Cutter Clawson: It’s all about the team

Story by SAMANTHA WASHER

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

Laguna Beach High School student Cutter Clawson has played baseball since he was three. His father was coaching his older sister’s t-ball team, they needed a player and so the toddler stepped in. “I’ve loved it ever since,” he says.

This is not to say he hasn’t done other things besides play baseball. He also played basketball and football, his other love. However, he gave up basketball before high school and quit football after being named MVP of the JV team his freshman year, once he verbally committed to Brigham Young University for baseball after 9th grade. “It has always been my dream school,” he says of BYU. 

Drafted by MLB Washington Nationals

The youngest of four LBHS graduates, Clawson said leaving Laguna for a bigger, more baseball-centric high school was never something he considered. “I always knew I’d go to LBHS,” he says. “I never thought it would negatively affect me.” And he seems to be right. On June 5th Clawson was drafted by Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals in the 33rd round.

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LBHS senior Cutter Clawson had a choice to play baseball at BYU or go pro with the Washington Nationals. He chose college – for now.

Despite achieving what he acknowledges is a dream for any baseball player, Clawson has decided to postpone his major league dreams and go to BYU in the fall. He seems to have it all mapped out. “I told them the day I committed my plan was to do my freshman year of college, then go on a mission, and then when I come back, I will have my spot on the roster and see what happens. I will just work as hard as I can to have the opportunity to (go through the draft) again,” he says.

A two-way player with impressive stats

Clawson is a two-way player. He was selected as a pitcher in the draft but thinks of himself as both a pitcher and hitter. “Everyone thought I’d have one picked by now but I just keep working on both,“ he says with a shrug. 

The “working on both” thing seems to be a good strategy. As a sophomore at LBHS, he was named to the Cal-Hi All-State Sophomore 1st Team and Cal-Hi Underclass All-State 2nd Team. He received first team All-League honors for his batting .417/.463.616 (BA/OBP/Slugging) and had a fielding percentage of .991 at first base.

He also made the USA Baseball NTIS SoCal Team in 2017 and was one of just 80 players in the nation selected to play in the USA Baseball Tournament of Stars while also being voted to the Orange County All-County Team as a pitcher.

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Clawson was drafted as a left-handed pitcher, but considers himself a 

two-way player

In 2018 Clawson made 1st  Team All-League and was selected to the Brewers Area Code Team. He was selected to play in the MLB sponsored “States play” series where he pitched three scoreless innings. Currently, Clawson is ranked as the #2 left-handed pitcher in California, and 6th in the nation. For the third year in a row, he made 1st Team All-Conference.

Happy to shine the spotlight on others

And while that’s a lot of stats, that’s not all of them. His accomplishments on the field are lengthy and impressive. But you won’t hear about them from Clawson, who is polite, engaging, and extremely modest. 

So modest, in fact, that when I asked him to share his best high school baseball memories, he didn’t hesitate. He talked about a game when he was a freshman that went 14 innings. His former teammate Will McInerney, who was a senior when Clawson was a freshman, played catcher for seven innings and then was called on to pitch seven innings. Clawson mentions that he was called up to bunt, but the story he wanted to tell was his teammate’s story. “It was a game I’ll never forget,” he says. The fact that this was the highlight he wanted to mention, in a career filled with his own personal triumphs, said a lot to me about the kind of person Clawson is. 

Looking to the future while appreciating the past

I got the sense that Clawson would have happily talked about all of his teammates on the seemingly countless teams he has played and continues to play on, but his LBHS teammates seem to hold an especially dear place in his heart. These are the boys he has grown up playing with, either at Riddle Field or club teams. And now that his high school career is over, the reality that they are going their separate ways is bittersweet. “I’ll miss playing at Skipper Carilllo field,” he says. “I’m going to miss all of them. They’re incredible. We’d do anything for each other, and our coaches, as well.”

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Clawson happened to run into TMS PE teacher and former LBHS baseball coach Mike Bair. Clawson played for Bair when LBHS won their first and only CIF championship in 2016.

The question “What will you miss?” is a common topic for high school seniors before they go off to college. Clawson has clearly thought about it because his response after I ask is immediate. “I’ll miss the beach, obviously. I’m gonna miss my parents, but I have relatives (in Utah) which is nice. I’ll miss Baja Fish Tacos, and I’m gonna miss all my teammates, especially Colton Freeman. We’ve been teammates since we were 11 years old.”

“The most beautiful field…”

However, he cannot contain his excitement about going to BYU. “The baseball field is the most beautiful field I’ve ever seen,” he enthuses. He proceeds to list off the major league fields he has played on. “All of these are incredible, but nothing compares to BYU’s field,” he says. And there’s more to BYU for Clawson than just baseball.

 “It’s not just my dream school, but my best friend’s dream school, too. There’s a group of us going and that will make the adjustment easier,” he says. Academically, he says he’s interested in studying business or maybe sports recovery therapy. Whatever he decides, his priorities are firm: baseball, his church, and school.

Appreciating the importance of “we”

Community is clearly important to Clawson, but he is determined to make his way through his various communities his way. In that sense, his priorities mirror the sport he has committed himself to. Baseball is a team sport, but it’s the most individualized of team sports. “Baseball is weird,” he admits when asked about its unique dynamic. “But it’s definitely a team. Our quote we say (at LBHS) is we play ‘us’ baseball. That means everyone is on the same page, doing their job, playing their part.” 

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Clawson ran into some young fans and made sure to ask about their team

 And that must be what speaks to Clawson about the sport he has dedicated himself to because he clearly relishes getting the job done and doing his part. For now, the job will remain basically what it has been for the past four years, that of student-athlete.

A choice between two dreams

“It was a dream to get drafted,” says Clawson. “But it was in the 33rd round. I’m hoping to get drafted higher in a few years, and the college experience was worth more to me than where I was drafted.” Plus, attending college allows him the opportunity to fulfill his mission for his church, again playing his part. It’s all part of a very thoughtful plan for an extremely thoughtful young man who, for his age, just happens to be one of the best baseball players in the country. But don’t expect to hear that from him.

Police Files

Unidentified man found dead in Laguna Canyon on Monday, autopsy to be performed this week

On Monday, June 10, at approximately 7 p.m., Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) was notified by LBPD that the body of a deceased male was found in a brush area off Laguna Canyon Road near Woodland Drive. 

LBPD was called to the area at approximately 6 p.m. after a person in the area found the body. It was determined that the area was county unincorporated, not in LBPD’s jurisdiction, so OCSD personnel responded.

“From initial on-scene examination by the coroner, the body appears to be that of an adult male, age unknown, and has not been identified,” OCSD PIO Carrie Braun said. 

Braun added, “The body was decomposed and investigators are unable to determine a preliminary cause of death due to the decomposition and environmental factors. The environmental factors may have factored into the condition of the body, but this will be determined.”

It’s unknown at this time how long the body had been there. 

The coroner investigators are handling the ongoing death investigation to include determining the identity of the decedent and additional information surrounding the circumstances of the death.

“Due to the condition of the body at the time of discovery, it is being handled as a death investigation unless the autopsy and investigation provide additional information,” Braun said. “As is the case in all deaths where the cause is not immediately known”.

The deceased will be examined during an autopsy to be performed later this week.

Unresponsive Laguna Beach male at Main Beach revived by Emergency Services and taken to hospital 

On Wednesday, June 12, at 5:15 p.m., LBPD, LBFD, and Marine Safety personnel were dispatched to Main Beach for an unresponsive male subject.

“Lifeguards arrived on scene and administered Narcan to a local homeless subject,” Sgt Cota said. 

Sgt Cota said the Narcan was successful in reviving the 46-year-old Laguna Beach subject and that he was transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

Perry excluded from school board’s Confidential Matters Subcommittee

By BARBARA DIAMOND

Four members of the Laguna Beach School Board on Tuesday shut out Dee Perry from participating in a subcommittee created that night, specifically to deal with confidential matters.

The board voted 4-1 to exclude Perry, based on what the majority said was the advice of attorney Mark Bresee, with member Carol Normandin voting by telephone from Japan. According to Perry, the issue evolved from an email from Bresee to her that he said was confidential and attorney-client privileged – the entire board being the client. Perry was allowed to address the board and members of the public before a vote was taken. 

She pulled no punches.

“This is shameful,” said Perry. “It’s a disgrace.”

Perry flatly denied the attorney’s accusation that the letter from him contained confidential information. 

“By forming this committee, you [board members] are infringing on citizens’ rights to their representation and ‘you’ are prohibiting me from participating and voting on some of the most impactful areas of our job,” said Perry. “This is harming the citizens of Laguna Beach.”

Perry said the creation of the subcommittee is an attempt to silence her.

“Well, it won’t work,” she said. “I am a duly elected official representing my constituents and I will continue to do so.

“What you are trying to do is wrong on so many levels.” 

Bresee advised the board to consider very carefully what they delegate to the subcommittee. Wholesale delegation is not the intent of the subcommittee, he said. It should be a case-by-case decision.

“I am blown away by the behavior of this board,” said Amy Kramer. “It is the majority’s obligation to bring the minority along with you.

"You guys don’t have to go camping together. You don’t have to have to love each other. But you guys do have to get along.”

The atmosphere at the meeting grew increasingly hostile, particularly when members of the audience believed that Normandin was badgering Perry with questions that had already been answered.

Normandin asked if Perry would forward other confidential information, which Perry had explicitly denied doing. 

“This is not appropriate,” said parent Sheri Morgan, seated in the audience.

Vickers responded that the exchange was in order on an agenda item. 

“It’s an interrogation,” retorted Morgan.

In a written statement, Morgan said that formation of a subcommittee that ostracized Perry seemed overreaching and lacking transparency.

“She [Perry] seems to be challenging the administration, asking hard questions, does her own research, and is listening to her constituents and now the board wants to take away a voice of the community, ‘as warranted.’ Is that legal?” 

Jennifer Sorenson said that now that her child had graduated, she could speak freely.

In her opinion, the proposed action was a slap in the face for the 3,968 members of the community that voted for Perry.

