New LBHS football helmets could be a giant step forward in preventing brain injuries

By MAGGI HENRIKSON

Laguna has responded to the growing crisis of sports related brain injuries with the purchase of new helmets for the football team. The new helmets are designed with specific cushioning technology and are intended to help protect players from concussion.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Sammer and Luna Tarazi

Noah Driver runs the ball - new helmets are on the way

 “The LBHS athletic boosters and the high school staff discussed the potential purchase of new helmets for the 2018-19 football season,” said Leisa Winston, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources & Public Communications for LBUSD. “While the existing helmets are certified and comparable to the majority of surrounding high schools’ equipment, the new Vicis helmet technology was identified as a purchase for our athletes due to its ability to reduce impact forces during tackles.”

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Vicis

The Vicis Zero1 helmet technology

The helmets, called the Vicis Zero1, look similar to regular helmets from the outside, but beneath the surface they are layered with high-tech cushioning. They consist of lots of separate spring-like columns in multiple layers. According to the manufacturer, this keeps the head protected from multiple forces. The softer outer shell helps to slow impact forces before they reach the head and brain. The Zero1 also offers a wider field of vision than traditional helmets. 

The NFL has recently invested in preventing, diagnosing and treating head injuries including a program called the Head Health Challenge – a competition to encourage companies to study and develop products to improve player safety. Vicis was one of the winners. The Vicis Zero1 helmet was designed by scientists and engineers, along with Vicis co-founder, Sam Browd, who is a pediatric neurosurgeon.

In 2017, the Zero1 helmets were worn by more than 60 NFL players, including Russell Wilson, Alex Smith, Doug Baldwin, Golden Tate, and Lamar Miller.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Sammer and Luna Tarazi

LBHS Football confers with coach – are they excited about the new helmets? Yes!

While no helmet can assuredly prevent concussions, testing by the NFL and the NFL Players Association over the last several years concluded that the Vicis Zero1 ranked highest in safety.

Vicis has recently made the Zero1 helmets available online, and for high schoolers, at a price point below the NFL level at $1,500 per helmet. According to the Zero1 site, the helmets will cost $950 for these students. 

Winston confirms that the cost for the helmets will be shouldered jointly for Laguna Beach High School, “The District and athletic boosters have agreed to jointly fund the cost of the new helmets with existing funding available. There will be no fundraising necessary to purchase the new helmets.” 

Booster rep Misty Ball is excited that the boys will be utilizing this advanced technology. “We are thrilled about these new, much safer helmets for our boys!”

Laguna girls – 12s, 14s, 16s and 18s – medal at USA Water Polo National Junior Olympics

By MAGGI HENRIKSON

Dominated by Laguna girls, each age group came up winners at the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics July 29, held at Stanford University.

The Junior Olympics Championship (JO’s) is the largest age group water polo tournament in the nation. Athletes and teams come from across the country to compete on the national stage. Teams compete over a four-day period within their respective age category.

The 12 and under team nailed the Championship win in a 9 to 7 victory won in a shoot out against Commerce. 

The 14’s team Laguna Beach took silver, just missing out to Pacific Coast Riptides.

The Laguna high school girls, fresh off winning a second straight California State High School Championship on July 15, joined with their club team, SET, to rule the pool at the JO’s.

Team SET, 16U age group, placed first out of 48 teams that qualified, and played in the championship division, which consisted of 24 teams. The team took the first place medal in the platinum division, in a 7-6 win over Santa Barbara. Goalie Quinn Winter won the MVP “Big Fish” award.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by KLCfotos

Most of the 16’s team attends Laguna Beach High School. Pictured here, back row (L-R): Jenna Dickstein, Emma Singer, Quinn Winter, Caroline Christl, Grace Houlahan, Mara Laughlin, Savannah Burns, Morgan Van Alphen. 

Front row (L-R): Rachael Carver, Kenedy Corlett, Jessie Rose, Kori Bento, Emma Lineback, Nicole Struss, Molly Renner.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by KLCfotos

Goalie Quinn Winter won the MVP “Big Fish” award

The 18U SET team nabbed the bronze medal, taking third place, with SoCal taking the gold, and club 680 taking silver.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by KLCfotos

SET team 18’s took bronze medal at JO’s

Several recently graduated LBHS girls will go on to play water polo next year for some big name schools. They include Thea Walsh (going on to play for Stanford), Evan Tingler (Harvard), Sophia Lucas (USC), Alana Evans (Princeton), Isabel Riches (Brown), and Alex Peros (UCLA).

School Board meeting addresses need for School Resource Officer plus Student Instructional Calendar

By MAGGI HENRIKSON

The School Board meeting of July 17 included a presentation by Laguna Beach Police Department (LBPD) Chief of Police Laura Farinella, during which she presented a memorandum of understanding between LBPD and the Laguna Beach Unified School District to provide a School Resource Officer (SRO).

The meeting also addressed the prickly issue of changes to the Student Instructional Calendar.

School Resource Officer

In an effort to further promote safety for our schools, the Laguna Beach Police Department is developing a School Resource Officer program that will seek to develop and enhance rapport between youth, police officers, school administrators, and parents. LBPD would assign one full-time law enforcement officer to serve as the SRO during the regular school year. The SRO would be employed and retained by LBPD and school site principals would confer with the SRO to develop plans and strategies for improving safety on each Laguna Beach school campus, while adjustments to the program can be made throughout the school year.

The public comments included some in favor of an SRO officer on campus for safety reasons, and some opposed, fearing that this presence would only escalate problems such as altercations between students, and could mean backpack searches for contraband.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Mary Hurlbut

SRO will be trained to de-escalate situations when conflict occurs on school grounds

Chief Farinella stated at the meeting that it’s not about law enforcement, unless behavior is merited. Any enforcement would be in coordination with the school principal.

“It’s not enforcement; it’s education, it’s guidance, it’s prevention, intervention,” she said. “It’s all of those things, so it’s not about going through backpacks, putting the canine through the school, that is not what it’s about. We want [that person] to be a mentor and teacher.” 

There is training along guidelines from the School Resource Officer association including understanding education codes and social media issues. 

The chief further described the SRO methodology, “When kids have altercations, [and are] emotionally upset, the officers have de-escalation techniques.”

SRO would rotate among schools

LBPD would rotate the officer to all schools, most likely starting at the high school “and navigate around to the other schools throughout the day.” It might be El Morro one day, TOW the next. “Maybe opening car doors in the morning at one school, at lunch at a different school.” 

The chief clarified that there is no money exchange between the school district and the SRO. “We just want your approval to be embedded and woven into the fabric of the school system,” she said.

Chief Farinella stated that the effectiveness of the program would be reviewed after a year. “I would love to come back after a year and report, ‘these were the contacts, these were the issues’ – to quantify the success and also qualify, like ‘yes, we feel like there’s a sounding board for issues.’”

The Board is expected to vote on the agreement at the upcoming August 21 meeting. If approved, it would take effect by the fall and would last until August 2021.

Student Instructional Calendar

Also at the July 17 Board meeting, staff presented revisions to the proposed 2019-20 student instructional calendar per Board direction from the June 19 Special Board meeting; the presentation included projected start and end dates for future years through 2022-2023. At the direction of the Board, staff will bring forward alternate start and end dates for future years to the August 21 Board meeting as an information item. 

Leisa Winston, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources and Public Communications said, “To recap what we’ve done so far, over the last year our committee met to survey assumptions, review data, study the issue, and they developed the recommended restructure of the 2019-2020 school year.” 

After subsequent Board meetings (April 12, June 19), community input, and survey results, the committee identified its revised priorities for the school year.

The top three factors identified in the committee’s survey results for the new curriculum calendar were, for those who supported the committee’s recommendation: that the semester end at winter break, that there would be increased test preparation, and that the Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week be off. For those who opposed the committee’s recommendation, they cited family vacations, traffic, and empty beaches as issues.

The committee’s revised recommendations have, thus, identified six factors of change in the 2019-20 instructional calendar: 180 school days, no change to Thanksgiving week (school in session on Monday and Tuesday), two district-wide non-student days (January and March), starting approximately one week earlier on August 26, finals ending before winter break, and the school year ending June 11.

For more information, the revisions to the proposed student instructional calendar may be seen here.

Water Polo champs: girls ruled the pool at National Junior Olympics

In case you missed it, Laguna represented strongly in medals at the USA Water Polo National Junior Olympics on July 29. It was a clean sweep of gold for the 10 and under, 12 and under, and 14 and under Laguna Beach girls’ teams. Team SET, including many Laguna Beach High School girls, garnered the silver for the 14’s, gold for the 16’s – with MVP going to the goalie Quinn Winter – and it was a bronze for the 18’s.

The Laguna Beach Water Polo Foundation club team, the 12 and under, earned top billing for a second year in a row, beating Commerce 9-7 for the gold.

Click on photo for a larger image

Facebook photo

The Laguna Beach 12U champions at the Junior Olympics

Tournament MVP Emerson Hensley is a Thurston student who is passionate about water polo. She led the way for Laguna Beach along with top contributors, returning champions Ava Knepper, Claire Turner, and Nina Rogers, and goalkeepers Siena Jumani and Sofia Umeda.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Stacey Munatones Hensley

Emerson Hensley was awarded Tournament Most Valuable Player

Coach Kelcie Ferreira said, “I’m very proud of the girls. It’s a long season for them, and they were able to take everything I threw at them.”

Well done, water polo champs!

LBHS Boys Water Polo Team is well represented at national competition

Orange County Water Polo Club (OCWPC) finished strong at this year’s Junior Olympics, and the Laguna Beach High School Varsity Water Polo team was well represented by seniors Will Clark and Colton Gregory as well as junior goalie Caden Capobianco. 

Recently graduated and Cal Baptist bound Riley Bumgardner also represented Laguna on the 18U team. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

The 18U water polo team did very well at the Junior Olympics

In addition to Laguna Beach, OC Water Polo Club also attracts athletes from Dana Hills, San Clemente, Rancho Santa Margarita and Aliso Niguel high schools.

OCWPC competed in the 18U Boys Platinum Division at the National Junior Olympics July 21 - 24. Stanford University’s Avery Aquatic Center played host to the highest-level matches in the Championship Division.

The boys’ team came out strong and won their first two matches against South Coast Water Polo (Thousand Oaks) and CHAWP (Chino Hills). The second day brought even tougher competition against #2 ranked Trojan (South Bay) and #10 ranked Del Mar. 

OC won both games, securing them a spot in the top. Two tough matches followed against powerhouse programs Stanford and LA Premier (Harvard Westlake.) 

OCWP finished tournament play with an exciting win over Northern Cal favorite Lamorinda (10-5). OCWP finished an impressive fifth place in the elite competition.

LBUSD hires new Director of Assessment and Accountability

Laguna Beach Unified School District welcomes a new Director of Assessment and Accountability, Dr Chad Mabery. 

Photo from MBUSD website

Dr Chad Mabery

Mabery joins LBUSD from the Manhattan Beach Unified School District where he previously served as the Director of Data, Assessment, and Professional Development in the Educational Services Department. 

With almost 20 years of experience as an educator, Dr. Mabery has held roles as a middle school teacher, vice principal, and principal. He received his Doctorate of Education in Education Leadership from UCLA and his Master of Arts in Education Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

OC Boys & Girls Club mark Giving Day on August 15 – locals are asked to contribute

August 15 is a very special giving day for the 15 Orange County Boys & Girls Clubs. The Clubs are collaborating on this day to raise a total of $150,000 for the kids.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Laguna Beach Boys and Girls Club

Together the 15 Clubs combined have a total of 110 sites and serve over 95,922 youth annually. The local clubs are asking residents to note August 15 on their calendars and consider supporting the Boys & Girls Club on this very special giving day.

According to the Institute for Social Research and School of Public Health at the University of Michigan study, for every dollar invested in a Boys & Girls Club, the community receives $10 in return. 

For more information contact Michelle at (949) 715-7584 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Boys & Girls Club will host their fourth Annual Night Under the Stars Gala on August 24

The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach is proud to present their fourth Annual Night Under the Stars Gala, benefiting the Boys & Girls Club Lake Forest Program, on Friday, Aug 24. The event will be held at the Lake Forest Sun & Sail Club. 

Proceeds of the event will support the dream of funding a building for the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Forest. Admission and sponsorship opportunities are available at the Club’s site at www.bgclagunabeach.org. 

