Facelift in the works for Pacific Edge Hotel

By SARA HALL

A facelift for a well-known oceanfront hotel is in the works.

Plans to remodel Pacific Edge Hotel, located at 647 S Coast Hwy, and 610-668 Sleepy Hollow Ln, include adding 25 rooms, building an underground parking garage, relocating the registration lobby, and adding a café with outdoor dining.

The project was on the Planning Commission’s agenda Wednesday night, but commissioners unanimously agreed to continue the item to allow city staff more time to wrap up their report and gather additional information. It was previously continued from the February 17 meeting.

Staff expects to present the project in full on March 17, Associate Planner Anthony Viera said during a phone interview on Wednesday (March 3). The staff report will likely be released next Thursday or Friday (March 11 or 12).

The project was previously continued in order to take advantage of changes to parking code, Viera said. Staff has a few sections to polish on the report before presenting their complete analysis.

Scope of the project includes a remodel of nine existing buildings, adding 25 rooms (total of 156 rooms), relocation of the pool and spa area (removing two existing pools and building a larger pool deck and bar), construction of a subsurface parking garage and new hotel building, restriping of the parking areas, new porte-cochère, roadway improvements along Sleepy Hollow Lane, new office, fitness center, and conference areas, a new café with outdoor dining, air conditioning, landscaping, lighting, and architectural features.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Pacific Edge Hotel from South Coast Hwy

Rocky Rockefeller and Morris Skenderian are listed on the staff report as the architects for Highgate Hotels, the majority owner of the property. 

Rockefeller Kempel Architects is a Los Angeles-based architecture firm working on the design for the project. Morris Skenderian and Associates is the local firm handling the permit processing and entitlements, as well as collaborating on the design.

They’ve received a lot of positive input from the city and support from neighbors, Skenderian said during a phone interview on Wednesday (March 3). The public and the city will both benefit from this project, he said.

“The whole hotel is getting a facelift,” Skenderian said. “It will be a fantastic update of an old hotel.”

The design team will draw from the natural beauty of the hotel’s surroundings, and the soft and warm color tones and material palette of the remodel “should be both durable and timeless,” the project description reads on the Rockefeller Kempel Architects website. The proposed design includes screen walls, trellises, landscaped walkways and courtyards, and stairs.

One of the more noticeable proposed changes will be the relocation of the lobby/registration. It will be moved off South Coast Hwy and onto Sleepy Hollow Lane. Vehicles sometimes get backed up on the driveway, which has previously created a traffic hazard, Skenderian said.

“It’s a major improvement from a traffic and safety standpoint,” he said.

A portion of the South Coast Hwy driveway/parking area (currently reserved for guests checking in at the lobby) will be converted into an outdoor patio for a new café.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Proposal changes include the relocation of the hotel’s lobby/registration from South Coast Hwy to Sleepy Hollow Lane

In addition to the hotel’s current restaurants, The Deck and Driftwood Kitchen, the project includes opening a third eatery on the property. The hotel’s current lobby will be converted into a new café with outdoor dining. A bicycle rack will also be installed for diners to come off the street to the café. 

They also had to update the parking analysis, which was about 15 years old, Skenderian said. Valet parking will accommodate approximately 200 cars. The number of spaces will be about the same, he explained, since they’ll be digging the underground parking garage under a current lot.

Assuming the project is approved and not appealed to the California Coastal Commission, Skenderian said they hope to start construction in the fall. Buildout will take approximately one year with an anticipated opening date in late 2022.

The city sent out the public notices to property owners within 300 feet and tenants within 100 feet, Viera confirmed, as required with a project of this scope. They have received some written correspondence, which has widely been supportive, Viera said. There will likely be more public comments at the upcoming hearing.

San Shi Go bows out, White House begins renovations and more

By Diane Armitage

Folks, there’s so much going on in this town in the restaurant world that I’m doing a quick roundup on latest news here.

Red Tier status (indoor dining) may happen in a week

Orange County was hoping to move from Purple Tier status to Red Tier this week, but officials have taken a “wait-and-see” attitude. They’ve moved the hoped-for date to the week of March 15th.

“Being able to operate from ‘Red Tier’ may not sound like much, but it allows us to open to 25 percent indoors,” said Chef Rainer Schwarz of Driftwood Kitchen and The Deck. 

“At this point, we’re all happy to take whatever tables we can get,” he said. 

Stay tuned for these announcements in my Best of Laguna Beach social media channels. 

Former White House begins major renovations 

After our beloved White House (Laguna Beach) restaurant shuttered its doors in the fall of 2019, we all fell to wondering who would be next to move into the central downtown space. At one point Chef Reiner Schwarz (The Deck, Driftwood Kitchen, Hendrix) and his team looked seriously at the possibility but stepped back at the estimated $2 million-plus renovation required. 

When COVID struck, it seemed that all hope for a new restaurant tenant had dried up. So, building owner Jules Marine stepped in to renovate with an approved plan to update the entire restaurant to “an interior shell that is much more appealing to a potential restaurateur or chef interested in being in the heart of Laguna Beach,” said Morris Skenderian, the architect on the project. 

Marine’s company, Moxey, Inc., recently applied to transfer the ABC liquor permit from the previous tenants, the poster’s posting of which got this town a-twitch with speculation. 

“No, we don’t have a tenant, but we will have a much more inviting space for that right tenant. This is just going to be a shell, but it will be primed and ready for a new restaurateur to land,” he explained.

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Photo by Diane Armitage

The former White House space is being renovated in hopes of wooing a new restaurateur 

Skenderian and his team pulled exploratory permits with the City four months ago to get a better idea of what they were dealing with. As expected, they found plenty of aged and non-code framing as well as evidence of significant roof leaks. As they’ve moved forward on the interior demolition, they’ve removed all the kitchen equipment, and have demolished the cooking line, bathrooms, dance floor, and bar area (minus the famous bar, which will remain). Skenderian noted that there was a false ceiling in the bar area that is also being opened up to the trusses above. 

The entire exterior facade remains in place, of course, because the building is E-rated with the Heritage Committee. 

The storefront, itself (the patio), is not historically protected as it is not original to the building. 

“If you look at the historical photos, the storefront used to be right out to the sidewalk,” explained Skenderian. 

“About 50 years ago, someone took it out and moved it back about seven feet. We’re asking to move into the restaurant space with another four feet or so taken from the interior of the restaurant to create a slightly larger patio,” he said. 

Noting that the patio is on two separate levels, Skenderian says they will also smooth the patio to one level to rectify the “tripping issues people had” with the former uneven flooring. 

“The entire facade will stay the same – same wood peaks, same wood shingles, same brickwork all around – it’s all part of the historical building. We’re not increasing the footprint at all,” he said. 

In the end, the restaurant space still stretches to nearly 4,000 square feet, a sizable opportunity for the next enterprising restaurant owner. 

“We’re laying out the kitchen space, re-creating the bathrooms, putting in a new grease trap, and doing all new electrical panels, gas, and sewer lines to the street. And, we’ll have already done the legwork with the Heritage Committee and Design Review, so the new tenant is going to be in great shape. 

“In the end, the bar and dining room areas will still be similar to what was in place before, but it will be the newest restaurant space in Laguna Beach,” said Skenderian.

San Shi Go calls it a day

As much as we hoped that our restaurants and bars would be able to keep their heads above water, some have grown weary of treading water. 

After 32 years as one of Laguna’s most loved sushi restaurants, San Shi Go was still operating on Saturday evening, Feb 27th. On Sunday morning, they noted on their website that they were permanently closed. By Tuesday, they had moved out completely, even disconnecting their phone. 

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Photo by Diane Armitage

After 32 years, San Shi Go has closed

San Shi Go struggled through the pandemic year with both operational issues and pre-ordained building renovations that disallowed San Shi Go’s use of their patio for several months. 

Just about every resident I’ve talked to has shared a favorite memory of San Shi Go. Back in the day, my BFF, Lisa, and I would meet for lunch to share a lemon salmon roll, and my friends, Terri and Greg, introduced me to truly memorable sake tasting events there. Fortunately, their great sushi and sake is still in play a bit north of here – the same family owns San Shi Go in Newport Beach near the Balboa Fun Zone. 

Rumors are already flying on possible resurrection of the restaurant or the entry of new tenants. Stay tuned in my social media platforms (see tagline at end). 

Main Street Cabaret throws out an anchor

Last week, cries of alarm sounded in the streets (and in my text messages) when the Main Street Cabaret’s rainbow flag disappeared from the front window. Had the last bastion in Laguna’s gay bars surrendered? 

Probably not. After all, Main Street has been a global icon for more than 62 years. This is one significant dame. 

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Photo by Diane Armitage

Will she or won’t she remain a gay bar? Main Street Cabaret’s future is in question.

Co-owner Wendy Nelson has confirmed that the bar is changing its name to “Anchor Line” and that the interior is receiving a needed “facelift.”

COVID has not been kind to our bars, particularly in situations as Main Street whose operations are housed in the basement of a building. 

