Police Files

.22 caliber bullet found on school bus

On Tuesday, Dec 10, at 11:24 a.m., at the 200 block of Laguna Canyon Road, SRO Cpl Cornelius Ashton was advised that a Durham bus driver found an older unspent .22 caliber bullet while sweeping a Thurston Middle School bus that morning. 

According to LBPD Spokesperson PIO Sgt Jim Cota, “SRO Cpl Ashton interviewed the bus driver and determined the bullet was located on the floor, underneath a seat at the front of the bus.” 

The bullet was weathered and dirty. 

Sgt Cota said, “LBPD is working with Laguna Beach school leadership in the investigation. LBUSD acted swiftly and completed a press release and sent it to parents in reference to this incident. This investigation remains ongoing.”

Thurston Principal Jenny Salberg sent an alert out to parents concerning the found bullet on Tuesday:

“We want to notify you that today one of our bus drivers found an unspent .22 caliber bullet while cleaning the bus, after this morning’s drop off at Thurston. The Laguna Beach Police Department was immediately notified. They advised us that the weathered, dirty bullet looked to have been on the bus for some time and appeared to be related to the bullets found on campus in October. This situation continues to be actively investigated by LBPD.

“I want to assure you that we take every precaution necessary to ensure the safety of our students. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed information (See Something, Say Something) to help the LBPD in their investigation. If any additional information becomes available, please do not hesitate to contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or our School Resource Officer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..” 

Salberg said, “If any new information becomes available in this open investigation, I will provide an update.”

Alleged prowler busted with meth, second suspect not found

On Tuesday, Dec 10, at 4:12 a.m., LBPD officers responded to the 1600 block of Eleanor Lane for the report of a possible prowler.

Sgt Cota said, “As officers responded, they were told that the caller had seen a suspect trying the door handle of a parked car.”

A second suspect reportedly may have been involved. 

Sgt Cota said, “Officers detained Eureka resident Ryan Otero in the 300 block of Ledroit Lane. He was identified as the suspect in question.”

Ryan Daniel Otero, 28, was arrested for vehicle tampering, possession of methamphetamine, and being under the influence of a drug. 

No bail was set.

The second suspect was not located. 

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

Perry sues school board and district superintendent

By BARBARA DIAMOND

Attorneys for school board member Dee Perry filed a lawsuit Tuesday claiming she has been circumvented from properly representing her constituents and her civil rights violated.

The lawsuit names Laguna Beach Unified School District Superintendent Jason Viloria, board members Jan Vickers, Peggy Wolff, Carol Normandin, and James Kelly, and Does 1-50 as defendants and requests four judgments against them.

Perry is asking for a permanent injunction restraining the defendants from prohibiting her from speaking to constituents; from participating in board meetings, in open or closed session; from participating in district or school events and from obtaining information she requests as part of her job; and a mandate that she be notified of board events and issues to the same extent as the other board members.

The suit also asks the court to declare that the defendants have violated Perry’s civil rights and to award her legal expenses, attorney fees, costs, and any other relief the court deems reasonable and just.

Perry, who was first elected to the board in 2014 and re-elected in 2018, has been at odds with the defendants for more than a year. Some board meetings in 2019 have been rancorous, as Perry partisans vocally jousted with board members and Viloria.

The hostility became common knowledge when Viloria publicly disagreed with Perry’s investigation of audio and video equipment following a recording malfunction of the December 11, 2018 meeting.

It was at that meeting that Perry believes she ought to have been rotated in as board president after a year as board clerk, as recommended in the district bylaws. She was bypassed and the board voted to eliminate the bylaw.

In June, the board created a subcommittee to discuss confidential matters from which Perry was explicitly excluded. The board claimed she had breached confidentiality rules by revealing a message from the board’s attorney Mark Bresee.

When he said he would recuse himself from representing the district in court if a suit was filed, the district hired the powerhouse legal firm of Rutan & Tucker to defend against the threat of litigation by Perry. 

The 21-page lawsuit claims the board and administration retaliated by trying to prevent Perry from exercising her civil rights and full representation of the constituents who voted for her and in the equal participation in the proceedings and actions of the board.

Deputy Superintendent Leisa Winston emailed Stu News on Thursday in response to a request for comment that the district had not been served with the lawsuit and therefore could not issue any comment.

 “As is standard there is no comment on pending litigation,” stated Vickers by email.

Council to be updated on proposed Downtown Specific Plan

By BARBARA DIAMOND

The City Council on Tuesday will be updated on the prolonged revisions to the Downtown Specific Plan that determines the look and feel of the downtown as well as its development.

Revisions to the original plan were approved by the Council in 2012. Since then, about 30 Council and Planning Commission meetings have been held, not to mention a walking tour of the downtown, workshops, and interviews of stakeholders, business owners, and the participation of an ad hoc committee.

“We agree with 95 percent of the proposed plan – and the rest is fixable with some fairly minor adjustments,” said former Planning Commissioner Norm Grossman, a member of the ad hoc committee.

There have been rumblings of discontent with revisions to the parking component of the plan, which reduces the required number of spaces. The recently formed Political Action Committee Laguna Residents First has been particularly critical of the reduction.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

A view of Forest Ave downtown

The commission on November 19 recommended the council approve a final draft update with a list of proposed modifications and stipulations to be approved, including an amendment to the city’s local coastal program and city zoning ordinance. Staff is requesting the council to comment on the draft and also provide direction on 13 Planning Commission recommendations for possible inclusion in the plan.

Staff also asks to be directed to return to the council with the full revised draft, including the responses to the negative declaration in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and requests a first reading of the ordinance to consider approval of the proposed plan.

The plan is scheduled to return to the council at its January 21, 2020 meeting.

The proposed document is based on a plan adopted in 1989, the product completed in just four years from start to finish by a Citizens’ Advisory Committee charged to identify significant planning issues and to develop policies.

“There have been only two major modifications to the original plan and a few minor ones,” said Grossman.

The advisory committee included Grossman and former Planning Commissioner Becky Jones, both members of the ad hoc committee that participated in the revisions to be scrutinized by the council.