Guests will enjoy an evening of New York Jazz and nightlife, centering around this year’s gala theme. In addition to experiencing fine food and drinks, guests will also have the opportunity to bid on a wide range of silent auction items.

For more information contact the Lake Forest Gala’s Event Chair, Dave Carter at (949) 939-6550 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Special Board of Education meeting tonight will review survey results regarding recommended changes to school calendar

The Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education will hold a special Board meeting tonight, Tuesday, June 19 at 6 p.m. in the LBHS Library to review survey data regarding recommended changes to the school calendar, which have been recommended to go into effect at the start of the 2019-2010 student instructional year.

LBUSD partnered with Hanover Research, a private research firm located in Washington D.C., to administer an opinion survey of students, parents, teachers, and staff regarding recommended changes to the District’s academic calendar.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

Will the school calendar change for LBUSD students starting in 2019-20? Results of the Board of Education’s special survey, presented tonight (Tuesday, June 19) to the public, will likely play a big role in the decision.

The changes recommended by the committee include moving the calendar start date up a week and a half earlier, to August 21, and moving the end date up a week earlier to June 11. This would align LBUSD with other nearby districts that have made similar changes in recent years.

The calendar survey data review is an information only item. No action will be considered at the board meeting. The Board will provide the district staff with direction on the next steps in the process.

Tonight’s special meeting is open to the public.

For additional information, including the recommended 2019-2020 calendar, visit www.lbusd.org/calendarplanning.

SchoolPower names new executive director: Sarah Durand

SchoolPower has named Sarah Durand as its new executive director. Durand was chosen from a field of over 80 applicants during an exhaustive search process that began after Robin Rounaghi, SchoolPower’s current executive director, announced that she was stepping down after five years in the position to spend more time with her family. Durand will take the reigns of the organization in August. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

New director of SchoolPower, Sarah Durand

Durand has lived in Laguna Beach with her husband for the past 14 years and has three children in Laguna Beach schools. She graduated from UCLA with a degree in communication studies and built a robust career in digital marketing, product management and website development for organizations including Disney Interactive, Stanford Children’s Health, and Laguna Beach-based MacGillivray Freeman Films. Durand has been a dynamic leader for our schools through PTA and site council, and has served as a SchoolPower trustee.

SchoolPower’s executive committee was impressed with Durand’s vision for the organization. “Sarah understands SchoolPower’s mission. She has a clear vision for the future and that was exciting for the group to hear,” explains upcoming SchoolPower President Mike Houlahan. Rounaghi adds, “Sarah’s skills and dedication make her perfectly suited to build upon our past success and take SchoolPower to new heights.”

SchoolPower’s executive director partners with an all-volunteer board of trustees and a small, dedicated staff to oversee events and programs as diverse as the Community Campaign, Dinner Dance, Fund-A-Need, Chef Challenge, Dodgeball, 3 Clubs Barefoot Golf Classic, Business Alliance, Real Estate Honor Roll and the Student Directory. This year SchoolPower will donate approximately $760,000 to support LBUSD initiatives and programs like digital literacy, social emotional support, music, and the arts. 

“Laguna Beach schools are exceptional, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to shape SchoolPower’s bright future,” says Durand. “I see an opportunity to modernize the way we communicate SchoolPower’s important mission with families and build long-term relationships with them.”

Art mural underway at LBHS – No Place for Hate

Story and photos by MAGGI HENRIKSON

Scaffolding is up, and paintbrushes are out at Laguna Beach High School. Leisa Winston, Asst Superintendent LBUSD, explains, “The mural on campus is a reflective piece that will represent the variety of students, activities and experiences of LBHS. It is a product of the No Place for Hate work we have initiated in the district.”

Click on photo for a larger image

Artist Timothy Robert Smith is creating the new mural at the high school

Timothy Robert Smith is the artist wielding the paintbrush. The work is in progress on the side of the school building that heads down to the track and field. It depicts students and their interests – including sports and academia, dance, marching band, etc., from a perspective seeming to float above. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Mural showing students and their diverse interests

The piece is similar in its use of perspective to one Smith created for LCAD (across Laguna Canyon Rd from the main campus). The LCAD mural is like looking at the view from below, whereas the high school mural is what the artist describes as “a twisted view.” Smith is also a teacher at LCAD, and is working on the mural with the help of some of his students.

LBUSD receives No Place for Hate® designation

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has designated Laguna Beach Unified School District a No Place for Hate® district, recognizing its commitment to creating safe and respectful learning environments for students. 

No Place for Hate is a research-based initiative that follows many of the recommendations for creating a positive school climate laid out by the National School Climate Center. The initiative provides PreK-12 schools with an organizing framework for combating bias, bullying, and hatred, leading to long-term solutions for creating and maintaining a positive climate. 

A district must fulfill several requirements to receive a No Place for Hate designation including a district-wide needs assessment. LBUSD accomplished this by gathering data from all students, staff, parents, and guardians to assess school climate strengths and areas of need. The process included universal screenings that provided detailed insight into the quality and character of the students and school life. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Sign at Top of the World Elementary urges kids to take responsibility

Additionally, each school site must form a No Place for Hate committee, sign the No Place for Hate Promise, and complete three or more school-wide activities during the school year that recognize differences and promote respect through active learning. 

“The Laguna Beach Unified School District has made a dedicated commitment to the implementation of a comprehensive social and emotional support (SES) system for all students K-12 because we recognize the paramount role it plays in a positive school climate,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jason Viloria. “We strive to support every student, every day, and we appreciate the support and guidance the ADL has provided as we move forward with this mission.”

The ADL will present LBUSD with the No Place for Hate designation at the school board meeting in the fall.

Each school promotes No Place for Hate

Each school in the district is pursuing a broad campaign with the goal of No Place for Hate. At El Morro Elementary, the Character Counts® program is a school-wide initiative that teaches character development based on six ethical values: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. Each month, students are invited to participate in activities that practice those values. The month’s activities culminate with an assembly recognizing students who demonstrated a true understanding of the ethical value in theory and practice.

At Top of the World Elementary, students participated in activities throughout the year like “No One Eats Alone Day” and welcomed guest lecturers like Sam Silberberg who visited the school on the anniversary of his escape from a death march to speak against bullying.

Thurston Middle School encourages its students to “Be Thurston.” Being Thurston means to be an up-stander, be a friend, be a role model and be Thurston SMART. Thurston SMART students: Solve their problems, Make great decisions, Achieve, Respect, and are There and Ready. These philosophies are supported by school-wide activities that are developed around a different theme each month and rotate through subject areas.

At Laguna Beach High School, a committee made up of students from each grade level is dedicated to the implementation of character development activities campus-wide. The activities often encourage civic engagement through the presentation of timely and relevant topics of discussion that bring heightened awareness to the entire student body.

Laguna Beach High School programs receive Festival of Arts Foundation grants

Four Laguna Beach High School teachers were awarded grants totaling $20,000 from the Festival of Arts (FOA) Foundation to enhance the fine arts department, specifically the school’s art, ceramics, dance, and theater programs. Each teacher received a $5,000 grant for their program.

The Laguna Beach FOA Foundation was incorporated in 1989 to preserve and promote the fine arts and all other artistic endeavors in and about Laguna Beach. The foundation operates independently from the Festival of Arts. To date, the Festival of Arts, along with the Foundation, has cumulatively awarded nearly $2.6 million in grants to the art community in Laguna Beach. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Laguna Beach High School

“Visual Arts students appreciate the continued support of the Festival of Arts Foundation that allows students to develop skills for creativity and innovation in post-secondary careers,” said Bridget Beaudry-Porter, a visual arts teacher at Laguna Beach High School. She continued, “With this grant, students can create artwork with canvases, paints, paper, and art supplies. As a teacher, I am very grateful for this historically artistic community which so strongly supports arts education.”

Teachers have used the grants to provide students with real-world experiences and opportunities, including after-school open level master classes for the dance program and exhibit opportunities for the arts and ceramics programs at local galleries. 

“LBHS Drama is grateful for the support received from FOA, which helped elevate the production values related to our spring musical, providing our students with a professional-style experience and our audiences with a crowd-pleasing show,” said Laguna Beach High School and Thurston Middle School Drama Teacher and Director Alexis Karol. “Additional funding was utilized to bring in professional experts for master classes, enriching the student experience with unique opportunities for study and training,” she concluded.   

The FOA Foundation has been a longtime supporter of the visual and performing arts in the LBUSD and will be recognized at the school board meeting tonight, Tuesday, June 26 at 6 p.m. For more information about the Festival of Arts Foundation, including its grants and scholarships, visit www.foapom.com/about/grants-scholarships.

LBUSD School Board meeting tonight will consider action on LCAP, the budget, instructional schedules

The open session of the LBUSD School Board meeting will begin at 6 p.m. tonight (Tuesday, June 26). The Board will recognize several community partners for their contributions to the district during the school year. The Board will consider action on the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), the all-funds budget for 2018-2019, and instructional bell schedules for each school site. 

The Board will also consider action on approval of routine annual agreements and the 2018-19 proposed employment agreements for management and unrepresented staff, including contract amendments for the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents.

The agenda for Tuesday’s regular Board meeting has been posted here: www.lbusd.org/ page.cfm?p=1046.

LBHS seniors Marco Lybbert and Andrew Keyser awarded top two instrumental music awards

Laguna Beach High School seniors Marco Lybbert and Andrew Keyser were announced as the winners of the top two instrumental music awards for 2018 by LBHS Instrumental Music Director Jeremy Chung at the Music Boosters’ annual Band Picnic on June 9. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

Marco Lybbert (left) and Andrew Keyser win music awards

Andrew Keyser received the John Philip Sousa Award to recognize superior musicianship and outstanding dedication. Since 1955, this award has represented the pinnacle of achievement in honoring the top high school band student each year. Keyser’s name will be added to the National Sousa Registry.

Marco Lybbert was presented with the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, which was inaugurated shortly after this great jazz artist died in 1971. This achievement represents the highest level interscholastic award given to a high school jazz musician in recognition of outstanding musical achievement and dedication to the program. 

Both winners received personal trophies, framed certificates, and award pins. Their names will be added to the perpetual plaques for each award showcased at Laguna Beach High School.

School Board meeting – approval of plans and thanking of community partners

At the June 26 School Board meeting, the Board of Education took a moment to recognize the community partners whose dedication and support allow the LBUSD to expand and enhance educational opportunities for students. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

The School Board thanked Chris Clark (holding plant) who represents the SchoolPower Endowment fund

These community partners included: Lumberyard Restaurant, Cary Redfearn, owner, an Outstanding Business Partner; Festival of Arts Foundation, Scott Moore, president; PTA Council, Sheila Parker, president; SchoolPower Endowment, Chris Clark, president; SchoolPower, Kristin Winter, president, Robin Rounaghi, executive director (retiring this year).

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

Cary Redfearn, owner of Lumberyard Restaurant, was recognized as an Outstanding Business partner

The Board of Education approved the 2017-2020 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and Annual Update. The Board stated, “LCAP is the touchstone by which we guide and execute our efforts to educate children. It is comprised of goals that focus District practices and resources to ensure students are college and career ready upon graduation.”

Additionally, the Board took action to approve the final 2018-19 All Funds Budget that was brought forward for public comment at the June 12 School Board meeting, and to approve the instructional minutes for all LBUSD schools for the 2018-19 school year. The bell schedules will be made available under the About section on each school website.

Other District news

Four LBHS teachers were awarded grants totaling $20,000 from the Festival of Arts Foundation to enhance the fine arts department, specifically the school’s art, ceramics, dance, and theater programs. Each teacher received a $5,000 grant for their program.

On June 20, LBUSD kicked off the summer break with its annual end of the year employee appreciation barbecue.

Boys Water Polo will be competing in the first round of the CIF playoffs on Thurs at 5 p.m.: cheer them on

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

L-R, Marshall Eichenauer, James Nolan, Will Clark, Kai Cameron, Colton Gregory, Zach Cord, Peter Weiland, Larsen McCarroll, Caden Capobianco, Sebi Jacobs, Riley Baumgardner, Marcon Salib, Coach Trevor Lyle

Come out and support LBHS’s boys winning water polo team at home on Thursday Nov 2 at 5 p.m. for the first round of the CIF playoffs…GO BREAKERS!