To add further insult to injury, the bar (and its attached building) narrowly escaped being burned to the ground last July when five Molotov cocktails were thrown through the front window with adjacent smaller windows around the door shattered. The miscreants, apparently, didn’t do enough research in that they chose fairly unbreakable bottles. While the fire was significant, the Cabaret escaped a much more dire consequence.

Whether the icon remains a watering hole for the gay community is yet to be seen; I’ll have more details on this next week.

OC Restaurant Week begins Sunday

Bless the OC Restaurant Week folks for staying the course with promotions throughout Orange County. While it’s certainly a different kind of Restaurant Week this year, five Laguna restaurants will be participating with specialty discounted menus throughout the week. It’s a perfect time to try something new or return to an old favorite at a great price. 

Restaurant Week runs Sunday, March 7th through Saturday, March 13th. 

Starfish is offering $50 and $60 family menus for both lunch and dinner, dine-in or takeout. As is usual for Starfish, their offerings are mighty and large with small plates and entrées, along with additional $10 “elevated features” and libations packaged for two. Call (949) 715-9200 to make reservations or place your takeout/delivery order. 

Skyloft is offering $20 prix fixe lunch menus and $40 prix fixe dinner menus for dine-in or takeout. While the lunch menu offers starters coupled with sandwiches (fabulous Bacon Burger included), the dinner menu provides appetizer and dessert choices with entrée selections of Grilled Swordfish New York Steak (with whiskey caramel sauce and blue cheese crumbles, oh my), and classic Jambalaya. Call (949) 715-1550 to make reservations or place your take-out/delivery order.

Sapphire.Cellar.Craft.Cook is offering a $50 prix fixe menu with starters and dessert framing entrée selections of lamb shank, ribeye steak, or wild caught Alaskan Halibut. Add select glasses of wine for $8.75 or their featured cocktail, the Marky Mark, for $12.50. Call (949) 715-9888 for reservations or takeout orders. 

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Courtesy of Sapphire.Cellar.Craft.Cook

The Sapphire Ribeye is just one of many beautifully priced options for OC Restaurant Week this week

O Fine Japanese Cuisine has come up with an inventive OTG Omakase “Date Night” takeout menu (only) for two people. $160 gets you 9 pieces of sashimi, 7 pieces of sushi, Miso Seabass, appetizers, and rolls. All alcohol is 30 percent off with purchase of the Omakase. Please allow a 24-hour notice when you call (949) 715-5551.

And, bless her, when Chef Lindsay Smith recovers from ceiling woes that interloped upon her Nirvana Grille dining room this week, she will be offering a generous $40 prix fixe dinner menu for OC Restaurant Week. Available for dine-in or takeout, the menu provides multiple appetizer and dessert options with entrée choices of Potato Gnocchi, Steelhead Salmon, Roasted Chicken Breast, and Beef Stroganoff. Call (949) 497-0027 for reservations and takeout orders.

And as a Last P.S.

The eclectic and innovative AHBA in SoLag is back. After closing for several weeks, Owner Nick Bennett re-opened the doors on March 3rd (Wednesday). 

Praise all things that are glorious in our lives and please head there for their fabulous, one-of-a-kind burger and weekend brunch.        

The best-selling author and blogger on The Best of Laguna Beach™, Diane Armitage is on an endless quest for the most imaginative adventures in Laguna’s restaurants, events, and lifestyle. Check out chef interviews, retail and restaurant news, and favorite events at https://thebestoflagunabeach.com/ and follow on Instagram @BestofLagunaBeach (look for Diane’s smiling face).

Council considers censure of Blake, neighborhood plan, and summer programs

By SARA HALL

City Council has an interesting and packed agenda on Tuesday (March 9), including a request to censure a council member, a proposed plan aimed at neighborhood and environmental protections, and updates on summer parking programs, trolley services, and events.

A noteworthy item during regular business will be Council’s consideration of Councilmember George Weiss’ request for censure of Councilmember Peter Blake.

Weiss’ request for censure is based on two categories of “unprofessional acts” that violate the Rules of Decorum, he states: “First, insulting public communications directed to or about different Laguna Beach residents, which convey the (false) impression that community input is held in disdain by the City Council. Second, public derisive comments about fellow long-term Councilmember Toni Iseman.” In his request, Weiss notes several instances during city meetings, posts on social media, and comments on newspaper articles, when Blake used slurs or other offensive, disparaging, or derogatory language.

The comments are a violation of the Rules of Decorum, Weiss concluded, and they also “create a negative impression of Laguna Beach’s City Council.” “Councilmember Blake’s comments look and sound like abuse of a fellow Councilmember,” Weiss wrote. “They establish a hostile environment for community members to speak without fear of oral or written intimidation. They are not conducive to open dialogue and dissent, which are inherent components if citizens’ democratic rights.”

They also harm the reputation and stature of the council, he states.

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Submitted photo

Councilmember Peter Blake

While Blake has the right to free speech, Weiss wrote, elected officials must adhere to a higher standard, as outlined in the Rules of Decorum and Civility Policy.

Referencing the Council’s adoption of the Rules of Decorum and Civility Policy in 2019, staff points out in their report that “city officials who intentionally and repeatedly do not adhere to these rules may be reprimanded by the presiding officer or formally censured by a majority vote of the members of the city body of which such city official is a member.”

The censure is meant to “provide an intervention” so Blake “can be encouraged to embrace respectful disagreement and more effectively give open-minded consideration to all viewpoints.”

A censure by City Council is to be “treated as an official expression of disapproval or criticism.” There is no fine, suspension, loss of compensation or benefits, or any other form of penalty or discipline. 

Any council member may make a motion either to take no action on the censure request, or to deny or approve the censure request.

During the meeting, Blake will have an opportunity for rebuttal and is eligible to vote on any motion made. Other council members will be allowed to ask questions or make comments. Public comment will also be allowed.

Also on the agenda is an extensive proposal aimed at reducing the negative impact of visitors (particularly in highly visited neighborhoods near beaches, parks, and trails) and increasing safety, sanitation, and environmental measures. Staff recommends Council approve the Neighborhood and Environmental Protection Plan, which provides enhanced services and programs, and appropriate $688,000 from the Measure LL Fund for one-time program costs for both fiscal years and $247,700 from the Parking Fund for the FY 2020-21 ongoing costs.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

The Neighborhood and Environmental Protection Plan aims to increase sanitation and safety near beaches, parks, and trails

Also proposed is a service agreement amount not to exceed $18,000 with Laguna Canyon Foundation for the ambassador program at Carolyn Knoll Wood trail head and viewpoint and Alta Laguna Park area.

The item also includes modifying existing contracts to enhance cleaning services, adding specific city staff/officers, and authorization for city staff or Council representatives to meet with the California Coastal Commission staff to discuss the possibility of implementing residents parking permit programs in areas not near the coast and in areas near the coast if alternative parking sites could be identified.

Residents recently requested at various meetings that the city look into developing a series of programs to address the impact of visitors to residential neighborhoods.

Many of the city’s residential neighborhoods have been “significantly impacted by visitors parking on their streets, leaving trash behind, and engaging in nuisance behaviors and illegal activities,” according to the staff report. 

Some of the suggested policies include: Prohibiting the use of plastic straws and single-use containers on beaches and trails; prohibit restaurant’s distribution of plastic straws and single-use to-go containers; regulate shade structures on public beaches to preserve public safety sightlines; and convert city water fountains to include bottle filling stations at parks, beaches, and trails.

Other proposals include adding park gates, neighborhood signage, parking considerations in specific neighborhoods (including possible permit programs), providing trail ambassadors, starting litter picker crews, installing cameras, creating a neighborhood improvement team, year-round lifeguard coverage for certain areas, prohibit the feeding of wild birds in city parks, adjust operating hours of certain parks, and more.

During the consent calendar portion of the agenda, Council will consider adopting a resolution proclaiming the need to continue the local emergency in connection with COVID-19 and authorizing emergency orders, rules, and regulations, for an additional 60-day cycle.

“Given that COVID-19 is still categorized as an active pandemic and is impacting the operations of both the private and public sectors,” staff is recommending the continuation, the report reads.

City Council will also receive a status update on the trolley services with a 2021 summer parking management plan.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Council will hear an update on the summer 2021 plan for trolley services

The staff recommendation for the summer 2021 Parking Management Plan includes the trolley service on the Coastal, Canyon, and Summer Breeze routes between June 25 and September 6, and directs staff to modify service levels as appropriate to respond to ridership demand, and state and local health orders.

Staff is also proposing the introduction of a pilot program beginning in the fall that would provide on-demand residential transit service that would replace hourly trolley service on the three neighborhood routes. 

