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.
