Sheriff’s Bomb Squad goes Geocaching off Park Ave

A hiker on a trail between Park Avenue and Temple Hills Drive happened across a suspicious looking package and immediately called police.

Officers arrived on scene a few minutes after the 10:34 call last Friday morning and had an immediate concern – enough so to call in the Orange County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad from the city of Orange. Police kept the area clear of traffic until they arrived at 12:18 p.m.

Using a robotic device, bomb squad officers removed the device safely.

It was then that the device was turned over and they saw “Official Geocache” marked on the container. Still, the container, determined to be harmless, had to be destroyed at the police station.

Typical Geocache containers contain a logbook for signing when located and small trinkets. The rule is “take a trinket, leave a trinket”

Geocaching is a popular and growing outdoor game played as a nowadays version of a scavenger hunt.

Caches are hidden worldwide with a listing of GPS coordinates on the Internet. People with a GPS app on their cell phones or in their cars choose a coordinate and go about a modern treasure hunt.

According to the website GPSPersonalNavigation.com there are more than one million Geocache containers hidden worldwide with over five million enthusiasts.

Laguna Beach is a favorite hiding place but police suggest that when you have found your “treasure chest” always leave it with the printed side up!

Stabler named publisher of Stu News Laguna

Shaena Stabler has been named publisher of 4S Publishing, LLC, which owns Stu News Laguna, effective Feb 1, 2012. Stabler, 26 and founder Stu Saffer co-equally own 4S Publishing.

“We are at a major growth point for our company and it is critical that we define our roles going forward,” Stabler commented. “Stu will continue to oversee the editorial side of our publication and take on new products that we have committed to for the second quarter.”

Stabler will continue in her role as marketing and sales director and take full responsibility for fiscal operation and strategic planning.

“Since Shaena joined me a little less than a year ago, our sales have increased more than 1500% and we have tripled readership in no small part due to her grasp of social media,” said Saffer.

StuNewsLaguna.com is a hyper-local online newspaper based in Laguna Beach with two editions per week and deep readership in Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Newport Beach, San Clemente, in all 50 states and 75 countries.

Marriage Proposal by treasure hunt Saturday

Kent Charnley showed his creative side when he proposed to Brittany Clark Saturday afternoon. He and Brittany’s mom, Michelle Clark of Waste Management and a Chamber of Commerce Board member, planted clues and gifts at several Laguna locations from downtown to the HIP District.

Kent was nowhere to be seen as Brittany and Kent's friend Nick Osborn stopped in places that the young couple enjoys in town. Charnley had written love notes that were with each gift. The final stop was Ruben Flores’ Laguna Nursery where Flores and Kent had created a unique Valentine Heart message board.

Brittany couldn’t miss “Will You Marry Me Brittany Clark”.

But she didn’t say yes…she couldn’t…Kent wasn’t there.

Kent was waiting at Oak Street Beach with champagne, bunches of roses and the ring. Brittany said yes.

The couple met here in Laguna Beach.

Kent Charnley and Brittany Clark at Oak Street

Brittany is known by many as a track star at Laguna Beach High School and a CIF medalist. After graduating in 2007, she went to Pepperdine University where she set three all-time school track records including the Stotsenberg Track record in the 100m (12.71).

She graduated after majoring in communications in 2011 and is currently the Lead Hostess and Marketing Assistant at House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer.

Fiancée Kent is from Medina, Ohio and graduated from Western Michigan University in 2010 with a degree in finance.

We wish to thank Steve Dotoratos and the HIP District Facebook Page for letting us know and Michelle Clark for the photos and information.

Laguna Beach Music Festival all this week

Festival Concierge Desk: find us in the Hotel Laguna lobby, Mon-Fri 11 a.m. -3 p.m. Stop by and say hello to Festival staff and volunteers.