The recommendation includes working to negotiate a lease agreements with: Mission Hospital Laguna Beach for peripheral parking lot use in an amount not to exceed $68,000, and authorize the provision of free parking at the Mission Hospital lot; Laguna College of Art and Design for peripheral parking lot use on weekends; Festival of Arts for the lease of the parking spaces in city parking lots if the Pageant of the Masters show moves forward; and The Irvine Company to lease a portion of the Spectrum Terrace lot from June 26 to September 6, to provide free peripheral parking for the Summer Breeze trolley service.

The seasonal residential parking permit program in the Canyon Acres neighborhood (if the Sawdust Festival opens), summer parking pass for $30 that offers unlimited parking in select city parking lots, and summer parking meter and parking lot rates and hours are also included.

An item regarding recreation and events is also on the consent calendar. If approved, certain events will continue, like the July 4 fireworks, and recreation activities with move forward with COVID-19 precautions.

If approved, Council will direct staff to schedule outdoor recreation classes and camps for spring and summer 2021 in compliance with state and local health orders; and approve the continued suspension of most indoor recreation classes and city-sponsored events that draw large crowds through summer 2021, or until the county progresses into the later stages of the state’s reopening plan.

It also directs staff to proceed with planning efforts for the July 4 fireworks display and authorize the city manager to execute an agreement with the fireworks display vendor, Pyro Spectaculars by Souza, in an amount not to exceed $35,000.

The agenda is available online here. The meeting begins at 5 p.m. To participate via Zoom, you may click here from your computer or smart phone. You may also call (669) 900-9128 and wait for instructions. The Webinar ID is 955 0557 8235#. The meeting can also be watched live on Cox channel 852.

Comments may be submitted on any agenda item or on any item not on the agenda in writing via mail to the City Clerk at: 505 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651, by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by using this interactive form: www.lagunabeachcity.net/comment. Email your comments to the City Clerk no later than 3 p.m. on March 8 (the day before the City Council meeting) in order for your comments to be submitted to the members of the City Council the day prior the meeting, which provides them sufficient time to review the comments. You may continue to provide written comments up to 12 p.m. on March 9 (the day of the meeting). While these comments will be provided to the City Council at 2 p.m. on March 9, the Council members may not have sufficient time to review them prior to the meeting.

“Art in Public Places” series begins with Green Man with Red Birds by Julia Klemek

By DIANNE RUSSELL

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

Beginning today – and continuing every Friday – we will feature a piece of Art in Public Places. Since there are over 100 pieces of public art scattered throughout Laguna, this will take a while. 

The art you see around Laguna Beach is the result of two City programs: “Public Art and Murals” and “Art in Public Places.” The goals of the Public Art and Murals and Art in Public Places (adopted in 1986) initiatives are to create diverse art installations of the highest quality that will, over decades, reflect the City itself and its citizens, and improve the quality of life; to be a source of pride to all Laguna Beach residents.

As stated on the City website, “Art adds dimension, depth, and character to our community. It adds to the beauty and quality of life, inspires young minds, and reinforces a Laguna Beach’s local identity in which citizens take pride. Public art creatively manipulates built environments with a unique contribution to our City.”

To access a video of some of the “Art in Public Places” artists explaining their processes, click here.

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“Green Man with Red Birds” by Julia Klemek

Made in a diverse array of media, each work complements its specific location. Many of the works have been inspired by the natural beauty of our  coastline and marine wildlife, while others have embraced the rich cultural heritage of the city.

The “Art in Public Places” feature begins with the art works in the Gold District.

Created in 2006, Green Man with Red Birds by artist Julia Klemek is nestled among the trees at Village Green Park. It was funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.

Born in Washington, D.C., ceramic sculptor Klemek moved to Southern California in 1975. Her work interprets natural forms with imagination. She described the seven-foot-tall ceramic piece as, “part tree, part man with a heart of birds.”

Cultural Arts Manager Sian Poeschl says, “Julia passed away in 2013, but she leaves a legacy of her imagination in Laguna Beach. Her first public art piece A Rocky Ledge is in Heisler Park and Eucalyptus Bench on North Coast Highway is on Gallery Row.

“Julia used the symbolism of ‘Green Man,’ a symbol of the cycle of life, a symbol who heralds the Spring. This symbolism represents the children who play in the park, and in some ways a protector.”

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Klemek’s work interprets natural forms with imagination 

“Julia used a no shrink clay invented in part by another former Laguna Beach famous artist Jerry Rothman,” Poeschl explains. “This clay allowed artists to work beyond functional pieces to sculptural installations.” 

The City maintains the public art collection and when the artist is no longer able to maintain the work, hires artists and specialists in the field. This piece is lovingly restored by Laguna Beach ceramic artist Jesse Bartels, an exhibitor at the Sawdust Art Festival.

The goal of the City of Laguna Beach Art in Public Places program is to provide permanent, outdoor artworks that are easily accessible to the general public throughout the city. The Art in Public Places program is designed to offer a wide range of artistic styles, themes, and media. Art in Public Places is a collaboration between the developer, artists, and the City. All artworks are privately owned and are designed to enhance property values, encourage pride in ownership, and add value to the community further enhancing Laguna Beach as a leading arts colony.

How to Apply:

The Art in Public Places Program is a requirement of the Municipal Code. To apply, complete Art in Public Places application (click here) and submit it to Community Development, 505 Forest Avenue. Then complete application (B) and submit it to Community Services, 515 Forest Ave.

Pink veil

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Photo by Scott Brashier

A rose-colored layer of clouds blankets the blue

Listening sessions offer opportunity for public input regarding new City Manager

As the City of Laguna Beach undertakes its search for a new City Manager, the City Council wants to ensure the public has an opportunity to provide feedback about the most important qualities potential candidates should possess. 

The public is invited to attend three virtual Listening Sessions on March 6, March 11, and March 16, facilitated by the City’s executive search firm Bob Murray and Associates. The firm’s Executive Vice President, Gary Phillips, will host the sessions via Zoom at the dates, times, and Zoom links below. 

For additional information on all available options to participate in the upcoming Zoom webinar Listening Sessions, click here.

Saturday, March 6: 10-11 a.m.

Please click here to join the webinar:

Or join by Telephone:

Dial (US): +1 669 900 9128 

Webinar ID: 975 4546 1467

Thursday, March 11: 6-7 p.m.

Please click here to join the webinar:

Or join by Telephone:

Dial (US): +1 669 900 9128 

Webinar ID: 949 6845 6127

Tuesday, March 16: 6-7 p.m.

Please click here to join the webinar:

Or join by Telephone: 

Dial (US): +1 669 900 9128 

Webinar ID: 951 7462 5549 

Online Public Survey Available

Additionally, an online public survey regarding the City Manager recruitment is now available, click here.

A report containing all the comments and feedback received will be compiled by the recruiter and provided to the Laguna Beach City Council. The City Council has sole responsibility of appointing a City Manager, and anticipates to select a candidate for City Manager in May. The City Manager serves as the chief executive for the City of Laguna Beach.

City Council dedicates press chair to beloved Laguna Beach legend Barbara Diamond, donations to cover costs are being accepted

At the February 23 City Council meeting, Mayor Bob Whalen presented a proclamation in recognition of Barbara F. Diamond, acknowledging her as a highly respected and talented Laguna Beach resident and journalist. 

Diamond, 88, an iconic Stu News reporter, died February 10. In her memory, the city honored her work and life with both the proclamation and the dedication of a press chair in Council chambers.

A portion of the proclamation:

WHEREAS, in her memory, Barbara Diamond shall have a press chair dedicated in her memory in City Council Chambers, near her seat next to the Deputy City Clerk where she sat at numerous City Council meetings.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Barbara at her table at the City Council meetings

Diamond spent many years at the Council chambers desk reporting on the City Council meetings and all things Laguna, large and small. No one knew the intricacies of the city like she did.

“Barbara was a Laguna treasure and a wonderful lady,” says former Mayor Kelly Boyd, “No one in my opinion will ever take her place. A chair is only a small contribution but an important one.” 

Mayor Pro Tem Sue Kempf says, “To honor Barbara (BFD), we are having a special chair made with a plaque on the back that says: Barbara Diamond Permanent Press Chair. We have to cover the costs with donations. If you would like to contribute, please send a check to the LB Community Foundation, 580 Broadway, Suite 204, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Very important: in the note section of your check, please write: Barbara Diamond. The total cost of the chair and plaque is $2,100.”

LBUSD aiming for March 17 reopening of secondary schools

As Orange County approaches the less restrictive COVID-19 red tier, Laguna Beach Unified School District officials are preparing for a projected March 17 reopening of secondary schools for in-person instruction. Superintendent Jason Viloria said in an email on Wednesday (March 3) that he is working with state and county public health agencies on getting firm details regarding the potential to maintain the LBUSD timeline.

In a letter to the LBUSD community shared Thursday (March 4) on the district’s website, Viloria provided an update regarding the projected timeline to reopen secondary in-person hybrid instruction.

“My team and I have been fiercely advocating for clear answers from state and local health officials…on our plans for reopening secondary schools,” Viloria wrote. “We share student, parent, and staff frustrations around the seemingly endless set-backs from our shared goal of getting all students who wish to return to in-person instruction back on school campuses as soon as possible and in a safe manner.”

