Festivals, tourism returning to Laguna Beach this summer

By SARA HALL

Summer in Laguna Beach will be closer to the pre-pandemic normal with the announcement of festivals and tourism returning in the city.

After so many shows and events were canceled due to COVID-19, locals were excited to hear Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement last week that the economy is slated to reopen by June 15 if the state stays on track with certain thresholds. 

The Festival of Arts officially announced the reopening of its iconic Pageant of the Masters and Fine Art Show in a statement on Thursday.

“This long-awaited announcement befittingly comes on World Art Day, an international celebration of fine arts and creativity,” the message reads.

Organization officials made the decision during a board meeting on Wednesday (April 14).

“The Festival has been working closely with the Laguna Beach City staff and would like to thank them for all their input and help to aid us in reaching this decision,” Festival of Arts President David Perry said in the prepared statement.

“It has been a very challenging year for everyone – especially the arts community – and we are overjoyed and feel blessed to have arrived at this moment.”

They are thrilled to reconnect with the community with the upcoming performances and art exhibition, Perry said. 

Tickets to the Pageant of the Masters production of Made in America: Trailblazing Artists and Their Stories will go on sale to the general public starting May 3. The art show will open on July 5 and the Pageant on July 7; both will run through September 3.

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Photo by Chris Allwine

Pageant of the Masters is returning this summer

In partnership with public health entities and government officials, the board will implement new safety and health protocols, according to festival officials. 

“The health and well-being of the nonprofit’s patrons, artists, volunteers, vendors, and staff remain a top priority for the Festival of Arts,” the statement reads. 

The Festival of Arts is a “vibrant gathering space” for people to come together and appreciate the visual and performing arts, Perry said.

“We are poised to safely reopen our doors and welcome Festival patrons as well as the many participating artists and community volunteers in re-establishing physical and emotional connections, which are a key component of our mission,” Perry said. “We know, from decades of serving the community with face-to-face events, that connectivity is vital to the health and success of the arts.”

Another local festival will also be returning this summer.

The Sawdust Art Festival will “definitely” be opening on July 2, Sawdust Festival Board of Directors President Monica Prado confirmed in an email. They are still figuring out the details and won’t have a plan in place for a couple more weeks, she said.

“We’re overjoyed to be opening this summer,” Prado said. “We’re all busy making art and prepping to open our gate to the public on July 2nd.” 

With art shows and festivals returning to Laguna Beach, so will the visitors.

Americans’ travel readiness has resulted in a lot of trip planning for the spring and summer months, President & CEO of Visit Laguna Beach Ashley Johnson explained in an email.

Research shows that 86 percent of American travelers currently have tentative leisure travel plans and 72.8 percent expect to travel for leisure within the next three months alone, she said. Although many Americans are still in pandemic mode when it comes to booking travel, expect to see shorter booking windows, often less than four weeks out.

“I look forward to being fully reopen, so we can get back to doing business in order to ensure the success of our local economy,” Johnson said. “We understand the importance of travel and though we will be open for business, we will continue to do our part in educating our overnight guests on safe and responsible ways to visit us, ensuring that the health and safety of our community is first and foremost.”

Council considers litter fines, Leave No Trace partnership, Marine Safety vehicle, Arbor Day

By SARA HALL

Among the agenda items for next week’s meeting, Laguna Beach City Council will hear a couple of proposals related to reducing litter and visitor impacts, consider purchasing a new marine safety utility terrain vehicle, and read a proclamation for Arbor Day.

During regular business on Tuesday (April 20), council will consider a new ordinance that establishes standard penalties for littering and drinking alcoholic beverages in public.

The item would repeal another section of the city’s municipal code, and would standardize fines for violations to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense within 12 months of the first violation, and $500 for third and subsequent offenses within a 12-month period. 

“In limited cases, however, there are some municipal codes where penalties are specified in the code itself,” the agenda bill reads. “Some of those fines are substantially lower than the standard code violation.”

There are currently two different code sections that have different penalties for littering and drinking in public. For littering, the first offense is $25, the second is $50, and the highest is $100 for the third or subsequent offense. Drinking fines range from $30 for the first offense, $60 for the second, and third and subsequent offenses are misdemeanors. In comparison, drinking alcohol on a city beach is $30, but it’s $100 for drinking from a glass bottle (of alcohol or any other liquid).

Another litter-related item on the agenda is the Leave No Trace partnership with Visit Laguna Beach. 

VLB has entered into an agreement with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to develop a “comprehensive stewardship initiative that protects Laguna Beach’s natural resources by educating and empowering visitors, residents, and a network of local partners,” the agenda bill reads.

The program is very widely recognized and accepted as a stewardship program on public lands. 

“(The program) provides a proactive method for minimizing impacts that would otherwise lead to environmental degradation,” it reads. “The Center’s approach is recreation-friendly, and designed to enhance visitor experiences with easily understood, action-oriented guidance.”

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

City Council will consider a Leave No Trace partnership with Visit Laguna Beach

If approved, there is no financial contribution at this time, but the city would commit to providing in-kind staff resources to promote the program via the city’s social media and communication tools.

The partnership will help drive “recreationist behaviors in a safe and responsible way; (increasing) day tripper desire to care for Laguna Beach’s natural resources,” the Center’s scope of work proposal explains.

Phase one of the program will start this summer building the foundation of the partnership, which includes: Granting VLB a license to use the Leave No Trace logo and materials; improve messaging and target LB-tailored communications to those who are new to the local outdoor experiences; develop a 12-month communication plan; develop a framework for the initiative’s overall programming, including identifying outcomes, action steps, key measurables, ROI, and resources that will serve to guide stewardship efforts over the next five years; hold Leave No Trace educational workshops; and conduct a stakeholder survey and hold listening sessions.

The second phase will cover more partner support and education, starting in September and running through February 2022. The final phase will include expanding supports and education through the end of next year.

The Center’s proposed pricing is $34,300 for the first phase, $30,500 for the second, and $4,800 for the third. As well as an annual partnership with Visit Laguna Beach for $5,000, beginning next March.

President and CEO of Visit Laguna Beach Ashley Johnson will share a presentation with the council.

Earlier in the meeting, on the consent calendar, council will consider the purchase of a utility terrain vehicle for the Marine Safety Department. 

The UTV is a small, all-terrain vehicle that provides versatility for first responders to access locations on the beach that may otherwise be unavailable using a standard-sized vehicle.

If approved, the UTV will be used to respond to ocean rescues and medical emergencies around Main Beach. The UTV can also transport heavy equipment, emergency medical supplies, and personnel through beach crowds. It will also assist staff with transporting and deploying the personal rescue watercraft.

After reviewing the options, staff determined that buying the UTV using a cooperative agreement through Sourcewell was the most cost-effective.

A bid submitted by Polaris Sales Inc. is reasonable and based upon unit prices established with the Sourcewell agreement. 

The total cost is $24,715.76. If purchased, the UTV must be equipped and converted for emergency response, which are not expected to cost more than $5,250.

Also on Tuesday’s agenda, near the start of the meeting, council will read a proclamation for Arbor Day (celebrated on April 30). 

The city of Laguna Beach has been recognized as a “Tree City USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation for the last three years, staff explain in the agenda bill. “This has been accomplished by fulfilling four standards of sound urban forest management: Maintaining a department that is legally tasked with caring for the trees on city-owned property; having a public tree care ordinance that provides clear guidance for planting, maintaining, and removing those trees; establishing an urban forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita; and approving an annual Arbor Day observance and proclamation,” the agenda bill reads.

The recommendation incudes that council authorize staff to apply for Tree City USA re-certification.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Laguna’s beautiful trees stand out along the streets of downtown

If approved, the item also authorizes staff to plan an Arbor Day celebration event, which will be virtual to ensure the health and safety of those attending. Staff will live stream a tree planting in the park adjacent to Top of the World Elementary School and hold a youth art contest. Public Works will also plant an additional 10 trees throughout the city.

In other tree-related items, the consent calendar also includes consideration of approving the use of Bluebird Park on May 16 for Village Laguna’s 50th anniversary tree giveaway event.

The regular Council 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 96634159517#. 

Both meetings can be watched live on Cox channel 852 or on the city’s website at www.lagunabeachcity.net/agendas.

You may speak in person in Council Chambers by entering the chambers through the rear door, speak on your subject of interest, and immediately exit through the front door. A face covering must be worn while in the chambers, including while speaking.

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 April 19 (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 April 20 (the day of the meeting). While these comments will be provided to the City Council at 2 p.m. on April 20, the council members may not have sufficient time to review them prior to the meeting.

Q&A with new LBCWD General Manager Keith Van Der Maaten

Keith Van Der Maaten started in the position of LBCWD General Manager on January 31 this year after Renae Hinchey’s retirement. Van Der Maaten, originally from San Diego, is happy to be returning to Southern California with his family. Stu News welcomes him to Laguna Beach, and had a few questions for him.

Q: Which experiences from your most recent job will be most helpful in your new position, do you think, and why?

A: In my prior role as General Manager for the Marina Coast Water District, I was fortunate to be a part of a great team and community that dealt with difficult challenges head-on and with great success. It was a great experience to see first-hand that, together, we were able to achieve so much more than what could be done through divided efforts. I think my experience in finding ways to bring the community and the various departments of the District together to overcome water supply and infrastructure challenges will be what I draw upon the most.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

LBCWD General Manager Keith Van Der Maaten and Assistant General Manager Christopher Regan

Q: Since we are trying to retain our title as Most Water Wise City in the National Mayor’s Challenge, what do you see as our major obstacles in finding ways to get even better?

A: Complacency can be an issue and so we’re always looking for ways to tackle old problems in creative ways. Getting people to be renewed and refreshed in this endeavor will be the most important thing. That means reminding people that our water conservation efforts are not over, in fact, with drought on the horizon, it is now more important than ever. We’ll continue to focus on new water conserving technologies, programs, and investments that provide customers with the tools they need to keep them engaged in the importance of using water efficiently.

