School Board meeting turns hostile

By BARBARA DIAMOND

The Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education was confronted by harsh criticism inside and outside the district headquarters where a meeting was held Tuesday. 

While about 20 sign-toting protestors stood by the entryway, 12 speakers went to the rostrum questioning a variety of recent board actions. Comments addressed the board’s and district Superintendent Jason Viloria’s perceived antagonism toward board member Dee Perry; the board’s decision to ignore a district bylaw tradition by not naming Perry president of the board after her term as clerk; Perry’s exclusion from a subcommittee recently created to review confidential matters normally addressed in closed session; her decision to file an intent to sue the board; and the amount of taxpayer money being spent on legal fees stemming from those actions. 

“I can’t believe what’s going on with the board,” parent Jennifer Kinnier said during the public comment period. “I can’t believe the way you have been re-writing the laws and it saddens me that you are excluding her voice, because it makes me think you don’t care about the kids.” 

Prior to public comments, board president Jan Vickers announced she had pulled an item from the agenda of the scheduled closed session and blamed Perry for the decision.

“Item 4A on the closed session agenda was intended to allow the board to discuss, with legal counsel, the claims made by Ms. Perry’s lawyer and her meet-and-confer request,” Vickers announced at the start of the meeting. 

Vickers said she pulled Item 4A because Perry had not confirmed that she would recuse herself from the discussion or deliberation on the item. 

“Legal opinions from the California Attorney General and the Fair Political Practices Commission confirm that when a member of a board or counsel is also a claimant or plaintiff in litigation seeking damages against the entity that employs them, that member has a conflict of interest and cannot participate in decisions related to the claim or litigation,” Vickers stated. “Also, an entity cannot maintain attorney-client privilege if it confers with legal counsel and the individual threatening to sue the entity is a part of the conversation.”

Perry contended on Wednesday that she should have been permitted to participate on Item 4B in the closed session, and that Vickers’ emails prior to the meeting did not specifically bifurcate the items.

“I had no idea what to expect when I came to the closed session, if I would be publicly asked to recuse myself, if I would be allowed to attend the closed session on the second item, or if I would be excluded from the entire meeting,” Perry stated in an email.

The board did meet on the second item on the closed session agenda regarding the new deputy superintendent position, which had no connection to Perry’s potential litigation, and she participated in that discussion.

“During the closed session everyone was polite but a bit tense,” Perry stated in an email. 

“I have worked for 40 years in education and I have never, never, ever had issues like I saw the other night,” parent David Flores said Wednesday. “This board is dysfunctional.”

Flores said he was shocked by what he saw as Vickers’ loss of control over the meeting. Her attempt to deny hearing a speaker who chose to remain anonymous was thwarted as a Brown Act violation by attorney Jennifer Zeiter from the audience. Vickers also appeared to some at the meeting to threaten to shut down public comment after 20 minutes, but relented when the audience erupted and the board approved extending the time. 

 “The tone of the meeting from several of the speakers was rather impolite, degenerating into shouting and speaking out of turn,” Vickers stated in an email. “We also had several speakers who were courteous and calm.”

She said that it is protocol for public comment to be limited to 20 minutes on one item and that the board must be consulted and agree to extension of the time allotted.

“That is what I did, and the board members concurred, and we took the next speaker,” said Vickers. “I did not suggest ending public comment.”

According to the agenda made available to the public, speakers are limited to three minutes each with a maximum of 20 minutes per topic, not 20 minutes overall. 

“A pox on all your houses,” said TuRae Fazio.

Reports by district officials and board members followed the public comment period. Board clerk Carol Normandin was told that it was an appropriate time for her to make some comments. She had a list.

“We haven’t had a subcommittee meeting,” Normandin said. “Board member Perry never nominated herself as president. [School district attorney] Mark Bresee’s [law]suit in San Diego was upheld, dismissed for lack of merit.” 

Normandin also stated that the board could not include Perry in discussions of her potential lawsuit. 

And finally, “Even if she doesn’t receive confidential information, she still has a vote and she still has her voice,” Normandin said.

Council blazes trail to abandon pedestrian pathways

By BARBARA DIAMOND

The City Council took steps at the July 9 meeting to develop an expedited process to abandon three Temple Hills pathways and to determine if a fourth pathway intrudes on private property.

Councilman Peter Blake sponsored the agenda item, which was opposed by 17 speakers from the audience and supported by 13. Councilwoman Toni Iseman sided with the opponents with the lone vote opposing abandonment. 

“My neighbors, my family and I use these walkways continuously,” Caroline Wright wrote in an email to the council. “The walkways keep pedestrians off of Temple Hills Drive where cars rush by within inches of pedestrians.” 

Wright stated that she and her family have zipped up and down the paths to go to school, downtown and to the beach for 29 years. Three generations of the neighboring Yelland Family next door have walked the paths for 47 years without incident, Wright stated.

Proponents of the paths also described them as an evacuation route in a disaster. 

Blake confirmed that the city had never attempted to develop the unimproved pathways because the project would be problematic, according to Scott Drapkin, city planning manager. 

“I will not vote to spend hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars so that a few people can walk down a trail,” Blake said.

He continued, “There are currently people that actually, unlike most of the liars that send most of these emails and letters, we do have people that are actually using…” at which point he was interrupted by the audience.

“I think there’s an apology owed to the people who were called liars,” Iseman stated. “I got those letters and they were not lying.”

Ownership and responsibility for the pathways is murky. They are included in the map of the Temple Hills tract, developed by Joe Thurston. However, City Attorney Phil Kohn stated that the city does not own the paths and the general default rule would be that adjoining property owners would have rights up to the center line of paths.

Councilwoman Sue Kempf determined that the adjacent property owners had never paid taxes on the pathways. 

Mayor Bob Whalen said the city had two options: proceed with abandonment, which meant there would never be public pathways or let the issue ride as it has for 80 years.

Blake asked how the latter option was fair to adjacent property owners, who object to pedestrians disturbing their privacy or sometimes, they say, crossing their property.

Whalen replied that the neighboring property owners had no rights to the pathways between their homes. However, he did state that there should never be any improvements to the pathways without the consent of the adjacent owners.

The discussion of the agenda item was limited to whether or not the city should consider abandoning the public ways, but no abandonment was to be approved at the meeting. Temple Hills residents were notified of the meeting and a large number of them showed up to hear or be heard on the issue.

Police Files

Bike stop leads to arrest for alleged meth sales, 25 grams of meth recovered

On Monday, July 15, at 3:12 p.m., an LBPD officer conducted a bike stop that led to the discovery of a hefty amount of meth.

According to LBPD Spokesperson PIO Sgt Jim Cota, “During the stop, Crossno was extremely sweaty, fidgety, and kept adjusting the rear of his shorts as if he was attempting to conceal something. A search of his person revealed approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine between his buttocks. The officer also located a couple of small clear baggies which led him to believe Crossno was selling methamphetamine.” 

According to drugtimes.org, 25 grams of meth has an estimated street value of $1,500 to $2,000.

David Mark Crossno, 53, was arrested for alleged possession and sales of a controlled substance and on a probation violation.

No bail was set.

Not a piece of cake, couple makes in-person complaint about a bad restaurant experience to LBPD

On Tuesday, July 16, at 9:32 p.m., an LBPD officer met with a couple at the front counter of the PD that had a complaint about their experience at a local Laguna Beach restaurant. They reported that along with their meal, they purchased an expensive birthday cake for their party. 

