Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

Fire season is on the horizon…are you prepared at your home? Council calls town hall to discuss

After rain, more rain and more rain during 2023, vegetation is alive and plentiful in our hills and canyons surrounding Laguna Beach. It presents huge potential problems for fire risk.

In response to this concern, our Laguna Beach City Council has called a Wildland Fire Preparedness Town Hall Meeting for this coming Tuesday, Sept. 19 in the City Council Chambers from 5-8 p.m.

The purpose is to “inform the community about wildfire threats and discuss mitigation efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of community members."

This is an “informational meeting for the public, (in) which there will be no deliberation, nor will there be any formal action taken by the Laguna Beach City Council. While there may be incidental discussion of city business, the City Council will not be deliberating as a governing body of the City of Laguna Beach. Any discussion of public business is purely incidental to the town hall discussions.”

Still, it’s hugely important to become ready because the time will come.

You may also watch the town hall streamed live via the city’s website at www.lagunabeachcity.net/meetings; via Cox cable on channel 852; or via Zoom at https://lagunabeachcity.zoom.us/j/91641723096. 

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The Social Safety Net Tour is an important event taking place tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 16) from 9-11 a.m. and hosted by the City’s Housing and Human Services Committee.

Seven local nonprofit organizations that work to provide a variety of needed services within the community will open their doors to community members to tour facilities, ask questions and learn from staff members how they can use, refer, or support these crucial local nonprofits.

Residents can visit all seven nonprofits at three sites. Here’s the plan: On Third Street, in and around the Susi Q Senior Center, find out more about Laguna Beach Seniors, which offers a wide array of programs and services for older adults; Seaside Legal Services, which is available for free legal help to those with civil cases who cannot afford representation; Sally’s Fund, offering assisted and escorted transportation services for seniors and disabled individuals; Be Well, the new Laguna Beach partnership bringing mobile mental health services to the community via a two-year pilot program and the Laguna Beach Community Clinic which provides medical care to patients regardless of their ability to pay.

Mosey up Laguna Canyon Road and visit the Laguna Food Pantry, which offers free, fresh, nutritious groceries to anyone in need; and the Friendship Shelter, a 45-bed alternative sleeping location for unhoused adults.

Obviously, all of these services are there for those in need, and while, hopefully, most of you might not need them, they’re great to have available for our community and for those in need of assistance.

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UC Irvine students who are passionate about music, even if they are not music majors, can now apply for scholarships, thanks to a $100,000 pledge from The Drake Gives, a charitable organization founded by commercial developer and local restaurateur Alec Glasser.

“We believe that music is a fundamental part of the soul and it can be applied in many different contexts,” said Glasser, adding that the scholarships will go to students who plan to infuse music in their future careers.

Glasser, who owns The Drake Restaurant in Laguna Beach, learned to play saxophone, clarinet and flute in public schools in New York where he grew up. He believes everyone should have a chance to study and enjoy music even if they don’t become musicians.

UCI and Glasser are working on additional collaborations to further efforts to manifest the power of music in society, locally and abroad.

Glasser named his restaurant after the famed Drake Hotel in New York, where he worked as an elevator operator and bellman in his younger days.

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Laguna Beach artist and long-time Sawdust Festival exhibitor Rosalie Marsh-Boinus has been invited to showcase her landscape paintings and prints in the Sherman Library & Gardens Gift Shop, beginning today, September 15.

Her paintings have been inspired by her photographs taken while traveling around the world. Their presentation also coincides with the autumnal equinox and fall foliage, flowers and plants.

Sherman Gardens, of course, is an inspiring horticultural oasis and nationally renowned botanical garden in Corona del Mar, open between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Sunday.

You can view a sampling of Rosalie’s impressive work at www.designsbyrosalie.com.

For more information on Sherman Library & Gardens go to https://thesherman.org.

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Speaking of art…most everyone has one of those, “I wonder what that’s worth?” pieces. Well, the Laguna Art Museum tomorrow (September 16) is planning something close to the Antiques Roadshow from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Locals can bring in up to five items of fine art, antiques, silver, jewelry and more, to receive a free verbal auction valuation.

The cost to attend is $20 for members and $30 for non-members, with all proceeds benefiting the Museum.