Perry has been at odds with the other board members and Superintendent Jason Viloria for months, starting with an untaped meeting in December, at which Perry was not elevated to the presidency of the board, as many believe was recommended in the district bylaws. 

This led to the board majority’s decision to eliminate the bylaw. 

Last month, Perry disagreed with the board majority on the district’s current grade point weighting policy.

Perry stated on Wednesday in an email that she had not decided what steps would be appropriate to take in the wake of Tuesday’s meeting.

“I am considering my options,” she stated. “I hate to spend money and cost the district money legally, but I don’t think what they are doing is right or serves our community well.”

Vickers said the delegation of confidential matters to the new subcommittee would not reflect disagreements with Perry.

Laguna’s hot potatoes on Assemblywoman’s front burner

By BARBARA DIAMOND

Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris dealt nimbly on Saturday with a couple of Laguna’s hot potatoes.

She hosted a coffee gathering from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Fire Station One to exchange ideas about fire safety, coupled with an unexpected appearance by about 80 opponents to a state Senate bill dealing with immunizations. After which, she hot-footed over to Wells Fargo Bank to meet with a group that wants action taken to improve the homeless situation in Laguna.

Councilman Peter Blake welcomed Petrie-Norris, who spoke for a few minutes and then invited questions, which led to a dialogue. 

“Along with you, I view the homeless as one of the county’s most critical challenges,” Petrie-Norris said. “Last year progress was made. Emergency housing has increased. Construction is underway on permanent housing.

“But not all cities are doing their fair share. Laguna Beach is the only [city] to do anything in this area. They all need to come to the table.” 

She was preaching to the choir. 

“I was hoping I would go to Sacramento and some city in Central California would say ‘Here’s our model and its working,’” said Petrie Norris, who was elected to the assembly in November.

“Didn’t happen. 

“There is a ton of money; there are a ton of good ideas; there are a ton of people trying to solve this problem.” 

But progress is slower than she would like – another chorus in tune with Laguna.

Petrie-Norris said her priority is spending money on things that work and making sure Laguna Beach gets its fair share of state money – $650 million – 

investing in programs that work and in organizations that are transforming lives. 

“The other thing is that this has to be collaboration at every level,” said Petrie-Norris. “There is no easy solution.” 

Laguna Beach Planning Commissioner Jorg Dubin proposed a solution he had articulated as a write-in candidate for City Council in 2018: rehabbing empty buildings in the Great Park. 

“They are big buildings and could serve a lot of small communities,” said Dubin. 

He estimated there was room for 1,000 or more beds. And they aren’t in anyone’s backyard.

Councilwoman Sue Kempf advised the group that Laguna’s City Council recently voted to participate in the Orange County Housing Trust. 

“The goal of the Housing Trust is to do a regional facility that would mitigate impacts on communities,” said Petrie-Norris.

Other suggestions were voiced. 

Laguna Beach Unified School District employee Margaret Warder suggested a year ago that defunct hospitals could be converted to homeless housing.

Heisler Building owner Sam Goldstein named Fairview Hospital as an example.

“It was built for the developmentally disabled,” said Goldstein. “It has 4,000 beds. The site is being evaluated.”

Petrie-Norris said she would like to see Fairview as part of the solution and still have surrounding community participation satisfied. 

She said differences in the sub-groups of the homeless have to be considered: categorizing them as the working homeless, veterans, those with metal health issues, substance abusers and the service resistant – who do not want a roof over their heads or interference with their preferred habits. 

Councilman Peter Blake said he is laser focused on what happens in Laguna, declaring himself an unapologetic NIMBY.

“I have a small backyard and I don’t want to share it with criminal transients,” said Blake. “I appreciate that Cottie took the time to meet with us on the issues. It is important to understand how the state assembly is treating the situation.

“These talks [Saturday mornings] are bi-partisan and meant to educate people. If they leave here with a better understanding, we have been successful.”

Barbara’s Column

LBHS 2019 Honors Convocation

By BARBARA DIAMOND

The Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Foundation presented more than $412,000 to 132 graduating seniors at the 2019 Honors Convocation. 

Donors and award presenters were honored at a reception and dinner prior to the Convocation. 

Foundation board member Debra Steel welcomed the honorees, thanking them for their largesse and moral support of the students. 

“For some of these seniors, the awards they receive tonight determine which school they can attend for college – allowing them to attend a first choice or program specifically geared to their interest and career path,” said Steel.

“For others it is the difference between huge student loans or a much more moderate need to borrow money for college.

“But besides the financial impact of your generosity, what we hear over and over again from LBHS graduates is that these scholarship awards, that you [donors] make possible, have a lasting impact because the recipients leave with the strong belief – in their core – that they are believed in.

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Courtesy of LBHSSF

Skipper Carrillo Scholarship: (L-R) Jake Harper with Skipper Carrillo and Lance Stewart

“They take away from tonight and carry with them the knowledge that their community believes in them. And believes they will succeed. 

“That is a huge and invaluable gift to each of these students, which we have learned often far surpasses the monetary value of the scholarship.”

Each year scholarship recipients come back to Laguna to thank donors and update them on how the awards affected their lives. This year the speakers were Hillary Frimond and Julianna Ferguson. 

Frimond was awarded the Linda Fortune and Jennifer Bammer Memorial Scholarships when she graduated in 2003.

“The little cushion that those scholarships provided, really took the worry out of my first year as an adult, freeing up my mental space and allowing me to create a clear and successful plan for my education,” Frimond said.

“So thank you to my donors and to all donors. Your continued generosity is truly appreciated.

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Courtesy of LBHSSF

Juliana Ferguson, LBHS Class of 2012 (USC ‘16), spoke to donors on how the LBHSSF scholarships impacted her educational experience

The Bammer, named for the late sister of Laguna Beach Police Corporal Larry Bammer, is specifically for a student planning to continue studies at a community college.

“I am the oldest of three kids – my two  brothers are two years behind – so in addition to knowing we were going to college, we also sort of knew that financially, community college was the first step,” said Frimond.

She attended Saddleback Community College, transferred to Cal Poly in 2006 and graduated in 2009. After a six-month walking tour of Europe and Egypt, she moved to Toronto where she began her career as a producer and development executive. She has been an executive in the entertainment industry ever since.

Ferguson graduated in 2012. 

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Courtesy of LBHSSF

Presenters Karen Kanner and Laurie Dalke with the Ebell Club winners – 

(L-R) Chloe Bryan, Molly Cohn, Ryan Smithers and Benjamin Vogel

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to thank the Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Foundation and generous donors and to share the positive impacts that came from scholarship awards,” said Ferguson. 

She was the recipient of four scholarships: Dream for the Future, Village Laguna, Laguna Greenbelt Inc. and the Naude Family Clean Ocean Foundation,  all of which she said have had lasting impacts.

“While the financial implications of the scholarships are clear, the indelible vote of confidence from respected families and leaders guide a sense of self and personal pride that will never be forgotten,” said Ferguson. 

“After completing programs of study at USC, the University of Cambridge and Duke University, I have returned to live in this beautiful town I call home and to work just off the 133 at Blizzard Entertainment Headquarters as a [Human Resources] partner. 

“I was the recipient of generosity from this community in multiple ways, and I hope to be able to give back in return,” said Ferguson.

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Courtesy of LBHSSF

Cheryl Post, a 27-year donor, honors her late son Brandy with the Brandon Balsinger-Post Scholarship

The foundation also honored at the reception donor Cheryl Post. She was introduced by foundation board member Betsy Jenkins.

Cheryl and the late Carl Post endowed a $4,000 scholarship in 1992 in memory of their son, Brandy Balsinger-Post, who died from a mixture of cocaine and alcohol. He was just 21. 

The scholarship is awarded to students of exemplary moral character. 

“I am always amazed at the level of maturity and incredible strength of character these applicants for this scholarship have demonstrated,” said Post.

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Courtesy of LBHSSF

Brandon Balsinger – Post Memorial Scholarship: (L-R) Piper Warner, presenter Betsy Jenkins and Catrin Williams

“Although my son was not able to see his dreams fulfilled, I am hopeful that this annual $4,000 scholarship will help to financially support the recipient in his or her goals.”

Longtime French teacher Odile Dewar was also honored. She was unable to attend but conveyed her thanks for the recognition via a tape introduced by board and former staff school staff member Walt Lawson.

Dewar began teaching at Laguna Beach High School in 1989. 

“Odile’s outgoing personality, friendly smile and marvelous French accent were embraced immediately by colleagues, students and parents,” said Lawson. 

“For most of the 30 years that Odile has been on the faculty at LBHS, she has been a presenter for our Annual Awards Assembly just like the one being held a little later this evening. The scholarships she bestowed on her high-achieving students came from her personal resources. 

“Odile is retiring but will forever remain at the heart of our community. Our foundation decided it was long overdue to recognize Odile’s countless contributions to the students of Laguna Beach and to the scholarship program she selflessly served.” 

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Courtesy of LBHSSF

Presenters Dave Perry and Pat Kollenda with the Festival of Arts Visual Arts Scholarship recipients – (L-R) Haley Colton, Lauren Fetzer, Sofia Pfanner, Emma Russell and Sarah Smelkinson

The first scholarship was presented in 1947 by the Ebell Club. This year, The Festival of Arts alone awarded 17 scholarships, totaling $27,600. 

Scholarships are awarded to recognize academic achievements, merit, athletic prowess and community service. Seventy-nine percent of them are based on financial needs.

Community organizations, service clubs, businesses or individuals may establish a scholarship – often a memorial for a loved one. 

The Breakers Opportunity Fund accepts donations from folks who don’t want to establish an individual scholarship. The process is simple: Determine the amount – the minimum is $1,000 a year; define the targeted scholarship recipient and name the award. The foundation reviews applications, awards and selects deserving recipients of BOF awards.

Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. 

All donations go to funding scholarships. There are no administrative costs.

For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and a foundation board member will make contact. 

But wait – there’s more. You will find advance notice of all the fun and interesting stuff for visitors or residents to do in Laguna by reading StuNewsLaguna.com. Contributions are welcomed.

Congratulations, Alexis!