According to Sgt Cota, “After the meal, the staff packed up the leftovers to take home. When the couple arrived home, they discovered that the staff had only packed nine of the ten leftover pieces of cake. When the couple called the restaurant the next day to complain about the missing piece of cake, they found the manager to not be very sympathetic.”

Cota said, “The officer explained the limitations of law enforcement’s ability to assist them in such a frustration and provided them with alternative methods of following up with the restaurant.”

300 attend full moon drumming at Aliso Beach on Tuesday, LBPD cites three on alleged drunk in public violations

On Tuesday, July 16, the Aliso Beach Drum Circle drew an estimated 300 visitors. There were two LBPD beach patrol officers and two OC Parks rangers monitoring the drum circle.

“LBPD officers, beach patrol officers, and cadets patrolled the event with OC Parks rangers. Three citations were issued for alcohol violations,” Sgt Cota said.

Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every suspect is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

-By Suzie Harrison

Spotlights of sun

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Rays of light trying to break through the clouds

Moving Hearts Foundation hosts American Red Cross Blood Drive at Main Beach on July 25

Moving Hearts Foundation was founded in 2009 by heart recipient Kelly Perkins and her husband Craig with the message – “Move hearts both literally and figuratively” by sharing the active lifestyles of recipients. Kelly’s post-transplant climbs around the world personify her life after a heart transplant in 1995. 

The foundation’s mission is to elevate life through high-profile inspirational projects that have a direct, tangible, and long-term impact on increasing organ, blood, and tissue donation. 

On Thursday, July 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Main Beach, the foundation will host a blood drive – a Red Cross bus will be located at the cobblestone area. Sign up by visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org – use sponsor code “MovingHearts” to be directed to this event. To determine eligibility for donating, call (866) 236-3276.

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Submitted photo

Kelly – Matterhorn Summit in Switzerland

To promote awareness of organ transplants, Kelly and her husband and climbing partner Craig have ascended some of the best-known mountain peaks: Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mt. Fuji in Japan, the Matterhorn in Switzerland, and in 2005, El Capitan in Yosemite, whose naturally-formed heart symbol seemed meant to be.

Kelly says, “A lot of my friends and colleagues know I have a donor heart. What some do not know, is that during the transplant itself, I needed blood. If blood was not available at the time I required it, my ‘precious’ donor heart, and my life, may not have survived. Without blood donors, my life-saving operation and post-transplant successes would not have been possible.” 

Moving Hearts Foundation’s first blood drive was in 2005 with Central California Blood Center during the El Capitan climb. 

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Submitted photo

First blood drive in 2005 

Kelly says, “We were inspired to add blood donation to the organ donation message because that was something nearly everyone could do now and would pave the way to thinking about the entire donation process.”

In 2007, Kelly released her book The Climb of My Life, Scaling Mountains with a Borrowed Heart. 

Following that, in 2008, Kelly climbed Half Dome. During the same year, she also visited Arequipa, Peru with doctors from UCLA Peds to bring cardiac support to underprivileged kids.

In 2010, she returned to Africa to climb Mt. Kenya for continued organ and blood donor awareness. However, two years later, she had to transition away from climbing due to Craig’s spinal cord injury and began to focus more on blood donation. 

In 2015, Kelly began to coordinate local blood drives with Pacific Ashtanga in Dana Point.

“Our most recent blood drives have been in Dana Point, simply because we could not get approval here in Laguna. The issue was with the Red Cross who would not agree to the City of Laguna’s requirements. With a new risk management in place for the Red Cross, we are finally able to pull it off this year,” Kelly says. 

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Submitted photo

A copy of Kelly’s book “Climb of My Life” will go to five random winners

All those who participate will receive a coupon for a complimentary meal at Wahoo’s.

Five complimentary “test screening” tickets (for two) to one of MacGillivray and Freeman Films’ IMAX films, valid for the next two years, will go to five randomly selected blood donation slots. 

Also, five winners will receive a signed copy of Kelly’s book, The Climb of My Life. Just like the IMAX tickets, five blood donation slots will be randomly selected for these lucky winners too.

Kelly Perkins’ Moving Hearts Foundation is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 26-4598076. The foundation is located in Irvine.

For more information, got to www.movinghearts.org or contact Kelly at (949) 310-3754 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To sign up for the blood drive, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org – use sponsor code “MovingHearts” to be directed to this event.

Sultry Latin Jazz Syndicate heats up the crowd at Laguna Beach Live! Summer Jazz Series

Story by DIANNE RUSSELL

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

On Tuesday evening, the Woman’s Club was transformed into an intimate cabaret for the sold out Laguna Beach Live! concert featuring Latin Jazz Syndicate. Showcasing trumpeter Bijon Watson and vocalist Norrell Thompson, The Latin Jazz Syndicate introduces a fusion of Latin and World rhythms through famous jazz standards.

The Laguna Beach Live! Summer 2019 Jazz International series takes place every other Tuesday night from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Woman’s Club. On this evening, attendees dined on hamburgers from The Cut food truck and sipped on wine and cocktails from the Wine Gallery. 

Outside it was cool and overcast, but inside, the high-octane jazz mastery of Latin Jazz Syndicate’s talented musicians kept audience members swaying to the sizzling beat. Add to that Thompson’s torrid vocals, and you get the idea.

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Trumpeter Bijon Watson

Formed in 2005 and led by versatile trumpeter Watson, The Latin Jazz Syndicate is a group of All-Star musicians that have performed and recorded with many well-known artists such as Arturo Sandoval, Poncho Sanchez, Jose Rizo’s Jazz On The Latin Side All Stars, and Luis Miguel. 

The group pays homage to America’s indigenous music, Jazz, while maintaining the rhythmic and harmonic authenticity required of a variety of ethnic styles. Their unique sonic flavors, the mixture of Afro Cuban, Latin Soul, and World Rhythms – as well as the ensembles’ dedication to performing with unsurpassed passion and energy – combine to create an unforgettable musical experience. 

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Sold-out crowd enjoys socializing before the concert

Watson’s career as a musician and educator spans more than 25 years and has taken him around the globe to perform for audiences worldwide. Born in Boston, Mass., he began playing the trumpet at the age of eight. He attended the New England Conservatory of Music Preparatory School and the University of Southern California, and was a member of the 1994 Disney All-American College Band and 1995 Disney/Grammy All-American College Jazz Band.

The band brings together multi-talented musicians to create this force of nature: Will Brahm, guitar, Carlos Ordiano, keyboard, Euro Zambrano, drums, Joey Deleon, percussion, and Norrell Thompson, vocals. 

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Latin Jazz Syndicate 

Will Brahm is a Los Angeles-based guitarist and composer. He received his bachelor’s degree in music in Jazz Guitar Studies at California State University Long Beach, where he was a five-time consecutive recipient of the “K-jazz” scholarship. 

Euro Zambrano is a Venezuelan drummer, music producer, and educator who resides in Los Angeles. He has also toured and performed with several artists in America and Europe and has recorded hundreds of productions.

In addition to playing the keyboard, Carlos Ordiano is a composer. 

Classically and street-trained percussionist Joey De Leon, Jr., has held the bongo chair for Grammy Award-winner Poncho Sanchez for the last five years. 

Put all these talented entertainers on one stage, and audiences can’t help but experience a memorable evening of sights and sounds.

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Norrell Thompson wows crowd

Laguna Beach Live!, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, not only presents great talent at intimate venues with accessible prices, the group also provides education programs. Annually, Laguna Beach Live! presents more than 30 concerts and additional free education programs for kids at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach and the Laguna schools, and for seniors at the Susi Q Center. This is made possible by partial funding from members, the lodging establishments, City of Laguna Beach, and sponsors. 