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Photo by Mary Hurlburt

Keith Van Der Maaten

Q: Laguna Beach County Water District is unusual in that it is a subsidiary of the City of Laguna Beach. This means that decisions affecting water rates, supply, distribution improvements, and governance remain local and in the hands of District ratepayers. What do you think of this model?

A: It is an unusual structure, but not unusual in its purpose. Having the community close and involved in the decisions of the District is the best situation possible. We are here to serve the community, and that becomes most effective when the community is near, knowledgeable, and actively participates.

Q: There have been suggestions that a recycled water system could be implemented for Laguna Beach’s service area, instead of paying for imported water along with the groundwater supply, but a 2016 study concluded that would cost ratepayers three to 11 times more than the current arrangement. Is this a project you would consider revisiting? 

A: It is always important in this industry to be keeping an eye out on options to safeguard or augment our water supply, but to move forward on those options, it must be cost effective. It may not be cost effective to do what was proposed in the past regarding the use of recycled water, but we will continue to stay abreast of our options and move forward if and when it makes sense to do so.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

LBCWD headquarters in downtown Laguna

Q: The possibility of water supply terrorism has been a topic of discussion in the news recently. Do you feel that additional strategies need to be put in place to ensure a safe water supply in Laguna?

A: We are currently updating our Risk and Resiliency plans to make sure we are doing what is necessary to keep our water supply safe. Those plans provide an assessment of risk and the roadmap for actions to be taken to further reduce risks. We currently do a great job of safeguarding our system, but we’ll continue to assess potential risks annually and take the necessary steps to reduce or eliminate those risks.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

LBCWD headquarters lobby

Q: Ocean pollution is also an issue locally. Are there any innovative strategies from other towns in similar situations that you might consider implementing?

A: As part of our water conservation efforts, we coordinate with our customers to prevent over watering of outdoor and landscaped areas, which not only helps preserve our precious water supply, but also serves to reduce runoff into storm drains and the ocean. Our annual SmartScape Expo and participation in Laguna’s KelpFest serve as opportunities to engage with residents about the impacts of overwatering on our coastal environment. In addition, our investment in Smart Meters provides staff and customers with near-real-time water use data, which is helping identify irrigation leaks and overwatering in a more timely manner, reducing the amount of runoff we see in our streets.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Photo wall of LBCWD history

Q: What will your priorities be with regard to replacing the aging water infrastructure?

A: This year, the District celebrates 96 years of delivering water to the residents of Laguna Beach. We are one of the oldest special Districts in California. With that comes aging infrastructure. While we’re prudent in maintaining our facilities to ensure they operate at peak performance for as long as possible, eventually they do need to be replaced. We are currently updating our 10-year capital improvement program (CIP), which is designed to address replacement of the critical assets of the District, especially our key reservoirs, pipelines, and pump stations. We have a great team of engineers and operators who will be overseeing the completion of these projects. My priority will be to make sure we are completing the projects in a timely and financially prudent manner. The investments we make to these critical facilities today will ensure a reliable water supply for residents for the next 100 years.

For further information about the LBCWD, go to www.lbcwd.org. 

To take the Water Wise Pledge and help Laguna Beach finish in first place again, go to www.mywaterpledge.com.

Laguna Dance Festival’s “Gather Round,” a collaboration of Complexions and Lee Rocker, premieres Sunday online

By DIANNE RUSSELL

The worlds of dance and rockabilly come together in “Gather Round,” a collaboration between Laguna resident Lee Rocker of Stray Cats fame and the award-winning Complexions Contemporary Ballet. The nine-minute performance features three songs from the Grammy-nominated upright bass player, singer, and songwriter’s current solo album Gather Round.

Commissioned by the Laguna Dance Festival, this first iteration of a full-length ballet by Complexions using the music of Rocker will be world premiered online as a free event starting Sunday, April 25 at 5 p.m. To watch the trailer, click here.

“Gather Round”

Performed by Brandon Gray and Larissa Gerszke, “Gather Round” will be presented in three short duets to Rocker’s songs: “Gather Round,” “The Last Offline Lovers,” and “When Nothing’s Going Right.” It’s a rousing, tongue-in-cheek nod to the timeless genre that is rockabilly. The piece finds its inspiration musically “in the pocket” of the rhythm and soul of Rocker’s spinning double bass, and distinct vocals. “Gather Round” is a colorful expression of movement that connects, expresses, and celebrates the joy of living life, in all of its complexities. 

Since 2005, the award-winning Laguna Dance Festival has presented world-class dance performances in theaters, on film, and public spaces, reaching thousands annually, and exposing new audiences to professional concert dance. 

Laguna Dance Festival is a nonprofit organization deeply dedicated to the arts and community. The organization is committed to collaboration, dance presentation, and education through an artistic lens that strategizes innovative ways to commission artists, educates young dancers, and unites people of all ages and cultures.

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Photo by Alex Solka

Laguna resident Lee Rocker 

This performance is the result of the collaboration of Rocker, Laguna Dance Festival Founder and Director Jodie Gates, and Founding Artistic Director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet Choreographer Dwight Rhoden.

“It came about in a collective and organic way,” says Gates. “I was speaking with Dwight and Desmond Richardson [Assistant to the Choreographer] about their use of music and how dynamic it is when they use music from rock bands and/or vocals. It helps the dancers shine.

“Since the 1980s, I have been of fan of Lee Rocker and The Stray Cats. I knew he was a resident here in Laguna, and when I met him and his wife, I discovered they were fans of Complexions. That’s the kernel of how we started this project.” 

Broadway World says of Complexions, “It is one of the finest of Contemporary Ballet Companies in America.”

Complexions has received numerous awards including The New York Times Critics’ Choice Award. It has appeared throughout the U.S. and several international locations. 

Complexions Contemporary Ballet

Together, Rhoden and Richardson have created an institution that embodies its historical moment, a sanctuary where those passionate about dance can celebrate its past while simultaneously building its future. In the 27 years since its inception, the company has born witness to a world that is becoming more fluid, more changeable, and more culturally interconnected than ever before. 

“I’ve known Jodie for years and have also met Lee Rocker before – for years, he’s been very supportive of the company,” says Rhoden. “I really love the piece and let him know that and Jodie came to me with the idea. The full-length piece will include the entire company and take half of an evening. The energy of the music allows us to go in the direction of a full cast. I really want to present this work in the full piece and continue to collaborate with Lee who has been incredibly generous with his music and his time in support of getting this filmed.”

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Photo by Katie Mollison

Filming of “Gather Round” – Brandon Gray and Larissa Gerszke

Rocker has nothing but praise for the performance. “I went to the filming – it’s a beautiful rendition – they captured the emotion as well as the visual representation.”

The Laguna Dance Festival has a long history with Complexions.

“Contemporary Complexions was our first company in 2005,” says Gates. “They are considered our family, and we’re so happy to bring them to the community. They are very joyful, and we all need joy and a sense of community. This is for all of us a way to bring that back to the community. Everything fell into place beautifully. Lee Rocker released his new album Gather Round in January. We had been thinking about a collaboration for a long time, and we connected the dots. Everyone has been absolutely wonderful to work with. It is so contagious.”

Lee Rocker

Rocker made his mark singing, playing, standing on, spinning, and rocking his giant upright bass in the legendary music group The Stray Cats. Grammy-nominated, The Stray Cats have sold nearly 10 million albums and garnered an astounding 23 gold and platinum certified records worldwide. Founded by Rocker, Brian Setzer, and Slim Jim Phantom, The Stray Cats remain a radio staple, were music video pioneers at the infancy of MTV, and repeatedly brought rockabilly music to the top of the charts.

In 2014 he was inducted into the Bass Player Hall of Fame. Rocker has received numerous honors for his contributions to music and the arts, including being inducted to the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, and he is a recipient of the Visionary Artist Award by the City of Laguna Beach.

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Submitted photo

Rocker’s new album “Gather Round” 

“It was really a little bit of a surprise,” says Rocker. “I’ve been a fan of Complexions Contemporary Ballet since I saw them 11 years ago at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. I loved them and enjoyed going to performances before the lockdown. I went to the Joyce Theater in New York and saw them dance to Lenny Kravitz’ music. It was fantastic. Then a few weeks later, I got a call from Jodie and Dwight, and we started to talk about how we could make it happen.

“The timing was fabulous. I had just released my latest album Gather Round and it all fell together. I’m thrilled and honored that they chose to choreograph and dance to music from my newest album Gather Round,” says Rocker. “Thank you for the incredible choreography, dancers, and concept. The team of Dwight Rhoden, Jodie Gates, Desmond Richardson, Brandon Gray, and Larissa Gerszke have truly captured the essence and emotions of my music in a unique and innovative way.”

Mutual admiration

“Desmond and I have been big fans of Lee’s work for a long time,” says Rhoden, “and I have always wanted to create a ballet to his music. Thanks to both Lee, Jodie, and the Laguna Dance Festival, Complexions finally gets that chance. Dance and rockabilly music have always been a perfect match in my mind, but actually getting into the studio and watching the dancers get swept away by the pulse and thump of his music has been so rewarding. The spirit of Lee’s new record Gather Round is contagious, and so inspiring.” 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Katie Mollison

Complexion dancers Brandon Gray and Larissa Gerszke

Gates says, “When we set out to commission a new work in the middle of a pandemic, we could not have imagined bringing together a more exciting group of artists. Lee Rocker’s new music Gather Round combined with exquisite dancers from Complexions and the stylish choreography by Dwight Rhoden is a multidisciplinary celebration of what the future for the arts can look like as we move together into the world of live theater post-pandemic. The world premiere of the video April 25th is just the beginning of a longer work we are committed to commission from these artists in the 2022 Laguna Dance season in Orange County.”

Rocker explains that the longer version will run 20 minutes and have additional songs included with the original three. “We are still talking about the music and what we will add – whether it will be from the album or go back to my catalog.”

