Something for everyone in our wilderness parks
Sign up online:
www.lagunacanyon.org/events
(949) 923-2235
Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park
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Long Distance Hiking
Sat, Dec 7
8 – 11 a.m.
Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in exploring the beauty and diversity of the trails in the backcountry of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. This will be a strenuous 6.9-mile hike (900-ft. elevation gain) over rocky, steep, and uneven terrain. The group will hike through sycamore and oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub, and along ridges with beautiful vistas. Participants should be fit and able to hike long distances – not for beginners!
For your safety and comfort bring 2-3 liters of water, a hat, a hearty snack, and proper hiking shoes. Ridge Park Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd east to end; meet at the gate). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat/Sun. Parking: free.
Family Hike
Sat, Dec 7
3 – 5 p.m.
Come and enjoy an easy 2.5-mile family hike over moderate but uneven terrain (45-ft. elevation gain). Starting at the James Dilley Preserve, the group will hike one of the most diverse areas of the park to Barbara’s Lake and back. The hike will be led by Laguna Canyon Foundation naturalist volunteers. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right). All ages are welcome; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat/Sun. Parking: $3 per vehicle.
Fitness Hike
Thurs, Dec 12
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced 5.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (750-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Please be aware: this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. For ages 15 and up with signed waiver from a parent. The waiver can be downloaded at: www.lagunacanyon.org/waiver. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area. For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat/Sun. Parking: $3/vehicle.
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Aliso and Wood Canyons
Wilderness Park
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Keep It Wild
Sat, Dec 7
8 – 11 a.m.
Join Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks for a habitat restoration stewardship event in Aliso and Wood Canyons. Volunteers will learn and work together to create a healthier home for the park’s native plants and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, volunteers may assist with: removal of non-native plants, seed collection, planting of native plants, and/or trash pick-up along the creek. No experience is necessary and tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and bring water. Join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park HQ, 28373 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Niguel (from Alicia Pkwy, turn onto Awma Road, then left into parking lot). Age Requirements: Ages 5 – 16 are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent. Students 16-18 years old are welcome with a waiver signed by a parent/guardian that is collected at the start of the event. The waiver will be sent to you after the online registration form is completed. For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat/Sun. Parking: Free for Keep It Wild volunteers!
Yoga Hike
Wed, Dec 11
9 – 10:30 a.m.
Stretch your mind and body on this 2.4-mile hike with a yoga twist over steep and uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain) led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Please bring a towel and water – a yoga mat is optional. For ages 15 and up. Ages under 18 are welcome with a signed waiver from a parent. The waiver can be downloaded at: www.lagunacanyon.org/waiver. Meet at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area. From Pacific Park/Canyon Vistas intersection, go northwest on Canyon Vistas. Park legally (note street signs) on or near Canyon Vistas, preferably between Coastal Oak and Madia (22144 region of Canyon Vistas). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat/Sun. Parking: Free.
Irvine Subaru’s “Share the Love” supports Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach
The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach’s El Toro Program is a chosen recipient of the “Share the Love” event, hosted by Irvine Subaru. For every car leased or sold now through January 2, 2020, Irvine Subaru will donate $250.
Consumers will have the option to donate to either the El Toro Program of the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach or the Memorial Care Foundation. “Both the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach and the Memorial Care Foundation are making huge strides to help our future generations, and Irvine Subaru is proud to support them in their efforts,” stated Irvine Subaru.