Stay tuned for more concerts: coming up on the Laguna Beach Live! schedule this summer – July 30 is French Gypsy Jazz presented by Hot Club of Los Angeles and August 13 is Cuban Jazz.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, with food and beverages for purchase. For tickets and more information, go to www.lagunabeachlive.org or call (949) 715-9713.

The Woman’s Club is located at 286 St Ann’s.

For more photos by Mary Hurlbut, see the slideshow below

Where’s Maggi?

Maggi wonders, are these lions standing guard over the mermaid, or over the parking lot? Let her know if you’ve figured it out – and where you can find them. 

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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Apollo 11: First Step Edition honors 50th anniversary of Moon landing 

By DIANNE RUSSELL

Anyone over a certain age remembers where they were when Saturn V launched from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral on July 16, 1969. Millions watched the event on television and continue to look back on it as one of our country’s most unforgettable and defining moments. The historic masterpiece Apollo 11: First Step Edition pays homage to this global celebration of the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Apollo 11 mission – one of humanity’s greatest achievements and the first to put men on the Moon. It’s a thrilling cinematic experience, reminding us that even after half a century, this incredible accomplishment hasn’t lost its brilliance. 

Produced by Statement Pictures in partnership with CNN Films and distributed by MacGillivray Freeman Films, Apollo 11: First Steps Edition is comprised of a newly-discovered trove of never-before-seen 70mm footage and audio recordings. It joins Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, the Mission Control team, and millions of spectators around the world during those momentous days and hours in 1969 when humankind took a giant leap into the future. The filmmakers reconstruct the exhilarating final moments of preparation, liftoff, landing, and return of this historic mission. 

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Courtesy of Statement Pictures for CNN Films/MacGillivray Freeman Films

Crew of Apollo 11 (L-R): Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins, and Neil Armstrong on the way to the launchpad at Kennedy Space Center

MacGillivray Freeman Films is the world’s foremost independent producers and distributors of giant screen 70mm films with more than 40 films for IMAX and giant screen theatres to its credit. Throughout the company’s 50-year history, its films have won numerous international awards including two Academy Award® nominations for The Living Sea and Dolphins and three films inducted into the IMAX Hall of Fame, including Everest, the highest grossing giant screen film of all time. 

MacGillivray Freeman’s films are known for their artistry and celebration of science and the natural world. It is the first documentary film company to reach the one-billion-dollar benchmark for worldwide box office.

On Tuesday, 400 friends and family of MacGillivray Freeman Films were fortunate to be invited to a screening of this masterpiece. Welcomed by both Greg MacGillivray and his son Shaun, it felt like a family affair. 

When asked by Shaun how many in the audience had watched the launch on television, a large majority raised their hands. No matter how many times one has seen the launch, this film brings a renewed sense of wonder. 

The gentleman in the seat in front of me commented, “The three bravest men ever.”

The journey continues to be a pulse-stopping event to witness – especially on a huge screen with spectacular theater-shaking sound. 

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Courtesy of Statement Pictures for CNN Films/MacGillivray Freeman Films

Saturn V rocket before liftoff on July 16, 1969

Apollo 11: First Steps Edition is a special giant screen version of the critically-acclaimed theatrical documentary Apollo 11 released earlier this year. Apollo 11: First Steps Edition recently opened exclusively in science centers and museum-based giant screen theaters. 

Certainly, it’s a familiar story, however, this film depicts the voyage with meticulous detail and stunning scenes. For example, the force and magnitude of the blast-off, panning in on the surface of the Moon – a scene both eerie and magical – and the sights and sounds of the three astronauts in space. 

“The Apollo 11 mission was humanity’s greatest adventure and we’re pleased to be bringing this edition to science centers and museums everywhere,” says director Todd Douglas Miller. “This film was designed to take full advantage of the immersive quality of IMAX and giant screen theaters.”

And there’s no doubt that it does. When the Saturn V launches with a blasting inferno, it was an exhilarating yet anxious moment, and audience members held a collective breath even though the outcome was known. The theater was vibrating – or was that just my imagination? 

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Courtesy of Statement Pictures for CNN Films/MacGillivray Freeman Films

Buzz Aldrin makes his way down steps of Apollo 11 lunar module

One audience member commented, “The film was beautifully edited to capture the emotions not just of the astronauts but of their families and everyone who worked to make it happen. For me, the most emotional part was the sequence showing the astronauts leaving the base, being lifted up to the tiny capsule on the top of those huge rockets, knowing they might never touch the Earth again. And then to watch each of the boosters fall away, pushing them farther and farther toward the Moon. I couldn’t help thinking of all the many things that could have gone wrong with such primitive technology, compared to ours, and yet they pulled it off.”

Bill Brasfield concurred, “I was astounded by what they were able to do with the technology of the time.”

Considering the knowledge available in 1969, the success of the project was even more phenomenal. The computers on the Apollo spacecraft were less complex than a basic calculator. According to Computer Weekly, astronauts entered in commands using verb-and-noun instructions: a verb to tell the computer to do a specific action, and a corresponding noun on which to do it [i.e. “aim telescope”]. Today, a USB memory stick is more powerful than the Apollo Guidance Computer.

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Courtesy of Statement Pictures for CNN Films/MacGillivray Freeman Films

Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong on Moon’s surface 

To their credit, the filmmakers also praise the teams of people behind the launch, recognizing the immense amount of intellect and labor that led up to the first walk on the Moon.

John F. Kennedy said in May 1961, “I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon – and returning him safely to the Earth.”

Not all attempts were as successful as ours. While Armstrong and Aldrin were concluding the first Moonwalk, the Soviets’ Luna 15 probe crashed into the Moon about 530 miles from the Apollo 11 landing site.

Many thanks to MacGillivray Freeman Films and all involved for honoring this incredible feat and most importantly, for reminding viewers that over the last 50 years, this accomplishment hasn’t lost its magnificence – just the opposite.

City of Laguna Beach announces Teen Leadership Academy

The City of Laguna Beach is excited to announce its First Annual Teen Leadership Academy. The mission of the Leadership Academy is to provide a well-rounded foundation of education for future leaders of Laguna Beach. 

Through a variety of classes, interaction, and guest speakers, students will become introduced to fundamental leadership principles designed to enable them to become effective teenage leaders and eventual adult leaders in their communities. 

This is not a class for students to learn how to become police officers, although there is an opportunity to learn about some law enforcement topics. Participants will, however, get to learn about community involvement through beach clean up, volunteering at the OC Food Bank, listening to lectures from experts in the field of leadership, as well as ways to handle peer pressure.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Students will learn about community involvement through beach clean up

The City will be accepting applications until July 24. The Teen Leadership Academy will be held on Monday, Aug 5 through Saturday, Aug 10, with Saturday being a Commencement Ceremony. 

The daily schedule will be demanding and on average will be approximately 8 hours long. This is a free, week-long leadership class for students who will be attending high school in the fall.

The City is looking for teens who are interested in making a difference in their community. Applications are due on July 24.

The application packet can be found here.  

For questions, contact CSO Natasha Hernandez at

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (949) 497-0382. 

Dennis’ Tidbits

By DENNIS McTIGHE

July 19, 2019

A fickle July

The normal hi-lo temp in Laguna now is 77-64 for July 19th, yet we haven’t reached that normal high yet this month with an average so far of only 73.8-62.2. Here on Wednesday, it barely cleared thanks to a thick stubborn marine layer. A year ago today it was 86-68 with clear skies from sunup to sundown and the water was a most inviting 74. July of 2018 was one of the warmest on record. 