LBHS Surf Team battles Dana Hills and comes up with a giant win, dominates Aliso Niguel

Written by coaches Scott Finn and Alisa Cairns

The Laguna Beach High School Surf Team battled Dana Hills at Salt Creek last Thursday with classic conditions and surf in the five foot range. The event was a League event and the second meeting for the season. Many of the Laguna surfers found success and were key to the win, but you could say the MVP was Travis Booth with a runner up spot in Short Board and a crucial second in Bodyboard. 

Meanwhile our Girls team did their part with Kayla Coscino another MVP, taking the shortboard win and a second in Longboard, while Kalohe Danbara and Kelly Smith went 2, 3 in shortboard and Claire Kelly took third in Longboard. Laguna was out in front with numerous top results. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

MVP Kayla Coscino

In Boys Shortboard Trey Lockhart, Sam Nelsen, Jeremy Shutts and Jake Levine all had wins and Kiko Nelsen had the wave of the day to take a very close second. Jett North did well to take a fourth. We have had a tough time in our Longboard and Bodyboard Divisions and the team has all rallied hard to fill the gaps with some of the surfers doing double duty. It came down to the last heat of the day with the Bodyboarders hitting the water. At the first meeting with Dana we had a chance to tie and just came up short and this time it looked like it might happen again. But as it turned out Travis Booth pulled through with a great Bodyboard performance and his second place finish was enough to give the Team an eight-point win 87/79 overall, the first time taking the win in a very long time.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

MVP Travis Booth

Day two, last Friday saw the team dominate Aliso Niguel in a non-league scrimmage. Several of the usual suspects had top performances, while some new younger kids also got in the mix and came in with some great results. 

Sam and Kiko Nelsen took wins as did Jake Levine, while Travis Booth took a couple of seconds in Boys Shortboard and Bodyboard once again. Jeremy Shutts displayed some nice surfing and took a second in shortboard while his brother Andrew took fourth in Bodyboard. Jameson Roller surfed nicely in Longboard to take a second.

Trey Lockhart took another win while his brother a Freshman took second and Jett North took a third. Several new surfers saw action led by Joseph Schenk who had some nice rides to take second in shortboard, while Lucas Jablon and Julian Williams-Goldberg took thirds and Zac Henderson had a fourth in Longboard. Our Girls did awesome once again with Kalohe Danbara taking the win, while Tess Booth was close behind finishing in second in Shortboard and third in Longboard and Kelly Smith took a third in Shortboard.

A big thank you goes out to all the parents and friends who showed up to support our Laguna kids.Our next event will be another League Event at T-Street on Friday, Nov 3 against San Clemente.

NCAA Signing Day at LBHS: Your community is proud of you all

The community gathered on the quad at LBHS Wednesday morning to celebrate the signing of letters of intent by 12 LBHS senior student-athletes, marking the culmination of 10+ years of dedication and hard work by these extraordinary young women and men.

Parents and grandparents were on hand to celebrate – as well as hundreds of LBHS students, who could be heard hootin’ and hollerin’ as their friends’ names and final college choices were announced over the PA system.

Seven girls water polo players signed their letters of intent – including Thea Wash (Stanford), Sophia Lucas (USC), Evan Tingler (Harvard), Alana Evans (Princeton), Isabel Riches (Brown), Kyla Whitelock (Fresno State), and Danielle Borelli (McKendree University). Diver Liv Mitchell signed her letter of intent to Brown, while swimmer Kasey Karkoska signed hers to Columbia. Girls sand volleyball player Lexi McKeown signed to Florida State, boys volleyball player Sam Bergi signed to UCLA, and rowing coxswain Jessica Morrell signed to UCSD.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photos by Kristin Karkoska/

Blue Sky Studio

(L to R) Liv Mitchell, Evan Tingler, Isabel Riches, Alana Evans, and Kasey Mitchell were all smiles Wednesday after signing their NCAA letters of intent in front of the community

Water polo standout Thea Walsh, an All-County goalie, will join former LBHS teammates (and USA Gold Medal Olympians) Makenzie and Aria Fischer at Stanford, which ’09 LBHS grad and USA Gold Medal Olympian Annika Dries also attended. When asked about her choice, Walsh said: “It’s literally been my dream school since 8th grade.”

Click on photo for a larger image

Thea Walsh, pictured here with her parents, will join former LBHS teammates Makenzie and Aria Fischer at Stanford next year

Sand volleyball star Lexi McKeown said she chose Florida State because of the “bricks and trees.” She wanted something different than Laguna, but still wanted to feel at home. “Every building [at FSU] is brick, and the trees are just so beautiful too. The moment I stepped on campus, I knew it was right for me.”

Click on photo for a larger image

A Seminole and a Lion: Lexi McKeown and Kasey Mitchell

The event was one of three NCAA Signing Day events scheduled by LBHS this year, with other signings in other sports to be celebrated later in the school year.

Click on photo for a larger image

Sam Burgi, who will play volleyball at UCLA next year, with his mother Lori

Lexi McKeown, volleyball player extraordinaire: A special tribute to one of Stu’s favorite families

Mom Kathy McKeown wrote a very personal note to Stu News, wishing that Stu were still around to witness her daughter Lexi’s success. “Wish Stu were here to get to see her get to this point after you two [Stu and Shaena] so graciously supported her throughout her journey,” Kathy wrote. 

So, with Stu in mind, we thought we’d publish Lexi’s story in full, as written by her proud mom.

“Shoot for the moon, if you miss you’ll land within the stars”…and there’s not a game or practice where this player does not aim high, giving a 100 percent effort of herself and to her teammates. 

Fondly referred to as McCutie, the Empire Spikes Back, the Lexinator and McKillin, Lexi McKeown is a four-year LBHS Varsity veteran starting player and is saying goodbye this season to her six years spent on the indoor court playing in the gold division for T Street, Momentous and Laguna Beach Volleyball clubs.  

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Kristin Karkoska/
Blue Sky Studio

Lexi and proud mom Kathy

Next fall Lexi is headed to Florida State University on an academic/athletic scholarship where she will have her toes in the sand playing beach volleyball for the Division 1 number 4 nationally ranked Seminoles. Show us your tomahawk Lex! 

One of the top 2018 beach players in the nation, Lexi finished fifth in the BVCA, third in the USA Spring Open, second in the AAU Spring Classic, played first seed for the championship winning Los Angeles ICG Club in the AAU Power Elite league, fifth out of 56 U18 players in the annual Hermosa Beach Queen of the Beach Invitational tournament, first in the Junior Beach Volleyball League Series tournament #1, first in the U18 College Showcase gold division and second in the East Coast National Junior Championships.

When she’s not playing volleyball she’s either watching Netflix or studying..which has obviously been quite a bit over the last four years…she currently has a 4.5 GPA and plans on majoring in Biological Sciences with aspirations to go into the field of medicine, or star on Grey’s Anatomy.

Two time Varsity captain, second team all-league as a sophomore, Orange Coast league academic scholar athlete each year, last year’s MVP of the league and of the Varsity team, 2016 Max Preps Laguna Beach Player of the Year, and the Orange County Register Varsity Athlete of the Week in October, Lexi is a second-generation volleyball scholarship athlete; her mom, Kathy, also an LBHS grad, was awarded a full ride volleyball scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. 

Lex, your family is so very proud of you and we admire the genuine passion, perseverance and integrity you represent. You already sit among the stars, sweet girl, and we look forward to watching you shine brighter and brighter!

Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach joins the global #GivingTuesday Movement 

The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide.

Occurring this year on Nov 28, #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tues after Thanksgiving (in the US) after the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday kick off the holiday giving season. The hope is to inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support. 

“We’ve joined the #GivingTuesday movement because our programming delivery depends on the generous donations of our friends in the community, “says CEO Pam Estes. She adds, “Donations, no matter what the amount, make a difference and are vitally important as these funds will touch the lives of hundreds of children and families served each year. 

“We all win when a child has quality afterschool and summer camp programs. The impact is not only visible in the young people that show up to the Club every day, but in our alumni, who are advancing their education, energizing their communities, and realizing their dreams.” 

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted Photo

(L-R) LBBGC Giving Tuesday Preschoolers Luke Stedman, Maylen Torres, J. Carlos Zaragoza

A cultural center in New York City, conceptualized #GivingTuesday as a new way of linking individuals and causes to strengthen communities and encourage giving. In 2016, the fifth year of #GivingTuesday, millions of people in 98 countries came together to give back and support the causes they believe in. Over $177 million was raised online to benefit a broad range of organizations, and much more was given in volunteer hours, donations of food and clothing, and acts of kindness. 

Those who are interested in joining the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach’s #GivingTuesday initiative can visit http://www.bgclagunabeach.org. For more details about the #GivingTuesday movement, visit the #GivingTuesday website http://www.givingtuesday.org, Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday) or follow @GivingTues and the #GivingTuesday hashtag on social media.

Laguna Beach High School Girls Soccer Coach Bill Rolfing retires after 13 seasons

A farewell note from Coach Bill Rolfing

I’m happily stepping down from directing Laguna Beach High School Girls Soccer Program after 13 rewarding seasons. During my first stint at LBHS, leading the LBHS Boys Soccer Program (1979-1984), I helped start the Girls Soccer Program (1982). While coaching the Boys Varsity, the squad reached 1980 CIF DII semifinals. Team trips to New Zealand, conducting coaching clinics and founding Laguna Beach Soccer Club were highlights.”

Click on photo for larger image

Submitted photo

Girls’ Soccer team members surround Coach Rolfing

 Returning to LBHS in 2004, I set a goal of rebuilding the LBHS Girls Soccer Program and bringing championships to the school. That was achieved with all three teams! The 2017 season finished at a peak with undefeated Orange Coast League Titles for Varsity and Junior Varsity at 10-0-0. The Varsity Team completed a record-setting campaign with a 20-4-2 overall record, 10-0-0 in league with 7 shutouts, CIF quarterfinal appearance and a final 2017 CIF D4 ranking of # 2.

The last six years elevated the LBHS Varsity to three Orange Coast League Championships (‘12, ‘14 & ‘17), undefeated desert tournament titles and six consecutive trips to CIF Playoffs. From 2011 to 2017, the Varsity Team set a record of only 7 losses in the 60 OCL matches.

Click on photo for larger image

Submitted photo

Coach Bill Rolfing leaves the field… with Assistant Amanda Sylvia

“Thanks to scores of dedicated players who worked hard to take their game to the next level. Congrats to the many who went on to play in college and all the players who continue to call soccer their game. Particularly, it was a dream to coach daughters, Emily ‘05 and Sarah ’07.

Finally, it has been a huge honor to share this successful experience with long-time Varsity Assistants and partners, Amanda Sylvia ANHS ’01 and Courtney Hamchuk, LBHS ‘05. Together we chose good paths, built character, shaped players and built championship girls soccer teams for this small public school by the beach.

Stu News wishes Coach Rolfing all the best for his retirement. Congratulations on a truly remarkable run. You have been a game-changer for the LBHS soccer program - and in the lives of all those young men and women who have played for you.

PTA Coffee Talk draws a SRO crowd for the film SCREENAGERS about Growing up in the Digital Age

By SUZIE HARRISON

It was sitting room only at the packed PTA Coffee Talk screening of “SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in the Digital Age,” at Thurston’s Black Box Theater on Wednesday night. Concerned Laguna Beach parents and their kids came together to find tips and solutions for the glaring problem of excessive electronics usage, too much screen time, and Internet exposure experienced by today’s youth.

Physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston first saw these problems with her own kids, learning that the average kid spends 6.5 hours a day looking at screens. In her documentary, “SCREENAGERS,” Ruston delves into the struggles over social media, video games, academics, and Internet addiction. She reveals how tech time impacts kids’ development and offers solutions on how adults can empower kids to best navigate the digital world and find balance.

 “I am a big advocate of having that balance. I think there are a lot of times technology is great. But there’s definitely a time and place for it,” said Coffee Talk Chair Sharael Kolberg. “I know my own daughter, when she was little, we went without technology. And I saw such a dramatic impact on her in such a short amount of time, that I can attest to. It really is very impactful for your kids to cut down, and they are going to put up a fight.”

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Suzie Harrison

A partial crowd shot of the capacity crowd at the PTA Coffee Talk’s screening of the documentary Screenagers

“What I hope that we take away is just to open the line of communication between parents and kids regarding technology usage, the amount they are on it, and the dangers involved that can happen to anyone,” said Kolberg. “We need to be constantly reminded how important it is to keep the line of communication open with our kids. It’s really the main message.”