The full text of the staff report is available for review on the city’s website at www.lagunabeachcity.net.

December moon

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Photo by Scott Brashier

A pale moon, too low and alluring

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Photo by Scott Brashier

A tawny moon, a pink sky, the loveliness of sea birds

Barbara’s Column

Holidays are here again

By BARBARA DIAMOND

It’s beginning to look a lot like the winter holidays in Laguna Beach.

Painted palettes hang from lamp posts, once again proclaiming Laguna as unique. Tree trunks and storefronts are wrapped in lights. And Santa has come to town.

Jolly Old Saint Nick showed up December 6 for Hospitality Night riding in a Marine Safety Department Yellow 1972 Jeep after cruising North and South Coast Hwy on his way to the Peppertree Parking Lot for the tree lighting ceremony. He was followed through town by a fire engine carrying Mayor Bob Whalen and his two guests from the Boys and Girls Club. 

Folks waiting for Santa were entertained by the Top of the World and El Morro Elementary School choirs, the Thurston Middle School Band, and a Community Sing-Along.

With the conclusion of the ceremonial lighting of the pepper tree, Santa was escorted by Sande St. John to his house on the corner of Forest Ave and Glenneyre St, where he spent the evening listening to Christmas wishes. The evening also included a performance by the Community Concert Band from 6:15 to 7 p.m.

The city hosted arts and crafts booths and holiday card-writing to U.S. military personnel overseas in the lot until 8 p.m. Live music was performed on stage at the South Coast Hwy end of Forest Ave.

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Hospitality Night crowd enjoys music

Hospitality Night is a collaboration of the city and the Chamber of Commerce, under the direction of Executive Director Paula Hornbuckle-Arnold.

“I’ve gone every year as a resident, but it is different working on the event,” said Hornbuckle-Arnold. “There is a little more stress when you have to make sure your participation is flawless.”

Businesses stayed open until 10 p.m. to offer the community an opportunity to browse and to partake of Christmas cheer.

Jorg Dubin’s group entertained at Zinc Café.

Another reminder that Laguna celebrates the holidays like no other town is the Sawdust Festival’s Winter Fantasy.

The grounds are a winter wonderland that offer unique holiday shopping of gifts created, displayed, and sold by 180 artists. 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Winter Wonderland of fun and festivities

There is live holiday entertainment, outdoor cafes, art classes, demonstrations, a petting zoo, and another incarnation of Santa. The festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., December 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22. 

Music to our ears

LagunaTunes’ annual holiday concert will be performed Sunday, Dec 15 at the Artists’ Theatre on the Laguna Beach High School campus. 

The Arts Commission got a preview of “Christmas Letter” at its meeting on Monday.

Members of the chorus performed Rebecca Lyles’ parody of “Here We Come A-Caroling,” to thank the commission for funding. Sawdust exhibitor and LagunaTunes President Patti Jo Kiraly voiced the gratitude of the group, after which they left for a two-hour rehearsal of the upcoming concert.    

“It is bigger and better than ever this year,” said LagunaTunes member Diane Kloke. “It combines nostalgic carols with sacred and modern comic Christmas songs.”

The concert is free and suitable for all ages.

LagunaTunes, a no-audition chorus, welcomes singers of all training and experience levels. Some members read music, some do not, age levels cover a broad range, and all are united by a love of music. Emphasis is on fun, learning, improving performance skills, and the joy of group singing. 

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Photo by Scott Brashier

LagunaTunes presents a free holiday concert for the community on Sunday

Bob Gunn, popular director of Orange County’s MenAlive chorus and Laguna’s St. Mary’s choir, leads the 60-member chorus. 

The Festival of Arts Foundation, city lodging establishments, and the city also provide funding for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

For more information, visit www.lagunatuneschorus.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Toy drive

Laguna Beach Firefighters once again are conducting a toy drive. Toys can be dropped off from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. at any of the city’s four fire stations and at other locations identifiable by boxes with the Spark of Love logo.

The toys should be unwrapped and age appropriate from toddlers to teens. 

“We will be collecting through Christmas Eve, but the earlier, the better,” said Fire Chief Mike Garcia. 

Laguna Festival of Lights

Whether you spell it Hanukkah or Chanuka, it is an eight-day celebration that revolves around the kindling of a nine-branched candelabra, called a menorah, or hanukiah in Hebrew, according to Chabad Jewish Center of Laguna Beach. 

On each of the holiday’s eight nights, another candle is added to the menorah after sundown; the ninth candle, called the shamash (helper), is used to light the others. Menorahs are displayed prominently in windows to remind others of the miracle that inspired the holiday.

According to the Talmud, one of Judaism’s most central texts, Jews who took part in the rededication of the Second Temple after a successful rebellion witnessed what they believed to be a miracle. Even though there was only enough untainted olive oil to keep the menorah’s candles burning for a single day, the flames flickered for eight nights, leaving them time to find a fresh supply.

In honor of the miracle, traditional Hanukkah foods are fried in oil. Potato pancakes (known as latkes – yum) and jam-filled donuts are particularly popular.

 Hanukkah customs include playing with four-sided spinning tops called dreidels and exchanging gifts.

Gifts are not required, but in some families children are given presents, “gelt” (money), or chocolates wrapped in gold foil to resemble coins. 

There are no restrictions on working, attending school, or other activities.

Upcoming events to celebrate Hanukkah in Laguna include a JUDA Olive Press Workshop at the center at 30804 Pacific Coast Hwy. Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. on December 17 or 19 Kislev, 5780 on the Jewish calendar.

There will be dreidels and latkes. Take an unwrapped gift to be donated to needy families and the Laguna Resource Center. 

The great Chanukah Gelt Drop is set for 2 p.m. on December 22 on the Main Beach Cobblestones. 

Collect as much chocolate gelt as you can while Laguna Beach firefighters shower participants from high above on their engine ladders. There will also be music and dancing, latkes, crafts, face painting, and lighting of the Way Cool Surfboard Menorah!

For more information, call Rabbi Elimelech Goorevitch or Perel Goorevitch (programming) at (949) 499-0770 or visit www.chabadofLaguna.com.  