Moving forward cautiously

Although the pandemic wiped out live music and dance, Rocker has national and international concerts planned for the near future. “It’s the longest I’ve been off the stage since I was 13 years old,” he says. 

“We’re very excited about the two events coming up over the next several weeks – the launch of the film and the summer intensive in June,” says Gates. “We’re looking forward to moving ahead slowly and cautiously.”

“Gather Round” credits – Choreography: Dwight Rhoden; Music: Lee Rocker; Costume Design: Christine Darch; Filmed by: Jacob Hiss; Edited by: Jacob Hiss & Dwight Rhoden; Assistant to the Choreographer: Desmond Richardson and Clifford Williams. 

The full-length ballet, for which other details are TBA, will be performed in 2022 in Laguna Beach (venue TBA).

For more information about The Laguna Beach Dance Festival, go to www.lagunadancefestival.org. 

For more information about Complexions, go to www.complexionsacademy.com.

For more about Lee Rocker, go to www.leerocker.com.

Maria Siani celebrates her 97th birthday outside this year – instead of with a car parade

This year, spry Maria Siani will celebrate her birthday – her 97th – with a luncheon involving a small group of family members outside at her brother’s house, properly distanced, of course. 

Last year, her celebration took the form of a car parade, replete with balloons and party hats, given the strict restrictions then in place in the early stages of the pandemic which made get-togethers virtually impossible. 

“She really enjoyed it and still talks about how special it was,” says daughter Sandy.

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Submitted photo

Maria Siani

Sandy adds that it has been a good year for her nonagenarian mother.

“She walks laps on her deck for exercise, got interested in politics, and enjoys keeping her mind sharp by doing word search puzzles, and talking on the phone to family and friends. She enjoys visiting her 93-year-old brother and his wife outside in their yard,” Sandy says. “She’s looking forward to socializing again, going to parties, eating out at restaurants, traveling, and walking in the park.”

Now that Maria is vaccinated, her dream to attend the Super Bowl may be realized in 2022.

Maria has led, and continues to lead, a very interesting life. She was born on April 15 in Gaeta, Italy, which is a seaport town similar to Laguna Beach. When she was just five years old, her family was forced to flee Italy. Her father refused to post a photo of Mussolini on the wall of their store, and he was threatened with death. Maria, with her mother and two brothers, left behind their family, friends, home, and business. They boarded a ship for the long journey to cross the Atlantic Ocean to arrive in America.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Maria still remembers the joy of last year’s car parade

Maria lived through the Great Depression and World War II. Then, the family moved to California where Maria met her loving husband, Salvatore Siani. Later, she and her husband opened a beautiful retail store in Newport Beach, where their clientele included actors and movie studios. Maria was together with her loving husband for 49 years. 

“My mother is still a very proud resident of Laguna Beach after 53 years here, and she can’t wait to get out and enjoy all the events the town has to offer in the coming year,” says Sandy.

Stu News wishes Maria a very happy birthday!

In memory of Jette Rae Anderson, family will triple match donations made to Tony’s Treehouse

By DIANNE RUSSELL

Jette Rae Anderson, who passed away on March 21, was a dedicated and generous supporter of Tony’s Treehouse.

Tony’s Treehouse is a nonprofit organization based in Laguna Beach. It was founded by Becky Martinez in memory of her 9-year-old son named Tony. The legacy he left his family and friends is one of giving, loving, and living life to its fullest extent.

Its mission is: “Continuing the compassionate spirit of Tony Martinez by uniting family, friends, and community who are dedicated to improving the quality of life for families in need.”

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Submitted photo

(L-R) Danny Martinez (10), Becky Martinez, and Tony Martinez (9) at Aliso Creek Beach in 1999 – two weeks before Tony’s accident

“I have agreed to match all donations that come in to Tony’s Treehouse in memory of my mother,” says Erin Anderson. “I am the president and CEO of the A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation, and I want to support Becky at Tony’s Treehouse as much as I can, and I thought what a better way to match and double all of the donations that are pouring in for support of my mother as well as this great charity. It’s a win-win for all.”

Her brother Erik Anderson of Anderson Community Properties has also agreed to match donations, so any donations made in the memory of Jette Rae Anderson to Tony’s Treehouse will now be tripled. 

Helping those less fortunate is a family affair. “Philanthropy runs deep in our blood,” says Erin.

“Jette was a friend of the Treehouse, and over the last few years, became a personal friend of mine,” says Becky. (The following was shared in Jette’s obituary.) 

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Submitted photo

Jette Rae Anderson

“Jette and I met December 2018, when she emailed regarding our annual Adopt-A-Family holiday event. She inquired about ‘adopting’ one of the local needy families on our list, to provide presents and a holiday meal for them. I quickly learned that Jette was no stranger to the world of nonprofit. She had read an article in Stu News Laguna about our little grassroots organization, Tony’s Treehouse. Our story touched her, and she signed up for our Adopt program. That was just the beginning of a beautiful relationship between Jette, me, and the Treehouse.  

“Over the next few months, we set a lunch date to meet up at one of her favorite spots in Laguna Niguel. When Sue and I met Jette face to face, we instantly felt like we’d known each other all our lives. Jette listened intently when we told her all about our small foundation. I was blessed with the opportunity to hear about her experience and receive kind words of wisdom. I loved it! That was just the first of many opportunities I had to see first-hand, Jette’s Love and Light. My deepest gratitude Jette, for your strong and steady influence. Your loving presence will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to be a part of your beautiful Life.”

In memory of Jette Rae Anderson, donations can be made to Tony’s Treehouse in lieu of flowers: www.tonystreehouse.org/financial-needs.

Laguna Beach Firefighters save dangling bird

By Janis Murray

At 7 a.m. on April 13, my husband, Dave, opened our front door to let our two dogs out, and spied a flailing bird flapping his wings furiously in our front yard neighborhood, signature 100-year-old pepper tree. Two stories up in a four-story tree, the bird was dangling upside down from a branch, clearly stuck as his bird buds perched close by helpless to save him. 

Dave immediately called the Laguna Beach Fire Department’s non-emergency line, and left a voicemail for a line that promised to call him back. But time was short. The bird buds had fled, and the dangling bird was losing energy. 

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Photo by Janis Murray

Firefighters come to the aid of robin dangling in the tree

So, Dave called 9-1-1. The lady who answered gently admonished him that this was not an appropriate 9-1-1 call, but sympathetically, promised to call Fire Station #3 two blocks from our house. Then she called Dave back to say help was on the way. 

Little did we know help would arrive in moments in the form of a full fire engine truck, no scary sirens, holding three, kind firefighters – Capt. Thomas Padden, Engineer Tony Carlson, and Firefighter Jeff White. Padden and Carlson would hold the ladder while White climbed up. 

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Photo by Janis Murray

Firefighter Jeff White rescues a robin

Turned out the flailing bird was a robin literally hanging by a thread – a piece of string wrapped around his foot and tangled in the branch. White cut it and caught the bird, who instantly panicked and flew off so fast he was still carrying some string. We think it was new material foraged for building a spring nest. We all hope this bird’s buds will help bite it off, so he doesn’t get “strung up” again. 

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Photo by Janis Murray

Safe and sound 

Thank you so much our Laguna Beach firefighters! You may not have saved just one bird, but a whole new family of birds to come this spring. Many nest in our glorious trees. You and all involved in this half-hour early morning mission were wonderful and are always welcome in our yard. 

A little birdie told me, these firefighters like chocolate chip cookies. Actually, I asked, and I am making them to deliver personally.

“Art in Public Places” – Parallel Dance by 

Cheryl Ekstrom

By DIANNE RUSSELL

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

This is the sixth in our weekly series featuring Art in Public Places. Since there are over 100 pieces of public art scattered throughout Laguna, it will take a while to cover them all.

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; and to be a source of pride to all Laguna Beach residents.

Parallel Dance by Cheryl Ekstrom was installed in 2003 for Art in Public Places and funded by the Montage Resort and Spa.

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The figures represent duality

Using the lost-wax method to create these bronze sculptures, the pieces are inspired by myth and metamorphosis. The beasts flank the walkway guarding against evil spirits. The creatures are considered protectors with mystical powers. They are paired to represent duality, a contrasting playfulness, wisdom – a form of yin and yang.

“Cheryl Ekstrom was a creative force, always experimenting, transforming her work and materials, always incredibly insightful and thoughtful,” says Cultural Arts Manager Sian Poeschl. “For her petite frame, she was a towering talent of expressive energy. Her works were a part of her, they were her voice, her story, her fragility, and her monstrous strength.”

According to artland.com: Born in 1944, Cheryl Ekstrom’s creative work was primarily influenced by the 1960s. Art turned into a vehicle for ideologies and other agendas, with Pop and Minimalism appearing simultaneously as the most significant art movements of the decade. 

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Ekstrom used the lost-wax method on the bronze sculptures 

On the West Coast in California, the first elements of what would be known as conceptual art were blossoming. Minimalism established the crucial idea that art should exist in its own reality, and not try to mimic the physical world. 

“I was incredibly lucky to know and work with Cheryl,” says Poeschl. “She gave credence to Laguna Beach as a community of artists where great things can happen. She changed the lives of everyone who was lucky enough to meet her.”

Sadly, Cheryl Ekstrom passed away in 2015.

Thes Montage is located at 30801 S Coast Hwy.

For a map of Art in Public Places (not every piece is listed), click here.

To apply for the Arts in Public Places program, click here.

Laguna Beach named 2020 Tree City USA Community for the third straight year

The City of Laguna Beach announced that it has been recognized as a 2020 Tree City USA Community by the Arbor Day Foundation. This is the third straight year the City has received the award, as the City was also named a Tree City USA Community for 2018 and 2019. 

“Maintaining our Tree City USA status demonstrates that the City of Laguna Beach values our urban forest, and recognizes the benefits that trees impart to all residents and visitors,” said Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen. “It affirms the City’s commitment to caring for the trees that line our streets, span our parks, and constitute our open space.”