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Boys & Girls Club youth enjoy a day in the life of the club
“We are honored to be a beneficiary of the ‘Share the Love’ event,” said Pam Estes, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach. “Our partnership with Irvine Subaru enables us to provide a world-class experience for club kids and teens for a nominal fee. What people don’t realize is that the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach invests three times the amount of what membership fees cover every day. Within one mile of Irvine Subaru, there are two elementary schools with about 1,500 students. Nearly 70 percent of these families are socio-economically disadvantaged. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we never turn away families that are unable to pay program fees. We are here to make sure that these deserving children are not lost in the shadows of South Orange County affluence.”
The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach’s service area includes Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, and the surrounding communities. The club offers a nationally recognized and award-winning year-round out-of-school enrichment program that focuses on the whole family.
From preschool to parenting classes, the Boys & Girls Club offers an array of services that focus on: academic success, good character and citizenship, healthy lifestyles, and creative expression.
For nearly 70 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach strives to support the youth of our community through out of school recreation that celebrates the whole child.
For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, visit www.bgclagunabeach.org.
To volunteer or donate, contact Jennifer Costales, Director of Community Engagement, at (949) 715-7942.
Library Events
December
Fri, Dec 6
Stay N Play
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Babies and toddlers will meet to play and socialize. The Library provides developmental toys for these informal play sessions. Older siblings are welcome.
Sat, Dec 7
Banned Books Club
10 – 11 a.m.
Join this rebel reading group once a month to discuss a book that has been challenged and/or banned. The group will discuss the book as well as the controversy. This month, the group will discuss Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.
Sat, Dec 7
Poetry Workshop
2 – 4 p.m.
Participants should bring 10 copies of a poem they wish to have read and workshopped. Each poem will be read by the poet and perhaps by another reader. Participants then respond with emphasis on positive comments and constructive suggestions. Recommended for advanced poets – this is not a workshop for beginners. Meets in the Community Room. Contact Mike Sprake at (714) 318-1461 or mikesprake@gmail.com for more information.
Sat, Dec 7
Magic Show with Billy Bonkers
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Bonkers Magic Show is full of amazing magic, comedy, and non-stop audience participation with a unique British twist. You’ll be baffled by the levitation of a child in the audience! For all ages.
Mon, Dec 9
Third Street Writers Group
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Serious writers working on projects (short stories, novels, plays) meet to share feedback and support. This is not a workshop for beginners. Contact the library for additional information.
Mon, Dec 9
Art Lessons
3 – 4 p.m.
Laguna Beach artists from LOCA will teach a variety of techniques to create art. The children will read a book, review the artwork in it, and do an art activity. The art projects will focus on the season of winter. For ages 8-10. First come, first served.
Mon, Dec 9
Book Club
5:30 – 6:45 p.m.
This month the Book Club will discuss New of the World by Paulette Jiles. Light refreshments will be provided. Pick up your copy at the library.
Tues, Dec 10
Math Club
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Nothing like your usual math club! Crazy 8s is an over-the-top recreational after-school club for K-2nd graders that gets kids excited about math. Free. Registration is required.
Wed, Dec 11
Toddler Techy Story Time
11 – 11:30 a.m.
Stories are important. That’s why the library has combined the classic story time with technology to introduce Techy Story time, making use of iPads, Apple TV, and occasionally a 3D printer to make it fun and educational.
Wed, Dec 11
Art Lessons
3 – 4 p.m.
Laguna Beach artists from LOCA will teach a variety of techniques to create art. The children will read a book, review the artwork in it, and do an art activity. The art projects will focus on the season of winter. For ages 5 to 7. First come, first served.
Wed, Dec 11
3D Printing Workshop
5 – 6 p.m.
Learn about 3D printing and see a 3D printer in action. Participants will have a chance to select, modify, and print a 3D object. The 3D printing workshop takes place on the second Wednesday of each month.
Thurs, Dec 12
Family Story Time
10:30 a.m. – Noon
Welcome to the Peapod Academy. Join some of the cutest babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in town and adults of their choice at the Library. Little peas will enjoy books & story time, songs & music, finger plays, movement, hands on activities, arts & crafts, and other cadets. Each week has a different theme. Get to know others and support your little one’s developmental skills. No preregistration required.
Thurs, Dec 12
Read to a Dog
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Kids ages K-17 can read aloud to the therapy dogs who are great listeners.
Fri, Dec 13
Stay N Play
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Babies and toddlers will meet to play and socialize. The Library provides developmental toys for these informal play sessions. Older siblings are welcome.
Meet Pet of the Week Chickie Niece
Chickie Niece is currently taking over Pet of the Week. She is a three-year-old terrier mix who is neutered. Chickie Niece is one of the sweetest dogs out there. She loves to run, jump, and play as much as she can. She will do well in a home with other animals, and since Chickie Niece is so small she is the perfect lap dog that will want to cuddle all day long. With a name as unique as hers, you will be in for an adventure. Nancy Goodwin, shelter director, is hoping to have Chickie Niece adopted as soon as possible.

