Hotel Laguna updates progress and announces reopening of restaurant and bar in early 2021
By DIANNE RUSSELL
During a “Just the Facts: Hotel Laguna” webinar last week conducted by Paula Hornbuckle-Arnold, president and CEO of the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, the public received answers to its questions regarding the restoration of the Hotel Laguna.
Hornbuckle-Arnold said the intention of the webinar was to delineate fact from conjecture with regard to major projects and initiatives that affect our business community and residents.
Hasty Honarkar, vice president of the Laguna Beach Co., operators of the hotel, and Community Development Director Marc Wiener addressed a variety of inquiries. Laguna Beach Co. bought the hotel operation in January 2019 and has a 99-year land lease.
Among other updates, Honarkar announced that they’re planning to reopen the restaurant and bar to the public in early 2021. The restaurant concept will involve a partnership with Chef Craig Strong, whose 25-year career in luxury hotels and resorts earned him a Michelin star during his time at The Langham Huntington Hotel & Spa in Pasadena.
In addition to the restaurant and bar, the remainder of the Hotel Laguna’s first level – the lobby, terrace, and rose garden – will also be reopening in 2021.
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Courtesy of Laguna Beach Co.
A not yet submitted proposed rendering for the exterior
Moving on to the second phase, the Laguna Beach Co. will pursue approvals for a restoration of the hotel’s exterior (including landscaping) and guest rooms (with air conditioning). Honarkar noted that if the exterior paint color remains the same, it will not need to go through the Design Review Board. It is being investigated by their historic consultant.
The Laguna Beach Co. wants to install a replica of the Hotel Laguna’s rooftop sign that is shown in historic photographs, and this addition would require a variance and approval from the Design Review Board.
This second phase is expected to take between 12 and 18 months, depending on the California Coastal Commission.
As for maintaining its historic status, Honarkar said, “After submitting a 114-page document to the U.S. State Department of Interior, it was accepted and automatically went into the state registry. Part II will be submitting it to the local historic registry, although it’s always been on the local registry.”
Wiener assured the community that even though there has been some concern about maintaining the integrity of the hotel, after a recent visit to the site, he said, “The integrity is still intact.”
Regarding storefronts, a corner storefront could be converted into a small café – as it was originally – and Honarkar says they are considering combining some storefronts to create a larger art gallery.
According to Honarkar, the parking lot next to the hotel will remain, and there are no current plans to build underground parking.
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Courtesy of Laguna Beach Co.
Progress photo of the restaurant foyer, however, it is not a representation of the final design as Laguna Beach Co. still has a significant amount of detail work ahead. They are waiting on final permits in order to be able to continue work.
As for the permitting process and red tagging that has come to the attention of the public, “We really appreciate the city guiding us through this because it is a complicated process,” Honarkar said.
Wiener said, “We’ve been working with Laguna Beach Co. on these issues and city staffers have since authorized electrical and plumbing work.”
Hornbuckle-Arnold was happy to find out that The Beach Club will reopen, however, details haven’t been finalized. “We intend to issue day passes for the community to enjoy it until the membership is in place,” says Honarkar.
Honarkar refuted the scuttlebutt that the hotel is for sale.
When asked about who will operate the hotel, she replied, “We have a great team in place already.”
“Our vision, after speaking to many people in this community, is to create a unique boutique experience that incorporates the history of Laguna,” Honarkar said. “We want the locals to be happy to come through the doors again.”
To view the Zoom webinar, click here.
Sally’s Fund delivers Thanksgiving meals from Kitchen in the Canyon to seniors
Photos by Mary Hurlbut
On Wednesday, Nov 25, staff and volunteers from Sally’s Fund assembled meals at Kitchen in the Canyon and delivered them to community seniors who are sheltering in place. The owner Ozzy Roshani and her team prepared 135 traditional Thanksgiving meals.
Executive Director of Sally’s Fund Rachael Berger said, “The managers at Vista Aliso, Debbie and Charlene, are extremely thankful and say senior residents were excited and looking forward to a hot Thanksgiving meal.”
Sally’s Fund’s primary delivery driver is Jason Pastore, and he delivered to Vista Aliso. The nonprofit’s other driver, Rick Roby (who used to drive the local trolley), with the help of a volunteer delivered meals to seniors residing on the hillside.
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Sally’s Fund van waiting to be packed up
Last week Berger said, “We have received a few donations that have helped us cover the cost of the meals and I am hopeful, with additional support, all meals will be made possible, by donations from the community. The total cost to Sally’s Fund is $3,200.
“For some seniors, this is the only hot/prepared meal they have had since we last delivered for Easter. Many seniors who live in the hills no longer have a way of getting into town since the trolleys are not running, so we are currently delivering groceries every week to them, and those that can go out use Sally’s Fund for their transportation needs, so we are busier than ever. Still, we want to make this extra effort for the elderly in the community, so they know they are not forgotten and that we care.”
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Volunteers and staff at Kitchen in the Canyon, with Mayor Bob Whalen and wife Kirsten, FOA artist, on the far right
Normally AgeWell would have a lunch for seniors available at the Susi Q, however, since the center has been closed, many low income or seniors without family did not have anywhere to go.
To the volunteers and staff, Berger says, “Thank you so much for your donations, time, energy, and enthusiasm in plating, packaging, and delivering a delicious Thanksgiving meal for seniors. Kitchen in the Canyon outdid themselves with a beautiful spread!
“The expressive appreciation by all recipients was so heartfelt (some in tears), and the warmth in our hearts as we delivered these meals is what the true meaning and spirit of Thanksgiving is about.”
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Assembling the meals
Volunteer Anthony Glenn says, “Thank you for including me in your Thanksgiving service to members of our community – no better way to find appreciation for the gifts we have than by sharing our good fortune with others.”
According to Berger, a number of calls have already come in thanking the volunteers, saying how delicious the meals were and “what Sally’s Fund and our volunteers are doing is truly life changing,” and that “we made their day and they wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Sally’s Fund.”
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Delivering meals to grateful seniors
“We felt the hugs they wanted to give, and for a moment, we saw their loneliness fade away,” Berger says. “Furthermore, the added crayon drawings from the students at Top of The World brought joy and memories of their own children when they were young.”
Bonnie Drury says, “Amazing work in bringing a little joy and delicious food to our Sally’s Fund clients! Thank you all so much from the Sally’s Fund Board of Directors!”
For more information about Sally’s Fund and to donate, go to www.sallysfund.org.
Holiday shopping in the HIP District keeps the season simple and supports local businesses
Story by DIANNE RUSSELL
Photos by Mary Hurlbut
In the short span of seven streets – from Thalia Street to Bluebird Street – the HIP District offers a wealth of holiday shopping opportunities in its eclectic shops: books, spices, sports equipment, clothes, flowers, vintage items, and jewelry, to name just a few. The HIP District has recently expanded to the south to include Mozambique and Ristorante Rumari.
To be sure, this is an area with an abundant history.
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Pottery Place shops
In early Laguna, before the incarnation of our current downtown, the heart of the small business district was around Bluebird Canyon and S Coast Hwy. This historic place was reborn as a thriving and exciting business district, called the HIP District – “HIP” for Historic and Interesting Places.
Since many local shops are struggling during these challenging times, holiday shopping in the HIP District serves two purposes: making everyone on your gift list happy while, at the same time, supporting our local shops.
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Jason, owner of Laguna Surf and Sport
Joe Hanauer, developer of The Old Pottery Place, says, “We started the HIP District to draw attention to the terrific one-of-a-kind boutiques, shops, services, and lodging in our neighborhood. If people’s driving or strolling patterns aren’t just right, they’ll never know what they’re missing. Especially now, people can do themselves a big favor while also helping our town by first giving local merchants a nod before buying online from strangers. Keeping money in the neighborhood where local merchants support charities and sales tax goes to provide us with services.”
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Ligne Blanche
Sandrine Guibert, owner of Ligne Blanche, says, “All of our fabrics are imported from France. We make a line of cotton table linens, napkins, dish towels, and aprons, all made here. We have unique accessible products, clothes, ceramics, gifts, and jewelry.”
