As County Supervisor and OC Fire Authority Director, I remain committed to spreading awareness for home hardening practices to protect Orange County from wildfires.”

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Courtesy of the Office of OC Supervisor Katrina Foley

OC Supervisor Katrina Foley joins California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara for a wildfire demonstration

Homeowners who take home hardening precautions qualify for insurance discounts. The IBHS and the California Department of Insurance provided the following tips for property owners to harden their homes:

–Implement a five-foot perimeter around your home, clear of foliage and landscaping.

–Remove foliage and vegetation planted right up against your home.

–Replace wooden fences with a fire-resistant metal fence.

–Avoid using wood chips as mulch or for any other landscaping needs.

–Upgrade windows to prevent fire from entering your home.

–Install six inches of non-combustible materials such as brick, stone, or concrete on exterior walls to prevent embers from accumulating.

–Ensure your home has a Class-A fire-rated roof.

–Maintain 30 feet of distance between your home and outbuildings, including sheds, gazebos, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), dog houses and playhouses.

–Install ember- and fire-resistant vents.

To learn more or access resources, homeowners can visit https://ocfa.org/rsg and the California Department of Insurance website here.

Laguna Beach Historical Society to honor local visionary artist Bill Ogden tonight

Tonight (Tuesday, Sept. 19) at 7 p.m., the Laguna Beach Historical Society will honor Sawdust and Laguna Beach visionary artist of the 1960s and beyond – Bill Ogden. The public is invited to this free event at the Susi Q Community Center, when former Laguna Beach High School art teacher and friend, Peter Tiner and Mitch Robinson, a former student of Ogden’s and friend, will present the “History of Bill Ogden, Laguna Beach Visionary Artist.”

Photo by Toby Ogden Photography

Bill Ogden

Ogden came to Laguna Beach from Los Angeles in the 1960s. A self-taught artist, he became a student of the Flemish master painters, who he spent hours studying and reading about at local libraries. His style of painting mimicked theirs, starting with a sepia under layer and adding layers of color. For some who remember, he was known for his involvement in the Laguna Beach Christmas Happening and The Brotherhood of Eternal Love time period (1960s-1970s), but these were among just some of the memorable moments in his long life as an artist. Ogden passed away in December 2022.

His work was vibrant and left its mark on our community. He was an exhibitor at the Sawdust Art Festival and had a willingness to take on a multitude of commercial art projects.

Courtesy of Sound Spectrum

Sound Spectrum calendar

Ogden created a series of calendars for The Sound Spectrum that are sought after by collectors today. Other commercial projects for Hobie, Jantzen and movie posters represent a time in the 1970s and 1980s that marked Laguna Beach on the map of surfing hotspots.

He loved Laguna, nature and his art. His love of nature and the ocean matched his love for the natural beauty of Laguna Beach shown in his paintings. He was a prolific painter and worked tirelessly at his craft becoming well known for his art along with contemporary Rick Griffin.

Ogden’s artwork will be on display to enjoy and following the program, there will be a Q&A. No RSVP is needed.

Donations to the society will be accepted, and they encourage visitors to become members, or get involved as volunteers. Memberships start at $25.

For more information about the Laguna Beach Historical Society, visit http://lagunabeachhistory.org.

Susi Q Community Center is located at 380 Third St., Laguna Beach.

The Laguna Playhouse presents The Rainmaker beginning September 20

Laguna Playhouse is presenting the second show of its 2023-2024 season, The Rainmaker, written by N. Richard Nash and directed by Andrew Barnicle. The Rainmaker begins previews on Wednesday, Sept. 20. It will open on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 5:30 p.m. (press opening) and perform through Sunday, Oct. 8.

A classic tale of Americana, set against the backdrop of a western drought, The Rainmaker brings lonely souls together as they traverse the struggles of finding who they truly are and how they fit into the world. Laced with humor and charm, The Rainmaker still resonates today with poignancy, hope and courage. A firm part of the canon of 20th century dramatic literature, revisiting this story will prove to be a satisfying and uplifting theater experience encouraging audiences to believe in the unbelievable.

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Courtesy of Laguna Playhouse

“The Rainmaker” runs from September 20-October 8

Andrew Barnicle (Director) was the artistic director of the Laguna Playhouse from 1991-2010, where he produced 150 shows, directed more than 40 and acted in nine. Some of his recent directing projects at Laguna are Harvey, starring French Stewart, King of the Road: The Roger Miller Story and Lisa Levin’s Sex and Education, starring Julia Duffy.

N. Richard Nash (Playwright/1913-2000) wrote with distinction for the theater, television, film, poetry and fiction. He is best known for The Rainmaker, which has been translated into nearly 40 languages. Nash wrote the screenplay for Porgy and Bess and the libretti for The Happy Time and 110 in the Shade. Novels include East Wind, Rain and The Last Magic; and for TV, he is one of that select group of writers associated with the period in media history known as “The Golden Age of Television.”

The cast of The Rainmaker features (in alphabetical order): Richard Baird as Noah Curry, Andrew Barnicle as Sheriff Thomas, Andy Hoff as File, Jeffrey Markle as H.C. Curry, James Taylor Odom as Bill Starbuck, Nick Tag as Jimmy Curry and Lizzie Zerebko as Lizzie Curry.

The Design Team for The Rainmaker features: Scenic and Costume Design by Bruce Goodrich; Lighting Design by Jared Sayeg; Original Music Composition & Sound Design by Ian Scot and Properties Design by Kevin Williams. The Production Stage Manager is Natalie Figaredo.

The Rainmaker will preview on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 23 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. It will open on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 5:30 p.m. (press opening) and perform through Sunday, Oct. 8 at 1 p.m.

Performances will be Wednesdays through Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. There will be added performances on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.  There will be no performance on Sunday, Oct. 8 at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $50-$81 and can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.com, or by calling 949.497.ARTS (2787). Group discounts are available by calling 949.497.2787, ext. 229.

The box office is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 12-4 p.m. On Mondays, it is open two hours prior to showtime and until 15 minutes after curtain. It is open until showtime on all performance days.

Laguna Playhouse is located at 606 Laguna Canyon Drive, Laguna Beach.

Meet Pet of the Week Ariel

        This sweet black and tan Doberman is super friendly. She’s 2 years old, spayed and is good around other dogs. Ariel will require a home without a lot of stairs as she is missing a real leg. This certainly does not slow her down but sometimes it can make her clumsy. She is a very loving dog.

Nancy Goodwin, shelter director, is hoping to have Ariel adopted as soon as possible.

Courtesy of the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter

Meet Ariel, a loving Doberman waiting for adoption

The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter adoption procedures are designed to make sure that both the potential family and the animal adopted are in the very best situation possible. Due to their approach to adoption, their return rate is 5% as compared to the national return rate of 50%.

The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter is located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Road. Call 949.497.3552, or go to the website for information on adoption procedures, www.puplagunabeach.org/our-pets.php.

Fall Grief Group offered at Laguna Presbyterian Church available to all in the community

Those who love will inevitably experience grief. Have you experienced the loss of a loved one? Do you find yourself sad, confused and isolated, wondering if these feelings will ever end? Everyone experiences grief differently. Some are immobilized by it. Others seem fine initially but are hit by waves of suffering later.   Shock, depression, anger, hopelessness, insomnia, lack of energy and sometimes physical issues are all common.

At any given time, many people in our community may be grieving the loss of a loved one. That is why Laguna Presbyterian Church offers a Grief Group. A Grief Group is a place to engage your grief, to be comforted, find answers and to find your way to hope.

