Work on Hotel Laguna ordered to stop by city, Coastal Commission hearing next week

By SARA HALL

Work on Hotel Laguna was ordered to stop this week after city officials sent a letter to the developer alleging that unpermitted work was done to the exterior of the property.

Community Development Director Marc Wiener issued the stop-work order on Wednesday (May 5) in a letter to the lease owner of the hotel, Mo Honarkar.

“It has always been our intent to work with you in a collaborative manner on this project,” Wiener wrote in the letter. “However, the continued pattern of working on this project without permits is disappointing and cannot be countenanced or ignored.”

According to Wiener, three other stop orders were issued last summer for the project, located at 425 South Coast Hwy. Staff warned that another stop-work order would result in more severe penalties.

“As such, the city will now be issuing a citation for the most recent unpermitted work and will also be contacting the Contractors State License Board to notify them of the continued work being done at the site without permits,” Wiener wrote.

The project goes up before the California Coastal Commission next week, as local residents Mark and Sharon Fudge are appealing the Design Review Board’s approval of the Coastal Development Permit. Coastal staff points out a number of issues in their report and recommends that the Commission determine that a substantial issue exists with the project.

Hotel Laguna’s team is in the process of evaluating the issues raised in both the city’s letter and the CCC staff report, Honarkar wrote in an email to Stu News Laguna on Wednesday. They believe there are several misunderstandings about both the work proposed in the CDP and the prior work that has occurred over time at the hotel property, he said.

“We look forward to clarifying these issues with staff from both agencies, and working toward acceptable resolutions that will allow the Hotel’s restoration to be completed so that it can remain an important and vital asset to our community,” Honarkar said.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut 

The city has issued a stop-work order for Hotel Laguna

For the stop-work order to be lifted, the necessary entitlements must be obtained and provided to the city with the requested information. In the meantime, staff will be making daily visits to the project site to ensure that no work is occurring. The staff time for this effort will be reimbursed from Honarkar’s deposit account.

According to Wiener’s letter, the unpermitted work included pouring a concrete patio and stairs, reinforcing unpermitted retaining walls with concrete, backfilling a portion of the property with several cubic yards of dirt to level out the grade, and installing a new drainage system at the project. City staff discovered the work after visiting the site on April 29.

During a previous site visit on April 16, Wiener and the building official noticed forms constructed with the intent to pour concrete. They specifically instructed Honarkar not to pour the concrete, repeating the order in a follow-up letter.

“Notwithstanding the explicit direction given to you on site and the subsequent written reinforcement of the message, you proceeded to pour the unpermitted concrete anyway,” Wiener wrote.

Aside from the concrete, extensive work had occurred to the interior and the exterior of the building without permits, the letter reads.

Typically, a developer would first obtain the necessary discretionary land use entitlements, like permits for design review, use, and/or coastal development, prior to issuance of the building permit and onset of construction. “However, in this case you performed the work without the benefit of the appropriate land use entitlements, and you have not made it clear to the city what the entirety of the intended uses are for the site,” Wiener wrote.

Project plans depicting some of the unpermitted work were provided, but more information is needed. Not all the modifications were correctly shown, and some drywall will need to be removed in order for the building official to inspect the plumbing and electrical in certain areas.

A comprehensive plan and a schedule of proposed work also needs to be provided to the city, Wiener said. A summary must also be included of the intended use of the lower-level spaces, including the conference room, as well as the commercial spaces fronting Coast Highway, all of which are under construction. Staff will then evaluate the proposed uses and determine if use permits and/or coastal development permits are necessary.

Although, as Wiener noted in the letter, Honarkar worked with the city on processing and obtaining after-the-fact permits when the project was halted from July to the end of last year.

“Despite the recent issues, we acknowledge that you have made some effort to work with us on obtaining permits,” the letter reads.

It’s important that work on this historic landmark is done in the correct manner and in accordance with the applicable regulations, Wiener said.

“Please understand that we are supportive of the end-goal of restoring Hotel Laguna and it is our intent to continue working with you on the project in a professional and productive manner,” Wiener wrote. “At the same time, you will be expected to faithfully follow all of the procedures and requirements applicable to the project.”

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut 

Hotel Laguna goes before the California Coastal Commission on May 12

Hotel Laguna heads to the Coastal Commission on Wednesday (May 12) after the city issued an exemption in October for the project to remodel the main and basement floor levels and do improvement work. 

The Fudges appealed the exemption to the CCC in November, but Honarkar withdrew the claim and applied for a Coastal Development Permit before the hearing. After the DRB approved the permit (with some conditions) at their February 25 meeting, the Fudges again appealed the decision to the Coastal Commission. The local couple contends that the approval does not comply with the city’s certified Local Coastal Program. 

Coastal staff recommends that the Commission determine that a substantial issue exists with respect to the grounds on which the appeal has been filed.

Reasons include: The city did not require a bluff edge determination for the project site and thus it is not possible for the city to make findings of consistency with the coastal bluff development policies of the certified LCP; the city approved development on the sandy beach, which runs counter to the LCP policies; the city did not adequately analyze whether the proposed project would trigger a major remodel or would increase the size or degree of existing nonconformity with respect to the LCP; and the city’s approval of the project could extend uses of an unpermitted deck/patio that encroaches onto a bluff face.

The hotel has long been an iconic structure in the city, the Fudges wrote in the appeal, but has fallen into a state of disrepair.

“While repairs are necessary, none of the work can be done to create an expansion of use or an expansion of the building without bringing the uses and structure into conformity with the current codes,” the Fudges wrote. “The economic life of the building has been exhausted and now is the time to review the appropriateness of the development in light of sea level rise and other modern-day constraints.”

The California Coastal Commission meets virtually May 12-14, starting at 9 a.m. each day. South Coast District (Orange County) items are on the agenda on Wednesday (May 12). The Hotel Laguna project is under the section for new appeals, item 11b.

The agenda, speaker request forms, and more information can be found here. 

Speakers are asked to submit a request by 5 p.m. on May 11 (the day before the hearing) to assist with meeting management sign up. CCC will stop taking speaker requests by 8:30 a.m. on each day of the meeting. 

Upon submittal of the speaker form, you will receive an email reply with a link to join the Zoom meeting.

To listen in or comment by phone, call CCC staff at (415) 904-5202. If you only wish to listen to the meeting by phone, staff will provide a call-in number. If you wish to speak on an agenda item by phone, be prepared to tell staff your name, which agenda item you wish to speak on, and provide a telephone number where Commission staff may reach you.

A live stream of the meeting may also be viewed here.

Dedication of Barbara Diamond’s Chair

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

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Barbara Diamond’s Press Chair Dedication took place on Tuesday at the beginning of the City Council meeting 

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Mayor Pro Tem Sue Kempf spearheaded the drive to have a chair dedicated to Barbara

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 Local artist Randy Bader created the chair in memory of Laguna’s legendary journalist who was a constant presence at City Council meetings

Council approves new city manager contract, changes aimed at streamlining review processes

By SARA HALL

City Council had a full agenda on Tuesday (May 4), including consideration of the contract for the new city manager, and several items related to streamlining the project entitlement, design, and development review processes.

At the top of the agenda during regular business was the employment contract for the next city manager. 

Council members voted 5-0 on April 27 during an hour-long special closed session held in a conference room at city hall to select current Assistant City Manager Shohreh Dupuis as the next top city staffer. Dupuis will begin work in her new role effective June 12.

Current City Manager John Pietig announced earlier this year that he planned to retire in June.

In drafting the employment agreement with Dupuis, City Attorney Phil Kohn said he relied heavily on the existing agreement between the city and Pietig as framework. It’s tried and true, he said Tuesday. The agreement was last approved by council in 2019. The contract is nearly identical in several sections. One noteworthy revision relates to compensation, which was a point of discussion for some council members and residents on Tuesday.

The contract sets Dupuis’ annual base salary at $275,000. She shall not be eligible to receive cost of living adjustments (if any) that the council approves to other management employees until July 1, 2022, and thereafter. Also on that date and thereafter, Dupuis will automatically receive exceptional performance pay in the amount of 2.5 percent of her annual base salary, unless she receives a non-satisfactory performance review.

Dupuis’ current annual base salary of $238,056 will be adjusted to $244,007 as of July 1, plus exceptional performance pay of up to 2.5 percent, and her annual base salary will again be adjusted to $250,108 as of January 1, 2022. As such, the annual base salary for Dupuis as city manager represents a 10 percent increase over her January 2022 salary as assistant city manager.

Pietig’s current annual base salary is $286,829, although it would have been $293,825 had he not voluntarily waived an adjustment guaranteed by his contract, which also provides for annual exceptional performance pay up to 5 percent of his annual base salary.

Another important revision of the contract is a three-year term with one automatic two-year extension unless council notifies Dupuis of its intent not to extend the agreement at least six months prior to the expiration date of the original three-year term. Council’s election not to so extend the agreement shall not entitle Dupuis to severance pay.

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Courtesy of City of LB 

Current Assistant City Manager Shohreh Dupuis was selected as the next city manager for Laguna Beach

Finance Director Gavin Curran shared a survey of the base pay for city managers for a number of nearby cities – Dupuis’ is right in the middle, he noted. At the top of the list was Irvine, with a base pay of $290,014; at the bottom was Dana Point with a base pay of $236,250. Other cities listed: San Clemente, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Seal Beach.

There was some debate whether or not the cities listed were appropriate comparisons. Some were much larger, both in population and square mileage. Others don’t get nearly as many visitors as Laguna Beach, which sees an influx of about six million tourists annually. Only a few on the list are full-service cities like Laguna.

Comparing populations of the listed cities, Laguna Beach is much smaller than most, said resident Brian Isley.

“We have 23,000 people,” Isley said. “And yet we are proposing to put our city manager, in the second smaller city and definitely much less in the way of responsibilities than (the bigger cities), at the same salary level. That seems kind of extreme to me for what their jobs are, in comparison.”

He also questioned the three-year term, saying Dupuis is new in the position. A few other speakers echoed the concern about the term and added that there shouldn’t be an automatic extension.

“The dollars that you’re throwing out here is for someone who came in with experience,” he said. The salary and the three-year term are inappropriate, he added.

Others thought the pay was appropriate, given the number of visitors that come to the small town. 

“Respectfully, you’re getting a really good deal (with Dupuis),” said local Larry Nokes. 

She’s been an asset to the community, said resident Louis Weil.

“As far as the payment and compensation, I think it’s fully adequate,” Weil said. “It’s time to just pay the woman.”

Another speaker agreed that the salary was suitable, considering that Laguna Beach is a full-service city with a very active community, in addition to the visitors. The city and its residents have a lot of needs, noted another speaker. Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors member Carmelit Green added that Dupuis went “above and beyond’” to help businesses during the pandemic. Other supporters said Dupuis is knowledgeable, accessible, and experienced, is open to others’ ideas and has creative ideas of her own, and that it’s inspiring to see a female and an immigrant in the position.

Councilmember Toni Iseman asked about the different agreements, in terms of salary and benefits. She questioned what’s been in contracts in the past compared to Dupuis’ new employment agreement.

The automatic renewal isn’t unusual, but it’s not in every contract, Kohn said. There is no “one size fits all” type of agreement, he added.

Iseman said the three-year term, for someone new to the job, is quite a commitment, and “unusual and awkward.” She suggested two years instead, but the idea failed to find a second.

Council can determine not to extend the contract based on performance evaluation, Kohn said.