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Crescent Bay beauty

To achieve the Tree City USA recognition, the City met the required four core standards of sound Urban Forestry Management: maintaining a tree board or department/division responsible for tree care, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and holding an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. 

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. More than 3,400 communities across the United States have made the commitment to becoming a Tree City USA.

The City will celebrate its 2020 Tree City USA designation at an upcoming virtual Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 30 (National Arbor Day) at 3 p.m. at Top of the World Park. You can watch the Arbor Day celebration and tree planting live on the City’s Facebook page at the link here. 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Tree in glorious bloom 

This year, the City is also hosting its first annual Arbor Day Youth Art Contest. This art contest is open to all LBUSD students. Entries should be a poem, drawing, painting, or picture on the theme of “what trees mean to me.” Any medium is accepted but the size should be no larger than 8.5” x 11” and dropped off at the City Hall check-in area by Monday, April 26. One winner will be chosen from the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Winning entries will be announced during the virtual Arbor Day celebration and displayed at City Hall.

Where’s Maggi?

Where did Maggi spy this Buddha face?

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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Laguna Beach resident Jasmine Star named “Distinguished Artist” by OCMD

With millions of views on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, 17-year-old guitar phenom and Laguna resident Jasmine Star, an alumnus of Orange County Music & Dance, has just been named as an OCMD “Distinguished Artist,” the school’s highest honor. Already rocking the music world, Star was also recently selected one of five top finalists for Guitar World’s influential “Young Guitarist of the Year” 2020 contest and can currently be seen online in a weekly studio series for KLOS radio (95.5 FM), “Jasmine Jams,” on the classic rock station’s website, www.955klos.com. 

The designation of OCMD “Distinguished Artist” is reserved for those professional performers who demonstrate an extraordinary level of artistry, passion, and dedication to music, as well as positive personal values that inspire and encourage emulation among teens and children. In her role as a “Distinguished Artist,” Star will serve as a goodwill ambassador for the school and help to inspire and empower students through periodic workshops, master classes, performances, and mentoring.

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Submitted photos

Jasmine Star

“I am very thankful to the OCMD founders Charlie Zhang and Douglas Freeman, as well as the whole OCMD staff, for creating a home for music and dance in Orange County and the surrounding areas. OCMD is a place of free expression and artistic growth for many young people and is truly the standard for what is possible,” said Star.

An electric guitar prodigy who began playing at the age of nine, she is also a classically trained pianist. Her weekly “Jasmine Jams” on the KLOS website showcases the exceptional talent and technique that have made her one of the biggest guitarists on TikTok and social media, where she often covers many of her favorite artists from Eddie Van Halen to the Foo Fighters. Her newly released single, “TIDE,” is on the rise, and Guitar World just listed her at #2 on their recent list of “12 Guitarists Who Changed the Game Over the Past 12 Months.”

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Jasmine Star has been named “Distinguished Artist” by OCMD

Star attended the noted performing arts school based in Orange County from 2017 to 2019. 

“Jasmine was an exceptional OCMD student. She is now an extraordinary professional musician on the very cusp of what will be an equally extraordinary career. We chose Jasmine as an OCMD ‘Distinguished Artist’ because she is such an exemplary role model. She embodies what we want all our students to be, artists who present the very best in artistic skills, are highly proficient, extremely versatile in multiple instruments and genres, and exceptionally creative. Added to these qualities are Jasmine’s strong core values of integrity, generosity, and compassion, which make her a truly authentic, complete artist,” stated Doug Freeman, CEO and Executive Chairman of OCMD. 

Orange County Music & Dance is a premier nonprofit community performing arts school dedicated to providing high-quality education, training, and performance opportunities in music (including instrument and voice) and dance for students primarily between the ages of 18 months and 18 years old in Orange County. Featuring a diverse student body, the school’s mission is to make the arts accessible to every child, and to provide all children the opportunity to learn music and dance, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. 

For more information, visit www.ocmusicdance.org.

COVID-19: 8 new cases reported in Laguna Beach this past week

Today, Stu News Laguna is changing our reporting of the COVID-19 numbers from daily to weekly, as reported daily by the OC Health Care Agency.

This week, April 9-15, there have been eight new cases in Laguna Beach, bringing the overall totals to 835 cases reported to date and seven total deaths.

During the past week, the County reported a total of 994 new cases, raising the total to 252,692 to date. The death totals for the County were 43 for the week, bringing the overall total number of deaths to 4,869.

As of yesterday, April 15, Orange County has performed a cumulative of 3,510,285 tests to date. There are 125 current cases of hospitalized patients in Orange County, of which 29 are in ICU.

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 County’s data dashboard, click here.

COVID-19 numbers are updated weekly by Stu News Laguna in Friday’s new edition and on our social media pages @StuNewsLaguna.

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Data courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine pulled for further study after blood clot issue

On Tuesday, April 13, the State of California temporarily halted the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine out of an abundance of caution. This stoppage comes after reports that six women between the ages of 18 and 48 developed unusual types of blood clots 6-13 days after receiving the vaccine. 

This pause will be in place until the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) completes a review of the reported cases.

In alignment with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s recommendation and with safety as the top priority, the County of Orange has removed the Johnson & Johnson vaccine from all its vaccination Point of Distribution (POD) sites until further notice. The county’s vaccination PODs will continue to dispense the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines to individuals with appointments.

Approximately 27,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine were issued between the week of March 8 and April 12. As of April 12, more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine have been administered in the U.S. 

People who received the vaccine in the last three weeks should look for any symptoms of these unusual clots, including severe headaches, abdominal or leg pain, and shortness of breath, and contact their medical provider if symptoms develop. People who don’t have a medical provider can call 2-1-1 to connect with a healthcare provider.

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

Guest Column

From Laguna with Love: Hiking Laguna’s hills mid-pandemic: a balancing act

By Avra Kouffman

New Year’s Day, fairly or not, always seems to augur the year to come. It’s worth trying to spend it somewhere spectacular. When my friend Joni said, “Let’s hike Top of the World,” I thought that was a great idea. 

So did many other people. 

I guess this was to be expected. Everyone wants to start the year off right. 

But who wants to catch COVID on New Year’s Day? Not I. I spent months at home when the pandemic started. As a dutiful masker, I wasn’t happy to see so many hikers swarming around the entrance to Alta Laguna Park. 

Unlike me, however, they probably were not afraid to drive uphill. I grew up as a passenger. In my native Manhattan, locals got around on subways and buses or in cabs. Later, planes, trains, trams, and other forms of public transport took me to, and through, more than 30 countries. 

The California sea-burbs are different. When I moved here at 38, I had to take highway driving lessons. Years later, I’m polite and careful on the road, but I’ve never learned to parallel park. I feel sick whenever I’m stuck on an incline. My Camry always seems like it’s about to roll backwards. This can make the paradise of Laguna feel a bit less paradisiacal. 

As I drove up Park Avenue’s winding road, a long line of cars before me halted at every stop sign. Each time, I prayed, “Please don’t let me roll backwards and hit the car behind me.” Yes, I have an automatic. Fear doesn’t require a rational motive to feel strong and real. 

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Submitted photo

Avra Kouffman on New Year’s Day

Of course, it’s no secret that going to Top of the World involves a hill. But I’ve learned to blank out impending drives in order to make plans and get places. If not, I’d have to forego Laguna’s many lovely vistas. 

Parking was the next challenge. Tightly-packed vehicles lined the street. I was relieved to find a spot on a street off Ridge Drive. I checked for signs, but couldn’t tell if a permit was needed, so I chanced it. After all, my friends were waiting, the other spots were taken, and it was time to enjoy the day. 

“If I get a ticket, it’s not the end of the world,” I told myself. “People book flights for the chance to see views like this.”

Once I found my group waiting at the trailhead, the ocean and sky hues, echoing hills, and clear air and warmth helped calm my nerves. Natural beauty has a softening effect. The air felt clean and clear. Visibility was great. The bright blue sky picked up the dimmer colors of the coastal scrub, and we could see Santa Catalina and San Clemente islands in the distance. The blue of the Pacific below reminded me that we were sharing a special place. 

We began our hike down West Ridge, stopping occasionally for photos. I wore good masks – two KN95s, one atop the other. But we didn’t maintain a six-foot distance. And we had to pass other hikers – a mix of mountain bikers, clusters of friends, and families out with their dogs. It seemed half the town had woken up thinking, “Let’s go to Top of the World!”

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Submitted photo

Beautiful vistas at Top of the World 

 Many hikers wore no masks. This gave me pause, but we were outside, and only momentarily shuffling by each other. Most likely, they felt that nature trails were a good place to unmask safely. That’s the rub: outdoor spaces are for everyone, but we all assess levels of risk differently. I know I can be shamed for gathering, even outdoors, in a pandemic. And frankly, I often blame others who walk around unmasked. Yet we all navigate this process of avoiding COVID by degrees, with shared and individual factors to consider. 

For me, Top of the World was a great start to the year. Parts of the route were a bit steep, and the inclines and declines took some steady, careful walking and balance. Deciding when to go out, and when to stay in, has become another balancing act, one that requires daily negotiation. It’s hard to know how long this need to consider risks and benefits for every trip will continue. I’m just grateful I was able to greet the New Year in Laguna, with friends, reasonably safely, from a place as alluring as Top of the World. 

Avra Kouffman dreams of trading her car in for a magic carpet that flies around Laguna. 

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..

Dennis’ Tidbits

By DENNIS McTIGHE

April 16, 2021

Where have all the raindrops gone?

Tuesday’s rain amounted to a scant 0.06 inches, bringing our puny 2020-21 season total to just 4.25 inches. Heck, some towns in the South got that much in just two days earlier this week! Normal to date is 13.03. If our rainy season were to end today, we would finish with our second driest season on record, surpassed only by the 2006-07 season with 3.71 inches. 