On July 19, 2006 the mercury climbed to 96, which tied the record for the hottest July day on record in Laguna also set on July 2, 1985 and July 20, 1960. The July 19th 2006 and the July 20th 1960 record-setters were also accompanied by spectacular thunderstorm activity here in town. 

July 20, 1960 was a very special day in my heart because that was the first time I stood up on a surfboard at Doheny long before they ruined the place with a friggin’ boat harbor. Shortly after my first stand up on a board, everybody had to leave the water when there was a strong thunderstorm with lightning all over the place. I remember that day like it was yesterday, no lie! 

A strong summer monsoonal flow from the SE is also known as a Sonoran because thunderstorms travel from the Southeast on their way to Southern California as they cross over the Sonoran Desert in extreme northwestern Mexico. The thunderstorm event on July 19, 2006 came from the same source with a high of 96 and 48 percent humidity resulting in dew points of 74 degrees with a heat index of 103! Definitely squirm time!

So far this summer, the monsoonal flow has been very quiet over the Desert Southwest with only sporadic activity in extreme southeastern Arizona. The Eastern Pacific Tropics have a couple of systems trying to pull it together. They’re both way down there at latitude 14 degrees north and presently both systems have only a 30-40 percent chance of further development. 

One system is 850 miles SW of Baja’s tip so no matter what happens with that one, we’ll see no wave action as the low is situated at the very westernmost border of our swell window. If it is eventually strong enough to become a tropical storm, its name will be Dalilia. The other system is located about 300 miles west of Costa Rica. Stay tuned on that one as it isn’t even in our swell window yet, but the waters are very warm down there at 88 degrees, so it all depends on how much upper level wind shear there is.

On July 20, 1976 Category 5 Hurricane Claudia sent us one of the biggest south swells in recent memory. I’ll never forget that center spread photo in Surfer Magazine taken by Corona del Mar surfer-photographer Woody Woodworth showing three surfers frantically trying to paddle over a 25 ft. monster way outside Newport Harbor. They had to close the Harbor entrance that day as giant sets were traveling up the Harbor breaking almost top to bottom as the Channel hadn’t been dredged in years. The swells were still holding it together way inside the Harbor as far as China Cove. 

The Wedge was out of control at 20-25 ft. at least with waves capping way out as far as the 13th pole on the Newport Jetty. Fifteenth Street in Newport was huge and lived up to the giant swell of September 1966 when Surfer Magazine ran a big article titled “Pipeline comes to Newport.” The place only breaks like that about once or twice a decade if we’re lucky. The most recent such event at Newport Point was in late August of 2014 when Category 5 Hurricane Marie did the honors. The planets almost have to line up for such an event. 

Enjoy the weekend, folks, ALOHA!

Misty moments

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Foggy Moss Point 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Treasure Island Beach

2019 Music in the Park continues with Grateful Dead tribute band on Sunday

Music in the Park, Laguna Beach’s local summer concert series, continues this Sunday, July 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bluebird Park, with Cubensis, a Grateful Dead tribute band.

The city advises concert goers to not set up blankets or chairs before 3 p.m. so that children can play and enjoy the park following a large number complaints from parents on Sunday that their children could not enjoy the park because concert goers took over the park earlier than advised.

“This is a free event and enjoyed by many and as a courtesy we request that respect be shown to all who use the park and to arrive after 3 p.m. to save a spot,” said City Cultural Arts Manager Sian Poeschl.

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Last week’s Music in the Park, featuring 80’s Daze, was a blast

The City also asks that concert goers please note the following rules when attending the concerts: Low-back chairs only (tall chairs will be asked to move to the sides and back of the seating area); vendor or merchant tables allowed in the park; umbrellas must come down at the start of the concert; no dogs allowed in the park – Municipal Code 6.16.020 (a); no smoking or vaping allowed in or around the park – Municipal Code 7.40.030; alcohol allowed for adults (21+) with a full meal only and may not be taken out of the park – Municipal Code 8.04.010.

The remaining concert lineup includes: 

--7/21: Cubensis (Grateful Dead Tribute) 

--7/28: Hollywood Blondie (Blondie Tribute) 

--8/4: Bill Magee (Blues) 

--8/11: Upstream (Reggae/Calypso) 

--8/18: Boys of Summer (Eagles Tribute) 

--8/25: LA Sound Machine (Gloria Estefan Tribute) 

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Have fun on Sunday, Laguna, but please don’t set up earlier than 3 p.m. in order to allow children to play in the park before the concert begins

City staff will be present on site with an available First-Aid kit. 

The series is a function of by the Laguna Beach Arts Commission and is funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.

Bluebird Park is located at Bluebird Canyon Drive/Cress Street. Free trolley service is available to the park.

Laguna Dance Festival presents two free dance performances this Sunday at Festival of Arts

This Sunday, July 21, Laguna Dance Festival will present two free shows by Los Angeles-based Versa-Style Dance Company, at 1 p.m. and again at 2 p.m. on the stage at the Festival of Arts grounds. 

Versa-Style was founded in 2005 by Jackie Lopez, a.k.a. “Miss Funk,” and Leigh “Breeze-lee” Foaad to reflect the vast versatility within street dance and to break color lines by creating a forum where people come together in a common passion and joy. 

As a reaction to media misrepresentation of the dance forms it offers – hip-hop, house, popping, locking, whacking and boogaloo, and Afro-Latin styles such as salsa, merengue, cumbia, and Afro-Cuban – Versa-Style specifically aims to perform for the youth of Los Angeles in order to foster knowledge of the roots, history, and social and political issues surrounding the art of its generation.

Festival of Arts visitors are invited to enjoy two consecutive shows that will have them on their feet, grooving to the irresistible hip-hop beat. 

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Photo by George Simian

Through its art, Versa-Style emphasizes freedom of expression, individuality, discipline, and dedication to the form

To view a Versa-Style dance video showing off their energetic dance chops, click here.

For more information on Versa-Style, visit www.versastyledance.com. 

For its 15th season, from September 27-29, Laguna Dance Festival will present a trio of performances by the Parsons Dance Company from New York City, RUBBERBANDance Group from Montreal, and Ballet West from Salt Lake City, hosted by the 750-seat Irvine Barclay Theatre. 

The 2019 Laguna Dance Festival schedule (as of July 16) includes:

--July 21 – Festival of Arts Summer Sunday Performances – free outdoor public dance performances by Versa-Style Dance Company at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

--Thursday, Sept 5 – First Thursdays Art Walk at Laguna Art Museum

--Friday, Sept 27 at 7:30 p.m. – New York-based Parsons Dance Company at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Pre-show talk at 6:30 p.m. 

--Saturday, Sept 28 – Educational dance workshop by Parsons Dance Company, Laguna Beach High School 

--Saturday, Sept 28 at 7:30 p.m. – Parsons Dance Company, RUBBERBANDance Group, and Ballet West at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Combined program of excerpts from respective repertoires. 

--Sunday, Sept 29 at 10 a.m. – Master class with RUBBERBANDance founder Victor Quijada onstage at the Irvine Barclay Theatre

--Sunday, Sept 29 at 2 p.m. – RUBBERBANDance at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Pre-show talk at 1 p.m. Master class by the company at 10 a.m. 

--October – date TBA – Master class 

--Sunday, Nov 3 – Merce Cunningham Centennial Celebration at Laguna Art Museum

--Sunday, Nov 10 – Lecture demonstration by Black Grace from New Zealand, drawing on Maori and Pacific Islander dance, modern, and hip-hop. Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach 

Tickets are on sale now at www.lagunadancefestival.org. 