John Moran, Auctioneers & Appraisers will be on hand to offer their insight.

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Okay, raise your hand if you can say, “I’m attending my “100-year” high school reunion.” (See my raised hand.)

Now, as Newport Beach Fire Chief Jeff Boyles chuckled and said Wednesday evening when I told him about it, “Oh, so you’re 118 years old.”

Wrong.

My high school (Amador) in Pleasanton, Calif. is turning 100 years old and ALL classes over the years have been invited back to town for a parade down Main Street this afternoon, to the high school football game tomorrow night, a pancake breakfast Saturday morning and a concert in the park Saturday afternoon featuring a guy from my high school class.

The group is called Teddy & the Ten-Speeds and they’re supposed to be very good.

To be honest, I’m kind of excited…my graduating class of ’71 was I believe less than 250 people, so you knew pretty much everyone.

My biggest regret is only starting my diet three days in advance, rather than six months ago. Hopefully, they won’t get past my balding head and face full of wrinkles to notice my over-sized middle.

I guess that’s what the years do to you, which reminds me of one of Mickey Mantle’s great sayings, “If I knew I was going to live this long I would’ve taken better care of myself.”

The fun part is that I’m doing it with my brother who was in the class ahead of me.

And, all those gorgeous young girls I remember walking the Amador halls those many years ago between classes, they’re also 70! Boy, where has the time gone!

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It’s arguably one of the foremost gatherings of chefs, wineries and restaurants when they all come together for Chef Masters at Festival of Arts on Sunday, Sept. 24. It’s a casual, fun setting, with great wine and delicious food.

Oh, and it benefits Unconditional, the local group that joins with others to rescue dogs seemingly challenged at finding another home to share love in and live life. You see, some of these dogs are disabled, perhaps in need of back wheels to scoot, or have a loss of eyesight, etc. Others might just be older. But one thing all have in common is that they still have time left to live, love and share a home with others.

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Courtesy of Unconditional

Don’t take my word for it…meet this 3-year-old Frenchie named Poppy…one of a number of those looking for their forever home

I witnessed it firsthand last year at this very event, seeing some of these so-called challenged dogs moving around, wagging their tails and exhibiting huge doggie smiles.

It touched my heart.

If you’d care to purchase tickets to support this special fundraiser, go here.

Volunteers needed for the Laguna Food Pantry grocery rescue program

Join the Laguna Food Pantry as a volunteer driver for the grocery rescue program. Throughout the week, the Pantry receives rescued groceries from 22 local grocery stores. Volunteer drivers pick up the store donations and bring them to the Pantry to be distributed to families and individuals. Currently, the Pantry is short on drivers, and they need help picking up from all the grocery stores. If you have access to a reliable car and a few hours during the week, please consider applying to be a volunteer driver.

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Courtesy of Laguna Food Pantry

(L-R) Volunteer driver Joe Krach and volunteer Eric Bartlett at Laguna Food Pantry are about to unload a delivery

The Laguna Food Pantry is a predominantly volunteer-run organization with over 160 active volunteers. As a food pantry, they serve as the direct connection between distributing groceries and the families and individuals receiving them. Therefore, when you volunteer at the Pantry, you witness the impact you are making in others’ lives. One volunteer shared that their favorite part about volunteering at the Laguna Food Pantry is “seeing families drive-thru and thank us five times while driving away because they are so incredibly appreciative. We are truly making a difference in their lives, and when we can see the difference we are making, it really hits home.”

Their volunteers transform the Pantry into a supportive community. If the idea of being part of such a community while making a difference resonates with you, the Pantry invites you to reach out or visit their website to learn more and fill out an application. The Laguna Food Pantry welcomes individuals from all walks of life, whether you are a student, retiree, working professional or someone who simply wants to give back and make a meaningful difference in others' lives.

Laguna Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 8-10:30 a.m. with a drive-through distribution system. Anyone in need is welcome to visit once a week to pick up free, fresh, nutritious groceries. If you know of anyone in need, please let them know.

To learn more about the Laguna Food Pantry, how to get involved, or ways to donate, visit www.lagunafoodpantry.org. Your donation is greatly appreciated and critical in continuing their mission of ensuring no one goes hungry in our community.

The Laguna Food Pantry is located at 20652 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.