The second half of April averages a little more than a half-inch and May averages a quarter-inch and June about a tenth. A significant La Nina was responsible for the extreme dryness. 

A funny quirk about Colorado’s climate is that some of the more notorious snowstorms have occurred in the months of April and May. Sure, the winter months get plenty of snow there as well, but there have been occasions when April and May collect more snowfall than your standard winter season. 

It even snowed in that region as late as early June, although that is quite rare, but once in a great while they’ll get a surprise covering of the white stuff. This week has been a classic example of that phenomenon with up to two feet of snow hammering parts of that state. There was a two-foot snowstorm in parts of Colorado in the middle of May in 1978, 1979, and 1997. People were skiing into July of those years.

The warmest weather on the Pacific West Coast this weekend can be found in the most unlikely place and that would be in Northern California, Oregon, and Washington, and even parts of British Columbia, with temps well into the 80s up there. That’s well over 20 degrees above normal for that region, as several high temp records are in store for them on both Saturday and Sunday because of a big, strong ridge of high pressure settling over them. The dryness and strong east winds, much like our Santanas down here, are bringing unusually warm dry conditions with humidity as low as 12-15 percent. That’s when the coastal towns heat up, with highs of 80 or more forecast for places like Long Beach, Washington; Astoria and Lincoln City, Oregon; and even Eureka in far Northern California. 

It’s also been unusually dry in places like Seattle, Washington, and Portland Oregon, with less than a quarter-inch of rain having fallen so far this month and no rain seen for at least another week or so. Normal April rainfall in Seattle and Portland is around three inches, so they have some catching up to do. Down here our temps will be at or slightly below normal. 

Local ocean temps continue to inch upward with readings now up in the 63 to 66-degree range over most of the county, and that’s about 3-5 degrees above normal for mid-April. On this date in 1997, the ocean temp in Laguna reached an all-time record high of 75 degrees, having crossed the 70 threshold as early as April 5 of that month. 1997 was the most memorable year for super warm water as 235 consecutive days saw 70-plus water, from April 5 through November 20. What a run, compliments of the mega 1997-98 El Nino. 

Have a wonderful weekend and stay safe and healthy. We’re starting to turn the corner on this thing so keep the faith!

ALOHA!

Sun block

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Sun peeks through the clouds

LB Historical Society presents Zoom webinar on new book by Barbara Ann Burns on April 28

The Laguna Beach Historical Society is hosting a Zoom webinar on

Wednesday, April 28 from 7-8 p.m., titled Suite Alice of Riverside, Tahoe and Laguna California Hotel Pioneer 1874-1938 by author and guest speaker Barbara Ann Burns. For a link to join the webinar, click here.

The following provides a preview of the upcoming presentation:

“Suite” Alice Miller Richardson was a Laguna pioneer. Orange County Archives show she bought 400 acres in Arch Beach in 1904.

Alice made her money managing Riverside’s Historic Mission Inn for her brother Frank Miller, its owner. He always said she was a better hotel man than he was, and he paid her generously. Nine months a year, she charmed kings, presidents, movie stars, authors, and Laguna artists at the Mission Inn with her world-famous hospitality. She was known as Riverside’s first career woman. During Riverside’s hot summers – when Mission Inn business was slow – resorts like the legendary Tahoe Tavern, the Palomares Hotel, and the Long Beach Hotel hired Alice to bring her unique brand of hospitality for their busy summer seasons. When she wasn’t working, she vacationed at her cottage on the bluffs in Laguna.

Alice Richardson made the Mission Inn what it is. She saved the Tahoe Tavern.

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Submitted photo

Alice Richardson artwork by Hovsep Pushman

She was an important figure in early Laguna’s real estate business and art community. Yet historians in Riverside, Tahoe, and Laguna know little or nothing about her.

The author says, “I’m Barbara Burns and I’ve been a docent at the Mission Inn for more than 20 years. I knew very little about Alice. I wondered how she could have lived at the Mission Inn for 65 years and there are no stories about her? I made it my business to find out about her. I spent hours researching old newspapers, property records, Mission Inn archives, and ephemera. What started as curiosity about the woman ‘they said’ helped her brother run the Mission Inn turned into the story of an amazing, lovable, and very successful woman who was really the one in charge of the Mission Inn.

“That’s how Suite Alice of Riverside, Tahoe, and Laguna, California Hotel Pioneer 1874-1938 by Barbara Ann Burns came to be. It wasn’t my plan to be an author, but her story had to be told. The first reader who wrote to me said it is an ‘interesting, engaging, and well-written book.’ Another wrote, ‘I am reading your book and loving it.’”

Tune in to the Laguna Beach Historical Society’s Zoom presentation to see photographs and hear readings from Suite Alice of Riverside, Tahoe, and Laguna, California Hotel Pioneer 1874-1938.

“It’s an inspiring story that I love telling. I hope you’ll be watching,” says Burns.

The book can be purchased online at www.missioninnmuseum.shop/.

Guest Column

How to hang out at the edge of uncertainty 

By Dr. Vidya Reddy

When we get into a situation that feels uncertain, most of us will immediately try to get to a place of certainty.

Instead of creating content for my website, I’ll find myself wanting to check emails or my favorite websites.

Instead of having a difficult conversation, we’ll stay in a crappy situation for longer than we need to.

Instead of putting our art out into the world, we’ll hide it in the safety of obscurity.

When things feel chaotic and overwhelming, we look for a system that will feel ordered and simple.

All of us do this in most areas of our lives. Sometimes, we are able to voluntarily stay in uncertainty, but those times are relatively rare, and usually we don’t like it so much.

Here’s the thing: the edge of uncertainty and chaos is where we learn, grow, create, lead, and make incredible art and new inventions.

The edge of uncertainty is where we explore, go on adventures, get curious, and reinvent ourselves.

The edge of uncertainty is where we can find unexpected beauty, love, intimacy, vulnerability, meaning.

Everything we truly crave is at the edge of uncertainty, but we run from it.

The trick is to stay in it.

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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/.

The edge, not deep in the pit

I say the “edge of uncertainty” because most of us are unprepared to be fully in uncertainty without some kind of ground under our feet. We need some certainty, some safety. Without it, we feel like we’re spinning out of control.

When our lives become untethered, we need some kind of ground to stand on. When we’re lost in depression or trauma, we need to feel the ground of our basic goodness, of knowing that there are others here with us.

So, I don’t recommend letting go of all certainty. Let your life be mostly stable.

But once you have a little stability, let yourself get to the edge of uncertainty.

It’s the place where you’re learning, but not completely lost. Where you are exploring, but not free falling. Where you’re creating something new, but not without some grasp of what came before you.

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Photo by Kavita Reddy

Stay at the edge, then let yourself rest in comfort

Stay at the edge, and then let yourself rest in some kind of comfort. Go to the edge, then come back and take a breather.

How to train at the edge

If you’d like to get good at staying in uncertainty, I highly recommend daily training.

And no, it’s not enough to say, “My life is all uncertainty, I’m already doing it!” I mean, that’s probably true, but it’s not deliberate practice. It’s what’s happening to you, but you’re not deliberately training to stay at your edge.

So, I recommend daily deliberate practice:

--Set aside a time. It’s not usually helpful to say that you’ll do it sometime. You already have enough of those things in your life, and adding one more won’t be helpful. So, pick a time and set multiple reminders.

--Pick something you’re avoiding or feel overwhelmed/afraid of. Writing that book or report, marketing, giving honest feedback, dealing with new technology, making calls, recording videos, etc. It should make you feel somewhere around a 7 out of 10 resistance. Have a good reason to do this task, not just because it’s hard. Are you doing it for something meaningful to you? For someone you care about?

--Do it for a short time. Just 10 minutes is fine, or 15. Work up to 30 minutes a day. You just need to stay there a little while, not forever.

--Learn to embrace the uncertainty. Notice how you feel like doing something else. Let yourself feel the uncertainty, as a physical sensation in your body. Let yourself stay there, but bring curiosity instead of complaint to the uncertainty. See if there can be any kind of openness, gratitude, even joy in the middle of the uncertainty.

--Be kind to yourself. Notice if you’re beating yourself up about not doing more or doing better, and let go of some of that. Be kind. If you’re trying to force yourself to do something you hate, give yourself encouragement. Cultivate a friendly attitude toward yourself in this training.

It also helps to have accountability, or to do it with others (on a video call, for example).

In Peace, Love and Gratitude. 

‘Til next time.

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

www.Naturally-Happy.com

Laguna Presbyterian Church will host food drive Saturday morning

Laguna Presbyterian Church will collect food, cash, and checks to benefit the Laguna Food Pantry on Saturday, April 17 from 8 a.m. to noon. The church is in downtown Laguna Beach at 415 Forest Ave. Items can be dropped off in the church’s 3rd Street parking lot.

Laguna Presbyterian Church is on the Food Pantry’s 2020 Honor Roll for generous giving. Earlier this year, the church donated an additional $25,000 toward the Food Pantry’s mission that “no one should go hungry.”

The Food Pantry was founded following the 1993 Laguna Beach fire. Prior to the global pandemic, approximately 100 shoppers came daily for food. Since last spring, that number has doubled, with so many residents facing unemployment for the first time.

Visitors who need essential grocery items can visit the Food Pantry to receive free, nutritious groceries, Monday through Friday, between 8-10:30 a.m., in a drive-through distribution program. Operations are made possible by over 120 volunteers, under the direction of a working Board of Directors.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Premises of Laguna Food Pantry

The Pantry provides milk, eggs, produce, meat, and non-perishable items. South Orange County residents can receive 50 pounds of groceries per week. The “Big 6” most popular items are: tuna, cereal, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, pasta and pasta sauce, and rice and beans. Vegetarian groceries are available upon request. Donors should check food expiration dates, as the Food Pantry is not allowed to distribute expired food items.

