Fair Game
By TOM JOHNSON
New art design going on Downtown; and new fresh summer dining menu at The Ranch
Ballesteros Real Estate Group, a part of Coldwell Banker, moved in earlier this year Downtown to their offices at 344 Third St. The blank carport wall didn’t go unnoticed by owners J.J. and Andrea Ballesteros. So, they’ve partnered with Laguna College of Arts + Design to begin transforming that “blank wall” into “a vibrant mural celebrating Laguna Beach’s iconic charm.”
And now, after a competitive submission process, fourth-year LCAD student Taryn Chong has been selected to bring her design, Sun at the Tower, to life. With unanimous approval from the Laguna Beach Arts Commission, the mural painting is now expected to begin shortly.
The mural is the first in a series of creative projects tied to The Ballesteros Group’s new office launch campaign. The team is planning an official launch event this November.
Great stuff!
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This in from our Friends at Rivian: Singer-songwriter Molly Bergman, winner of Best Female Artist at the 2025 Laguna Achievement Awards, will perform a free concert at the Rivian South Coast Theater this weekend on Saturday, Aug. 30 from 12- 2 p.m. “No ticket needed; just rock up and enjoy” courtesy of Rivian.
Molly is known for her blend of “reflective lyrics and catchy melodies, drawing influence from classic 1970s artists like James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and Carole King,” as well as contemporary acts like Noah Kahan and Gracie Abrams, and will perform a mix of original songs and covers.
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Also at the Rivian, there are only 20 free tickets left to this coming Thursday’s world premiere of the new Bluebelt film – The Deep Blue Sea from 6:30-9 p.m. You can register here for your tickets: The Deep Blue Sea & David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet – Coast Film & Music Festival. This short film directed by Noah Gilbert highlights the importance of preserving Laguna Beach’s local Marine Protected Area and the lasting impact that it has on both our current community and future generations. You’ll meet their producers, marine life videographer and learn all about kelp. Sign up now!
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Some good stuff being served on the plates up at Harvest Restaurant located in The Ranch at Laguna Beach. But it’s only for a limited time (end of September). The powers that be in the kitchen have introduced a seasonally driven menu, putting The Ranch’s Harvest Farm and the local farmers’ market directly on the menu.
Click on photo for a larger image
Courtesy of Harvest Restaurant
Great views of the resort, canyons and golf course throughout the restaurant
Here are some examples:
–Harvest Farm Salad includes garden lettuce, quinoa, seasonal farm vegetables, pickled red onions, roasted sweet corn and ricotta Salata with a chipotle lime vinaigrette.
–Honey Harissa Roasted Peaches includes fresh mozzarella, wild arugula, mint, vincotto and toasted almonds, served with a petite seeded baguette.
–Gnocchi Pomodoro with blistered baby heirloom tomatoes, garden squash, zucchini, Calabrian chili, stracciatella and basil.
–Sweet Tea Brined Bone-In Pork Chop which includes red bliss whipped potatoes, smoked bacon, peach BBQ braised kale, stone fruit gastrique.
–Crispy Brussels Sprouts served with toasted pecans, seasonal stone fruit, radicchio and sweet chili glaze.
–Key Lime Cheesecake which features dragon fruit, prickly pear and toasted coconut.
Check out their full menu, linked here.
It’s a wonderful scenic place to enjoy a good meal.
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Here’s some of the fun stuff going on at the Laguna Art Museum (LAM).
This Saturday, Aug. 30 at 1 p.m. is an Art Workshop: The Fine Art of Floral Design led by professional floral designer Sussanna Davidson of French Buckets. The workshop allows participants to explore principles of composition, color and texture while creating their own floral arrangement.
It’s for both the experienced and the beginner.
And then on Sunday (Aug. 31) at 2 p.m. is Once Upon a Dollhouse: Storybook Architecture. Alan Hess will examine the history, phases and craftsmanship of these styles throughout the state (including Laguna Beach).
And, don’t miss this celebration on the final weekend of the exhibition!
Then, as we move into September, LAM is always part of the First Thursdays Art Walk around the Downtown area. That evening, they will feature the Steve Johnson Trio at a free event.
First Thursdays is a wonderful way to explore and support Laguna Beach’s cultural art scene.
On Sunday, Sept. 7, back at the museum, enjoy the Greek Rebetiko Trio as part of Laguna Live! at the Museum. Their music is often referred to as “The Greek Blues.”
Music begins at 1 p.m.
One Saturday, Sept. 13, enjoy another Trivia Night at the Museum beginning at 6 p.m. Organizers say, “Whether you’re a seasoned trivia buff or just in it for the laughs, there’s something for everyone.”