Meet The Artist, Meet The Composer: meet celebrated composer-performer Edgar Meyer and the award-winning young artists of Calidore Quartet at a special event on Tue Feb 7 at 5 p.m. at Aliso Creek Inn. A microcosm of Laguna Beach Music Festival: concerts, culture & conversation. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, no-host bar. Free admission.

Indie Rockers & String Quartets: Tuesday at 7 p.m. hear the Calder Quartet with special guest Mikel Jollet, lead singer and creative force behind indie rock band The Airborne Toxic Event, at Sage Hill School. Irresistible music, clever songwriting, great string playing. Free! Doors open at 6:30.

Ticket Availability: a handful of tickets for concerts featuring Joshua Bell on Fri Feb 10 and Sat Feb 11 will be released on Tuesday at noon, at the Laguna Playhouse box office, 949-497-2787.

Plus: Support the Music Festival, by bidding on one-of-a-kind masterpieces at amazing prices! Bid on the Artful Violins at BiddingforGood.com/lbmf.

Visit www.lagunabeachmusicfestival.com

Big game – big win – Laguna 1 Godinez 0

Staff photo by Cliff Getz

Assistant Coach Amanda Sylvia (right) and Coach Bill Rolfing strategize and adjust with Laguna’s Girls Soccer team at halftime of Monday night’s key win.

See more in Sports

Dennis’ Tidbits

February 10, 2012

By Dennis McTighe

Unusual – even rare – weather worldwide

The three brightest lights in the night sky have all been visible at the same time the past few evenings thanks to exceptionally clear skies with pretty much unlimited visibilities, compliments of an offshore flow. That is about to change over the next couple of nights as the jet stream is about to make a rare cameo appearance with even some moisture in the picture. Soon, however, on the heels of the rain maker, high pressure will once again park over southern Utah promoting yet another offshore flow with temps soaring back up into the mid and upper 70’s for the second half of the week.

Meanwhile south of the Florida Keys there is, of all things, a tropical disturbance trying to get its act together. As of Monday the sixth at noon the center of circulation is about 100 miles southwest of Miami. At this hour there is a 10-20% chance if this low developing further into a depression or minimal tropical storm, most uncharacteristic of February. It’s only happened once before and that was in 1952.

In Europe record snow storms in Rome with an unprecedented eight inches falling in Italy’s capitol. They average about an inch every five years so this was a real surprise. And London’s Heathrow Airport was shut down for the first time since 1993 due to near blizzard conditions.

More on the portrait of a hurricane…From birth, the hurricane lives in an environment that constantly tries to kill it – and ultimately succeeds. The spinner tends to survive while it is over warmer water, preferably 80 degrees or higher. But its movement is controlled by the forces, which drive the storm ashore or over colder water beyond the tropics. In these non-nourishing environments it will fill and die. This thrust away from the tropics is the clockwise curve that propels Atlantic hurricanes into the eastern United States, and which takes western Pacific typhoons across the coastlines of Japan and into the Asian mainland.

Even before a hurricane forms, the embryonic storm has forward motion, generally driven by the easterly flow of an air movement system of the tropic latitudes, featuring east to west flow of the atmosphere in which it is embedded. As long as the westerly drift is slow – less than 20 knots – the young hurricane may intensify. More rapid forward motion generally inhabits intensification in the storm’s early stages. Entering the temperate latitudes (north of the Tropic of Cancer) some storms may move along at better than 50 knots, but such fast-moving storms soon weaken.

Hurricanes are often resurrected into extratropical cyclones at higher latitudes, or their dynamic forces combine with existing temperate-zone disturbances. Many storms moving up the Atlantic Coast are in the throes of this transformation when they strike New England, and large continental lows are often invigorated by the remnants of storms born over the tropical sea.

Next week I’ll talk about the strongest hurricanes and cyclones from yesteryear.

ALOHA!

Playhouse taps Pearson for Director of Development post

Elizabeth Pearson has joined the staff of the Laguna Playhouse as its Director of Development.