Iseman also asked what the other, non-salary benefits (auto allowance, conferences and memberships, deferred compensation, etc.) amount to, but staff was unsure of an exact figure. Many of the items in question are described as a percent of the base salary, rather than a set amount.

The agreement could have been drawn up with more detail, Iseman said.

“I’m concerned that it’s going to be hard to support so much that’ unknown,” Iseman said.

Mayor Bob Whalen made some quick calculations based off the $275,000 base salary – the exceptional performance pay of 2.5 percent would be $6,875 (unless Dupuis receives a non-satisfactory review), the deferred compensation (which is for all management employees and goes into an IRA-like account, according to current City Manager John Pietig) would equal $5,500 based on Dupuis’ base salary, and the auto allowance would be $6,000 per year.

Funds for conferences and memberships will be annually budgeted by the city as necessary for travel and expenses.

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Courtesy of City of LB

Shorhreh Dupuis with her family, husband Farzad and daughter Sunnyjoy

Council members also congratulated Dupuis, provided advice, and said they were looking forward to working with her. 

“Hip hip Shohreh,” Councilmember Peter Blake said.

Real leaders step forward in difficult times, and Dupuis really did that during the pandemic, Mayor Pro Tem Sue Kempf said.

“I really admire your ability to get things done and you’ve got to deal with the five of us and that’s not always a picnic,” Kempf said. “I think you’re going to do exceedingly well. We’re here to help. We’re here to work with you constructively. I’m looking forward to really good things in the future.”

Blake made a motion to approve the action and expressed surprise that his colleagues on the dais were bringing up these issues. Whalen clarified that they couldn’t discuss the contract details before the public meeting on Tuesday.

Ultimately, the agreement passed unanimously.

There was also some emphasis on working together to improve the city.

“Along with the hardworking citizens that are on our committees, we can move our town forward,” Councilmember George Weiss said. “Working collaboratively with residents, city staff, and our new city manager, the council can make better decisions that create win-win outcomes for all neighborhoods, residents, and our environment, business…and even our visitors.”

Weiss also encouraged transparency and to build up the trust that he said has eroded with residents.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut 

Council approved several recommendations aimed at improving and streamlining the development review process

Later in the meeting, Council unanimously approved recommendations from the LEAN Six Sigma aimed at improving the development review process. The item also directed city staff to prepare a resolution modifying the previously adopted resolution replacing pre-site meetings with department management team meetings to be signed by the mayor.

In November 2019, Kempf recommended that the city form a staff working group to participate in LEAN Six Sigma training to streamline the city’s development review process. About 15 staff members enrolled in the program and, after four months of work, the team developed a series of recommendations to help reduce the staff processing time of projects by a target objective of 25 percent.

LEAN Six Sigma analyzed data on a random sampling of 31 projects, reviewed customer surveys, and applied the program’s tools to the city process. Some of the recommendations from LEAN Six Sigma include: Complete a comprehensive update to all community development handouts; create new submittal checklists for 24 project types and development procedures; implement DRB scope and protocol training; reduce submittal requirements for design review; implement online application and plans submittal; and eliminate unnecessary building permit requirements for the applicant.

The city has made some significant strides in these areas, Pietig said during the meeting. 

Overall, there was support of the recommendations on the dais.

It’s a great plan, Weiss said; the changes should make it easier for both staff and the public.

These changes will work for the residents and help get the process to something they can all be proud of, Blake said.

During public comment, residents were widely in support of the changes as well.

It’s going to make the system so much better, said Karen Martin. Although there are a few things to work out and maybe some more changes to add, it’s a good step in the right direction, most agreed.

Another item related to improving processes wasn’t as widely supported and raised some concerns, but ultimately was approved 4-1, with Iseman dissenting. Council voted on amendments to the Local Coastal Program and the administration chapter in the city’s municipal code relating to streamlining the entitlement process. The item proposes amending sections related to: Permitted projections into required setbacks; fences, walls, hedges, latticework, and screens. 

The recommendations aim to maintain the city’s current development standards and design guidelines, while expanding the list of projects that are either exempt from design review or can be approved administratively. The changes are meant to help minor projects that get help up during the review process.

Staff plans to closely monitor the changes and report back within one year. 

A few council members questioned the appeal process and whether it should go to council or to the Design Review Board.

“To bypass DR, I think would be a mistake,” Iseman said. “I don’t think we necessarily want to strip the town of the design review opportunity for neighborhood involvement.”

This is a big change, Iseman said. She suggested it should be appealable to the DRB at no cost to the resident.

The point is to avoid the lengthy DRB process when possible, with smaller projects, others pointed out.

“I don’t find any of these changes restrictive in any way,” Blake said. “These are small changes that are meant to let us focus on the major projects and not on the little things.”

They can decide if the project needs to go back to the Design Review Board, Blake added. They aren’t giving up the council’s right to do that, he said. 

A majority on the dais agreed that they should be appealable to council, as recommended by city staff. 

In explaining her no vote, Iseman said she wished she could support it, but felt the DRB are the experts and shouldn’t be cut out of the process.

“I regret that there was not the ability to compromise on that,” she said.

There was also some discussion and direction to staff regarding: Consideration of the historic aspect of projects; applicants can’t use the administrative process to expand their home if they already have an Accessory Dwelling Unit; a referral list being adopted by council resolution; and environmentally sensitive areas subject to peer review.

During public comment, residents were supportive of the effort, but had some concerns.

Resident Anne Caenn said it’s improved, but still needs a lot of work. Decisions are better made by a volunteer citizen board, rather than a paid staff member who may not live in the neighborhood, she said.

Shark Migration

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

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The latest temporary art installation by the City of Laguna Beach Arts Commission was placed last week by Laguna Beach artist Casey Parlette. Located outside City Hall, “Shark Migration” will be on exhibit for three months. 

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Artist Casey Parlette with his son. The sculptures draws attention to the plight of these creatures which are much demonized and have become a scarce sighting off our coastline.

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This installation gives viewers the opportunity to stand with the life-sized sharks and appreciate their scale and beauty. The public is invited to a dedication to be held at 3:30 p.m. today, May 7.

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The dedication will commence at the red phone booth on Forest Avenue with a temporary installation by Jeffrey Skarvan titled “Call to Action,” and travel to the lawn of City Hall. The dedication will include a discussion with the artists about their works. To attend, please wear a mask.

Mozambique owner Ivan Spiers keeps live music alive by featuring musicians in outdoor venue

By DIANNE RUSSELL

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

At one of the few venues allowed for live music in Laguna, Ivan Spiers, owner of Mozambique, is helping musicians and music stay alive in these difficult times. Since musicians weren’t allowed to perform inside, last year Spiers was granted permits for the large tent installed in his parking lot. During the ensuing months, while navigating through the restaurant’s various openings and closings, he invited musicians to come and play.

“I thank the City for working with us to get the tent,” he says. 

Spiers wanted to bring back the music as soon as possible after COVID, of course, for guest enjoyment, but mostly to help the artists survive. 

Free entertainment 

“A lot of artists haven’t been able to work much in the last 18 months, so we are trying to do our part to support them and help them earn tips,” says Spiers. “We have always supported musicians, and the customers are generous in tipping them.” 

The entertainment is free to patrons. 

Spiers bought the restaurant (formerly Tortilla Flats) 19 years ago and spent three years rebuilding it. During the years, Mozambique has been a place to go for good music (and great food).

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Large tent in parking lot at Mozambique

On Thursday through Sunday evenings, different rotating bands perform from 6-9 p.m. On Sundays, Mando Cordova plays jazz from 12-3 p.m., and C-Flat plays Reggae from 6-9 p.m.

Spiers has yet another plan to further support musicians by increasing the hours of operation for live music.

Even though Mozambique now stops the music at 9 p.m. due to the neighborhood noise issues, Spiers has a remedy in the works for that. “In the next nine months, we are going to totally soundproof the building and expand.” 

Only the dining room downstairs will be open for that time period.

“There is much better sound technology now, and I’ve had experts working on it,” Spiers says.

The musicians

Cordova has been playing at Mozambique since 2016 and currently entertains during Sunday Brunch. 

“I am blessed to have somewhere that supports live music,” says Cordova. “There’s nothing else like this venue – a place where there is equipment, and you can just step in and play. I’ve played with several of the other musicians who perform here. We all know each other.”

He sings in three languages – English, Spanish, and Portuguese. With those credentials, one would imagine Cordova came from a long career as a musician, however, he had two careers before this one. He spent 21 and a half years in the Marine Corp, and 16 years as a Police Officer in Long Beach. 

“I was dealing with so much violence,” says Cordova. “Music is the balance in my life.”

Following his parents’ lead, Cordova started playing music when he was a kid. His dad played jazz trumpet and his mother is a vocalist. Delving into jazz six years ago, Cordova rediscovered the American songbook and performs songs by legends such as Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra. He hopes the audience experiences the intention behind the songs, “By letting me reach their souls and share feelings.” 

In addition to Mozambique, he plays at The Drake on Friday and Saturday nights.

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Front row: (L-R) Mando Cordova, Mozambique owner Ivan Spiers, Jara Harris; Back row: (L-R) Fully Fullwood, Koko Powell, Rock Deadrick, Bob Hawkins, Andrew Bloom, and Michael Hyde

Bob Hawkins, Rock Deadrick, Fully Fullwood, and Michael Hyde make up the band C-Flat which plays Reggae on Sunday nights from 6-9 p.m. 

“We started playing late last year,” says Hawkins. “It’s a great place to play. Ivan provides such a wonderful situation for musicians. We thank him for that.”

“Ivan does a great job of supporting live music,” adds Hyde, who used to play at the White House and Cliff Restaurant.

Fullwood chimes in, “There is always a positive vibration. It’s great working here – and working with all the other musicians.” He also does studio work. 

“I have worked with Ivan and love the opportunity to play live,” Deadrick says. “I very much appreciate the way he supports the music community.” 

The Andrew Bloom Band, which plays on Saturday nights, is composed of Andrew Bloom, Jara Harris, and KoKo Powell. Andrew Bloom started playing at Mozambique when he was just 17 years old, “This place is a blessing for all of us during this time – to have steady work means so much, especially now.”

When not playing at Mozambique, Bloom tours with his band and performs at weddings and other events.

Spiers understands musicians

“It’s the best job and experience I’ve ever had – with the greatest boss who understands musicians and that music is your living,” says Powell. 

Harris, who is soon going on tour with Donavon Frankenreiter, is also part of a band called Slapeak (a name taken from one of their songs). They’ll be playing at Decades in Anaheim on May 28 and will also perform for four nights (from May 6 through May 9) at the Coach House.

“It’s so nice to have a guy like Ivan who understands how the pandemic affected musicians,” says Harris. “He made it a priority to provide work for musicians.”

“Laguna Beach is all about the arts, and music is one of the arts that needs to be supported through this tough time,” says Spiers.

Live music is alive and well at Mozambique, thanks to Spiers and his fantastic group of musicians.

Mozambique is located at 1740 S Coast Hwy.

For more information, go to www.mozambiqueoc.com or call (949) 715-7777.

“Poop Fairy” dog walkway, new stairs proposed for Bluebird Park

By SARA HALL

A resident has proposed a plan in an effort to reduce dog waste in a city park where canines aren’t allowed and to encourage people walking their furry friends to stay on a designated path while cutting across the park.

The Recreation Committee on Monday (May 3) discussed a potential “Poop Fairy Walk,” a proposed dedicated dog walker crossing through Bluebird Park.