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Congratulations to Stu News writer Alexis Amaradio, an all-around amazing person, for her acceptance to USC after two years of hard work at a local community college. Alexis will be majoring in Public Relations through USC’s Annenberg School. Fight on…USC is lucky to have you joining their community!

Behind-the-scene creation of 2019 Pageant of the Masters dazzles previewers

Story by DIANNE RUSSELL

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

The Time Traveler in H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine says, “Scientific people know very well that Time is only a kind of Space.” This year’s Pageant of the Masters’ themed presentation of “The Time Machine” promises to amaze audiences with a trip around the globe and into the past, present, and future in search of great art and incredible stories. It’s described as a journey through both time and space. 

On Monday evening, previewers had the opportunity to visit the spaces where the wizards of costume, makeup, set design, sculpture design, technicians, as well as the people who wrangle the models onto the sets play their parts in contributing to the magic of tableaux vivants or “living pictures.” During this year’s show, real people will step into famous works of art by artists like Vermeer, Dali, Rockwell, and Da Vinci for a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.

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One of the “Empire Clocks” that is in this year’s pageant getting a final touch-up

This extraordinarily talented team behind the world-famous Pageant of the Masters is rockin’ around the clock with preparations and rehearsals for the highly anticipated production. 

Preparations are also underway for the new on-site concessionaire Intermission by Terra, and Monday’s attendees gleefully sampled some of their fare.

“To say this summer’s show is a very different Pageant is an understatement!” says Diane Challis Davy, now in her 24th season as the Pageant Director. “The story line will bring audiences on a journey through a series of clues and instructions from a notebook inspired by a famous artist, a first in the Pageant’s history.”

“We don’t want to give away too many surprises, but some over-the-top innovations for this year include laser lights, an authentic 1959 jukebox, and if you are paying attention…you may even see a UFO,” commented Challis Davy. 

In his introduction to preview attendees, Festival of Arts President David Perry said, “Without the volunteers, the Pageant wouldn’t exist. It takes 500 volunteers and collectively, they put in 60,000 hours.”

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Elizabeth McGhee works on Lethe, a painting in her Mythica series

As an added bonus to attendees, four of the 140 juried fine artists exhibiting at the Festival of the Arts were on site to answer questions. 

Elizabeth McGhee was busy working on one of her Mythica series of 80 paintings in which she takes figures from Greek mythology and transforms them into modern-day versions. On this evening, she was concentrating on the Ancient Greek Lethe, who was the goddess of the underworld river of oblivion. (The dead drank of its waters to forget their mortal lives.)

In her depiction of volunteers as ancient Greek figures, McGhee aims to modernize the interpretation of their stories and how they fit into present day. McGhee, who also paints vintage toys, graduated from LCAD in 2009 and has been exhibiting at FOA since 2010. 

“My favorite part of exhibiting here is the community of artists and collectors here at FOA. It’s like summer camp. Painting tends to be isolating.” 

For Artist Jeff Gordon, who primarily paints landscapes, this is his 19th year at FOA. “I like the interaction with the people and their reactions to my work. You have to put yourself out there, it’s like hanging your children on the wall. I learned that I can’t please everyone. But there’s not a day I paint that I don’t feel alive in the world. It’s not the easiest way to make a living, but it gives form to my experience…in trying to record my emotional responses. If it resonates with someone, then it’s fulfilling.”

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David Rymar explains the creation of scenic sets 

We soon move on to a warehouse where the scenic artists David Rymar and David Cooke recreate the original paintings into sets. 

Cooke, who has been creating sets for 14 years, says, “We have two weeks to paint each background scene. Every Thursday, we have a rehearsal, knowing there’s work to do on the scene, so we light it up and look at it. Then we have a second rehearsal, finish it up and move on to the next piece. We do 10-12 scenes in six months.” 

Describing this year’s production, Technical Director Richard Hall said, “The show is very entertaining. There’s a lot going on. It’s a very lively production with a great story line that will carry the audience on a journey through time.”

When asked if he has a favorite scene, he said, “It’s the show in its entirety, as a whole. It becomes something personal that we’ll never see again.”

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A wide variety of costumes for well-dressed time travelers

Costume Director Reagan Foy, who has been part of the Pageant for 11 seasons, the last three as costume director, explains that given the cast doubles members for each scene, every costume has to fit two people. In addition, she has to figure out the best way to flatten out a three-dimensional costume into a realized piece that works with the scenic builders.”

Foy said, “This year it’s fun because we are recreating time traveling with colorful pieces and different time periods.” 

And what would the recreations be without the proper makeup?

Allyson Doherty, head of the makeup department, started as supervisor of makeup with the Pageant in the 1980s. There are 90 makeup people – one makeup artist does two cast members. Every night, they work from the head sculptures that Doherty paints as mockups beginning in January. She has a Fine Arts Degree in painting.

Doherty said, “Our busiest time is during the summer, because the makeup has to be redone every night.” 

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Makeup artist prepares cast member using mockup head

What happens to the mockup heads? “At the end of the season, the heads are washed and reused. They have layers of paint on them,” Doherty said.

And, one assumes, a plentiful and intriguing history from past shows.

Next stop, where it all comes together backstage.

Volunteers and technicians help the costumed cast members onto their respective scenes, matching their positions perfectly to the original work of art, adjusting an arm here or a prop there. Then, in order to bring the scene to life for the audience, the behind-the-scenes professionals and volunteers must move the sets in and out of position. At intermission, the first half sets are removed, and the new sets brought in for the second half of the show. An arduous process.

As night began to fall, we previewed three of the scenes, Johannes Vermeer’s The Music Lesson, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema’s The Vintage Festival, and A Collection of Empire Clocks, each jaw-dropping in its own right.

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“Posers” make sure everyone is standing correctly as they compare them to a print of the original, Johannes Vermeer’s “The Music Lesson”

During the tour, more than one of the Pageant staff mentions the word “surprise.” One even cautions Pageant goers not to leave before the end of the show otherwise they will miss a big one.

I can’t wait to see entire production of The Time Machine, which I would travel through time and space to see now that I’ve gotten a peek at it. And anyone who witnessed the preparation that goes into the production can’t help but be in awe of the finished performances. Prepare to be dazzled. I will not budge from my seat until the final surprise.

For more information or tickets, go to www.foapom.com.

Anonymously placed “motivational” signs inspire residents

Social media has been abuzz this week over a series of “motivational” signs that have been placed on public and private property throughout Laguna Beach, by an unknown source.

On Monday morning, dozens of signs were reported throughout Laguna Beach, including in the village, the canyon, by the high school, within medians…all over town. The signs were placed by an anonymous person or group. 

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Courtesy of Chris Tebbutt

Anonymously placed sign reminds locals that they are enough…

The white signs with black lettering read: “You Matter,” “You Are Enough,” “Don’t Give Up,” and “One Day at a Time.”

Chris Tebbutt, local realtor and co-founder of the Laguna Beach LGBTQ Heritage & Culture Alliance, believes the signs came at the perfect time.

“To me, they represent signs of the times. Now more than ever, with the alarming increase in depression, anxiety and suicide in our community, we need encouragement to feel like we are not alone. We need each other!” he said.

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Photo by Kathy Tanaka

…and that they matter

Some of the signs placed have raised concern though.

“On Tuesday, June 11, the City Clerk’s office received a complaint of signs being displayed within the right-of-way. Code Enforcement staff conducted a sign sweep and pulled six signs which were located within center medians and other rights-of-way. Signs which were observed on private property were left in place,” said a city representative.

As of press time, dozens of signs remained visible throughout the city.

Where’s Maggi?

Nothing more restful than a bench – and Laguna has a few of them. Maggi took a pause on this one. Where was she? 

Send your answers in to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The location will be revealed in Tuesday’s edition, and we’ll let you know who got it right.

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Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department celebrates 90th anniversary this weekend

The Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department invites the public to a day of activities celebrating its 90th anniversary on Saturday, June 15. Activities will kick off at Main Beach at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. with a gathering at Hennessy’s. 

For 90 years, the Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department has been dedicated to the community in many ways, including drowning prevention, open water rescue, emergency medical service, public education, and Junior Lifeguard training. 

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Photo by Tim Kothlow

Lifeguard Bridgett Storm assists swimmer

Currently, there are 32 lifeguard towers, two personal rescue watercrafts, over 100 seasonal employees, and almost 400 Junior Lifeguards on staff. The Department performed over 5,000 water-related rescues in 2018 alone.

The Laguna Beach Lifeguard Department was officially created in 1929. Some of the first employed lifeguards were Ed Hobart and George Griffin, lifeguarding Main Beach on horseback with tower coverage on selected beaches during seasonal crowds. 

During the 1950s and 1960s, the Laguna Beach Lifeguard Department saw professional growth incorporating modern lifeguarding techniques such as first aid, water rescue skills, and testing standards. In 2014, the newly renovated Marine Safety Headquarters at Main Beach was completed. 

The activities for the day include:

--10 a.m. Main Beach Tower – Surf Relay Competition (teams set up by age group)

--11 a.m. Main Beach Tower – Group photo of everyone attending celebration

--12 p.m. Marine Safety Headquarters, North Main Beach – Tour of new Headquarters

--1 p.m. Heisler Park Above Picnic Beach – Lunch gathering

--4 p.m. Hennessy’s Tavern – Afternoon gathering

To watch a video celebrating the 90-year anniversary, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wYsPfiYuoc.

City kicks off “Keepin’ It Clean” campaign to keep beaches and public areas cleaner

The City of Laguna Beach is pleased to announce the start of its 2019 “Keepin’ It Clean Laguna, Leave No Trash Behind” anti-litter campaign. 