 A menorah also will be lit at the Hive in Laguna Canyon. The celebration will begin at 4 p.m. on December 22. Expect latkes, dreidels, and “gelt” for the kids. 

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.

Obituary

Joyce Mary Lewis 

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Joyce Mary Lewis

Joyce Mary Lewis of Laguna Beach, age 88, passed on December 7, 2019 at Silverado Newport Mesa Community.

Joyce attended UCLA and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from UCI many years later while working as a full time homemaker. While she did not serve in the military herself, her two husbands did.

Joyce was a full time homemaker who loved art, theater, the beach, and family. Equipped with talents in both mathematics and art, she enjoyed discussing technical matters of engineering and math while appreciating fine art in museums and theater.

Joyce is now at peace, having joined her mother and father, her two husbands, her sister, and other relatives who now welcome her to eternal life. She is survived by her son Mark Lewis, daughter-in-law Melanie Lewis, grandson Brandon Lewis, granddaughter Alexandra Lewis, daughter Christine, and brother Bill Krelle.

Funeral services to celebrate Joyce’s life will be held on December 21 at 10 a.m. at Pacific View cemetery.

The wonder of Winter Fantasy

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

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Enter the world of Sawdust’s Winter Wonderland

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Santa’s Helper, Mary Hurlbut

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Does it snow in Arizona?

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Even marionettes love the holidays, come enjoy the shows 

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Two weekends left to see Santa: December 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22

Southern California Edison to perform aerial drone inspections starting Dec 16

Southern California Edison (SCE) will be inspecting utility poles by aerial drones during the next week. Inspections are expected to start on Monday, Dec 16 and be completed in approximately five days. 

The drone inspections are being conducted by Birds Eye Aerial Drones. The drone operators will park their marked vehicles and launch their drones from legal parking spaces in various neighborhoods. 

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Submitted photo

Ariel drones to inspect utility poles in Laguna Beach 

The unmanned aerial drones will circle the top of selected poles taking high resolution photos from multiple positions above the pole. The drones will spend less than a minute at each pole before continuing on to the next pole. 

Inspections will begin in the North Laguna Beach area, then to the central area of Laguna Beach, and finish up in the Top of the World area and the area northerly of Irvine Cove. The above map shows the general locations and days of the inspections. 

Please contact John Cooper of Birds Eye Aerial Drones, LLC with any questions or concerns at (619) 540-3407 or by email at 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..

Word & Image in Dialogue exhibition at LAM features local artists and writers

Laguna Art Museum and Laguna Beach Literary Laureate Lojo Simon announce the opening of a special exhibition at the museum called Word & Image in Dialogue, featuring works of art and literature created by local artists and writers. 

The exhibition will open January 18 and run for eight days, with a free public reception at the museum at 6 p.m. on January 23, during which participating writers and artists will speak about their work.

“I initiated the Word & Image in Dialogue project as a way to raise the profile of literary arts in Laguna Beach by piggybacking on the city’s long and esteemed history as a haven for visual arts,” said Simon. “What better way to do that than in partnership with Laguna Art Museum?”

“We treasure the idea of the museum being a cultural center where other forms of art like music, dance, and now also literature of the highest quality can be enjoyed in addition to visual art,” said Laguna Art Museum Executive Director Malcolm Warner. “It has been a pleasure to collaborate with a highly talented and professional author like Lojo.”

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Submitted photo

Jorg Dubin’s painting “Hangover House” is inspired by the letters of Richard Halliburton, written in 1937 when the travel writer built his iconic Laguna Beach home

Over the last year, six artists created paintings and sculpture inspired by literary works about Laguna Beach or written by authors with ties to Laguna Beach, such as Richard Halliburton, Michael Chabon, and Tennessee Williams. The artists are Deborah Davidson, Jorg Dubin, Jacques Garnier, Jesse Colin Jackson, Elizabeth McGhee, and Sandra Jones Campbell.

Seven writers chose artworks that are part of the museum’s permanent collection as inspiration for new literary works, including poems, flash fiction, memoir, and writing for the stage. The writers are Kate Buckley, Grant Hier, Randy Kraft, Gordon McAlpine, Aline Ohanesian, Genevieve Scott, and Simon. Art historian Peter Clothier wrote the introductory essay for the exhibition catalog.

All works will be presented at the opening reception, coordinated by museum Education Director Marinta Skupin, at which the artists and writers also will speak about their creative process. To register for the January 23 event online, click here. 

The Literary Laureate position is funded by the city, with selection by the Arts Commission. Simon began her two-year tenure in June 2018. Word & Image in Dialogue is co-sponsored by Firebrand Media.

Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Dr.

Where’s Maggi?

Maggi thinks this will be easy peasy, but she just can’t resist. Isn’t our lady here festive for the holidays? If you know where it is, 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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Dennis’ Tidbits

By DENNIS McTIGHE 

December 13, 2019

Not wishing for a white Christmas

Tuesday’s Catalina sunset was nothing short of spectacular, and it was the earliest sunset of the year at 4:43 p.m. The sun is nearly at its southernmost point of the year. If you use Thalia Street as a vantage point, the sun will set on the water just to the left of the southernmost end of Catalina from about December 16th through about the 26th or so before it slowly creeps to the north, once again setting over the island. The sun will clear the northernmost point of Catalina on about March 8th or so. Here on Wednesday, it was a beautiful mild day with sunshine mixed with high cirroform clouds.

The poor folks on the East Coast just can’t buy a nice weekend to save their lives. This includes all of the Atlantic Seaboard, the Northeast, and New England. Since May 1st of 2018 through the upcoming weekend, there have been only about a dozen or so decent weekends. That’s 12 out of 82 weekends free of some kind of atmospheric drama. That’s why we live here!

Once again the polar vortex is paying the Central U.S. a visit with wind chill factor readings as low as 37 below zero in places like Fargo and International Falls, Minnesota. This latest blast will reach as far south as the Gulf Coast States in a couple of days, sparing only Southern Florida where it will be near 80 in Miami for the whole deal.