“We are delighted that Elizabeth has agreed to join our management team in this key role,” says Karen Wood, Executive Director of the Playhouse. “She is well known for her strategic and creative approaches, her high energy and her broad Orange County relationship base. She is just what we need at this pivotal time in the Playhouse’s evolution.”

As a local resident for nearly 29 years Pearson has raised funds for the North Laguna Community Association, the Boys & Girls Club, the Laguna Beach Seniors, and South Coast Medical Center. As a Laguna Beach City Councilmember and former three-time Mayor, she is able to serve in the new position and continue in her role on the City Council as the organization is a public-benefit non-profit. She will be required to recuse herself from voting on any issues related to the Playhouse while serving on the City Council.

Board President Henry Mayhew offers, “Elizabeth’s rich experience and deep roots within Laguna Beach will greatly enhance and support connecting our mission, vision, and outreach efforts that are vital to the success of The Laguna Playhouse.”

Pearson’s new Playhouse community-driven initiatives such as the “Players Club” are designed to support fundraising operations through socially inspired events, and are receiving strong participation, support and popularity already.

Two-year development Playhouse department staffer, Leslie Mogul, was also promoted to Associate Development Director upon Pearson’s acceptance of the lead position. “Leslie is not only an outstanding advocate for the Playhouse, but one of the hardest- working team players I have ever had the pleasure to work with,” said Pearson. “I was really pleased to find out how much experience she has in both fund-raising and marketing. I am lucky to be able to team with her.”

LBHS Hosts Community College and Career Technical Education Fair on Thursday evening

As Laguna Beach High School students work toward their graduation, diverse career and postsecondary education choices become real life possibilities. The Community College and Career Technical Education Fair is designed to assist students and their parents explore many of these viable options by providing an opportunity to speak to representatives from community colleges, technical education schools, companies and career organizations. Representatives from the Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Foundation (LBHSSF) will distribute information about community college, trade and vocational institution scholarships.

The event is Thursday, Feb. 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the LBHS Library and is coordinated by Guidance Counseling Secretary Rosalie Triggs and Capistrano-Laguna Beach ROP Career Guidance Specialist Yvette Perez.

“This evening is a great opportunity for students and parents to become informed about various community colleges and career technical opportunities. Meet with representatives to discuss entrance requirements, timelines and costs. Explore degrees, certifications and job training from our various representatives,” Perez said.

Joanne Culverhouse, LBHS principal, emphasized the benefits of attending the event.

“The Community College and Career Technical Education Fair is a very important evening for parents and students to connect with local Community Colleges and explore degrees, certifications and job training for a variety of careers,” Culverhouse said. “An important high school goal is to assist students to become college and career ready. This is a wonderful opportunity for our parents and students.”

About 30 percent of LBHS graduates attend community colleges before transferring to four-year universities. Another five percent of graduating seniors choose to attend at technical, trade, fashion and art schools.

Attendees include:

• Academy of Couture Art

• New School of Architecture & Design

• Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School

• Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM)

• Couture Academy of Modern Makeup Artistry

• United States Army

• United State Marine Corps

• United States Navy

• Irvine Valley College

• Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Foundation (LBHSSF)

• Orange Coast College

• Regional Occupational Program (ROP)

• Saddleback Community College

For information, call LBHS at 497-7750.

Are your choices on the list?

Baker’s Dozen plus One

Laguna’s 2012 Movers & Shakers

As voted for and nominated by:

Our Readers

We received (and Shaena alone tabulated) 700+ votes from our readers – lists of 10!

It was close – very much so. According to Shaena’s counts and recounts, six Lagunans were within five or less votes of the #14 person on the list.

Shaena and Stu did not vote or in any manner change anything submitted by our readers via email, the only voting method.

This truly is a selection by one’s peers and it crosses many personalities.