Lisa, a longtime Ligne Blanche customer says, “It is a shop with truly unique items that are usable, not just for decoration. Sandrine carries hard to find items that have beauty and style. It’s French! It’s a happy place.”
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Aviator Nation – vintage 1970s
Lorraine Willis, manager of Aviator Nation, describes her retro store as, “A 1970s California inspired clothing brand handmade in Los Angeles. Live. Love. Fly.”
Think Laguna first by buying merchandise or gift cards for holiday gifts: Gina’s Pizza, Wax & Wood Art Studio, The Bead Shop, Thalia Street Surf Shop, Laguna Laundry & Dry Cleaning, Twig, Laguna Coffee, Art of Fitness Realatrends, Inc., Village Faire Shoppes, Heidelberg Café, Laguna Eyes Optometry, Logan Bros. Shaving Co., Lance Heck Jewelry, Spice Merchants, Ligne Blanche, Sandpiper Lounge, The English Garden, Sapphire. Cellar. Craft. Cook., The Old Pottery Place, Chocolate Soldier, The Shoe Box, Vogue Salon, Laguna Beach Books, Blue Eyed Girl, and Sound Spectrum.
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Spice Merchant has great stocking stuffers
Aviator Nation, European Optical, Earth Stones, International Spa, Eiko Massage, K’ya Bistro & Bar, The Rooftop Lounge, Hotel La Casa del Camino, Artist Eye Gallery, Avila’s El Ranchito, Kiska Boutique, Subway, Huit, CryoCareUSA, The Art Center, NEKO Home, Laguna Outpost, The Vintage Poster, Laguna Outpost, The Soul Project, The Garage Collective, Vertigo Home, Sleepless in Laguna, Mozambique, and Ristorante Rumari.
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Laguna Beach Books
Lisa Childers, manager of Laguna Beach Books, says, “We are open, our current hours are 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. We have a wide selection of all types of books from Fiction and Non-Fiction to Mystery, Art, Cookbooks, and Children’s. We also have stuffed animals and puzzles along with stocking stuffers and journals.
“We are happy to gift wrap for free and we do ship books all over the United States. If people prefer, they can call the store and have books shipped. We also are happy to leave books in our back alley off of Brooks Street if people are not comfortable coming into the store. Gift cards are available in any denomination and they can also be purchased with a call to the store.
“This is 14th Christmas selling books in Laguna Beach and we have a very knowledgeable staff who are so happy to help.”
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Twig carries a variety of items from clothing to Christmas ornaments
Experience the HIP District and think Laguna first. As the website says: Shop local, eat local, spend local, and enjoy local. It takes you to start the trend.
No need to go anywhere else for holiday shopping. It’s all right here in town.
For more information, go to www.hipdistrictlaguna.com.
COVID-19: 1,666 new cases reported in OC, 7 new cases in Laguna Beach
OC Health Care Agency has reported 1,666 new cases of COVID-19 in Orange County today (November 28), marking a three-day surge of 3,609 new cases countywide.
Sadly, the county reports that 1,577 people have died due to COVID-19 in OC. There have been “less than five deaths” of Laguna Beach residents to date.
The county reports that there have been 323 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Laguna Beach to date, an increase of seven cases today and 30 cases since last Saturday’s report.
The county reports that 24.8 percent of ICU beds and 63.4 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.
The county reports that 534 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (+28 since yesterday’s report – includes ICU); 138 are in ICU (-1 since yesterday’s report).
The county estimates 59,266 “recovered cases” according to its data criteria.
For questions about the data presented by the county, call (714) 834-2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To view the data dashboard, click here.
Numbers are updated daily by Stu News Laguna and reported on our social media pages @StuNewsLaguna.
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Courtesy of OC Health Care Agency
Orange County COVID-19 case data as of November 28, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily
Rotary Club Students of the Month for October and November possess talent and determination
What resonates with the two Rotary Club Students of the Month for October and November, Jacquelyn Strawn and Grace Gillies, is that, among other attributes, they are both hardworking, determined, and problem solvers. It’s evident by their accomplishments and awards as well as their future plans.
The Laguna Beach Rotary Club is continuing to meet online via Zoom. So far this school year, the club has honored two students of the month for October and November. The club invites the students and their families to join them online to receive their awards. All SOMs receive a $500 scholarship at their graduation ceremony.
Rotarians understand the importance of our community’s youth. Guided by this understanding the membership established a student recognition program. A program that recognizes achievement, leadership, and helps to support high school students in their transition to higher education.
During the months of September through May, high school students are selected by their school’s administration based upon their: Academic Standing, Extracurricular Activities, Community Involvement, Leadership, and Service to Others.
Both Jacquelyn and Grace fulfill all the necessary criteria and more.
A senior at Laguna Beach High School, Jacquelyn moved to Laguna with her mother five years ago for the elite beach volleyball competition and caliber of players at LBHS. Jacquelyn is six feet tall and has always had a passion for beach volleyball. She is verbally committed to play beach volleyball at Pepperdine University and is waiting to sign her letter of intent.
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Submitted photo
Jacquelyn Strawn
She received all team awards for indoor volleyball and also broke some LBHS records for blocking. LBHS has gone to state championships for the four years she played as a varsity athlete for sand volleyball. She also coached younger kids in volleyball to help them achieve their goals as she has.
In academics, Jacquelyn received the Breaker Award for Spring 2020 from Parta Perkins in Physics. She also has been on the honor roll for her grades since freshman year.
However, her determination goes well beyond competing in sports and academics. Jacquelyn’s grandfather had Parkinson’s disease, and it inspired her to serve and go into the medical field and become a brain surgeon.
“This has been something that has really inspired me to want to learn more about the human brain and have a goal of solving things like this so others do not have to see their loved ones suffer through this disease,” she says.
Much like Jacquelyn, Grace is also hardworking, determined, and a problem solver. “I don’t easily give up and value the importance of integrity. I take pride in all my work, whether it is for school or something else outside of the classroom. I try to solve it rather than avoiding it.”
As evidence of her desire to “solve things,” she is planning to attend college and major in either applied mathematics or data science. “So I can continue learning about and working with the subject that I love. I will be able to identify problems and find solutions, which is something I love doing and it can also be helpful to others.”
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Submitted photo
Grace Gillies
Grace enjoys giving back to the community. While in high school, her service includes being the founder of the Girls Who Code Club local chapter. “I started and taught a Girls Who Code after-school club at El Morro Elementary School. I was a counselor at a summer camp called Project Scientist. I was selected to serve as mentor and teacher’s aide for a science camp for elementary school girls, and I tutor middle school and high school students in math.”
In addition to being a counselor for kids with learning challenges, she sold and delivered lawn signs thanking first responders, medical providers, and all other essential workers during the pandemic. All of the profits were donated to local hospitals.
Excelling in both athletics and academics, Grace has played on the girls soccer team for all four years of high school, and track and field in 9th and 10th grades.
Her academic awards include AP Scholar with Distinction, Superintendent’s Honor Roll – 3.5 and Above, Breaker Award Honors Algebra 2, Breaker Award Geometry (9th grade), and Scholar Athlete – 3.75 and Above GPA while playing a varsity sport (10th and 11th grades). She’s been a member of LBHS National Honor Society for three years (10th, 11th, and 12th grades).
Congratulations to both Jacquelyn and Grace on their outstanding achievements and for their awards as Students of the Month.
Sawdust Outdoor Marketplace
Photos by Mary Hurlbut
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Come shop and enjoy the Sawdust Outdoor Marketplace’s artists and live music. There is lots of fresh air, plenty of parking, and beautiful hand-crafted items for gift giving and stocking stuffers.
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The Sawdust Outdoor Marketplace is open weekends through December 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is recommended that visitors purchase tickets ahead of time as capacity is limited. Children 12 and under receive free admission but do require a ticket for entry. For tickets, click here.