Laguna Dance Festival, celebrating its 15th season, is one of Orange County’s major annual cultural events and continues to be an important showcase for new and established dance companies and artists. 

Its mission is to present world-class dance performance, increase public appreciation for the art, and provide quality dance education.   

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

Laguna Beach – A Look Back

Courtesy of Laguna Beach Historical Society

The Victor Hugo Inn – next to the museum on Coast Highway – has a rich history for our city.

Built in 1938, enjoying its heyday in the 40s, it was gutted by fire in 1954. It was reopened shortly after and finally closed up to become Las Brisas restaurant in 1979, which is still going strong.

It was a favorite haunt of Bette Davis and other Hollywood celebrities. In fact, she selected the patio for the famous cigarette lighting scene in her movie Now, Voyager in 1942, using the Main Beach background to play a role as the French Riviera.

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The Victor Hugo Inn

It was also the location of choice for many years for the locals to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and weddings.

A menu printed below is from 1949. The photo of the patio and dining room above was shot from near the gazebo, around the same time. The beautiful garden has now been re-engineered to the margarita sipping ocean view deck that we enjoy today.

Looking at the vast menu, the dollar was obviously more valuable then, with less than two dollars separating the most expensive steak from a Mexican enchilada.

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$3.75 got you a filet or New York cut sirloin steak at Victor Hugo Inn in 1949

The Laguna Beach Historical Society has a new display at its headquarters at the Murphy Smith Bungalow next to Whole Foods. It features vintage menus from many of the classic Laguna Beach restaurants over the years.

The nonprofit organization invites residents to drop by and take a look. It’s a wonderful snapshot into our past.

• • •

Laguna Beach Historical Society is located at 278 Ocean Ave. They are open Friday - Sunday from 1 - 4 p.m. For more information, call (949) 497-6834 or visit www.lagunabeachhistory.org.

Local belly dancers to perform at Sawdust on Sunday

JJ & the Habibis invite ladies, gentlemen, and children of all ages to watch Laguna’s local belly dancers and guests performing at Sawdust Festival on Sunday, July 21. 

“Come and support your local belly dancers!” says Jheri St. James, leader of the troupe. 

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JJ & the Habibis will perform at Sawdust Festival on Sunday

There will be two shows at Sawdust Festival on Sunday – at 6:30 p.m., Zelda, Sonia, JJ & the Habibis will perform, followed by Jayne & Sugar Shimmies, starring Marlena, at 7:30 p.m. There will be a parade to follow at 8 p.m.

For more information, contact Jheri St. James at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (949) 494-5031, or visit www.JheriCo.net.

The Sawdust Festival is located at 935 Laguna Canyon Rd. 

Guest Column

Why decluttering your entire life will attract abundance

By Vidya Reddy

“The first step in creating the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t.” 

–Vidya

Hello and welcome to the Happiness Corner. This week I am going to talk about a four-step process to help you clean the clutter in your life.

In every single moment that we live and breathe, we experience a flow of energy. That energy is either in a wonderful, flowing, and positive space – allowing you to feel peace, happiness, and harmony – or it’s blocked in certain areas that leaves you feeling a bit like your head is wrapped in a wet blanket.

In less severe cases and more commonly, there is this gray area where you completely forget that you are responsible for managing your own energy and how it flows. Most people live their lives like this, on autopilot, believing that life is just “happening” to them and they’re playing out the motions.

Every choice, decision, and action we take has the energy of intention behind it and also has an energetic outcome. This is called “cause and effect.” It might sound so simple, but many people are blissfully unaware of how much power they possess to create deep and profound change in their lives.

One of the fastest ways to start manifesting abundance into your life is to try a process called “decluttering.” This means getting rid of everything in your life that no longer serves you.

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Photo by Johnny Antezana

Dr. Vidya Reddy

Have you been wanting to clear out your closet or trash that pile of mail on your desk?

Did you know that decluttering creates a higher vibration, making it easier for you to manifest more of what you want in your life? 

By doing so you are creating space for new possibilities and opportunities to come into your life.

Those piles of clutter around you, in your home, at work, or in your car, are like loads of blocked energy. We are constantly experiencing a flow of energy from everything in our environment. You are responsible for managing your own energy and how it flows. 

There are four common areas in your life that you can simplify by decluttering. Environment (home, work, car, or anywhere you spend your time), Relationships, Money, and Health. Consider how you want each of these areas to feel. Do you want it to feel free, calm, and relaxing or chaotic and stressful?

Consider simplifying. Be mindful of where you spend most of your energy. Does it drain you? Does it recharge you? Let go of the old because holding onto the past only keeps you stuck in the same place. 

Overwhelmed by the idea of decluttering multiple areas of your life? 

Start small and donate or sell one item a day for 30 days. You can even repurpose some of your favorite treasures by giving them as a gift to someone who could use them or would really enjoy them. (Honestly, who needs two cheese graters anyway?) 

Tidiness of your home and workspace reflects the tidiness of your thoughts. Release the stuff that’s just taking up space and no longer positively serves you. Consider things you are keeping due to your attachment to them instead of your use of them. Be honest with yourself and ask, “Will I use this in the next month?” If your answer is no, let it go! 

You simply clear the energy and create space for the new. 

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Photo by Pieter Baetens

Spring clean your life 

Here are four of the most potent ways that you can start to energetically spring clean your life in different areas: 

Declutter Your Environment 

This is one of the easiest things to do in order to get the energy flowing in your life. Something magical occurs when you make sure that all of the things in your home have their own designated space. Your home or office should be a sanctuary for your soul. It should be a harmonious space that invites you to think clearly, instead of feeling overwhelmed by clutter. 

Start by sorting out your storage spaces such as cupboards and closets and either donate, repurpose, or give away the things you no longer use and need. 

Declutter Your Relationships 

The relationships you choose to have in your life have the ability to lift you up or tear you down. Decluttering the relationships you have in your life is a beautiful opportunity to practice self-care and compassion. Try and surround yourself with positive people that you enjoy being around instead of the toxic energy of others that like to poo on your parade. 

Declutter Your Money 

Take time to declutter your wallet or purse by getting rid of old receipts and trash. You might also want to line up your money so that it’s ordered. When you show your money love and allow it to sit in a decluttered space that is clear then you open the channels for prosperity to flow into your reality. 

Declutter Your Health 

Your body is your temple, and this is why it’s so important to declutter your habits to allow space for vibrant health. 

Try cleaning out your fridge and pantry and getting rid of the items that will only add toxins to your body. Set yourself up for success by removing the things that you crave such as sugary treats and salty snacks. Another great way to declutter your health is to increase your intake of water. 

All of these tips boil down to one vital element. And that is, that when you clear space in your life from the vantage point of raising your vibration, then abundance will naturally flow into your reality. 

In Peace, Love and Gratitude. 

‘Til next time. 

Dr.Vidya Reddy, ND, AMS, DAC, CLC 

www.Naturally-Happy.com

End of watch 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Treasure Island Lifeguard, 6:45 p.m., always on alert – almost end of watch

More on Tuesday’s LBUSD Board of Education meeting

During the July 16 LBUSD Board of Education meeting, the Board took action to approve Resolution Number 19-04: Cooperative Grant between the Laguna Beach Unified School District and the Department of Rehabilitation to Provide Vocational Rehabilitation Services through a Transition Partnership Project (TPP). 