There’s a lot of frigid wind associated with this outbreak thanks to a 30.80 high in Central Canada and a deep low over Missouri, so the pressure gradient is very strong, and of course there’s all that friggin’ snow with blizzard conditions. Heck, it’s not even officially winter yet. You couldn’t pay me enough to live there, much less even visit the place for one hour. I’m way too old and tired for those kinds of condition.

All I want for Christmas is a six-foot wave! I swear, 2019 has been the flattest year by far that I’ve ever seen and I’ve been keeping track of this stuff for over 61 years. There was a little action early on in January and February but even that was accompanied by lots of rain and stormy conditions. The spring was nothing to write home about and the summer was once again a fraud. Same deal with this fall. 

I’ve never seen such a long stretch that was pretty much devoid of sizeable swell activity from any direction. The Southern Hemisphere, which is normally responsible for at least 60 percent of our south swell action, barely coughed up anything, and there were only two minimal Baja pulses all season. The storms were there, but they just moved unfavorably to produce anything noteworthy. North Pacific swell action has been pretty much non-productive as those big lows are also moving in the wrong direction to fling a significant swell our way. Let’s hope for a better 2020! 

Have a great weekend, ALOHA!

Sunset surfing 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Time for one more wave before the sun goes down

Laguna’s Dr. Rick Capaldi publishes book addressing parenting in today’s world

By DIANNE RUSSELL

Forty-year Laguna Beach resident Dr. Rick Capaldi, co-founder and president of Outreach Concern, Inc, a nonprofit, school-based counseling agency, recently released his new book 21st Century Parenting, A Guide to Raising Emotionally Resilient Children in an Unstable World.

Dr. Capaldi has been a practicing family therapist for 40 years, specializing in children, adolescents, and families, focused on childhood disorders, parenting, and learning disabilities. He is a former adjunct Professor in Pepperdine University’s graduate MFT counseling program and an instructor of psychology and sociology at Saddleback and Irvine Valley Community Colleges.

It appears that Outreach Concern, Inc – which services schools throughout Southern California – is one of the area’s best kept secrets, even though it is one of the largest school-based counseling agencies in the US. Founded over 25 years ago, they provide counseling and support services on a confidential, one-on-one basis to help elementary, middle, and high school students overcome obstacles that impact classroom performance. This is accomplished by eliminating barriers to learning and meeting the various mental health, behavior, social, and emotional needs children often present in school. 

Based on track record, not just theory

As a result, Dr. Capaldi’s new book provides parents with a guide to raising their kids to become sturdy, independent adults. The methods in the book are based on a 10-year study conducted from 2009 through 2019 that demonstrated an overall 87 percent improvement in these critical areas.

“Whether trauma, loss, or a family situation, the issues students bring into the classroom are increasing every day and are overwhelming. Today, they are on social media five to eight hours a day, and that has proven to be a big influence,” says Dr. Capaldi.

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Courtesy of Outreach Concerns.com

Dr. Rick Capaldi

More than a third of today’s students in grades K through 12 face issues that can adversely affect their ability to learn. Problems such as child abuse, sexual abuse, drugs, bullying, and parent/child conflict often manifest as classroom disruptions, poor attention, low grades, and even self-destructive behavior. 

On-campus counselors from Outreach Concerns can make the difference between passing and failing and between a rewarding or distressing experience in school. Additional services such as a 24-hour Crisis Hotline posted around campus allow students to reach out for help any hour of the day or night.

Dr. Capaldi says, “We have helped thousands of students achieve academic success, behavioral stability, and emotional and social well-being. We have served in excess of 990 schools by partnering with educators, parents, and students with a focus on eliminating barriers to learning. We have helped over 500,000 students improve their performance by supporting their social and emotional development which leads to the pursuit and achievement of their present and future goals.”

Behavior Performance Management 

Published in August of 2019 by Central Recovery Press, 21st Century Parenting gives a new twist on the original three Rs – Reading, ‘Riting, and ‘Rithmetic. Parents learn how to steer their children toward emotional stability and success using the new three Rs – Reading, Regulating, and Redirecting – reading their child’s environment, regulating their child’s emotional temperature, and redirecting their child’s behavior. 

The methods in the book are supported by Outreach Concern’s (10-year) Student Performance Accountability Study incorporating over 35,000 students, demonstrating an 87 percent success rate in eliminating behaviors that impact a child’s health, safety, and performance. Based on these results, Behavior Performance Management is the most successful school-based treatment model of its kind in the country. 

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Courtesy of Outreach Concerns

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and outreachconcerns.org

The methods are concrete. “We have a proven track record of making a significant difference in the lives of students and their families for more than 25 years. The model we have developed is all about results,” Dr. Capaldi emphasizes.

According to descriptions, “Performance Management™ intervention tool has helped guide successful counseling and support services with over 500,000 children, adolescents, and families in over 894 elementary, middle, and high schools in Southern California. The book is full of real world examples and sound advice, this is a must read for any parent in today’s complex world.”

The beginning

Dr. Capaldi says, “In 1993, we took over an existing organization, and we wanted to start a counseling program in schools that was cost effective. We started with private schools, 12 of them in 14 communities, then midway through started focusing on public schools. We now are in public schools throughout Southern California, such as Yorba Linda, Placentia, and Huntington Beach. Now it’s about 50 percent private and 50 percent public schools. In the beginning we were knocking on doors, now the schools come to us.”

Outreach Concern is different than other nonprofits. Dr. Capaldi says, “Instead of relying on support of donations, we have developed a low cost model. We didn’t want to be economy driven. We wanted to take a different approach. Eighty-seven percent of our income is from schools, and a small amount is from foundations. We’re not grant dependent.”

Although Dr. Capaldi provides clear direction and support in all segments of a child’s life, through his new book, 21st Century Parenting, A Guide to Raising Emotionally Resilient Children in an Unstable World, he hopes to reach the most important influence in a child’s life – parents – to help guide their children in today’s world.

For more information about Outreach Concerns, go to www.outreachconcerns.org.

For more information about Dr. Capaldi, go to www.capaldiandassociates.com.

Guest Column

One single heartbeat to remember

By Dr. Vidya Reddy

Hello, this week I welcome you to heartbeat therapy corner with Dr. Vidya.