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Please note as of November 17th, concession restaurants and the saloon are not in service during Marketplace hours
For more photos by Mary Hurlbut, see the slideshow below
LBFD seeks community donations for “Spark of Love” Toy Drive
The Laguna Beach Fire Department, in partnership with Southern California Firefighters and ABC7, is again taking part in the annual “Spark of Love” Toy Drive. The campaign collects new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for underserved children and teens in Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura, and Riverside counties. Toys collected in the respective counties are distributed locally.
This year marks the 28th anniversary of the Firefighters’ “Spark of Love” campaign, which will run through December 24. The Laguna Beach Fire Department has been involved since the program’s inception and each fire station will serve as drop-off sites for new, unwrapped toys or sports equipment.
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Courtesy of LBFF Instagram
LB Firefighters have been involved with the “Spark of Love” program since its inception
Drop off your new, unwrapped toys or sports equipment to any of Laguna Beach’s four fire stations. Please help us all stay safe by following COVID-19 safety recommendations, including remembering to wear a mask when dropping off your toy donation, ringing the fire station doorbell, and placing the unwrapped gift in the designated “Spark of Love Drop Box,” which will be placed outside each Laguna Beach Fire Station.
Any new, unwrapped toy must be in its original packaging or box. Sports equipment (balls, tennis racquets, baseball bats, etc.) is not required to have a box or package. The fire department cannot distribute clothing, personal care items, blankets, etc.
Drop off toys or sports items at these four Laguna Beach Fire Stations:
Fire Station 1: 501 Forest Ave
Fire Station 2: 285 Agate St
Fire Station 3: 2900 Alta Laguna Blvd
Fire Station 4: 31646 2nd Ave
For more information on the “Spark of Love” campaign, visit https://abc7.com/sparkoflove/.
Thankful in Laguna
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Photo by Scott Brashier
From our beautiful sunsets and views, to our many wonderful nonprofits, to our excellent schools and dedicated educators, to our frontline heroes protecting and serving us…we have so much to be thankful for in Laguna
Local family continues 20-year tradition with Secret Santa, community donations welcomed
For 20 years, the Macmillan family and friends have been playing Secret Santas during the holidays. Celine Macmillan says, “For the last 11 years, the Laguna Beach community has involved Laguna Beach Unified School District in selecting the students (it’s completely confidential) as well as our friends. This year, with the need being so big, I decided to do ten families and include the community for donations. There are also families from out of state who are donating. In previous years my friends and I usually donate over $1,000 per family.”
There will be two families from each school (El Morro Elementary School, Top of the World Elementary School, Thurston Middle School, and Laguna Beach High School) that will be selected by the school principals. The other two will be Laguna families that Macmillan knows are in need and have students at LBUSD. Those who donate will be sent updated emails, the amount given, and pictures of all 10 gift wrapped Secret Santa gifts.
Macmillian says, “Please donate any amount of money that will be distributed equally to all 10 families who have children in any of our four LBUSD schools. Or if you prefer, please drop off or mail any gift cards to grocery stores, Visa gift cards, shops, restaurants, or any other gift cards you would like to donate. Please mail or drop off the gift cards to our home address to be included in the Secret Santa gifts.”
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Be a “Secret Santa”
Macmillan’s home address is 499 Canyon Acres Dr, Laguna Beach. Her cell phone number is (949) 466-7425.
If donors do not wish for their names to be included in the Secret Santa gift, they may write “Anonymous” in the checkout.
“I would like to thank Zinc Café for donating ten $25 gift cards and Catch Surf for giving us 50 percent off any of their boards for one student who only wanted a Catch Surf board for Christmas,” says Macmillan. “I would also like to give a huge thank you to all the families who have donated so far.”
Donors so far include Anonymous D, Betsy Denham, Kathleen Levan, Dina Waters, Shanti Schiller, Ellen Hurley, Lisa Britt, A Drexelius, Kevin and Jocelyne Naughton, Margarita Kruse, Secret Santa, Patricia Sweeney, Jaclyn Lessard, Chris Cureton, Parisa Balliet, Alison Alexander, Keely Chism, Jennifer Murray, Jennifer Samson, Staci Bina, Steve Fayne, Melissa Vermilya, Nadene Wisely, Amy Kramer, Kathleen Streris, Jaime Saunders, Kathy Rose, Joyce Oosthuizen, BR Kellog, Roop Family, Joanne Donovan, Malena Steris-Lyles, Joe Baker, Kara Taylor, Christy Koster, Laura Storke, Anne Caen, Shannon Chastain, Laurel Macmillan, and Theresa Macmillan.
To donate to the Secret Santa effort, click here.
LBHS Food Drive
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Photo by Jimmy Azadian
Ashton Azadian, LBHS sophomore and member of the ASB, dropping off food items. The Associated Student Body of LBHS collected food donations for families in need this holiday season. The cans are in front of the Artists’ Theatre, labeled “Freshmen,” “Sophomores,” “Juniors,” and “Seniors,” respectively. Tuesday was the final day to drop off the donated food items.
Wave of Change campaign for November focuses on giving to local nonprofits
Meldie Moore, founder and director of Moore Law for Children, is at it again with her third Wave of Change campaign. The first two involved giving her staff members $100 each to spend at local businesses and shops. This month she will be giving $1,000 to local nonprofits – $100 each to 10 organizations.
Moore says, “This is the time of year to give thanks for the blessings we have and a time for giving to those less fortunate. I am thankful for my family and my friends, our health, and the privilege of living in Laguna Beach, California. I have been particularly appreciative of this in the last eight months, as I can’t imagine a better place and better people to be locked down, shut in, and quarantined with.
“I am thankful for my business, which reached the ten-year milestone this fall. I am thankful for my amazing team of women that have kept their heads up and hearts full these past eight months. I am thankful for our referral partners and friends who trust us with their clients, friends, and family members. I am thankful to all of my clients, who have let us share in and contribute to their precious moments and families for over a decade.”
And now she feels it’s time to give back.
“With so many blessings to be thankful for, it is a time for giving back. There are so many worthy causes, and the ones that speak to my heart involve children. As you know, I adopted my eldest son through foster care. So, organizations that assist children in foster care have personal meaning to my family.”
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Submitted photo
Staff members each chose a nonprofit
“One I have volunteered for in various ways over the years is CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates,” Moore says. “This organization recruits volunteers to be paired with the neediest of children in foster care to mentor them, to provide a consistent adult relationship, and to report on their lives directly to the court as a means of oversight.
“I have worked with these amazing volunteers by providing training on special education and school discipline law, and side by side in IEP meetings in efforts to seek appropriate placements, services, and supports for these children. I have also served as a committee member and committee chair for Friends of CASA (FOCASA), a nonprofit that raises money for this worthy cause. One of our biggest fundraisers is occurring now and I invite you to learn more and support CASA here.”
For the last two months she has shared her desire to cast a stone into the ocean that may create a ripple, and joined by other ripples, become a Wave of Change for our community.
“In September, my team each spent $100 at local retail businesses in honor of Small Business Week. In October, my team celebrated Womens’ Small Business Owner Month by enjoying some well-deserved self-care with massages, haircuts, and pedicures at Laguna Beach service businesses owned by women.”
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Submitted photo
Checks ready to distribute to 10 local nonprofits
To continue the wave of change, this month in the spirit of giving, they are supporting local nonprofit organizations. “Each team member picked a cause that spoke to them, and we wrote $100 checks to the following 10 worthy Laguna Beach nonprofits: Catmosphere, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Assistance League Thrift Shop, Seaside Legal Services, No Square Theatre, Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, Rock to Recovery, Waymakers - Sheltering Children, Laguna Food Pantry, and Friendship Shelter,” says Moore.
Follow Moore Law on Facebook as the firm will feature each of these nonprofits. “And we would love it if you would share your favorite cause with us.
“As we face a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and more closures, there is no better time to be thankful for our blessings and to give back to support our communities. When we count our many blessings, we are thankful for you.”
Moore Law for Children specializes in special education, advocacy for the learning challenged, school discipline, adoption, assisted reproduction, and juvenile delinquency, as well as family law and estate planning.
Moore Law for Children is located at 361 Forest Ave.