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Courtesy of Laguna Presbyterian Church

(L-R) Rev. Jon Moore, Parish Associate Deborah Sakach and Phyllis Wilson

Laguna Presbyterian’s Grief Group is led by Rev. Jon Moore, Parish Associate Deborah Sakach and Phyllis Wilson. All are experienced with grief, and the Grief Group is open to all members of the community.

The Grief Group begins on Monday, Sept. 25 from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Brides’ Room at Laguna Presbyterian Church, just off the Rose Garden near the fountain. It meets every Monday from September 25-October 23 from 4-5:30 p.m. 

If you are struggling with your grief from a recent loss, or one from several years ago, they invite you to join this group and find your way to hope. There is a $20 materials fee, but scholarships are available.

To register, click here or contact the church office for more information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 949.494.7555.

Laguna Presbyterian Church is located at 415 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach. For more information, visit www.lagunapreschurch.org.

Letters to the Editor

I’ll be voting “No” on the Woods Cove undergrounding, instead moving to solar

Since the early ‘70s, Joe Chiquete was known as the “czar of undergrounding” in Laguna Beach, overseeing the city’s efforts in this area until his retirement around 2015. At that time, there were limited funds and no comprehensive plan for citywide utility undergrounding.

To this day, the city’s primary strategy for underground utility projects involves encouraging parcel owners to explore the formation of Rule 20b assessment districts. These districts can impose taxes on themselves, with the requirement that 50% or more of the assessed members agree to tax 100% of parcel owners. The city typically contributes 10% for its “General Benefit” portion as required by Article XIIID and SB 218.

It’s important to note that participation in assessment districts is voluntary, and no parcel owner is obligated to impose taxes on themselves or their neighbors. However, the absence of a master plan over the past 50+ years has resulted in higher costs and delayed progress in undergrounding city utilities.

After nearly a decade of planning and development, the Woods Cove 2014-2 Assessment District, if formed, will be the city’s largest Utility Underground District, encompassing 380 parcels. The upcoming schedule for this project is as follows:

–September 26: City Council Meeting to Adopt Resolution of Intention and Resolution to Preliminarily Approve the Engineer’s Report

–Early October: Mailing of ballots to affected property owners

–December 12 (tentative): City Council Meeting Public Hearing and Tally of Ballots

Property owners were recently notified of this final phase through postcards with a QR code and a web address (www.lagunabeachcity.net/woodscv) to stay informed.

The website includes informative slides presented at a September 14, 2023 workshop and a 53-page “Preliminary Engineer’s Report” detailing the assessment breakdown based on aesthetic (70%), safety (20%) and view (10%) benefits.

This process can serve as a valuable reference for other neighborhoods considering similar projects, helping them understand potential costs and the impact of taxation choices on their neighbors. Ballots will be distributed in October, and the outcome will be determined based on the total amount of YES and NO votes. If YES votes surpass NO votes, parcel owners will be obligated to pay their assessed amount.

In my case, as a property owner in the proposed district, I’ve decided to vote NO due to concerns about high property taxes and the potential financial burden on neighbors. Instead, I plan to invest in solar energy, which I believe is a more prudent choice. I hope that others in the Woods Cove AD share my perspective and communicate it to their neighbors before the October balloting.

JT Price

Laguna Beach

Providence Mission Hospital ups its commitment to youth and family wellness

To further expand its outreach to families in South Orange County, Providence Mission Hospital recently launched a new website – Crianza Positiva – to provide Spanish-speaking parents with the most up-to-date information about the impact of drugs on teen physical and mental health, and tips and local resources to ensure that all children reach their full potential. The English language Raising Healthy Teens website has also been enhanced with more robust resources.

According to the hospital’s 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), the highest priorities – and most pressing needs – are mental health and substance use disorder. A CHNA is conducted by the hospital every three years.

While the Raising Healthy Teens initiative began in 2017, it has evolved in response to CHNA priorities. The COVID pandemic, along with mental health, opioids and fentanyl crises have affected teens in South Orange County and throughout the U.S. Providence Mission Hospital has invested more than $1 million in the initiative during the last five years.

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Photo by Kevin Warn/Courtesy of Providence Mission Hospital

Providence Mission Hospital has invested more than $1 million in the Raising Healthy Teens initiative during the last five years

“It’s more important than ever that parents have open and honest conversations with their children, know the effect of drugs on the teen brain and understand the pressures of growing up in today’s world,” said Marci Mednick, community development specialist, who oversees the Raising Healthy Teens initiative. “Parents in our community deserve the best tools and resources to help their children to stay safe, healthy, thrive and succeed.”

The groundbreaking Crianza Positiva campaign was born from the very heart of the community it aims to serve. Driven by the belief that parents are already doing an exceptional job, Crianza Positiva was crafted through an immersive learning process, engaging directly with Spanish-speaking parents to identify their specific needs. The goal of the campaign is to equip parents with the tools and support they need to foster healthy relationships with their teens and engage in meaningful conversations about avoiding substance use.

Instead of merely translating information from the Raising Healthy Teens website, Crianza Positiva took a transformative approach known as “transadapting.” This involved tailoring the campaign’s content, context and approach to the unique cultural nuances and experiences of the Spanish-speaking community in South Orange County.

“We wanted to ensure that every parent felt heard, understood and empowered to navigate the complexities of raising teens in their own cultural context,” said Christy Cornwall, director of Community Health Investment. “Crianza Positiva does not replace but enhances existing parental practices. Our partnership with parents unites us in our commitment to build a healthier and more connected future for families in our community.”

For more information on Raising Healthy Teens and Crianza Positiva, contact Marci Mednick at 949.632.6400, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Visit the Raising Healthy Teens website: https://raisinghealthyteens.org/.

Visit the Crianza Positiva website: https://crianza-positiva.org/.

Cultural arts announcements and September Sunset Serenades

 The winners of the Juried Fine Art Exhibition will be on display beginning September 25. Don’t miss the September Serenades Series this Friday, Sept. 22 featuring Pacific Opera Project.

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Courtesy of Arts Commission

Winners of Banner Contest

–Banner Winners Announced

The Arts Commission has selected four designs to replace the hand-painted banners displayed in the City Council chambers. Congratulations to Bill Atkins, Carole Boller, Erika Bradberry and Al Esquerra, on having their designs selected. The completed banners will be unveiled and the artists recognized at an upcoming City Council meeting.

This program is funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Heisler Park was thoroughly rocked last Friday evening by Lead Singer/Guitarist Brad Wilson and his band playing the classic rock songs that we all grew up to and loved

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Photo by Scott Brashier

A beautiful evening for Brad Wilson’s concert on September 15

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Photo by Scott Brashier 

Fun was had by all, and it was hard to not want to get up and dance!

–Sunset Serenades, 5:30-7 p.m.

–September 22 – Pacific Opera Project

Fridays in September

Heisler Park Amphitheater

Come enjoy free live music performances Friday evenings in September at the Heisler Park Amphitheater featuring:

–September 29 – Las Colibri (Mariachi)

–October 6 – Pacific Symphony

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Las Colibri performs on September 29 at Heisler Park

Call for artists:

–Holiday Palette Competition

Deadline: October 2

Honorarium: $700

For details on competitions, click here.

–Artistic Innovation Grants for Artists

Deadline: October 9

Grant amounts: $5,000-$20,000

–Children’s Holiday Palette Exhibition

Deadline: November 20

The Arts Commission invites artists to apply for its exhibitions, grants and programs. These programs are funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.

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Photos courtesy of City of Laguna Beach

Melody Nuñez, “Motherhood: VOID,” 2022 Juried Fine Art - First Place

The deadline for the annual Juried Fine Art exhibition has passed. Elected works of the Juried Fine Art exhibition will be displayed at Laguna Beach City Hall from September 25 through November 16.