We decided to cutoff the list at a "baker’s dozen plus one" before any votes were tallied because almost every such list has a Top Ten or something. In retrospect, we are happy we did that. It’s nice to have as many individuals as possible.

We did make one decision near the end. We decided that the five City Council members (all would have made the list) would be listed separately. They have their recognition and rightfully so. This way, we were able to include five more people!

In the next weeks, we will present an up close and personal profile on each of the 2012 Movers & Shakers for our readers to get to know them better.

We congratulate all of the folks you selected and congratulate the 700-some of you who took the time to submit your votes and write your constructive reasons.

That proves Laguna takes itself with pride…we all can love that!

In no particular order

Laguna Beach City Council

Suzie’s ARTiculation By: SUZIE HARRISON

Art Happs, Snaps and Claps!

What an incredible art whirlwind of bliss Laguna continues to serve up – kudos to our arts community for being so happening!

Art Walking

Art Walk was a complete joy, very chipper doing the art blitz with artist Mike Tauber and company, exploring the galleries, chatting with artists and other lively gallery peeps!

A lot of street cred should go out to Carla Tesak, saltfineart gallery owner, and her “CUBA!” exhibit, which features unbelievable talent, including Alejandro Campins, an amazingly talented artist, who was in the house! “CUBA” is absolutely a must see – a truly brilliant exhibit. Campins’ work is mesmerizing!

“The participating artists range from raw, emerging talents to venerated icons that form a part of museums such as the MOMA (New York) and Whitney (New York),” Tesak said. “Not all the art is political, and yet all of it has been touched by the every day realities of Cuba. Exhibited the world over for their unique voice and yet unable to speak freely, these artists live a complex irony.” No wonder they won gallery of the year!

Other First Thursday highlights included my stops at Silver, Blue & Gold gallery, Du Ru’s Fine Arts, Cove Gallery, Joseph Wise Gallery and Bluebird Gallery, to mention a few!

I enjoyed catching up with Joseph Wise Gallery owner, Donnie Wise. I wrote a story about her first gallery over a decade ago. The gallery really has some hot contemporary art and serpentine sculptures.

Over at Du Ru’s, I was pleased with their fine selection of 19^th and 20^th Century American paintings. This month the gallery is featuring “Beauty & Light, ” early California Impressionists views of California and beyond. Kathleen Updyke Barrett is always a joy to talk with.

Bluebird Gallery was a treat with gallery owner, Kevin Shoaf, on hand. He was showing some wonderful works, I was especially impressed with Doug Stotts’ pieces.

And Silver, Blue & Gold has the perfect exhibit nearing the love holiday, “Hearts and Flowers,” a Valentine’s Day inspired exhibition of jewelry by gallery owner Karin Worden and jewelry designer Laura Carley. Silver, Blue & Gold is the perfect place to find your Valentine a gift she will totally groove on.

Artist Open Studios

Artist Open Studios did not disappoint either, except for the fact that John and Rebecca Barber were not present, but instead enjoying a much needed vaca – aloha, my friends!

However, glass fusion artist Maggie Spencer’s studio was indeed a lively place, with the public o’plenty creating small works of their own.

“I think this last Artist Open Studio was the best attended yet,” Spencer said.  “And visitors have caught on to how easily they can visit many studios in one day by using the City Trolley.”

Everyone seemed to enjoy Spencer’s artist demonstration too.

“I really enjoy offering a “hands on” demo to the visitors,” Spencer said.  “Most have never handled or cut art glass. And seeing what they do with it, what they can create, and how excited they are about it helps keep me enthusiastic and energized about my work.”

Nearby, Troy Poeschl’s studio saw a study influx of art goers too. Poeschl exhibited some incredible signature sculptures, as well as gorgeous photography.

