Laguna Beach council candidates debate development, tourism, fire safety at Village Laguna forum
By CLARA BEARD
Photos by Mary Hurlbut
Laguna Beach City Council candidates weighed in on downtown development, historic preservation, tourism, affordable housing, fire safety and other issues during a Village Laguna candidate forum Monday (Aug. 31).
The forum brought together nine candidates: Nick Aronoff, Joy Berry, Karen Martin, Edward Bayuk, Laura Parisi, Ashley Cintas and incumbents Mark Orgill, Sue Kempf and Alex Rounaghi. With nine candidates and roughly two hours, organizers skipped opening statements and generally limited responses to 90 seconds, along with two lightning rounds.
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From left, Nick Aronoff, Mark Orgill, Joy Berry and Sue Kempf
One of the first and most extensive discussions centered on proposed changes to the Downtown Specific Plan and the balance between accommodating housing and preserving Laguna Beach’s historic character.
Aronoff said he opposed allowing taller buildings throughout downtown but saw opportunities to add housing selectively.
“I would be against adding the third and fourth story buildings to all of downtown,” Aronoff said. “I think what we really have to look at is which buildings can support housing on the second and third floors, and which ones can’t.”
Orgill supported updating the plan, emphasizing that the process would include public review and noting that the Downtown Specific Plan extends into the arts district, where some buildings already allow three stories.
“I do believe in preserving a lot of our historic infrastructure,” Orgill said, adding that he serves as the City Council’s liaison to the Heritage Committee.
Berry took a firmer position against the proposed changes.
“I don’t think our downtown’s broken, so I don’t think we should be changing it,” Berry said. “Preserving our historical buildings preserves our unique character.”
Kempf pointed to adaptive reuse as one way to accommodate housing without dramatically changing downtown, citing existing upper-floor office space that could potentially be converted into residential units.
Martin said the city needed to examine realistic alternatives and provide greater clarity about the number of units being studied and how the proposal fits with other city planning documents.
Rounaghi pushed back on the idea that the city planned to build 675 units downtown, saying that figure came from the environmental review rather than an actual development proposal. He said recent council direction focused primarily on allowing conventional residential housing in portions of the arts district where artist live-work housing is already permitted.
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Laura Parisi
Parisi said she favored examining different sections of downtown individually rather than applying a single approach throughout the area.
“I love the downtown the way it is,” Parisi said. “I think you’re going to break down into the areas and look at each of those areas separately.”
Cintas opposed increasing building heights downtown and said the city should have clear costs, timelines and deliverables before pursuing major changes.
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Ashley Cintas
The candidates found more agreement on several questions. All opposed using glyphosate, commonly known as Roundup, for weed abatement in city open spaces. Most also opposed the city taking responsibility for Laguna Canyon Road because of its projected cost and liability.
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LBUSD teachers union votes unanimously to endorse Joan Malczewski, Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal and Kimberly Smith for school board
The Laguna Beach Unified Faculty Association (LaBUFA), basically the teachers union for Laguna Beach Unified School District, this week announced their unanimous endorsement of Joan Malczewski, Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal and Kimberly Smith in the upcoming election for the Board of Education.
According to a release from the union, the endorsement’s unanimous vote reflects Laguna Beach “educators’ desire for a renewed board culture centered on trust, transparency, effective governance, respect for professional expertise, and meaningful collaboration with the educators and staff who work with LBUSD students every day.”
According to LaBUFA, its members had the opportunity to hear directly from board candidates about issues of significant importance to district employees, including rebuilding trust between the board and staff, the board’s role in district governance, employee input in decision-making, communication, transparency and the overall culture of the district.
According to the union, the three endorsed candidates expressed a belief that “rebuilding trust must begin with listening to employees and then demonstrating through action that their voices have been heard.”
Two other candidates, Elizabeth Bates and incumbent Dee Perry are also in the race.
• • •
And speaking of the school board candidates, they will join with City Council candidates for a forum next week, Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the Neighborhood Congregational Church, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Residents will have the opportunity to hear from candidates in both local elections on what issues are important to them and why.
The event is free to attend and no RSVP is required.
• • •
A joint statement was released this week from both sides (the city and Providence Mission Hospital) following a late August meeting of the 16-member Task Force to discuss the hospital’s evolving role, or lack thereof, in the community.
It was virtually the same old same old, with the city reiterating its desire for the hospital site to include 24/7 emergency medical services that can accept patients by ambulance, while Providence committed to an internal, fact-based evaluation of a smaller-scale hospital model.
In the statement, the city voiced its appreciation of Providence’s willingness to proceed with this additional evaluation.
Another potential option that could be explored is to provide emergency medical services at the site through a standalone Emergency Department (ED), which, according to the joint statement, is not currently allowed under state law. To that end, the city and Providence have jointly agreed to sponsor legislation in 2027 that would permit a stand-alone ED in Laguna Beach.
Seth Tiegen, Providence Mission Hospital chief executive said: “We are continuing to evaluate how we can best serve Laguna Beach in a way that reflects how care is delivered today, responds to the community’s priorities and is sustainable for the future.”
Laguna Beach Councilmember Bob Whalen, added, “We appreciate Providence’s willingness to study a smaller-scale hospital model, and we’re committed to working through this analysis together in the months ahead.”
Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, who also serves with Whalen on the city’s Hospital Ad Hoc Committee, said: “In 2016, the Attorney General’s own reviewers found it critical that Laguna Beach keep its emergency services, and the state required Providence to keep them for a decade. With 14,827 ER visits last year, and six of 10 of our ambulance transports going there, I’m concerned about the loss of the ER. I appreciate Providence agreeing to study a smaller hospital that would keep emergency care here. Whatever that study concludes, the city will keep pursuing every tool it has to protect the health and safety of our residents.”
• • •
The city of Laguna Beach City Clerk’s Office has launched eFile, a new online portal for viewing and searching Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) filings, including Form 700 Statements of Economic Interests and campaign finance disclosures (such as Form 460s).
The public can now access, search and download filings directly at https://efile.lagunabeachcity.net/.
eFile offers:
–A flexible search interface to look up filings by filer name, committee, election, or filing type.
–The ability to view filing PDFs directly in your browser or download them.
–Sign-up for automated notifications when new filings are submitted (better than waiting for one of these notifications).
–Mobile-friendly access from any device.
The portal is currently populated with documents that were uploaded; however, as filers start filing directly into the portal, data will be more searchable.
Looking for older records? Archived FPPC filings remain available on the city’s website here.
Questions about the new portal or about locating a specific filing should be directed to the City Clerk’s Office.
• • •
The Greater Laguna Beach GOP has added to the list of City Council candidate forums with the addition of theirs on Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 6-9 p.m. in the Laguna Beach City Council Chambers.
Organizers describe the forum as nonpartisan and say it will offer Laguna Beach residents an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking election to the City Council, learn more about their positions on important local issues, and enable them to make a more informed decision at the polls.
All nine City Council candidates are scheduled to participate.
The evening will feature several formats designed to give voters a broader understanding of the candidates and their views, including general questions on local issues, candidate-to-candidate questions, a rapid yes-or-no round and a final interactive round followed by closing remarks.
“Our goal is to create an informative and engaging forum where Laguna Beach residents can hear directly from every candidate,” said India Hynes, president of the Greater Laguna Beach GOP. “Local elections have an enormous impact on our everyday lives, and we want voters to have an opportunity to hear the candidates discuss the issues facing our community before they cast their ballots.”
The forum is presented as a nonpartisan community event. Residents are invited to attend.
• • •
Through a unique evening of live music, film and conversation, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Greg MacGillivray will join musician and composer Steve Wood at the Rivian South Coast Theater for an extraordinary evening exploring how music shapes the emotional impact of film.
The evening celebrates Music in Motion, presented by Laguna Beach Live! and will feature music Wood curated for the evening.
The acclaimed Zelter String Quartet will join in to perform live, with specially selected music paired with clips from MacGillivray’s films.
MacGillivray and Wood’s creative collaboration dates back to the iconic surf film 5 Summer Stories. During the program, audiences will experience film with and without music and hear how the two collaborators arrived at the final combination of image and sound.
The evening will also feature scenes from acclaimed IMAX films including Everest, featuring music by George Harrison; Dolphins and The Living Sea, featuring music by Sting, and To the Arctic, featuring music by Paul McCartney.
The event takes place on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Rivian South Coast Theater, 162 S. Coast Highway.
The event is presented as part of Laguna Beach Live!’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, and tickets are just $25.
For tickets and further information, visit lagunabeachlive.org.
• • •
Laguna Beach Garden Club will have their Monthly Meeting and Speaker Series event next Friday, Sept. 11 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in Tankersley Hall at Laguna Presbyterian Church.
The speaker will be Lanny Kaufer on the topic of Medicinal Herbal Walks.
Lanny, of HerbWalks.com, is celebrating 50 years of leading herb walks, nature hikes and foraging workshops. His passion for edible and medicinal flora of California led to his founding the Ojai Herbal Retreat. Lanny has written a book titled Medicinal Herbs of California, and he will be signing copies of his book at the meeting following his talk.
Social time and refreshments begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by the program sharply at 10 a.m.
Non-members are invited to attend for free on their first visit. For information on the garden club, go to www.lagunabeachgardenclub.org.
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Planning Commission puts Ocean Avenue streetscape project on hold, forms working group
By SARA HALL
The Planning Commission this week unanimously agreed to table a proposed Downtown streetscape improvement project and formed a working group to review the proposal.
Commissioners voted 5-0 on Wednesday (Sept. 2) to hold off on a decision on the proposed plans for Ocean Avenue (between Forest Avenue and South Coast Highway) and Beach Street (between Ocean Avenue and Broadway Street). Ken Sadler and Susan McLintock Whitin will sit on the ad hoc group tasked with gathering stakeholder feedback, working with city staff and consultants, considering various project options and then reporting back to the full commission at a later date.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
The city is studying potential streetscape improvements along Ocean Avenue
Staff initially suggested approval of the project but revised their recommendation to instead table the item. They received additional comments after the agenda report was published that warrant further evaluation, Planning Manager Samantha Beier explained. The extra time will allow staff to address the questions raised before the project returns to the commission for review.
Assistant City Attorney Patrick Donegan added that, due to the importance of the project, staff also asked the commission to consider appointing two members to a working group. They won’t design the project or make the ultimate decision, he clarified.
“We were simply floating this as an idea due to the potential complexity, various options and the importance of this project,” Donegan said.
Donegan emphasized that the commission was not required to form the working group.
Earlier in the meeting, Chair Steve Goldman noted that what returns to the commission will “most likely” be different from what was proposed this week.
The project is intended to improve accessibility, comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, enhance the pedestrian environment and improve safety through traffic-calming measures.