Woods Cove resident Nancy Englund suggested the idea, noting that people already walk their dogs across the park so this would make it legal.

“I think a little habit trail for dog walkers to go through would solve the problem and make it legal,” Englund said. “It would be a good thing.”

Englund, who is also a dog owner, wishes there was a safe, legal way to walk with her dog from her neighborhood into the village. Currently, to legally get there, people have to walk all the way around, on streets with no sidewalks and blind corners, she explained in a letter to City Council.

“The most convenient, safe and esthetic choice, taken by many dog owners, is to (illegally) cut through the west end of Bluebird Park,” she wrote in the letter.

As a solution, she is proposing creating “Poop Fairy Walk,” a dedicated dog crossing, by adding a new set of stairs under the Ficus tree on Calliope Street and moving the existing chain link fence. This would create a corridor outside the park for dog walkers, she said in her letter to council. 

It will make it clear that dogs are only allowed on path to cross, and not play or poop in the park, Englund said during Monday’s meeting.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut 

The view from the top of the current stairs at Bluebird Park, looking at the area where the proposed “Poop Fairy Walk” would be placed

The proposal asks to:

--Relocate the stairs about 50 feet west of existing location.

--Minor rework of existing railing at top of stairs and rustic retaining wall at base of stairs.

--New walkway from base of new stairs to existing sidewalk.

--Remove small section of chain link where the new walkway and existing sidewalk meet.

--Add new link fence along length of new walkway with gate at base of new stairs for direct access to the park.

The stairs would still be available for everyone to access the park, Englund confirmed.

Overall, committee members were on board with the proposal.

It’s a good idea, said Roger Kempler. This is a remote part of the park and a good place to do this project, he added.

“Why do you want to have people just constantly disobeying or flouting the law because they don’t want to endanger themselves or their dogs going across busy streets?” Kempler asked. 

Ultimately, committee member Anna Cathleen Greiner made a two-part motion: First, to ask the city to assess the stairs, including safety concerns; Second, when they receive the report on the assessment (and if the stairs are deemed a safety risk, as several people mentioned during the meeting) to then consider options for creating a simple and focused dog walkway across the park, along with replacing or repairing the stairs.

There was no actual vote on the motion, but there was consensus among committee members, so the action acted as direction to staff to follow-up on what the motion as described.

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Rendering drawn by Gary Sefluski/courtesy Nancy Englund 

The proposed plans to move the stairs and create a “Poop Fairy Walk” for dogs at Bluebird Park 

There was more discussion about other potential ideas and some concerns that the plan might not work, or possibly even have unintended consequences.

Some mentioned that the proposal might raise the flag about the “temporary” stairs and, as a result, get them removed entirely.

“Is this even on the radar of the city?” asked Nia Evans. “Since they’re temporary, I don’t want this to backfire on these people that are trying to do this.”

She doesn’t want to go back to having to get a running start just to get up the hill, Evans joked.

The stairs need to be replaced anyway, Englund said.

“They’re falling apart as we speak,” she said. “The idea would be when they’re replaced, instead of putting them where they are, move them 50 feet closer to the ocean.”

The stairs were initially installed in 2004 as a “temporary” workaround while park was remodeled. When the project was completed and the stairs were removed there was “uproar,” Englund said, so the city put them back.

They are used by a lot of people, Englund emphasized. It would probably be better if they were cement or something more permanent, she added.

“New permanent stairs are a great idea for the city,” she said during the meeting. “If they were in a new position that would be excellent. We would all benefit, dog owners (and) non-dog owners who wouldn’t have to see dog poop in the park.” 

Larry, a local resident who walked up the stairs on Monday morning and uses them a few times a week, said the steps are hazardous. Metal strips, which he called “bone breakers,” were added to the edge at some point.

“If you trip or in any way lose your balance on that thing, and you hit that metal edge it’s a devastating situation,” he said.

They are a liability and are problematic, he said. He’s very supportive of the idea for new stairs to be combined with the dog walkway plan, and would contribute toward the cause.

Kempler noted that it’s now on public record that several people have questioned or raised concerns about the safety of the stairs. 

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut 

Signs at the lower gate of Bluebird Park informing users that dogs aren’t allowed

Opening the park to dogs is not the right solution, Englund said, it would only exacerbate the situation and dog waste would be left everywhere. It wouldn’t be compatible with the other uses of the park, like kids playing or people picnicking, she said.

Englund also said she wasn’t a fan of the suggestion that instead of new stairs, a new chain link fence be installed parallel to the current fence and along the wall to connect to the existing stairs.

“The section that runs from the back of the park to the stairs wouldn’t need to be six feet, but would still block a beautifully planted wild hillside,” she explained in an email to Stu News Laguna on Wednesday.

Englund originally proposed the walkway be constructed with personalized fundraising bricks, but at Monday’s meeting she understood the concern that bricks may not be the best option and was open to ideas.

Fairy Walk off Canyon Acres inspired the name, Englund explained. “Poop fairies” are people who clean up after other people’s dogs. 

“There are not only a lot of irresponsible dog owners who do not clean up after their dogs, but also a lot of poop fairies who do,” she said in the letter.

She offered to make a contribution to the project and manage the fundraising efforts. 

Vice-Chair Monica Silva-McCusker asked about possible opposition from neighbors. Englund noted that the resident who drew up the plans lives nearest to the stairs and is in support of the idea. She’s received support on the idea, Englund added.

 Corbett also questioned if dog owners would really be deterred just because the stairs have moved.

Call to Action

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

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The City of Laguna Beach Arts Commission has installed “Call to Action,” a new temporary sculpture by local artist Jeffrey Skarvan, at the Red Phone Booth located on Forest Avenue. The booth was once used as a telephone kiosk; the telephone has long since been removed and now serves as a site for temporary public art which are exhibited for two years.

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The public is invited to the dedication of the work today, May 7 at 3:30 p.m. The dedication will commence at the Red Phone Booth on Forest Avenue and travel to the lawn of City Hall for the dedication of the temporary sculpture “Shark Migration” by Laguna Beach artist Casey Parlette. The dedications will include a discussion with the artists about their works. To attend, please wear a mask.

Nancy Csira retires as City Zoning Administrator to go back to her first love – architecture

By DIANNE RUSSELL

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

Her kids say Nancy Csira is obsessed with houses – something she readily admits. However, to be an architect – and in the City’s Zoning Division for 18 years – one must have a passion for design and building, and she has both.

Sadly for the City, Monday will be Csira’s last day as Zoning Administrator, a position she’s held for eight years. She’s been employed in the Zoning Division since 2003 when she was first hired as a consultant, was appointed as a full-time Senior Planner in 2004, and a Principal Planner in the Zoning Division in 2007. 

Now she’s going back to another obsession – architecture. An architect for 32 years, she is licensed in both California and New Jersey.

When Csira moved here over 31 years ago, she had just left her own architecture firm in New Jersey. Csira and her then-husband moved west (when he was transferred) to Laguna to raise their family. 

“He said I’d love the weather,” she says. 

It turns out she loved the town and the local architecture too.

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Zoning Administrator Nancy Csira retires after 18 years with the City

When Csira started her architectural design firm here, she saw the process first-hand including just how long it could take to get through the building plan-check. So, when she started working for the City, she knew what needed to be done to streamline the process. “Knowing the design end helps,” she says.

“The Zoning Division supports the Design Review Board,” Csira explains. “I thoroughly love my job. It takes a lot of time, but I want to get the job done right and I care. I love the buildings and the people.”

Sometimes late nights are involved. “For appeals, we are the last item on the agenda at City Council meetings. Generally, it’s neighbors – one wants one thing and the other wants something else – and we can’t take sides. It involves compromising when one of them doesn’t compromise enough. Sometimes the appeals are applications that have been denied.”

There’s another thing that Csira is consumed with, and that’s being a mother.

“When I was seven, I knew I wanted two things – to be an architect and a mother,” Csira says. “Being a mother is the thing I’m most proud of.”

She has three children – ages 34, 32, and 26. 

“We spend a lot of time together, and we travel together,” she says. “In 2019, we went to France for the soccer Women’s World Cup.”

Csira is not merely a soccer fan, she’s also a member of an over-60 Women’s Soccer League. She started playing soccer when she was in college at Florida State and evidently, she never stopped. In 2018 and 2019, her team won the Women’s Soccer Championships in Las Vegas.

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City Hall will miss Csira

Her contractor son’s home in the Bay area sparked Csira’s desire to go back to architecture. “We would drive back and forth from Laguna up there, and I’d draw plans. I realized how much I missed it.”

Building a “Family Reunion Home” on acreage (her son bought) in Silverton, Colorado, (population 600) appears to be in the future and will probably keep Csira busy. 

One of six children, Csira was born in Pittsburgh and raised in New Jersey. Her two older brothers and three younger sisters all live on the East Coast. 

Feeding Csira’s early desire to become an architect, her mother took her to open houses, and Csira spent hours going through the pages of House Beautiful magazine. 

“My parents liked Scandinavian and modern furniture, in a place where traditional was the norm,” she says. “So it was a little different influence.”

Although Csira is going back to her first love, she admits that there’s much to miss about the position she’s leaving.

“I’ll miss the interaction with customers and the staff,” Csira says.

There’s no doubt that they will miss her as well.

Ribbon cutting for South Main Beach Restroom renovation and bottle refill station

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

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(L-R) Councilmember George Weiss, Councilmember Toni Iseman, Mayor Bob Whalen, Mayor Pro Tem Sue Kempf, and Councilmember Peter Blake.

The City of Laguna Beach held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, May 4 at 3 p.m. to celebrate the completion of renovations to the South Main Beach Restroom and celebrate the first of 35 bottle refill stations to be installed throughout the city to reduce ocean pollution from single use-plastic bottles.

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Mayor Bob Whalen tries out the new water bottle refilling station. The installation helps the City in its pursuit to reduce and discourage single-use plastic water bottles. Just one reusable water bottle can potentially save over 1,000 plastic bottles per year, and help reduce the number of plastic bottles that end up on Laguna’s beaches and in the ocean. The refillable bottle water station was made possible by a donation from the Laguna Bluebelt Coalition.

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Renovations to the South Main Beach Restroom include a hand-painted ceramic tile mural called “Outburst” by artist Lynn Basa, new refillable bottle water station, all new plumbing fixtures and piping, an energy efficient electrical system, new outdoor shower facilities, new concrete floors, and improved ADA accessibility

Mother’s Day restaurants filling fast

By Diane Armitage 

For restaurants, Mother’s Day is the most wonderful time of the year. It is, by far, the busiest day of the year and, given that we’re still in a limited capacity seating situation, reservations are definitely going fast this year. 

For starters, every restaurant in town is open for Mother’s Day. And every restaurant that typically participates in takeout and delivery is also doing so for Mother’s Day, so feel free to order takeout for your own backyard queenly celebration. 

Because of the high demand for limited capacity seating, most of our restaurateurs are offering their regular menus on Mother’s Day. 

There are a few, however, that are offering prix fixe menus and specials. The following is a list of what those specific restaurants are offering for Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day Specialty Menus & Specialty Items

These are ordered according to the time of opening. This list reflects dine-in locations (not counter service). 

Driftwood Kitchen – opens 10 a.m. on Sunday with a prix fixe menu that offers a complimentary glass of champagne for Mom. Enjoy breads and pastries at the table, along with a choice of Eggs Benedict, Driftwood Omelet, Prime Rib, or Atlantic King Salmon Filet. Desserts will be presented at the table and a separate kids’ menu will be available. Pricing is $69 for adults and $20 for children with six years and younger being free. Move quickly to make reservations online or by calling.