Alicia Glass, Coffee Talk event coordinator, has a stepdaughter at Laguna Beach High School and a daughter in second grade at El Morro Elementary School.

“We’ve been really good at communicating with the older girl about the dangers of social media and what not. She has been great and actually doesn’t use social media,” Glass said. “We put her on an old-school flip phone and she’s perfectly fine with that. It has been really great. And I think socially, that’s helped her a lot. She’s not into the drama.”

What’s more concerning to Glass is the even younger generation’s attachment to electronics, as with her child in second grade, who started using electronics in kindergarten.

“My daughter, in kindergarten, they start them on iPads. So, they’re already doing lessons on iPads in kindergarten now at the schools and learning how to use all this technology. It’s fully integrated in their day today,” said Glass. “Now she’s really getting into YouTube and things of that nature. So, I am hoping I can learn some tricks from this movie to kind of implement with her because we are seeing her more and more addicted to electronics.”

Thurston seventh-grade student Bella Piskun, who came with her father Boris to see the movie and potentially learn some new tips, said she knows of some students addicted to their devices.

“Usually people look at Instagram or Snapchat and sometimes it’s addictive. Whenever you turn on your phone, your eyes can’t look away,” Piskun said, referring in particular to Instagram. “My dad wants me to be more responsible with technology, like don’t look at inappropriate stuff, do the right thing.” 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Suzie Harrison

Like Boris and Bella Piskun, many parents and their teens came to see “Screenagers,” a film about balancing life with screen time and electronics usage

Clay and Kimberley Leeds and their two sons Logan, 15, and Elliot, 11, were all in. 

“I’m here because I am concerned about the amount of screen time that kids are exposed to throughout the week,” Clay said. “We take the point of view that screens are useful, and if you’re doing homework, that’s fine, that’s good. But electronics and video games, we limited to two hours a day on Friday and two hours a day on Saturday and that’s it for the week.”

Kimberley said, “I’m hoping to affect my children’s understanding of why I limit their screen time at home. Because during the week they’re not allowed at all unless it has something to do with school, which is difficult because almost everything is on electronic devices now, instead of just paper and pencil.”

She reiterated that during the school week, they ban electronic video games, social media, and interacting with people via electronic devices because it’s becoming an addiction. 

“Their social interaction skills are not so fabulous when they are on the screens. I also find that they’re overly emotional when it’s time to turn it off. Or they don’t get along very well, their wick is so short with each other when they have been playing,” said Kimberley. “So I can tell there’s an effect internally, an instantaneous need – I want rewards immediately. I want what I want when I want it.”

To learn more about “SCREENAGERS,” visit www.screenagersmovie.com.

14 LCAD students to exhibit at Laguna Beach First Thursdays Art Walk galleries on Dec 7

 One of the nation’s top colleges of art and design, Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) announced that 14 students from the BFA in Fine Arts major will exhibit their artworks in select LB art galleries as part of LCAD’s Professional Mentoring Program, an annual collaboration between LCAD and participating Laguna Beach First Thursdays Art Walk galleries.

The 2017 LCAD Professional Mentoring Program exhibition will take place on First Thursdays Art Walk from 6–9 p.m. on Dec 7. The public is invited to tour participating galleries to view student art works.

 LCAD’s Professional Mentoring Program pairs fine arts majors with member galleries of First Thursdays Art Walk. The course is designed to prepare artists with business skills with which to launch a successful career.Representatives from the galleries guide students through the fundamentals of exhibiting their work in the professional area and educate them about the business side of operating a gallery. 

Click on photo for larger image

Submitted photo

The Virgin Mother by Natalie Terenzini

With the exception of juried student exhibitions through LCAD’s satellite galleries, LCAD campus and the LCAD Gallery, many students have never exhibited their work professionally. Proceeds from the sale of student art will not only go to student artists, but a portion is designated for scholarships.

Robin Fuld, Instructor of Professional Studies and Director of Career Services at LCAD. has coordinated the program for 16 years and is a former member of First Thursdays Art Walk board of directors.

 “There is neither another mentor program nor art walk like this in the nation,” Fuld said. “Laguna Beach is unique among California’s art communities in that its First Thursdays Art Walk brings together world-class galleries with one of the nation’s top art and design schools to enhance student education, giving them a competitive edge in the professional art world.”

Many LCAD Fine Arts alumni who have participated in the program have continued their careers with the mentoring galleries as exhibitors, assistants, installers, consultants and managers.

Click on photo for larger image

Submitted photo

In the Moment by Dan Nguyen

Jackie Whitney of Whitney Gallery, a participating gallery this year and previously for many years, said “The students are so nice and very appreciative of any information you can give them about the art business.” 

Charity Oetgen, a recent LCAD alumna said “This is the same class I took with Robin in 2013, while I was still an undergraduate in LCAD’s BFA program in Drawing and Painting. The Mentoring Program component of the class allowed me to apply what I learned in a professional gallery setting. Upon graduating, I was thrilled to be accepted into LCAD’s MFA program and, as a part of that study, served as a Teaching Assistant in several classes, including Robin’s Professional Studies class.  I consider it a real honor—and a blast—to now be a co-instructor with Robin, coordinating events, and serving as an LCAD liaison to FTAW for those students in our class. I now have a successful art career, and am truly grateful that I learned how to start my business before I graduated.”

Oetgen recently published six paintings in an issue of National Geographic that honored the 50th anniversary of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Oetgen also appeared at three events during Dr. Jane Goodall’s US tour to mark the 40th anniversary of the Jane Goodall Institute.

For more information on the participating member galleries and students, visit www.facebook.com/LCADProfessionalMentor

Program, www.lcad.edu, or www.firstthursdaysartwalk.org.

LB Little League team wins Little League AA Tournament of Champions for second year in a row

For the second year in a row, a Laguna Beach team has won the Little League AA Tournament of Champions, where the regular season and post-season champions from Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Rancho Niguel, and Laguna Beach compete against each other. 

Click on photo for larger image

Submitted photo

Bialetti beats Rancho Niguel champion Padres 9-4 in six-inning game

This year’s Laguna Beach AA champions, Bialetti, beat the Rancho Niguel champion Padres 9-4 in a thrilling six-inning game.

Wyatt Bogdan pitched five strong innings for Bialetti, giving up four runs, while walking none and striking out nine batters. Aaron Crosby came in and struck out the side in the sixth inning to seal the victory for Bialetti, who never trailed in the game. 

Click on photo for larger image

Submitted photo

Bialetti gets revved up

Kyle Kaiser got the fun started in the first inning with a two RBI single, as Bialetti jumped out to an early four to zero lead. Kaiser would also later hit a triple, as he and Bogdan both slugged two hits during the game. Jacob Bystrom made an incredible diving catch in foul territory to end a three-run rally by the Padres in the fourth inning. 

Bialetti won the game with great base running and solid defense on the way to the team capturing their third championship of the season (LBLL regular season, postseason, and TOC). It was an exclamation point on an incredible 20-1 overall record, including 15 wins in a row to end the season.

Click on photo for larger image

Submitted photo

Angel Stadium celebrates Bialetti win

Congrats to the members of Bialetti on their remarkable achievement: Wyatt Bogdan, Archie Bradshaw, Jacob Bystrom, Aaron Crosby, Parker Daniels, Jack Gonzales, Kyle Kaiser, Carson Kruidinier, Hendricks McMann, Dane Seybold, Aidan Huhn and Braylon Vellmure, along with Coaches Jarren Gonzales, Jeff Bogdan and Manager Brian Vellmure.

LBHS Boys Varsity Tennis heads to the 2018 CIF Championships

LBHS Boys Tennis will head to the 2018 CIF Southern Section Championships today, Friday, May 18. The team beat Laguna Blanca on Monday to advance, and then Wednesday the team traveled to Santa Ynez for an exciting, down-to-the-wire win to put them in the finals.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Erik Johnson

Coach Conkey gives the thumbs up as the tennis team advances to the CIF Championships today. The team (L to R):Scott Yoder, Casey Boehm, Diego Tellez, Kyle Herkins, Mo Berri, Mason Lebby, Francis Pillsbury, Nick Besso, Andrew Duong, Matt Duong, Matt Berk, Blake Hawkins, Andrew Johnson

Coach Rick Conkey shared his excitement, “So as you know we won 9-9 (with a tie, they count games and we outscored them 76-75 in games). No joke! We were down and had to win four of six in the last round just to tie. I reminded them of our team’s mantra ‘Pressure is a Privilege.’ I asked them to embrace it and stay aggressive when the pressure increased... and they really did just that...they won the match – the other team didn’t lose it.”

Today, May 18, LBHS will play Redlands Valley at The Claremont Club. Redlands beat Bolsa Grande 12-6 on Wednesday, and they beat LBHS the last time they met in the finals in 2016.   

Coach Conkey said, “Redlands is definitely the best team in the draw. It will be a tough match, but we can do well if we engage and play to our potential.”

Girls Cross Country heads to State Championships

The Laguna Beach High School Girls Cross Country team is making great strides. They have successfully advanced to the State Championships. The race will be held in Fresno this Saturday.

In the Orange Coast Finals leading up to the State Championship, Laguna proudly saw Evie Cant, Jessie Rose, and Angelina Dyrnaes winning 1st through 3rd places.

The last time Laguna girls advanced to the State Championships was 2014.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

LBHS Girls Cross Country team will run in the State Championships this weekend in Fresno. (Left to right) Sierra Read, Jessie Rose, Evie Cant, Grace LaMontagne, Kaitlin Ryan, Syney Schaefgen, and Angelina Dyrnaes

LB Water Polo Foundation’s 1st Annual Parent-Player Fundraiser will pit age-group players against parents

The Laguna Beach Water Polo Foundation is pleased to announce their First Annual Water Polo Parent-Player Games fundraiser. Admission is free. The event will take place at Laguna Beach High School and Community Pool at noon on Sun, Dec 3.

Age -group water polo players will challenge their parents in the pool, which should provide great entertainment. 

There will be a silent auction offering noteworthy sports memorabilia, premium resort and restaurant gift certificates. Attendees can also enjoy a meal from the taco cart and a treat from the snack bar, or purchase some goodies from the Foundation’s new official gear supplier HARDCORESPORTS. All proceeds benefit the Foundation.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted Photo

Watch the age-group water polo players challenge their parents on Dec 3

Game times are as follows: 12:30 p.m. will be the 10U Coed team in course #1, 12:30 p.m. will be the 12U Girls team in course #2, 1:20 p.m. will be the 12U Boys A team in course #1, 1:20 p.m. will be the 12U Boys B team in course #2, 2:10 p.m. will be the 14U Girls A team in course #1, and 2:10 p.m. will be the14U Girls B team in course #2.

From Olympic gold medalists to NCAA and age group national champions, Laguna Beach Water Polo Foundation has produced some of the best water polo players in the United States. Boys and girls from 8 to 14 achieve a better understanding of the water polo game as they practice and improve on the fundamental techniques in preparation for the Junior Olympic national championships each July.

 For more information, contact Foundation General Manager Robert Grayeli at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LBUSD seeks stakeholder input for Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Survey

On Dec 1, the Laguna Beach Unified School District, in partnership with Hanover Research, will begin administration of the 2017-18 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Survey to gather feedback on the implementation of the district goals and state priorities. 

This survey is designed to assess stakeholders’ perceptions of progress towards the district’s goals within the areas of student achievement, instructional support, college and career readiness, professional development, learning environment, and stakeholder engagement.

“Stakeholder input is critical in this process,” said Amy Kernan, director of assessment and accountability. “We are seeking participation from students, parents, staff and community members to ensure we are making progress.”

Survey takes 25 minutes to complete and will be open until Dec 15

The Local Control Accountability Plan is a component of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). Under the LCFF, all local educational agencies prepare an LCAP, which describes how districts intend to meet annual goals for all pupils, with specific activities to address state and local priorities.

In 2014, Laguna Beach Unified developed an LCAP process to meet both requirements from the state and the expectations of the district’s stakeholders. This developed into an ongoing process for growth that includes the district’s vision, mission, and annual goals. Stakeholder input is vital to the development of data-informed goals and the evaluation of outcomes.

To access the survey, please visit: http://surveys.hanoverresearch.com/s3/Laguna-Beach-Unified-School-District-2017-LCAP-Survey. The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete and will be open until Dec 15.