This program is funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.

LBCAC celebrates Laguna’s place in the history of Hippiedom with “The Gathering”

The Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center (LBCAC) is looking forward to these upcoming events as summer turns to fall. LBCAC has also added a screening and discussion of the documentary AlphaGo.

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Courtesy of LBCAC

"The Gathering" – from September 21-October 5

–Thursday, Sept. 21-Thursday, Oct. 5

"The Gathering"

“The Gathering” celebrates Laguna Beach’s place in the storied history of hippiedom. From the innocence of youthful artists, musicians and poets seeking enlightenment to the alleged societal crimes of Timothy Leary, the colorful past of our art colony is worth gathering to remember.

–September 21 - Oct 5 | Hippie Art Show

–September 21 | Orange Sunshine | Film Screening

–September 22 | Hippie Dance Party

–September 23 | Trevor Green in Concert

–September 24 | The Fantastic Fungi | Film Screening

–October 5 | Hippie Art Show & Closing Night Concert

Concert will be performed by rock virtuoso James Clay Garrison.

Get your tickets today, space is limited, click here.

–Thursday, Oct. 26, 6:30 p.m.

Documentary AlphaGo and discussion of film

AlphaGo is a critically acclaimed 2017 documentary about the AI program that beat the world’s top Go player while 150 million people watched.

Paul Freeman will introduce the film and Jeff Rovner will lead a discussion of the movie – and what AlphaGo suggests about AI and its potential prospects and problems for us.

Freeman, formerly Laguna Beach mayor and a strategy and project management consultant, is a ranked amateur in (and obsessed with) Go. Rovner, a Festival of Arts exhibiting photographer and attorney, is a nationally recognized expert in the application of AI to the practice of law.

Cost is $25. For tickets, click here.

Note that the second-floor Center is not currently ADA-accessible from the street level.

LBCAC has installed a Patriot Air Purification System to ensure a virus free environment.

Grant funding was made possible by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach.

LBCAC is located at 235 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach.

For tickets and the LBCAC calendar, go to www.lbculturalartscenter.org.

LBCAC has installed a Patriot Air Purification System to ensure a virus-free environment.

Grant funding was made possible by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach.

This week in Breakers sports

Photos by Scott Brashier

Tuesday, Sept. 19

3 p.m. – Girls Tennis at Corona del Mar

5:45 p.m. – Girls Volleyball vs. Marina

Wednesday, Sept. 20

3:30 p.m. – Boys Beach Volleyball vs. Newport Harbor

4 p.m. – Boys Water Polo vs. Huntington Beach

6:15 p.m. – Girls Flag Football vs. Edison

Thursday, Sept. 21

3 p.m. – Girls Tennis at Fountain Valley

5:45 p.m. – Girls Volleyball vs. Corona del Mar

Friday, Sept. 22

7 p.m. – Football vs. Lakeside/Lake Elsinore

Saturday, Sept. 23

TBA – Girls Cross Country at Roy Griak Invitational

TBA – Boys Cross Country at Roy Griak Invitational

Past week’s results

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On the sand – Senior Parker Gapp hits past Crean block as junior teammate Luke Singer looks on

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Sophomore James Vermilya passes to junior Leo Purdun; they won their volleyball match in three games

Thursday, Sept. 14

Boys Beach Volleyball beat Crean Lutheran, 4-2

#1 Ryan Laughlin/ Ryan Halloran 21-13, 21-15
#2 Kai P Patchell/ Dylan Sirianni 19-21, 14-21
#3 Ben Rowan/ Chase Bryan 21-13, 21-18
#4 Luke Singer/ Parker Gapp 21-16, 22-20
#5 Leo Pardun/ James Vermilya 25-23, 19-21, 9-6 (forfeit)
#6 Luca Laveaud/ Truman Smith 17-21, 16-21

Girls Tennis won at Capistrano Valley, 13-5

Boys Water Polo beat Campolindo, 15-14, at the South Coast Tournament

Girls Tennis beat Capistrano Valley, 13-5

Boys Water Polo lost to Newport Harbor, 19-7, at the South Coast Tournament

Friday, Sept. 15

Boys Water Polo lost to Cathedral Catholic, 13-7, at South Coast Tournament

Saturday, Sept. 16

Boys Water Polo beat Los Alamitos, 19-14, at South Coast Tournament

Boys Water Polo lost to Huntington Beach, 12-8, at the South Coast Tournament to finish in 13th place

LOCA announces workshop with Sandra Jones Campbell

Check out all the Custom Art Escapes LOCA has to offer – paint donuts, flowers, walk the city, there’s something for everyone.

Courtesy of LOCA

“4 Women for August” by Sandra Jones Campbell

–Wednesday, Sept 20 and 27,1-4 p.m.

Watercolors with Sandra Jones Campbell

Laguna Beach Community Center, 380 Third St., Laguna Beach

Two-Day Workshop: Wednesdays, Sept. 20 and 27. In this watercolor class, students will be using a wet-on-wet style, with vintage black and white photos (supplied by artist). Instructor will supply arches paper, Prang or Crayola watercolors and one big fat brush (the size of your thumb).

Fee: Members: $50, Non-Members: $100.

For member registration, click here. For non-member registration, click here.

–Sunday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

LOCA Champagne Brunch and Annual Meeting

Healy House at the Sawdust Festival 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.

LOCA members and newcomers are invited. Everyone will enjoy a buffet-style Champagne brunch, meet LOCA’s board of directors, and learn about upcoming classes and events. The panel discussion will feature local artists who recently exhibited for Dana Point Sister Cities in Sorrento, Italy. Admission is free to new and renewing members.

Fee: Members register by emailing LOCA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Non-Members: $30 for guests. For non-member registration, click here.

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Photo by Mary Gulino

Heisler Park Walking Tour of Public Art

–Custom Art Escapes

LOCA continues to create exciting events and art escapes for both kids, families and adults to enjoy. Now, you can setup your very own art experience this summer. There are custom workshops for adults and groups, kids and families, and advanced sessions for those who want to improve their artistic skills with personal instruction. Designed for beginners to the most advanced student, lessons are in various Laguna locations, can be in your home or you can take a Zoom class.

“LOCA Certified” artists are offering classes and tours in a variety of Laguna Beach locations. Check out all the adventures and be inspired to receive individual attention, a wonderful time and unique access to some amazing artists. “Custom” Art Escapes are great activities for locals and visitors seeking unique art experiences in Laguna Beach.

This is just a sampling of the “Custom” Art Escapes LOCA offers, for the full listing, go to www.locaart.org/custom-art-escapes/.

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Photos courtesy of LOCA

Heisler Park Walking Tour of Public Art

–Heisler Park Walking Tour of Public Art

Instructor: Mike Tauber 

Enjoy a walk through this spectacular ocean-front park and get a close-up view of more than 14 works including sculptures, seating and floor murals in bronze, glass, metal, stone and ceramic. Unlike a regular docent – your guide Mike Tauber is a long-time Laguna Beach resident and artist who personally worked with many of the artists who made these pieces. The stories will amaze you!

Availability: Daylight hours. Available year-round.

Location: Heisler Park, Laguna Beach

Length of Time: 1.5 hours, 5 blocks

Fee: $290/event (1-12 people), To register, click here.

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Courtesy of LOCA

Watercolor & Ink Travel Journal Painting

–Watercolor & Ink Travel Journal Painting

Instructor: Mary Gulino

Have you ever wanted to capture the essence of a place by drawing or painting it? Join local artist, Mary Gulino, while she guides you through how to assess a scene and create a quick sketch, control paint flow and transparency with washes and glazes, and explore wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry painting techniques. Finally, each painting and inking will be brought to life with superfine permanent technical pens as you learn outlining and different texturing and shading techniques.