California Department of Public Health assess indicators weekly on Mondays and release updated tier assignments on Tuesdays.

On Tuesday (March 2), Orange County officials reported: Adjusted daily case rate per 100,000 at 7.6; test positivity rate of 3.9%; and health equity quartile positivity rate of 5%.

Although the daily case rate indicator remains in the most restrictive purple tier, there is an accelerated path to lowering the county risk level status that LBUSD officials project will keep them on track for a March 17 secondary reopening. If both positivity and health equity percentages (currently in the orange tier) stay two tiers below the current assignment (or improve) for two consecutive weeks, LBUSD officials believe the state will officially designate the county in the red tier.

“The likelihood is high that Orange County will meet the red-tier criterion for case rate next Tuesday, because the rate is based on a seven-day lag, seven-day average and our case rates have been well below that threshold throughout the past week,” Viloria wrote. “Assuming the COVID-19 metrics maintain or continue to improve, we anticipate that Orange County will officially be designated into Tier 2/Red on Tuesday, March 16.”

If that projection is correct, both Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School could reopen to in-person hybrid instruction on March 17.

CDPH previously required schools wait five days once a county entered the red tier before reopening, but that requirement is no longer in effect and schools are permitted to reopen the day after entering the red tier.

The District also has a playbook on the website with detailed information about reopening schools including student schedules, guidelines, and procedures

In the letter, Viloria thanked the community members for their patience and support during this transition.

“Our message today is one of hope and optimism,” he wrote. “We are excited to see their students in person again.”

Spielberg moon

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Where is Elliott riding his bicycle with E.T. on the handlebars?

COVID-19: 232 new cases and 62 new deaths reported in OC

Sadly, OC Health Care Agency reports that 4,075 people have died due to COVID-19 in Orange County, including 62 new deaths reported today (March 5). There have been five deaths of Laguna Beach residents to date.

The county reported 232 new cases of COVID-19 in OC today. There have been 247,372 cumulative cases to date.

The percentage of adult ICU beds currently available in OC is 35.2 percent. 66 percent of ventilators are currently available countywide.

The county reports that 339 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 (-40 since yesterday’s report – includes ICU); 91 are in ICU (-6 since yesterday’s report).

The county reports that there have been 801 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Laguna Beach to date, including 11 new cases reported since last Friday’s report.

The county estimates 235,574 “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.

COVID-19 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 posted on March 5, as reported by the county; click here to visit page that is updated daily

Where’s Maggi?

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Look familiar? Let us know if you’re onto Maggi’s whereabouts this week! 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.

Dennis’ Tidbits

By DENNIS McTIGHE

March 5, 2021

Spring has sprung – meteorologically speaking

We are now in what’s called our meteorological spring, which runs from March 1 to May 31, and of course our calendar spring begins on March 20 and runs until the summer solstice on or about June 20 or 21. We’re closing in on the day when we get exactly 12 hours of possible sun time, which actually occurs on the 16th or 17th, rather than the spring equinox date which happens every year. 

The same thing happens in the fall, when we get exactly 12 hours of possible sun time around the 24th or 25th of September instead of the 21st.

If you’re at, say, St. Ann’s Beach enjoying the sunset, then from that vantage point you’ll notice that the sun has cleared the right side (or northernmost point) of Catalina and is setting on the ocean’s horizon instead of a land mass. That happens every year on March 8, and then, exactly six months later, the sun starts its journey back to the south until the winter solstice on or about December 21. On that date, from the same vantage point at St. Ann’s Beach, the sun has moved off the southernmost point of Catalina, and sets in the ocean for about a week between about December 17-25, then returns to its journey northward, thus repeating the annual process.

Wednesday’s showers dropped around a third of an inch of precipitation, bringing our scanty season’s total to about three inches, far below the normal to date of about 10.1 inches. To put things in perspective, our season’s total is an inch and a half below the one-day total from March 1 of 1983 when Laguna was drenched with 4.5 inches. That March ended up with a whopping 10.40 inches making it the wettest March on record, a record that is still intact today! 

Other wet Marches have been 9.39 in 1938, 8.02 in 1978, and 7.96 in 1992, all which were El Nino years. Normal March rainfall in Laguna is about 2.6 inches. It’s looking now that we’ll fall way short of our seasonal normal total of 13.95 inches as April usually gets about 1.2 inches, and after that it’s pretty much all she wrote. May averages only around a quarter inch and June gets an average of about a tenth. There have been a handful of fairly wet Aprils with 6.02 in 1958 and 1965, 5.16 in 1983, and 3.41 in 1988. May of 1977 had 3.03 and May of 1990 collected 1.47.

The winter swell season is winding down and it was the fifth consecutive subpar winter for surf. It was a bit improved over the preceding four, but still was pretty much a disappointment. A strong La Nina event had a lot to do with it. There was a nice little run for about 3-4 weeks in December and early January but that was about it.

Meanwhile the National Hurricane Center in Miami has just issued a forecast of an early start to the 2021 hurricane season which normally runs from June 1 through November 30 in the Atlantic Basin. They’re calling for maybe at least one forming in May but only reaching higher end tropical storm status. Since 2000 there have been a dozen systems that formed in May and even one, Alex, in January of 2016. Have a safe and healthy weekend!

I’ll see you next Tuesday, ALOHA!

Great Horned Owl on the prowl

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Photo by Scott Smith

Great Horned Owl photo captured by Scott Smith outside his house in North Laguna Beach on March 1, 2021. Scott says, “I had been hearing a LOT of ‘hooting’ all night for two nights and heard about three of these guys during a night dog walk in my neighborhood. I decided to grab my Canon 5Dm4 and a Sigma 150-600 lens along with my Maglite Flashlight as he was pretty high up in a tall tree and across the street. My wife (and in this case, ‘lighting assistant’) and I researched the hoot and behavior they were all exhibiting and figured out what we were hearing was a mating call!”

Laguna Greenbelt to host Annual Meeting virtually on March 11

Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. will host its Annual Meeting virtually on Thursday, March 11 at 7 p.m. This meeting is free and open to the public, but attendees must register in advance. Visit www.wildlifecorridor.org to register and connect to the meeting via Zoom video.

The meeting will feature the premiere presentation of a virtual tour of the Irvine-Laguna Wildlife Corridor, a word from this year’s high school media intern, as well as an update of other Greenbelt issues. 

The virtual tour of the six-mile-long Corridor will explore some of the challenges facing the completion and full function of the habitat linkage, and will include photos and video of some areas needing remediations. In 2020, the organization launched a panel of Science Advisors to contribute science-based evaluations and solutions to these challenging areas. The Corridor connects 22,000 acres of coastal wilderness parks to the Santa Ana Mountains in central Orange County. The connection passes through some of the most urban parts of Irvine, and is essential to maintaining the ecological integrity of beloved wilderness parks along the Orange County Coast – parks which represent one of the largest contiguous designated coastal wilderness areas in the State of California. 

The meeting will also expand on the plans the organization has for the upcoming year, and report on progress in the Great Park portion of the Corridor by FivePoint, who has been a partner with Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. and the City of Irvine in installing a 2.5-mile-long portion of the Corridor that will be attractive to wildlife and carry them through the central portion of the Corridor towards the wilderness area found on the opposite end of the corridor. Through partnerships such as these, important projects such as the Irvine-Laguna Wildlife Corridor come to fruition. 

Space is limited. Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. looks forward to the attendance of interested community members.

Little League baseball returns to Riddle Field this spring with opening night on Friday, March 19

Little League baseball is returning to the oldest Little League field west of the Mississippi River: Riddle Field, Laguna Beach, on Friday, March 19.

For the 70th time since 1952, LB’s Little League will open its spring season by featuring the traditional matchup of the Intermediate Division rivals of Rotary and VFW (sponsored by Laguna Beach’s chapters of the Rotary Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, respectively). 

“LBLL’s Board of Directors has been tirelessly working to bring Little League Baseball games back since our spring season was canceled on March 12, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ed Paz, president of LBLL said. 

“We know that activities like Little League are a critical component to the positive physical and mental well-being of the children of our community, and we feel confident that we can lead the way in returning to ‘semi-normal’ routines while implementing protocols that keep our league members and our city safe.”

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Commander Garrick Stride and Rotary’s Cameron Cureton pose (with Rotary and VFW in the background) after LBLL’s ceremonial Opening Night First Pitch on Feb 28, 2020

LBLL did return briefly for a “practice only” period last spring and also a fall “practice only” season. The fall practices were very successful, with about 70 percent of player registrations compared to the 2019 season, and hearty player development.

These interrupted seasons have taken a toll on LBLL’s financial situation. The League has missed out on traditional fundraisers in 2020 like the annual pancake breakfast, Angel’s Day ticket sales, and snack bar sales (which are expected to impact revenues in 2021). 