Special Board of Education Meeting on June 19 will review survey results re: changes to school calendar

The Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education will hold a special Board meeting on Tuesday, June 19 at 6 p.m. in the LBHS Library to review survey data regarding the 2019-2020 instructional calendar. 

LBUSD partnered with Hanover Research, a private research firm located in Washington D.C., to administer an opinion survey of students, parents, teachers, and staff regarding recommended changes to the District’s academic calendar. 

The calendar survey data review is an information only item. No action will be considered at the board meeting. The Board will provide the district staff with direction on the next steps in the process.

For additional information, including the recommended 2019-2020 calendar, visit www.lbusd.org/calendarplanning.

Dianne’s Creature Feature (because, cows)

Cowabunga, TOW tops “Change for Change” goal

Story by DIANNE RUSSELL

What do cows, greenhouses, and coins all have in common? Top of the World Elementary. 

Just at a time when there is the widespread notion that small things can’t make a difference, students at TOW Elementary proved that concept wrong. In a big way. Small things, spare change in this case, turn into big things (dollars to be exact) that can make significant differences.

To this end, TOW Elementary PTA created a spare change collection campaign for Giving Tuesday. They encouraged students to bring any amount of surplus change to raise $500 (with a $500 match from the TOW PTA) to support With My Own Two Hands Foundation (WMO2H), a Laguna Beach nonprofit that provides water and agricultural projects to fund education and create self-reliant projects and communities.

WmO2H chosen for focus on children, education and sustainability

 “The TOW PTA chose With My Own 2 Hands for our Giving Tuesday fundraiser because of its focus on children, education and sustainable projects. This clearly resonated with the students, which was one of our goals. We wanted to help provide better nutrition for the children in Kenya while also showing students how powerful they can be when they work together for a cause they care about. We love that this foundation’s philosophy is to empower individuals to make a difference, even in a country that they might never have visited,” says Jennifer Grzeskowiak, the community service chair for TOW PTA.

Click on photo for larger image

Submitted photo

Grayson Grzeskowiak helps count some last-minute coins 

 The funds were earmarked for purchase of two dairy cows that would each provide 45 Kenyan kids with fresh milk every day. And to make the campaign even more exciting, the classrooms competed against each other to see who could raise the most money for the honor of naming the cows. 

 And to say that the students accomplished their objective “in a big way,” is no exaggeration. The TOW “Change for Change” campaign exceeded their goal of $500 and raised a whopping $2,199. Further, the TOW PTA was so inspired by the children’s generosity, they doubled their contribution to a generous $1,000 match - for a total of $3,199.

“Every class participated in the fundraiser. This is a busy time of year for parents, teachers and students, so I was blown away that every class brought in money. Also, some students brought in bills, but more than 60 percent ($1,343) was in coins,” says Grzeskowiak. “The top class brought in $230.92. The top three are going to get to name one of the cows.” 

What will the kids name the three cows they’ve sponsored?

Max Osborne, from the class that ranked number three (in raising money), says, «Everyone was super excited about the cows. Everyone was racing to fill up the jar because they really wanted to help and really wanted to name a cow.» 

Three of the names his class is considering for the cow are Albert, Milky and Ginger. The classes will announce the names they chose at an assembly in December.

Because TOW smashed their goal, the funds will now purchase three cows 

anda sister greenhouse that will provide 400-500 children and adults fresh vegetables. In addition, the surplus of 250 pounds of crops will be sold, generating income that will fund education. 

“TOW has its own garden program that the students love,” Grzeskowiak explains, “so we’re happy to be able to provide a garden at another school in Kenya and further improve their nutrition.”

Click on photo for larger image

Submitted photo

Kids and moms holding signs at drop-off the morning of Giving Tuesday

 There’s no doubt that the students truly took the giving to heart.  “There are so many great and inspiring stories and every penny donated by the students has positively impacted the kids who inspire all of us at WMO2H every day! There is a sweet story of fitth grader Josh Novick who donated all $100 of his birthday money,” says Mary Beth Pugh, Director of Operations at WMO2H. “We had our founder Lindsey Pluimer give him a personal call to thank him as well.”

Fifth grader gives every cent of his birthday money to the cause

Josh said of his donation, “I wanted to give my birthday money to someone who needs it rather than spend it on something I want. It just felt like the right thing to do.”

Evidently, the “Change for Change” campaign, which was a huge success, is just the beginning of the fundraising experience for these students. “This is going to be a great kick-off for TOW PTA’s Dive Into Giving student-led grant program. We are encouraging classes to raise money for a cause of their choice that we will partially match. 

“Students present their ideas to the TOW PTA for a chance at grant matching funding. We want to plant the seeds of giving now and know these kids will become some of the world’s next change-makers,” Grzeskowiak added. “We’ll match $200-$500 of the money they raise. We want students to take ownership of the giving process and see what they can accomplish when they work together.” 

Click on photo for larger image

Submitted photo

At student assembly, (l-r) Ava Guziak, Jack Pugh, and Reid Guziak talk about their experiences with WMO2H projects in Kenya

 Pluimer said of her organization, “With My Own Two Hands seeks to inspire our communities to help improve the lives of children in need. This fundraiser is an incredible way to show the kids in our beautiful Laguna Beach community that everyone can make a difference. The children’s generosity will now provide better nutrition and a diversified diet for hundreds.” 

With My Own Two Hands Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of orphaned or disadvantaged children in need. Their model creates self-reliance by setting up water and agricultural business-like ventures in Kenya where surplus is sold to the local community. A minimum of 40 percent of proceeds goes toward funding education.

Grzeskowiak says, “The feedback I’ve gotten from kids and parents was that the concept of helping other kids by providing them with cows for milk and bringing in spare change was all very tangible for them. We wanted to make fundraising engaging for them.” 

And apparently, it was. It’s no cow-incidence that when you put a goal in the hands of TOW students, they set their minds and money to it, work together, and the result changes lives. 

Congratulations, TOW Elementary! 

I can’t wait to find out the names of the cows.

For further information on WMO2H, go to www.withmyown2hands.org

When a cow laughs, does milk come out its nose?

...Unknown

Bah, Humbug! LBHS presents a reading of Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge on Wed, Dec 20

For a hilarious and irreverent look at A Christmas Carol, Laguna Beach High School’s Drama/Theatre II offers a twisted version of this tradition favorite on Wed, Dec 20, at 3 p.m. The reading of Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge, by Christopher Durang, will take place in the Greene Room (LBHS Room 55), and the suggested donation is $5.

Mrs. Bob Crachit’s Wild Christmas Binge was commissioned by City Theatre in Pittsburgh and premiered on Nov 7, 2002. It is a musical parody in which Durang asks the question, “What if Dickens’ Mrs. Cratchit wasn’t so goody-goody, but instead was an angry, stressed-out modern-day American woman who wanted out of the harsh London 1840s life?” 

Click on photo for larger image

Jeff Howell and Kristine Nielsen in the original production in 2002

Scrooge’s tale of redemption and transformation is turned completely on its head, although most of the characters retain their original Dickensian qualities. Durang adds many classic allusions and pop-culture references to the story to make it a rollicking time for all in attendance.

The Christmas Binge reading is recommended for high school age and above due to its complete and total (uproarious) mockery, as well as some adult language.

LBHS thanks the community for supporting their programs throughout the year.

LBHS is located at 625 Park Ave.

For more information, go to www.lbusd.org.

Cadence Peery of LB qualifies for track & field events at the Upcoming California State Games in San Diego

Cadence Peery, 13, of Laguna Beach, competed in two individual events at the SCMAF (Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation) Track and Field Championships on June 3, which were held at Warren High School in Downey. 

Click on photo for larger image

Submitted photo

Cadence Peery qualified to compete at California State Games on July 14, 15

Prior to the championships, she qualified for her events, initially, at the Laguna Beach City Youth Track Meet on April 20, advancing her to the SCMAF OC Meet in Costa Mesa on May 20. Winning first place in both events at the county meet, Peery thus qualified for a spot at the SCMAF Championships.

Click on photo for larger image

Submitted photo

Cadence Peery placed first at SCMAF, Girls Division, ’05 100 meter dash 

As a representative for Laguna Beach, Peery placed first in the Girls Division ‘05 100 Meter Dash with a time of 13.32 seconds and second place for the Girls Division ‘05 Long Jump with a distance of 13’4”. These results have qualified her to compete in the 30th Anniversary of the California State Games, held July 14-15 in San Diego. 

El Morro Elementary Peer Assistance and Leadership gives back to local residents 

El Morro Elementary Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL) students had an amazing opportunity to give back to local residents recently. During the monthly Character Counts Funday Monday lunch time activity, students in grades 1st-5th assembled “Blessing bags” that contained a few basic essentials (i.e. toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, comb, granola bar, wet wipes, and a handmade uplifting note of encouragement) for the Friendship Shelter.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted Photo

PAL students assembled “Blessing Bags” to give out to local residents at the Friendship Shelter

All felt fortunate to be surrounded by ocean views while the PAL students were able to pass out hot chocolate, holiday cookies, and “Blessing Bags” to residents at the Friendship Shelter on Pacific Coast Highway. 

This life-altering volunteer experience has not only positively impacted the warm-hearted youth filling them with empathy for others, but has helped spread holiday cheer to those in need during the holiday season.

Brooks Street Classic is open, and hopin’ for surf

By BRANDY FABER

The 55th Annual Brooks St, Surfing Classic waiting period was officially opened this weekend but unfortunately the lack of surf so far this year continues!

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Brooks Street, 2017

However, there is much to share regarding this year’s Classic. We are super stoked that Shaun Stussy designed the 55th Annual contest t-shirt featuring a photo from the very first running of the Classic back in 1955 that was taken by Dick Metz. Thanks to the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center for providing us with the image for this year’s t-shirt.

Click on photo for a larger image

T-shirt design for the Brooks Street Classic

We have re-added a new (old) division to this year’s Classic, in the “Legends” Division, for competitors 60 years and older. The Legends Division was featured in previous Classics but was suspended due to lack of participation. We have seen a rise in surfers pushing past their 60s and are hoping to see a full Legends Division at this year’s Classic.

A big thank you to local sculptor Randy Morgan for creating the trophies for this year’s Classic. Everyone is going to want one of these on the mantelpiece!

Note: We recently lost one of our Brooks St. Classic family members with the passing of Penny Steris, who loved volunteering her time, energy, pop-up tents and anything else we needed to help run the Classic. A memorial and paddle-out was held Sunday June 3. She is dearly missed!

LBUSD newsletter highlights the successes of the 2017-18 school year

At the June 12 School Board Meeting, the LBUSD Board of Education recognized the academic and athletic excellence of more than 80 students.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

Women’s Short Board Surf Team, Scholastic Surf Series High School 

State Champions

The champion students were celebrated along with teachers and staff at the meeting. Included among those recognized were: Women’s Short Board Surf Team (Scholastic Surf Series High School State Champions), Boys Tennis (CIF Champions), Elementary Spelling Bee (Lyric Hagen, Winner), Reclassified English Learner Students, Juntos Mentors, and Destination Imagination®.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

Boys Tennis, CIF Champions

Additionally, on June 12, the Board of Education took action to ratify the 2018-19 revisions to the 2017-2020 Agreement negotiated by the designated representatives of the Laguna Beach Unified Faculty Association and the Laguna Beach Unified School District.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

Reclassified English Learner Students

It was also voted to ratify the 2018-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiated by representatives of the California School Employees Association and its Laguna Beach Chapter #131 and the LBUSD; major provisions remain in place.

The board approved the purchase of the ST Math supplementary mathematics intervention program for piloting during the summer school program and continuing through the 2018-19 school year. The pilot is a one-year online subscription that includes onsite professional development, self-guided online courses, and webinars for teachers.

El Morro named to honor roll

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Mary Hurlbut

El Morro Elementary

El Morro Elementary School was named to the 2017-2018 Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll for its high achievement and student success. The program, sponsored by the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence, is part of a national effort to identify higher-performing schools and districts that are improving student outcomes.

LBUSD receives No Place for Hate® designation

The Anti-Defamation League has designated Laguna Beach Unified School District a No Place for Hate® district, recognizing its commitment to creating safe and respectful learning environments for students.

LBUSD is now streaming its board meetings online. For more information, visit www.lbusd.org/boardmeetings.

The LB Water Polo 14U “A” team is seeded number one in Junior Olympics after win

The LB Water Polo 14U “A” team girls just finished the Southern Pacific Zone Junior Olympics Qualifier in first place.