In June 2025, City Council directed staff to conduct a study that included curb extension opportunities in Downtown.
The city held a town hall in early November to present the conceptual exhibits. Key concerns raised included the impacts of the proposed bulb-outs, the proposed tree replacement species and construction timing.
At a regular meeting later in November, council concurred with staff’s recommendation to incorporate curb bulb-outs where required to comply with AB 413, California’s “daylighting” law, and to include ADA-compliant sidewalk widening as part of the design. Council also directed staff to explore potential tree replacements.
Earlier this year, at a Planning Commission concept review in March, commissioners supported elements such as traffic-calming bulb-outs, concrete sidewalk replacements and enhanced crosswalks. However, concerns were raised regarding parking and traffic congestion, the proposed landscaping palette and the preservation of existing mature trees.
As a result, the scope was reduced, midblock improvements and new landscaping were removed and the plans were revised so no tree removals are proposed and the existing mature canopy is retained, Beier explained.
The plan proposed this week included replacement of sidewalks with a standard grey two-foot by two-foot concrete grid pattern with brick banding, installation of bump-outs at four corners, new curb ramps with truncated domes and brick pavers at pedestrian crossings. The project also included the widening and replacement of the sidewalk on the north side of Beach Street for ADA compliance, widening existing tree wells and minor drainage improvements.
During public comment, a handful of residents raised concerns about the project.
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LPAPA and Coast Film & Music Festival team up for a new Music & Art Weekend October 3-4
Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA) and Coast Film & Music Festival (CFMF) in conjunction with Coast Film Foundation (CFF) announce a new collaboration to present Music & Art Weekend, October 3-4, which launches Concerts in the Canyon – a new annual concert series celebrating music, storytelling, art and community at the historic Irvine Bowl in Laguna Beach.
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Courtesy of LPAPA
The Music & Art Weekend will bring renowned plein air artists to the Festival grounds on October 3-4
“Laguna Beach has inspired creators for over a century, but merging live plein air painting with the magic of live music takes our Invitational opening weekend to a completely new level,” said Toni Kellenberg, president of LPAPA. “This collaboration bridges two vibrant creative communities right here in Laguna Beach. It’s an exciting opportunity to honor our historic artistic roots while captivating a whole new generation of art lovers.”
Timed to coincide with the 28th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational, October 3-11, the Music & Art Weekend will transform the Irvine Bowl and Festival grounds into a celebration of creativity, bringing together acclaimed musicians, renowned plein air artists, artisan vendors, exceptional food and beverages and immersive cultural experiences inspired by the natural beauty and artistic heritage of Laguna Beach.
Before the two evening performances of the Invitational opening weekend, guests will enjoy a lively pre-concert experience featuring LPAPA Invitational Artists, live art demonstrations, local vendors, culinary offerings, wine, craft beer, cocktails and interactive activities throughout the grounds. Together, the visual arts and live music will create an unforgettable weekend celebrating one of America’s most iconic arts communities.
“We’re honored to partner with LPAPA to create a new signature cultural experience for Laguna Beach,” said Ben Warner, executive director and co-founder of the Coast Film and Music Festival and Coast Film Foundation. “Concerts in the Canyon reflects everything our organizations value: Bringing people together through exceptional art, celebrating our community’s beauty, and creating meaningful economic and cultural impact for Laguna Beach. We believe this will become an annual tradition that residents and visitors look forward to every fall.”
The collaboration is designed to strengthen Laguna Beach’s creative economy. Proceeds will benefit LPAPA, CFF, local businesses and community initiatives, sustaining arts education, supporting emerging artists and storytellers and preserving the cultural traditions that have made Laguna Beach an internationally recognized arts destination.
Celebrate National Public Lands Day with Laguna Canyon Foundation on September 26
Laguna Canyon Foundation (LCF) celebrates National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 26 by dedicating a day to land stewardship in their shared public lands. National Public Lands Dayis the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands throughout the country.
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Courtesy of LCF
Join Laguna Canyon Foundation in a celebration of national public lands on September 26
Local events will be hosted at three locations throughout the day, including at OC Parks’ Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Volunteers of all experience levels are invited to lend a hand caring for these protected wildlands through activities focused on habitat restoration and native plant nursery efforts. Click on the links below for more information and to register for these National Public Lands Day events.
Advance registration is required for these free events:
–Land Tending with LCF – Berns Canyon Preserve, click here.
–Keep It Wild – Aliso & Wood Canyons, click here.
–Keep It Wild – Laguna Coast, click here.
Participants should wear sturdy closed-toed shoes, sun protection and bring a reusable water bottle. Carpooling is strongly encouraged due to limited space and to minimize disruption to the wildlands and wildlife.
Laguna Canyon Foundation respectfully acknowledges that these events are held on the traditional lands of the Acjachemen (Juaneño) and Tongva (Gabrielino) peoples, who have stewarded this land throughout the generations.
Laguna Canyon Foundation is dedicated to the conservation and ongoing protection of the South Coast Wilderness. They envision a thriving coastal ecosystem that serves as a source of inspiration, connection and refuge for all.
For more information about Laguna Canyon Foundation, visit https://lagunacanyon.org/.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.
Fall 2026 Sports Update
Cross Country
The squads will be traveling to Hawaii for the Iolani Invitational on September 12.
Boys Beach Volleyball (3–1, 0-1)
The Breakers lost their opening league match, 4-3, losing on Main Beach to Santa Margarita.