Also, to honor registration fees for the shortened spring season for the upper divisions and missed season for the younger divisions (Tee Ball, Rookie, and Single A), the Board decided to make the 2020 Fall Season free, the 2021 Spring Season free for 2020 registered lower division players whose season was canceled, and an extremely low $100 fee for the rest of Spring 2021 registrations. These lost revenues, along with projected missing sponsorship losses, have required LBLL to tap into reserve funds and operate on a shoestring budget for 2021.

“I believe the most important thing here is to get the kids back onto the field, no matter the financial cost to the League,” Paz said.

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Presley Jones, perennial All-Star athlete representing VFW before the cancellation of the 2020 season

Registration information can be found at www.beachbaseball.com. Registration for upper divisions (AA, AAA, and Intermediate) will be open on the website until Friday, March 5 (waitlist only for the Juniors Division). For the lower divisions, registration will not close, but teams will be formed by mid-March. 

Skills check for players who would like to be considered for the upper division drafts will be held on Saturday, March 6 (walk-up registrations will be accepted). Upper division teams will be drafted the week of March 8. 

Opening night, featuring the traditional matchup between the Intermediate division rivals of Rotary vs. VFW, is scheduled for Friday, March 19. 

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 protocols, Opening Night will be less of the ceremonial affair that occurs most years, as spectators will be restricted to immediate family members of players.

If you would like to donate to LBLL to help offset the financial impacts of the past year’s lost revenue, please send a check to LBLL, PO Box 509, Laguna Beach, CA 92652. LBLL would be happy to send you a letter accounting for your charitable donation.

Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach announces second annual “Campaign to Gain”

The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach has launched its second annual peer-to-peer drive, “Campaign to Gain.” The Club is asking the community to share their personal story on how the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach has impacted their family. 

The method is easy: create a page on a web-based platform, tell your story, and share with your connections digitally. Anyone can donate with the click of a button and no amount is too small. 

This special peer-to-peer campaign gives everyone a chance to tell their unique and personal experiences that transpired at the Club. It is effortless for everyone to pitch in and support the life-changing programming the Boys & Girls Club has to offer. 

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Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach students

Through this difficult time, the Club continues to serve the communities’ youth. Though its programs may look different, the Club’s mission of enriching the lives of the youth in our community remains the same. In 2020, the Club served over 1,300 youth and is on track to surpass that number this year. 

“Day in and day out, our Boys & Girls Club staff and mentors deliver quality experiences that make a difference in a youth’s life beyond their time at the Club. Research shows that kids who have an optimal experience at our Club are also more likely to have positive self-esteem, volunteer, and be engaged in school,” said Pam Estes, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach. 

“This campaign asks members of the community to simply share their story with their community, to show the amazing impact our Club has on the lives of kids and teens.” If a kid can dream it, they can become it at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach. They just need the community’s help. 

Pam adds, “Any donation – big or small – will make a difference! We thank all donors for helping us build a stronger community, and we couldn’t do our work on behalf of the children without their continued support.”

To learn more, read some amazing stories, start your own page, or make a donation, visit www.bgclagunabeach.org or call Abby at (949) 715-7931.

Graffiti gone!

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Photo by Jim Kelly

Before - Vandalism at Diamond Street in Woods Cove

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Photo by Jim Kelly

After - “Works Department removed the graffiti in less than 24 hours. I called and thanked them,” says Jim Kelly.

Guest Column

From Laguna with Love: Laguna’s charm found on the beach and in the office

By Dr. Moji E. Bagheri

I’ve spent most of my life on the East Coast thriving in a speedy, noisy city life. But after 11 years of practicing dentistry it was finally time to set up my own office. The only place I could settle for, other than New York City, was Laguna Beach – not just for its mesmerizing scenery, but also for its unique culture. Beautiful and creative art pieces and decorations are everywhere. I specifically like the The People’s Council sculpture which I see every day on my way to the office. I like the three granite figures which I found out represent Everyman, Everywoman, and Youth and how the black obelisk acts like a sundial, casting a shadow on words like “happiness,” “freedom,” and “safety.” It is very meaningful and fits the vibe of the city. Laguna is a very calm city – as if the tranquility of the ocean has taken over the city. It is the counterpoint of New York City, and yet surprisingly, I enjoy it very much. Now, when I leave my office I hear the waves crashing, compared with the honking of cabs or slamming of jackhammers from my Manhattan office.

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Photo by Dennis Piszkiewicz

Everyman and Everywoman statues

But the most amazing part of Laguna Beach, which I got to understand after opening my endodontic office in 2020, is its friendly, caring, and down-to-earth people. I’ll never forget my very first patient at the office: an incredibly kind, yet very anxious 86-year-old man, with no prior root canal experience.

He called a few times before coming to the office to acquire more information about the procedure and I was happy to answer all his questions. He also spoke with my wife, Elena, who is the office manager, a few times to confirm some details regarding the procedure. In addition, his friend, a local retired dentist, called a couple of times to address some of the patient’s concerns. It was so nice to see that level of care and support from his community.

Since he was still very anxious on the day of his visit, I tried to calm him down and distract him by telling him stories about my time in NYC, my wife Elena, and our two little daughters. At the end of the procedure, he was surprised and happy – it was painless and ended sooner than he expected. The next day I called him as part of my routine follow up and was delighted to hear he was doing great and had a good experience at my office. After all, he was my first patient at this office and the success of the procedure, and his satisfaction meant a lot to me. 

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Courtesy of Moji Bagheri

Dr. Moji Bagheri and his wife, Elena, the office manager at Laguna Beach Endodontics and Surgery

However, his kindness did not end there. A month later, as I opened the office door, I noticed a small white envelope had been slipped under the door with just two words on it: “Thank you.” I opened the envelope and there was a check for $50 from the same patient. On the check note, written in his own delicate handwriting, was his message: “For your daughters.”

I have received gifts and thank you notes from my patients before, but his offering was the most heart-warming experience I have ever had.

He was the first of many friendly and nice local patients I have seen at my office so far. I am blessed and grateful to be part of this community and to offer my services to its remarkable people.

Dr. Moji Bagheri is constantly amazed by the expansive, ever-changing view of the Pacific that he sees as he crests the hill on Park Avenue en route to his office at Laguna Beach Endodontics and Microsurgery.

Organized by the Laguna-based nonprofit Third Street Writers, “From Laguna with Love” features personal stories (anecdotes of up to 200 words and longer pieces up to 750 words) and photographs that celebrate only-in-Laguna moments and experiences, whether they’re funny, sad, insightful, or simply a reflection of daily interactions.

If you or someone you know has a Laguna experience to share, you can submit your story or photo to https://thirdstreetwriters.submittable.com/submit for consideration. 

Questions? Contact Amy Dechary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Laguna Beach Business Club announces March speaker, Howard Robin, M.D.

The Laguna Beach Business Club is proud to announce its March 18 speaker, Howard Robin, M.D. The LBBC holds a breakfast meeting the third Thursday each month at 8:30 a.m. and hosts speakers that discuss topics valuable to achieving success in your personal and professional lives. Under the COVID-19 restrictions, the meetings are held via Zoom.

We are all living through some tough times. Have we learned any lessons? Dr. Robin will share some observations and thoughts on how we got some things right and how we need to prepare for potential future pandemics in his presentation, “10 Lessons Learned From COVID-19.”

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Howard Robin, M.D. will speak at LBBC Zoom meeting on March 18

Howard Robin, M.D. is Board Certified in both Anatomical and Clinical Pathology and Immunopathology. His areas of medical expertise include pharmacology, toxicology, autopsy pathology, clinical laboratory medicine, and cancer diagnosis and treatment modalities. He has provided forensic expert testimony in medical malpractice, product liability, civil litigation, and criminal cases. 

Nationally known as a compelling speaker and medical expert, Dr. Howard Robin is currently chief medical officer and founder of NeorahDx, a microbial pathogen detection company. The first diagnostic test developed by NeorahDX will be deployed to detect and diagnose COVID-19. The technology is suitable for home use for the diagnosis of flu, colds, urinary infections, and GI problems.

Dr. Robin has been involved in clinical laboratory medicine for more than 50 years beginning as a lab tech during medical school and moving onto directing, starting, owning, and consulting with hospitals and clinical commercial labs. 

The LBBC is a group of local business professionals and entrepreneurs. The Club meets monthly to discuss current events, business opportunities, and share insights within the context of our community and our lives. 

For more information about the LBBC, visit www.lagunabeachbusinessclub.com; to obtain the Zoom link for the March 18 meeting, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Molten marvel

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Lovely golden layer lights the late afternoon

Guest Column

Why I refuse to worry (and how to be more useful to your friends) 

By Dr. Vidya Reddy

Some very precious people in my life are in extreme pain right now. Three friends are sorting through the natural disaster that breaking up brings on. I cry with them on Zoom and FaceTime. I write letters I know they’re too weary to respond to. I think about them throughout every day. I ache, actively. I’m concerned.