Availability: Upon Request

Location: Heisler Park, Laguna Beach or online over Zoom

Length of Time: 3 hours

Fee: $99 per person (min. 4, max. 8). To register, click here.

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Courtesy of LOCA

Paint-a-Donut Party

–Paint-a-Donut Party

Instructor: Lisa Mansour

Lisa Mansour, a Sawdust artist whose work can be seen at Quorum Gallery throughout the year, is offering this sweet treat. Gather your young friends and meet at Primi Donuts in Monarch Bay Plaza, Dana Point for a delicious snack and a painting lesson. Using one of Mansour’s donut paintings, you and your friends will “decorate” a donut using your imaginations and an array of acrylic paints and embellishments.

Availability: Anytime (two-week notice required)

Location: Primi Donuts, Dana Point

Length of Time: 1+ hours

Fee: $45 per person (Up to 12 people). Groups of four or more can be arranged with prior notice at their preferred park location and preferred day of the week (subject to artist availability.) To register, click here.

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Dennis’ Local Almanac

By DENNIS McTIGHE

Dismal grades for summer 2023

Well, we’re closing out the sub-par summer of 2023 with June Gloom in September. My report card for this summer gave the weather a D and the surf an F–. The sun never made an appearance this weekend – and everything was wet.

On this date, September 19, 1939, Laguna recorded its hottest day of all time when the mercury soared to a sizzling 109 degrees, a record that still stands to this very day – a result of a very early hot Santana wind event. It got all the way up to 119 in nearby Santa Ana, a record high that also stands to this day. Six days later, a high-end tropical storm blew in making landfall near Long Beach.

Meanwhile, checking in on post-tropical cyclone Lee made landfall in Nova Scotia with winds of 60-70 mph and torrential rains. At one point last week, Lee was a Category 5 monster as it moved just north of Puerto Rico while beefing up into a storm that was nearly 600 miles across. Of course, Lee timed it just right as it brushed New England spoiling yet another weekend in an endless string of bad weekends for enjoying any outdoor activities. If it’s not a hurricane, then it’s severe weather or torrential rain or a blizzard or anything else to make it a rough weekend. Then on Monday, of course the sun came out and things calm down considerably – and that happens more often, than not.

Meanwhile, yet another system is getting its act together just off the South Carolina coast with truckloads of rain, and it’s drifting slowly north and poised to hit the New England coast, yep you guessed it...this weekend. This is getting ridiculous.

On Monday morning in town, of course the sun was out now now that everybody was back to school and work. The weather gods have not been kind to us at all.

Severe weather continued...During my week-long stay in Oklahoma, I witnessed three severe weather events, and it was most exciting, to say the least. But now it was time to head back to my beloved Laguna as being landlocked is harsh to me. Being landlocked for any length of time is absolutely “hell’ for a life-long beach guy like me. It makes me appreciate even more where I live. My addiction to the severe and dramatic lives on to this very day. I’ve witnessed first-hand two hurricanes over the years. There was Heather in Cabo San Lucas in the late ‘90s and most recently Cat. 5 Patricia in October 2015 that made landfall in a remote area of mainland Mexico between Manzanillo and Puerta Vallarta. More on that in next week’s edition of Stu News Laguna.

Until then, ALOHA!

LAM adds more to the great line-up for October and announces 11th Annual Art & Nature

Many exciting exhibitions are on view at Laguna Art Museum (LAM) and the museum has added more public programs, including a talk by costume designer Holly Poe Durbin about fashion history and an interactive event by Third Street Writers. The opening of the 11th Annual Art & Nature on November 2 is a highly anticipated event.

–Laguna Art Museum unveils 11th Annual Art & Nature on November 2

Laguna Art Museum (LAM) will present the 11th Annual Art & Nature, an immersive journey into the symbiotic relationship between art and the natural world. The Art & Nature initiative addresses the environmental situation through a creative and unique lens – the artist’s perspective. Beginning November 2, this transformative multidisciplinary event will converge art, science and nature on a grand scale. Art & Nature is the museum’s largest public program of the year, bringing together thousands of participants to foster a love of nature, raise environmental awareness and discover cross-sections between science and the arts.

–October 14, 2023-January 7, 2024

Breaking the Rules: Paul Wonner and Theophilus Brown

Laguna Art Museum (LAM) announces Breaking the Rules: Paul Wonner and Theophilus Brown, on view from October 14, 2023, through January 7, 2024. This remarkable showcase pays tribute to the pioneering artists Paul Wonner and Theophilus Brown, renowned for their contributions to Bay Area Figuration. Throughout their artistic journeys, they fearlessly explored new styles and subjects, from captivating landscapes featuring classic bathers to Baroque-inspired still lifes adorned with everyday objects, animals and flowers. Breaking the Rules is an immersive experience with a rich collection of 75 paintings, watercolors and drawings, offering an in-depth exploration of these trailblazing artists’ exceptional talents.

New exhibition is now open and runs through September 30

–Continues through September 30

Brand Spanking New: Freshly acquired Artwork at LAM

Though Laguna Art Museum traces its roots back to 1918, it did not begin developing a permanent art collection until 1940. Today, the collection spans nearly every historical period of California art from 1835 until present day. This exhibition of 14 recently acquired artworks expresses unabashedly Californian ideas including excess, optimism, irreverence and perfection. Many embrace experimentation, environmentalism and social change.

Artworks are by Joseph Birren, Elanor Colburn, Albert Contreras, Scot Heywood, Sandow Birk, Don Bachardy, Tom Wudi, John Baldessari, William Griffith, Buena Johnson, Edward & Nancy Reddin Kienholz, Francis De Erdely, William Wendt and Gunnar Widfoss.

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Storytime Saturday - September 23

–Saturday, Sept. 23, 11 a.m.

Storytime Saturday

Bring your little ones to Laguna Art Museum for an interactive storytime and art-making experience unlike any other. Read-alouds will be supplemented with mindfulness exercises, art-making projects, or in-gallery activities that promote meaningful connections with caregivers and others.

This Month’s Session

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, kids will engage in a read aloud and art-making activity featuring El Cucuy Is Scared, Too!, written by Donna Barba Higuera and illustrated by Juliana Perdomo.

Cost: Museum members: $7, Non-members: $14

All children receive free admission. Tickets are required for accompanying adults only. For tickets, click here.

Third Street Writers: Paint a Picture with Words - September 23

–Saturday, Sept. 23, 6 p.m.

Third Street Writers: Paint a Picture with Words

Third Street Writers is proud to present an ekphrastic writing workshop on the work of Joseph Kleitsch. As well as an exclusive tour of the current Laguna Art Museum exhibit of Kleitsch’s work, they will guide you through techniques and approaches to creative writing about art, whether as poetry, prose, or personal essay. In this intensive but supportive environment, their goal is for you to come away with an original work of literature centered on your responses to the work of this important American artist. After the workshop, they invite all participants to join an open mic. Writing supplies provided.

Please arrive early to enjoy the museum’s exhibitions, social time and light refreshments.

Advance tickets are recommended. Laguna Art Museum members: $20 per person, Non-members: $30 per person. For tickets, click here.

Holly Poe Durbin - September 14

–Sunday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m.

Fashion History with Costume with Holly Poe Durbin

Costume designer Holly Poe Durbin takes us back in time through an exploration of fashion history inspired by the closing exhibition Joseph Kleitsch: At Home and Abroad in Old Laguna.

Although his landscapes preserve California in its historic state, the people in Kleitsch’s paintings wear fashions that capture the rush toward Modern California. Joseph Kleitsch’s career spanned roughly 1907-1931, recording the very years that modernism emerged and setting the stage for California to become a defining force in American fashion. This gallery talk will highlight fashions from the paintings and use real examples to explore these important years.