Harley Laguna Beach – opens an hour earlier at 10 a.m. on Sunday with several specials along with Chef Daniels’ brunch menu. 

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Courtesy of Harley Laguna Beach

Harley’s Mother’s Day Brunch features one of my all-time favorites, the Dutch Baby

Mozambique – Waitlist only: Opens 10 a.m. on Sunday with crowd favorite Mando & Friends playing Sunday Brunch. Mozambique’s extensive brunch menu runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the live jazz beginning at noon and rolling through 3 p.m. 

Oak Laguna Beach – opens 10 a.m. on Sunday with Chef Chris’ brunch menu as well as Mother’s Day specials into the evening.

Sapphire – opens at 10 a.m. for Sunday Brunch with a seafood dinner special that includes giant prawns. 

Selanne Steak Tavern – opens 10 a.m. on Sunday for its Mother’s Day brunch menu. Enjoy Bananas Foster French Toast to Teemu’s “Brunch” Burger, chilled oysters, and more. Reservations via phone only, please.

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Courtesy of Selanne Steak Tavern

Selanne Steak Tavern opens for a specialty brunch

Lumberyard & Yard Bar – opens 11 a.m. on Sunday with regular menu and brunch specials till 3 p.m. Their specialty Chilean Sea Bass (so yum) will be served on the dinner menu. 

McClain Cellars – opens at 11 a.m. on Sunday, but is celebrating Mother’s Day all weekend long with a Mother’s Day Flight of wine and cupcakes! (Just what a mother ordered!) The flight includes four wines paired with four decadent cupcakes and is priced at $35 for non-members and $30 for wine club members.

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Courtesy of McClain Cellars

McClain Cellars is featuring a flight of four wines paired with four cupcakes for Mother’s Day weekend

 Royal Hawaiian – opens at noon on Sunday, with an added Mother’s Day special of Chilean Sea Bass. 

Maro Wood Grill – opens at noon on Sunday with a prix fixe menu for both lunch ($55) and dinner ($65). Choose from Beet Salad, Mixed Berry Salad, or Tomato Bisque soup, and meander through four entrée choices that include Salmon, Hangar Steak, Estofado, and Ravioli. Finish with choice of Flourless Chocolate Cake or Panna Cotta.   

The Drake Laguna Beach – opens at 3 p.m. on Sunday with a prix fixe menu that includes first course options of Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes, Mediterranean Salad, or Caesar Salad. Peruse main course options that include Chili Lime Crusted Salmon, Grilled Pork Chops, Filet Mignon, or Vadouvan Curry Marinated Rack of Lamb. Dessert specials include options of Three Chocolate Parfait, Caramel Budino, and Tiramisu.

Broadway by Amar Santana – opens at 5 p.m. with regular menu as well as several Mother’s Day a la carte specials that include appetizers such as Wagyu Beef Carpaccio and Bay Scallop Ceviche. Specialty entrées include Grilled Veal Cop, Roasted Filet Mignon, and Grilled 1.5 pound Whole Main Lobster. Dessert option includes Chef Amar’s fabulous Banana Tarte Tatin.   

Breakfast/Brunch as usual

A handful of restaurants will be serving their normal breakfast and brunch menus on Easter Sunday, including C’est La Vie, The Cliff Laguna Beach, GG’s Bistro, Harvest Restaurant at The Ranch Laguna Beach, Nick’s, and Reunion Kitchen. 

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

Where’s Maggi?

Looks familiar? Tell us where Maggi is now!

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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TOW Peace Crane Project inspires positivity and well wishes for community 

Top of the World Elementary School (TOW) students, staff, and families created a wonderful display of peace, love, and well wishes for our Laguna Beach community by creating peace cranes. They are now on display at Garage Collective and Soul Project through the weekend. 

The project was conceived by Lisa Roberson-Beery and Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal of the TOW PTA as a community service project. It took flight with Reem Khalil, local artist/art educator and owner of Refined Bohemian, Sarah Wolsey, TOW teacher and Art TOSA, in partnership with the Laguna Art Museum, as part of their Orange County Imagination Celebration. 

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Submitted photo

Peace cranes on display at Soul Project

Inspired by the Children’s Peace Monument in Japan dedicated to community and world peace and the beautiful story of Sadako Sasaki and her 1,000 cranes, each origami crane is folded with a message of positivity for our community or the environment. Sadako and the cranes became a symbol for world peace in Japan after her death in 1955.

With the challenges of the past year given the COVID-19 pandemic, the TOW PTA wanted to create an artful way for children to bring positivity to Laguna and encourage support for local small businesses that always support youth initiatives in our community. 

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Submitted photo

A positive intention for peace in our community 

The exhibit invites the community to fold a crane and participate in the installation to grow the positive intention for peace in our Laguna community and the world. Come see the colorful origami crane creations and please support local Laguna businesses Garage Collective and Soul Project by stopping in for a Mother’s Day gift, and lift up our local artist Reem Khalil of Refined Bohemian by taking her adult and youth art classes and camps. 

Garage Collective is located at 1524 S Coast Hwy.

Soul Project is located at 1516 S Coast Hwy.

For information on Reem Khalil’s classes and camps, go to www.therefinedbohemian.com/happenings.

“Art in Public Places” – Repose by Gerard Basil Stripling

By DIANNE RUSSELL

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

This is the ninth 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.

Repose by Gerard Basil Stripling was installed in 2003 and funded by the Montage Spa and Resort for Art in Public Places. 

Gerard is a Laguna Beach artist who created this seating from bronze sheets that have been welded together. The calm, quiet Zen-like shapes compliment the Arts and Crafts style architecture of the nearby resort.

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“Repose” – bronze sheets welded together

From the Arts Commission meeting on October 14, 2002 minutes: Mr. Stripling noted the appropriateness of the work, a Japanese Zen garden feel, that was used during the Arts and Crafts movement. The bronze would be a juxtaposition against the wood and the concrete and would not compete with the architecture, park setting or ocean views.

The sculptures mimic the rock formation and waves. 

Gerard said, “I wanted it to look like it has always been here and the land around it has only recently been excavated away.” 

Cultural Arts Manager Sian Poeschl says, “The artist hopes it conveys enjoying being in the moment.”

 The pieces offer an uncluttered environment that alters the viewer both emotionally and physically, a calming space that allows you to surrender to the coastline and its beauty.

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The shapes guide visitors into the space   

The installation appears as low sculptures, unearthed from the rocks below.

The natural patina reflects the ocean and seaweed below, and the shapes –

lines and curves – guide people into the space.

“Gerard is still actively involved with the City’s public art collection and facilitates restoration work and installations,” says Poeschl. “Most recently Gerard assisted Lynn Basa, installing her mural Outburst at the exterior shower at the Main Beach restrooms. Due to COVID-19, Lynn was unable to travel for the installation. Gerard also worked with Chakaia Booker installing the temporary art pieces in Heisler Park, and most recently restored Terry Thornsely’s mural Grace by the Lifeguard Headquarters. Gerard along with City Staff are creating an annual maintenance program. Annually, the Arts Commission spends $25,000 from its budget in maintaining the City’s public art collection.” 

The 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.

Friendship Shelter to host discussion on racial equity in homelessness and housing on May 20

Friendship Shelter will host a discussion on racial equity in homelessness and housing on Thursday, May 20. This virtual event is open to the public and free to join thanks to a generous sponsorship from Providence Mission Hospital.

The public is invited for a conversation among Dawn Price, Friendship Shelter Executive Director and Amanda Andere, CEO of Funders Together to End Homelessness as they address questions including: Are communities of color disproportionately impacted by poverty and homelessness? How are organizations like Friendship Shelter tackling this challenge in south Orange County? Does the local data reflect the same issues we see nationally?

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Amanda Andere, CEO of Funders Together to End Homelessness

“This is a critical time in our country, our local communities, and in the homeless services sector. I’m hoping this conversation will bring to light some of the most pressing issues of racial and economic equity as it relates to homelessness and housing in south Orange County,” said Dawn Price. “I’m thrilled Amanda will be able to join me. She’s a leader committed to racial and housing justice through advocacy and systemic change, and I know we will all benefit greatly from hearing her perspective.”

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Submitted photo

Dawn Price, Friendship Shelter Executive Director

The virtual event will be held on Thursday, May 20 at 4 p.m. It’s free to join but registration is required by visiting www.friendshipshelter.org/racial-equity-in-homelessness-housing or by calling (949) 549-1875. Once registered, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to join the event.

Founded 33 years ago by a group of concerned citizens, Friendship Shelter continues to carry out its vision to end homelessness in south Orange County, one person at a time, through individualized support that focuses on permanent housing. Grounded in the belief that housing is a human right, its core programs are proven compassionate and cost-effective solutions. Friendship Shelter operates two shelters and a street outreach program in Laguna Beach, and permanent supportive housing in scattered sites throughout south Orange County.

LB Music Festival live and in-person with Artistic Director Conrad Tao on May 12-16

The Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Laguna Beach Live! are pleased to announce that the 2021 Laguna Beach Music Festival will be held live with in-person audiences, marking the Philharmonic Society’s long-anticipated return to public performances since pandemic restrictions halted live shows.

The 2021 Laguna Beach Music Festival, featuring acclaimed American composer-pianist Conrad Tao as Artistic Director, takes place May 12-16 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Hailed as “the kind of musician who is shaping the future of classical music” (New York Magazine), Conrad Tao has emerged as a mature, thoughtful, and thought-provoking pianist and composer with both an ambitious musical vision and the talent to realize it. 

Guest artists who will appear in collaboration with Tao include violinist Stefan Jackiw, dancer/choreographer Caleb Teicher, the JACK Quartet, and the Westerlies. The Laguna Beach Music Festival would like to thank Corporate Sponsor CIBC Private Wealth. 

The Philharmonic Society’s top priority is the health and safety of its patrons, volunteers, performers, staff, and community. Concerts will be held with a limited capacity, and health and safety protocols adhering to county and state guidelines will be in place to ensure a safe environment. More information regarding the Irvine Barclay Theatre’s guidelines can be found by clicking here. For those who prefer a virtual experience, concerts will also be available via livestream.

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Photo by Brantley Gutierrez

2021 Festival Artistic Director and Pianist Conrad Tao

Tickets for the 2021 Laguna Beach Music Festival are on sale now and can be purchased through the following links:

For In-Person (Live) Experience, click here. (Tickets start at $38/each per concert)

For Livestream (Virtual) Experience, click here. (Tickets are $20/household per concert)

2021 Festival Artistic Director: Conrad Tao 

Recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant and eight consecutive ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Awards, pianist and composer Conrad Tao leads the 2021 Laguna Beach Music Festival as Artistic Director, dazzling audiences with his astonishing musical innovation and artistry.

Tao has recently appeared with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and Boston Symphony, and in recital at Severance Hall and as part of Tanglewood’s Great Performers series. Highlights of this season include a residency at the Kaufman Music Center, concerts at the Library of Congress with Caleb Teicher and the JACK Quartet, Works & Process at the Guggenheim, and concerto performances with the Cincinnati Symphony, Seattle Symphony, and Finnish Radio Symphony.

As a composer, Tao has been commissioned to write works for orchestras around the world, including the New York Philharmonic, Hong Kong Philharmonic, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. His works also expand beyond the classical repertoire, exploring new mediums of expression, such as his collaboration with dancer Caleb Teicher, Rhapsody in Blue, which premiered in 2021 as the first in-person performance at the Guggenheim and was lauded by The New York Times as “monumental.”