Laguna Art Museum “Art Auction 2012: California Art Lounge”

Laguna Art Museum was truly on fire – scorching with “Art Auction 2012: California Art Lounge” on Saturday. With 584 art goers loving the event so much that it grossed $182,000, which was $50,000 more than last year. The auction also receives additional sales props since 14 pieces sold above value. Chief curator Grace Cook-Anderson and the museum’s new executive director, Malcolm Warner, really nailed it! Kook-Anderson is a true genius, who brilliantly described the work and artist concept. Tidy!

Another Saturday night highlight at LAM…I really dug the live artist performances, especially artist John Park – I remembered him from his live painting gig at Coachella Music Festival in 2009. Park worked on an amazing piece over the three-day festival, a large 12’ x 12’ work.  It was super cool to see the piece evolve throughout the event. The piece was spectacular, as was his work on Saturday night at LAM!

One of my local favorite artists James Verbicky’s “Blitz (Study One),” received high amplitude, scoring at $7,150.

Do not miss out - remaining pieces from LAM’s auction are available through Feb. 10 with starting bids slashed to half price. Another local favorite artist Jorg Dubin still has a piece available. Check the art out online at lagunaartmuseum.org. You better act fast! ;)

Laguna Beach 2012 Movers and Shakers Readers Poll

On a side note, no, I didn’t nominate any of my artist and art world friends for the 2012 Movers and Shakers Stu News Laguna poll - only readers nominated and voted! However, extra snaps and claps go out to Laguna art peeps - Sharbie Higuchi, Chris Quilter and Faye Chapman!

Until next time…so much art…so little time!

Auction 2012 grossed $182,000 for the Museum

Laguna Art Museum’s 2012 Art Auction fundraiser Saturday night grossed approximately $182,000 for the museum’s education and exhibition programs, which is $50,000 more than it raised at its 2011 Art Auction LAM announced Monday.

Additionally, attendance increased by 35% from 2011 with 584 people attending the 2012 soiree. Of the 107 participating auction artists, 47 attended including Marlo and Cathy Bartels, Guillermo Bert, Mark Chamberlain, Deborah Davidson, Jorge Dubin, Jacques Garnier, Tomb Lamb, Nobuhito Nishigawara, Vladimir Sokolov, Theodore Svenningsen, James Verbicky, and Victor Hugo Zayas (whose solo exhibition opens at Laguna Art Museum on Feb 26, 2012).

Fourteen of the 107 works sold at or above value. The top three works sold at the event were in the live auction and included Summer Séance by Tony DeLap which sold for $17,000, The Electric Fields II by Theodore Svenningsen which sold for $12,000, and Blitz

Page 1 of 4(Study One) by James Verbicky which sold for $7,150. The top item sold in the silent auction was Beverly Hills Adjacent by Scott Yeskel which sold for $6,500. Seventy percent of the works sold, and the remaining pieces are available on the museum’s website through Friday, February 10 at the minimum bid price which is 50% of the stated value.

The museum transformed into a glamorous art lounge for its after show.

Many of the artists that participated in Art Auction 2012 have been involved with Laguna Art Museum over the past year in exhibitions such as Best Kept Secret: UCI and Development of Contemporary Art in Southern California, 1964-1971, and special events like Palette to Palate and the 13th Annual Laguna Beach Plain Air Painting Invitational.

Reception for photographer Nick Carver Feb. 11

Click on photo for larger image

Stepping Stones – Nick Carver

The work of Irvine photographer Nick Carver is coming to town at the Artist Eye

Laguna Gallery for the month of February and will be displayed at a reception hosted by the gallery on Saturday Feb. 11 from 6 – 9 p.m.

Carver enrolled in his first photography class at the age of 12 where he picked up his first 35mm all-manual film camera and began his journey toward becoming a professional photographer.  His training has come through personal experimentation with film and digital mediums.

“Photography is more than just a medium for documenting the world in front of me,” Carver said.  “It is an art form where I’m free to convey a message for which words simply would not suffice.”

Carver uses his camera and filters along with composition to achieve the shots he wants, as opposed to manipulating or altering photos after the fact.  The exhibit is open daily through February and is located at 1294-A S. Coast Highway.