Advance tickets recommended. Laguna Art Museum: $20 per person,

Non-members: $30 per person. For tickets, click here.

For more information about Laguna Art Museum exhibitions and programming, visit www.lagunaartmuseum.org.

Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach.

Sawdust Art Festival classes for September and October

Although the Sawdust Art Festival has concluded for the year, there are still classes being offered.

–Saturday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

–Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

–Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

–Sunday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Glassblowing

Encounter the magic of glassblowing with one of their master Sawdust glassblowers! In this truly unique experience, you will be taken through the glassblowing process step-by-step in their famous glass demo booth. You will receive individual, one-on-one instruction to create a beautiful piece of artwork.

They are happy to accommodate another day/time during the week. Please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to coordinate.

Cost: $300

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Photos courtesy of Sawdust Festival

Pottery Wheel Experience, September 16 and 30

–Saturday, Sept. 30, 1 p.m.

Pottery Wheel Experience with Robert Jones

Robert Jones will take students through the process step-by-step, allowing them to gain confidence so that, with his help, attendees will make their own pottery pieces on the wheel. Each student will make approximately three to four pieces that he will then fire and glaze in his own studio so that you will end up with a beautifully glazed mug or bowl which you can truly call your own. Please note, the firing and glazing time will take approximately three to four weeks before pieces are ready to collect. If you wish your items to be mailed, there will be an additional cost to cover postage and packing.

Absolutely no experience is necessary to take this class, however closed-toe shoes and casual, comfortable clothing is recommended. All materials are included in the cost.

Cost: $100. To register, click here.

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Intro to Mosaic Art, October 7 and 14

–Saturday, Oct. 7 and 14, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Intro to Mosaic Art with Ron Shearer

A two-day workshop over two weekends.

The ancient art of mosaics is one of the most beautiful and oldest in the history of mankind. Working closely with Ron Shearer, participants will create a mosaic that not only will they be proud to display, the class will open a whole new world of creativity where participants can easily continue on your own. Step-by-step, Shearer will take you through the process of design, materials, cutting techniques and then carefully guide you through the application, initially using glue for positioning. You’ll have a little bit of fun “homework” to do between classes. When you return to the second workshop, you can really focus on the fine details and finishing your artwork. A wonderful, informative and creative workshop, and one that Sawdust has had many requests for. This workshop is suitable for absolute beginners or those who want to fine-tune their skills. All materials are provided including supplies from WitsEnd Mosaics.

Cost: $350 per student, which is fully inclusive of six hours of intensive tuition over two weekends, and all materials including a pair of nippers that you can keep, mosaic glass tiles, design and backing board. Maximum 10 students per class – if you are a larger group, contact the Sawdust directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To register, click here.

Biking it to the beach

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

What goes with a long ride? How about a quick dip!

Laguna Beach Master Community Calendar

The following are calendar links for regularly scheduled meetings and events in Laguna Beach:

City of Laguna Beach meetings & events calendar

www.lagunabeachcity.net

Laguna Beach Public Library – everything at the library calendar

www.ocpl.org/libraries/laguna-beach

Laguna Beach Unified School District news & events calendar

www.lbusd.org/calendar

Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce community events calendar

www.lagunabeachchamber.org/events/calendar

Two new murals brighten up our town

By MARRIE STONE

Photos by Jeff Rovner

This story is a part of our Arts section. Visit www.stunewslaguna.com/arts for more arts stories as well as our arts calendars.

From Top of the World down to the sea, Laguna is the lucky recipient of two gorgeous new murals. The city commissioned Super Natural Bloom by DabsMyla, installed at Alta Laguna Park in mid-August and dedicated on Thursday, Sept 7. Three days later, LOCA unveiled Mike Tauber’s latest community mural, Swimming in Sea Life at The Taco Stand on PCH and Cleo.

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“Super Natural Bloom” by DabsMyla now on display at Alta Laguna Park

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“Swimming in Sea Life” by LOCA’s Mike Tauber and his 95 community artists is now on display at The Taco Stand on PCH and Cleo Street

Both pieces were collaborations. Super Natural Bloom was created by the husband and wife team Darren and Emmelene Mate who go by the artist name DabsMyla. Swimming in Sea Life, orchestrated by Tauber, incorporated the work of 95 community members in a four-by-nine-foot underwater mosaic.

In a town rich with public art – Laguna boasts more than 30 public and private murals – there’s plenty of appetite for more. DabsMyla received an enthusiastic response throughout their installation process from tennis coaches and students alike, loving the colorful super blooms that sprung up on the formerly drab gray wall in Alta Laguna Park. The Taco Stand, which came in over budget on their remodel, was grateful to LOCA for brightening up their white exterior wall that faces PCH. The wall was already pre-lit in anticipation of art, and LOCA was happy to deliver.

I caught up with both groups to hear a bit of the backstory behind their murals. It’s fitting that the super blooms brighten up our hillside while the sea lions swim down by Cleo Street beach. What’s more fitting is how the projects, particularly LOCA’s, pulled the town together.

Swimming in Sea Life by Mike Tauber and his 95 assistants

Using techniques of pixelation and pointillism, Swimming in Sea Life is at once a mural of two giant sea lions and, upon closer inspection, a mosaic of more than 100 unique underwater scenes. Tauber controlled the color palette, ensuring each strategically placed tile stayed within its range, but gave participants freedom over their designs. “It reads like a quilt of ocean-themed hieroglyphics – including sea urchins, sea stars, kelp, octopus and whales,” the LOCA website says. “From far – one sees a playful pair of sea lions submerged in colors diffusing from sunlit aquas down to deep blues.”

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Mike Tauber designed and orchestrated “Swimming in Sea Life,” which consists of more than 100 tiles designed by 95 community members

“It’s a rare opportunity that a lot of citizens get to create public art, point to it for years to come and think, ‘Look what I did. I’m part of the City of Laguna Beach’s public art collection,’” said Tauber, the principal artist behind Swimming in Sea Life. Tauber called out to the community and 95 artists-in-waiting responded. He held three workshops in June, inviting anyone over the age of 10 to create their own underwater tile.

“As a local and a covert self-taught artist, I was always interested in ways to participate in community art projects and events,” said Lynn Epstein. “LOCA has provided so many fabulous opportunities! When I [heard] what Mike Tauber was up to, I knew I wanted to be part of it. It was so cool learning about painting a mosaic and then watching people of all ages create and paint designs. One of the many reasons I love Laguna.”

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(L-R) Mike Tauber, Lisa Hershman, Marta Veneciano, Billiejo Lee, Janine Luciano, Susan Brown and Paige Strayer point to their hand created tiles

Tauber hand-cut each of the tiles to give them a uniquely crafted look. In some cases, he cut tiles in half, giving husbands and wives or mothers and daughters the opportunity to create something together.

“I’m not much of an artist, but I do love the ocean as habitat for all the amazing sea life,” said Winter Bonnin, educational director for Crystal Cove State Park. “So, I invited my 82-year-old mom to join me. She’s always dabbled in art projects. She’s now living in a senior facility and partakes in their artistic offerings. I knew she would enjoy painting a tile and I thought it would be fun for us to do together.”

Tauber says his title plays with the idea of swimming with sea life. “Are the sea lions swimming in sea life, or does it speak to a mermaid, snorkelers and other people swimming in sea life?” he said. “You see a lot of everything, from urchins to sand dollars. There are whales and lobsters. A lot of diversity of sea life.”