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Courtesy of Philharmonic Society

Dancer Caleb Teicher

Festival Prelude (Wednesday, May 12, 6 p.m., Irvine Barclay Theatre)

The 2021 Laguna Beach Music Festival kicks off with the Festival Prelude, as Artistic Director Conrad Tao shares his insights and approach to the festival’s programming, along with intimate performances with guest performers violinist Stefan Jackiw and cellist Jay Campbell. Prelude Corporate Sponsor: CIBC Private Wealth. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Katie Lockie, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (949) 553-2422, ext. 234.

Festival concerts

“LBMF Opening Night: Counterpoint” (Thursday, May 13, 7 p.m., Irvine Barclay Theatre) 

In his Artistic Director debut, pianist and composer Conrad Tao opens the 2021 Laguna Beach Music Festival with tap dancer/choreographer Caleb Teicher in a dazzling display of movement and music, featuring moments of improvisation by Teicher and Tao, along with arrangements and excerpts of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Bach’s Goldberg Variations, and many more. 

“Americans” (Saturday, May 15, 7 p.m., Irvine Barclay Theatre)

Joined by New York-based brass quartet The Westerlies, Musical America’s 2018 “Ensemble of the Year” JACK Quartet, and violinist Stefan Jackiw, Artistic Director Conrad Tao brings a uniquely American program featuring American hymns, composers, singers, and musicians to the second night of the Festival. The evening features works by composers such as Charlies Ives, Woody Guthrie, Andy Clausen, and Caroline Shaw, and closes with an improvised piece by the Westerlies and Conrad Tao. 

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Courtesy of Philharmonic Society 

Jack Quartet

“Chromatic Fantasias” (Sunday, May 16, 3 p.m., Irvine Barclay Theatre) 

The Festival concludes with a performance by Conrad Tao, Stefan Jackiw, and JACK Quartet, that dives into Bach’s improvisatory and expressive Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue, and pairs it with complementary pieces by Conrad Tao, Elliot Carter, Johannes Brahms, and Amy Williams. 

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through the following links:

For In-Person (Live) Experience, click here. (Tickets start at $38/each per concert)

For Livestream (Virtual) Experience, click here. (Tickets are $20/household per concert)

2021 Festival guest artists

Caleb Teicher is a NYC-based dancer and choreographer specializing in musically driven dance traditions and interdisciplinary collaboration. Teicher began his career as a founding member of Michelle Dorrance’s critically acclaimed tap dance company, Dorrance Dance, while also freelancing in contemporary dance, swing dance, and musical theater. Since founding Caleb Teicher & Company (CT&Co) in 2015, Teicher’s creative work has expanded to engagements and commissions across the U.S. and abroad.

Stefan Jackiw is one of America’s foremost violinists, captivating audiences with playing that combines poetry and purity with an impeccable technique. Hailed for playing of “uncommon musical substance” that is “striking for its intelligence and sensitivity” (Boston Globe), Jackiw has appeared as soloist with the Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco symphony orchestras, among others.

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Photo by Sanwook Lee

Violinist Stefan Jackiw

Hailed by The New York Times as “our leading new-music foursome,” the JACK Quartet is one of the most acclaimed, renowned, and respected groups performing today. JACK has maintained an unwavering commitment to their mission of performing and commissioning new works, giving voice to underheard composers, and cultivating an ever-greater sense of openness toward contemporary classical music. 

The Westerlies, “an arty quartet…mixing ideas from jazz, new classical, and Appalachian folk” (The New York Times) are a New York-based brass quartet comprised of childhood friends from Seattle: Riley Mulherkar and Chloe Rowlands on trumpet, and Andy Clausen and Willem de Koch on trombone. The Westerlies navigate a wide array of venues and projects with the precision of a string quartet, the audacity of a rock band, and the charm of a family sing-along. 

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Courtesy of Philharmonic Society

The Westerlies 

About the Philharmonic Society 

Founded in 1954 as Orange County’s first music organization, the Philharmonic Society of Orange County presents national and international performances of the highest quality and provides dynamic and innovative music education programs for individuals of all ages to enhance the lives of Orange County audiences through music.

For more than 65 years the Philharmonic Society has evolved and grown with the county’s changing landscape, presenting artists and orchestras who set the standard for artistic achievement. The Philharmonic Society’s nationally recognized Youth Music Education Programs, offered free of charge, engage more than 100,000 students annually through curriculum-based music education programs that aim to inspire, expand imaginations, and encourage learning at all levels. 

As a key youth program, the exceptional Orange County Youth Symphony and String Ensemble provide top-tier training to the area’s most talented young musicians through multi-level ensemble instruction, leadership training, touring opportunities, challenging professional repertoire, and performances in world-class venues. 

About Laguna Beach Live!

Laguna Beach Live!, founded in 2001, is a nonprofit organization that strives to increase the awareness of and participation in diverse musical experiences through the presentation of high-quality live musical performances that are accessible…affordable, intimate, and in the community.

Orange ball

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Photo by Scott Brashier

The misshapen sun quivers in the lavender sky

Laguna Beach Unified celebrates incredible staff

Laguna Beach Unified School District staff has designated May 10-14 Staff Appreciation Week to celebrate and thank each of the district’s 363 employees as well as its incredible substitutes. 

Almost every aspect of our lives changed due to this pandemic, and LBUSD is grateful that its team worked collaboratively to put students first. Their willingness to change direction at almost a moment’s notice speaks volumes to the incredible human beings that work in Laguna Beach Unified. The district has pulled together to completely rethink how it leads and serves – from instruction and office support to maintenance and food service. 

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LBUSD celebrates Ivonne Redard, Laguna Beach Unified Community Liaison

There is no doubt the pandemic has provided us with the opportunity to think about all aspects of our work differently. It has allowed us to examine how we can leverage technology to meet the needs of every student every day. Nothing will ever take away the need for, and the value of, the personal connections and relationships vital to the work LBUSD does. The creativity displayed in sustaining that work both remotely and in person has been exemplary. 

“I’m honored to be working beside the quality and professional learning community that we have here in Laguna Beach Unified,” said Dr. Jason Viloria Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools. “The POWER OF LBUSD is stronger than ever! As we end the 2020-2021 school year, we encourage our staff to Recharge, Renew, and Reimagine and enjoy the praise you get during this week as we celebrate the awesome staff of LBUSD.” 

Staff Appreciation Week is a moment to say thank you to the district’s entire team for everything that they give in the name of helping students achieve. Thank you!

Verdi’s La Traviata is reimagined for COVID times – touchless, but deeply touching

By Lynette Brasfield

Exciting news: Pacific Symphony is partnering exclusively with the Susi Q center to present three interactive online discussions about the Symphony’s new production of Verdi’s opera La Traviata – a production with a fascinating COVID twist. 

The sessions, known collectively as The Traviata Project, will be produced and hosted by Dr. Jacob Sustaita, Pacific Symphony’s new Assistant Conductor, in one of his first major projects since moving here from Texas in the fall.

The one-hour offerings will feature Music Director Carl St.Clair and Stage Director Robert Neu, as well as cast members Cecilia Violetta Lopez, John Riesen, and Jeffrey Mattsey. They’ll take place on May 19, May 26, and June 2 at 5 p.m. for a fee of just $35 for all three. And on June 5, the filmed opera will be streamed and available all month for a mere $25. 

So what’s the twist in this new La Traviata? Longtime Lagunan Carl St.Clair explains.

Lovers who cannot embrace

“I called Bob Neu to see what he thought about staging and filming La Traviata despite COVID restrictions,” St.Clair says. “The question was how to produce an opera that’s a love story without the lovers having physical contact. 

“I told Bob, we can’t have a chorus, we can’t have more than 30 musicians on stage, we must allow six feet physical distancing between characters, the production can’t last longer than 90 minutes, we can’t have an intermission, and, oh, it must have broad audience appeal. Just a few challenges!

“Bob, being Bob, didn’t hesitate, just said he was game.

“On our phone call, we brainstormed and decided that with Verdi’s La Traviata, the drama and theatre could be sustained with the cast of three main characters, without a chorus, because the opera doesn’t depend on spectacle.”

The resulting production, says Project Manager and Senior Executive Gary Good, focuses on each of the three main characters’ psychological journeys, as they relive their tragic pasts in their minds. 

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Photo by Cecilia Lopez

Cast of La Traviata (L-R): Soprano Chelsea Chavez, Tenor John Riesen, Baritone Jeffrey Mattsey, Soprano Cecilia Violetta López, Pacific Symphony Music Director Carl St.Clair, Baritone Matthew Kellaway, and Stage Director Robert Neu

“The characters are physically separated but emotionally deeply engaged,” Good explains. “This is a unique production, filmed and edited with no audience, and yet is so moving, with each of the principals reaching deeply to examine the character he or she is portraying.”

Twelve cameras filmed the semi-staged opera on the Renee and Henry Segerstrom stage.

Hurdles lead to inspiration and creativity

St.Clair says there were significant challenges for the cast members, who had played these roles many times before and had to learn where the cuts had been made in order for the production to work. Not to mention they had to be on stage for the full 90 minutes without a break. 

“But much was gained in the filming, which gives the viewer up-close, personal moments with the singers, a vivid and poignant approach that you might miss seated in the audience,” St.Clair adds. “The three principals were able to sing more softly and intimately than is possible with a fully staged production, when they are singing to the last row.

“When Violetta is sick, she cannot be consoled or touched, and this brings a new poignancy to the scene. It’s intense acting, riveting.” 

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Photo courtesy Pacific Symphony/Doug Gifford

Violetta is dying with no one to console or embrace her in this production

Bob Neu calls the accomplished singer-actors “a real A-team. Having worked with all of them in other productions, I knew they would offer moving and stirring portrayals.”

The musical challenges were significant also, with the positioning of the orchestra behind three giant Plexiglass panels. And St.Clair had to conduct with his back to the stage.

“But it’s turned out to be musically unbelievably compelling,” he enthuses. “And it really fits in with our long-term goal to perform what we call ‘semi-staged operas.’ I’m so proud of this production and happy that it will debut on June 5, which happens to be my birthday!”

“It’s really an example of how hurdles can create inspiration and energy,” adds Neu.

A coup for Susi Q

Executive director of Laguna Beach Seniors, Nadia Babayi, played a major role in achieving this exclusive preview series with esteemed Pacific Symphony.

An opera lover, she met Gary Good years ago when both served on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. During recent conversations, Good learned about Susi Q’s remarkable reach in the Laguna Beach community and beyond.

“I was so enamored with the breadth of activities offered – from ukulele classes to yoga to TED Talks – and given Susi Q’s reputation in the community, it just made sense to partner with them,” he says. 

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Photo courtesy Pacific Symphony/Doug Gifford

Soprano Cecilia Violetta López in her role as Violetta Valéry

And Babayi couldn’t be happier to see opera find a home among the many Susi Q musical offerings, from Laguna Beach Live! to Philharmonic Society offerings to musical appreciation classes with Jeffrey Briar, to mention just a few.

“Joyful parts of life, romance and more are all celebrated in opera,” Babayi says. “We are excited about our partnership with Pacific Symphony, an organization that is dedicated to enriching our community by delivering outstanding music productions, showcasing artists, and providing education for all ages in Orange County.”