The Food Pantry relies mainly on food received from Second Harvest Food Bank. Many groceries are rescued from local markets that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

Monetary donations go toward buying from grocery stores. A $100 donation provides groceries for a year for a family of four. Checks should be made payable to the Laguna Food Pantry.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Popular food items include milk and hot dogs

Also needed are clean, sturdy cloth totes or heavy-duty plastic bags for seniors and veterans.

Laguna Presbyterian Church members and friends are committed to lending volunteer and financial support to local human services. The church’s Outreach team coordinates activities to support local and international programs. Every gift makes a difference in someone’s life!

To learn about volunteer opportunities at the Food Pantry, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.lagunafoodpantry.org. The Food Pantry is located at 20652 Laguna Canyon Rd.

To learn more about Laguna Presbyterian Church’s worship and outreach programs, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or visit www.lagunapreschurch.org.

Help Laguna defend “Most Water Wise City” title in Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge

Mayor Bob Whalen is vowing to defend Laguna Beach’s title of “Most Water Wise City” that residents won last year despite the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Whalen is joining mayors across the country in asking residents to take part in the Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. Laguna has won the title five times since first participating in the annual competition ten years ago. 

The challenge, which runs the duration of the month through April 30, is a nonprofit national community service campaign that encourages leaders to inspire their residents to make a series of simple pledges at www.mywaterpledge.com to use water more efficiently, reduce pollution, and save energy. In return, residents can win $3,000 toward their home utility payments, water saving fixtures, and hundreds of other prizes. Plus, one lucky charity will receive a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid to serve the community. 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Aliso Creek – residents have committed to eliminating water runoff

“Laguna Beach has been a proud supporter of this community-based competition since its inception,” says Whalen. “Our residents have long recognized the value of water and this past year highlights how important a clean and reliable water supply is to our community. The pandemic, like natural disasters and drought, should remind all Californian’s that water in our state is a precious and finite resource. I encourage all residents to do their part and pledge to save water.” 

To participate, residents go to www.mywaterpledge.com and make a series of online pledges to conserve water on behalf of Laguna Beach. Cities compete in the following population categories: 5,000-29,999 residents, 30,000-99,999 residents, 100,000-299,999 residents, 300,000-599,999 residents, and 600,000+ residents. Last year, residents around the nation, from Anchorage to the Florida Keys, made pledges to change behaviors ranging from fixing home leaks to reducing harmful runoff into local rivers and streams. 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

2019 – Tenth Annual Laguna Water District Smartscape 

In addition to the water saved, Challenge participants pledged to save 8 million gallons of oil, 4 billion gallons of carbon dioxide, 74 million kilowatt hours of electricity, and $14 million in consumer cost savings. Additionally, single-use water bottles will be reduced by 2.6 million, 67,000 pounds of hazardous waste eliminated from our watersheds, and 29 million fewer pounds of waste entering landfills. 

“Throughout this unprecedented pandemic, we’ve all had to reflect on the role water plays in our lives,” stated Keith Van Der Maaten, general manager of the Laguna Beach County Water District. “By taking part in the Wyland Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, we are reminded of our individual responsibility to use water wisely.”

The National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation is presented by the Wyland Foundation and Toyota, with support from the U.S. EPA WaterSense, The Toro Company, National League of Cities, Conserva Irrigation, EcoSystems Inc., and Earth Friendly Products (makers of ECOS).

To make the pledge and help Laguna Beach defend its title, go to www.mywaterpledge.com.

For more information about the challenge, go to www.wylandfoundation.org.

Laguna Beach County Water District provides water service to 19,000 residents within an 8.5-square-mile area of Laguna Beach. The District’s mission is to furnish a high quality, reliable water supply in a financially responsible manner, while promoting water-use efficiency.

A rumbling sky

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Clouds the color of burning coals

Fun had by all at “Stand Up With Us”

On Saturday, March 27, Lido Paddle Project hosted its inaugural fun-raiser “Stand Up With Us” at The Ranch at Laguna Beach. The sold-out event raised almost $30,000, which will be directed towards wellness programming for first responders and veterans. 

As luncheon guests registered at the Sage Patio, guitar filled the air adding to the warmth of the lush green hillsides and sunshine. The conversation was lively as it had been long since most had gathered. The appreciation and joy of community were felt by all.

Executive Chef Kyle St. John impressed every guest with his meal featuring seared King Oro Salmon for the main course. Professional opera soprano Katrina Murphy jumped up to captivate the audience with a surprise performance of two Italian arias.

Next, Magic Castle magician John Guastaferro delighted the crowd with sleight of hand astounding all on his journey to connect his audience to wonder.  All this fun was followed by chocolate pot de crème or seasonal fruit tart. 

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Chris Amodeo and the Moderns

The post-lunch band, Chris Amodeo and the Moderns, performed peaceful songs from the 60s and 70s. The short program was led by board member and emcee Ron Pringle. CDO Michelle Highberg began with thanks to all guests and sponsors. 

Next, Lido Paddle Project’s PTSD specialist, Brooke Bergman Parr, spoke on the stressors faced by our protectors and veterans this past year. Co-founder couple Debra Kottke and Norman Rest next shared their vision to heal the community through SUP, kayak, and other therapies. Norman shared his immense gratitude and its mission alignment with community healing from isolation and fear of the past year. 

Guest speaker Rich German took guests on a journey of his colorful life, ocean stewardship, and how SUP has inspired his nonprofit Project O and his quest to ensure Laguna Beach becomes a Blue City. Guests had an opportunity to purchase his new book Blue Laguna, which he signed at the event and generously donated 50 percent of book sales back to Lido Paddle Project. The nonprofit is honored for Rich’s volunteerism as their Ocean Tour Leader.

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Submitted photo

Ann Marie McKay, Veteran Ambassador, holding Rich German’s book

City Clerk and Air Force Veteran Ann Marie McKay spoke as one of Lido Paddle Project’s served veterans. She shared how SUP has instilled peace and grounding in her life. The program concluded with an opportunity drawing followed by more tunes on the patio. Lido Paddle Project thanks all who attended, in person or virtually, as well as their generous sponsors OC Music & Dance, NuVision Federal Credit Union, The Carol Lee Group, In Flow, Dell Technologies, and the Donahue and Ellingson families of Laguna Beach.

For more information on Lido Paddle Project, visit www.lidopaddleproject.org.

Chef/Owner Lindsay Smith of Nirvana Grille: a balancing act extraordinaire

By DIANNE RUSSELL

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

Starting over again after the COVID-19 pandemic is a delicate balance on many fronts – especially for restaurant owners. In addition to not knowing, “What the future will look like,” says Lindsay Smith, owner and executive chef of Nirvana Grille, there are other unknowns as well.

During the past year, Laguna native Smith faced challenges in both her business – and home life. Yet, her response was, “How can I make this work?” This appears to be a mantra that propelled her to where she is today – the only female restaurant owner/chef in Laguna Beach. Smith was just 29 years old when Nirvana, which celebrated its 13th anniversary on March 15, opened.

In September of last year, she and her then husband Luis, co-owner of Nirvana Grille, divorced after 16 years of marriage. They have two sons, 12-year-old Diego and 4-year-old Mateo.

New roles

As a result, Smith bought out her ex-husband’s share in Nirvana Grille, which was their second restaurant, they opened in 2008. She has now taken over as sole owner. Couple this with her new role as a single mother – who puts in countless hours at the restaurant – and it’s a situation riddled with complications.

Compounding the dilemma of, “What will the future look like?” paired with the question, “What do I want to be and do now?”

“Whatever that is,” she says, “I’ll build from there with a positive perspective and deal with things as they come. I have begun learning to let the rest go.”

Pandemic

Somehow Smith is making it work. During the shutdown, the restaurant maintained its co-op and takeout. The co-op market, which is still operating today to many loyal patrons, was Smith’s innovative response to food shortages and “stay-in-place” orders. It was a godsend for many people in the community.

Currently, the restaurant and co-op are both operating Wednesday through Saturday from 5-9 p.m. for indoor and outdoor dining, and in May will additionally open on Tuesdays. During the summer, they will reopen for Sunday dining.

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Chef/Owner Lindsay Smith

“There’s not enough business yet on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday to justify opening for us.” says Smith. “We have to bring in a certain amount of money just to open and pay the staff.”

“The one silver lining during the pandemic is that I’m able to be with Diego and Mateo on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. It’s taught me to be present – not just physically – but in the moments when I’m with them.”

On the remaining days, she has many close friends that help her juggle the childcare arrangements when they are with her.

For Smith, there is no passing the buck or calling in a backup. “People at the restaurant count on me to show up,” she says.

To be sure, all the moving parts in the restaurant business are unpredictable, as evidenced by a call she got during the interview that one of her back servers went into the hospital for gallbladder surgery. She quickly had to find a replacement.

 As with many restaurants, Smith is dealing with a staff shortage.

“Some of the 20-30-year-old workers have moved back in with their parents,” she explains. “Some have found jobs online offering more consistency and more money, and in other cases, the money for staying at home is more than they’d get paid working with the current and past stimulus checks.”

Smith is currently looking to hire folks who want to get back in the workforce part-time with a more reliable work ethic.

Passion for food

In the midst of all the changes during the past year, one thing is clear – Smith is a curator of food and the food experience.

“It’s an expression of who I am,” she says. “I love the interaction with diners. Through my food, people get to see a side of me that they don’t usually get to see. It impacts my life, and it makes a difference. It’s my way of being seen and heard.”

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Mateo helping with the chopping, although his mother says he is primarily interested in taking things apart and putting them back together

She also expresses herself through the art that’s on display in the restaurant. Her father Michael Smith, an antiquities dealer in Santa Fe, N.M., and former landscape gardener here in Laguna, additionally introduced her to love plein air paintings. The first piece he gave her hangs in the restaurant. “I appreciate the crisp and accurate interpretation of Southern California, mostly Laguna – it’s such a unique space.”

The rhythm

Smith’s passion for food and food preparation is evident.