The annual “Keepin’ It Clean, Laguna” outreach aims to urge visitors to dispose of their waste and recyclables responsibly, especially at the receptacles located at the top of the City’s beach access stairways and along Coast Highway. 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

This sign reminds us to please keep our beaches and ocean clean 

The anti-litter outreach reinforces the City’s initiatives to keep our beautiful beaches and public areas clean and free of trash by the following efforts:

--Over 600 trash and recycling containers are placed throughout the City in public places

--Additional trashcans and signage have been placed at frequently visited beach accesses and sites along Coast Highway

--Contract services have been added to empty the trash receptacles at beach approaches, Main Beach, Heisler Park, and Coast Highway twice a day during the summer starting on July 1

--Enhanced restroom cleaning at Heisler Park and Main Beach and increased pressure washing in the downtown area began this month through the end of September

“This outreach is an attention-grabbing educational effort to encourage visitors to use the 600 trashcans and recycling containers placed throughout the City for trash disposal,” said Shohreh Dupuis, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works. “Through these additional efforts, we are providing all of our visitors the opportunity to pitch in and do their part to keep our town clean.”

The City’s efforts range from placing signs near trash receptacles and a social media campaign encouraging visitors to dispose of their trash in receptacles located on beach accesses and public places. 

This is the City’s second year of the campaign, which aims to promote public awareness on community cleanliness, environmental protection, and effective use of provided trash disposal resources.

Dennis’ Tidbits 

By DENNIS McTIGHE 

June 14, 2019

Weather is finally heating up 

The long wait for an 80-degree day is over as the high reached 84 here in Laguna on Monday. A huge dome of high pressure settled in over the entire Pacific West Coast from British Columbia to the Mexifornia Border, shattering many records for heat across the region. The mercury hit 100 degrees on Monday up in San Francisco, making it only the second time in history that the mercury topped the century mark. Back in June of 1961, it hit 106, which still stands as the hottest day ever in the Bay Area, but that record was set at the airport, not downtown where it’s a bit cooler. Still, that’s amazing for June as the normal high for June 10th up there is only 69.6 degrees.

I got a call from a weather buddy who now lives in Newport, Oregon, which is at latitude 44 degrees north. He called to tell me about a most rare sighting of a cloud called a noctilucent cloud, which has been observed by very few people. The cloud was seen at 10:30 p.m., more than an hour and a half after sunset. It was a bright bluish silvery color and was about 30 degrees above the horizon and looked like an elongated cirrus cloud. 

Usually a cirrus cloud is up to six miles above the earth’s surface and stays lit from the sun’s rays for maybe 15 minutes past sunset, but at near total darkness and 95 minutes after sunset? He knew it wasn’t a Vandenberg launch. Heck, Vandenberg is 950 miles to the south. This cloud was not visible until it was totally dark. Turns out this long silvery blue strand was 50-60 miles above earth where it’s made up of ice crystals way up in the mesosphere where the temp is 80-100 degrees below zero. I looked it up in my weather encyclopedia and sure enough, that’s what it was and it’s a most rare phenomenon. 

Then on Monday afternoon, they showed it on the Weather Channel and explained the whole deal. They said it’s a cloud of unknown composition which occurs at great heights, probably 50-60 miles and is only seen north of 40 degrees north latitude and is usually only spotted around the summer months. They resemble thin cirrus but usually with a bluish or silverfish color standing out against a dark night sky. Down here at 33.7 north latitude, we’re too far south to see one. Weather is so amazing!

Have a great weekend, ALOHA!

Rock sculptures 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Craggy rock formations at Monument Point, courtesy of Mother Nature

Laguna Playhouse presents Gypsy, Celebrating the Music of Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac

Laguna Playhouse presents another unforgettable evening of music with Gypsy, Celebrating the Music of Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac on Thursday, June 20 and Friday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 22 at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, June 23 at 1 p.m. 

The feel of authenticity in Rikki Lee Wilson’s performance as Stevie Nicks is enhanced by the lush backing vocals of Deanna Carroll and Terry Pavia. The ever-talented Kyle Wilson fills the role of a Stevie Nicks guitarist with effortless fidelity. 

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Courtesy of @missrikkileewilson Instagram

Rikki Lee Wilson will perform as Stevie Nicks at Laguna Playhouse

From the other side of the stage comes authentic synth textures and keyboard parts tastefully executed by Sid Cherry who has all the right sounds from Stevie Nicks’ biggest hits. A blazing performance by Adam Tese on saxophone is matched by his skills around the array of percussion instruments he plays throughout the show. 

Anthony Lombardo’s melodious bass playing and the steadfast drumming and exceptional vocals of Steve Stewart complete the eight-piece lineup. Gypsy, Celebrating the Music of Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac has a production value that gives audiences a stellar experience second only to the real thing.

Tickets range from $56 - $71 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. Prices are subject to change.     

Laguna Playhouse is located at 606 Laguna Canyon Rd.

LBHS senior Sydney Davison receives college scholarship from Cox Charities

Sydney Davison, a graduating Laguna Beach High School senior, along with fifteen other students, was named a Cox Scholar in 2019 and awarded a scholarship. On June 12 at UCI University Club, $40,000 in college scholarships was awarded to academically impressive and socially-minded students. 

“We’re super proud of Sydney and so thankful she was able to get the Cox scholarship at UW-Madison, tuition is very expensive so the scholarship really helps with that. We are so happy she is studying computer science and think she will have a great time in college!” said Chris Davison, father of Sydney Davis who attended the event with his wife on Sydney’s behalf. 

Sixteen Orange County and Palos Verdes area teens who have overcome major challenges, including serious health issues, while excelling in academics and community work, received the scholarships from Cox Charities. 

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Photo by Kait McKay

Sydney Davison will go to University of Wisconsin - Madison

The recipients were: Sydney Davison, Laguna Beach High School, enrolled at University of Wisconsin - Madison; Serenity Owens, San Pedro High School, enrolled at UCLA; RJ Wakefield-Carl, Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, enrolled at UC San Diego; Joy Lee, Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, enrolled at Loyola Marymount University; Madeline Wright, San Pedro High School; Joy Yen Kao, Irvine High School, enrolled at UC Santa Barbara; Justin Nguyen, San Juan High School, enrolled at UC San Diego; Aly Barriga, El Toro High School, enrolled at Point Loma Nazarene University; Christian Aguilar, Capistrano High School; Brooke Berry, Aliso Niguel High School, enrolled at Boise State University; Rachel Yu, Northwood High School, Enrolled at UCLA, Alvand Daliri, University High School, enrolled at Stanford University; Sarah Atashi, Palos Verdes High School, enrolled at USC; Peter Chelebian, Palos Verdes High School, enrolled at UCLA; Keira Small, San Clemente High School, enrolled at Arizona State University; and Giovanna Cortes, San Juan Hills High School, enrolled at UC Irvine.

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Photo by Kait McKay 

(L-R) Sydney’s parents Chanthu Oeur and Chris Davison and Sam Attisha, SVP and Region Manager, Cox Communications

One scholar stated in their personal statement, “I am interested in pursuing speech language pathology. I have always wanted to study this because of my brother. He inspires me to strive for this career because I want to help kids just like him who have severe speech delays.” 

Funded by employee payroll donations that are matched by the company, Cox Charities provides support to communities in Cox Communications’ service area by awarding scholarships to high school seniors, Innovation in Education grants to local schools, and grants to nonprofit organizations. A volunteer advisory board of Cox employees oversees the foundation and its giving programs. 

The Cox Charities scholarship program is open to graduating high school seniors who are residents of a Southern California Cox service area, and are able to meet various academic and community service criteria. The average amount of the award ranges from $1,000-$5,000. The applications for the 2020 Cox Scholars program will open in January 2020. 

For more information visit www.coxcharitiesca.org/.

School Board recognizes students of excellence, seeks community input on whether or not to live-stream its meetings

At its June 11 meeting, the LBUSD Board of Education recognized several students for their achievements during the 2018-19 school year.

The School Board recognized high school seniors that have served as after-school tutors and mentors to struggling English-learners in grades 2-5 through the district’s Juntos program.

The Board also recognized the Laguna Beach High School Girls Surf Team for their successes in the high school state championships in Oceanside. In the Women’s Shortboard Division, LBHS defended its season and 2018 Championship Title.

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Courtesy of LBUSD

Student athletes Claire Kelly and Colton Gregory 

LBHS Director of Athletics Lance Neal, together with the board, recognized students for their academic and athletic accomplishments that earned them athletic scholarships.

The June 11 meeting was the last one with Student Board Representatives Kaitlin Gunsolley and Piper Warner participating. The high school seniors were recognized by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jason Vilora and the board for their service to the school community. 

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Courtesy of LBUSD

Student Board Reps Kaitlin Gunsolley and Piper Warner

The Board is currently seeking community input on whether or not to invest in the live-streaming of its meetings.

School Board meetings are currently recorded and posted to the district website within 24 hours. Previously (since January 2016), meetings were live-streamed, providing access to the public in real-time. However, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that live-streamed content be closed-captioned to provide equal opportunity access, a service that requires an added cost of approximately $16,000 annually. 

Using ThoughtExchange, an online discussion platform that allows participants to anonymously share thoughts and rate thoughts shared by others, the board would like community input on interest in live-streaming, recording and posting the next day, as well as exploring other potential options to access board meeting information.

To participate in the survey, click here.

PMMC expands Sea Lions for Service Members program

Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) continues to expand its Sea Lions for Service Members (SLSM) program. This is a special and free program, started in 2017, that brings recently returned veterans to PMMC to engage in a therapeutic experience using the backdrop of the center’s marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation work. 

The goal of the education, hands-on activities, and observations that take place during the 3-hour program is to provide the opportunity to relate to the animals, which can ultimately create an association of healing that service members in need can identify with. 

Specifically, seeing the struggles of animals that are fighting health issues and helping with their transition from rehabilitation to recovery and the return to a normal life at sea can provide a sense of hope that our military warriors can draw upon, which leads to the realization they can accomplish the same.

PMMC recently ran a program on March 30 in partnership with Team Rubicon, a disaster relief nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles that primarily utilizes military veterans as their workforce. 

Team Rubicon brought together two veterans from different backgrounds that PMMC was honored to work with – James, a USAF retired firefighter, and Naomi, an Army veteran who served five years in Germany, Kosovo, and Iraq.

Colby Hollabaugh, a former Marine and current PMMC animal care and education volunteer, ran the program that touched off with understanding the animals’ integration to PMMC, which is a very foreign environment. 