This gives them the #1 seed for the 14U girls in the Junior Olympics National Championships this July at Stanford.

Congratulations from Stu News and good luck!

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

14 U team wins top seeding: Back row (L-R): Coach Rob Carver, Hannah Carver, Tasha Denny, Lauren Short, Genoa Rossi, Lela McCarroll, Charlotte Riches, and Cleo Washer

Front row (L-R): Myha Pinto, Avery Montiel, Ava Houlahan, and London Boyd

Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach announces in-house staff promotions of invaluable team members

The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach (BGCLB) has announced the promotions of Oscar Parra, Danny Panduro, Moana Contreras, and Sophia Abjuga. After working diligently at their previous positions, these BGCLB professionals agreed to take on a new challenges. In addition to their experience and education, their dedication and desire to always provide the best services for the BGCLB youth, met the qualifications set by the executive leadership team. 

Formerly the Bluebird Branch Director, Oscar Parra will now oversee both Bluebird and Lang Branches. To ensure daily operations are meeting organizational expectations, he has the assistance of Moana Contreras and Sophia Abjuga, newly appointed coordinators for each branch.

Oscar states, “I am happy to continue my role as a Branch Director and extending it to our Lang families. I have been a passionate leader in the Boys & Girls Club movement for the past 16 years. I bring extensive youth development experience to our organization, having worked at Boys & Girls Clubs of Fullerton, Brea/Placentia/Yorba Linda, Las Vegas, and now Laguna Beach.

“I had the pleasure of learning and leading in a variety of professional roles within my current location, including Youth Development Professional, Athletic Director, Program Director, and Clubhouse Director. I have been leading Bluebird Park for over three years and I look forward in serving the Laguna Beach community, keeping our children safe and watching them grow and excel in their daily lives.”

Danny Panduro, formerly the Lang Park Extension Director, will now direct the Teen Program Services Programs based out of the Canyon Branch. Danny shares, “I am ecstatic to be the new Teen Services Director for the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna

Beach. I have been a part of the Boys & Girls Club movement since elementary school when I attended Canyon Branch as a Club member. In a professional capacity, I have been with the Club in various roles since 2009. 

“I began as a volunteer in April 2009 and was quickly hired on as summer staff for four summers at Canyon Branch. After finishing college at the University of Redlands, I returned to the Club and spent two years at Bluebird Branch where I served as Athletic Director. In May of 2015, I became the Director at our Lang Park Extension and have remained in that role until now. I am excited for this new opportunity and to return to the Branch where I began my career. Over the years, I have built many relationships at all three locations, and look forward to building new ones and continuing to foster the old.”

He adds, “To the Lang Park families: I will forever cherish the memories we have made together throughout the past two and a half years. Thank you for choosing Lang Park as your after-school destination and I can’t wait to see your members in our Teen Center. This year is going to be an incredible year for our organization and I am thrilled to continue serving the community that I grew up in and love.”

Previously the Bluebird Branch Education Coordinator, Moana Contreras, will now serve as the Bluebird Branch Coordinator. Moana says, “I have been with the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach for over three years. When I was hired as a youth Development Professional I brought extensive customer service and professional competencies that helped me achieve a promotion as the Education Coordinator. I have a deep passion to help kids achieve their academic goals and social skills. I am excited to accept this new role and look forward to the new relationships I will build on behalf of our organization.”

Sophia Abjuga, a Lang Park Extension Youth Development Professional, will now be the Lang Unit Coordinator. Sophia says, “I was hired in June of 2016 as a Youth Development Professional. My experience in child care and customer service along with volunteering in my community makes this opportunity my ‘perfect job,’ which I plan on making as my career choice. I love every minute of it! I started in the summer doing all that was asked of me from programing, supervision, club décor, housekeeping and outdoor activities. 

“When the school year started, I was able to direct the art programs for our Lang members. Due to the children’s interest and my love for the arts, I hope to introduce a theater arts programs sometime this year with the assistance of our organization’s Art Director. I am so happy for this advancement opportunity and sharing my positivity and talents with our incredible children and families.”

For questions or additional support, reach out to the newly promoted Club staff individually at their location. For additional comment regarding these staff changes, call Chief Operations Officer of Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, Addie McHale at 949-715-7669.

For further information about the Boys & Girls Club, go to www.bgclagunabeach.org or call (949) 494-2535.

Men’s Volleyball Open proves as popular as ever: Read Friday’s issue for the details and more photos

Photo by Scott Brashier

Click on photo for a larger image

Getting the jump on summer at the Men’s Volleyball Open

Spring basketball signups start for Girls Spring Basketball League at the B&GC 

Spring basketball signups start soon for the Girls Spring Basketball League at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach-Main Branch. The cost for Club members to participate is $150 per player, which includes a new team uniform.

Non-club members who wish to participate for the spring season will be required to pay $150, plus yearly Club membership ($100). Registration takes place Feb 1 - 28. A late fee will be applied for all registrations after Feb 28. Scholarships are available for qualifying families.

 Player evaluations are mandatory and will be held the week of March 5 - 8. Thereafter, teams are formed. One-hour practices begin March 26, and games will start on April 10. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

Girls just want to have fun playing basketball

Boys & Girls Club Athletic Director, Hans Laroche, has an outstanding reputation among both Club kids and parents for making this league a great experience for everyone involved. From grades Kindergarten through ninth grade, all participants learn basketball skills, enhance their self-esteem and have a great time being part of a team.

Volunteer opportunities are also available for parents interested in coaching teams. It is the best instructional basketball league for girls around.  

Annual sponsorship opportunities that support Boys & Girls Club Athletic programs are available. For just $500, your family or business name can be displayed on a colorful banner hung in the Club’s gym for one year. These banners are seen by more than 600 Laguna families each year. 

For more information or to become a member, call 949-494-2535 or go to www.bgclagunabeach.org.

LBHS cleans up at Scholastic Surf Series Event #3 with individual champions Travis & Tess Booth and Jackson Jenkins

Written by coaches Alisa Cairns and Scott Finn

     The LBHS Surf team members were very strong on Sunday at the Scholastic Surf Series Event #3 and made the Individual Finals in all four Divisions with multiple winners. Once again, with a smaller than normal group, many of the kids available competed successfully in multiple divisions.

Early in the morning In team competition LBHS was up against J Serra and did very well with most of the team advancing on to the Individuals, and we were able to take a big win 63 to 25. The event was held at Ninth St in Huntington Beach and the weather was gorgeous with hot offshore winds. The two-three foot surf was clean looking, but very difficult to ride.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

Tess and Travis Booth

Once the Individual competition kicked in the LBHS surfers clearly stood out and were the surfers to beat. In Boys Shortboard, Travis Booth, Liam McCue and Jackson Jenkins all took wins advancing to the Finals. Once the Finals hit the water Travis continued to shred a number of lefts and rights and was on top of his game taking the overall win. He did double duty and took third in Bodyboard. 

Meanwhile Liam had some impressive rides and finished runner up, while Jackson was another surfer to take on multiple divisions with huge success, taking the win overall in Longboard and fourth in Shortboard. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

Jackson Jenkins

Jameson Roller was a standout in several heats in Longboard, but in the end finished fourth. Tess Booth continued her run competing in both Shortboard and Longboard to take both big wins. Meanwhile Jade Howson took secon in Longboard and Kelly Smith took third in Shortboard, both putting in some nice rides. Other surfers to do well but not final were Sam Starr and Joseph Schenk.

The next Scholastic Surf Series event will be Feb 11 at San Clemente Pier.

Thank you to the kids who participated and the parents, and friends who helped out.

Special Board of Education meeting on school calendar will take place Tuesday, June 19 at 6 p.m.

The Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education will hold a special Board meeting on Tuesday, June 19 at 6 p.m. in the LBHS Library to review survey data regarding the 2019-2020 instructional calendar. 

The calendar survey data review is an information only item. No action will be considered at the board meeting. The Board will provide district staff with direction on the next steps in the process. A copy of the Hanover report will be sent out in advance of the meeting.

St. Catherine of Siena Parish School will celebrate their 60th anniversary with A Starry Night Gala 

On Fri, March 23, St. Catherine of Siena Parish School will celebrate its sixtieth anniversary at the Port Theater with A Starry Night Gala.  

There will be a live and silent auction, dancing, gaming and music by one of Orange County’s favorite DJs as well as delicious food and drinks. Cocktail attire is suggested. 

The event takes place at 6 p.m. The Port Theatre is located at 2905 East Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar. 

All funds raised will go directly towards school programs and facility needs.

“The Sixtieth Anniversary Starry Night Gala brings families together to build camaraderie, celebrate Saint Catherine of Siena Parish School and raise money to support the spiritual, academic and artistic development of our talented students,” said principal Mike Letourneau.

“Throughout the years, the event has raised money to support new academic, technology, artistic and faith programs that benefit all of our students, many of which would not have been possible without the generous support of our families, parishioners and local businesses.  

“Saint Catherine provides students from Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo and other surrounding communities with a strong academic education blended with the arts and faith that help our students develop into successful young adults. ”

St. Catherine’s is a 501 c (3) non-profit, Catholic elementary (TK -8) school located in Laguna Beach.

LBHS club walks to bring clean water by sponsoring the digging of three wells

Photos by Scott Brashier

The LBHS Walking for Water Club held a “walk for water” event on Sunday, June 3 at the Laguna Beach High School Track from 12 - 3 p.m. Last year’s walk brought in enough donations to fund the digging of two wells, one in Burkino Faso and one in East Africa.

Click on photo for a larger image

The Walk for Water crew

The goal this year is to fund three wells in total – including one in Nepal, in a partnership with Rosalind Russell’s R Star Foundation.

Click on photo for a larger image

Presenting the facts about water in Burkino Faso

Walking for Water supports the nonprofit Wisdom Spring in the effort to build wells in rural Africa. The walk symbolizes the daily struggle of women and children around the world, as they walk miles each day to access clean water. For more information, visit www.wisdomspring.org. 

Laguna Beach High School counselor receives 2018 College Board recognition

Laguna Beach High School counselor Nichole Rosa has been recognized for her exemplary work as a professional school counselor in the Laguna Beach Unified School District by the College Board’s inaugural 2018 Counselor Recognition Program (CRP).

In an effort to showcase how school counselors throughout Orange County are making a difference in creating opportunities for all students, the College Board, in conjunction with the Orange County, California, Department of Education, launched its first Counselor Recognition Program. 

The award seeks to highlight the important work of innovative, results-oriented school counselors who exemplify excellence and commitment to student success and opportunity.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted Photo

Nichole Rosa receives honor of College Board recognition 

“Mrs. Rosa and the entire counseling team offer amazing support, guidance and care for the students of Breaker Nation,” said Dr. Jason Allemann, principal at Laguna Beach High School. “It is great that our students are able to use the expertise and resources that our counselors have to offer them,” he added.

The evaluation committee selected Rosa for her commitment to ensure that all students have a specific, solid, and attainable plan upon graduation that includes postsecondary options. 

In addition, the committee praised Rosa for the framework she has built to support students’ comprehensive success by leveraging diverse partnerships with community organizations and individuals to disseminate critical information about financial aid and scholarships. 

As a recipient of the award, Rosa was presented with an all-expenses paid complimentary trip to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Annual Conference in Los Angeles this July where winners will be recognized.

Boys & Girls Club announces AZUL employee recognition award winners 

Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach (BGCLB), Canyon branch presented the first annual “AZUL Leadership Awards” during the Youth of the Year Awards ceremony on Feb 2. These distinguished awards recognize the staff who demonstrate exceptional leadership beyond their position description and through accountable measures in their daily performance in 2017. AZUL stands for:  “Be the Change. Embody your ideals and set the cascade of transformation in motion. Empower PoZitivity. Positive mind, positive vibes, and positive life. 

The Boys & Girls club strive to create an environment that allows members to make positive choices. Youth-Centric. Embrace challenges that lead to a better experience for the kids and empower them to explore, discover, fail, and learn. If a kid can do it, a kid should do it. Embrace diversity. Foster a culture of respect, equality and inclusiveness, and celebrate that we are all unique beings. Creative togetherness. The sum of the parts (Innovation + collaboration) equal more than each quality on its own.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

Sophia Abjuga

Staff had the opportunity to nominate their peers for these awards as a reflection on how they work, live and breathe these values to attain the Club’s goals each day.