#1 Julian Merhab & Vince Merhab lost 21-17, 18-21, 11-15
#2 Nico Lerum & Bo Carson won 21-16, 21-15
#3 Jacob Bystrom & Declan McCormick won 21-11, 21-14
#4 Quinn Halloran & Kurt Moen won 14-21, 21-3, 15-12
#5 Cole Steinke & Ethan Cauley lost 21-15, 14-21, 9-15
Laguna four-man lost 16-28
Remaining schedule:
Wednesday, Sept. 9 Newport Harbor
Thursday, Sept. 17 at Edison
Wednesday, Sept. 23 Dana Hills
Wednesday, Sept. 30 Aliso Niguel
Wednesday, Oct. 7 San Clemente
Newport four-man tournament is Thursday, Sept. 10.
Laguna’s tournament is Friday, Sept. 25.
(Follow the team on Instagram @lbhsboysbeachvolleyball.)
Girls Golf (0-2)
Laguna had a dual match with Irvine on September 2 at Ben Brown’s (par 32). The Vaqueros won the match 238-245, with low score going to Irvine’s Melody Lin at 43. The low score for Laguna was Sofia Carr shooting 46.
Flag Football (2–7, 0-1)
Laguna lost to University, 31-14, on Monday, Aug 31, in a non-league match and then lost their league opener at Irvine, 7-6, on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
The next home game is September 14 with Rosary Academy.
Football (0-2)
This Week: Friday, Sept. 4, 7 p.m., the Breakers will host Shadow Ridge from Las Vegas, now the #21 team in the state of Nevada after falling 35-7 to then SS-CIF #70 Simi Valley on August 28. The Breakers are now favored over the Mustangs and, as of Wednesday, Sept. 2, held the #63 ranking in the SS-CIF.
Next Thursday, Sept. 10 Laguna travels to Ventura County to take on #37 Westlake (2-0), the favored team to win the Channel League this season. The Warriors beat Newbury Park 32-26 and Agoura 38-7 to open the season and face Chatsworth/LA-CIF this week.
(Follow the team on Instagram @lbhsbreakerfootball.)
Girls Tennis (1-1)
Laguna defeated Irvine in a non-league match 12-6, this past Tuesday (Sept.1) on the local courts, with Rebecca MacCallum sweeping her singles 6-1, 6-0, 6-2 and the doubles team of Marlow Johnsen & Easton Trozak and Grace Koury & Alexis Berger sweeping their three sets to highlight the wins.
The Breakers are hosting Aliso Niguel on September 8, San Clemente on the 10th and Palm Desert on the 11th.
Girls Volleyball (0-6)
The Breakers suffered another four-set loss losing at Aliso Niguel 25-23, 18-25, 16-25, 15-25. Evie Rowe (Jr.) led Laguna with 11 kills, with sister Iris (Fr.) adding 10. Savanna Mair (Fr.) provided 24 assists, three kills and 11 digs.
Today (Friday, Sept. 4) and Saturday (Sept. 5), Laguna is in the Orange County Championships/Dave Mohs Tournament, opening with Temecula Valley, Huntington Beach and Sage Hill in pool play today.
Boys Water Polo (6–2)
OC #5 Breakers took care of #8 San Juan Hills with a 10-7 win on Tuesday (Sept. 1) at the loser’s pool. Laguna’s defense controlled the game with the visitors holding a 7-2 advantage at the intermission. Dane Seybold had three goals, Zach Hornstein and Ellis Minck adding two each. Henry Day continues to provide strong defense in the cage.
On Wednesday (Sept. 2), Laguna crushed Crean Lutheran 19-8 in a contest played at Irvine’s Woollett Center. Eleven different Breakers scored, led by Colin Gregg with four.
Major tournaments with playoff-placement rankings on the line are the Santa Barbara Tournament on September 10-12 and Newport’s South Coast Tournament, September 17-19.
(Follow the team on Instagram @laguna_boys_waterpolo.)
• • •
Have a note on LBHS sports? Email me at frank@twometer.net.
If you would like an updated PDF file of the Football, Baseball and Girls Water Polo record books – drop me an email request – all are currently being revised for 2026-27 season.
2026-27 High School Schedules? Check Laguna Beach High School on the MaxPreps website or the schedules tab on the Athletics website at https://lbhs.lbusd.org/athletics/schedules. To get scores on the school site – select the sport and level, click year and move to the “Show older events” toggle under the selected season. Scores are also posted on X @LagunaSports.
Laguna Beach Live! presents Music in Motion at the Rivian South Coast Theater on September 24
Laguna Beach Live! presents Music in Motion, a unique evening of live music, film and conversation, on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Rivian South Coast Theater.
Click on photo for a larger image
Photos courtesy of Laguna Beach Live!
(L-R) Greg MacGillivray and Steve Wood will offer insights into their long-time collaboration on film and music
Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Greg MacGillivray will be joined by musician and composer Steve Wood, who has curated the music for the evening. The acclaimed Zelter String Quartet will perform live, with specially selected music paired with clips from MacGillivray’s films.
MacGillivray and Wood’s creative collaboration dates back to the iconic surf film 5 Summer Stories. During the program, audiences will experience film with and without music, and hear how the two collaborators arrived at the final combination of image and sound.
Click on photo for a larger image
The Zelter String Quartet will perform live
The evening will also feature scenes from acclaimed IMAX films including Everest, featuring music by George Harrison; Dolphins and The Living Sea, featuring music by Sting, and To the Arctic, featuring music by Paul McCartney.