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Photo courtesy Pacific Symphony/Doug Gifford

Cecilia Violetta López as Violetta Valéry and John Riesen as Alfredo Germont

The Traviata Project is a particularly good fit, given that esteemed Music Conductor and Director Carl St.Clair has made Laguna his home since the early nineties.

“I moved from Boston, and I was accustomed to academic settings, so I lived first in Irvine, near UCI,” he says. “But every weekend my car would gravitate to Laguna Beach. I was so happy to find a house here and I met my wife within a week of moving. I just knew that Laguna was exactly the kind of place where I’d find my life partner!

“It’s very special to present the Traviata Project to my neighbors and friends here.”

Participation in the three preview sessions, which will be led by Assistant Conductor Dr. Jacob Sustaita, will be available for a small fee ($35) to the general public. 

Covering a range of topics from theme to character to Verdi’s own story, the chats promise to be fun and enlightening for those who are opera-curious, as well as those who are passionate lovers of the art.

The production will stream on June 5 and can be viewed without limits until June 30. Everyone who signs up for the Susi Q preview series will get a discount off the cost of the streaming broadcast event ($25).

Here’s to love in the time of COVID!

Details about Susi Q’s The Traviata Project

Susi Q will be offering three one-hour preview sessions as follows:

Session #1: Verdi’s La Traviata: Love, Pathos, Sacrifice, and Illness

Exploring the opera’s narrative, characters, theme, and meaning. Discussion with music director Carl St.Clair and cast members.

Session #2: Alone Together/Together Alone: Behind the Scenes

Verdi’s confronting reflection and commentary of life in his own time and how Pacific Symphony and partners produced this masterpiece in Covid-times.

Discussions with Bob Neu, cast members and others. Exclusive video from rehearsals and taping.

Session #3: Behind the Score: From Failure to Celebrated Icon

Verdi’s synthesis of style, drama, virtuosity, and humanity. Conversation with Carl St.Clair, soprano Cecilia Violetta Lopez, and stage director Robert Neu.

For more information about The Traviata Project, and to sign up, visit
https://thesusiq.corsizio.com/c/6089ecacba86ce6ac73be957 or call (949) 464-6645.

For more information about the broadcast of La Traviata or to buy tickets, visit www.pacificsymphony.org/tickets/concert/traviata.

Guest Column

From Laguna with Love: Alas, poor Yorick! 

By Sarah Vogel

In Parking Lot 10, which abuts the Art-A-Fair grounds on one side and extends out along Laguna Canyon Road joining the portion of Forest Avenue that eventually runs along the front of City Hall, I once stood still enough to allow a raven with a broken wing to land upon my outstretched arm. 

This was long before that open space became Parking Lot 10. It was the end of the1980s when Club Post-Nuclear had opened in the canyon and became the newest neighbor to several artists who had workshops in the dilapidated buildings that stood then at the northern-most corner of the future Parking Lot 10. Some of those artists, the heartiest ones, also lived in these structures – illegally, of course – and did so without heat, plumbing, and most of the other necessities considered basic for a dwelling. And there I was, a young woman and new Laguna Canyon resident, getting a chance to see up close what it meant to be a creative soul who would make sacrifices to do what they felt born to do: make a living making art. 

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Submitted photo

“The Palace of Dreams” by Okuda San Miguel, located next to Lot 10

Before the big box stores flexed their muscles and forced the closure of many downtown stores, Laguna Beach had four bookstores, two art supply stores, a two-story stationery store, a sporting goods store, a bodega, a darkroom where I could develop my own black and white prints, and a truly independent newspaper in which I occasionally published book reviews. This was before the toll road and the subsequent arrival of the ever-present season of visitors and traffic. Back then, California was Reagan country, and the entire nation was lurching toward deregulation and the subsequent economy that took the water out of the financial ocean where all boats were meant to float and installed a spigot, so it would trickle down instead. The time of the new math had arrived, and the era of the financially struggling Laguna Beach artist was coming to its close.

I had moved into a studio apartment in the canyon where many other artists lived; there, some had managed to buy a piece of land and build a home. I rented 500 square feet from a woodworker who had, by cutting and crafting boards, stashed away enough cash to earn local celebrity and title to canyon real estate. It was August 1988. Artists, particularly struggling ones, were very much a part of the natural landscape. I fell hard into a crowd that included painters, sculptors, ceramicists, photographers, jewelers, art critics, museum curators, and professors of various artistic styles. Often, we ate impromptu meals together at the airy North Laguna studio of two artists – one German, one French – who had a tempestuous and kinetic energy that pulled us all in. At these gatherings, art was discussed, and aesthetics hotly debated. There was drinking, and sometimes people got drunk and woke in the morning with other partners. One evening, a young man dressed in jeans and a suit coat had loosened his tie – much red wine had been consumed and had freed his tongue. He recited Yeats to me as he wept bitterly.

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Submitted photo

A Hawaiian-themed celebration brings artists and friends together at Heisler Park circa 1988. From left: two German travelers, sculptor David B., mixed media artist Lilli Muller, Sarah (Tringali) Vogel, friend of David Rymer, and Pageant of the Masters scenic artist Rymer.

I knew I was witnessing something real and sacred and ephemeral, which is how I found myself one day in the artist’s yard, the one whose workshop I remember from time to time when I now drive by Parking Lot 10. Here, once, lived an artist who kept a wounded raven in his workshop yard. Here, once, lived an artist who would eventually join other artists on their way out of town. Here, once, I held out my arm to catch the short flight of Yorick, the raven. Ravens are powerful and intelligent. An adult bird weighs two and one-half pounds and stands two and one-half feet tall. When Yorick alighted on my arm, my breath caught in my throat. I saw what the artist had seen: a thing of beauty, wild and immense. In stories, the raven is the interlocutor between the material world and the world of the spirit. Just before Hamlet and company meet their tragic end, the prince unearths the skull of the dead court jester, Yorick: “Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him.” It is a bittersweet pronouncement; a reminder that time changes all things. 

After moving to the canyon in 1989, Sarah Vogel met her husband in the stacks at Fahrenheit 451, got married at the Sawdust Festival, survived the 1993 fire, and raised two accomplished daughters, both LBHS graduates – one Artist and one Breaker. 

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..

Village Laguna celebrates 50th anniversary by giving away 50 trees to residents on May 16

To commemorate their 50th anniversary, Village Laguna is giving away 50 trees to Laguna Beach residents. Two beautiful native trees are being offered. Residents are invited to join in on Sunday, May 16 at Bluebird Park from 1-3 p.m. Bring a picnic and a blanket or beach chairs. All are welcome!

To make sure everyone has as much fun as possible, the South Laguna Garden Band will be entertaining with their good time music.

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Toyon tree

The Garden Band is led by Tom Joliet, ukelele, and features Doc Law on slide guitar, John Ford guitar and vocals, Tony Bisson “the voice,” Hod Meehan on bass, and Danny the drummer. The Garden Band began one afternoon in 2009 after a workday at the South Laguna Community Garden Park, when Tony and Tom started strumming and singing together for the first time. Other musicians have joined in and the group plays at local venues like Fete de la Musique and the Ranch, always to promote and help fund the Garden Park.

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Garden Band 

For the past 50 years Village Laguna has led efforts to preserve, enhance, and celebrate the unique village character and cultural heritage of Laguna Beach. 

At Village Laguna’s 40th celebration Arnold Hano said, “I can’t conceive of a future beyond, let’s say, next Thursday. Fifty years will be well beyond my reach. We’ll toast 40 and hope that another 40 will follow and our village will remain a village, Laguna will remain Laguna.” 

“And yet, here we are today,” says Ann Christoph. “Arnold just turned 99, and we’re celebrating 50 years and looking forward to 50 more!” 

To reserve a tree, go to www.villagelaguna.org and fill out the form, then pick up your new tree at the Bluebird Park celebration. Village Laguna thanks Ruben Flores/Laguna Nursery for help in providing these beautiful trees.

Guest Column

Allowing ourselves to feel joy during the day

By Dr. Vidya Reddy

Hello and welcome to the JOYful corner. 

I’ve come to the realization that most of us don’t allow ourselves to feel joy most days. Sure, maybe on some kind of big occasion we’ll let ourselves run around whooping with joy…but mostly not.

Think about your past week: has it been joyful and wondrous? Or routine, full of busyness and stress, and doing doing doing?

If you felt a daily amount of joy and wonder, you’re likely the exception. Most people don’t seem to feel joy regularly, or even realize that that’s the case.

Let’s change that.

Joy and wonder are two emotions we shut down, for so many reasons: it’s safe, it’s not allowed, we’re worried about ourselves, we’re stressed. But wouldn’t we like to live a life that has joy every day? That feels wonder at the incredibleness of this world and the richness of humanity?

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/.

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Photo by Johnny Antezana

Dr. Vidya Reddy

We can still get stuff done, still function in society, while having a greater degree of joy and wonder. In fact, I’d argue that the people around us will benefit, our work will benefit, the world will benefit, if we allow joy into our lives. 

If we start seeing everything with wonder, at least some of the time – not to mention the personal benefits of this as well – life can start to come alive again. It’s like that moment in the Wizard of Oz when things go from black and white to color!

So how do we allow this into our lives? It starts by simply recognizing that we want this. That it’s allowed. Give ourselves some freaking permission to feel alive and joyous!

Then we can make it a daily practice. Not a daily chore to add to our task lists, another thing that we should do. No! This is something we get to do!

OK, I’ll stop yelling now. I’m just excited dammit! OK now I’ll stop. 

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Photo by Pieter Baetens

Feel the joy 

Here are two practices you might try: 

--Go outside and see the wonder of the world around you. Let yourself feel alive! Feel the joy that you get to be alive in this freaking amazing world. Run or dance or skip around like a kid, in joy. See the open and vibrant nature of the universe. When you see other people, delight in their humanity! If you feel like it, whoop around joyously, climb a tree, do handstands. Whatever you feel like, whatever would be joyful. 

--Every day, ask yourself a simple question: “Where did I see God today?” If you don’t believe in God, as I don’t, you can take that to mean, “Where did I see the divine or sacred today?” or “Where did I see the wonder in the world?” This practice is simply thinking back to the parts of your day when you allowed yourself to see wonder and the divine. It could be in the face of a loved one, or a wonderful person outside. It could be in the joy you felt in winning a game or watching an incredible creation online.

These can be daily practices. They can be anytime practices! Would you like to feel joy and wonder today?

In Peace, Love and Gratitude. 

‘Til next time. 

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

www.Naturally-Happy.com

SchoolPower hosts Three Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic & BBQ on Monday

SchoolPower, Laguna Beach’s education foundation, is thrilled to announce the 5th Annual Three Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic & BBQ, hosted by the Ranch at Laguna Beach and Hobie, on Monday, May 10. 

Members of the Laguna Beach community will come together for a day of golf and entertainment to raise funds to enhance the educational experience of students at Laguna Beach’s four public schools. This year’s event will feature nine holes of barefoot golf, tequila tasting from Nosotros, wine tasting hosted by Argaux, a BBQ dinner, live music, a silent online auction, and live auction.

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Photo by Kristin Karkoska, Blue Sky’s Studio

Golfers Amos Smith, John Carpino, Taylor Pillsbury and Leif Hanson at the 4th Annual Three Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic benefiting SchoolPower

The event’s online silent auction will include a range of tempting products and unique experiences generously donated by local businesses and families, including Disneyland Park Hopper Passes, a two-night stay at Montage Los Cabos, certificates for local summer camps, and gift cards to favorite local eateries. Community members – attending the event or not – can participate in the auction by texting “schoolpower” to 243725. The online auction will remain open for bidding until 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 11.