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Laguna Beach Business Club 2023 Speaker Series features Glenn Gray on September 21

The Laguna Beach Business Club (LBBC) has announced their September 21 meeting speaker is Pacific Marine Mammal Center’s (PMMC’s) Chief Executive Officer Glenn Gray. The LBBC holds a breakfast meeting the third Thursday of each month starting at 7:30 a.m. hosting speakers that discuss topics valuable to achieving success in your personal and professional lives.

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Courtesy of LBBC

Pacific Marine Mammal Center’s CEO Glenn Gray

Gray transitioned from being a board member for PMMC for six years to the organization’s CEO in June 2022. Prior to his retirement in 2020, Gray was involved in the financial services industry for 40 years, 20 of those years were in positions of executive leadership. From 2012 through mid-2020, he was the chief executive officer of CalWest Bank, a $225 million asset commercial bank based in Orange County. Prior to joining CalWest Bank, Gray was the chief executive officer of Sunwest Bank, a commercial bank with operations in California and Arizona. From 1995 to mid-2005, he held senior executive positions with the FINOVA Group, at the time a $12 billion asset diversified commercial finance company. Gary ultimately was appointed chief operating officer reporting to the board of directors. Prior to joining the FINOVA Group, he held positions with Wells Fargo Bank and Foothill Capital.

Gray and his wife, Kathryn, have been residents of Laguna Beach since 2000. He is currently a trustee emeritus of the Laguna Playhouse, president of the Laguna Beach Police & Community Foundation, a Pink Tie Guy for Susan G. Komen Orange County and chair of the Audit Review & Investment Advisory Committee for the City of Laguna Beach. Gray is a graduate of the University of Illinois.

The LBBC is a group of local business professionals and entrepreneurs that meet monthly to discuss current events, business opportunities and share insights within the context of their community and lives with the goal of building and maintaining relationships with local professionals and businesses that they can proudly recommend to clients and friends. LBBC also supports their community by providing and participating in community services and/or events that benefit the citizens of Laguna Beach.

Club meetings begin with a buffet breakfast and brief networking roundtable. Meetings are hosted at Nirvana Grille, 303 Broadway St. #101, Laguna Beach. Non-members are welcome. The non-member guest fee is $30, payable by check to the Laguna Beach Business Club, or by cash the day of the meeting. Space is limited. Guests should be sure they receive RSVP confirmation.

For more information about the LBBC, or to register to attend the meeting, either visit their website at www.lagunabeachbusinessclub.com, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Bold and beautiful: Artwork of famed artist James Strombotne now showing at LCAD Gallery

By THERESA KEEGAN

This story is a part of our Arts section. Visit www.stunewslaguna.com/arts for more arts stories as well as our arts calendars.

When James Strombotne was 5 years old, he realized he could draw. And for the next 85 years, that’s what he’s been doing.

“I was a prodigy. Then I went to Pomona (College) and then also studied for my MFA at Claremont University,” he said. “I added the academic background to the talent.”

But what really drives this successful artist, is that right from the beginning, he was both fearless and confident, a byproduct he attributes to his parents’ indifference when he was growing up.

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Photo by Theresa Keegan

James Strombotne, age 89, arrives in his studio daily, reads the paper, has coffee and then sets to work painting. The majority of art in his one-man show at the LCAD Gallery has been painted within the past five years.

“My childhood was Dickensian, which is true of a lot of creative people,” he said. “When you go through a certain amount of poverty and ugliness you learn survival skills.”

But Strombotne has done much more than survive – he thrives. And his latest show at the LCAD Gallery certainly reflects that.

“When I saw his work, I just knew we had to get a show,” said Bryan Heggie, LCAD Gallery manager. “And after meeting with him, it’s obvious he really has a lot to give. As artist to artist, I thought our students needed to see this simplistic use of the figure.”

Heggie is thrilled that much of the work in the current show, which he curated along with Strombotne, has been created in the last five years.

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Courtesy of LCAD Gallery

The LCAD show includes Strombotne’s first “The Entry of Christ into Los Angeles” (back wall, left). The large painting was done in 1993.

“It was very easy – we were on the same page,” said Heggie. He’s hopeful the students will gain a new perspective where the paint and strokes are more simplified and direct. “Very few students are bold enough to paint like that.”

This is the 110th one-man show of Strombotne’s work, another accomplishment in his storied career.

His work is in multiple permanent collections, including that of the Museum of Modern Art, the Hirshhorm Museum, The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Art Institute of Chicago and locally at the Laguna Art Museum and the Festival of Arts. He has participated in dozens of retrospectives and in major group shows throughout the country, including the Whitney and Corcoran biennials and Carnegie International. He’s received a Guggenheim Fellowship.

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Courtesy of LCAD Gallery

Strombotne’s last “The Entry of Christ into Los Angeles X,” painted in 2019, is also in the show

“I have to be fearless in what I do, and be confident in what I want to do,” said Strombotne. “There’s a continuity in my work, just based on how particular I am as an artist, and as a person.”

That commitment to his work resulted in early career successes. He had his first one-man show in 1956 at age 22 in San Francisco. When he was shown at the esteemed Frank Perls Gallery in Beverly HIlls in 1961, Time Magazine referred to Strombotne as “one of the most promising of the young figurative artists now working around Los Angeles.”

Unlike many artists, the early accolades didn’t intimidate Strombotne.

“I just accepted it for what it was,” he said. “What was important was the work and not the trappings of success. My work has been a constant in terms of the quality.”

And it’s what continues to define his work.

“I’m not really happy unless the work is extraordinary,” he said. “I want it to be stunning.”

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Bridge unveiling ceremony to honor fallen LBPD Officer Jon Coutchie

The City of Laguna Beach, the Laguna Beach Police Department and State Senator Janet Nguyen (R-Huntington Beach) invite the community to Laguna Beach to witness the dedication of the Aliso Creek Bridge as the Officer Jon Coutchie Memorial Bridge, in recognition of fallen Laguna Beach Police Officer Jon Steven Coutchie.

The bridge unveiling ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 21 from 10-11 a.m. It is located a 31132 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.

Officer Jon Steven Coutchie, an Army veteran and Laguna Beach Police Department Motor Officer, displayed unwavering commitment to his community. Tragically, he lost his life in the line of duty on September 21, 2013, pursuing a recklessly driven vehicle. In recognition of Officer Coutchie’s heroic legacy, Senator Janet Nguyen introduced a resolution designating the Aliso Creek Bridge as the Officer Jon Coutchie Memorial Bridge.

Submitted photo

Fallen Laguna Beach Police Officer Jon Steven Coutchie

“Caring for our communities and honoring those who selflessly serve within them, such as Officer Jon Coutchie, reminds us of the enduring strength and resilience that bind us together in times of challenge and loss. Their dedication inspires us to come together and work towards a brighter and safer future for everyone,” said Senator Janet Nguyen.

“By naming the Aliso Bridge in honor of Laguna Beach Police Officer Jon Coutchie, we continue his legacy, honor his family and his name, and ensure no one forgets his sacrifice to this community,” said Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen.

Join this unveiling ceremony at the Aliso Creek Bridge, as we remember Officer Jon Coutchie’s dedication to public safety and honor his sacrifice. This event promises to be a touching tribute to Officer Coutchie, bringing together community members, law enforcement officials, and elected representatives to remember and honor his legacy.

Laguna Art Museum unveils 11th Annual Art & Nature on November 2

Laguna Art Museum (LAM) will present the 11th Annual Art & Nature, an immersive journey into the symbiotic relationship between art and the natural world. The Art & Nature initiative addresses the environmental situation through a creative and unique lens – the artist’s perspective. Beginning November 2, this transformative multidisciplinary event will converge art, science and nature on a grand scale. Art & Nature is the museum’s largest public program of the year, bringing together thousands of participants to foster a love of nature, raise environmental awareness and discover cross-sections between science and the arts.