Laguna Beach Police Department leads another Joint Taskforce Operation to target speeders and loud exhaust

On Sunday, Sept.10, officers from the Laguna Beach Police Department led its third multi-agency operation this year to target speed violations and loud and modified vehicle exhaust. This has been a sustained enforcement effort in response to safety and quality of life issues impacting residents throughout Orange County, including coastal communities from San Clemente to Seal Beach.

Sunday’s enforcement included police officers from Newport Beach, Seal Beach and deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The following results were achieved through this operation:

–58 vehicles were stopped for vehicle code violations

–17 vehicles were issued citations (which include loud and/or modified exhaust and emissions)

–10 vehicles were issued citations for Basic Speed or Exceeding 65 MPH

–39 vehicles were given citations for other violations

“Speed and loud exhaust violations continue to compromise the safety and quality of life of our residents. Consequently, we are left with no choice but to take a zero-tolerance approach to enforcement,” said Laguna Beach Police Chief Jeff Calvert. “We appreciate the unprecedented collaboration with our law enforcement partners throughout Orange County and will continue these joint enforcement operations through the end of the year.”

Chabad of Laguna Beach to host services and programs during High Holidays

With the High Holidays approaching at sundown on Friday, Sept. 15, Chabad of Laguna Beach will once again be hosting services and programs open to the community. The services, which will include prayers for the wellbeing of all humanity – a key theme of Rosh Hashanah – will also be centered around hearing the sounds of the shofar, the central observance of the holiday. There will be English/Hebrew prayer books, a warm and friendly atmosphere, a soulful cantor from Israel and a Jr. Congregation program.

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Photos courtesy of Chabad of Laguna Beach

Hebrew School class learning about upcoming holidays

Schedule of events:

–Calling all Kids for a High Holiday “Street Fair” on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 4:30 p.m. at Chabad Laguna Beach.

Bake round Challah with sweet toppings, whip up a delicious pomegranate salsa, design High Holiday cards, create your own sweet souvenir box to take home, Shofar blowing, holiday games and insights. Prizes and treats for all children! RSVP. Cost: $8 per child.

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Rabbi Goorevitch blowing the shofar in preparation for the High Holidays

–Shofar in the Park on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 5 p.m. at Lang Park (Wesley and PCH).

Popular program back again this year, features a 30-minute celebration with select prayers and songs, shofar blowing, honey cake decorating, apples and honey sticks, and treats for the kids.

For a detailed schedule, seat reservations, Yizkor memorial service and High Holiday megasite, visit www.chabadoflaguna.com, or call 949.499.0770.

RSVP is necessary for all programs to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Chabad of Laguna Beach is located at 30804 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.

Don’t miss “Ocean Heroes,” the last PMMC after-school program before renovations begin

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) will run its last after-school program before renovations begin that will span through all of 2024.

“Ocean Heroes” is an after-school science program designed for children ages 8-12. Children engage in marine science and conservation topics, hands-on activities, games, crafts and optional offsite stewardship projects. Over the course of the program, kids learn about a diversity of marine mammals, the ecosystems in which they reside, and the threats these animals currently face in the wild. With the support of enthusiastic instructors, students put their problem-solving skills to the test engaging in innovative STEAM projects exploring solutions and becoming ocean stewards.

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Courtesy of PMMC

The “Ocean Heroes” program will engage youth in a variety of marine science and conservation topics

This fall, explorers will discover the different habitats of sea turtles, how to tell the seven species apart and determine the challenges they face in their environment. Kids go on to learn about why spinner dolphins do acrobatic tricks out of water and the different ways they communicate with each other. Explorers investigate the diet of Steller sea lions just like scientists do by analyzing their sterile scat samples left behind by these powerful pinnipeds. In their final session, kids find out what’s up with all of the spots on spotted dolphins.

Each two-hour session is packed with information, activities, games and experiments to engage young minds with ocean science and conservation. Sessions begin September 15 and continue every Friday from 4-6 p.m. through October 6.

This will be the last onsite youth program at PMMC until renovations of the main facility are completed at the end of 2024. Once they reopen, they will have a fantastic new education center where they will resume their educational efforts with brand new curriculum and programs.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center is located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. For more information, visit www.pacificmmc.org.