As we near the end of the year, I thought it’s the perfect time to really understand the meaning of one heartbeat. 

I noticed that a customer at our shop had an unusual tattoo on her forearm. “What is that tattoo?” I asked Claire. She smiled. “It’s a copy of the EKG of my grandmother’s last heartbeat.”

Suddenly the scenes from the shop faded to background. I wanted to hear more. 

“I loved my grandma very much, and I was with her in the hospital at her last moment,” Claire went on. “As a memory of our connection, I asked the nurse for a printout of her EKG and I had it turned into a tattoo. Whenever I look at it, it reminds me of her and I feel close to her.”

As I drove home, I couldn’t get the image out of my mind. It jogged me to consider the value of one heartbeat. Our heart beats about 100,000 times per day and 34 million times in a year. We generally go about our business taking our heartbeats for granted. Yet I’m sure that as Claire sat with her grandma on the threshold of her passing, she and her family would have given anything for those heartbeats to go on. In that moment, one heartbeat meant everything.

I created the Naturally Happy podcast as tool to help as a reflection exercise and for building spirit muscle. Please listen to it at https://naturally-happy.com/podcast/. Use the podcast guide to find episodes to create some catharsis in your life.

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Photo by Johnny Antezana

Dr. Vidya Reddy

One day all of our hearts will stop beating, but while they still pulse, we would do well to count them all as precious. Every heartbeat represents God’s intention that you have a purpose in the world and a reason to be alive. Many of us believe we are here to achieve a notable act or make lots of money, but our real mission is based on the quality of our relationships. At the end of our life, it is not our time in the office we will remember, but the meaningful moments with our family and loved ones. Let’s not wait until our dear ones are gone or almost gone to honor and celebrate them, especially during the holiday season. Let’s tell them, “I love you,” and do things to demonstrate that love while they are with us. 

You might believe that there are things you have to do that are necessarily boring or annoying, and you just have to put up with them and wait until you have some free time to enjoy yourself. Yet if your intention is to live fully, you can turn any situation into a platform for aliveness through connection.

During a shuttle bus ride from an airport to a rental car outlet, I found the van driver to be delightful. This woman was super welcoming, upbeat, and helpful. She joked with the customers and made the ride a pleasure rather than drudgery. I was so moved by the driver that I sent her manager an email complimenting her. The next time I arrived at that airport I encountered the same driver, and I told her I had sent a positive note on her behalf. Hearing that, she lit up and told me she had printed out that email, framed it, and hung it on the wall of her home. The email took me but a few minutes to write, but its effect extended far beyond words. 

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Photo by Pieter Baetens

Make the most of interpersonal connections

One of the greatest lessons from my spiritual master, while I was in India, what when he told us that the quickest route to enlightenment is to make the most of our interpersonal connections. While being with people can be annoying, it can also be exhilarating and healing. A Jewish friend of mine went to the airport to pick up a revered rabbi who was giving a presentation at the local synagogue. As the two were driving toward the exit of the airport parking lot, the driver was trying to decide whether to go through an automatic toll payment lane or a lane staffed by a person. The rabbi told my friend, “Let’s go through the lane with a person. The Creator gave us each other as gifts to enhance our lives, and we must never miss the opportunity to connect.” 

The next time Claire came to our shop, I asked her how she liked her job. “It’s pretty good,” she answered, “but sometimes I get bored.” 

“Is there any way your job could be more exciting?” I asked. 

She thought for a moment. “Not that I can think of. It just is what it is.” 

I told her that I was really impressed by her story about her tattoo, and I wanted to write an article about it, hopefully to inspire others to value their meaningful relationships. I asked her if I could use her story for that purpose.

“Now that would be exciting!” she replied.

When we do things meaningful to us, we set into motion a ripple of positive events that moves everyone it touches. Claire’s grandmother loved her immensely, which stimulated Claire to get the tattoo as a memento. I was touched by seeing the tattoo and inspired to write about it. The idea of the article uplifted Claire and suddenly her job became exciting. Perhaps you reading this will inspire you to value your relationships and express your love to someone or take a mundane situation and lift it to soul reward. 

My spiritual told us that when you do an act of kindness, it may go on to touch thousands of people you never even meet. Behold the value of one heartbeat. 

In Peace, Love and Gratitude. 

‘Til next time. 

Dr.Vidya Reddy, ND, AMS, DAC, CLC 

www.Naturally-Happy.com

Hot Cocoa and Holiday Storytime with Cops returns to Laguna Beach Library on Dec 19

Laguna Beach Library is again hosting Hot Cocoa and Holiday Storytime with Cops on Thursday, Dec 19 at 4:30 p.m. Participants, young and old, will enjoy seasonal stories while hanging out with the fine officers of LBPD. All ages are welcome.

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Last year’s participants at Holiday Storytime 

As an extra added holiday treat, Laguna Beach Police officers will bring two special surprise guests. Who could they be? Holiday Storytime with Cops is becoming a traditional event at the library. Don’t miss this! LBPD Community Service Officer Natasha Hernandez coordinates this gathering for optimum fun. 

For more information, contact Niloo Shiraz at (949) 497-1733.

The library is located at 353 Glenneyre St.

Community invited to Holidays at the Hive on Sunday

Join together for Holidays at the Hive, a community-wide holiday event, on Sunday, Dec 15. Come spread the holiday cheer with the familiar faces of the Hive plus a pop-up marketplace featuring unique vendors for all your gifting needs this season. Enjoy a real snow sledding hill, live music, and libations from the colony at the Hive! 

The Hive will be buzzing from 12 to 5 p.m.

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Bring the family for a real snow sledding hill at the Hive on Sunday

Pop-up vendors include: Mago Hot Sauce, Wilding Works, Ali Rybczyk Art, Momeh Boutique, Honey Girl Grows, Raptor Jewelry, Terramar Collection, Sunari Lifestyle, Blessed Booch, Kungfu Tonic, Laguna Love, Merritt Charles, Lumion Skin, and more to come.

Participating nonprofits include Help Heal Vets, KX 93.5, and Laguna Food Pantry 

Offsite parking, trolley, and ride share are encouraged.

For more information, visit www.holidaysatthehive.com/.