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring the community together through an in-person event and enable the greater Laguna Beach community to participate through an online auction,” says 2020-2021 SchoolPower President Mark Smialowicz. “We’ve been amazed by the public support over this challenging year, and we look forward to expanding and extending community engagement as we transition into brighter times.”

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Photo by Kristin Karkoska, Blue Sky’s Studio

Foursome Jen Murray, Lauren Halloran, Nicole McMann, and Alison Alexander head to the next hole at the 4th Annual Three Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic benefiting SchoolPower

During the live auction, event attendees have the opportunity to win compelling packages, including a two-night stay at The Ranch, a custom Hobie surfboard experience with master shaper Gary Larson, jewelry from Fredric H. Rubel Jewelers, a Mike Trout autographed baseball bat, and a foursome on the private Napa Wine Train. 

“The Three Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic benefiting SchoolPower is one of the absolute highlights of our year, both for The Ranch resort and for me personally,” says Mark Christy, managing partner of The Ranch, owner of Hobie Sports and longtime SchoolPower supporter. “Watching golfers putting with lawn chairs and hitting tee shots with baseball bats and just hearing their laughter, all while raising thousands for our kids and Laguna schools that made such an incredible difference for my family and friends…it’s priceless!”

Special thanks to hole sponsors Meital Taub Luxury Group, Fredric H. Rubel Jewelers, Ballesteros Real Estate Group, Mobile Health, Esse Law, Laguna Presbyterian Church, George FJ Hill Insurance, Hackett Bonds & Insurance Services, GreenPACE Capital, Heidi & Mark Draper, and Spectator Technologies, as well as event sponsors Nosotros Tequila, Argaux, Docent Brewing, Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery, and Bianchi Winery & Tasting Room.

Proceeds from the event will benefit students in Laguna Beach public schools through SchoolPower. In the 2020-2021 school year, SchoolPower provided help to local families in need through its Empowering Families initiative. It also has funded over $100,000 in grants made to LBUSD teachers, coaches, and staff.

For more details about the Three Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic & BBQ, visit www.lbschoolpower.org/barefoot. 

SchoolPower’s mission is to enhance the educational experience of the whole student as they grow from TK through 12th grade. Over the last five years, SchoolPower has contributed over $4,000,000 to the Laguna Beach school district to help support a wide range of programs, including academic enrichment, student experiences, social and emotional support, athletics, and music, visual, and performing arts. 

To learn more about SchoolPower, visit www.lbschoolpower.org.

Dennis’ Tidbits

By DENNIS McTIGHE

May 7, 2021

Spring now half gone 

Here on Cinco de Mayo, we’re at the halfway point of springtime.

Here in Laguna, we are beyond blessed in that our only weather worry is what time the daily marine layer is going to clear, while most everybody else is dodging dangerous lightning, baseball-size hail, hurricane-force straight-line winds, torrential flooding rains, and EF-4 tornadoes. That’s why we live here!

Local ocean temps have bounced back nicely with readings back up in the mid 60s thanks to the presence of the Catalina eddy with its south and southeast winds.

As you probably know by now, May is the peak month for the amount of tornado formation nationwide, but the focus of activity is the continental plains. The term Tornado Alley is used to identify this section of the United States, a section in which more tornadoes strike than in any place in the world, with Oklahoma being the prime bull’s eye for frequency and intensity. 

The U.S. averages nearly 300 May tornadoes annually. April, May, and June are the three busiest months for twisters. There’s a town a few miles southeast of Oklahoma City by the name of Moore, Oklahoma, that has taken the most abuse by dangerous and destructive tornadoes to the tune of three separate EF-5 events all in May. The May of 1999 twister had winds over 250 mph and took 34 lives. The monster was at least a mile wide. 

Then in May of 2003, Moore was once again the prime target of yet another EF-5 with winds up to 301 mph, nearly twice as strong as a Category 5 hurricane, killing a dozen people and it too was nearly a mile wide. Ten years later in May of 2013, another EF-5 struck that took almost an identical path as the 1999 event killing 23 people, mostly kids at Briarwood Elementary School. That particular tornado was an amazing 2.6 miles wide when it was about 25 miles west of Oklahoma City near a place called El Reno, Oklahoma. Time to move away from there as a friend of mine and devout reader of Stu News did a couple of years ago, and now he and his wife reside near Salt Creek.

The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1st and runs through November 30th. The names for 2021 in alphabetical order are as follows: Ana, Bill, Claudette, Danny, Erika, Fabian, Grace, Henri, Isabel, Juan, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor, and Wanda. The letters Q,U, X, Y, and Z are not used. There’s no longer use of the Greek alphabet should this season exhaust the regular list of names. Instead they will use another list on reserve. Hopefully that won’t be necessary, and it probably won’t as the strong La Nina that we had last year is beginning to slacken. Stay tuned on that one. 

Have a great and safe weekend, ALOHA!

COVID-19: 3 new cases and no new deaths reported in Laguna Beach this past week

Stu News Laguna is now reporting COVID-19 numbers on a weekly basis, as reported by the OC Health Care Agency.

This week, April 30-May 6, there have been three new cases in Laguna Beach, bringing the overall totals to 858 cases reported to date and seven total deaths.

During the past week, the county reported a total of 421 new cases, raising the total to 254,201 to date. The death totals for the county were 38 for the week, bringing the overall total number of deaths to 4,992.

As of yesterday, May 6, Orange County has performed a cumulative of 3,710,981 tests to date. There are 91 current cases of hospitalized patients in Orange County, of which 23 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.

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Data courtesy of OC Health Care Agency

COVID Super PODs closing in favor of more localized approach

The demand for first-dose COVID-19 vaccinations through the Othena platform at county Super Point-of-Dispensing (POD) sites have dropped by over 75 percent since the end of April. This indicates that county residents who want the vaccines and do not face difficulty traveling to the Super PODs have, for the most part, been able to do so.

Further efforts to achieve mass immunity will require that Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) focus on more community and neighborhood-based vaccination strategies. This will mean working to overcome vaccine resistance and creating more mobile PODs, with greater outreach, to make vaccination more convenient for people to get vaccinated where they live, work, and play.

To meet this changing community need, the County of Orange will close its Super POD sites at the Anaheim Convention Center, OC Fair & Event Center, and Soka University, as well as at Santa Ana College on June 6 and shift operations to an expanding network of robust mobile PODs.

The County of Orange and its partners at the Orange County Fire Authority launched “Operation Independence” in January 2021. The HCA organized an Incident Management Team along with community and city partners, as well as representatives from Orange County law enforcement and fire departments, to stand up and staff Super POD sites to administer vaccines to thousands of Orange County (OC) residents and workers each day.

These large, regional Super PODs were intended to administer higher quantities of COVID-19 vaccines quickly and efficiently to help slow the spread of the virus while helping to alleviate the emergent burden placed on OC’s hospital system by a surge in COVID-19-positive patients.

Vaccine supply has become more plentiful and alternative distribution channels, such as local pharmacies, hospitals, health care systems, community clinics, and providers are more actively administering doses throughout OC. Consequently, the county has seen a decrease in demand, as also experienced in many regions nationwide.

The last Moderna first-dose appointments will be offered at county Super PODs tomorrow, May 8. The last Pfizer first-dose appointments will be offered at county Super PODs on May 15. The HCA will continue to meet all second-dose obligations.

All county Super and community PODs will offer one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine immediately through close of business on June 5.

Community members are encouraged to access the schedule of upcoming mobile PODs by calling the OC COVID-19 Hotline at (714) 834-2000 or by registering and logging in to their account in the Othena platform at www.Othena.com. Mobile PODs will accommodate both appointments and walk-ins based on vaccine availability.

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

“Band on the Bus” brings live music to Laguna Beach via trolleys on May 9 and 16

On May 9 and 16, between 5 and 7 p.m., “Band on the Bus” will be bringing live music to Laguna Beach neighborhoods via the City’s trolley. With some of the City’s annual programming featuring live music currently paused, the Arts Commission continues to explore alternative opportunities while providing an atmosphere with safe social distancing that residents can enjoy close to home.

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Submitted photo

Band on the Bus passes Bluebird Park during a previous performance 

There will be two trolley performances featuring The Salty Suites in North Laguna on May 9 and Upstream in Moulton Meadows and Top of the World on May 16. The trolley will stop at pre-designated areas. The Arts Commission requests that audiences attending any of the stops wear masks, maintain social distancing, and be careful not to block the road. 

This program is funded by the Laguna Beach Tourism Marketing District and City of Laguna Beach. 

For more information on this program, contact Arts Program Coordinator Michael McGregor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Pageant of the Masters tickets on sale now

Tickets for the much-anticipated 2021 Pageant of the Masters are on sale to the general public as of May 3. Returning to our Laguna Beach community after the postponement of the 2020 production due to the coronavirus pandemic, audiences will once again be able to experience the art of living pictures.

Tickets to this summer’s production, Made in America: Trailblazing Artists and Their Stories, start at $30 per person at www.pageanttickets.com. 

“This summer’s production is ‘from the heart.’ The enthusiasm is at an all-time high and our staff and volunteers are so happy and grateful to be able to perform again,” shared long-standing Pageant Director Diane Challis Davy. “Everyone involved is determined to do all we can to make sure our audiences experience thrills, amazing and inspirational stories, beautiful music, and extraordinary living pictures under the stars.”

The 2021 Pageant of the Masters, Made in America: Trailblazing Artists and Their Stories, was planned for 2020, when the pandemic forced worldwide shutdowns of live performances and events. 

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Pageant of the Masters recreation of Winslow Homer’s “Breezing Up (A Fair Wind)” to be featured in the 2021 production

Prior to last year, the Pageant had only gone dark from 1942 to 1945, during World War II. Its history traces back to Laguna Beach’s early days as an art colony, starting in 1933 as a way to draw in tourists. Today, the iconic show has become a phenomenon and the crowning jewel of Laguna Beach.

Through the magic of living pictures, Pageant patrons will meet the artists who not only made this country their home, but let their creativity be inspired by the liberations upon which this nation was founded. Certain to be unlike any other Pageant production, the 2021 summer show will offer a collection of tributes to artists who made their mark in American Art. “We want to tell their (artists’) stories in the form of vignettes. We will quote them ‘verbatim’ as much as possible,” adds Challis Davy.

Asked to reveal some of the artists whose stories and works will be included in this summer’s production, Pageant Director Diane Challis Davy shared several, many of them recognized as masters of American art: Winslow Homer, Mary Cassatt, Norman Rockwell, Daniel Chester French, Luis Jimenez, and John Nieto.

She continued, “I’m especially pleased about two of the segments. One is a tribute to the inspiring story of African American sculptor Edmonia Lewis. The other is our recreation of a photo by Dorothea Lange-accompanied by two songs written by Woody Guthrie. The photo illustrates the heartache of the Great Depression and our tableau is followed by the recreation of a brightly colored WPA mural that celebrates the resiliency of the American ‘can-do’ spirit.”

A prologue for the opening sequence, written by scriptwriter Dan Duling, will acknowledge and “set the mood” of the show in the wake of the COVID disruption. The upcoming production will also present some of the photos of the cast volunteers taken by Matthew Rolston in 2017. Audiences will likely feel a sense of nostalgia as the night closes with the Pageant’s recreation of The Last Supper by Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci, which has been the Pageant’s traditional closing tableau since 1936.