“Our impact in providing creative and innovative programs in a safe, fun and engaging atmosphere is priceless for our youth,” states BGCLB Chief Operations Officer, Addie McHale, who also delivered the awards to the recipients.   She adds, “It takes each and every single member of our staff to bring our mission to fruition, and we are thrilled to have an avenue that enables staff to recognize their own team members for exceeding expectations in so many honorable ways, making these awards extra special.”

The 2017 Award Winners are,
Sophia Abjuga, Lang Unit Coordinator and a former a youth development professional, she (in less than 18 months) has demonstrated the desire to learn their new role, is approachable and friendly, participates with activities/meetings/events, and is involved with planning, safety, housekeeping and organizational improvements while embracing the mission.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

Mar Stash

Mar Stash is the fine Arts Youth Development Professional/Creative Marketing Coordinator at Bluebird Branch, who consistently exhibits a positive, spirited “can-do” attitude and outlook, GREAT energy and enthusiasm that colleagues, club members, and volunteers (and others) alike find contagious and uplifting. Mar is the person that people are drawn to get the job done, and receive a motivational pep talk or a high five!

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

Caitlin Reller

Art Expressions Director at the Canyon Branch, Caitlin Reller embraces impact, service, dedication, professionalism, accountability and compassion in dealing with internal or external customers (staff, kids, parents, partners, volunteers, guests, donors). In addition, Caitlin inspires an overall sense of belonging, usefulness, influence and competence that leads to a welcoming club/organization environment.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

Jesus Villegas

Program Development Director at the Canyon Branch, Jesus Villegas exemplifies the kind of collaboration, teamwork and respect it takes to make others great! He leads by example, is passionate about the mission and helping their fellow employees succeed and reach their goals. 

The Boys & Girls club is thrilled to announce these winners and welcome the community to congratulate them on their achievements. For more information, contact Addie McHale at (949) 715-7669. To become a member, call (949) 494-2535 or go to www.bgclagunabeach.org.

Laguna Beach Unified School District receives No Place for Hate® designation from ADL

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has designated Laguna Beach Unified School District a No Place for Hate® district, recognizing its commitment to creating safe and respectful learning environments for students. 

No Place for Hate is a research-based initiative that follows many of the recommendations for creating a positive school climate laid out by the National School Climate Center. The initiative provides PreK-12 schools with an organizing framework for combating bias, bullying, and hatred, leading to long-term solutions for creating and maintaining a positive climate. 

A district must fulfill several requirements to receive a No Place for Hate designation including a district-wide needs assessment. LBUSD accomplished this by gathering data from all students, staff, parents, and guardians to assess school climate strengths and areas of need. The process included universal screenings that provided detailed insight into the quality and character of the students and school life. 

Click on photo for larger image

Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Top of the World Elementary

Additionally, each school site must form a No Place for Hate committee, sign the No Place for Hate Promise, and complete three or more school-wide activities during the school year that recognize differences and promote respect through active learning. 

“The Laguna Beach Unified School District has made a dedicated commitment to the implementation of a comprehensive social and emotional support (SES) system for all students K-12 because we recognize the paramount role it plays in a positive school climate,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jason Viloria. “We strive to support every student, every day, and we appreciate the support and guidance the ADL has provided as we move forward with this mission,” he concluded. 

The ADL will present LBUSD with the No Place for Hate designation at the school board meeting in the fall.

For information on the LBUSD, go to www.lbusd.org.

LBHS shines at Scholastic Surf Series Event #Four. Champions Kelly Smith, Jade Howsen and Kiko Nelsen

By COACHES ALISA CAIRNS AND SCOTT FINN

     The LBHS Surf team members were very strong today (Feb 11) at the Scholastic Surf Series Event #Four with several top finishes in the individual finals. Once again, it was a smaller than normal group, as many of available kids competed successfully in multiple divisions.

The day started out with team competition, and we were up against El Toro who had a limited team. It was mostly a chance for the Laguna surfers to get some good practice in before the individual competition began. We ended up taking a lopsided team win 62 to three.

Click on photo for larger image

Photo by Ellen Nelsen

Kiko Nelsen, first in longboard, third in shortboard

The Laguna surfers were on a roll, surfing well and progressing to the various finals. Our women continued to sweep the shortboard and longboard finals, going one and two. Kelly Smith took the shortboard win, followed by Claire Kelly in second. Jade Howsen took the longboard final with Maya Takabayashi taking second.

Our men were also very strong with multiple division finalists. Kiko Nelsen led the way, taking first in longboard and third in shortboard. Meanwhile, other impressive performances were put in by Lucas Jablon, taking fourth, followed by a first-time finalist Luca Elghanayan, who took fifth. Sam Nelsen rounded out the final in sixth and again took a sixth in longboard. Joseph Schenck was another surfer to do double duty and made the finals in longboard taking fifthoverall.

Click on photo for larger image

Photo by Ellen Nelsen

Shortboard winner Kelly Smith

The event was held at San Clemente pier under sunny skies and glassy small surf in the morning, but as the tide bottomed out for finals, it was tough to find decent waves.

The next Scholastic Surf Series event will be March 18, and the High School Championships will be April 21.

Thank you to the kids who participated and the parents, especially Ellen Nelsen for her support and great action shots!

LBUSD Director of Special Education named 2018 Administrator of the Year for Orange County

Irene White, director of special education for the Laguna Beach Unified School District, was named 2018 Special Education Administrator of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators Region 17, which covers Orange County.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted Photo

Irene White and Luisa Mossa, school psychologist

ACSA is the largest umbrella organization for school leaders in the nation with Region 17 focused on serving educational leaders in the pursuit of equity and excellence to meet the diverse needs of all students in Orange County. One of ACSA’s priorities is to ensure that school leaders are recognized for their excellence and dedication to public education; administrators of the year are selected for their outstanding performance and achievement in their respective categories.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted Photo

Irene White and Board President Jan Vickers

“I am so proud that Irene was selected as the ACSA Special Education Administrator of the Year for our region,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jason Viloria. He continued, “She deserves the recognition for her tireless efforts to support our students and staff in providing a supportive learning environment. She is focused on continuously improving our programs in LBUSD and I am privileged to work with such a great educator.” White was nominated by school psychologist, Luisa Mossa, and  surprised with the award announcement by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jason Viloria, Board of Education President Jan Vickers, assistant superintendents, and staff.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted Photo

Irene and all her co-workers that are thrilled to see her recognition 

“I am truly honored by the recognition and excited about the work currently in progress in our District,” said Director of Special Education Irene White. “In the eleven years, I have worked in Laguna I have been fortunate to work alongside some of the most intelligent and committed administrators, support personnel, specialists and teachers. I personally take great pride in partnering with our site level staff and parents in creating successful programs and supports for our kids. My dedication to our schools remains strong and I am wholeheartedly committed to engage and lead our ongoing efforts in improving outcomes for students. I am grateful to be in Laguna,” she added. 

ACSA Region 17 will recognize all award recipients at the Orange County Administrators of the Year Banquet on May 7 in Irvine.

LB Water Polo Foundation teams win first place in respective divisions at the Winterfest WP Tournament

Last weekend at the Winterfest 2018 Water Polo Tournament, Laguna Beach Water Polo Foundation teams won first place in their respective divisions. For division 10U Coed-Dylan Williams, 12U Boys-Riley Treister, 12U Girls-Emerson Hensley, 14U B Girls-Lexi Parness, and 14U A Girls-Genoa Rossi respectively were named as MVPs.

Submitted photo

10U Coed: (L-R) Coach Forest Holbrook, Brooke Schneider, Palmer MacBeth, Max Jakle, Dylan Williams (MVP), Santana DelCastillo, Lars Knepper, Coach Chad Beeler, Indiana Treister, Alexander Sarkis, Chloe O’Kane, Michelle Blunk, Sloane Quealy, Sayre Duran

Submitted photo

12U Boys: (L-R) Kaden Breaux, Coach Bryan Buhagiar, Eli Taub, Diego Audebert, Coach Gordon Pike, Riley Treister (MVP), Coach Rob Grayeli, Tyler Swensen, Logan Teeple, Gabe Lewis, Jack Farnel

Submitted photo

12U Girls: (L-R) Isabella Sarkis, Ava Knepper, Emerson Hensley (MVP), Claire Turner, Kara Carver, Coach Kelcie Ferreira, Sofia Umeda,
Estelle Karaba, Kaelyn Chism, Nina Rogers, Presley Jones, Cailin Mulvaney, Siena Jumani

Submitted photo

14U B Girls: 3rd row (L-R) Isabel Foley, Lexi Parness (MVP), Carly Rohrer, Isabel Griffin

2nd row (L-R) Marie Audebert, Eleanor Ramsey, Coach Bridgette Alvarez, Taylor Naughton, Mac Jenal, Lauren Smith, Jordan Schneider, Rebecca Storke, Emily Shabunov

1st row- Sara Block

Submitted photo

14U A Girls: Back row (L-R) Tasha Denny, Genoa Rossi (MVP), Charlotte Riches, Avery Montiel, Lauren Short, Lela McCarroll, Cleo Washer, Coach Rob Carver

Front row (L-R) Myha Pinto, London Boyd, Ava Houlahan, Hannah Carver

The next step in a historic season: LBHS Boys Basketball to face Twentynine Palms in Second Round of CIF Playoffs tonight at home

Led by six seniors and a standout freshman, the LBHS Boys Basketball team (26-3) has shattered just about every team record in school history this year, including the most regular season wins at 25. The team also went undefeated in league play.

After posting a decisive 63-47 victory over Santiago in their CIF Playoffs opener on Wednesday, the team will now face Twentynine Palms (21-8) in the Second Round of the CIF D3AA Playoffs tonight, Friday, Feb 16 at 7 p.m. at home.

Coach Bret Fleming, in his 23rd year as LBHS Boys Varsity Basketball coach, attributes this year’s historic run to “chemistry and defense”.

“I think it probably starts with chemistry. The kids generally really care about each other, they love each other and it shows. Everybody’s kind of learned what each other’s qualities are and how to play together, the teamwork and stuff. That type of thing really shows with the seniors,” said Fleming in an interview.

The “senior six” includes Blake Burzell, Charlie Rounaghi, Owen McMurray, Grady Morgan, Adam Armstrong, and Blake Lusk. A number of them have been playing together since grade school at Boys & Girls Club. And that, says Coach Fleming, has made the world of difference with this group. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Ali Rounaghi

Senior Blake Burzell has been known to “sky high” throughout the season

“I first met Charlie (Rounaghi) and Owen (McMurray) at my basketball camp when they were in third grade. They were two little kids that were just absolutely basketball crazy. They just loved it; they couldn’t get enough. I had a little bit of an inkling they were going to be varsity players one day.”

Burzell is averaging about 21 points per game and is leading the team in rebounds, and Charlie Rounaghi is second in the county in assists at 6.8 per game. “The thing that’s been so incredible about Charlie is he’s averaging about 4 1/2 assists to turnovers per game. He’s really been a key for us this year,” said Fleming.

The team also has four players averaging between eight and 11 points per game (Grady Morgan, Charlie Rounaghi, Owen McMurray, and freshman Nolan Naess), which makes them very well-rounded and difficult to defend.

Coach Fleming also commends senior Adam Armstrong for taking on the role as Sixth Man this year, after starting for the Breakers last year as a junior. “We felt like if he was going to come off the bench, we’d be so much stronger. Just being such a great teammate, he’s accepted that role and I think it’s made us a lot better.” 

The next step for the team in continuing its historic run comes tonight against a very athletic and physical team in Twentynine Palms. The Wildcats come in with a 21-8 record (9-1 in league play), despite losing their coach at the end of the year in a dramatic resignation.

Coach Fleming, who was up until about two a.m. studying film on Wednesday night, says he likes his team’s chances tonight. “I think we understand what we need to do to compete. I know the guys are really looking forward to it.”

On the sidelines, the community has also come out in record numbers to support the boys, says Barbara McMurray, whose son Owen is a senior on the team. “It’s so great to see the whole community coming out together to support the team. This is our Laguna.”

Show your Laguna pride by showing up tonight (Friday) at 7 p.m. at Dugger Gym.