Laguna Beach Community Foundation receives $10,000 donation from Peter and Kathy Halper

Article and photo by BARBARA McMURRAY

The Laguna Beach Community Foundation has received a $10,000 donation from residents Peter and Kathy Halper to help fund the organization’s operations.

Peter and Kathy Halper with Sophie

Peter Halper remarked, “Since retiring here in Laguna, we decided to focus on finding a nonprofit organization that could help manage and facilitate our efforts to help others over the longer term. We selected the Laguna Beach Community Foundation as our launching pad after much research and with the help of friends Bob Dornin and Don Clurman, both longtime supporters of the organization. They introduced me to the foundation’s CEO, Darrcy Loveland, with whom we had several productive conversations. Kathy and I believe it’s important to give back to the community as a way to show our appreciation of just how fortunate we are to live in this incredible community. We also encourage other Laguna residents to look into the benefits of supporting this outstanding nonprofit organization.”

Peter Halper owned one of the nation’s largest high-tech executive recruitment organizations, San Francisco-based BridgeGate Group, founded in 1968. He sold the company in 1995 and worked as an independent consultant for venture capital firms before retiring. The Halpers lived in Laguna Beach for several years, moved to New York City and then returned here a few years ago. They enjoy spending their time on bi-coastal remodeling projects, entertaining friends and keeping fit.

The Laguna Beach Community Foundation is a public benefit 501(c) (3) nonprofit community foundation that pools the assets of many charitable donors. It facilitates local philanthropy by connecting donor passions with nonprofit needs. It works to improve the community through grant making to nonprofits and providing services to donors. For example, the community foundation creates donor-advised funds for donors who want to become more purposeful in their giving and prefer the tax advantages and ease of establishing such funds, as opposed to setting up their own private foundations.

The Laguna Beach Community Foundation can also work with legal, accounting and tax professionals to help their clients establish a wide variety of charitable funds, including giving
beyond their lifetimes through legacy gifts.

For more information, contact the Laguna Beach Community Foundation at 949-715-8223 or visit www.lagunabeachcf.org.

Stu got all of these – now it’s up to you!

Maggi has even included a “Bonus Pic” – sorry, she isn’t offering a bonus for getting it right!

All who get five correct this edition will receive a copy of Maggi’s famous Super Sunday party-style hot wings.

Where in the heck is Maggi? Starting with this interesting shot and then the slideshow below, email Stu@StuNewsLaguna.com with your answers.

Click on the photo at the left to view them all

The Dolphin Gallery one-night-only event at TOW on Friday

Laguna Beach’s newest, most exclusive art gallery will open its doors for the first time on Friday evening, Feb. 10, with an exhibition featuring over 600 visual artists and an assortment of live instrumental performers setting the musical backdrop for the event.

To experience “The Dolphin Gallery” at Top of the World School, hurry because it will open and close the doors on its one-night-only engagement by 9 p.m. in order to get the artists home by bedtime.

Top of the World Elementary School introduces “TOW Arts Night,” a new event that, for one evening, will transform its multipurpose room into our town’s most exclusive arts venue: The Dolphin Gallery.

The gallery will feature one visual arts piece created by every student in the school.  Background music will be provided by TOW student instrumentalists, playing acoustic recital-quality pieces.  And there will be a hands-on art sample station with simple projects to occupy younger siblings.

The event is intended to bring families and friends into the school for a pleasant evening that offers an opportunity to highlight the artistic talents of TOW’s students, in alignment with the artistic spirit and heritage of our Laguna Beach community.

It is also serves to highlight the school district’s ongoing commitment to arts education, and to show the broader community how that support is implemented in our local elementary school.

The school’s PTA sponsors TOW Arts Night, with additional funding through a Festival of Arts Foundation grant.