Presented as part of Laguna Beach Live!’s 25th anniversary celebration, tickets are just $25.
For tickets and further information, visit www.lagunabeachlive.org.
Laguna Beach Garden Club hosts Speakers Series featuring Lanny Kaufer on September 11
Laguna Beach Garden Club (LBGC) announces their next speaker at the Speakers Series will be Lanny Kaufer on the topic of “Medicinal Herbal Walks.” The meeting date is Friday, Sept. 11 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Click on photo for a larger image
Courtesy of LBGC
Lanny Kaufer will discuss Medicinal Herbal Walks on September 11
Kaufer of https://herbwalks.com is celebrating 50 years of leading herb walks, nature hikes and foraging workshops. His passion for edible and medicinal flora of California led to his founding the Ojai Herbal Retreat. He has written a book titled Medicinal Herbs of California: A Field Guide to Common Healing Plants and Consultation with the Chumash Garden at the Ojai Valley Museum. Kaufer will be signing copies of his book at the meeting following his talk.
Kaufer graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, in 1974 with a degree in biology. While there, he did extensive independent studies in the field of neuropathic medicine and worked at the UCSC Arboretum. He also served as the outdoor education director for Happy Valley School and education director for C.R.E.W (Concerned Resource and Environmental Workers) and was co-founder of the Sunbow Ecology Center. The ecology center is focused on youth development, natural resource conservation and hands-on backcountry education.
Join LBGC on Friday, Sept. 11 from 9:30-10 a.m. for social time and refreshments, meeting begins promptly at 10 a.m. Meetings are held at Laguna Presbyterian Church in Tankersley Hall located at 415 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach. Non-members are invited to attend for free on their first visit. For more information on the LBGC, go to www.lagunabeachgardenclub.org.
Laguna Food Pantry supports Chef Masters which returns September 27 for an evening benefiting Abound Food Care
Laguna Food Pantry is pleased to share an upcoming fundraiser from Abound Food Care, a valued and vital food-system partner. Abound helps provide nutritious groceries to the Pantry and other local nonprofits. The Pantry is grateful for Abound’s guidance through the years and support of their mission. They are happy to help spread the word about Chef Masters, an evening on the Festival of the Arts Pageant of the Masters ground benefiting Abound Food Care’s continued efforts to solve complex food system problems, strengthen food access, and reduce food waste for thousands of stakeholders and communities.
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Courtesy of Laguna Food Pantry
A box of Laguna Food Pantry groceries
Chef Masters returns this fall for an elegant culinary celebration benefiting Abound Food Care and their work to create healthier, food-secure communities. The event will bring together renowned chefs, exceptional wines, premium spirits and community supporters for an unforgettable evening in Laguna Beach.
The event will take place on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 5-10 p.m. at Festival of Arts Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. Guests will experience an evening of culinary artistry featuring some of the region’s finest chefs, complemented by award-winning wines and spirits. The evening will also feature live music by Flashback Heart Attack. Attire is resort casual.
Chef Masters supports Abound Food Care’s mission to optimize food systems to create healthy and food-secure communities. Abound Food Care works across the food system to increase community access to nutritious food by maximizing the impact of nonprofits.
As an experienced food-system insider, Abound brings together public, private and non-profit stakeholders and implements scalable solutions designed to strengthen regional food systems, expand food access and reduce food waste.
Individual tickets to Chef Masters are $350.
Sponsorship opportunities include:
Title Sponsor – $50,000
Platinum Sponsor – $25,000
Gold Sponsor – $10,000
Silver Sponsor – $5,000
To purchase tickets, reserve a table or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, go here. Sponsorship inquiries may also be directed to abower@aboundfoodcare.org.
Laguna Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday, 8-10:30 a.m., offering free, fresh, nutritious groceries via a drive-through system. Visit www.lagunafoodpantry.org to learn more, volunteer, or donate. The Pantry currently needs more volunteer drivers to help with grocery rescue. Your support is vital to their mission of ending food insecurity and hunger in our community. They believe no one should go hungry.
The Sacramento Chronicles
By ASSEMBLYMEMBER DIANE DIXON
September 4, 2026
Hello Laguna Beach!
The 2025-26 Legislative Session has come to a close, and I am happy to be back in the district full time.
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Courtesy of Diane Dixon
Assemblymember Diane Dixon
On Monday, Sept. 7, we celebrate the great social and economic achievements of our nation’s incredible workforce. Labor Day recognizes the labor movement and the dedicated contributions of American workers to the progress and development of the nation. Labor Day honors the value of hard work and the collective strength of the communities and labor force. A quote that I love from President Ronald Reagan states, “Let us always remember that so much of what we are, we owe to working men and women.”
As you may know, the California Energy Commission (CEC) unanimously approved a ban on the sale of roughly 70% of tires sold in the state. According to the Commission, these new mandates will phase out the sale of replacement tires that don’t meet certain energy-efficiency standards and will require drivers to purchase “more efficient” tires, which will supposedly save Californians nominal amounts of money in the long term. Consumers will certainly feel these costs as manufacturers project higher purchase prices than the CEC claims. The Commission estimated that the price of replacement tires would rise by an average of $6.50 per tire upfront, but manufacturers are concerned that the actual cost couldbe higher than anticipated. California families need real affordability, not another Sacramento mandate.