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Chickie Niece is the perfect cuddle dog
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, the shelter’s return rate is five percent as compared to the national return rate of 50 percent.
The LB Animal Shelter is located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Rd. For information on adoption procedures, call (949) 497-3552 or go to www.puplagunabeach.org/our-pets.php.
Crystal Cove State Park
crystalcovestatepark.org

If you love hiking, lace up those boots. The backcountry and wilderness areas offer you 18 miles of hiking trails through 2,400 acres of native wilderness, mostly the endangered coastal sage scrub plant community. For energetic backpackers, there are three environmental campgrounds, one in the canyon and two at the higher elevations. The higher trails offer beautiful vistas of the mountainous backcountry, geological formations and the Pacific Ocean. Exploring the lower trails offers hiking through riparian woodlands with oak and sycamore trees along the seasonal Moro Creek. Whether you trek the high or low trails or both, you will see native plants and animals that call this park home.
Family Night Hike
Fri, Dec 6
6 p.m.
Families with young children are invited to join a park naturalist on an easy one-hour, guided 2-mile Family Night Hike along Moro Canyon trail. Everyone stays together on this stroll into the canyon (strollers for little ones recommended). Meet at the Berns Amphitheatre (PCH inland at School-State Park stoplight, follow the signs to the Campground). Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15).
Tree Lighting and Holiday Bazaar
Sat, Dec 7
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Crystal Cove Conservancy is hosting the 23rd Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Bazaar. Santa will arrive in the Historic District of Crystal Cove State Park where the tree lighting will take place. Enjoy authentic vintage décor and strolling carolers. Hot cocoa and cookies will be provided by The Beachcomber Café. Park in the Los Trancos lot (PCH inland at Los Trancos stoplight then walk across the street or take the shuttle). Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15).
Seaweed and Sea Creatures Walk
Sun, Dec 8
Noon
Explore the huge variety of seaweeds on a guided Seaweeds and Sea Creatures of Crystal Cove Beach Walk. There are countless species of marine algae – green, red, and brown – found on the beach. Learn about the biology, ecology, and even human uses of seaweeds. Meet at Pelican Point parking lot #2, at the top of the boardwalk near the parking lot (PCH coastward at Newport Coast, right at kiosk to first lot). Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15).
Sea Glass Jewelry
Wed, Dec 11
10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Enjoy a free sea glass jewelry making activity in the Education Commons in the Historic District at Crystal Cove State Park (park in the Los Trancos lot – PCH inland at Los Trancos stoplight then walk across the street or take the shuttle). Learn how to turn sea glass into a one of a kind creation. Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15).
Love birds?
Bring a pair of binoculars and look for feathered friends who have adapted to Crystal Cove, as you hike the trails, which go from easy to strenuous. Among the birds you might spot: Anna’s Hummingbird, American Kestrel, Black-Bellied Plover, Black Phoebe, Brown Pelican and the Great Blue Heron. For a directory of birds, visit www.crystalcovestatepark.org/
birds-of-crystal-cove. For a trail map, visit https://crystalcove.org/wp-content/
uploads/2017/05/CrystalCove_
Trails_Map.pdf.

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Cassins kingbird
About Tidepool Etiquette: Crystal Cove State Park is a Marine Protected Area. Taking or possessing tidepool sea life is illegal. To help preserve the longevity of the tidepools: never remove animals, shells or rocks; never pick up animals, observe them where they are; walk gently, taking care not to step on plants.
Messy Church offers advent gathering on Sunday
“After shopping for toys, come for comfort and joys,” says Barbara Crowley as she invites everyone to attend Messy Church’s Advent gathering on Sunday, Dec 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Laguna Beach United Methodist Church.
Messy Church offers an intergenerational, interactive opportunity for anyone who is uncomfortable at a traditional church service yet seeks spirituality and community.

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LBUMC presents Messy Church on Sunday, Dec 8
Crowley, who leads Messy Church, invites people of all ages to deck the halls with stars, angels, nativities, shepherds, and kings. “We’ll be making heirloom crafts, evergreen wreaths, singing Christmas carols by candlelight, and enjoying other activities related to the Christmas story,” she adds.
In addition, a meal is always served. RSVPs are welcome, but not required.
Laguna Beach United Methodist Church is located a 21632 Wesley Dr, up the hill from the Gelson’s Shopping Center.
For additional information, contact Patricia Reyes at preyes@lbumc.org or (949) 499-3088.
KX 93.5 Featured Podcast of the Week
“Mornings with Ed” recently welcomed Paula Arnold and Ashley Von Gremp, the leadership behind the Chamber of Commerce, for “Chamber Chat,” to discuss Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday is an annual shopping holiday that takes place the day after Black Friday and is meant to encourage shopping at small and local businesses.

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Courtesy of Visit Laguna
Shop local to put money back into the Laguna Beach economy
This year, over 90 stores in Laguna Beach took part in Small Business Saturday. On average, for every $1 spent at a small business, 65 cents of it is put back into the local economy.
While Small Business Saturday has already passed, it is never too late to shop locally and support small businesses. You can visit here to get tips on the best way to shop locally, and you can listen to “Mornings with Ed” on KX 93.5, or in the podcast library here.