For more information, go to www.moorelawoc.com or call (949) 336-7711.
Visit the firm’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MooreLawOC.
Where’s Maggi?
In these trying times, Maggi stopped by here. Where was she?
Send your answers in to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The location will be revealed in Tuesday’s edition, and we’ll let you know who got it right.
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FOA to host first-ever virtual gala: “Simply ARTrageous: Live the Legacy” on December 5
Things are about to get ARTrageous! The Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach, producer of the iconic Pageant of the Masters, is pleased to announce the nonprofit’s first-ever virtual gala event: “Simply ARTrageous: Live the Legacy” on Saturday, Dec 5 at 6:30 p.m.
The star-studded virtual spectacular will be hosted by musician, composer, and producer Tony Guerrero and actor, comedian, and writer Dave Foley. The event is free to attend and sponsored by Stephen R. Davy Violins, The Ritz-Carlton of Laguna Niguel, Partners Bank of California, and Yamaha.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
People gather on FOA grounds before the pandemic
“We’ve gone virtual – reimagining our traditional end-of-season Celebrity Gala fundraiser to reunite and celebrate our rich legacy with the community and our supporters,” shared Sharbie Higuchi, Director of Marketing/PR at Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach.
Anticipated to be the most ARTrageous celebration of the season, the virtual gala promises an evening of fun, laughter, and nostalgia. Many surprises are planned for the evening including appearances by celebrity guests Bryan Cranston, Kate Flannery, Joe Mantegna, and Jane Lynch. Guests will enjoy musical performances by The Salty Suites, Melissa Manchester, Laura Dickinson, Starr Parodi, and Jeff Eden Fair.
In addition to the spectacular night of entertainment, anyone donating $100 or more will be automatically entered into a drawing to win some great prizes. Prizes range from a weekend getaway package at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel (valued at $2,500 USD), prestigious artwork from ceramic artist Mike Tauber (valued at $320 USD), and two loge center tickets plus an invite to walk the red carpet at the 2021 Pageant of the Masters Celebrity Benefit Night (valued at $490 USD), to name a few.
Proceeds from the digital event will help support the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters and, in turn, local artists and the arts community.
To donate, join the Pageant Legacy Society or learn more about the event visit www.foapom.com/virtual-gala. RSVPs are recommended, but not required.
To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Fine Arts Show visit www.foapom.com or follow @FestivalPageant on social media.
Dennis’ Tidbits
By DENNIS McTIGHE
November 27, 2020
The highs and lows of Thanksgiving 1981
Time to turn the clocks back to Thanksgiving 1981, one of the most dramatic weather days in Laguna history, when just about everything on the weather menu occurred that day, including occasional torrential downpours, intense lightning and thunder, and an off-the-charts hailstorm. Add to that a total of thirteen waterspouts with the last one reaching EF1 status, with winds up to 95 mph as it made landfall just to the south of the old Aliso Beach Pier in South Laguna.
The day began innocently enough with bright blue skies, just a whisper of an offshore breeze, and a rather mild 57 degrees shortly after sunrise. Turns out, that was the high temp for the day, very unusual as normally our high temp for any given day in late November would occur somewhere around 1 p.m. Shortly thereafter, however, there were clusters of towering cumulus clouds appearing on the southern and western horizon.
A strong upper-level cutoff low was centered just off the coast of Point Conception and began drifting slowly southward. If you’ll remember, a cutoff low is a system that has broken free from the usual storm track, so instead of moving through and being out of the picture in just a couple of hours, the low is free to meander around in any direction it chooses. In this case, instead of moving to the east, the system set its sights on Southern California. The low contained loads of moisture and very cold unstable air, with a great deal of convection within this system, meaning that fireworks would become a certainty, especially as radiation from the bright sun was feeding this deep convection.
By mid-morning, the first heavy showers arrived but no thunder as yet. That would come soon enough. After half an hour of pelting rain, there was a brief clearing spell as the temp outside was now down to 53, but the wind remained fairly calm. Being an upper-level low, most of the winds were blowing higher up in the atmosphere, say at 5,000-10,000 feet, but it was fairly calm at the surface.
Soon after, the next band of heavy showers invaded the area, accompanied by some pretty intense lightning and thunder that shook the house on a couple of occasions. It absolutely poured for the next 20 minutes, dropping a whopping half inch of rain in that short span. Once again skies cleared briefly before two huge anvil-shaped clouds were on top of us in no time, now appearing at the base of one of the dark cumulonimbus clouds where there was some pretty significant rotation next to the wall cloud.
I’m thinkin’, wow! This is the kind of atmospheric chaos you’d expect to see in Oklahoma, not Laguna! Suddenly three waterspouts touched down about two miles offshore but dissipated soon after. These thunderstorms were approaching super cell status as the next cell was on us with more torrential rain, lightning, and thunder, and this time the base of the cloud carried a very distinct greenish hue which signified one thing: heavy hail!
For the next 20 minutes blinding hail with some stones approaching ping pong ball size pelted Laguna, completely covering the ground in solid white! Shortly after that cloud’s attack came two more cells with, get this, a total of six more funnels which all touched down offshore. A couple of these twisters looked to be at least 50-75 yards wide, very large for a Pacific waterspout or anywhere else for that matter. They, too, dissipated in a few minutes.
Skies cleared briefly but it wasn’t over yet as the next thunder bomber was fast approaching from the west, and four more funnels dropped from the base of this black boiling monster. Three of them were pretty skinny but the fourth and final spout loomed large as it touched down about a mile off the Crystal Cove area. As it plowed southward it was still growing in size, to at least 75 yards wide, and showed little indication it was going to shrink anytime soon.
Minutes later the twister was coming ashore just south of Aliso Pier and when all was said and done, there was damage to a half dozen beachfront houses before the funnel snaked out and dissipated back into the cloud. Later that afternoon, the NOAA officially declared the twister an F1. Calm was restored by sunset that evening but for one day Oklahoma came to Laguna!
Here’s hoping that Thanksgiving was a good one for everyone, ALOHA!
Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach launches Shop2Give virtual auction
The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach launched its Shop2Give virtual auction today, November 27 – it will be live through December 6. The holiday auction features items from the Montage, Lululemon, The Ranch at Laguna Beach, Gorjana, and more.
This event is the perfect opportunity to shop for Black Friday sales, while giving back to our kids. The Club is very excited for this shopping event, especially since it had to cancel three of its fundraising events. Proceeds raised through this auction will directly impact our community’s youth. Costs to keep the Club open during this time have increased significantly but the Club remains committed to its mission of empowering all youth to reach their full potential.
For more information and to make a bid, visit www.bgclagunabeach.org/shop2give.
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Submitted photo
Shop2Give virtual auction will help support Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach in its mission to empower our local youth (photo taken pre-pandemic)
For over 65 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach has been an indispensable asset to the community. From preschool to parenting classes, the Club offers an array of services that focus on academic success, good character and citizenship, healthy lifestyles, and creative expression. The Club serves youth ages 3 to 18 years of age at its two sites, Canyon Branch and Bluebird Branch, in Laguna Beach.
For more information about the Club, visit www.bgclagunabeach.org or call (949) 494-2535.
Woman’s Club continues tradition of Adopt-A-Family with much-needed help of donations
Now more than ever, people are looking forward to celebrating the upcoming holidays.
Kitty Malcolm, acting president of the Woman’s Club, says, “For the Woman’s Club, in normal times, our committees would be busily preparing for the December annual Holiday Luncheon and our Adopt-A-Family committee would be gathering names of children in our community who come from lower-income families. It is staggering how many families and children in this position live in our community. And it isn’t going to be better for them this holiday season.”
The Woman’s Club has been closed since March. Malcolm admits, “We are unable to have our annual Holiday Luncheon this year, but through member donations we can continue our outreach to these children. Between what our members donated at last year’s Luncheon and the Woman’s Club donation, we raised more money than ever before, which enabled us to fill each Wish List request of 31 kids (a total of 120 gifts)! Some of our members went even further and adopted all the children within a particular family. And for that, we were thankful, and the families were thankful.”