The topic of pesticides and herbicides has been a prominent issue for Orange County this year, with the effects their usage has on our environment and public health – both of which must be held to the highest standard. I joined my colleagues for a Joint Oversight Audit Hearing in the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee to get answers on the regulation, oversight and effects of pesticides in our community.
This hearing provided valuable information for the community, but it also made it clear that significant progress is needed to address pesticide safety in the state. Public health must remain at the forefront of this conversation, and the safety of our community remains a top priority. This is a complicated issue, and I will not stop working until we have assured safety for the families of Orange County.
Child marriage is a horrific practice that remains prevalent in the state. I am proud to be a lead author on Assembly Bill 1267 which will address the issue of child marriage. California has the second-highest rate of child marriage in the country, with more than 1,300 child marriages each year. Eighty-six percent of these marriages involve girls under the age of 18 marrying older men. The fight has been going on for many years, and we all must stand up today to end the reprehensible and barbaric practice of child marriage in California. I am pleased to share that AB 1267 has passed the Assembly Floor unanimously and is now on its way to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.
Another piece of legislation that I am proud of is Assembly Bill 1918, also known as the “Ink of Hope” bill. Human traffickers will often tattoo, burn or scar their victims as a way to denote ownership. To address this, AB 1918 would require tattoo shops to post a human trafficking notice with information on the signs of human trafficking and require tattoo artists to complete training to recognize the signs of human trafficking and how to report those signs to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
In 2025, Tennessee Senator Becky Massey authored the “Ink of Hope Act,” and it passed through the legislature with unanimous, bipartisan support. It was an incredible opportunity to have Senator Massey with me on the Assembly Floor to witness AB 1918 move one step closer to becoming part of California law.
Human trafficking is a horrific crime that persists in California. We must take every step possible to help victims and their families and bring a swift end to this reprehensible practice.
I ended this legislative session as the most productive member of my party. I believe that my legislative success stems from my belief that if you’re going to make a new law, it should be one that the vast majority of California residents’ support.
My legislative package includes crucial, bipartisan solutions focusing on issues such as public safety and transparency. Stay tuned for future updates!
I enjoy hearing from you directly on how I can best represent you in Sacramento. Please keep writing! My team is also ready to assist you with any state issues like DMV, EDD, Franchise Tax Board and more. We’ve assisted more than hundreds of your neighbors so far this year!
Not receiving invitations to my events? Send an email to assemblymember.dixon@assembly.ca.gov to be added to our distribution list, or visit my website: Diane Dixon Website. Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook!
Thank you, Stu News, for keeping our local residents informed!
Diane Dixon is a two-term Newport Beach City Councilmember and two-time Mayor. She is currently serving her second term in Sacramento as Assemblymember of California’s 72nd District. She is also in a November-runoff for Orange County Supervisor, Fifth District.
Just Gather Wellness ribbon cutting celebrates local leaders
On a mission to inspire positivity, gratitude and meaningful human connection, Just Gather Wellness, the nation’s first nonprofit dedicated to digital detox and nature-based wellness – celebrated their nature ribbon cutting on Thursday, Aug. 20, at Alta Laguna Park in Laguna Beach.
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Photos courtesy of Just Gather
(L-R) Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill, Just Gather Co-Founder Michelle Highberg and Just Gather Advisory Board Chair Sara Garske during the gratitude awards presentation
Twenty-four gratitude awards were presented to like-minded community leaders. Laguna Beach honorees included: Mark Orgill, Laguna Beach mayor; David Browning, president of Orange County Mountain Bike Authority; Uday, Pramila and Anand Gupta, Laguna Beach philanthropists; Kris Spitaleri, Just Gather advisory board member; Lyla Cauley, Just Gather youth ambassador; Melanie Falkowski, vision leader MSW student; Ranen Seeck, Gen Z ambassador; Mark Christy, philanthropist and business leader and Dr. Joan Malczewski, LBUSD school board member.
According to Advisory Board Chair Sara Garske, “We are honored to share nature as our office. It is a daily reminder to lead with humility and stay connected to the environment we steward.”
Fall plans include a continuation of free community events, device protocols for schools, empowerment play shops and a Teen Take Back Sovereignty Initiative in response to recent teen takeovers. Just Gather is partnering with OCMTBA to build scroll Zen Zones adjacent to skate park/pump tracks.
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Gratitude Award Winners Pramila Gupta, Yvonne Van and Saadayi Nazir
Beginning on October 17, Just Gather will offer new classes in Laguna Beach in collaboration with The Etiquette Factory and School of Gratitude Orange County, expanding opportunities for participants of all ages to build confidence, master emotions, strengthen interpersonal skills and connect. For those unable to attend, Earth, Our School of Gratitude (currently available on Amazon) shares the nonprofit’s six-week curriculum in DIY format. The team will be at the Laguna Beach Farmer’s Market on September 12 and invites the community to come say hello, make a craft and learn more.
For more information about Just Gather Wellness, visit www.justgatherwellness.org, or contact co-founder Michelle at michelle@justgatherwellness.org, or call 949.813.7681.
ECW of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church awards grants to local charities
The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Laguna Beach has announced this year’s recipients of their annual grant program. They have chosen the recipients carefully from the many non-profit charitable organizations. They considered the needs of these organizations, the people they serve, their accountability and transparency and their goals.