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Courtesy of Jonathen Davis

Veterans spend time with rescued seals and sea lions at PMMC 

They assisted in making fish “smoothies” that are used in tube feedings for our more critically sick animals, and the preparation of precisely weighed-out and custom fish meals that each patient gets according to their rehabilitation progress. 

Participants also cleaned animal pens and husbandry equipment, among other animal care tasks. The program culminates with the service members attending a patient release of the healthy animals going back into the wild.

“I just wanted to thank you both for what you do with the sea lions and service you provide for service men/women,” said Naomi about the program. “After reflecting on the experience, it brought back lots of memories of my experience in the military. More importantly it made me reminisce where I have been and where I am now.”

The March 30 program was additionally unique in that James has since continued to stay on with PMMC and is now part of our animal care team on Tuesday afternoons. 

“The Pacific Marine Mammal Center has given veterans a chance to intermingle with the rescued seals and sea lions and I had the opportunity to do just that, what an experience,” said James. 

“The few hours we spent feeding and cleaning up after these precious animals brought back memories of when I was active duty. Teamwork and dedication provide comfort and rehabilitation for the animals. The staff and volunteers are professional and genuine and I’m proud to say that I’m now a permanent volunteer at the center. Sometimes in life a person should feel compelled to give back, and I’m doing just that.” 

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Courtesy of Jonathen Davis

Rehabilitated sea lion, Creel, who was released back into the wild

The entire program was captured on film by budding filmmaker, Jonathen Davis, also part of Team Rubicon and U.S. Navy Veteran. Since leaving the military, Jonathen became an ocean steward by bringing awareness about marine and ocean life through film.

“Seeing both my worlds come together in this SLSM program, I am excited to effectively tell the story about this program in a video story,” said Jonathen. He went on to express that the program was excellent for those transitioning from active duty to civilian life as it provided a new purpose on which to focus.

PMMC has since had another SLSM Program on May 29, with a group of blind veterans in partnership with the Long Beach Blind Rehabilitation Center. Eight veterans participated in an adapted program focusing on rehabilitation, descriptions, animal sounds, and the touch of artifacts. 

For more information about SLSM, contact PMMC Education Director Kirsten Donald at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

One Woman’s Trash

By Tracy Middleton

On any given day, you might find me beachcombing, not for shells or driftwood, as might have been the case on other beaches further back in time and much farther north, but for two things humanity has abundantly given to the sea: plastic and glass. They occupy two ends of a spectrum – the one persists in the news and ocean views as a pernicious cancer likely to terminate our happy reign over this blue orb. The other, as thrilling and delightful as a birthday toy, is sea glass, tumbled and polished remnants from prohibition smuggling, honeymoon toasting, beach bonfire bingeing, or the run-of-the-mill lazy trash-dumping of any given day or era. 

I collect the glass and make baubles and ornaments, jewelry and arrangements. The coveted blue and rarer red are the trash of dreams for beachcombers like me and my guy. But you can’t collect one and neglect the other, so as I hunt for the holy grail of sea glass jewels, I carry a bag for the other stuff. 

It was the first day of 2019 that I found myself combing Pearl Street Beach, a notorious dumping ground for all things plastic, thanks, not to lazy humans (at least not directly), but to the currents that cast up a mishmash of kelp and weed bunches with tangled bits of clothing, zip-ties, netting, and hotel towels. While pondering my next artistic endeavor, I imagine myself making art from what I’m seeing here. 

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Submitted photo

Whimsical treasures made by Jennifer Fenwick from beach finds

Instantly, a vivid rebuke to mankind emerges: an installation featuring the hundreds of sunglass earpieces and frames, the thousands of elastic hair ties, the toothbrushes, disposable razors, and vaguely familiar chunks of foam and plastic set before the public in our arty town! Would anyone be up for a found object art competition with real prizes? This, and the Ugly Tree Photography Competition, are two things I ponder most when cruising around on my scooter. 

Understandably, I seethe a bit when I’m cleaning up this stuff. I feel good about the duty I’m fulfilling too, but I’m mostly angry, especially when visitors to our town offer gratitude and platitudes for what I’m doing (“I always cut up my plastic bags and six-pack loops back home in Utah”), but don’t offer to help drag a heavy, weedy towel or some other item I’ve dropped while struggling and juggling my way to the nearby trash can. 

Mostly, they go on with their sacred vacation, unsullied by real problems. I get it. I’ve been there. I was in just such a mood when I noticed a young woman with a Ziploc bag bulging with what? Shells? Driftwood? The admonition was on both of our minds, it seems. She peered at me and asked, “What are you collecting?” Upon my answer, we immediately became neighbors and friends. We shared the astonishing variety of plastic we’ve found here. Then I learned that Jennifer Fenwick makes art installations from her findings. Wow! Wasn’t I just thinking the same thing? Then she shared with me pictures of the beautiful and imaginative butterflies consisting of spark plugs, pen caps, shards of bottles, and flaps of plastic from boats, snorkels, shoes, and who knows what else? 

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Submitted photo

Jennifer Fenwick’s butterflies – constructed from items found at the beach

I was and continue to be stunned by the marvel of the human mind. Here I am shaking a fist at my species for choking our planet with garbage, wishing to rub its nose deep and hard like a bad dog in its “accident.” And here is Jennifer, feeling the same way, but offering a colorful, whimsical and alluring bit of eye-candy, concealing the outrage just long enough for the viewer to receive the blade of criticism deep and to the hilt. “How beautiful!” we cry out, quickly followed by, “Is that a pen cap? A coffee stirrer? A disposable razor? What is this?” Both ends of the trashy spectrum unite in this woman’s imagination as she dreams the impossible dream of running out of what she calls “free art supplies” on her daily trek to the beaches of Laguna.

To follow Jenny’s art, visit her Instagram page at www.instagram.com/la_vie_dans_la_sable/.

LBHS awards its top two musicians

Laguna Beach High School seniors Zachary Bonnin and Sydney Davison were announced as the winners of the top two instrumental music awards for 2019 at the LBHS Band Boosters’ annual picnic held June 8 at Bluebird Park. 

Zachary Bonnin received the John Philip Sousa Award recognizing superior musicianship and outstanding dedication. Since 1955, this award has represented the pinnacle of achievement in honoring the top high school band student each year. Bonnin’s name will be added to the National Sousa Registry.

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Submitted photo

LBHS students Sydney Davison (left) and Zachary Bonnin were honored as the top jazz and band musicians for 2019

Sydney Davison was presented with the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, which was inaugurated shortly after this great jazz artist died in 1971. This achievement represents the highest-level interscholastic award given to a high school jazz musician in recognition of outstanding musical achievement and dedication to the program. 

Both winners received personal trophies, certificates, and award pins. Their names were added to the perpetual plaques for each award showcased at Laguna Beach High School.

Local girl qualifies for track & field events at upcoming California State Games in San Diego

For a second consecutive year, Cadence Peery, 14, of Laguna Beach, returns as a representative of the City of Laguna Beach at the California State Games, being held this July 13-14 in San Diego. 

Her finish times at the Laguna Beach City Track Meet and at the SCMAF Championships this spring have qualified her for the state competition. She will be running in the 100 Meter Dash 13-14 Division. 

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Submitted photo

City Track Coach Fred Pichay and Cadence Peery

Although Peery is registering without an official team, she has the dedicated support and coaching of City Track Coach Fred Pichay. Together, they will be returning to the games in hopes of breaking her 2018 State Games results of 13.08 seconds.

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

Hexberg Family Foundation receives SchoolPower’s 2019 Hall of Fame Award

On Sunday, June 2, SchoolPower presented its top honor, “The Hall of Fame Award” (aka The Claes Award), to the Hexberg Family Foundation. The award was created in honor of Claes Andersen, owner of Hotel Laguna and Claes Restaurant. 

Andersen opened his restaurant to SchoolPower back in 2001 and underwrote an annual dinner for seven consecutive years, in addition to other generous donations. The Andersen family contributions to SchoolPower totaled over $200,000.

With the Andersens as the benchmark, this award is not given lightly. However, it would be hard to find a more deserving recipient than the Hexberg Family Foundation. 

As their three children participated in the high school’s sports programs, Greg and Deborah Hexberg developed a love and commitment to LBHS athletics. Their enthusiasm grew into an ambitious plan to benefit as many student athletes as possible and help take the Breakers to the next level of competition.

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Photo by Kristin Karkoska, Blue Sky’s Studio

Deborah Hexberg, Greg Hexberg, and SchoolPower Vice President of Business Alliance Rob Alshuler at SchoolPower’s annual trustee dinner

For the last seven years, the foundation has generously given over $335,000 to help the LBHS athletics program. Greg Hexberg states, “We found a way to impact every student athlete, whether they are in band, cheerleading, track, whatever it is. Over time it all matters, and it all makes a big difference.”

The Hexberg Family Foundation has funded items as far ranging as hurdles for the track team, bleachers for the water polo and swim teams, girls’ lockers, and the new state-of-the-art scoreboards on the field and by the pool. 

“Laguna Beach athletics is extremely grateful to the Hexburg foundation for the support of our student athletes,” says LBHS Athletic Director Lance Neal. “The most visible contribution is the state-of-the-art scoreboard at Guyer Field that is used for football, boys and girls soccer, and boys and girls lacrosse games. Additionally, we annually host an invitational track meet that brings over thirty schools to Laguna. The scoreboard and its capabilities have substantially enhanced the event.”

In addition, gifts from the Hexbergs have funded the construction and further expansion of the high school’s outdoor weight facility, as well as put in place a professional training staff to work with students. The strength and conditioning program is available to all high school students and utilized by myriad sports programs, including baseball, basketball, water polo, lacrosse, volleyball, soccer, tennis, cheerleading, wrestling, and track. 

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Photo by Kristin Karkoska, Blue Sky’s Studio

Greg and Deborah Hexberg accept the Hall of Fame award at SchoolPower’s annual trustee dinner

In combination with a grant from the SchoolPower Endowment Fund, this year’s gift from the Hexberg Family Foundation will introduce the use of Sparta Science force plate technology and movement diagnostic software. 