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Courtesy of Woman’s Club
Gifts for Woman’s Club Annual Adopt-A-Family, 2019
“We are working again this year with Sande St. John to help those same families from last year; they are still in need. We all know these are stressful and ‘blue’ times, and it is even more so for these kids. We are hoping to raise enough money through your donations to match what we were able to do last year and are thankful to those of you who have already donated. But, if you haven’t already donated, could you please help us?
“All you need to do is provide the money, and we will purchase and wrap the gifts for the families to pick up. We know you are receiving many emails and letters asking for financial support from a variety of local organizations and these are challenging times, but for most of these kids, these are the only holiday gifts they receive. Knowing we have helped put a smile on their faces when they have presents to open is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves this holiday season.”
Due to the time limitations for purchasing and wrapping, the club would appreciate donations by December 7th. Donations can be made quickly and immediately through the club’s website at www.wclb.org, or by a personal check, made payable to Woman’s Club Adopt-A-Family and dropped off at the Clubhouse mailbox located on the patio.
Malcolm says, “The Woman’s Club is very appreciative of your continued support of the Club and our community outreach programs.”
Donations received after December 7th will go towards our 2021 Adopt-A-Family program. All donations are tax deductible, and a tax form will be mailed to you.
For questions, contact Nancy Shurtleff, Chair, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
LBUMW offers online marketplace, great for holiday shopping
Laguna Beach United Methodist Women have launched an Online Marketplace, a great venue for holiday shopping, and invite the community to check it out at the link here.
Members of United Methodist Women at Laguna Beach United Methodist Church had a problem. For many years, they’ve held a Fall Boutique at the church to sell handcrafted items in order to raise money for various mission projects.
A group had met during the year creating girls’ dresses, quilts, table runners, Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations, unique accessories, sock toys, and other gift items. They had inventory, but the church was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so they didn’t have an outlet.
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Courtesy of LBUMW website
This kitchen scarf/cook’s boa is available for purchase
However, Kathy Scroggie of Laguna Niguel, who is in charge of the Boutique, and Cathy Fry of Laguna Beach, who hosted the monthly work mornings, had an inspiration. “We’ve embraced technology,” says Scroggie. “Instead of the in-person Boutique of the past years, we’re switching over to an Online Marketplace.”
The UMW’s Marketplace went online about a month ago and business is booming. It operates as smoothly as the well-known e-tail organizations. Purchases are safely delivered to locals. Prices include delivery costs.
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Courtesy of LBUMW website
This hand-decorated children’s dress is available for purchase
“We hope the community will do some of their Christmas shopping on our Marketplace,” says Scroggie. And there will be more. She adds, “As the seasons change, so will our inventory.”
Funds raised from the Marketplace will go to the following organizations: Family Assistance Ministries, Friendship Shelter, Illumination Foundation, Laguna Food Pantry, Vera’s Sanctuary, David and Margaret Youth and Family Services, Working Wardrobes, Africa University, and IEFT (Indigenous Educational Foundation of Tanzania).
To shop LBUMW’s Online Marketplace, click here.
City of Hope launches leading-edge screenings and programs to counter lung cancer
Delivering on their promise to bring lifesaving cancer care to Orange County, City of Hope is launching early detection and prevention programs to fight lung cancer – the number one cause of cancer deaths in the United States. These services, provided by highly specialized cancer experts and introduced during November, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, are intended to save lives and provide local residents much-needed resources for combating this deadly disease.
Asking Orange County residents to “make your first shot against lung cancer your best shot,” City of Hope is stressing early intervention and expert care. The world-renowned cancer center is currently taking appointments for lung cancer screenings at its Newport Beach location, with screening taking place at Newport Diagnostic Center.
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Courtesy of City of Hope
Dr. Tingting Tan, a City of Hope medical oncologist specializing in thoracic cancer (right) with a patient
The painless and non-invasive exam uses low-dose spiral computed tomography (LDCT) and takes only seconds. Patients receive their results and consultation with City of Hope experts who specialize in the prevention and treatment of cancer. For those whose tests indicate cancer, there is immediate access to City of Hope’s world-renowned multispecialty team of lung cancer experts, along with outstanding compassionate care for patients and families.
“Orange County deserves its best shot against lung cancer,” said Ravi Salgia, M.D., Ph.D., the Arthur & Rosalie Kaplan Chair in Medical Oncology at City of Hope, and one of the world’s leading experts on lung cancer treatment. “That’s why we are introducing a screening program that detects lung cancers earlier and greatly enhances the odds of survival. And this is just the latest addition to our many breakthrough lung cancer research and treatment capabilities, including City of Hope’s pioneering use of targeted therapies and personalized medicine to determine the best treatment path for each patient.”
“One of the challenges with lung cancer is that it often doesn’t produce symptoms until it is well advanced,” said Dan J. Raz, M.D., M.A.S., co-director of the Lung Cancer and Thoracic Oncology Program and a thoracic surgeon at City of Hope. “However, we are highly encouraged because studies show that lung cancer detected by LDCT screening will be discovered at an early stage 64 percent to 85 percent of the time. It is cost-effective, causes no patient discomfort, and is highly reliable. These factors can make all the difference and lead to a much more positive prognosis for patients. That’s why we are raising awareness among both patients and primary care physicians about the efficacy and accessibility of this life-saving test.”
In another move to help Orange Countians reverse lung cancer incidence, City of Hope offers an innovative virtual smoking cessation program. This social support program is open to people who smoke now or in the past and can be combined with City of Hope’s tobacco dependency program that includes medications to overcome withdrawal symptoms and behavioral strategies to break habits that trigger smoking. The emphasis is on getting better, not shaming or blaming those who have yet to rid cigarettes from their lives.
City of Hope physicians also stress that lung cancer can affect anyone with lungs, not just those who smoke. In fact, as many as 20 percent of people who die from lung cancer in the United States every year have never smoked or used any other form of tobacco.
While researchers continue to explore what causes lung cancer in non-tobacco users, potential reasons include radon gas exposure, second-hand smoke, air pollution, and certain hereditary factors.
“We want to make sure everyone remains vigilant about this disease, even when so many of us are focused on concerns such as COVID-19,” Dr. Salgia said. “People should pay attention to their risk factors, avoid situations that elevate risk, and get early interventions if symptoms are present, including chronic coughing, coughing up blood, and shortness of breath.”
For more information on the screening program, call (626) 256-4673, ext. 89114.
For more information on smoking cessation, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.cityofhope.org/smokingcessation.
For a second opinion for those diagnosed with lung cancer, go to the link here or call (800) 826-4673.
The truths behind 10 lung cancer myths
Courtesy of City of Hope Orange County
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in Orange County, but how much do you understand about this disease? There are some misconceptions surrounding lung cancer that may prevent people from getting the early diagnosis and treatment that improve the chances of a successful outcome. Here are the truths behind lung cancer that you should know.
Myth #1: Lung cancer only affects smokers.
Truth: Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. While smoking is a risk factor, almost 80 percent of patients diagnosed with the disease are not current smokers (about 60 percent are former smokers and 15 percent never started).
Myth #2: Not many people get lung cancer now that most of us don’t smoke anymore.
Truth: Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in America (not counting skin cancer). American Cancer Society estimated 228,820 cases of lung cancer would be diagnosed in 2020. Risk factors besides smoking include: a personal or family history of lung cancer; exposure to toxins.
Myth #3: The most effective lung cancer screening method is a chest X-ray.
Truth: The gold standard for screening is a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan, which can reduce lung cancer mortality by as much as 20 percent.
Myth #4: Lung cancer screening is painful.
Truth: Low-dose CT scans don’t cause discomfort, unlike other cancer screening methods such as mammograms or colonoscopies.
Myth #5: Lung cancer screening is expensive.
Truth: Medicare and some private insurance plans cover screening for people who meet the criteria (between ages 55 and 80, with a history of smoking the equivalent of one pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years).
Myth #6: I’m too young to get lung cancer.
Truth: Although most lung cancers occur in people 65 or older, around 30,000 people younger than 50 are diagnosed each year. Genetics can play a role, as can environmental pollutants.