For her, it comes down to the cuisine. “It’s all about the food,” she says. “It’s trial and error, playing around with things, so as not to waste the flavors. I’m inspired by how people put things together. I also find ways to use what is in season to shape my menus and make sure that nothing is wasted, and adjust as needed.”

Smith admits she doesn’t follow food trends, mostly for the mere fact that many trends today she was raised on over the last 40 years. “I consider myself – and my palette – the demographic I try to please. I want approachable food, with clean flavors and integrity in my food.”

“The line in the kitchen is like a dance. When it’s not consistent and you have different people working together, it often changes the rhythm. The fluidity to service is a must and the team must be cohesive to make it all flow. On the line, there’s no need to speak, we read each other, and move in sync when the flow is right. I love playing music on the line and just having fun. I like to be in the kitchen these days at least once or twice a week to support them and make sure our quality and consistency is upheld. This also supports my staff to have a consistent rhythm, and I am able to jump in only when needed and focus toward my business needs when I’m not cooking.”

“If you go to a restaurant and the dish tastes different from the last time, it usually means that someone else likely took over one of the positions that night.”

As a curator of the food experience, she likes nothing better than to be out on the floor and help patrons with their selections.

“Now, I can look to begin to make that part of what I do,” Smith says. “If someone is uncertain about what to order, I’ll suggest combining a couple entrées and tailoring it to the diner’s wants. I love guiding people through a meal, pairing a wine with a dish, making it an experience – and they get what they want. Now the challenge is figuring out how to incorporate this desire to be on the floor more, and shape a guest experience, or at the least allow people the opportunity to ask for me when they want help.”

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Smith says Diego loves to cook

Smith goes above and beyond in other service areas as well. She describes a recent evening in which a couple – with three children and a baby – she had helped with a few suggestions through the evening, but then just as their meal came, the baby became fussy. “I took the baby and entertained it while the parents finished eating by going in the kitchen, sitting at my computer, and watching the cars.” At one time or another, she’s also taken older kids back to see the kitchen. She keeps crayons and coloring books on hand, and used to have toys on hand for each age group. “If the kids are happy, the parents will be, and they’ll want to come back. It’s a win-win situation.”

They have a great kids’ menu – based on Diego and Mateo shaping the menu over time to make up the meals.

The road to Nirvana

Smith’s love for cooking started at a young age.

“When I was around 9 years old, I would often visit my grandmother and we’d watch Julia Childs’ cooking show on PBS together.”

Her parents divorced when she was three years old, but she was raised by both parents as well as her stepfather, who gave her and her sisters a lot of guidance and structure. Smith’s father moved permanently to Santa Fe, N.M., when she was 14 years old and shortly thereafter, her mom and stepfather divorced. 

At the young age of 15, she went to work at the Renaissance Café on Forest Avenue, and so began her introduction to the restaurant industry. Her junior year, she went to independent studies, got a second job, and moved into her own place in South Laguna until moving up to live with her aunt and uncle in San Francisco, where she got her GED early, worked, and attended college.

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Life with a 4-year-old and 12-year-old is never boring

“After living in San Fran, I went to the Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico for a year and to Kauai, Hawaii, where my mom ran an ayurvedic retreat with a private chef. When she moved back to the mainland, I stayed and worked for my stepfather at his soap and candle shop. Then I got a job in the kitchen at Postcards, a restaurant in Hanalei Bay. I also spent time going to the farmer’s market and cooking with my roommate and my mom’s chef.”

Just after turning 20, Smith came back to the mainland and cooked the holiday dinner with her grandmother once again and was encouraged to see if a culinary career would be a good fit. She decided to start at Orange Coast College in taking an intro cooking class. “I really liked it,” she says. “So I decided to continue for a degree in the culinary program at Orange Coast College and live with my grandmother for a bit until moving back to Laguna Beach about six months later. That first year was great sharing with my grandmother the mutual love of cooking – and what she inspired in me to go for, which was what I love and was good at doing.”

Work, work, work

While still attending classes, Smith worked for (and this list would make anyone’s head spin): Creme De La Creme Catering, 5 Feet Catering, Pascal Olhats’ Catering, Cienega Catering, Fox Studios, and Universal Studios.

“I started with Pascal in the Traditions by Pascal Restaurant because of working catering with him and was referred by his Catering Director Patti, a dear friend. Shortly after, I also started working in the mornings at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. After a year, I decided it was too much, and that for the long-term, I could grow at the Ritz-Carlton.”

Then after a year and a half working in the kitchen at Ritz-Carlton, she suffered an injury to her right hand that required multiple Cortisone injections, surgery, and a year of physical therapy.

“I had to decide ‘do I give it up’ or find another way,” she says.

And again her mantra came into play, “How can I make this work?”

Smith switched to the front of the house and for the next four and a half years, cycled through 19 different departments at the Ritz. “It’s where I learned how the daily service of a restaurant all worked operationally. It was every single tool I needed to open a restaurant,” she says. “The hand injury turned out to be a gift. I learned everything I needed to succeed in what I did not know now 21 years later I’d be sitting in an interview running my very own restaurant.”

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A more peaceful moment 

However, at the time, Smith didn’t know if she’d be able to cook again.

“I wasn’t willing to give up on what I loved to do. I just had to adjust how I was involved in it. During the last year and a half I was at the Ritz, I started my own business as a private chef cooking for clients in Laguna and the outskirt cities. At the same time, Luis and I were starting to date. I would cook and he would serve the meal. We made a great team. He had moved on to the Montage six months prior, and I left the Ritz in order to focus on my catering. After six months on my own, I accepted a position at zpizza as their corporate chef. A year and a half later, I decided to venture out on my own, and we opened our first restaurant in Mission Viejo four months later – in 2006.” 

However, Smith always wanted to have a restaurant in her hometown of Laguna Beach.

Thirteen years ago, that vision came true. “We started here in Laguna after two years in Mission Viejo, and we ran them concurrently for four years until November 2012 when the lease was up there.”

What the future looks like

Regular customers are coming back. “Friends in the community I was raised in are very important to me,” Smith says.

Previous to the pandemic, Nirvana Grille could seat 82 inside diners – now it accommodates 44, including the big booth and outside on the rooftop and downstairs patio could seat 70 diners – now 46. Smith says, “I’m not sure we’ll fully go back to the way it was. I like that the tables are farther apart. It’s easier for servers and more conducive to dining.”

Part of the digital tools that came with the pandemic will stay.

“The digital menus have been great,” Smith says. “The menu can be changed immediately. If we run out of something, we take it off the menu.”

As for other pre-pandemic elements, there’s one that won’t re-emerge.

“We won’t do happy hour anytime soon again, I think. I want customers to visit and stay and relax, and not rush, as if they’re coming into my home.”

For someone who will be a mere 42 years old on May 26, Smith has overcome seemingly impossible odds to get where she is today.

“I believe what you think is what you create, and that it manifests itself into what you want,” she says. “But be clear about what you want – and that it’s not attached to an outcome. Having this mentality in many areas, especially now, has been very important to me and exemplifies keeping a positive outlook in times of adversities.”

Nirvana Grille is located at 303 Broadway St, #101.

For more information, go to https://nirvanagrille.com/ or call (949) 497-0027.

Laguna Playhouse presents Dan Lauria and Wendie Malick in Sitting and Talking

Laguna Playhouse is excited to announce that Playhouse favorites Dan Lauria and Wendie Malick will reunite in the Southern California premiere of Sitting and Talking. The show will stream on-demand beginning today, Friday, April 16 through Sunday, May 2 at www.lagunaplayhouse.com. 

Created and written specifically for the Zoom platform, Lia Romeo’s charming, deeply heartfelt play follows a man and woman in their 60s as they navigate the vulnerable, awkward, and sometimes hilarious path to companionship via online dating during quarantine. 

Film and TV star Dan Lauria (Jack Arnold in The Wonder Years, Broadway’s Lombardi) is joined by Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actress Wendie Malick (Hot in Cleveland, Just Shoot Me), and the piece is directed by James Glossman. 

“We are overjoyed that Dan and Wendie are teaming together to present this moving Southern California premiere play. They are two of our Playhouse treasures and under the direction of James Glossman, Lia Romeo’s new play is going to be a moving and wonderful event for our audiences,” comments Artistic Director Ann E. Wareham and Executive Director Ellen Richard. 

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Submitted photo

Dan Lauria to perform in “Sitting and Talking”

Dan Lauria (Charles) has appeared as a guest star in over seventy television episodic programs and more than twenty Movie of the Week productions, plus a score of motion picture credits. Dan is a very familiar face to the off-off, off, and regional theatre scene, having performed, written, or directed over 50 professional stage productions. 

In 2010/2011, Dan was seen on Broadways as the legendary coach Vince Lombardi in the long-running production of Lombardi, with the beautiful and talented Judith Light, directed by Thomas Kail of Hamilton fame. 

Dan returned to Broadway in the 2013 and 2014 productions of the Tony-nominated A Christmas Story: The Musical directed by John Rando. However, Dan is most recognized as the Dad on the highly acclaimed Emmy-winning ABC television show The Wonder Years. 

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Submitted photo

Wendie Malick stars in “Sitting and Talking”

Wendie Malick (Enid) gained prominence on the small screen as Nina Van Horn in Just Shoot Me, which earned her one Golden Globe and two Emmy nominations. Wendie also starred in Hot in Cleveland, earning a People’s Choice Award and SAG nomination for Best Ensemble, as well as Dream On, earning four Cable Ace Awards. Other television credits include Frasier, Big Day, Good Company, Rush Hour, with recurring arcs on This Is Us, The Ranch, American Housewife, Pitch, Darrow and Darrow, and NYPD Blue. Wendie’s television guest appearances include Seinfeld, Grace and Frankie, Mom, CSI, NCIS: New Orleans, LA Law, and The X-Files.

Sitting and Talking will be available on-demand from April 16-May 2. All ticket holders will be invited to join the cast and creative team for a special live talk-back Sunday, April 18 at 5:30 p.m. Viewing passes are $20 per household.