Rotary accepting community grant award applications

The Rotary Club of Laguna Beach is welcoming applications for its 2012 community grant awards.  Applications and guidelines may be found on their website: www.lagunabeachrotary.com.  Applications may be emailed to Jeffrey.Redeker@Unionbank.com or mailed to Laguna Beach Rotary, PO Box 2, Laguna Beach CA 92652.

All applications must be postmarked by March 15, 2012.  Grant announcements will be made on May 1, 2012.  Contact Jeff Redeker at 949.371.7595 for assistance.

Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau 2nd Annual a la Carte gets the cork out March 8 to 11

The Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau will embark on the 2nd annual Laguna Beach a la Carte – A Food & Wine Experience, March 8 to 11. Guests will experience world-class cuisine, prix-fixe menus, food and wine pairings, chef demonstrations, daily events and special offers by local restaurateurs…taking place at various restaurants over four special days.

As part of Laguna Beach a la Carte, the Laguna Beach Visitors Bureau will host a signature event, Laguna Beach Uncorked! – An International Wine & Food Fest, on Saturday, March 10, in partnership with Festival of Arts on the grounds from 1 to 4 p.m. Guests will enjoy tastings from 22 Laguna Beach restaurants and 30 wineries from around the world, live entertainment and chef demonstrations. A portion of the ticket sales benefits CHOC Children’s Hospital. Tickets for this event can be purchased at http://lagunabeachfoodies.tix.com/.

“Laguna Beach has been recognized as a culinary destination for many years,” said Karyn Philippsen, event committee chairman for the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau. “Now we can showcase this with a four-day celebration, by bringing people together to enjoy inventive cuisine paired with superb wine offerings.

”In its second year, Laguna Beach a la Carte has significantly expanded its offerings and several new sponsors have stepped up in support of this year’s culinary happening. “Events such as Laguna Beach a la Carte would not be possible without the partnership of companies like HÔM Sotheby’s International Realty, Verterra, Union Bank, Waste Management, Fiji Water and Rohl,” said Judith Bijlani, president and CEO of the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau.

Thursday, March 8, is opening night: Winemaker & Chef’s Table Dinners. To kick off the celebration, restaurateurs will be holding Winemaker & Chef’s Table Dinners. Participating restaurants include 230 Forest Avenue, The Beach House, Claes Ovation, The Cliff Restaurant, The Deck, Eva’s Caribbean Kitchen, French 75, House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer, K’ya Bistro Bar, Las Brisas, Nirvana Grille, Rock’N Fish, Royal Hawaiian, Sapphire Restaurant & Pantry, Splashes Restaurant, Starfish, Sundried Tomato, Tabu Grill, Three Seventy Common Kitchen + Drink, Tommy Bahama and Watermarc.

On Friday, March 9, enjoy a Taste of K’ya Bistro at The Rooftop Lounge & Hotel La Casa Del Camino. Come experience award-winning chef Craig Connole’s Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at the historic Hotel La Casa del Camino. Chef Connole will create stations to highlight his top 10 tastes from K’ya Bistro Bar in three of the boutique hotel’s unique settings. Savor gourmet bites and ocean views at The Rooftop Lounge, enjoy the romantic Spanish courtyard of the wine bar, or live music and libations in the Lobby Lounge. Event times:  5 to 10 p.m. $30 per person for signature tastes; no host bar. Call 497-2446 to reserve.

On Saturday, March 10, appreciate Laguna Beach Uncorked! An International Wine & Food Fest, enjoy tastings from 22 Laguna Beach restaurants and 30 wineries from around the world. The event takes place on the Festival of Arts grounds from 1 to 4 p.m. A portion of the ticket sales benefits CHOC Children’s Hospital.