Myth #7: You don’t need lung cancer screening unless you have symptoms.
Truth: Lung cancer symptoms typically don’t appear until the disease is at an advanced stage. Screening is designed for asymptomatic patients in order to detect cancer as early as possible.
Myth #8: It’s too late, and too difficult, to quit smoking.
Truth: Now is the perfect time to quit smoking. Damaged lungs can heal over time. Look for a lung cancer screening facility that also offers a smoking cessation program to provide you with crucial tools and support.
Myth #9: Screening doesn’t benefit older people.
Truth: Lung cancer screening targets people ages 55 to 80. The average age for a lung cancer diagnosis is around 70 years old.
Myth #10: Lung cancer isn’t survivable.
Truth: There have been many recent advances in lung cancer treatment, giving patients a range of symptom-reducing and life-extending options such as surgery, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy. The key to survival is early discovery.
When you know the truth about lung cancer, you have the information you need to take charge of your health. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors, schedule a screening if you meet the guidelines and get the help you need to quit smoking once and for all.
City of Hope Newport Beach offers state-of-the-art lung cancer services, including early detection screenings and innovative prevention programs. Services include low-dose CT screenings, a smoking cessation program and access to world-renowned experts in lung cancer research, diagnosis and treatment.
For more information:
Screenings: Call 626.256.4673, extension 89114.
Smoking cessation program: Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.cityofhope.org/smokingcessation.
Second opinion on a lung cancer diagnosis: Call 800.826.4673 or click here.
This is a paid advertorial.
LBUSD COVID-19 Dashboard
The Laguna Beach Unified School District provides ongoing information to our community regarding COVID-19 cases while maintaining confidentiality for students and staff. The COVID-19 case data below is updated regularly to indicate any currently confirmed COVID-19 positive case in staff members or students by school site. The data below shows currently confirmed cases. Upon learning of an individual with a confirmed COVID-19 positive test, the District notifies all families at the school site via ParentSquare. The District, in conjunction with the Orange County Health Care Agency, conducts contact tracing and directly notifies and provides resources for parents of students identified as close contacts (6 feet or less for 15 or more minutes) or who are low risk contacts.
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Courtesy of LBUSD
In the event there is a positive case identified, all families and staff at the school site will be notified via ParentSquare. Parents of affected students will be contacted directly via phone by their school nurse. Students or staff members who are considered close contacts will receive a letter that will include self-isolation directions and other important resources. The most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definition of close contact is: Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated (CDC, retrieved October 23, 2020). Students or staff identified as low risk will receive information on symptom monitoring and additional resources. Families of students who are not affected will not receive a notification letter and no action will be required. The District will only communicate and provide data for confirmed COVID-19 cases.
As a reminder, if your child has tested positive for COVID-19 or they are having symptoms (symptom monitoring guidelines), please keep your child home and contact your school’s nurse as soon as possible. By reporting this information, you help keep the school community healthy and safe and prevent further spread of COVID-19. LBUSD will maintain confidentiality and protect student privacy, following all FERPA protocols.
In addition to health and safety measures taken on campuses, LBUSD encourages families to be proactive and to reinforce the importance of handwashing, physical distancing, and face coverings to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
School Nurse Contact Information:
--Top of the World Elementary and Thurston Middle School:
Kelly Schultz, RN, MSN: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
--El Morro and Laguna Beach High School:
Pam Majd, RN, MSN: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To access the dashboard, visit www.lbusd.org/resources/covid19/covid-19-reporting.
SchoolPower sets goal to raise $150,000 for LBUSD families on Giving Tuesday
This Giving Tuesday, December 1, SchoolPower will launch an effort to raise $150,000 for its COVID Impact Fund to help Laguna Beach school district families in need.
“Over 300 students in Laguna Beach schools are eligible for free and reduced-price meals – that’s 11 percent of the student body,” says SchoolPower Executive Director Sarah Durand. “Our goal is to provide real help for students and families in our small community, many of whom are experiencing major challenges due to the pandemic.
SchoolPower is partnering with LBUSD to amplify the district’s support of students and families in need and secure resources for this vulnerable population. A fund has been created to assist in covering basic needs and supplemental educational resources for families, including food, transportation, clothing, parent education, and toolkits for students identified as English language learners.
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Submitted photo
SchoolPower marching in the Patriots Day Parade prior to the pandemic
LBUSD Community Liaison Ivonne Redard has been working directly with families throughout the pandemic and is assisting SchoolPower to coordinate the campaign. “Our school personnel work diligently to serve and support students and families in need, and we appreciate SchoolPower’s commitment to augment our continued endeavors,” Redard explains. “It is through collaborative partnerships like LBUSD and SchoolPower’s that our community can feel confident that no stone will be left unturned to see any one of our students overcome the challenges they face in this ever-changing environment.”
To kickstart SchoolPower’s efforts, the Martini Education & Opportunity Trust has given $25,000 to the campaign.
“There are times when it’s not about the ‘next level’ we want our schools achieving or what ‘it would be great to have’ in the classroom, but about taking care of foundational needs for families. Now is one of those times,” explains donor Brent Martini. “I hope others will join in this effort to ensure our Laguna families and students are all well supported.”
One hundred percent of donations made on Tuesday will be deployed directly to help LBUSD families in need. In addition, two generous LBUSD families, the Broughers and the Motherways, have pledged to match donations up to $10,000.
Donors can give at whatever level is right for their family, or choose from several levels of support, including:
--Cover Basic Needs ($100) – Provide a grocery voucher, bus pass, or gas gift card for an LBUSD family
--Support English Learners ($300) – Purchase supplemental learning materials and bilingual books to enhance reading proficiency and enrich learning experiences
--Sponsor a Family ($500) – Support critical needs including food and clothing, as well as education materials for one family
--Shape the Future ($1,000) – Sponsor parent education workshops to assist parents in creating positive learning conditions for their children that invigorate their physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development
To contribute, visit http://give.lbschoolpower.org/.
SchoolPower’s mission is to enhance the educational experience of the whole student as they grow from TK through 12th grade. Over the last five years, SchoolPower has contributed over $4,000,000 to the Laguna Beach Unified School District to help support a wide range of programs, including music, visual and performing arts, STEM, digital literacy, field trips, athletics, social emotional support, service learning, and academic support.
To learn more about SchoolPower’s current campaign, visit http://give.lbschoolpower.org/.
Guest Column
Simple ways to create Thanksgiving every day
By Dr. Vidya Reddy
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the number of moments that take your breath away.” –Unknown
Yesterday, as many people celebrated Thanksgiving Day in times of our current quarantine, I hope that you fully enjoyed the day and took it all in.
This day is traditionally a time to be with families, friends, and loved ones. It focuses around sharing a meal and enjoying precious time together.
Thanksgiving Day is gone all too soon, but there is no reason why you cannot continue the spirit of Thanksgiving all year around.
In the spirit of robust helpfulness, I feel compelled to share with you the Life Lessons I have learned over the past few months. If you would like more information on techniques and meditation, please refer to my podcast: https://naturally-happy.com/podcast/.
Here are my seven simple tips to make every day Thanksgiving:
--Live with an attitude of gratitude.
Gratitude is all about appreciating the things you have in your life – every day, and not just on Thanksgiving Day.
From today onward, begin to value all the goodness, beauty, and love around you. This can be as majestic as a sunset or as simple as the feel of the clothes you wear.
Gratitude is a way of reaching back to your natural state of happiness. Notice what’s right instead of what’s wrong and begin to see every “problem” as an opportunity for growth and development. Is your glass half full or half empty?
“It’s a sign of mediocrity when you demonstrate gratitude with moderation.” –Roberto Benigni
Be thankful for a gift from a friend, a child’s smile, a stranger’s kindness, and even the weather, regardless of whether it is raining or the sun is shining.
Make it a lifelong commitment to live with an attitude of gratitude.
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Photo by Johnny Antezana
Dr. Vidya Reddy
--Show your appreciation of others.
Countless people contribute daily to make your life what it is. From the postman to the checkout assistant, everyone that you interact with plays a key role in helping you flow through your day.