The TPP program will continue to allow the district to provide needed services to eligible students including Employment Services (employment preparation, job development, placement, and follow-up) and Work Experience designed to prepare students to obtain and retain competitive employment.

The Board also approved the Fourth Amendment of the Joint Powers Agreement with College and Career Advantage. The purpose and responsibility of College and Career Advantage (CCA) is to provide Career Technical Education (CTE) and other related curricula in occupational areas. 

CCA ensures that the students of Capistrano Unified School District and Laguna Beach Unified School District have access to courses that have a work-based learning approach, highly technical skills, and, in several CTE courses, the ability to earn college credit.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

The LBUSD Board approved the Fourth Amendment of the Joint Powers Agreement with College and Career Advantage

Also at the July 16 meeting, the Board provided direction to staff to bring a contract with the Aspen Group for training and implementation of the Coherent Governance Project to the August board meeting with potential dates based on board member availability. 

During the meeting, the board took action to approve staff recommendations to restructure two administrative positions. Leisa Winston, currently Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Public Communications, will now serve as Deputy Superintendent of Human Resources and Instructional Services. 

This position will oversee HR and Instruction, in addition to communications, to provide coherence in initiatives and more fluid communication between departments and school sites. In lieu of filing another assistant superintendent position, the district will hire a Director of Human Resources to manage day-to-day operations in HR.

The Board additionally took action to approve job description revisions and reclassification for the position of Executive Assistant. An increase in pay range reflects the updated duties and minimum qualifications for the position.

The Laguna Beach Unified School District records School Board meetings and makes them available to the public within 24 hours. Visit www.lbusd.org/boardmeetings to watch. 

For more information on all action items, visit www.lbusd.org. The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 13 at 6 p.m. 

The Board has directed staff to put live streaming of the meetings on hiatus until closed captioning (CC) options for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have been investigated.

The meeting on Tuesday, August 13 will not be live-streamed but will be available on the district website on Wednesday, August 14.

The information above was taken from the district’s “It’s A Wrap” newsletter. Subscribe for free here.

Laguna Beach Garden Club’s record-breaking fundraiser benefits local students

The 2019 Laguna Beach Garden Club (LBGC) Gate and Garden Tour broke all previous garden tour fundraising records. Thanks to generous community sponsors, corporate sponsors, garden hosts, and over 100 volunteers, the 2019 Gate and Garden Tour raised over $25,000.

Funds raised by the Laguna Beach Garden Club provide resources for school gardens, maintenance and enhancement for pocket parks throughout Laguna Beach, education, and student scholarships. 

Two Laguna Beach High School students will head to college with some extra change in their pockets to help with tuition and books. Charles Dickerson received a $3,000 college scholarship award and Katie Rollins received a $1,500 college scholarship award. Christine Villa, a student at Saddleback College, also received a $2,500 scholarship award to help with her studies. 

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Charles Dickerson and Christine Villa both received scholarships from Laguna Beach Garden Club

Congratulations to these fine students whose dedication to environmental science and preservation will surely be enhanced by the generous financial support of the Laguna Beach Garden Club. 

Save the date for next year’s LBGC Gate and Garden Tour, which is scheduled for May 1, 2020. 

The LBGC is a vibrant, energetic organization with almost 200 members that, since its inception in 1928, has a 90-year history of “growing and giving.” Club members are men and women from Laguna Beach as well as neighboring communities. 

All are welcome and encouraged to attend a monthly meeting and see if the LBGC is for them.

Visit www.lagunabeachgardenclub.org for more information.

With My Own Two Hands Foundation raises $176K to provide water solutions in Kenya

Local Laguna-based nonprofit With My Own Two Hands Foundation (WMO2H) hosted its sixth annual red carpet philanthropy fundraiser on Sunday, July 14 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.

This year’s fundraiser raised over $176,000. WMO2H, founded by Lindsey Pluimer in 2011, is committed to providing water and agriculture projects that fund education and create self-reliant communities in Africa.

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Guests graced the red carpet for the WMO2H fundraiser 

Sisters of Umoja, the foundation’s featured documentary, highlights a matriarchal society in the Samburu region of Kenya. The film illustrates the strength of these women as well as the struggles they’ve had without access to clean water or a source of regular nourishment. It shows the incredible impact WMO2H has made on the entire community of strong and determined women. 

In attendance at the event was two-time NBA champion and the center for the Los Angeles Lakers JaVale McGee. Stan Verrett, anchor of ESPN’s SportsCenter, hosted the event for the fifth straight year.

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Two-time NBA champion and LA Lakers center JaVale McGee was in attendance 

“We are so grateful for all of our sponsors, Weber Christensen & Heinrichs, LLP, HYPERICE, and Hula Daddy Coffee, as well as all of the amazing local businesses who donated to our hugely successful silent auction,” said Lindsey Pluimer, Founder, With My Own Two Hands. 

“The support from all of these companies helps us fulfill our mission of providing the basic life necessities to people in Africa through sustainable solutions.”

For more information, visit www.withmyown2hands.org.

Guest Column

Amazing water project in place for 20 of R Star’s villages

By Rosalind Russell 

Founder of R Star Foundation

Currently, we’re aware of floods in Nepal – the monsoons that commonly arrive every year have caused many deaths. Until a week ago, Nepal has been in a severe drought. Usually, monsoons are in place earlier in the season. The rice hasn’t been planted because of the drought since monsoons supply the needed water for the paddies. A part of our experimental corn project was wiped out because of the drought as well, but I am happy to share that what did survive produced extremely well. 

A deep water well was drilled with glorious quality water results. Piping is going in for 20 villages, which will bring the water right to the village home. This is a first for us and a first for the villagers to have water so close and pure! Imagine families having water right to their home? 

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Submergible panel board to pump the water great distances

No more trudging up and down narrow paths three to five times a day in all weather, carrying heavy barrels of murky water for every need, including drinking, brushing teeth, bathing, laundry, cooking, and livestock. 

Water available directly to the homes means the animals will also have more water access adding to better birthing results and better health as well as for their human owners. The water project for the District of Kavre came about because of the funds the world sent to Nepal following the quakes 4.5 years back, around $4 billion. Because of our elected village women to different municipalities as Deputy Mayors, we know quicker about what projects to join when they become available. Rabin, R Star’s Executive Director/Administrator in Nepal, is heading the project without pay from the Nepali government (or us), to do so. His passion adds to the project going forward well to completion. 

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Construction of deep water wells

Along with the extreme, excessive problems from the 2015 earthquakes with loss of life and homes, the groundwater shifted out and away from most of our villages, leaving them to walk greater distances for their water. The water project is a huge accomplishment to witness as it will upgrade the lives of each member of 20 villages. We have hope for more wells being established to cover our other 22 villages. We have 51 villages presently. 

Want to be part of what of the solution to bring in more water wells? Or to purchase a “goat”? Gift as you feel you can. Contact R Star Foundation at wwwRStarFoundation.org or call (949)497-4911. 

Did you know you can use your Amazon purchases to help R Star by using SMILEAmazon.com and directing the donation to R Star Foundation without cost to you beyond your normal purchase? There are wonderful ways to help R Star Foundation help them.

The Artists Fund at Festival of Arts recognizes outstanding artists at Art-To-Go Best-in-Show

The Artists Fund at Festival of Arts presented the Art-To-Go Best-in-Show awards to seven artists recently. The fundraising sale, themed “Full Circle,” features original works donated by Festival exhibitors to support the hardship fund for artists. Works are available daily through August 25 on the Festival grounds.