At the heart of Art & Nature 2023 stands Cristopher Cichocki, the visionary artist whose outdoor installation Rising Inversion will debut at Laguna’s Main Beach on November 2-5. Rising Inversion harnesses oceanic and planetary elements engaging in direct dialogue with the surrounding natural landscape of Laguna Beach. From dawn to dusk, this transformative installation morphs from a sprawling arc of sand and barnacles into a luminescent orb rising over the Pacific shoreline. This synergy encircled within the elements of water and light will illuminate throughout the night in a phosphorescent glow powered from the residual energy of the sun.

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Photo by Lance Gerber

Cristopher Cichocki in his studio

Cichocki is a trailblazing multidisciplinary artist renowned for exploring the cyclical patterns of decay and rejuvenation within the intricate tapestry of human-nature interactions. His trajectory of work spans the realms of painting, land art, sound art and natural science – encompassing eras from ancient oceans to present-day deserts.

“The 11th Annual Art & Nature unites us all in celebrating the profound connections we can make to understanding the natural world through creativity,” said Julie Perlin Lee, executive director of Laguna Art Museum. “As a testament to our museum’s unique heritage as a center for the appreciation of artistic sensibility towards nature, the events of Art & Nature honor our commitment to embracing environmental awareness through contemporary art, our desire to present immersive and though-provoking programming for all and to support bold artistic experimentation to create a better world.”

Art & Nature will include Cichocki’s Circular Dimensions, a multi-sensory audiovisual performance that will activate onto Rising Inversion on the evening of Saturday, Nov. 4. Running concurrently to Rising Inversion from November 2-26, Cichocki will present: Primordial Water, a solo exhibition of the artist’s latest work showcased at Laguna College of Art + Design’s LCAD Gallery located near the museum. Additionally, a new decade of Art & Nature is being ushered in with a dynamic schedule of events including the annual free Family Festival.

Multidisciplinary artist Cichocki encapsulates the cycle of decay and renewal through examining relationships between humankind, the natural world and industrial mutation. The scope of Cichocki’s self-defined New Earth Art underlines the increasingly toxic global environment confronting our planet in the new millennium. Within his site-responsive practice, Cichocki generates new ecosystems configured between organic and synthetic materials and sounds. His aesthetic invokes opposites; the desert is submerged underwater, while macrocosms enter the view of a microscopic lens. All of these elements culminate into Circular Dimensions – Cichocki’s ever-evolving series of audiovisual performances showcased within the framework of live performances and multi-sensory installation environments.

Cichocki attended CalArts and Yale Norfolk School of the Art. Hailing from the Coachella Valley, he has explored the depths of the California desert over the past three decades, while generating exhibitions and performances throughout North America, South America, Asia and Europe that include the Museum of Image & Sound (São Paulo), Biennale Urbana (Venice), Casa França Brasil (Rio de Janeiro), Platforme (Paris), Museum of Photographic Arts (San Diego), Museum of Moving Image (New York) and the Coachella Music and Arts Festival (Indio). His work is held in many permanent and private collections including the J. Paul Getty Museum, Palm Springs Art Museum and Lancaster Museum of Art. In 2014, Cichocki founded the curatorial platform Epicenter Projects that has recently partnered with the Paris-based Fondation LAccolade - Institut de France to create THE ELEMENTAL, a contemporary center for the arts located in Palm Springs focused on building intersections of art, science and environment.

Continuing Laguna Beach’s legacy as a center for the arts, Art & Nature provides a unique opportunity for the Southern California community to come together for a festival of art and ideas, to inspire artists and enhance the appreciation of nature as a place that inspires awareness about the environment we share.

For more information, visit www.lagunaartmuseum.org.

Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach.

Rylie’s Angels dinner and silent auction to benefit teen with rare genetic disease

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

Eleven years ago, Rylie Rahall, a sweet, 13-year-old “angel” was diagnosed with ataxia-telangiectasia or A-T, a rare genetic disease. A-T combines the worst symptoms of muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, immune deficiencies and cancer. A-T usually attacks in early childhood and is degenerative, affecting the immune system, nervous system and brain, and children with A-T are predisposed to fatal cancers, like leukemia and lymphoma. Children with A-T usually rely on wheelchairs for mobility by age 10 and often do not survive their teens.

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Rylie Rahall

Rylie’s parents, Tim & Erica Rahall, are holding “A Night Under the Sea” – Rylie’s Angels dinner and silent auction fundraiser – in honor of their daughter and A-T in association with the A-T Children’s Project, at the Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach on Friday, Oct. 6 from 5:30-10 p.m. The Rahalls are eager to host this inaugural event in Laguna Beach, and continue to be grateful to the past participants, sponsors, donors and volunteers who made their decade-long golf tournament and dinner reception tremendously successful.

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The Rahall Family – Riley (seated) with (L-R): Sadie, her sister; her mom Erica; her dad Tim and her brother, Grady

According to the Rahalls, “We are racing against time to keep Rylie as healthy as possible, and we need your help. Rylie is gearing up for her last year of middle school, with her sights set on making lasting memories with her friends inside and outside of the classroom. Rylie continues to enjoy life to the fullest! She is becoming quite the adventurer and traveler all while enjoying other activities like camping, swimming, art, getting her nails done, learning new languages and trying new restaurants with her family and amazing group of friends.”

Because A-T is a multi-system disease, scientists believe that A-T research will help more prevalent diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, AIDS and cancer. There are a host of promising research activities and clinical trials which the fundraiser will contribute to and more will be discussed at the dinner reception.

“We have wanted nothing more than to give our daughter the chance to live a long, full life, not one that could be cut dramatically short because of faulty genes.

“Please join our family as one of Rylie’s Angels and help give our extraordinary daughter and others with A-T a chance to live a longer, better life,” said the Rahalls.

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Rylie (seated) enjoys her siblings Grady and Sadie running around her in the sand

The evening’s itinerary:

–5:30 p.m. – cocktail hour and appetizers

–7 p.m. – dinner reception with dessert and dancing to follow (catered by Starfish)

–10 p.m. – conclusion

Whether you join as a dinner guest, sponsor the event, donate a product for the silent auction (will go live one week prior to the event), or send a donation, your generosity will be put directly to imminent research projects. The A-T Children’s Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the tax ID number is 65-0427215. Ocean-inspired attire encouraged; this is an adults-only event.

For more information and to purchase tickets to the dinner and silent auction and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.atcp.org/event/rylies-angels-dinner.

The Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach is located at 286 St. Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach.

Joëlle Blouin: Shades of Summer opening reception at The Signature Gallery on September 16

On Saturday, Sept. 16, internationally acclaimed artist, Joëlle Blouin will reveal a new body of abstract originals showcasing her iconic style of “Urban Cubism” at The Signature Gallery in Laguna Beach. Join the celebration of life and art during Blouin’s opening reception for her show, Shades of Summer, from 6-8:30 p.m. at 220 Forest Ave. Every piece on display was inspired by the vibrant hues of the season.

Be one of the first to see the new summer collection from Blouin and “Meet the Artist” at The Signature Gallery, located one block away from Main Beach. During the VIP opening reception, attendees will enjoy a sensational showcase of artwork against a backdrop of ambient lounge music from DJ Katrina Essence, accompanied by a delightful serving of pink Champagne and appetizers.

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Photos courtesy of The Signature Gallery

Joëlle Blouin showcases her style of “Urban Cubism” on September 16

Blouin is a French-Canadian artist who was born in Quebec City, Canada, in 1985. A passion for fine art and design fueled her ambitions to create her artistic style and pursue becoming a full-time artist. Following her first solo exhibition, she began exhibiting artwork in multiple galleries throughout Canada and rapidly expanded into the international market. Her work has received global recognition and in 2014, she was granted a rare, extraordinary ability Visa by the U.S. government which allows her to live and work in the states more permanently.