--Shaena Stabler

LBHS Boys Basketball drops heartbreaker to Twentynine Palms on Friday night, ending storybook season

The Laguna Beach High School Boys Basketball team dropped a heartbreaker at home on Friday night, losing by three points (57-54) to Twentynine Palms, knocking the Breakers out of the CIF Playoffs and ending their historic 2017-2018 season run. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Ali Rounaghi

Senior Blake Burzell, seen here, finished with 26 points in Friday’s loss, including a “clutch three” to go ahead with 45 seconds remaining 

The Breakers trailed most of the game, but fought back in the third and fourth quarters to take the lead briefly on a few occasions. Ultimately, however, the Wildcats prevailed, winning 57-54.

To the “senior six” and the rest of this year’s team…your community is very proud of you for all that you achieved this year and throughout your entire Laguna Beach career!

Laguna teen wins gold medal at the Pan Am World Championship Jiu Jitsu tournament

William (Paul) Wittkop, 13-year-old son of Laguna Beach High School teacher Scott Wittkop, won a Gold Medal this week at the Pan Am World Championship. The IBJJF Pan Am Jiu Jitsu Championship Tournament for kids was held at the Long Beach Walters Pyramid Center.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Scott Wittkop

William Wittkop (on right) wins the gold medal at Pan Am World Championship

The Pan Am World Championship Jiu Jitsu Tournament is the largest one for kids in the world. William competed against athletes from South Carolina, Texas, Canada and the UK. He was undefeated in the tournament winning his matches by submission, 5-2, 5-0, and 9-0 in the Gold Medal Match. William competes for Alliance BJJ under Laercio Fernandes and Anthony Frank. 

 “I like the life of training and competing,” says the seventh grader Connections Academy student. “I train seven days a week and over 30 hours a week. My training includes Jui Justu, wrestling, and MMA. I train in the kids’ classes and also with the adults.” 

William’s father has been the LBHS boy’s cross-country coach for years and has also coached LBHS football.  

When asked how he compares William’s training to the rigors of cross-country and football, Coach Wittkop had this to say, “I think training for all sports is very similar. If you work hard, have good coaching and are dedicated, good things will happen.”

The Jiu-Jitsu Pan-American Championship has been held annually since 1995. While the first event garnered only 250 athletes, the event has grown every year and now hosts thousands of competitors from all over the world.

This year, Laguna Beach’s own brought home the gold.

LBHS club’s Walking for Water big fundraising event is on June 3 – and it’ll be fun for the whole family

Walking for Water is a project a world away from the hardscrabble life of its beneficiaries. In Burkina Faso, Kenya, Ghana, and Nepal there are children the same age as their Laguna counterparts who must walk every day – sometimes for hours – just to retrieve the water needed daily for their families. 

The Laguna Beach High School club Walking for Water aims to make water more readily available for these kids through their fundraising efforts on June 3.  

Walking for Water’s annual event is their main fundraiser of the year and the community is invited to help out, while having fun too. From 12 - 3 p.m. there will be fun, games and raffle prizes on the high school track. With the money raised, the club plans to put in four wells – three in Burkina Faso and one in Nepal.

Click on photo for a larger image

The plan is to make four wells available for kids like these in Burkina Faso and Nepal who must walk miles for water

The nonprofit club partners with Wisdom Spring, Inc. all year long to work toward bringing clean drinking water to rural areas around the world. In the last ten years, more than 28 wells have been built in sub-Saharan Africa, providing clean water to over 30,000 people. 

The LBHS club has made their own website and everything else it entails to make this event happen. For more information visit, www.lbhswalkingforwater.org.

Come on down on June 3 – rain or shine – and think about how important clean water is to all of us. Have some fun, and do some good! 

LBUSD Drama presents Seussical the Musical this weekend…and more

LBUSD will present Seussical the Musical this weekend, a musical extravaganza featuring Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and other favorite Dr. Seuss characters. 

Performances will be held at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9 in the TMS Black Box. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults, and available at www.lbhs.booktix.com.

Michael Irish, LBHS & TMS Drama guest teacher and most recently fight choreographer for Night of the Living Dead, will return to direct next year’s LBHS fall play, William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Michael will lead a Shakespeare workshop on Saturday, June 9 from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. in the LBHS Dance Studio. 

This workshop will be open to all LBHS Drama students as well as this year’s TMS 8 Grade Drama/Chorus students (incoming freshmen). 

Summer drama camp registration is open

Additionally, Summer Drama camps registration is open. The optional camps will meet Monday - Thursday, August 20 - 23 in the Greene Room, LBHS Room 55. Instruction and activities will focus on audition preparation and techniques for drama and musical theatre. Drama students are also encouraged to attend Dance Camp. 

A supervised lunch break will be provided for middle school students attending both camps. Registration fees are $200 per discipline or $400 for both. Registration is currently open at www.lbhs.booktix.com. 

Some other important events include the LBHS Drama/Theatre II playwriting and directing showcase set to take place on Monday, June 11 and Wednesday, June 13 at 3:30 p.m. in the LBHS Greene Room. The TMS seventh grade drama/chorus reading, the Bully plays, is set to take place on Thursday, June 14 at 3:30 p.m. in the TMS Black Box. 

Also, LBHS drama end of the year event is taking place on Saturday, June 15 at 4 p.m. in the LBHS Senior Quad.

LBHS girls’ soccer team reaches CIF quarterfinals

By Coach Ben Helm

On Friday (today) the LBHS girls’ soccer varsity team plays away in the quarterfinals of CIF against Paloma Valley High School after a win against Crean Lutheran at home on Tuesday.

In my first season as the Head Coach it was daunting to follow the tenure of Bill Rolfing. He and his staff had so much success with their program and established the culture of expectation and excellence that you see today.

Sophomore and midfielder Jayd Sprague takes on the Godinez goalie

Senior midfielder Alden Kramer in action

Senior forward Haylee Jarvis takes charge

Click on photos for larger images

The LBHS girls’ varsity soccer team has excelled this year

The administration and support staff at the high school have been incredibly welcoming and helpful.

This made the transition smooth and let the players focus on being successful on the field and in the classroom. 

During league play, varsity went 8-1-1, putting them first in league. Our first CIF game was at home against Crean Lutheran and we enjoyed a 4-0 win moving us on to play in Lancaster on Tuesday and take a  2-1 victory.  

Although the varsity team gets the most press, our F/S team was very successful and the JV team went undefeated.

I know the girls are always excited to represent the high school and the community of Laguna Beach. 

Thank you to those who support the program!

TOW fifth grader & top surfer Brayden Belden suffers grave head injury while snowboarding

On February 20, Brayden Belden, a towheaded 11-year-old boy known for his terrific surfing skills and happy personality, suffered a near-fatal head injury following a snowboarding jump while on vacation with his family in Oregon.

The young boy was stabilized at a hospital in Bend and airlifted to the pediatric intensive care unit at Randall Children’s Hospital in Portland, where he now lies in a medically induced coma as he recovers.

His parents were initially told that Brayden had just hours to live. 

Thanks to timely medical care, according to his dad Matt Belden, Brayden’s condition has stabilized and he is expected to survive, though “he’ll have a long road back,” notes a statement on the GoFundMe page that has been set up by friends to help Brayden’s family deal with expected astronomical medical expenses.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo from GoFundMe page

Brayden Belden in action

The latest update on the page, written by his dad Matt, reads in part: “I am very happy to announce that all the medical staff are in agreement with a 99 percent chance of no craniectomy [removal of part of the skull to allow for brain swelling].

“Brayden’s brain swelling appears to have topped out and he is tolerating his meds. He is following the treatment plan and is fighting. Denise and I thank you so much for all of your love and support and I know Brayden feels all the love and prayers and he is fighting.”

Friend Lula Buckle, 11, of Thurston Middle School, says, “Brayden is a true water boy, who always has a smile on his face, he’s funny, daring and the most amazing surfer. We are all so sad that this happened. I think about him and his family all the time. I just want to see him back in the water soon doing what he loves.” 

Brayden won the Under 13 division at the Brooks Street Classic last fall. He is the older brother of Riley, 9, and Kaley, 5, who also attend TOW. 

To contribute to the GoFundMe account, click on www.gofundme.com/brayden-belden.

Only a week after the accident, close to $130,000 has already been raised. 

Parents Matt and Denise Belden have expressed their deep gratitude for the generous contributions, as well as for everyone’s thoughts and prayers for Brayden’s full recovery.

LBHS club’s Walking for Water big fundraising event is this Sunday – and it’ll be fun for the whole family

Walking for Water is a project a world away from the hardscrabble life of its beneficiaries. In Burkina Faso, Kenya, Ghana, and Nepal there are children the same age as their Laguna counterparts who must walk every day – sometimes for hours – just to retrieve the water needed daily for their families. 

The Laguna Beach High School club Walking for Water aims to make water more readily available for these kids through their fundraising efforts this Sunday, June 3. 

Walking for Water’s annual event is their main fundraiser of the year and the community is invited to help out, while having fun too. From 12 - 3 p.m. there will be fun, games and raffle prizes on the high school track. With the money raised, the club plans to put in four wells – three in Burkina Faso and one in Nepal.

Click on photo for a larger image

The plan is to make four wells available for kids like these in Burkina Faso and Nepal who must walk miles for water

The nonprofit club partners with Wisdom Spring, Inc. all year long to work toward bringing clean drinking water to rural areas around the world. In the last ten years, more than 28 wells have been built in sub-Saharan Africa, providing clean water to over 30,000 people. 

The LBHS club has made their own website and everything else it entails to make this event happen. For more information visit, www.lbhswalkingforwater.org.

Come on down this Sunday – rain or shine – and think about how important clean water is to all of us. Have some fun, and do some good! 

Boys & Girls Club announce the date of their “racy” 18th Annual Art of Giving Gala: May 12 

Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach is proud to present their 18th Annual Art of Giving Gala- “And We’re Off!” on Sat, May 12, at Montage Laguna Beach. This is an event you will not want to miss, organizers say. The Club invites guests to participate in an evening that will have a Kentucky Derby-style take on Laguna Beach. 

Invitees are encouraged to dress to impress and pull out all of the stops when selecting a suit or dress for the big night. It is a chance for every female to express her inner Southern Belle, and every guy to get just as decked out as the ladies. 

Take note and do not hold back when planning your Kentucky Derby-themed wardrobe. Guests will get to indulge in the experience of this iconic American event at the finest resort. Guests will start the evening on the Montage lawn with tasty morsels and signature Southern cocktails. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted Photo

Join the Boys & Girls Club 18th Annual Art of Giving Gala for a night of “racy” fun

The evening will continue with an elegant dinner and rousing live auction followed by dancing to some live music that will make guests feel like they are partying it up at the Downs. The events raises funds that help the Club reach more young people with the goal of instilling values of integrity, compassion and respect. 

This promises to be the event of the year, and a chance to generously support the Club and its some 2,000 youth members and families. Proceeds raised at the 18th annual Art of Giving Gala go directly towards empowering children of all ages to reach their full potential, no matter their financial situation. So mark your calendars and join the Boys & Girls Club for a dashing-filled good time at the 18th Annual Art of Giving Gala. Table sponsorships are available.

For more information about the Gala contact Michelle Ray Fortezzo at (949) 494-2535 ext. 7584, or write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit the Club website at www.bgclagunabeach.org.

Boys’ Tennis tried hard, but didn’t pull off a win against Aliso Niguel for Coach Rick’s birthday

When they faced Aliso Niguel on Thurs, the boys’ tennis team did its best to bring home a win for Coach Rick Conkey’s birthday, but instead varsity was two matches short of a tie. Mason Lebby won two of his singles matches, 6-2, 6-0. Sam Reynolds won his match, 6-0.  

Click on photo for larger image

Photo by Rob Lebby

Coach Rick celebrates his birthday with his team. Pictured back to front. 

(l to r) Back: Assistant Coach Tim, JV Coach Nic Radisay, Sam Reynolds, Scott Yoder, Julius Heide, Matt Duong, Middle: Rick Conkey, Blake Hawkins, Mason Lebby, Taylor Tran, Andrew Duong, 

Front: Warren Ingersoll

Matt Berk and Andrew Duong won their exciting doubles match, 6-4. Mohammed Berri and Kyle Herkins won their doubles match, and Andrew Johnson and Blake Hawkins won a singles match each. Unfortunately, the other matches were losses.

Click on photo for larger image

Photo by Rob Lebby

Mason Lebby gives his singles opponent some heat

JV won just two matches at home, but had some very exciting nail-biters. The two singles match wins were Mathew Duong and Warren Ingersoll.

Next week, the boys have three more pre-season matches: Mission Viejo, Mater Dei, and Trabuco Hills.