The food at your table, your car, and the clothes you wear – all these things are possible only because of the toil and sweat of thousands of strangers around the world.
Though you will never personally meet or know all these kind people, you can certainly show your appreciation to the people you meet daily. Even just genuinely saying thank you from the heart will mean a lot to them.
Go one step further and get to know better such people in your life. All the people you acknowledge will be truly touched.
Remember that opportunities to genuinely thank the universe and people are endless. There’s a lot to be thankful for in life.
--Share your abundance.
You are blessed with so much abundance, from your worldly goods, your wisdom, your innate goodness, and indeed nature’s bounty. You have been given so much, so share it with others every day and don’t wait for this time next year.
Even though we can’t invite friends to your home (quarantine), please, support worthy causes, help someone in a positive way – you get the idea. There are umpteen ways you can share and spread your abundance.
Simply by showing your abundant, giving, and carefree nature you will inspire abundance awareness in others.
--Truly appreciate your loved ones.
Yesterday as you spent time with your loved ones, you can appreciate and fully accept them, no matter what their quirks are. Can’t you?
So why not continue this for the rest of the year?
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Photo by Kavita Reddy
Share your abundance
We so often take people for granted only to miss them as soon as they have left. Many times loved ones leave, and we wish we’d told them how much they mean to us.
Show your loved ones you truly care for them every day and not just on a few special occasions each year.
You don’t even have to make a grand gesture to show your appreciation. Sometimes all they want is some quality time with you and your full presence. The little things can make a big difference.
--Contribute to others and bring people together.
Ultimately, we are all interconnected, even if we don’t know each other and have nothing in common.
Regardless of your relationship, look for ways to contribute to others. In any situation, ask yourself: How can I help? How can I contribute here?
Random acts of kindness are magical and giving of yourself is one of the best joys of life. For example, let other drivers into your lane and have a friendly conversation with the cashier at the gas station.
Connect with people without wanting anything from them. Make at least one friendly phone call each day, with no intention to get some business or anything else – just a friendly hello without any expectation. And look for ways of bringing people together all year around, not just during holidays.
By creating a sense of togetherness, you will help to generate and instill in others a sense of community and well-being.
Become conscious of the joy you get from all your positive acts. When you give the gift of a smile or a kind word, you create a wonderful ripple effect of joy that touches many and helps build bridges between everyone.
We can all indeed have that magical, Thanksgiving joy all year around.
Have a Happy belated Thanksgiving everyone – yesterday and every day!
In Peace, Love and Gratitude
‘Til next time
Dr.Vidya Reddy, ND, AMS, DAC, CLC
Art collectors raise their glasses virtually to support LCAD in silent auction
Laguna College of Art + Design’s 2020 LCAD Virtual Speakeasy Silent Auction exceeded its fundraising goal and raised more than $65,000 from the sales of works by LCAD alumni and faculty and other renowned artists as well as through the direct gifts in an online gathering held Friday, Nov 13. Supporters and friends of the College were also invited to make gifts until Friday, Nov 20.
Guests were immersed in a playful, interactive storyline of Jonathan “Pencils” Burke, president of LCAD and alleged host of a virtual speakeasy recalling the gangster films of the 1930s.
Participants were also treated to a lesson in making a signature cocktail by Director of Marketing and Communications Marc “Spills” Lyncheski, who also used his voiceover talents in the story. Vice President of College Advancement Dominic “Moneybags” Mumolo and Director of Development Tracy “The Collector” Hartman were on-hand to present the art up for auction and introduce video vignettes of LCAD students who shared their personal stories of how philanthropy impacted their ability to thrive as artists and students.
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Submitted photo
(L-R) Tracy Hartman, Marc Lyncheski, Mark Thomas (white coat), Dominic Mumulo, videographer Nathan “Lenses” McGuire, and production assistant Daren “Double D” Dien
“The tremendous amount of work that it took to shift to an online event was absolutely worth it as it sparked the creativity and many talents of our incredible staff,” said Mumolo. “The program was light, entertaining, and good for the College.”
Gifting opportunities included “bail money” to release “Pencils” from jail. Silent Auction host Mark “Good Bids” Thomas returned online to encourage guests to support Laguna Beach’s beloved art college. LCAD alumnus and board of trustee Suzanne “Suzy Q” Chonette with her husband Dave, a.k.a. “Lucky,” chaired the online event. Robin “Careers” Fuld, director of Career Services, also lent her voice as a flapper in the story.
“We’re so pleased by the participation of our supporters and of our Board of Trustees. Everyone really stepped up to make this event a success,” Mumolo said. “They embraced the underlying theme of philanthropy at LCAD: your present, their future. In supporting our students, our philanthropists make a concerted effort to ensure the future of the creative arts and industry around the world.”
Bidders selected from art by well-known artists including:
--Sharon Allicotti, LCAD faculty
--Jonathan Burke, LCAD President
--Vincent Calenzo (courtesy of saltfineart)
--Robin Cole, LCAD alumnus
--Lisa Dallendorfer, LCAD Trustee
--Lani Emanuel, MFA in Painting (2015)
--Emerson Ferrandini, LCAD alumni
--Veronica Gray, LCAD Trustee
--Jennifer Griffiths, former LCAD faculty
--Deborah Harold (represented by Juxtaposition and Deborah Harold Fine Art)
--Mark Jacobucci (Festival of the Arts exhibitor)
--Tom Lamb, LPAPA member (courtesy of Forest & Ocean Gallery)
--Michael Lemen, LCAD alumni
--Tim Lemen
--Ilona Martin, LCAD Trustee and National Philanthropy Day’s 2020 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser
--Hilary McCarthy, LCAD faculty
--Shane McClatchey, LCAD alumni (courtesy of Main Street Gallery)
--Elizabeth McGhee, BFA in Drawing & Painting (2009) (courtesy of Gallery Henoch)
--Brad Neal, Post-Bacc in Drawing & Painting (2017)
--Jody Nimtz, LCAD alumni (courtesy of Koplin Del Rio)
--Vanessa Rothe, LCAD alumni
--Anthony Salvo (courtesy of Studio 2817)
--Bradford J. Salamon (courtesy of Sue Greenwood Fine Art)
--Pegah Samaie, First Annual Trustee Choice award recipient, MFA in Painting (2019), Drawing & Painting BFA (2015)
--Jeff Sewell, Adjunct LCAD Fine Arts Faculty and LPAPA member
--Allayn Stevens
--Sarah Walsh (courtesy of saltfineart)
--Kirsten Whalen, alumnus
--Marco Valencia, (courtesy of saltfineart)
--Mark Whitney, Attended LCAD, Drawing & Painting Student (1983)
--Scott Yeskel (courtesy of Sue Greenwood Fine Art)
Despite the pandemic, the 2020 LCAD Silent Auction continued to be one of the College’s premier annual fundraising events that directly support LCAD’s students and its programs, enhance the student experience, and help to fund the $2.5 million in student scholarships the College awards annually.
For more information, visit www.lcad.edu/about/support or contact Tracy Hartman at (949) 376-6000 ext. 241 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Despite COVID, Catmosphere Laguna lands on its feet, just like its rescued cats
Cats always land on their feet – and local nonprofit Catmosphere Laguna is no exception. Exciting new plans are afoot for its rescued kitties, says founder Gail Landau.
“While COVID-19 restrictions and our small size mean that, for now, the cat café and lounge will need to close down, Catmosphere Laguna Foundation will live on,” she says. “We’ll continue to place rescue cats with loving families, just as we’ve done for nearly 200 happy kitties and humans in the past couple of years.”
Landau says the future will bring pop-up adoption events, starting with today’s (November 27) Black Cat Furriday and tomorrow’s (November 28) Small Business Caturday events from noon to 6 p.m. at the location on Forest Ave before the cat café finally closes its doors.
Later events will take place at locations to be announced while scouting for a new permanent home continues.
Catmosphere Laguna is a different kind of rescue
Laguna’s local cat rescue is a little different from other rescue organizations, says the “matchmaker to the meows.”