Tickets are available at www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

Hot Glass/OC art exhibition debuts at JWA

An exhibition titled Hot Glass/OC featuring the creative talents of professional Orange County artists specializing in the use of hot glass has made a luminous debut at John Wayne Airport (JWA) and continues through October 2021. Guests who visit the Vi Smith Concourse Gallery in the terminal can view multiple examples of colorful and innovative glass-related artwork.

As guest curator for the exhibition, Antoinette Sullivan’s career spans more than 30 years, curating art for prominent Orange County restaurants including Bistango and Bayside, and assisting artists in promoting and exhibiting their art in alternative spaces. Understanding the challenge that artists encounter in finding opportunities to showcase their work, Sullivan has assembled 17 professional artists in this unique exhibition featuring molten glass artwork.

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Courtesy of JWA

“Hot Glass/OC” exhibition features the molten glass artwork of 17 artists

“Hot Glass is not a common medium of expression, and it requires remarkable creativity, patience, innovation, and passion,” said Sullivan. “It is an honor to bring together a group of amazing artists and provide an opportunity for passengers to view vibrant artwork filled with color, shape, and imagination as they travel through the terminal.”

Artists featured in the Hot Glass/OC exhibition include Lawrence R. Armstrong, Jill Cooper, Leslie Davis, Craig French, Gavin Heath, Kent Kahlen, Gin a Lunn, Jason and Nicole McQuaid, Jon Oakes, Siân Poeschl, Maggie Spencer, Siemon & Salazar, Mia Tavonatti, Hiromi Takizawa, David VanNoppen, and Elijah Wooldridge.

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Courtesy of JWA

Maggie Spencer, “Art in Round Form,” kiln-formed glass, 2018

Hot glass art uses high temperatures that can reach up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The viscous glass can be blown, sculpted, or cast molded to create sculptures, ornamental pieces, and more. To learn more about the artists and their work, go to www.ocair.com/news/2021/04/14/hot-glass-oc-art-exhibit/.

The exhibition is located on the Departure Level (post-security) across from Gates 2 through 5 in Terminal A, Gates 18 through 21 in Terminal C, and the free-standing display cases across from Gate 14.

For more information about John Wayne Airport’s Art Programs, visit www.ocair.com/travelers/dine-shop-relax/relax/arts-program/.

FOA’s “Concerts on the Screen” gets funky with Brian Bromberg’s Big Bombastic Band on April 23

The Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach in partnership with Yamaha is pleased to announce the next “Concerts on the Screen” performance will take place on Friday, April 23. This virtual concert will showcase Grammy-nominated master of funk and esteemed bassist: Brian Bromberg’s Big Bombastic Band. 

Anticipated to be the grooviest night yet for the Festival’s monthly entertainment series, viewers can tune in to catch the pre-recorded performance on Friday, April 23 at 5:30 p.m. 

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Photo by Darnell Wade

Brian Bromberg performs at the Festival of Arts in 2018 

“Brian Bromberg is considered to be one of the world’s most ground-breaking and diverse bassists of our time. His 2019 performance of ‘Minneapolis, 1987’ saw over 1.2 million virtual views in just a few weeks!” said Susan Davis, Director of Special Events at Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach. “Brian Bromberg’s Big Bombastic Band was an audience favorite, and we can’t wait to bring his pre-recorded concert into the homes of our fans and patrons.”

Featuring mellow tunes, funky grooves, and live horns for a truly fun and positive energy listening experience, Bromberg’s music is ensconced in memorable melodies, infectious harmonies, and deep pockets. 

From acoustic bass to electric bass, Piccolo bass to synthesizer bass, Bromberg brings the art of bass playing to a new level, commonly using as many as ten or more basses on his recordings. His most recently released album, Thicker Than Water, went to #1 in the country on the Billboard Smooth Jazz charts and #1 on the Smooth Jazz Network charts in 2018.

The virtual “Concerts on the Screen” series is presented in partnership with Yamaha and allows fans the opportunity to enjoy their favorite summer Fine Art Show performances from the comfort of home.

Tickets are $25 per household for the general public and free with registration for Festival members. To register and purchase tickets, visit www.foapom.com/event/virtual-concert-bromberg.

To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Fine Art Show, visit www.foapom.com or follow @FestivalPageant on social media. To support the Festival of Arts, visit www.foapom.com/supportnow.

Reaching for the sky

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Photo taken in 2016 – looking forward to this again

Laguna Playhouse presents live Zoom magic show featuring Michael Gutenplan on April 24 

Laguna Playhouse is proud to announce that master magician, mentalist, and third-generation psychic Michael Gutenplan will present a special family-friendly, virtual magic and mentalism show live via Zoom on Saturday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. 

One hundred percent interactive, this streamed show is filled with incredible magic, mentalism, mind reading, and lots of laughter, and is designed to bring families and friends together for a fun and amazing one-of-a-kind experience.

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Master magician Michael Gutenplan presents a family-friendly virtual magic show on Saturday, April 24 

“We are such fans of the art of magic and could not be more excited to bring the extraordinary talents of Michael Gutenplan to our audiences,” comments Laguna Playhouse Artistic Director Ann E. Wareham and Executive Director Ellen Richard. “It does not take a mind-reader to know that this is going to be a wonderful evening that the whole family can enjoy together!”

Michael’s award-winning magic and mentalism will energize, enthrall, and entertain you. With over 20 years of professional experience, Michael knows how to engage and entertain the most sophisticated and skeptical audiences. He has performed at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, Off-Broadway in his critically-acclaimed one-man show Extraordinary Deceptions, in The Spy Magic Show in Washington, D.C., and at clubs and events across the nation with The Members Only Show.

The Los Angeles Times raves: “Gutenplan’s expertise with cards is evident. However, most impressive are his mind reading abilities.” “Captivating…Michael is a youthful, old-fashioned magician, working with cards, money, and minds (he reads them). He also requests a helper for almost every trick, a practice that delights most magic fans under 18, if not their more-shy elders,” raves The New York Times. 

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Guests can enjoy a fun night via Zoom with talented magician Michael Gutenplan 

Michael Gutenplan is an award-winning magician, mentalist, and third-generation psychic who specializes in creating unforgettable experiences using a mixture of psychic entertainment, magic, and comedy. 

Known as the go-to magician and mentalist for the who’s who of Hollywood, members of private clubs, and the nation’s top CEOs, he’s performed in 24 countries and 49 states. He has been featured on dozens of TV programs and reviewed by countless newspapers including The New York Times, Variety, and the L.A. Times. He was awarded the 2019 and 2020 “Los Angeles Award” for Best Psychic Entertainer and has been named Best Corporate Entertainer in the “Corgentum Survey” for 2017-2020. He has been the magic and psychic advisor to various TV, theme park, and theatrical productions. Michael was the creator and star of the hit Off-Broadway show Extraordinary Deceptions as well as The Spy Magic Show.

Passes for this live via Zoom event are $30 per household. Prices are subject to change. Tickets are available at www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

Low-cost spay/neuter program for pets offered May 1 to 31

A low-cost spay/neuter program will be offered from May 1 to 31 for pets belonging to Laguna Beach and Laguna Woods residents. Protecting Unwanted Pets (PUP) will cover the majority of costs during this one-time annual event. There is a maximum of two pets per household.

Spaying or neutering your pet has numerous health benefits and is also necessary in controlling pet overpopulation.

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Courtesy of Volunteers of Laguna Beach

Animal Shelter Facebook page

Laguna Beach Animal Shelter volunteers with Bobby and Sharman

Each pet is evaluated by a veterinarian, and in the event the pet needs additional medical care, those costs must be covered by the resident.

Voucher prices range from $20 to $50 for spays, and $15 to $30 for neuters, based on the weight of the animal.

Purchase vouchers at Laguna Beach Animal Shelter, 20612 Laguna Canyon Rd, or call (949) 497-3552 for more information. Vouchers must be purchased by April 30 and procedures must take place by the end of May.

Participating veterinarians include Dr. Gershun Alaluf, Canyon Animal Hospital; Dr. James Levin, Laguna Beach Animal Hospital; and Dr. Mukhtar, Laguna Beach Veterinary Medical Center. 

For information about LB Animal Shelter, go to www.puplagunabeach.org.

OC Public Libraries partners with Libromobile to launch inaugural OC Poet Laureate programs

In conjunction with April’s National Poetry Month, OC Public Libraries is partnering with LibroMobile Arts Co-Op to launch the inaugural OC Poet Laureate (OC-PL) and OC Youth Poet Laureate (OCYPL) programs in Orange County. 

Aiming to reflect regional demographics including approximately 60 percent people of color, these programs are intended to inspire and promote cultural connections and community partnerships by celebrating local poets using their powerful voices to impact social change. 

The goals of the OC-PL program are to inspire residents through transformative community engagement and the positive impact of poetry; provide opportunities to engage in literary arts and write or perform poetry; bring poetry to a variety of settings in the community; and ultimately support a civic and literary leader for generations to come. 

In partnership with the National Youth Poet Laureate Program and Urban Word, the OCYPL program is a countywide literacy effort celebrating poetry and connecting young writers to far-reaching opportunities. Each year Orange County writers (ages 13-19) can apply to join a community of talented young poets. 

A Laureate is selected and earns an honorarium that can be applied as an educational scholarship or toward additional arts programming. All Finalists are invited to serve as ambassadors alongside the Laureate for literacy, arts, and youth expression with ongoing opportunities for performances, projects, and peer support. 

One OC Poet Laureate and one OC Youth Poet Laureate will be selected for the 2021-2022 program year. Inaugural applications for the OC-PL and OCYPL programs will open on April 15, 2021 and be accepted through July 15, 2021. Announcement of the 2021-2022 OC Poet Laureate Appointments will be made on August 15, 2021. 

For more information about the OC-PL and OCYPL literary programs including eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit www.libromobile.com/ocpoetlaureates.

A beacon of light

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Photo by Scott Brashier

A single light ray reflected in the dark 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.