But I do not worry for them. Can’t do it. Won’t do it. Refuse to. Not because I trust in a benevolent universe to carry them (which I do) and not because I’m disassociated (I’m anything but). I don’t let myself worry for them because I think it’s not only futile, but it’s obstructive. Worry only gets in the way of good intentions, energy, solutions. It’s toxic.

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Photo by Johnny Antezana

Dr. Vidya Reddy

As a thought exercise, I’ve learned a lot of things over the past few months and feel compelled to share them with you in the spirit of robust helpfulness. If you would like more information, techniques, and meditation based on Life Lessons, please refer to my blog: https://naturally-happy.com/blog/.

Worry vs concern

Energetically, there is a critical difference.

Worry: to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; fret.

Concern: to relate to; be connected with; be of interest or importance to; affect.

Worry obstructs possibility. Concern is pro-active. 

Worry weighs things down. Concern can rise to the occasion. 

Worry is wistful. Concern is penetrating. 

Worry tangles. Concern peels back the layers. 

Worry gossips. Concern enrolls.

Worry is the conjoined twin of anxiety. Of course concern can be riddled with anxiety, but it’s strong enough to tune anxiety into a constructive force (coming up next Friday, so stay tuned).

How to transform your worry for others into positivity so you can truly be of service

Stand outside of the story 

Every fearful expectation has a big “story” behind it. The trauma, the drama, the pain, the plot. Worry feeds on the gruesome details. It replays the potential saga in your head. It validates all the reasons things could go wrong by dredging up the past again and again.

Worry is cleverly building a case as to why you should worry.

Don’t let yourself be pulled onto the “set” of the unfolding drama. Stay behind the camera and go where you’re needed to shed light on things. 

Witnessing is an act of compassion. Whether it’s with force or a light touch, you get to call the shots on how you will show up in any difficult situation.

Keep a soft gaze

No one needs your judgment about why they got themselves into something, or all of the things that could go wrong. Gently observe what’s going on, and stick to the facts. This is really tricky because facts can be relative. Medical test results are facts. So is someone’s immense inner strength. Choose the facts that keep you moving in a better direction. Friends in pain need love and optimism – critiques and prognostications are big fat downers.

Let your heart be broken

Life will devastate you if you get close enough to it. Get closer. In the cosmic fabric, your pain is mine as yours is mine…When we can share this unified space we know how to be of better service to one another – because we can better empathize.

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Photo by Kavita Reddy

Replace worry with wishes

Put a stake of devotion in the ground

How far will you let your concern take you for a friend? (Limits are okay by the way – enlightened concern isn’t about martyrdom.) Are you willing to catch the next plane, withdraw your savings, find a lawyer, change bandages, mix herbs, listen tirelessly?

Your devotion may shrink or expand as the situation unravels. But if you can declare how you intend to be truly helpful, then worry takes a backseat.

Send wishes

This is the single most effectual way to defuse worry and move into positivity. Worry will crop up. Don’t let it stagnate. 

Cleanse your worry with very precise wishes

I’m worried that he’ll stay lonely. I wish him sweet love. 

I’m worried the meds won’t work. I wish her quantum healing. 

I’m worried she’ll do something drastic. I wish her equilibrium. 

I’m worried he’ll sink into depression. I wish him lightness. 

I’m worried this will takes years. I wish for swift grace.

While you’re at it, you could do one gorgeous global wish: I wish for the end of suffering and happiness of all beings. That about covers it.

Send wishes. And more wishes. The wishes will nest in your psyche and begin to inform your concern, your words, your actions. 

When you’re not preoccupied with worrying, you’re free to serve, in so many ways. 

In Peace, Love and Gratitude. 

‘Til next time.

Dr. Vidya Reddy, ND, AMS, DAC, CLC

www.Naturally-Happy.com

Benjamin Keller selected as Rotary Student of the Month for February

Rotarians understand the importance of our community’s youth. Guided by this understanding the membership established a student recognition program – 

one that recognizes achievement, leadership, and helps to support high school students in their transition to higher education. Every month the Rotary Club selects a student of the month (SOM). All SOMs receive a $500 scholarship. 

For February, the Rotary Club has selected Benjamin Keller as SOM.

The Science Department nominated Benjamin, and Jennifer Merritt is the teacher representative who spoke on his behalf.

Benjamin has been very active in both student and extracurricular activities during his senior year. “I am interested in Engineering or Physics. I have self-taught skills in computer programming and am experienced in working with a student team to create and program products. I’m curious about new technology and how things work and excited to find a school environment with like-minded peers who want to create and build things,” he says.

As a result, Benjamin was invited to work on a student team to create and program learning tools for an open-source simulation of chemistry to help students learn fundamental concepts. 

“We used the language c# and the program Unity3D to make these simulations,” says Benjamin. “For example, this year, students will use the virtual lab we built for distance learning.”

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Benjamin Keller, Rotary Club Student of the Month for February

Benjamin has been the recipient of the following awards: Eagle Scout Award; Superintendent’s Honor Roll for 11th Grade, 10th Grade, and 9th Grade; the Breaker Award, 11th Grade - AP Physics, 10th Grade - Chemistry, and 9th Grade - Biology.

His service activities while in high school include Boy Scouts and an Eagle Scout project. He also participated in Marching Band/Wind Ensemble and Project Galileo (invitational engineering group/club at LBHS).

His home and church activities include: Church Youth Committee & Family History Consultant (2019-2020) in which he represented youth from his congregation.

“I participated in committee discussions on challenges that youth face today and how to help them,” Benjamin explains. “We also planned and carried out events for the youth to help them learn and grow. The Family History Consultant is a group of young men and women from various age groups who have been trained to help people record and find ancestors and add them to their family tree on websites like Family Search and Ancestry. 

Church activities include a Mission trip to Mexico (Summer 2019). He also visited an orphanage, and built homes with Corazon.org, a cultural exchange, and participated in the Christmas Chalk Walk (2015-2019), as well as volunteering at an annual community-based art, music, and cultural event. 

After graduating from high school, Benjamin plans to obtain an engineering-related Master’s degree and participate in a two-year volunteer mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In the future, Benjamin says, “I’m planning on pursuing a degree in engineering or a similar field. I would like to be developing some sort of innovative, bleeding edge technology whether it be renewable energy, virtual reality technology, battery technology, or something else that I haven’t discovered. Hopefully, I will be able to work collaboratively with a group of like-minded people creating, building, and problem solving. 

“Thank you so much! I really appreciate this opportunity. I have been so lucky to attend Laguna Beach High School with wonderful teachers who have supported me all throughout my high school career.”

Congratulations, Benjamin!

A formula for success: Josephine Brooks welcomes clients back to Spa Josephine

Story by DIANNE RUSSELL

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

Josephine Brooks, owner of Spa Josephine, has racked up a remarkable 31 years in business and not by any serendipitous occurrence – unless you consider knowing what you were born to do serendipitous. Brooks discovered her passion as a child, and every endeavor she’s mastered since then has elevated her career in beauty and aesthetics.

Raised in Los Angeles as the youngest of seven children, Brooks played in the garden, mixing mud with grass and flowers for masks for her dolls. Ever the businesswoman – even then – she had a cash register and a little invoice book. This garden variety fun would eventually grow and blossom into her skin care product line JoJo Brooks, making Spa Josephine and its extensive list of specialty services even more unique. 

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Josephine Brooks, owner of Spa Josephine

Her great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother all created their own skin care products. Brooks notes, “They believed in natural herbs and spices, which was a very advanced concept for the time. I was taught how to use herbs and then apply them to creams and serums.” 

Confident in the knowledge and experience of three previous generations, Brooks knew she was destined to formulate her own line of skin care products. 

“Four generations of women with beautiful skin,” she says. 

Just seeing Brooks’ skin leaves little doubt this is true.

JoJo Brooks

JoJo Brooks, her skin care line, is manufactured in the Valley. “The name comes from a consensus of my family members and friends,” Brooks says. “It’s my own formula, no one else has it except my chemist. It comes from the rain forest and is natural – it can be used on babies.”

One of her clients asked Brooks if Menwe, the botanical repair serum, would make her look 10 years younger, to which Brooks replied, “Maybe five.” 

“I’ll take it,” said the client. 

From personal experience, I can attest to its wondrous powers. I’ve been using it for five days, and I already notice a difference. 

Her clientele isn’t limited to just women. “I’ve always taken care of men’s skin, and a lot of men have been coming in lately.”

The newest addition to the Menwe skin line is #9, an eye and neck cream. 

“It’s very firming, almost like Botox in one cream,” says Brooks.

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Original bottles from skin care products 

Spa Josephine is born

In 1991, Brooks opened her salon – Salon Josephine – in the courtyard at the Surf and Sand. “It was a full day spa including skin care, massages, steam room, and resting area. I custom blended my skin care products for my clients. They’d bring in their empty jars, and I’d refill them.

 “I realized that it was becoming more popular and the demand was growing. I found a chemist to fulfill the orders and make larger batches. European based – because it’s from the rain forest – it keeps skin dewy and youthful looking.”