Participating Laguna Beach restaurants include: 230 Forest Avenue, Broadway by Amar Santana, Claes Ovation, The Deck, Dizz’s As Is, Eva’s Caribbean Kitchen, French 75, House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer, Katsuya, K’ya Bistro Bar, Laguna Culinary Arts, Las Brisas, The Mosaic at Montage Laguna Beach, Nirvana Grille, Royal Hawaiian, Sapphire Restaurant & Pantry, Splashes, Starfish, Sundried Tomato, Tabu Grill, Tommy Bahama, Watermarc and more.

General admission: $75 if purchased by Feb.15; $95 thereafter; VIP: $125 (limited to 150 tickets); includes a 10 a.m. wine seminar with Peter Neptune, Master Sommelier, presented by Rohl, and an early 12 p.m. entrance to Laguna Beach Uncorked! Visit http://lagunabeachfoodies.tix.com/ to purchase tickets. For event information, call 497-9229.

All event attendees must be at least 21 years of age, with ID checked at the door. At Sunset & Savor at Surf & Sand Resort’s Pool Deck, enjoy live music, a selection of savory bites prepared by Executive Chef Jeff Armstrong and specialty cocktails and sweet treats prepared by Mixologist/Pastry Chef Ryan Velilla. Also, sample select beer and Chateau Ste. Michelle wines. The event is $75 per person and runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Limited availability (100 guests maximum). Must RSVP to 376-2761 or klawrence@jcresorts.com.

On Sunday, March 11, Snack, Sip, and Surf at The Deck at Pacific Edge Hotel.

Join in for an afternoon of food, fun and friendly competition. Enjoy a cocktail competition with some of Orange County’s hottest mixologists. Nosh on beach fare with a neighborhood chef challenge and passed appetizers from The Deck, while digging their friendly pro-am surfing competition. Proceeds go to Mauli Ola, benefiting children with Cystic Fibrosis. Tickets are $45 per person. Event time: 2 to 5 p.m. Space is limited. Call 281-5704 to reserve your spot today.

Garden to Table: A Culinary Experience at Studio at Montage. Start the evening with a champagne reception; complete with the chef’s signature garden-inspired hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy a four-course tasting menu complete with wine pairings from a local California winery. Don’t miss this intimate oceanfront dining experience with Studio’s Executive Chef Craig Strong. Takes place 6 to 9 p.m.; $175 per person. Call 715-4100 for tickets.

Enjoy the Gospel & Champagne Brunch at Tivoli Too! featuring Yve Evans & Co., with brunch at 11 a.m. and tickets are $40, including the show and champagne tastings by Domaine Ste. Michelle. To purchase tickets, visit www. Lagunabeachlive.org. Chef Demonstration and Cooking Class at Nirvana Grille - this three-hour session will focus on local and seasonal produce from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., $75 per person; 30 person class limit. Call 497-0027 for reservations.

For details on Laguna Beach a la Carte events, restaurant offers and hotel packages, visit www.lagunabeachfoodies.com or contact Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau, 361 Forest Avenue, Suite 200, call 376-0511 or go online to www.lagunabeachinfo.com.

13 LBHS student athletes sign letters of intent

Photo courtesy Kim McConnell

13 student athletes (pictured above) from Laguna Beach High School signed national letters of intent with colleges Wednesday in a signing ceremony at the school.

We will have photographs in our Tuesday edition.

Signing were:

Nolan McConnell (men’s water polo, Long Beach State);

Katherine Barton (rowing, Harvard);

Yoshi Andersen (women’s water polo, Harvard);

Caroline Holte (women’s volleyball, Harvard);

Allison Palmer (women’s volleyball, Arizona State);

Marina Paul (women’s soccer, Georgetown);

Melena Masson (women’s water polo, Stanford);

Samer Alkateb (men’s water polo, UC Santa Barbara);

Lauren Michaels (women’s tennis, Cornell);

Tommy Renner (men’s water polo, Johns Hopkins);

Erik Henrikson (men’s water polo, Johns Hopkins);

Rachele Killian (women’s volleyball, Brown);

Avery Bush (women’s volleyball, Loyola Marymount).