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Courtesy of The Artists Fund at FOA

(L-R) Mary Platt, Wendy Wirth, Judith Cameron, Dennis Carrie, Yuri Kuznetsov, Anthony Salvo, Mitch Ridder, Bree Poort, Mark Jacobucci, and Lansing Molzen

  The awards juror was Mary Platt, Director of The Hilbert Museum in Orange. “Art-To-Go shows the diversity of talent we have here in Orange County. I’m always excited to discover new artists, and Festival of Arts has so many great ones,” she said.

Platt’s picks were Judith Cameron – first place, Dennis Carrie – second place, and Yuri Kuznetsov – third place. Honorable mentions went to Mitch Ridder and Anthony Salvo. 

Painter Mark Jacobucci won both People’s Choice City Hall and Best-in-Theme categories for his landscape “Plant Rings of Anza Borrego.”

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Courtesy of The Artists Fund at FOA

Jacobucci, Ridder Among Winners at Art-To-Go

The People’s Choice Festival Grounds award went to newcomer Bree Port. 

President Wendy Wirth handed certificates and gifts to winners. Lansing Molzen was recognized for her mother, the late Anne England, who founded the organization. 

  All Art-To-Go buyers qualify to win a two-night stay at The Tides Inn. 

To view the collection, visit www.theartistsfund-foa.org or call (949) 612-1949. 

Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters, 650 Laguna Canyon Rd. 

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training announced, registration now open

The Laguna Beach Police Department in collaboration with the Laguna Beach Fire Department is excited to announce registration for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course. 

A Community Emergency Response Team is an organized and trained group of volunteers ready to assist in case of a disaster. The CERT program consists of 25 hours of classroom and hands-on training, concluding with an exercise drill to apply the skills and knowledge obtained during the classroom sessions. 

Training includes the following topics: 

--Disaster Preparedness 

--Fire Safety

--Disaster Medical Operations

--Light Search and Rescue 

--CERT Organization

--Disaster Psychology
--CERT and Terrorism
--Traffic Control and Scene Management 

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CERT training classes kick off on September 3 

Training will begin on Tuesday, Sept 3. Classes will then meet weekly from 6 to 9 p.m., including two Saturday morning meetings. The final exercise/drill takes place on Saturday, Oct 5. Mandatory attendance is required at all classes. 

Graduates of the program will have the opportunity to join the City of Laguna Beach CERT. If and when a disaster strikes, CERT volunteers take action by:

--Checking on neighbors

--Suppressing small fires

--Conducting light urban search and rescue

--Providing emergency first aid and comfort

--Helping to organize and direct spontaneous volunteers

To be considered for this training, you must be a resident of Laguna Beach or work within the city limits, be at least 18 years old, and have no felony convictions. Applications must be submitted through the online recreation class here. 

All individuals will receive a confirmation email if accepted into the program.

Heathers the Musical comes to No Square Theatre on July 26

Hilarious, heartfelt, and definitely homicidal, Heathers the Musical opens at No Square Theatre on July 26. A darkly comic rock musical with music, lyrics, and book by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy, the show deals with bullying, teen suicide, and other themes not suitable for young children. It’s R-rated for mature audiences.

Heathers the Musical is produced by Bree Burgess Rosen and directed by Joe Lauderdale and Ella Wyatt, with choreography by Ellen Prince. Rounding out the all-star backstage team are Joe Mulroy as music director, Roxanna Ward vocal director, stage manager Chris Huntley, and costume designer Brigitte Harper.

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“Heathers the Musical” comes to No Square Theatre on July 26 

The No Square production cast features Sara Teeter, Ricky Alleman, Rhyan Belanger, Brooke Streuckrath, Bonnie King, Michaela Brown, Abraham Arias, Cole Fletcher, Jenn Quader, Rylee Bullington, Doreen Nguyen, Malin Glade, Cisco Morales, Mateo Yepiz, Isaac Yescas, Charlie McClung, and Eric Anderson.

Performances are on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 26-28 and August 2-4. Friday/Saturday performances are at 7:30 pm and Sunday shows are at 6:30. 

Tickets are available online at www.nosquare.org for $25 and $35.

Seating is extremely limited, and the theatre has enjoyed a long run of sold-out events, so tickets must be purchased in advance. Drinks and refreshments will be available for purchase at the show.

No Square Theatre is located in the Historic Legion Hall at 384 Legion St.

Laguna Beach Books to host author Jeff Gordinier on August 18 

On Sunday, August 18 at 4 p.m., Laguna Beach Books is pleased to welcome Jeff Gordinier to the store. Jeff will be discussing and signing copies of his new book, Hungry: Eating, Road-Tripping, and Risking It All with the Greatest Chef in the World. 

Hungry is a book about not only the hunger for food, but for risk, for reinvention, for creative breakthroughs, and for connection. Feeling stuck in his work and home life, writer Jeff Gordinier happened into a fateful meeting with Danish chef René Redzepi, whose restaurant, Noma, has been called the best in the world. 

A restless perfectionist, Redzepi was at the top of his game but was looking to tear it all down, to shutter his restaurant and set out for new places, flavors, and recipes.

This is the story of the subsequent four years of globe-trotting culinary adventure, with Gordinier joining Redzepi as his Sancho Panza. In the jungle of the Yucatán peninsula, Redzepi and his comrades go off-road in search of the perfect taco. 

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Laguna Beach Books proudly welcomes author Jeff Gordinier on Aug 18

In Sydney, they forage for sea rocket and sandpaper figs in suburban parks and on surf-lashed beaches. On a boat in the Arctic Circle, a lone fisherman guides them to what may or may not be his secret cache of the world’s finest sea urchins. 

Back in Copenhagen, the quiet canal-lined city where Redzepi started it all, he plans the resurrection of his restaurant on the unlikely site of a garbage-filled lot. Along the way, readers meet Redzepi’s merry band of friends and collaborators, including acclaimed chefs such as Danny Bowien, Kylie Kwong, Rosio Sánchez, David Chang, and Enrique Olvera.

Hungry is a memoir, a travelogue, a portrait of a chef, and a chronicle of the moment when daredevil cooking became the most exciting and groundbreaking form of artistry.

Jeff Gordinier is the food and drinks editor of Esquire and a frequent contributor to The New York Times, where he was previously a reporter. He is the author of X Saves the World and co-editor of the essay collection Here She Comes Now. He lives north of New York City with his wife, Lauren Fonda, and his four children.

This is a ticketed event; tickets are $26 plus tax and include a copy of the book. Tickets can be purchased at the store or online at https://jeffgordinier.brownpapertickets.com. 

Laguna Beach Books is located at 1200 South Coast Hwy.

coastal eddy a gallery presents “dystopian arrangement” on Saturday

On Saturday, July 20 from 6 - 9 p.m., coastal eddy a gallery presents the Opening Reception for “dystopian arrangement,” a collaborative, mixed media installation by Robin Lee Riddell and Norma Jean Vance. Join together for an evening of provocative art, music, food, and fun.

All throughout history, past civilizations have left us clues as to who they were. Artifacts and ceramics primarily tell their stories. The installation supposes...What if tomorrow, we were gone? What would be left to tell our story, and how could it be told artistically?

The “arrangements” will take on the theme of making order out of chaos, contrasting beauty with the dystopian nature of what has occurred. 

The show runs July 20 - September 1. 

coastal eddy a gallery, the only ceramic art gallery in Laguna Beach, is located at 1417 S. Coast Highway, in the HIP district of Laguna.

RSVP to (949) 715-4113 or at www.coastaleddyagallery.com.