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Photo by Ann Hyde
(L-R) Marjorie Gorum, member of ECW Outreach Committee; Mary Crist, member of ECW Outreach Committee; Susan Thompson, Laguna Food Pantry; Lisa Talmage, Friendship Shelter; Ann Hyde, member of ECW Outreach Committee; Mike Littler, Free Wheelchair Mission; Connor Parker, Creative Identity; Linda Mayer, member ECW Outreach Committee; Edye Snodgraff, PUPS; Cristina Calderone, member ECW Outreach Committee and Rachael Berger, Sally’s Fund
The Episcopal Church Women particularly thank the Laguna Beach community for supporting their summer concert series and other fundraising events throughout the year which make these grants possible.
The organizations in Laguna Beach to receive the ECW grants include: Creative Identity, Friendship Shelter, Laguna Beach Community Clinic, Laguna Beach Food Pantry, Sally’s Fund, Waymakers and PUPS (Protecting Unwanted Pets).
ECW’s giving extends to other organizations including Free Wheelchair Mission, Wells of Life, Wise Place and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church Food distribution, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of O.C. and Native American Heritage Assn., plus other organizations regionally, nationally and globally.
KXFM hosts candidate forums, arts conversation September 8-9
KXFM, Laguna’s nonprofit community radio, will host two community events following Labor Day, beginning with candidate forums for the City Council and School Board, followed by a conversation focused on Laguna’s arts community.
On Tuesday, Sept. 8, KXFM will host the “Good Luck Potluck” candidate forum at Neighborhood Congregational Church, highlighting both the City Council and School Board races. In an unconventional format, the evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a community potluck. Everyone is encouraged to bring a dish to share. At 6:30 p.m., the City Council candidate forum will begin with an introduction by Pastor Rod Echols. KXFM Executive Director Billy Fried will moderate the forum.
“Because there are nine candidates, we won’t proceed with the typical debate format but instead ask candidates to go a little deeper and tell us about who they are on a soul level instead of policies they want to advance. We’ll leave that for other debates. Instead, we want to learn about the person and the seminal events that shaped their character and informed their desire for public service. It will be fun and enlightening, and we’ll leave time for audience questions,” Fried said.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Stu News CEO Shaena Stabler will moderate the School Board candidate forum
For the School Board candidate forum, Stu News CEO Shaena Stabler will moderate.
“I want to ask questions that reveal how each candidate thinks, leads and makes difficult decisions – how they’ll work with others when there is disagreement, earn the community’s trust and, above all, keep students at the center of the board’s work,” Stabler said.
The event is free, but attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure a seat. Those unable to attend in person can listen live online at KXFM or on 104.7 FM.
The next night, Wednesday, Sept. 9, KXFM will host “Art Matters” at the Rivian South Coast Theater, a conversation about the arts, led by and for artists. Laguna Art Museum Executive Director Julie Perlin Lee will moderate a panel of local artists featuring Elizabeth Turk, Casey Parlette and Jorg Dubin.
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Courtesy of KXFM
Elizabeth Turk is a California-born artist known internationally for her intricate marble sculptures
Courtesy of KXFM
Based in Laguna Beach, Jorg Dubin has had a five-decade career as a working painter, sculptor, ceramist and production designer
Courtesy of KXFM
Casey Parlette grew up in Southern California and has spent a lot of time among the local wildlife
The panel will explore the state of the arts and the experience of working artists, including reflections on this year’s festivals, public art in Laguna, Laguna’s Community Land Trust and the future of art in the era of AI.
The artists will also debut films documenting their work. There will be light food and beverages, along with a silent auction benefiting KXFM.
“We really want to honor our artist community and bring them together in celebration and solidarity. We hope to amplify their importance to our community and also discuss the challenges of being an artist today,” Fried said.
The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and on sale now here.
September is a month of transitioning
“September days are here, with summer’s best of weather and autumn’s best of cheer.” –Helen Hunt Jackson
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Courtesy of Steve Kawaratani
There is still time to enjoy roses into late summer and fall if they are well groomed, watered deeply and fertilized
Labor Day weekend has arrived in Laguna and beyond, the last holiday of summer, although no one has likely mentioned that to our gardens. The calendar may be approaching fall, but warm afternoons will likely continue through September. Still, cooler mornings and shorter days are beginning to hint that a change of season is on its way.
For gardeners, that means this is a month of transition. There is still plenty of summer left to enjoy, while a few autumn chores can begin finding their way onto our lists; preferably after the holiday weekend.
Q: My roses aren’t looking their best. Should I prune them now?
A: A light cleanup is fine, but save the serious pruning for later. Remove spent flowers, dead or damaged growth and leaves showing signs of disease. Continue watering deeply as temperatures dictate. Many roses will respond to September’s shorter days and cooler temperatures with fresh growth and another flush of flowers.
Q: Should I start watering less now that it is September?
A: Not necessarily. As I noted, this month can still bring warm, dry weather, so check the soil a few inches below the surface before deciding whether to water. Containers may still require frequent attention, especially in sunny or windy locations. As temperatures moderate and plants begin using less moisture, watering can gradually be reduced.
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Photo by Catharine Cooper
Our late summer garden will shift to the cool season when the weather permits
Q: Is it too early to start fall vegetables?
A: Not at all. Lettuce, radishes, carrots, snap peas and other cool-season vegetables can be started as summer crops finish their cycle. Broccoli and cauliflower can also begin finding their way into the veggie plot. If the weather turns hot again, give seedlings some afternoon protection and keep the soil evenly moist. As we know, September occasionally likes to pretend it is still August.