The Sparta System will enable trainers and coaches to quickly administer movement assessments (Balance Scan, Plank Scan, Jump Scan), identify injury risk due to movement imbalances, and prescribe personalized exercise programs to correct weaknesses. This innovative system strives to increase athletic resilience, reduce injuries, and optimize performance. 

The Hexberg Family Foundation has helped transform the LBHS athletic program into one that regularly competes successfully against teams from much larger schools. “Our kids have some of the best facilities and sport performance technology available thanks to the Hexburg Foundation,” says Neal. “We are truly fortunate to have their unwavering support.”

After receiving his award, Mr. Hexberg said, “Our goal has been and continues to be to contribute on an annual basis for a long time to come. We love Laguna Beach, we love Laguna Beach High School, and we love SchoolPower.” 

SchoolPower’s mission is to enhance the educational experience of the whole student as they grow from TK through 12th grade. In 2017-18, SchoolPower contributed over $760,000 to the Laguna Beach school district to help support a wide range of programs, including small class sizes, academics, athletics, visual and performing arts, music, STEM programs, and wellness and student support. 

SchoolPower’s Wave of Giving campaign is on now at https://lbschoolpower.org/wave-of-giving-community-campaign-2018-2019/.

The Termite Guy raises $2,212 for Net-Works Laguna Beach during May fundraiser

When Alex del Toro, a resident of Laguna Beach and owner/operator of The Termite Guy, read the April 23rd Stu News column “Hope from the Homeless” by Frank Macias, del Toro was immediately moved to action. His dedication to raising funds resulted in a donation of $2,212 to Net-Works Laguna Beach.

During the month of May, The Termite Guy donated $1 for every scheduled inspection scheduled and $5 for every job scheduled to Pastor Don Sciortino’s Net-Works Laguna Beach nonprofit.

Coordinated by Pastor Sciortino, the guest column “Hope from the Homeless” will be an ongoing series featuring stories from those who have experienced homelessness in our community.

Trina Andjani, marketing and graphic manager of The Termite Guy, said, “Alex read the story, and he said, ‘we need to do something.’ We’ve been doing some kind of fundraiser every year. Last year, we supported Friendship Shelter, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we also helped out with pediatrics.” 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Pastor Don Sciortino of Net-Works Laguna Beach (on left) with Leonard Porto III at April 19 “Won’t you be my neighbor” BBQ at Heisler Park

The Termite Guy was founded in 1997 and has grown to include offices in four locations – Santa Ana, Ventura, Palm Desert, and Temecula. The company provides services all over, including in Laguna Beach. 

At the time the company decided to hold a fundraiser, Andjani said, “A lot of our clients are Laguna Beach residents. Each month we’re doing around 600 to 700 inspections and around 200 to 300 jobs each month. It’s a win-win situation. The more inspections that we have and the more jobs we have, the greater the donation will be.”

Alex del Toro said, “Homelessness has been a polarizing issue in Laguna Beach, and we need to come up with a better solution. It appears to us that Net-Works Laguna Beach is bringing a new humanistic approach to our homelessness issue.”

For information on The Termite Guy, go to www.877termite.com/about-us/ or call (877) 837-6483.

For more information on Net-Works Laguna Beach, visit www.net-workslb.org.

Laguna Beach Author Debby Bowes launches her children’s book Rinnie the Weasel

Rinnie the Weasel, a fun-loving story that captures the interest of the young reader, has recently been released by Dr. Debby Bowes of Laguna Beach. This is her first book. Dr. Bowes has just received word from the most prestigious New Reader’s International Rating Association that Rinnie the Weasel received an outstanding score from the hundreds of books rated by this association. 

Rinnie the Weasel is a rascally fellow who thinks he is the best dresser, but he is actually the worst dressed weasel in the woodlands. He wears colors that clash, socks that don’t match, and different shoes on each foot. Rinnie is loved by his animal friends even though he does naughty things like making a big mess at their house. 

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Submitted photo

Rinnie the Weasel thinks he’s a good dresser

The story teaches valuable social lessons while entertaining kids with the antics of a mischievous weasel. The story ends with the animals turning the table on Rinnie but they realize that Rome wasn’t built in a day so it will take time for Rinnie to make changes and anyway what is the meaning of goodness if there isn’t a little badness to compare it to.

Aside from her current role as author, Dr. Bowes is a Fellow of the California Writing and Literature Project at UCLA, is an original member of the “National Women’s Project,” has served as Director for the Hillsides Home for Children, was a School Board Member of San Marino Unified School District for two terms, earned a Doctorate from USC, served as Director of Curriculum Services for Alhambra and Arcadia, Assistant Superintendent of Fountain Valley, is a member of Assistance League Laguna Beach, and member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. 

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Submitted photo

Dr. Debby Bowes launches her first book

After taking the UCLA Writing and Literature seminars, Dr. Bowes was inspired to write a children’s book that incorporated the research findings from these workshops. The author respects the grandeur of children’s curiosity and intelligence, so she did not attempt to dummy down the language in the story because of the child’s age.

Dr. Bowes says, “Many children’s books have slanted language with a limited vocabulary. Children of all ages should be exposed to stories rich in language that capture their interest. Therefore, there is no attempt to control the vocabulary. Words that may seem to be more difficult are comprehensible in the context of the story.” 

A unique feature of Rinnie the Weasel is that there are 45 activities for children to do as they read the story. By doing these activities, children step into the story as if they are an active participant.

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Submitted photo

Friends of Rinnie the Weasel ultimately accept his behavior

By engaging the child in a variety of activities that support the story’s meaning, the child connects in meaningful ways to the characters and events in the story. Children are encouraged to explore and expand language to develop critical thinking skills by participating in the activities related to the story. 

The story ends with Rinnie’s friends turning the table on him. The animals stand in a circle holding hands with Chadwick the Beaver reciting Ovid, “If you want to be loved, you have to be lovable.” 

The book is available on Amazon here and Barnes & Noble here. It is also available on YouTube here.

Guest Column

Happy Father’s Day

By Rosalind Russell

Founder, CEO of R Star Foundation

Whether your dad is still around to celebrate and be celebrated, certainly the day brings to mind what part he played/plays in your life. Among their many other attributes, dads are solution finders. Having a day to honor him is a time to give tribute to his contributions in your life. There are many ways to offer tribute – from breakfast in bed to a new book or tie in the traditional sense. 

If you are out of fresh new ideas, we offer an idea – gift him a goat!  And just think, neither of you will have to feed or tend to the goat as it will be gifted in his name to a family in need in one of our villages where the goat will lift the circumstances of the family. Do you have to give an entire goat? No. Give according to your interest and what is right for you. It won’t be a gift he will soon forget as he will know he is changing lives, being the solution finders as dads are! (The cost of a goat is $200; a greenhouse is $750; sponsoring a school child is $60 a month).

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Submitted photo

Father plays with his daughter in Nepal 

Let us share what we are doing which will excite you too:

We are thrilled we have yet another water project going on for several of our villages that are distressed without clean, healthy water for their lives and animals. A grant by the Nepali government is going forward which will bring water directly to the homes of 20 of our 51 villages. This is phenomenal! With the water arriving to their homes, imagine the struggle that won’t be necessary for the women to gather water. The project is going forward right now.

 The villages did have accessible-by-hiking water before the quakes over four years ago. The ground water “shifted” out of most of our villages, relegating the women to harsh walks three to five times a day with hardships beyond the weight of carrying the water. Water arriving to their homes is a first, and it will free the women to less laborious efforts each day for their meager existence. Livestock will have more water available to them, which is healthier for them as well as their humans.

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Family in Nepal village

In a land known for having great water from the tallest mountains in our world, having access to water remains the challenge in Nepal. With the help of the Nepali government, agencies, and countries, and the gifts from around the world following the disastrous quakes, slowly Nepal is recovering by implementing planned water solutions. I was fortunate to witness this project being signed at its early origin on my recent trip (as well as another water project which has been fully established this year).

Homes are being built as I share information with you – 18 more by Habitat with many of our families able to build their own homes because of the organic greenhouses they have been gifted by R Star – about 52 at this time. The homes provide safety from the elements as well as two and four-legged predators.

It has been a long, hard four years to be without decent living conditions and clean water. The Habitat homes are especially small, yet they are a great improvement over tent-living or tin shacks as many existed/exist in while awaiting a home. We are delighted with Habitat joining in to restore homes for the villagers of Kavre, our very own villagers!

We have many projects going on which won’t be shared here as we know you all are busy. We are pleased to share our progress with you, so you know we are continuing to make a difference in the lives of many who have never had the opportunities we have in life. We of R Star have never been able to do as we do without the support and help of many people. We and the Nepalese villagers we affected thank you from our grateful hearts!

To donate or for more information, go to www.rstarfoundation.org.

The Ranch launches beer and wine menu at Lost Pier Café

The Ranch at Laguna Beach announced this week the addition of a new beer and wine menu at its oceanfront dining venue, Lost Pier Café, located on Aliso Beach. Added due to popular demand, the new menu includes a mix of craft brews and West Coast wines to complement the restaurant’s beach-friendly, locally sourced cuisine.

The new wine and beer menu at Lost Pier Café includes wines from beloved California producers, including Sterling Vineyards Rosé, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon; Tangent Wines Sauvignon Blanc; Nielsen Wines Chardonnay; as well as Pinot Gris from Wines by Joe, a cult favorite producer which crafts wines from Oregon’s top vineyards. 

The beer menu offers classic refreshers for California beach days, including Corona, Modelo, Stone IPA, Stem Cider, and Coors Light.

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Lost Pier Café, located on Aliso Beach, has launched a new beer and wine menu

“We are thrilled to now offer wine and beer at Lost Pier Café. The beverage list was thoughtfully curated by our culinary team to best complement the restaurant’s cuisine and sunny days on Aliso Beach,” said Kurt Bjorkman, General Manager of The Ranch at Laguna Beach. “A dinner menu and extended hours are in the works as well to encourage locals and guests to make the most of our golden summer evenings in Laguna Beach.”

Lost Pier Café opened August 2018 as the first official beachfront extension of The Ranch at Laguna Beach, allowing guests to enjoy delicious local cuisine, exhilarating ocean activities, or a relaxing day on the sand. 