Chabad of Laguna Beach presents introductory Talmud class on Sunday

The public is invited to join Chabad for an ongoing introductory Talmud class on Sunday, July 21, from 8:45 - 9 a.m. A light complimentary breakfast will be served. Sunday morning services begin at 8 a.m. prior to the class. 

An apple rolls off a farmers’ market truck, a gold wedding ring washes up on the beach – if found, are they yours to keep? The answers to these and similar moral issues were painstakingly discussed, debated, and determined over 1,500 years ago by the sages of the Jewish Talmud.

Just twenty minutes will give guests insight into the brilliant legal logics of the Talmudic masters. No previous background is required. Classes are open to all. There is no charge.

For more information, call (949) 499 0770 or visit www.chabadoflaguna.com. 

Chabad Laguna Beach is located at 30804 South Coast Hwy.

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Unitarian Universalist Fellowship welcomes meteorologist Alexander Tardy on July 28

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Laguna Beach (UUFLB) proudly welcomes Alexander Tardy to its pulpit on July 28 at 10:30 a.m. Tardy is Manager and Partner Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the NOAA/NWS (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Weather Service). 

The title of Tardy’s presentation is “Can We Really Accurately Predict the Weather?” Tardy is the meteorologist from the NOAA’s San Diego office of Weather and Climate Services. 

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Meteorologist Alexander Tardy will speak at UUFLB on July 28 

The NOAA was established during the administration of Richard Nixon and is the scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce that focuses on the conditions of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere. 

NOAA’s reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as it works to keep the public informed of the changing environment.

From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration, and supporting marine commerce, the NOAA’s products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America’s gross domestic product. 

The public is invited to join the members and friends of the UUFLB and learn about this essential agency’s San Diego office of Weather and Climate Services and why many Americans access the NOAA’s website information daily.

For more information, contact Rachel Daniels at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (310) 714-2699.

Las Brisas embraces new changes with updated weekend prix-fixe four-course brunch menu

With the restaurant’s revamped culinary program – now under the direction of Bay Area chef Michael Gaines, who grew up in Orange County – and the completed bar and lounge, Las Brisas is embracing new change all around. 

Since 1979, Las Brisas has welcomed families for their beloved weekend buffets, but timed to this year’s 40th anniversary, the restaurant decided it was time for a brunch makeover. 

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Las Brisas’ new brunch menu with a view

Matching the property’s vibrant ocean setting, the new brunch prix-fixe menu offers plenty for everyone to enjoy, serving traditional brunch dishes with a Mexican-inspired twist. The prix-fixe brunch includes four courses and pairing options like the classic bottomless mimosas, or signature day-time cocktails. Las Brisas continues to serve Laguna Beach weekenders, and remains an ideal setting for unwinding and soaking up the views on the cliffside for many years to come. 

Weekend brunch is served from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

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French toast with a flair

Four-course brunch ($45) highlights include:

--Upgrade with bottomless mimosas or mix & match with signature cocktails – $15 

Starters

--Pozole Verde – pulled chicken, tomatillos, poblano peppers 

--Salmon Tostadas – crema, pickled red onion, capers, chives 

--Yogurt & Granola – seasonal fruit, Straus whole milk yogurt, coconut, agave 

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Revamped bar area 

Entrée 

--Crab Scramble – scallions, crème fraiche, crispy potatoes, and fresh corn tortillas 

--Filet and Lobster Enchiladas – guajillo sauce, tomatillo sauce, black beans, rice 

--French Toast – seasonal fruit, cocoa nibs, toasted macadamia nuts, tangerine butter 

--Asparagus Omelet – asparagus, peppadew, goat cheese, avocado, cilantro, crispy potatoes

Dessert 

--Trio of Sorbet – coconut, mango, pineapple 

--Traditional Flan – with seasonal fruit 

Las Brisas is located at 361 Cliff Dr.

For more information, go to www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com or call (949) 497-5434.

Laguna Coffee Company announces new gluten-free, paleo-friendly partnership

Laguna Coffee Company, a micro-roaster coffee shop owned and operated by Rene and Tomi Miller, has partnered up with Lavender Lane Baking Co., an OC-based online bakery providing gluten-free, grain-free, and paleo-friendly indulgences. 

Laguna Coffee Company now has these goodies available for customers. Some of the new offerings include dark chocolate cacao brownies, blondie bars, and chocolate chip cookies (vegan or keto).

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Owners Rene and Tomi Miller in front of Laguna Coffee Company

Lavender Lane Baking Co. was founded by Christine Bren and Sarah Butler with the mission of providing delicious indulgences to satisfy any sweet tooth without derailing your health goals or dietary restrictions. 

After extensive research and practice, Christine has perfected her recipes and is excited to be sharing them with Laguna Coffee Company’s customers.

Laguna Coffee Company is located at 1050 South Coast Hwy, B.

Vipe Desai joins Ocean Institute’s Board of Directors

The Ocean Institute recently welcomed Vipe Desai as its newest member of the Board of Directors. 

Vipe is a seasoned entrepreneur and philanthropist, holding positions on the board of directors for other nonprofits and for-profits over the past 15 years that include: Ocean Champions, Surfrider Foundation, 5 Gyres Institute, Lonely Whale Foundation, SIMA Humanitarian Fund, Rob Dyrdek Foundation, and RichUncles.com. In addition, he is the CEO and Co-Founder of HDX Mix, an environmentally friendly sports drink mix. 

“Inspiring and educating young people to protect our ocean is how we will ensure that future generations receive a healthy and thriving ocean,” said Vipe Desai, CEO of HDX Mix. “For more than 40 years, volunteers and staff from the Ocean Institute have been doing incredible work to inspire young people and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and work with the Board and leadership to support their efforts and work.” 

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The Ocean Institute welcomes Vipe Desai to its Board of Directors 

The Ocean Institute is nationally known for its award-winning, hands-on marine science, environmental education, and maritime history programs. Students, families, and the general public become tall ship sailors, research scientists, oceanographers, and explorers while immersed in Ocean Institute programs. 

The Ocean Institute was founded in 1977 and offers in-depth Marine Science, Maritime History, and Outdoor Education programs. The facility includes state-of-the-art teaching labs, the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center, two historic tall ships, and an oceanographic research vessel. All programs are designed to maximize immersion, spark curiosity, and inspire a deep commitment to learning. 

Ocean Institute estimates that its programs serve 60,000 students and 50,000 public members annually, with a total guest count of 110,000.

Dan Pingaro, Ocean Institute President and CEO, commented, “We are extremely pleased to have Vipe join the Ocean Institute team. Vipe’s entrepreneurial leadership and experience in working with innovative, philanthropic businesses makes him an excellent fit for Ocean Institute during the next phase of our growth – as we continue to modernize the Institute and pursue our goal to become one of the most innovative and admired brands in ocean science, maritime history, and experiential education.” 

Vipe joins a group of passionate board members dedicated to protecting our ocean while inspiring future generations. 

Ocean Institute is a highly respected ocean science, maritime history and experiential education nonprofit located in Dana Point Harbor. Its modern campus is adjacent to the Dana Point State Marine Conservation Area, and encompasses 33,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits, science labs, and an aquarium collection of 1,100 live specimens of local marine life. 

Ocean Institute serves over 100,000 students, teachers, and families each year with a hands-on approach to ocean-related science, research, and conservation. Ocean Institute’s diverse elementary, middle, and high school program inventory is STEM-focused and aligned with California Common Core Standards. 

To learn more about Ocean Institute, visit www.oceaninstitute.org.