In addition to her hotel clients, locals, family members, and friends, Brooks also took care of stars such as Jimmy Buffett, Bette Midler, and Jane Seymour.

It was grand

“They had a grand piano in the Surf and Sand Towers,” Brooks says. “We used to bring down food from there for clients’ birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings – any and all special occasions.” 

Another service Brooks offered there was strictly the royal or “Golden Treatment” as she calls it – an explanation that requires a bit of backtracking. 

In 1997, as an engagement gift, her husband surprised her with the 1963 S3 Bentley that was used in the Grey Poupon commercial – yes, the exact one. Not a surprise that they got married in 1998.

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JoJo Brooks skin care line 

“I told him it was my dream car, and he searched until he found the owner  and bought it,” Brooks explains. “When I was little and saw the Grey Poupon commercial, I told my mom, ‘I’m going to have that car.’” 

As part of the “Golden Treatment,” her husband picked up clients in the Bentley (since the steering wheel was on the right, only the two of them could drive it), and then take them back home. 

Sadly for clients, they sold the car in 2005. 

After Surf and Sand management decided to take over the day spa, Spa Josephine relocated. In 2000, Brooks moved across the street to the Colonade and painted it white – and it remains white to this day. 

“I opened it up with a hair stylist and acupuncturist and started a spin studio – the only one in town back then. It was the beginning of the spin craze, and  people from the hotel would come to the studio.” 

Another relocation

From there, after four years, they moved to 1080 S Coast Hwy where Gene’s Market and Calvary Chapel used to be. 

“We took over the front and back and had a hair salon, steam room, treatment rooms, and offered facials and massages,” Brooks says. “It was so lovely. Local artists and sculptors put their works throughout the spa, and we’d have receptions upstairs with the locals – old-fashioned soirees.” 

After five years, they relocated to Cleo Street (for one year) until the current location became vacant. “With my husband’s help, we put this together,” Brooks says. 

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Josephine’s treatment room 

JoJo Brooks is only one aspect of the specialized services and products featured at Spa Josephine. “We offer massages, facials, Brazilian waxing – the old European method, not harsh, it’s gentle,” Brooks explains. She also does a variation of the Brazilian – a French Brazilian. Specialty treatments include an organic spray tanning process (with no chemicals), permanent makeup, and artistic tattooing which is drawn on top of the breast area to cover mastectomy scars. 

“I’ve always done tattoos,” Brooks says. “At the Surf and Sand, Dr. Bernard Deberry, a plastic surgeon, would book patients into the hotel to recuperate after surgery, and I’d take care of them.”

An abundance of beauty

When it comes to beauty, Brooks knows what she’s talking about. She attended a beauty school in Los Angeles with a specialty in cosmetic makeup. 

“The woman at the school felt I had a knack for it,” Brooks says. “I completed the course a month early. She favored me, and I helped do retouches. The tattooing is very specialized.”

Brooks also graduated from two academies of makeup (for special effects and beauty) in Beverly Hills – Joe Blasco and Elegante – and was a makeup artist for photographers, fashion, and the movie and theater industry. 

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Spa Josephine office

She was also a “Tea Model” at I. Magnin on Wilshire Blvd, Joseph Magnin, and Bullocks.

The culmination of all this expertise and experience is Spa Josephine.

However, giving back is important to Brooks, and the community has benefited from her volunteer work. 

She worked as a makeup artist at the Pageant of the Masters for nine years from 1990-1998, quitting only, “Because I got married in 1998 and needed to concentrate on that.” 

“I used to give beauty talks at the American Legion women’s group at their luncheons and at the Rotary Club,” she says. “I’ve also participated in the Patriots Day Parade.”

At Christmas time, Brooks has also brought in residents from Glennwood House for special treatments. “I wanted to give them something of the enjoyment of the beauty of touch. I’d give the caretakers some of my products.”

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Massage room 

Hit hard by the pandemic

“We closed on March 17, reopened in May, and closed again in June. We’ve been closed and reopened four times,” Brooks says. “It’s been very difficult to keep the business going. Only about 30 percent of my clients have returned. It’s still going to take some time for them to come back to me. A few hotels send a trickle of their guests here, and I’m happy to have locals who refer family when they come to visit.”

The spa has all the COVID-19 precautions in place: masks, gloves, shields, plastic barriers, and thorough disinfecting procedures. It’s impeccably clean.

Although left with little time outside of the spa, Brooks still participates in spin classes, kayaks in back bay, walks on the beach, and swims at Crystal Cove, the Montage, and Crescent Bay.

Looking to the future 

During the new year, Brooks hopes to place her JoJo Brooks skin care line in high-end boutiques and is looking forward to welcoming her clients back  – as well as introducing new clients to everything Spa Josephine has to offer. 

She invites residents to come by and pick up a free sample of her products – you won’t be sorry! Who doesn’t want to look five years younger?

Spa Josephine is located at 1833 S Coast Hwy.

For a list of services and products, go to www.spajosephine.com or to make an appointment, call (949) 497-8461.

Flame out

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Photo by Scott Brashier

The birds watch as the last lick of sunlight disappears behind Catalina

Renowned spoken word poets delight and inspire LBHS Creative Writing students

The students in Dawn Hunnicutt’s Creative Writing class at Laguna Beach High School were treated recently to a wonderful week-long series of workshops, one-on-one meetings, and group shares with renowned spoken word poets Phil Kaye and Sarah Kay, founders of Project Voice.

Project Voice is known internationally for its award-winning performances and innovative workshops conducted at hundreds of schools, reaching more than 150,000 students from kindergarten through university level all over the world. 

The Kaye/Kay duo has also performed at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) and online for an estimated 20 million viewers of all ages.

Both poets are authors of award-winning books. 

Sarah Kay is best known for her 2011 TED talk, “If I Should Have A Daughter,” which has been seen more than ten million times online. 

Phil Kaye is a Japanese-American poet whose work has also been viewed millions of times online. He’s performed on international stages and alongside His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

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Poets Phil Kaye and Sarah Kay (photo pre-pandemic)

“This wonderful event was generously sponsored and funded by SchoolPower after I submitted a grant proposal,” explains LBHS English and Creative Writing teacher Hunnicutt. “I am forever grateful to them for funding this once-in-a-lifetime event. It was wonderful to give the students something special in the midst of such trying times.”

The hour-long performance, which took place early last week, was open to all LBHS students and staff.

“After that, my Creative Writing students branched off into one-hour workshops with both of the poets, who took them through exercises and discussions, generating ideas for spoken word poems,” Hunnicutt adds. “In class, students worked on rough drafts, submitted their work to the poets, and then met with them on Thursday for one-on-one sessions to get feedback.”

After the one-on-one sessions, students revised their pieces, turned them in Thursday night, and performed them the following day in group sessions where a small group of eight students could listen to each other’s work and comment.

Then the poets offered their opinions on the revisions. 

Hunnicutt says it was an extremely rewarding week for the students, and many said that it was the highlight of this school year for them.

“I really enjoyed the one-on-one time. They pointed out where I could improve and what I did well,” Ben Keller, senior, noted. “It was insightful and I was excited to go to class every day.”

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Photo by Lynette Brasfield

Pre-COVID photo of Dawn Hunnicutt in her classroom at LBHS

Trey Ovens says he felt like he wrote some of his best work with Phil and Sarah.

“The workshop opened my mind up to so many new ideas and ways to convey my thoughts. I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity with such talented and eloquent poets,” he says. “Thank you so much, Phil and Sarah!” 

Developed by Hunnicutt based on college courses and first initiated in 2019, the creative writing curriculum at LBHS is meant to foster writing in a creative and meaningful way, through exploration and experimentation and the use of mentor texts – and this year, by offering this spectacular week of workshops with professional poets.

“At the end of the day, I want my students to have not only a love for writing, but a command and confidence, a marketable skill, that they can take with them no matter which path they choose,” Hunnicutt noted in a 2020 Stu News interview.

The class is UC approved and counts toward one year of the required four for high school graduation and college admission.

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Seniors on a Zoom call with Phil Kaye (top left)

“Creative Writing has been rewarding this year under the circumstances, and students have found the virtual class to be a safe space where they can process so many of their emotions and put them into words, whether it’s poetry, creative nonfiction, or fiction,” Hunnicutt says. “Although I was saddened to not be in person with them, my students have made the most of the situation.”

Hunnicutt believes that the smaller class sizes and the day-to-day interaction have helped immensely as she was able to connect with students on a more personal level. 

“Every day I am impressed by their resolve and their desire to get the most out of their education, and they have shown great resilience in the face of so much loss, especially the seniors.

“We are looking forward to putting together the second edition of our literary journal, The New Wave, and the community will be able to witness some of the beautiful writing that has emerged from this group of students.

“Even though we have been online, I have been able to maintain most of my practices, daily reading, writing notebooks, and writing groups, and I have tried my best to foster their growth as readers and writers.”