Girl Scouts sing holiday carols from trolleys tonight

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Watch and listen tonight, Friday, Dec 13 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. as the Laguna Beach Girl Scouts sing holiday carols from open-sided trolleys driven by Santa Claus. Hundreds of local Girl Scouts will be boarding trolleys to sing throughout the streets of downtown Laguna. Please stop and listen if you see them or get with the spirit and join in!

Holiday Sing-Along at South Laguna Community Garden celebrates 10 years on Dec 21

At the 10th anniversary of the South Laguna Community Garden Park’s Holiday Sing-Along, members of the Laguna Beach Ukulele Academy from the Susi Q will bring their ukes to strum along with anyone who’d like to join in.

This family-fun event will be held on Sunday, Dec 21, from 2 to 4 p. m. at the corner of S Coast Hwy and Eagle Rock Way.

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Family fun at previous Sing-Along, Tom Joliet in background

Holiday Sing-Along started 10 years ago with new garden members Tony Bisson and Tom Joliet leading the caroling at the Garden Park. Joliet says, “Using binders with lyrics and guitar chords, folks gathered to join in song and share festive potluck treats. Michelle Haynes played her flute while children chimed in with reindeer bells wearing holiday hats.”

Participants are asked to bring along their voices and instruments, as well as treats to share with other attendees. Beverages will be served compliments of the Garden Committee.

Be part of the ongoing tradition and join the group to celebrate the holidays with song.

How many visitors Santa had on Hospitality Night

On Tuesday, Mrs. Claus asked the community to guess how many children, parents, grandparents, and merchants came into see Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Beach Shack on Hospitality Night. 

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Mrs. Claus reports, “The number is 485 people came through to visit Mr. & Mrs. Claus. We love our Beach Shack and the Laguna people. We have been averaging about 100 a day since the first night.”

Aging in place program “Lifelong Laguna” calls for volunteers

On December 10, 12, and 18, Laguna Beach Seniors, Inc. will host Lifelong Laguna volunteer orientations for residents interested in getting involved with Laguna’s aging in place program. 

Lifelong Laguna is offered by Laguna Beach Seniors, Inc. to help provide support for senior residents in Laguna Beach. 

Launched community wide in January 2018, Lifelong Laguna has enrolled 100 seniors; Lifelong Laguna volunteers create a support network for residents who are isolated, lonely, or want an extra hand to complete a task around the house. Volunteers from all backgrounds are encouraged to join the team.

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Lifelong Laguna volunteers and members attend Quarterly Socials for good cheer and fun

Volunteer orientations are an opportunity to learn more about Lifelong Laguna and how volunteers make a difference in seniors’ lives. January 2020 volunteer trainings will follow. 

Volunteer Tracy Lineback shares, “I got involved with Lifelong Laguna to give back to our community, and what I have found is a new set of dear friends.” Lifelong Laguna is led by John Fay, MSG. Volunteers are provided professional support to customize an aging in place plan around each senior in the program.

The following volunteer orientations will be held at the Susi Q:

--Tuesday, Dec 10 from 10 - 11 a.m.

--Thursday, Dec 12 from 10 - 11 a.m.

--Wednesday, Dec 18 from 1 - 2 p.m.

To RSVP for an upcoming Lifelong Laguna volunteer orientation, contact John Fay at (949) 715-8107 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Visit www.thesusiq.org/lifelong-laguna.html for more information. 

The Susi Q is located at 380 Third St.

A light in the dark 

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Photo by Scott Brashier

A glowing beam in the turmoil of sea and sky

“Runway to Success” fashion show draws sell-out crowd and scholarship money

On Sunday, Nov 10, AAUW- LB (American Association of University Women-Laguna Beach Branch) held a phenomenally successful first-time fashion and trunk show fundraiser for college women in need.   

Titled “Runway to Success” for its focus on raising money for women returning to college to pursue Associate and undergraduate degrees at local colleges – Orange Coast College, Saddleback College, UC Irvine, and Laguna College of Art + Design – the event turned out to be a runaway success. 

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Heshmat Shirazi (third from right), the owner of Just Looking Boutique, generously donated 100 percent of her profits to Laguna’s branch

AAUW Laguna Beach Branch members and friends transformed the Woman’s Club into a gorgeous, flower-filled, yellow, black, and white joyful fashion show venue, with seating for 150, racks of designer clothing available for purchase, provided by local boutique Just Looking, and unique jewelry by local jewelers Phyllis Clark and Marieken Penneman. 

The ocean view from the back patio complimented the bar and lush Persian buffet, while the kitchen served as staging area for eight volunteer models who modelled 32 different outfits. Doors opened at 3 p.m. to a sell-out crowd.

In addition to the money raised by clothing purchases, in the Raise the Paddle portion of the show attendees were asked to directly donate to scholarships. Their generosity was overwhelming after hearing moving presentations from two 2019 scholarship recipients, Nona majoring in Environmental Science at UCI and Megan, a transfer student from OCC, now majoring in Communications at CSU Long Beach Major. 

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Audrey Seymour, her Cousin Jenna, and mother Sharon

There wasn’t a dry eye as Megan told of periods of homelessness, of the three jobs she still needs, in addition to financial aid, to support her two children and pay rent and put food on the table while she completes her undergraduate education. 

Nona and Megan inspired everyone with their determination, grit, and courage in the face of daunting odds and the expensive reality of living and attending college in Orange County. 

Particular thanks go to Heshmat Shirazi, owner of Just Looking and clothing sponsor, who donated 100 percent of her profits on clothing and jewelry to the scholarship fund. 

Through her generosity, along with the generosity of attendees, “Runway to Success” raised over $25,000 for the AAUW Laguna Beach Foundation, to support scholarships for deserving women returning to college. It was indeed a Runway to Success.

LAM presents Film Night featuring Pee-Wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special on Dec 19

On Thursday, Dec 19 at 6 p.m., Laguna Art Museum will screen Pee-Wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special, the star-studded holiday extravaganza with Christmas cards, carols…and Charo. 

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Pee-Wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special will screen at LAM on Dec 19 

Based on the Saturday morning television program and amid an avalanche of stars, Pee-wee straps on his ice skates and glides into the holiday season.