Q: Some of my summer flowers are looking worn out. Should I pull them?
A: A little deadheading and removal of yellow or damaged foliage can keep many annuals and perennials attractive for several more weeks. Plants that have stopped flowering or are clearly declining can be removed, giving you an opportunity to prepare the soil for what comes next.
Q: What can I plant now for fall color?
A: Nurseries and garden centers will soon be filled with pansies, violas, snapdragons, calendulas and other cool-season color, but there is no upside to planting them during an early September heat spell. When temperatures have moderated, begin refreshing a few containers or beds. Otherwise, prepare the soil, enjoy what is still blooming and wait for cooler weather.
September is a month when summer and early fall share the garden. Pay attention to the weather and let the garden shift to fall at its own pace. And since it is Labor Day weekend, gardeners deserve a little less labor too; the weeds will still be there Tuesday. See you next time in the garden.
Steve Kawaratani, a regular columnist with Stu News Laguna, has been a local guy for seven decades and likes to garden and drive the Baja Peninsula with Catharine and Loki. He can be reached at plantman2@mac.com or 949.494.5141.
Laguna Beach Community Calendars
The following are calendar links for regularly scheduled meetings and events in Laguna Beach:
City of Laguna Beach meetings & events calendar
Laguna Beach Public Library – everything at the library calendar
www.ocpl.org/libraries/laguna-beach
Laguna Beach Unified School District news & events calendar
Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce community events calendar
www.lagunabeachchamber.org/events/calendar
If you are an organization that would like your name and calendar of events link added here, please contact Shaena Stabler at shaena@stunewslaguna.com.
OC artists invited to submit work for 20th Annual Juried Fine Art Exhibition by September 8
Orange County artists are invited to submit their work in consideration for the 20th Annual Juried Fine Art Exhibition. Open to artists ages 18 and older, the $25 entry fee allows for up to three submissions. Interested artists can view entry information and apply online here. Selected artworks will be exhibited at Laguna Beach City Hall from September 28 through November 12.
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Courtesy of city of Laguna Beach
“Chairman of the Bored” by Mika Denny, 2025 First Place
Apply online by September 8. Awards are 1st: $1,200; 2nd: $600 and 3rd: $300.
This Arts Commission program is funded by the lodging establishments and city of Laguna Beach.
Music Director Ami Porat announces the opening of his 40th season with Mozart Classical Orchestra
Ami Porat, the music director of the Mozart Classical Orchestra, announced the concert programs of the Orchestra’s 2026-2027 season, featuring masterworks in new settings celebrating the Orchestra’s 40th season. Three subscription programs from September through April will feature, among others, works of Mozart, Piazzolla, Strauss, Haydn and Beethoven. The orchestra’s education and outreach events Mozart on the Move and Mozart for Teens enter their 39th year.
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Submitted photo
Musical Director Ami Porat and the Mozart Classical Orchestra performing at a concert
In honor of America 250, the first half of the opening September 13, 3 p.m. concert will feature American composers’ music. The January 24, 2027 concert will include Symphony No. 4 by Beethoven as a tribute to the bicentennial anniversary of his passing.
The Mozart Classical Orchestra performs at Artists Theatre in Laguna Beach, where they played their first professional season in 1985.
“In the friendly and warm acoustics of this beautiful hall, the classic masterworks shine and the audience shares the intimacy of the theater,” said Porat.
All concert programs are detailed here.
For season tickets, click here.
For concert tickets, click here.
This is as close as we can come to actually singing to our readers on their birthdays!
We’d love to include yours – and/or your children’s birthdays here.
Just email to: editor@stunewslaguna.com
Celebrate and enjoy your birthday!
September 1: Dennis Riff, Gary Bennett, Jason Wallace, Jonathan Volzke, Kim Novick, Leo Rivera, Natalie Leal
September 2: Jocelyne Naughton, Lucky Lippa, Mona Shah, Nancy Cole, Steve Stewart, Suzanne Taylor, Tamara McGrew
September 3: Cindy Stalnaker, Gail Chasin, Lisa Childers, Matt Quilter, Maya Leedom White, Nancy Mancini, Rayanne Thorn, Roberto Romano, Scott Ragotskie
September 4: Kalae Borelli, Michelle Madriz
September 5: Annie Sadler, Carolyn Bent, John Nootbaar, Kierstin Olson, Mariann Tracy, Tom Slattery
September 6: Carrie Reynolds, Christine Wagner, Ken Parker,
Nancy Perlman, Sherrie Larsen
September 7: Dana Feinman LaRose, Mary Kastner, Tracy Danielle Robinson
Pet of the Week 
Stu News Laguna is delighted to be working with the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter to help get the word out in search of loving homes for pets that deserve a warm, nurturing environment and a place to call “home.”
Meet Babe, a beautiful female Siamese cat, who is 3-8 years old and weighs under 11 lbs. Babe is independent, quiet, friendly, affectionate and a couch potato. Her backstory hasn’t been added to her profile, so for more information, contact the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter at 949.497.3552. Babe needs a home where she can flourish.
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Courtesy of Laguna Beach Animal Shelter
Stop by the shelter and check out Babe
The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter adoption procedures are designed to make sure that both the potential family and the animal adopted are in the very best situation possible. Due to their approach to adoption, their return rate is 5% as compared to the national return rate of 50%.
The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter is located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Road. Call 949.497.3552 or go to the website for information on adoption procedures at www.puplagunabeach.org/our-pets.php.
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.