Hunnicutt says that given the success of the spoken word workshop, she’s considering putting together a virtual performance so others can see the phenomenal work the students produced.

That would be rewarding indeed for the entire Laguna Beach community!

LBUSD COVID-19 Dashboard

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Courtesy of LBUSD

For more information and to access the dashboard, visit www.lbusd.org/resources/covid19/covid-19-reporting

Create spring flowers for LOCA arts challenge

LOCA Arts Education invites everyone to engage in seasonal arts challenges on Instagram. Creative types can get inspired by sharing photos of their artwork that follows fun and easy themes. 

“We want every type of artist to be involved,” said artist and LOCA board member Lisa Mansour, “From first-timers to professional artists, we love seeing everyone’s creativity shine through.” 

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Courtesy of LOCA 

“California Poppy” by Lydia Delgado

The fall theme was Grateful Leaves. Artists posted gorgeous images of leaves done in watercolor, printmaking, and drawing. Many interesting submissions were temporary ones, done by artists who gathered leaves during local walks, and arranged them in beautiful patterns. The arrangements would be momentary – but the images would live on at Instagram for all to enjoy.

As we leap into spring, LOCA is introducing the newest theme, Spring Flowers. Palettes will change monthly based on colors. The March palette is warm tones, including yellows, ambers, oranges, and reds. Cool colors, including purples and blues, are for April, and a rainbow mix is scheduled for May. “We expect to see a lot of bouquets on Mother’s Day,” said Mansour.

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Courtesy of LOCA 

“Spring Flowers” by Hedy Buzan

All mediums are invited including collage, drawing, printmaking, painting, photography, and sculpture. To participate, create any floral art in each months’ palette. Upload photos of your art to Instagram and be sure to tag @locaarts and use the hashtag #locaartschallenge. 

For more information, visit @locaarts on Instagram or www.locaarts.org.

Clouds swoop to meet the ocean

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Blue sky resists the clouds’ charge

Douglas Elliman honors LB’s Brad Feldman Group among top-performing teams and agents of 2020

On March 4, Douglas Elliman, one of the largest independent residential real estate brokerages in the United States, announced the winners of the 2021 Ellie Awards, which honor the firm’s top performing agents throughout the nation for 2020. 

The Brad Feldman Group was ranked among the firm’s Top Team by Gross Commission Income (GCI). Feldman is the Executive Manager of Sales for Douglas Elliman’s state-of-the-art office located at 344 Third Street in Laguna Beach.

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Laguna Beach’s Brad Feldman Group 

Deemed as a “socially smart office,” the expansive first-floor location houses the firm’s roster of top-producing Southern California agents including members of The Altman Brothers and The Eklund | Gomes teams, stars of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing franchise, who have both expanded their California presence to Orange County. 

“It is an honor and a privilege to manage the Laguna Beach office as well as lead a team of top industry brokers including my business partners Jacqueline Pearce and Trent Mason,” said Feldman. “We always strive to achieve higher standards to deliver better results for our customers. Despite it being the most unusual and challenging year of our time, I am truly grateful for everything we were able to accomplish in 2020.”

The Western Region witnessed its best year ever with a 25 percent YOY increase in sales volume from $4.3 billion in 2019 to $5.4 billion in 2020, with California touting more than $4.5 billion amounting to a 15.2 percent YOY increase.

Nationwide sales for Douglas Elliman in 2020 totaled $29.6 billion as the company continued its growth into new markets. The firm was responsible for 46,303 sales and rental transactions. 

For more information on Douglas Elliman, visit www.elliman.com.

Canyon Cactus

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Photo by Steve Allegaert

Hiking above Main Beach

By the grace of The Grace: special event will benefit LB’s Animal Shelter on March 28

The Grace Galleries opened in May 2020 with the purpose of putting some joy into people’s lives when we needed it most. So it’s fair to say that The Grace is all about putting a smile on your face. And also about dogs. Definitely about dogs.

When Gracie read on Instagram about Chance, the dog who lived to 21 years young after being saved by the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter, she immediately felt the need to act. 

“Our pets are such an important part of our lives, and with her own pup, Xiao, about to go into surgery, Gracie thought it was a good time for each of us to reflect on what’s important in our lives,” says Ann Marie McKay, president of PUP Laguna Beach and Animal Shelter volunteer.

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Submitted photo

Jenna, one of the dogs that required extensive complex surgeries to repair her leg before she could be placed for adoption, with the costs covered by PUP, is pictured with James, a longtime Shelter employee

On Sunday, March 28, The Grace Galleries will sponsor a charity event to help support the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter through the nonprofit PUP Laguna Beach.

“Many local businesses have donated fantastic prizes for auction, just a few of them being a weekend getaway, a dinner from Romantic Rendezvous, and of course, some exclusive artworks, all for a great cause and all tax-deductible,” McKay says. 

“There is no entry fee; however, you must come by the gallery to pre-register and collect a VIP wrist band.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be a strict limit on attendance, so it’s important to get registered, as it will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Promoters say it will be great fun – there’ll be live music, live art, and dress is “not quite Black Tie” (ladies, pastel cocktail with masks; men, be cool, you can wear your mask instead of your tie!).

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Submitted photo

PUP at the Pet Parade & Chili Cook-Off: (L-R) Ann Marie McKay, president; Diane Crandall, secretary; and Edye Snodgrass, member-at-large

The event will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. at The Grace Galleries, 347 South Coast Hwy. The back lot will be roped off for plenty of fresh air and all are welcome to stay afterwards for a gorgeous sunset overlooking the water. 

McKay will be on-hand to discuss the goals of the shelter.

The Grace Gallery notes that it has been overwhelmed by the support from the Laguna Beach community. They’re hoping for a great turnout!

For more information on PUP Laguna Beach, visit www.puplagunabeach.org.

Meet Pet of the Week Frankie

Frankie is currently taking over Pet of the Week. He is a neutered one-year-old black and white terrier mix. Frankie is currently in the recovery process as he was recently hit by a car. Although, Frankie is extremely strong and has been recovering quickly. He does get easily scared, so he would do best in a home with no children. Once he gets to know you, he is very sweet and loves to cuddle. Nancy Goodwin, shelter director, is hoping to have Frankie adopted as soon as possible.

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Frankie is looking for a new home and a fresh start 

The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter adoption procedures are designed to make sure that both the potential family and the animal adopted are in the very best situation possible. Due to their approach to adoption, the shelter’s return rate is five percent as compared to the national return rate of 50 percent.

The LB Animal Shelter is located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Rd. For information on adoption procedures, call (949) 497-3552 or go to www.puplagunabeach.org/our-pets.php.

By the light of the silvery moon

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Photo by Scott Brashier

A metallic marvel forged by sea and sky

JoAnne Artman presents Seeing America, featuring I See Heroes Everywhere

Emphasizing narration and the tales that emerge through gesture and contour, America Martin’s compositions always conjure a captivating story. JoAnne Artman Gallery is proud to present Seeing America, an exhibition that investigates humanity, legacy, and change. 

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“Horses in Dusk Colors on the Hill,” Oil + Acrylic on Canvas, 65 x 35 inches

Offering a private glimpse into America Martin’s world of beauty and perennial optimism, the show is titled after both observing her as an artist, and temporarily seeing the world through her unique perspective. Featuring her ongoing series I See Heroes Everywhere, the works explore portraiture and the enduring narratives of influential leaders. Prioritizing the figure as a central focal point throughout her career, Martin’s imagery is allegorical, familiar, and above all, hopeful. 

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“Homage to Gauguin Women,” Oil + Acrylic on Canvas, 60 x 75 inches

Inspired by the landscape of the human form, Martin’s style is distinguished by a command of line and contour, making playful reference to both classic and indigenous art forms. Her work frequently features the human body shown in relationship to nature, with animals and plants used analogously to traits of personality. 

Choreographed in relentless flux, her technique of freehandedly capturing her subjects yields unapologetic marks and a spirited palette that hums with the vitality and vigor of the world she creates. Traveling between disciplines of painting, drawing, and sculpture, Martin is insouciant in the conquest of new terrain, yet her distinct portrayal of form is notable across all mediums. 

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“Watching the New Moon” Oil + Acrylic on Canvas, 36.25 x 86.5 inches

Martin also examines the impact of activism and heroism in her featured I See Heroes Everywhere series. In a bold statement that champions everyday kindnesses and small, sustained steps toward change, the series includes legends of the past and present, as well as unsung figures. Rendered in streamlined ink drawings, each portrait is emblematic of both passion and action. Pairing a quote with each likeness, Martin implores visitors to consider the core values of leadership embodied in the series – justice, integrity, empathy, and a call to action. 

America Martin’s work will inspire, provoke, engage, and mesmerize. With visual perceptions always changing, peek behind the stories told and you’re sure to find the right artistic expression.

For more information, visit www.joanneartmangallery.com. Contact JoAnne Artman at (949) 510-5481 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

JoAnne Artman Gallery is located at 346 N Coast Hwy.

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.