Film Night is Included with museum admission. Advance tickets are recommended.

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

Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Dr.

OCDA receives $1.47 million in grants to combat driving under the influence

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) is proud to announce that it has been chosen by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to continue serving as the statewide traffic safety training agency in an ongoing effort to combat drugged and drunk driving across California.

OTS has awarded the OCDA two grants totaling $1.47 million in order to fund the office’s Alcohol and Drug Impaired Driver Vertical Prosecution Program, which dedicates eight prosecutors to prosecuting drugged and drunk driving cases, as well as continue the California Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Training Network, which trains California law enforcement and prosecutors on how to effectively prosecute driving under the influence cases.

Unfortunately, the number of drug-impaired driving cases investigated and prosecuted across California has increased in the wake of the state’s 2016 decriminalization of marijuana.

“I have committed my public safety career to stopping drunk and drugged driving,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. 

“The unnecessary loss of life is why I, as a member of the State Assembly, authored the Steve Ambriz Act to require every Californian who wants a driver’s license to sign a form that states he or she has been advised that being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or both, impairs the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, and if they do so anyway and someone is killed, they can be charged with murder. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has taken the statewide lead in providing police officers and prosecutors with cutting edge training to hold drugged and drunk drivers accountable and make California streets safer.”

OCDA was awarded $754,563 for the Alcohol and Drug Impaired Driver Vertical Prosecution Program and $722,513 for the California Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Training Network.

In 2011, OCDA developed a multi-agency collaborative driving under the influence of drugs prosecution, investigation, and toxicology model, which has served as the innovative foundation to develop a statewide program.

In October 2016, OCDA expanded its traffic safety training role to the Southern California region, serving as the lead agency in prosecution and law enforcement training. This includes the delivery of live trainings, roundtables, training videos, and legal updates. 

In 2017, OCDA began to develop a statewide training program through its administration of the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) Training Network. 

As part of this process, OCDA has begun to align law enforcement and prosecution agencies throughout the state to create a massive statewide training, resource, and education network. 

This responsibility offers agencies throughout the state the opportunity to share expertise in the area of traffic safety as the OCDA works in partnership to proactively investigate and prosecute traffic related crimes, increasing public safety in all jurisdictions throughout California.

During the 2019 grant year, our TSRP team conducted more than 50 trainings to prosecutors, peace officers, toxicologists, community members, and policymakers about the dangers, investigation, and prosecution of driving under the influence of drugs. 

As part of these OTS grants, OCDA maintains eight vertical DUI-Drug prosecutors assigned throughout Orange County. These deputy district attorneys review, file, and prosecute nearly all drug-impaired driving cases filed in Orange County.

Collectively in the 2019 grant year, OCDA prosecutors filed charges on more than 1,000 Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID) and combination cases submitted by police agencies and secured more than 400 convictions in DUID and combination cases.

This year, the eight prosecutors assigned to the program are Deputy District Attorneys Matthew Bradbury and Jessica Le of Central Justice Center, Alex Brown and Andrea Schug of West Justice Center, Charles Henninger and Katheryn Fernandez of Harbor Justice Center, and Ben Atienza and Christina Cornejo of North Justice Center.

The Alcohol and Drug Impaired Driver Vertical Prosecution Program grant is overseen by Assistant District Attorneys Suzie Price and Brock Zimmon. The TSRP Training Network grant is under the supervision of Senior Assistant District Attorney Keith Bogardus and Assistant District Attorney Brock Zimmon. The TSRP team consists of Deputy District Attorneys Hoon Chang and Dalia Wahab and OCDA Investigator Eric Franke.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Reaching for the sky

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Photo by Jean Brotherton

Poker plants in Heisler Park – Kniphofia, also called tritoma, red hot poker, torch lily, knofflers, or poker plant, is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Asphodelaceae, first described as a genus in 1794. It is native to Africa.

Laguna Beach Books announces book drive

Laguna Beach Books and Young Company are sponsoring a book drive through December 21. Gently used children’s picture books can be dropped off at Laguna Beach Books. 

Donate a book or check in on Facebook at the bookstore and enter to win a raffle for a $50 gift card to Laguna Beach Books. Don’t have any books to donate? Laguna Beach Books staff can recommend books to be purchased for the book drive. 

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Laguna Beach Books is hosting a book drive through Dec 21

Books will be donated to Orange County United Way’s Early Literacy program. 

Laguna Beach Books is an independent bookstore in Laguna Beach. The store strives to create a community-enriching environment with a superb selection of books for adults and children, exciting author events and readings, and friendly, knowledgeable staff. 

For more information, visit www.lagunabeachbooks.com. 

Laguna Beach Books is located at 1200 South Coast Hwy.

LAGUNA PALOOZA auditions open at No Square Theatre

Attention all future Lagunatics performers-in-training! No Square Theatre has announced auditions for LAGUNA PALOOZA, the show you might know as LagunaTots. Singers, dancers, and actors in grades 1-8 are invited to try out. 

LAGUNA PALOOZA is directed by Ella Wyatt, with music direction by Susan Geiser. The original logo is by Laguna Beach High School freshman Lila Goldstein.

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Logo by Lila Goldstein

Auditions are open for LAGUNA PALOOZA, which replaces LagunaTots

The junior version of No Square’s annual parody musical, Lagunatics, LAGUNA PALOOZA pokes fun at the issues and ironies that plague youngsters. School! Siblings! Pop culture! It’s not easy being a kid these days.

Auditions for LAGUNA PALOOZA are by appointment only. Performances will be held on March 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22. 

For full information on how to prepare for an audition, visit www.nosquare.org/casting. You will find detailed information about auditions, required forms, and how to reserve an audition time. For the best audition, make an appointment and arrive prepared.

No Square Theatre is located in Historic Legion Hall, 384 Legion St, two blocks south of the high school.

Laguna Beach Chamber Singers present winter concert on Dec 14 and 15

The Laguna Beach Chamber Singers presents a contemporary take on Lessons & Carols in the group’s winter concert this weekend. Following the tradition established at King’s College in Cambridge over 100 years ago, LBCS will offer a modern musical retelling of the Christmas Story with selections spanning the 16th to the 21st century. 