With menus by Executive Chef Kyle St. John of The Ranch at Laguna Beach’s Harvest Restaurant, the refreshing coastal oasis serves fresh California cuisine highlighting the region’s bountiful array of vibrant year-round ingredients.

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The new beer menu offers classic refreshers for California beach days

Menu highlights at Lost Pier Café range from hearty breakfast burritos, avocado toast, and Paper Bag Beignets for breakfast, to fresh fish tacos, burgers, salads, and seafood for lunch. The kid’s menu is also a crowd-pleaser, with handheld summer classics like cheese quesadillas, burgers, and hot dogs.

Lost Pier Café also offers daily rentals for beachgoers, including chairs and umbrellas, as well as sunscreen and towels for purchase.

Lost Pier Café is located at the south end of Aliso Beach and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

For more information, visit www.lostpiercafe.com or call (949) 715-4210.

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Guest Column

Surviving Rattlesnake Season

By Jorge Rubal, CEO & Medical Director, 

Laguna Beach Community Clinic

If you haven’t come across a rattlesnake while hiking on our local trails, walking your dog, or tending your garden, then no doubt you’ve seen alarming rattlesnake posts on social media. 

The good news is that death by rattlesnake is extremely rare. Here’s what you need to know in case you or a friend is bitten:

Consultation with a medical toxicologist or other clinician with experience in managing poisonous snake bites is recommended prior to antivenom administration. Phone consultation with a medical toxicologist is available through a United States regional poison control center by calling 1-800-222-1222.

Rattlesnake venom will typically cause:

--Local tissue damage 

--Ecchymosis and progressive tissue swelling

--Non-specific systemic effects 

--Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, light-headedness, diaphoresis, or chills

--Coagulopathy 

--Bleeding 

--Rhabdomyolysis with nephrotoxicity 

--Increased vascular permeability, tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypotension 

--Neurotoxicity (e.g. oral paresthesia, unusual taste, fasciculation, altered mental status, seizures)

The appropriate management of snake bites is controversial, and management strategies are primarily based on case series and clinical experience. Numerous field measures have been advocated, but none have been shown to improve outcome.

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Photo by Tom Joliet

Rattlesnake in Laguna resident’s driveway

Methods, such as tourniquets, incision and oral suction, mechanical suction devices, cryotherapy, surgery, and electric shock therapy have been advocated in the past, but are no longer recommended. Tourniquets can damage nerves, tendons, and blood vessels, and oral suction can lead to infection. 

Furthermore, venom removal by mechanical suction is minimal. In a study of mock venom extraction with a mechanical suction device in human volunteers, suction reduced the total body venom burden by only two percent.

Also avoid pressure immobilization. Most snake bite experts do not support pressure immobilization for rattlesnake bites because the venom causes local tissue toxicity and sequestering the venom in the affected limb may increase local tissue damage.

Instead, follow these recommendations prior to definitive hospital care:

--Remove the patient from the snake’s territory, and keep him or her warm, at rest, and calm. 

--Immobilize the injured body part in a functional position at the level of the heart initially. Further actions should be guided by an experienced clinician. Decisions regarding dependency or elevation of the bitten part must balance a potential increase in local injury with that for increased systemic venom absorption. 

--Placing the extremity below the level of the heart may lead to increased tissue damage in some patients but may be appropriate in patients who have systemic effects of envenomation. 

--In contrast, elevation of a swollen extremity to prevent acute swelling in patients without systemic symptoms may subsequently increase systemic venom absorption but may be acceptable if the time to definitive care, including antivenom administration, is short.

--Remove any rings, watches, or constrictive clothing from the affected extremity. 

--Do not apply pressure immobilization, tourniquets, or constrictive dressings. 

--Cleanse the wound.

--Withhold alcohol and drugs that may confound clinical assessment.

--Avoid potentially harmful therapies. 

Transport the patient in the supine position to the nearest medical facility as quickly as possible, preferably using emergency medical services.

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Reproduced with permission from: Hodge III D. Bites and Stings. In: Textbook of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, 6th edition, Fleisher GR, Ludwig S (Eds), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, 2010. Copyright © 2010 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Attempts to identify the snake should not endanger the patient or rescuer and should never delay transport to a medical facility. A digital photo taken at a safe distance may be useful. Snake parts should not be handled directly because the bite reflex may remain intact in recently killed snakes and result in additional envenomation.

Avoiding a bite in the first place is always preferable but being knowledgeable on what to do when the unexpected occurs will help you successfully weather rattlesnake season.

BC Cultural Arts Center hosts fundraiser to preserve vision of historic BC Space on June 22

Rick Conkey, who is undertaking the transformation of BC Space into BC Cultural Arts Center, maintains that venues such as BC Space are irreplaceable because they present valuable performing and visual arts for the public. To this end, there will be an event to raise funds to bring this vision to fruition.

On Saturday, June 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Moss Point, the festive fundraiser will feature an open bar, silent auction, and live music from Jason Feddy. Admission is $50.

Participants can be a part of launching Laguna’s first Cultural Arts Center on historic Forest Avenue and maintaining Mark Chamberlain’s legacy. Sadly, Mark, co-founder, owner, and curator of BC Space Gallery, passed away from cancer last year.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Mark Chamberlain leaves long legacy

This art-filled fundraising event will bring like-minded art loving people together to ensure a bright future of Laguna’s first Cultural Arts Center. The funds raised will help us harness the power of the arts for the benefit of the community.

As more than an art gallery, and more than a music venue, BC Cultural Arts Center’s 2,400 square feet will also present the history of Laguna Beach’s visual and performing arts, while introducing new artists. 

“Mark had a vision for BC Space. In order to preserve this historic Laguna Beach venue for the future, the building’s owner will generously invest $80,000 to protect the historical aspects of the space, while making the improvements to meet the cultural, visual, and performing arts needs of Laguna Beach. This fundraiser will help finance the final improvements necessary to make this BC Cultural Arts Center a reality,” says Conkey.

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Courtesy of jasonfeddy.com

Jason Feddy will be featured at the fundraiser

According to Conkey, BC Cultural Arts Center will provide an opportunity for our residents and visitors to understand the town’s rich art culture and history. It will also serve as an epicenter and engine for music, pre-screenings for films, classes, dance, poetry readings, artists’ talks and more. 

The BC Space remodel will amplify visitors’ sensory experiences by presenting artists of all kinds in a setting that ascends to the quality of their talents.

 “Mark Chamberlain would call you an ‘Artivist’ if you loved Laguna and love making a difference,” says Conkey.

As a community, the goal is to get together and ensure top-notch programming and experiences for residents and visitors.

Event planners are still looking for silent auction items.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Local Poet John Gardiner often read at BC Space

For those who want to help but can’t attend the fundraiser, it is still possible to become an “Artivist” by joining this GoFundMe effort and making Mark’s vision a reality. 

To make an impact, go to the GoFundMe page here.

--The Fan - $50 Contribution

--The Local - $100 Contribution

--The Artivist - $200 Contribution 

--Performer’s Patron - $500 Contribution 

--Buy A Brick (engraved name displayed in venue) - $1,000 Contribution 

--Arts Underwriter (branding tastefully displayed in venue) - $5,000 Contribution

Moss Point is located at the end of Moss St at PCH.

BC Cultural Arts Center is located at 235 Forest Ave. 

For more information or to RSVP, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (949) 573-8624.

Guest Column

Creative ways to hear your Inner Truth

By Vidya Reddy

“…until you know what you really want to say yes to, you will continue to say yes to everything else.” – Robert Holden

Hello and welcome to the happiness corner. This week it’s all about Your Inner Truth.

In my experience, people say yes to too many things, we all do. Being a “Yes Man” or “Yes Woman” is something that is rewarded in our society and yes, it is important to be a team player and share your gifts, but too often we don’t know where to draw the line, and we soon find that our own health and well-being has been compromised.

Is this a challenge that you can relate to in your own life?

The truth is: until you know what you really want to say yes to, you will continue to say yes to everything else.

Not knowing what you want can cause you to experience inner doubt, to be torn between contradictory goals, to get distracted and scattered, to feel compromised, to be exhausted, to get into unhealthy sacrifice.

Ultimately, the end result of this cycle is that you give your power away.

Find your inner truth using an Affirmation Board

So how can you get clear on what you want? How do you find your inner truth and reclaim your power? I want to share with you a practice called My Affirmation Board. 

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Photo by Pieter Baetens

Dr. Vidya Reddy

An affirmation board is a self-portrait. It’s a presentation of everything your entire being says yes to. If you are familiar with the notion of a “vision board,” it’s very similar but I want you to know that you don’t have to be limited to just images. The form of your affirmation board is entirely up to you, but here are some suggestions to get you started. Select a medium with which you are comfortable working.

Idea 1: Make a Collage

Much like a vision board, you might do a collage of hand-drawn images, or pictures cut out of magazines or printed off the Internet. If you want to travel more, find pictures of the location you have always wanted to visit. If you want to take care of your body more, find mouth-watering images of healthy foods that will honor your body like the temple it is.

As you lay out your collage, be honest with yourself: what do you really want?

Idea 2: Make a List

You might prefer to do a written list. Write down everything that you love, that makes you happy, or something that you want to bring into your life.

Make sure your Sacred Yesses are more than just a shopping list. 

You might include developing a quality like courage, gratitude, or forgiveness, for instance. Maybe you want to practice a skill like meditation, yoga, painting, or cooking.

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Photo by Pieter Baetens

Find your Sacred Yesses

Idea 3: Create a Mind Map

Maybe you’d like to do a mind map. There are wonderful examples of mind maps on Pinterest that you can browse for ideas.

Ask yourself, “What do I want to learn?” and “What do I want to experience?” 

Include your favorite affirmation or a personal mantra, for instance.

Whatever you do, keep it to one page.

What Are Your Sacred Yesses?

You create your affirmation board by listening within. You are listening for your Sacred Yesses. These Sacred Yesses belong to you. They’re not your parents’ yesses or your partner’s, or your children’s, or anybody else’s. 

They’re not about what you should do with your life; they are about finding and following your joy.