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Blouin blends and mixes her paints directly on the canvas using only a palette knife

In 2015, Joelle was awarded 1st prize while attending Artexpo New York with The Signature Gallery, launching her already explosive art career to new heights. With high demand for her work, Blouin has met every mark during her rapid success after being named one of the “Top 40 Artists to Watch” in Art Business News Magazine.

Her signature painting technique combines influences from cubism with urban art to create her unique style known as “Urban Cubism.” She blends and mixes her paints directly on her canvas using only a palette knife. The cubic texturing results are rich and captivating. The strokes of her palette knife give the artwork a three-dimensional quality which allows her to express her responses to the energy and soul of the urban environment. The paint lifts off the canvas creating shadows and giving the overall dimension and depth to the art. Her bold and modern colors deliver a distinctive architectural perspective.

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Blouin’s style is known as “Urban Cubism”

Entirely self-taught, Blouin’s success is a consequence of, not only her skill and talent but also, her determination to constantly challenge herself as a professional artist. It is this high level of drive that has led her to experiment with painting, media and processes to develop a genuinely unique approach to her art. Committed to design and with extraordinary vision, Blouin is described as an “energetic, go-getter who can transform her dreams into art.” She currently resides in Southern California, painting in her studio each day and enjoying every moment as a wife and a mother to two young girls, while pursuing her desire to communicate profound visions of beauty to the world.

Coast Film & Music Festival returns to Laguna Beach, November 8-12 

The Fifth Annual Coast Film & Music Festival comes to Laguna Beach on November 8-12. This five-day event showcases independent documentary films from around the world, including features, shorts, animations, and student-made films curated to entertain, inform and inspire.

Experience the best of coastal lifestyle and outdoor adventure through film premieres, conversations and live Q&As with filmmakers and athletes, live music, art exhibits and more. The festival aims to inspire the next generation of explorers and storytellers while providing entertainment and education. Don’t miss this unique gathering of adventurers, creatives and changemakers.

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Courtesy of Coast Film & Music Festival

The Coast Film & Music Festival returns to Laguna Beach, November 8-12

Purchase VIP and General Admission passes before September 15 and receive and early bird discount. VIP All Event Pass is your ticket to the Hobie opening night, eight drink tickets, VIP swag bag, meet and greets and after parties. Purchase the VIP All Event Pass here ($275). General Admission All Event Pass provides access to all ticketed events, except the Hobie opening night. Purchase the General Admission All Event Pass here ($135).

Tickets, films and music will be announced on October 1.

For more information, visit www.coastfilmfestival.com.

Laguna Beach Family Resource Center to host Grand Opening on October 18

The Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), in collaboration with SchoolPower, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 4-6 p.m. to commemorate the grand opening of the Laguna Beach Family Resource Center (FRC). FRC will serve as a resource hub dedicated to building LBUSD family engagement by providing community activities, confidential counseling and support services for student success.

“The grand opening of the Laguna Beach Family Resource Center marks the beginning of a new chapter of student and family support services in our community,” said LBUSD Superintendent Jason Viloria, Ed.D. “This center is not just a building, it is a symbol of our collective commitment to nurturing the limitless potential of our students and a celebration of the spirit of collaboration and compassion that defines our Laguna Beach community,” he concluded.

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Photos courtesy of LBUSD

LBUSD Community Liaison Alma Figueroa greets a student entering the Laguna Beach Family Resource Center. Figueroa will be the first person that visitors to the FRC see when they walk through the doors.

The event will provide families and community partners with an opportunity to visit the remodeled space while previewing the programs and support services offered. From early education to career prep, the FRC will be a safe, welcoming place for LBUSD families to get the support they need to ensure student success.

“SchoolPower has been proud to partner closely with LBUSD during the creation of the Family Resource Center and will continue to support FRC programs and services, including the Parenting Book Club, small group workshops and direct support for families,” said SchoolPower Executive Director Sarah Durand. “One day we hope it will become as natural as calling a friend to contact the FRC when you have a question, big or small, about navigating parenthood in Laguna Beach,” she concluded.

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A LBUSD family walks into the newly remodeled Laguna Beach Family Resource Center on St. Ann’s Drive

Located at 733 St. Ann’s Drive, overlooking Guyer Field at Laguna Beach High School, the center remodel was funded primarily by LBUSD, with support from SchoolPower donors. The new space features private offices and a comfortable gathering space for small groups. The redesign was completed with additional support from community partners Kim Duensing Projects, The Shipp Group, Carolina Vergara Landscape Studio and Nicol Architecture.

“By offering parents the resources they need – whether it’s access to mental health counseling, parenting workshops, or community outreach programs – we’re ensuring that our students come to school ready to learn,” said LBUSD Board of Education President Jan Vickers. “When families thrive, our schools thrive, and our entire community reaps the benefits.”

The Laguna Beach FRC will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Visit www.lbfamilyresourcecenter.org, follow @LagunaBeachUSD on Instagram, and subscribe to “It’s A Wrap” (by clicking here) to learn more about upcoming events at the FRC.

For more information about SchoolPower, go to www.lbschoolpower.org.

Rotary Club car show arrives October 1

Mark your calendars for Sunday, Oct. 1, when the Rotary Club of Laguna Beach presents their 19th Annual Classic Car Show. The event will take place in the city lot across from the Festival of Arts grounds from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

The car show, which usually attracts more than 125 American and foreign classic cars, will also feature food, beverages, a silent auction and live music.

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Photo by Ward Blackburn

(L-R) Jonny Fotsch with his Sunbeam Tiger, Planning Commissioner Jorg Dubin, Rotarian Nick Clarke, George Nelson (Fawn Memories) with his Tiki bus, Rotarians Mike Mahoney and Julie Hile

Awards will presented in a variety of categories – from American classics to foreign imports, hot rods, muscle cars and more – there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Admission: Adults, $10; under 12, $3; Strollers and Active Duty Military with I.D., free.

To register and for more information, visit www.lagunabeachcarshow.com.

All proceeds from this yearly family event go to support local charities and nonprofits in the form of community grants.

LPAPA’s 25th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Invitational Catalog Art Show continues at the gallery

LPAPA’s 25th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Invitational Catalog Art Show opened online with a virtual gallery Art Catalog and silent Preview Auction, showcasing original works created en plein air and in studio by their invited Artists and Founding Members.

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Courtesy of LPAPA

The show opened on September 7 during Art Walk

The show opened at the LPAPA Gallery on Thursday, Sept. 7 and continues through Monday, Oct. 16, with artwork that was unsold at the auction still available for purchase, at the full gallery price.

The Catalog Art Show represents a showcase painting from each of the 35 Invitational Artists participating in LPAPA’s 25th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational plus a showcase painting from each of LPAPA’s Founding Members for their Silver Anniversary celebration. The art will be featured in this year’s published Invitational Art Catalog (2023 Collectors Gala guests, Catalog Art collectors and auction winners will receive a complimentary copy of the printed catalog).

Proceeds generated through the sale of artwork supports the artists and the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art organization.

The 25th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational will be presented October 7-15 with the Annual Collectors Gala on Saturday, Oct. 14. Learn more about the Invitational here.

The LPAPA Gallery is located at 414 North Coast Highway on Gallery Row between Jasmine and Myrtle streets. Gallery hours are Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment.

Paradise above the dashboard lights

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Nothing is better than traveling into Laguna Beach

Police Beat Primer

Compiled by Suzie Harrison

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

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

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