“At Catmosphere Laguna, we’re uniquely focused on matching human and feline ‘purrsonalities’ to maximize the number of successful adoptions,” Landau says.
She explains that some families prefer mellow cats, others want feisty kitties, and it’s important that needier felines are adopted out to people who are happy to give them all the attention they deserve.
“We’re looking for the perfect situation for felines and humans.”
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Submitted photo
A match made in heaven: Morticia goes home with adoring human family
Landau cites the recent adoption of the aptly-named Morticia over Halloween holiday as a good example of finding the perfect match.
“Because this lovely warm couple so openly and immediately expressed their grief to me over the loss of their beloved female cat, I knew that another very well socialized female cat would be a good fit,” she says.
“Morticia was raised by her foster human since her birth and was very comfortable with human touch anda lots of affection. My suggestion worked and, at just 12 weeks old, she is exactly the right age to grow with them.”
This weekend, Catmosphere Laguna’s two adoption events, the last at the current premises, will provide plenty of opportunities to get purssonal with the kitties. Strict COVID-19 precautions will be in place, including a mask mandate (only cats exempt).
“After signing waivers, groups of four or fewer at a time will be allowed into the cat lounge to play with the adorable cats. It’ll cost $10 for adults for 30 minutes and be free for kids under 16,” Landau says. “There’ll also be lots of discounted merchandise on sale, helping to defray our expenses for prepping our kitties for adoption, including neutering/spaying, shots, and other veterinary expenses.”
No reservations are needed – just head over to 380 Forest Ave and get your feline fix!
Add to the kitty to help homeless kitties
It’s not cheap to take care of and seek adopters for dozens of homeless and abandoned cats.
“Much of the work we do has always gone on behind the scenes: taking care of the cats’ veterinary needs, visiting the homes of potential owners to ensure the cats will have the best possible lives, and chatting with the humans to find out what they’re looking for in their new family member,” Landau notes. “And that continues apace.
“Though COVID-19 restrictions have forced us to cease operations in our Café & Lounge, we are thrilled that we’ve developed great relationships with foster families and would-be adopters who contact us daily and weekly to find their special kitten or cat.
“Watch for exciting announcements about 2021 coming soon!”
For more information about Catmosphere Laguna Foundation, head to the nonprofit’s website at www.catmospherelaguna.com or follow on Instagram @camosphere_laguna. You may all call (949) 619-MEOW. Donations to the Foundation are most welcome – think about putting something in the kitty for the kitties’ upkeep!
Ocean Institute has a lot to be grateful for this Thanksgiving
The Steinmetz Foundation has brought Ocean Institute something to be thankful for during this month of gratitude. Throughout the pandemic OI has continually introduced new programs to fit within parameters and restrictions. From online curriculum to “All Out(doors)” programming for families, to summer camps that offered big experiences on a small scale, pandemic constraints inspired innovative new offerings.
The recent launch of Virtual Field Trips, during which classes participate in unique activities live from Ocean Institute, presented a new challenge. “Demand exceeded our ability to supply,” stated Dr. Wendy Marshall, President and CEO. “Within days of introducing our Virtual Field Trips, our schedule through the end of the year was full. Schools are simply starving for motivating real-world content that engages and inspires students.”
With donors removing financial barriers to the program for schools in need, Ocean Institute was flooded with interest that exceeded its ability to deliver. Unlike a pre-recorded video or large-scale webinar, Ocean Institute’s Virtual Field Trips were designed to be highly interactive, with only one class participating at a time.
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Submitted photo
Ocean Institute offers virtual learning
Fifth grade teacher Lindsay Riscalla from Courreges Elementary in Fountain Valley underscored the benefits of this approach, “My students loved that they could use the chat box or talk directly to the instructor.” But this small-scale approach limited the number of virtual field trips that could be offered each day.
“We quickly realized that our only obstacle to fulfilling all requests was equipment. We were just a few cameras and computers away from tripling the number of students we could reach each day,” said Marshall.
Committed to supporting student learning and enrichment needs, the Steinmetz Foundation came to the rescue and has challenged the community to do the same. Between now and the end of December, the Steinmetz Foundation will match every dollar donated, up to the first $200,000. This funding will support the Virtual Field Trip programs as well as other pandemic-proof programming.
To encourage participation, Ocean Institute will showcase voices from a variety of stakeholders on its website (www.oceaninstitute.org/give/match-a-thon) and social media every day between November 28 and December 31.
“Ocean Institute is a community icon and we are thrilled to share the stories of our impact as told by the diverse beneficiaries and supporters,” said Marshall. “We have no doubt the community will rise to the challenge and help us exceed our match goal.”
Ocean Institute is a highly respected ocean science, maritime history, and experiential education nonprofit located in Dana Point Harbor. Its modern campus is adjacent to the Dana Point State Marine Conservation Area, and encompasses 33,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits, science labs, and an aquarium collection of 1,100 live specimens of local marine life.
Central to its unique identity throughout California, Ocean Institute operates an impressive tall ship, Spirit of Dana Point. Ocean Institute also operates the 70- foot research vessel Sea Explorer. Over a span of forty years Ocean Institute has enriched the lives of two million California students with a mission of “using the ocean as our classroom, we inspire children to learn.”
Ocean Institute serves over 100,000 students, teachers, and families each year with a hands-on approach to ocean-related science, research, and conservation. Ocean Institute’s diverse elementary, middle, and high school program inventory is STEM-focused and aligned with California Common Core Standards.
For more information and to donate, go to www.oceaninstitute.org/give/match-a-thon.
Barely a ripple
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Photo by Joel Goldstein
Calm with a chance of misty clouds
Police Beat Primer
Compiled by Suzie Harrison
Police Beat derives from information in the daily police and arrest logs published on the City of Laguna Beach’s website and required under CA Government Code Section 6254 (f). Additional information is obtained through communication with the Laguna Beach Police Department’s Public Information Officer.
Information in the logs is deemed reliable and Stu News Laguna is not responsible for any mistakes made available as public record by the Laguna Beach Police Department.
Any person arrested is innocent until found guilty in a court of law.
Incident Reports
Tuesday, Nov 24
N Coast Hwy & Ledroit St | Threatening a Crime with Intent to Terrorize, Battery: Spouse/Ex-spouse/Date, Robbery, Inflicting Injury Upon a Child
4:52 p.m. A 31-year-old person was arrested for threatening a crime with intent to terrorize, battery of spouse/ex-spouse/date, robbery, and inflicting injury upon a child. Bail was set at $100,000.
Cozumel | 100 Block | Embezzling Leased/Rented Vehicle
11:14 a.m. A 31-year-old person was arrested for embezzling a leased/rented vehicle. Bail was set at $20,000.
Sleepy Hollow Lane | 600 Block | Disorderly Conduct – Alcohol
3:13 a.m. A 48-year-old person was arrested for disorderly conduct related to alcohol. Bail was set at $500.
Monday, Nov 23
Park Ave | 600 Block | Warrant
10:18 p.m. A 57-year-old person was arrested on a warrant. No bail was set.
Sunday, Nov 22
Unknown | Driving While on Probation with a Blood Alcohol Content of 0.01% or Higher, DUI with 1 Prior, Driving with a Blood Alcohol Content of 0.08% Higher
10:25 p.m. A 34-year-old person was arrested for driving while on probation with a blood alcohol content of 0.01% or higher, on suspicion of DUI with one prior, and driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher. Bail was set at $10,000.
N Coast Hwy | 1100 Block | Disorderly Conduct – Alcohol
10:21 p.m. A 41-year-old person was arrested for disorderly conduct related to alcohol. Bail was set at $500.
Victoria Drive | 2700 Block | Domestic Violence with Minor Injury
7:54 a.m. A 40-year-old person was arrested for domestic violence with minor injury. Bail was set at $50,000.
N Coast Hwy | 600 Block | Trespassing
4:05 a.m. A 35-year-old person was arrested for trespassing. Bail was set at $500.
Editor’s Note: An arrest contains allegations that a suspect has committed a crime. Every suspect is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