They affirm what you love, what you believe in, and what you cherish and value. They are about you living your truth. Find your Sacred Yesses, and you find your inner truth.

The key is to express yourself, your heart and soul. To focus on being rather than doing.

I encourage you to give your affirmation board plenty of time. Express yourself. Be creative. Feel free to experiment. It’s not about getting it right. And it’s not about creating something that looks good.

If you want, you can share your board with a coach or a trusted friend. It’s good to get feedback. Maybe they will point out something that you’ve missed. Finally, make sure that your affirmation board is about what you say yes to today, right now, not someday in the future. Remember, this isn’t about chasing happiness, it is about following your joy.

As you get clearer about the Sacred Yesses of your life, you experience a sense of empowerment and grace that helps you to live a truly blessed life. 

In Peace, Love and Gratitude. 

‘Til next time. 

Dr.Vidya Reddy, ND, AMS, DAC, CLC 

www.Naturally-Happy.com

Troy Lee Designs hosts fun event to benefit Laguna Canyon Foundation tomorrow night

Sponsored by Specialized and hosted by Troy Lee Designs, all are invited to join in for a fun night under the stars to benefit Laguna Canyon Foundation tomorrow, Saturday, June 15, from 6-10 p.m. There will be free tacos, local drinks, live music, and a silent auction. 

This event is free to attend, open to all, and no tickets or RSVPs are necessary. All drink and auction proceeds will benefit Laguna Canyon Foundation’s trail program. So invite friends and family and plan on having a good night, it’s for a good cause!

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Courtesy of LCF

Party with Specialized and Troy Lee and support our beautiful canyon tomorrow night

Public parking is available throughout downtown Laguna Beach and is free after 7 p.m.

If attendees would like to be sent an email reminder 48 hours before the event, grab a couple of “tickets” at the link here.

Troy Lee Designs is located at 380 Glenneyre St. 

Not able to make it, but still want to get involved or support Laguna Canyon Foundation? Visit www.lagunacanyon.org for volunteering information and events, free guided hikes and rides, and a way to donate online. Let LCF know what inspired you to donate in the comment box when making your donation. #KeepitWild

Montage unveils newly replanted produce herb gardens, further embracing sustainable practices

The latest culinary-related endeavor from Montage Laguna Beach is a series of newly replanted herb and produce gardens – the inspiration for Chef Benjamin Martinek’s six-course Garden Menu at Studio, the resort’s award-winning destination signature restaurant, as well as new specialty cocktails and mocktails served throughout the resort.

“We are thrilled to expand and update our garden offerings for the benefit of our chefs and our guests,” said Anne-Marie Houston, the resort’s general manager. “Our gardens are a beautiful way to showcase fresh food while demonstrating the resort’s approach to emerging sustainability methods and practices.”

As part of the newly replanted 1,000-square-foot Studio garden, Martinek is harvesting a 400-square-foot tea garden, which will produce a variety of plantings – such as edible flowers, German chamomile, lemon verbena, green tea, and hibiscus – for creating unique teas for guests. 

Working with Tenfold Harvest, a full-service garden and design firm, Martinek has harvested a complete range of edible flowers, herbs, vegetables, garnishes, fruit trees, and produce in the new Studio garden.

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Montage Laguna Beach presents new produce herb gardens 

His new six-course Garden Menu at Studio is inspired by this bounty of fresh produce, edible flowers and herbs and takes diners through the delicious journey of a plant’s life cycle – starting with a seed-centric dish, followed by a sprouts course, and then roots and shoots. 

The fourth course features flowers, the fifth fruits, and the meal ends with an incredible seed finish. Since no dairy in used, except in the fruits course (and that can be changed upon request), vegans can partake. The sommelier team can pair wines from Studio’s Wine Spectator Grand Award wine list.

Mimicking the botanical growing cycle, the Garden Menu at Studio starts with “Seeds,” featuring Escabeche of Incan Red Quinoa with pepitas, sunflower, tomato seed vinaigrette, and smoked olive oil. The second course, “Sprouts,” is Tiny Crudité with hen of the woods mushroom espuma, kalamata olive “top soil,” and puffed grains. 

Next comes “Roots and Shoots,” which is Confit Root Vegetables with Coconut Curry including kohlrabi, cipollini onion, heirloom carrot, coconut and golden curry, and pickled mushrooms.

“Flowers” showcases Chickpea Panisse with eggless saffron aioli, squash blossom-sea bean pistou, and marinated cauliflower. The fourth course, “Fruits and Seeds,” is Garrotxa with blood orange, kumquat, shaved fennel, and almond. 

Back to wonderful “Seeds,” dessert is Black Sesame Pavé with aquafaba meringue, cassis, pomegranate seeds, and coconut sorbet. This menu is $150 per guest; $245 with wine selections; $325 with grand wine tasting, exclusive of tax and gratuity.

Throughout the year, as the garden flourishes, Martinek will update his six-course Garden Menu to highlight and utilize the ongoing seasonal bounty.

Additionally, Tenfold Harvest recently planted five herb gardens at the resort’s iconic Mosaic Pool. Spanning a total of 150 square feet, these compact, rectangular gardens front each pool cabana and are encircled with boxwood hedging. Each is comprised of herbs for specialty mocktails and cocktails to be served throughout the resort – including specialty mints such as chocolate, Moroccan, Spanish, and Thai; different types of sage such as pineapple and green, white, and purple; and edible flowers.

According to Houston, plans are in the works to supply herbs and other plantings for use in spa treatments and waters, as well as to develop an educational garden for Paintbox – the resort’s children’s program. “We are in the early stages, but the possibilities are endless. Gardens offer a wonderful starting point to engage the public, employees, guests and the community – and provide an ideal platform to share sustainability best practices.”

Benjamin Martinek grew up in a small Colorado town of 200. He worked in the town’s only “restaurant,” a dive bar, at the age of 11 and knew from then on that he wanted to become a chef. Being chef de cuisine at Montage Laguna Beach’s signature restaurant, Studio, is a dream come true according to Martinek. Over the last eight years, he has served on Montage Laguna Beach’s culinary team, first as a cook at fine dining Studio, then as an executive sous chef at all-day, casual The Loft, and now in his present position. 

For dining reservations, call (949) 715-6420. 

The Montage Laguna Beach is located at 30801 South Coast Hwy.

Taste of Laguna and KX 93.5 concert join for special event on Oct 3, tickets available now

The Taste of Laguna Food & Music Festival combines two of Laguna’s favorite events, The Chamber of Commerce’s Taste of Laguna and KX 93.5’s concert, into one mega evening for foodies and live music fans. Early bird tickets, starting at $75, are available now for the event on October 3 at The Festival of Arts. 

“By partnering with KX 93.5 we are giving Laguna an elevated event with amazing food and fun music. We believe that by creating this relationship you get a two for one experience,” said Chamber Executive Director Paula Arnold.

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The Chamber’s Taste of Laguna and KX 93.5 concert event are teaming up as one fun-filled evening for the community to enjoy

More than 30 local restaurants and award-winning chefs will showcase their most popular menu items, signature recipes, and specialty dishes. The festival stage will spotlight four decades of cover bands each hour with ‘60s music at 6 p.m. with Woody and the Longboards, ‘70s music at 7 p.m. with Polyester Express, ‘80s music at 8 p.m. with Flashback Heart Attack, and ‘90s music at 9 p.m. with Sega Genecide. 

“We are committed to bringing an epic concert to Laguna Beach every year, but we always felt that our ‘vendor village’ had room for improvement, so we’re extremely excited to create this dual-event with The Chamber,” said KX 93.5 General Manager Tyler Russell. “Decades of awesome tunes, delicious food, the best venue in Laguna, and one affordable price…what’s not to like?”

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Enjoy amazing cuisine and ‘60s to ‘90s musical groups during the Chamber and KX 93.5’s combined mega-event

Woody and the Longboards is one of the highest-demanded cover bands in the country, with a focus on Beatles and Beach Boys songs. Polyester Express is known for their fun-loving vibe, spot-on horn sections, and the authentic approach to 1970s dance music. Flashback Heart Attack, known for their red jumpsuits, is a Laguna Beach staple, and has played with Alice Cooper, Eddie Vedder, and Green Day. Sega Genecide is one of Orange County’s premiere ‘90s tribute acts, previously nominated for several OC Music Awards. 

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Don’t miss the deliciousness of the Chamber’s Taste of Laguna cuisine with the perfect mix of KX 93.5’s music event

The bar will include special selections from Laguna Beach Beer Company and Wine Gallery, as well as handcrafted cocktails made with Tito’s Vodka. Plus, attendees will get to take advantage of a robust mobile auction featuring unique experiences, vacations, and items. 

All of this is offered at a reduced ticket price of $75 early-bird admission. Early-bird VIP tickets are $125, which include early admission, reserved complimentary parking, two drink tickets, and a private bar/reception/viewing area. Ticket prices will become $85 and $150 on August 2. 

All of the proceeds of this event co-benefit nonprofits The Chamber and KX 93.5. For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Laguna Art Museum presents Film Night: The Gamble House on June 20

On Thursday, June 20 at 6 p.m., Laguna Art Museum will host Film Night: The Gamble House. 

A tale of American craftsmanship, international influence, artistic frustration, loss, and triumph, which led to the completion of one of the shining examples of American architecture, The Gamble House is the incredible story of brothers Charles and Henry Greene who were pushed reluctantly into architecture by their forceful father only to design and build one of the most seminal and stunning Arts and Crafts houses in America. 

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Courtesy of Gamblehousemovie.com

“The Gamble House” will play at LAM’s upcoming Film Night 

The house, however, did not come without its price, both personally and professionally, for the Greene brothers, and David and Mary Gamble who commissioned it. 

The house is known to fans of Back to the Future as Doc Brown’s house, and to fans of architecture simply as The Gamble House.

Film Night is generously sponsored by Compass.

Tickets are included with museum admission, but advance reservations are recommended. For questions or to purchase tickets by phone, call (949) 494-8971 ext. 203.

For more information on LAM and to purchase tickets online, visit www.lagunaartmuseum.org.

Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Dr.