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Listen to the lovely sounds of the Laguna Beach Chamber Singers this weekend

Presenting works from Taverner, Howells, Vaughan Williams, and Victoria, this performance promises to offer a present-day feel to a long-lasting tradition.

Two concerts will be presented on Saturday, Dec14 at 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec 15 at 4 p.m. Saturday’s concert is at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 428 Park Ave, Laguna Beach; Sunday’s concert is at St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 3233 Pacific View Dr, Corona del Mar.

Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for seniors, and $10 for students if purchased online at www.lbchambersingers.org/concerts. Tickets will also be available at the door for $20 for general admission or $15 for seniors and students.

The color of distant dreams 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

“The redness had seeped from the day and night was arranging herself around us. Cooling things down, staining and dyeing the evening purple and blue black.” ―Sue Monk Kidd, “The Secret Life of Bees”

LOCA’s Art and Sea Lions class offers unique holiday gift

Those seeking gifts for animal lovers might consider booking an Art and Sea Lions experience. The family-friendly event is presented by LOCA Arts Education at Pacific Marine Mammal Center on Saturday, Jan 4, from 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

The activity includes a docent-led viewing of live sea lions, a presentation on how they are rescued, and a printmaking class with Allison Keefe. Participants will learn to engrave, ink, and press their own print of a sea lion.

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View sea lions and make art on Jan 4 with LOCA 

The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for children with a paid adult. Free on-site parking is included.

Advance registration is required at www.locaarts.org or call (949) 363-4700.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center is located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Rd, one block north of the Dog Park.

City Manager’s Updates

Downtown Specific Plan Update – The City of Laguna Beach will continue its efforts on the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) update on Tuesday, Dec 17 during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall (505 Forest Ave). An agenda bill is available and posted on the City’s website.

The City Council will receive an overview of the draft document. The draft document has been prepared as a result of a multi-year process, which included several public outreach workshops and events, downtown business owner meetings, stakeholder interviews, and approximately 30 City Council and Planning Commission meetings thus far. 

It identifies the goals and establishes specific policies, guidelines, and standards to support an overall vision for the future of the downtown. 

For more information or to view a copy of the Final Draft Downtown Specific Plan, click here or contact Wendy Jung, Senior Planner, at (949) 497-0321 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Community Pool Closure – The High School and Community Pool will be closed for annual maintenance December 16 - January 5, 2020.

 For a list of other pools in the area, visit www.lagunabeachcity.net/pool, or for more information, contact Tierney Doran, Aquatics Coordinator, at (949) 497-0788 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Southern California Edison Aerial Drone Inspections – Southern California Edison will be inspecting utility poles by aerial drones during the next week. Inspections are expected to start on Monday, Dec 16, and be completed in approximately five days. The drone inspections are being conducted by Birds Eye Aerial Drones. 

The drone operators will park their marked vehicles and launch their drones from legal parking spaces in various neighborhoods. The unmanned aerial drones will circle the top of selected poles taking high resolution photos from multiple positions above the pole. The drones will spend less than a minute at each pole before continuing on to the next pole. 

Inspections will begin in the North Laguna Beach area, then to the central area of Laguna Beach, and finish up in the Top of the World area and the area northerly of Irvine Cove. 

Contact John Cooper of Birds Eye Aerial Drones, LLC with any questions or concerns at (619) 540 3407, 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.. 

Meet the New City of Laguna Beach Arborist – The City of Laguna Beach invites you to come and meet the City’s new Arborist, Nate Faris, on Thursday, Dec 18, at 3:30 p.m. at the Community and Susi Q Center Community Room. 

Nate is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist with over 15 years of experience creating and leading tree-planting programs at nonprofit organizations, both in Indiana and Florida.  He also has nine years of experience running his own tree consulting company.

Cross Country Championships – Representing the City of Laguna Beach Cross Country Team, Laguna Beach athletes, led by Coach Fred Pichay, competed at the Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation (SCMAF) Cross Country Championships at Arcadia Park. Despite the muddy conditions, the athletes did amazing and all the athletes medaled in their age group. From left to right in the photo below: Theodore Drews, Maesen Silva, Stella McKinzie, Coach Fred Pichay, Luna Murphy, Sienna Herman, and Jasper Ramsey. 

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The City’s Cross-Country Team competed at championships 

For questions, call Alexis Braun, Senior Recreation Supervisor, at (949) 497-0762.

Alta Laguna Field Maintenance and Closures – Alta Laguna Field will be closed for annual maintenance and turf renovations December 9 - January 6, 2020.

For questions, call Alexis Braun, Senior Recreation Supervisor, at (949) 497-0762.

Register for Emergency Alerts – Go to www.alertoc.com to register your cell phone numbers, text numbers, and email addresses into the mass notification system. It is recommended that you register your work and home addresses separately to ensure you receive proper notifications for each location. AlertOC is a critical link for residents and businesses to immediately learn of any required actions in an emergency. 

You should also register for Laguna Beach’s Nixle Community Alert system for local traffic related information, community events, as well as urgent safety messages in the City. To sign up, simply text 92651 to 888-777.

Evacuation Time Study Survey – In July, the Laguna Beach City Council unanimously approved a Fire Mitigation and Safety Subcommittee Report and approved moving forward with its recommended action items. One of these recommendations was to conduct a comprehensive evacuation time estimate study. The City invites the public to take an online survey that will help capture specific information from our community needed for the study. 

You can find the survey at www.lagunabeachsurvey.kid.engineering. 

Did You Know? Laguna Beach Has a Christmas Cove – “Christmas Cove” is the northernmost beach that is easily accessible from the Montage Laguna Beach (by way of the ramp at the end of the resort’s park area). Goff Cove is just off to the left at the bottom of the ramp. The beach is a mix between sand bottom and rocky reef. The surf can become large depending on how the sand has shifted and the direction of the swell with rip currents forming at the south end of the beach. As always, the taking or collecting of rocks, shells, or marine life from any beach is prohibited.

Police Beat Primer

Compiled by Suzie Harrison

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

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

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