Challis Davy shared one final tease: “Prepare yourselves for an inspirational adventure, a plotline from start to finish, and a moving look at American History through a collection of tributes to artists who made their mark in American Art.” 

Pageant tickets are a perfect gift idea for Mother’s Day, graduation celebrations, and special occasions, the 2021 Pageant of the Masters, Made in America: Trailblazing Artists and Their Stories, runs July 7-September 3, 2021. 

Tickets start at $30 per person and are on sale now. A Pageant ticket is also a season pass to the 2021 Festival of Arts Fine Art Show, which will take place July 5-September 3, 2021. 

For more information, ticket policies, and to purchase tickets, visit www.pageanttickets.com or call (800) 487-3378.

LAPAPA presents 5th Annual Waterworks Watercolor Art Show virtually

To address the challenges imposed by the pandemic, LPAPA will continue to present its annual juried art shows online through the LPAPA Virtual Gallery and DailyBrushwork.com (click here) until it is feasible to return to physical exhibits and receptions at its “LPAPA in Residence” Gallery home at the Forest & Ocean Gallery in the heart of Laguna’s art district. Proceeds from the sale of artwork benefits the participating artists and nonprofit LPAPA, and helps sustain LPAPA’s Mission. 

Virtual Gallery (Juried Finalists) Exhibition/Auction Dates: May 3-9 

Virtual Gallery Reception: Thursday, May 6, 5- 6 p.m. (awards at 5:30 p.m.)

LPAPA’s mission is dedicated to painting the landscape, preserving Laguna’s artistic legacy, and promoting the plein air painting tradition. LPAPA strives to enhance the livelihood of its artist members and inspire the next generation of plein air painters.

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Jason Li, “Sunset Tidepools”

Laguna Plein Air Painters Association is proud to present its 5th Annual Waterworks Watercolor Exhibition & Sale as a unique exhibition dedicated to works created by LPAPA Members using transparent watercolors. This annual watercolor show was made possible with the support of the Joe Hanks Van Cleave Foundation for the Arts and honors the family’s matriarch Joe Hanks Van Cleave (1920-2003), who preferred painting with transparent watercolor and often exhibited as a member of the Laguna Beach Art Association (1957-1969) in their gallery (now the Laguna Art Museum), with her big one-woman show in July 1962. 

Over 123 entries were received for this show with jurors Toni Kellenberg, LPAPA President & Collector, Mary Platt, Hilbert Museum Director, and Rosemary Swimm, LPAPA’s Executive Director, choosing 42 original paintings created by LPAPA Signature and Artist Members for the show’s coveted spots.   The Waterworks 2021 Awards Judge is Jean Stern, Director Emeritus of The Irvine Museum. 

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Submitted photo

Michael Broshar, “Mustard Fields Near Santa Rosa”

LPAPA’s Executive Director Rosemary Swimm shares, “As someone once said: Not all watercolors are created equally…Opaque watercolors let little light in while transparent watercolors allow color to show. Transparent watercolors offer unique challenges for the plein air artist to overcome. They are particularly challenging and much more susceptible to outdoor elements. Continuing our partnership with the Joe Hanks Van Cleave Foundation for the Arts for the fifth consecutive year is an honor, and our artists are equally excited presenting us with some amazing artwork. Works done in plein air and in the studio are included in this show.” 

The 1st Place award winning artist will also receive an invitation to participate in LPAPA’s 23rd Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational, to be held October 2-10, 2021. 

For more information on LAPAPA, go to www.LPAPA.org.

Susi Q to host Laguna Beach Music Festival virtual concert on May 14

On Friday, May 14 at 9 a.m., the Laguna Beach Musical Festival, a partnership of Laguna Live! and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, will present an exclusive virtual performance with a live post-Q&A featuring acclaimed pianist and Festival Artistic Director Conrad Tao.

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Photo by Brantley Gutierrez

Laguna Beach Music Festival Artistic Director Conrad Tao 

A much-anticipated part of the Laguna Beach Music Festival is the concert by Festival musicians offered at the Susi Q. The event is free and will be live streamed. 

To register and receive your Zoom invite, click here or visit www.thesusiq.corsizio.com. 

The 19th Laguna Beach Music Festival, held May 12-16, is an annual multi-day celebration featuring outstanding classical and contemporary concerts in intimate spaces, community outreach programs, and dynamic special events. 

Visit www.lagunabeachmusicfestival.com for more details.

Laguna Live! drive-in concert a success

Laguna Live! held its second tailgate/drive-in concert in City Lot 10 on Sunday, May 2. The sold-out crowd enjoyed the awesome Black Market Reverie band, led by Lyman Medeiros and Renee Myara, and their eclectic sound and speakeasy-style jazz.

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Submitted photo

May 2 sold-out crowd enjoys Black Market Reverie Band

Spaces in the lot around the edges were sold every other one, which allowed guests to maintain social distancing by sitting in front of their cars or remaining inside as the band performed in the middle. An impromptu solution to the pandemic rules, the new venue proved to be a big hit and guests were asking when it could be repeated.

For more information about Laguna Live!, go to www.lagunalive.org.

Tropical view

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Palm trees and paradise

South Laguna Community Garden Park is giving away seedlings at the Farmer’s Market on Saturday

Continuing the tradition started last year during the COVID shutdown, South Laguna Community Garden Park is giving away organically raised seedlings at the Laguna Beach Farmer’s Market on Saturday, May 8 beginning at 8 a.m.

Garden seedlings include sunflower, zucchini, pumpkin, cilantro, dill, zinnia, and others in compostable pots that can be planted directly into your garden. 

The seedling giveaway is intended to encourage Laguna residents to enjoy and benefit from their gardens and to appreciate how gardens can provide sustenance as well as beautify our neighborhoods. 

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Wens-day Garcia and Sally Coffey arrange the seedling trays that held last year’s giveaway plants

The Garden Park, a community refuge operated by volunteers, has reopened and the public is welcome to enjoy the views from its paths and benches.

Pre-pandemic, the South Laguna Community Garden Park offered educational programs and held community get-togethers/potlucks. These programs will continue when deemed safe. The South Laguna Garden Band, which now plays for many community events and venues, grew from relationships built while its members were volunteering and building the Garden Park.

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Poster for last year’s seedlings giveaway

The Garden Park provides opportunities to subscribe to a family plot. In addition to gardening in their individual raised beds, gardeners maintain the entire garden site for the benefit of the public. A native garden on the borders and slopes of the garden has just been planted. Poppies and coast sunflowers are in bloom now. Native wildflowers are right here in Laguna!

For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.southlaguna.org/garden.

The Garden Park is located at the corner of Eagle Rock Way and Coast Highway and is in its 12th year.

Feed It Forward partners with Gina’s Pizza to feed the families at the Boys & Girls Club 

Laguna Beach locals Wolfram and Marianne Blume have partnered with Gina’s Pizza to provide meals once a week to the families of the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach’s Canyon Enrichment Center. 

Feed it Forward was created by local philanthropists as a way to support local restaurants as well as bring joy to members of our community during these trying times. 

Earlier in the year, Feed It Forward partnered with Harley Laguna Beach to provide meals for vulnerable seniors via Sally’s Fund. Harley and our seniors were so excited and grateful for this project that the Blumes decided to expand it. Feed It Forward is now working with Gina’s Pizza to provide meals for the families who attend the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach’s Canyon Enrichment Center. 

“We were so excited when the Blumes reached out to us about Feed It Forward,” exclaims BGC Community Engagement Director Jennifer Costales. “What a great opportunity to help support local businesses and restaurants as well as put a smile on our families’ faces. Food brings everyone together and dinner time is a great time for families to sit down and connect. This is extra important during these trying times. Thank you Feed it Forward and Gina’s Pizza for providing these meals!”

“Gina’s Pizza is so stoked to be part of such a cool program to feed the families of the Boys and Girls Club! Being a third-generation family run business, that has been operating in Southern Orange County since 1975, nothing makes us smile more than a Pizza Party!” Anna Costa-McMahan of Gina’s Pizza explains. “We wish to offer a heartfelt thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Blume for including us!”

Feed It Forward is covering the cost for 100 family-style dinners to be delivered to the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach weekly. These meals alternate between a cook your own pizza dinner and delicious raviolis. Both meals include salad and garlic bread for an entire family to enjoy. 

For more information and to register, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Boys & Girls Club registration is now open for Summer Camp! Visit www.bgclagunabeach.org for more information.

Laguna Beach arts organizations and businesses to receive aid

Exactly one year after reporting its first survey results about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Orange County’s arts community, Arts Orange County (ArtsOC) announced last week new data that documents financial losses of $121,103,221 and a reduction of 2,727 jobs. 

The 38 organizations that shared their information (including four from

Laguna Beach) now estimate that it will also take them, on average, at least until July 2022 before their revenue, employment, and operations will return to pre-pandemic levels.

In response to these results and a request by ArtsOC, the Orange County Board of Supervisors recently approved $5 million in relief to arts-related businesses and nonprofit arts organizations from its federal American Rescue Plan Act funding. Each of the five supervisorial districts will receive $1 million to devise and manage their own distribution plan for these grants.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Laguna Playhouse reports a 70 percent loss of income during COVID-19

“Arts organizations were the first businesses to close and will be the last to reopen due to their social gathering nature,” commented Richard Stein, President and CEO of ArtsOC. “Speaking on behalf of our arts community, we are deeply grateful to the Orange County Board of Supervisors for recognizing the need and responding quickly to make these funds available.”

One of the Laguna Beach organizations participating in the survey was Laguna Playhouse, whose Executive Director Ellen Richard commented: “The Laguna Playhouse lost 70 percent of our income during COVID-19. And well over 100 artists and production people lost employment. We are incredibly grateful to our donors and the unprecedented support provided by the Federal government. We wouldn’t be in a position to plan our reopening without this generous funding. We look forward to producing shows and providing jobs again to artists and the local community.”

On April 21, 2020, ArtsOC announced that a survey of the Orange County arts community had reported $16 million in losses due to the COVID-19 shutdown.

Stein continued: “As shocking as that was at the time, few arts leaders believed that their venues and programs would remain closed more than a year later. And though there is much general optimism over vaccinations and the Governor’s projected reopening of California on June 15, the lack of guidelines and protocols, as well as the long ramp-up period necessary to resume programming has led most of them to anticipate at least six months more of near-complete closure with another six or seven months before they will be back to pre-COVID levels of operation. 

“As such, Arts Orange County is urging elected officials at the Federal, State, and City levels to deploy some of their American Rescue Plan Act funds to provide relief to the beleaguered arts sector and for the State to accelerate its decision-making on reopening guidelines for arts venues.”

Arts Orange County’s mission is to be the leader in building appreciation of, participation in and support for the arts and arts education in Orange County, California. A nonprofit organization incorporated in 1995, it is designated by the Board of Supervisors as the official local arts agency and State-Local Partner for the County of Orange. 

For more information, visit www.artsoc.org.

LBCWD issues notice of expiring terms of two commissioners, is accepting applications to serve on the commission

A notice has been issued announcing that the Board of Directors of Laguna Beach County Water District is accepting applications from the public to serve on the Laguna Beach County Water District Commission (two seats).

The Laguna Beach County Water District Commission is a five-member commission appointed by the Board of Directors. New or re-appointed commissioners will serve a two-year term and will be compensated in the amount of $392 per month. Commission meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. in the District Boardroom located at 306 Third Street. Commissioners will also serve on one or more District Standing Committees, such as Engineering and Operations, Finance/Audit, Personnel and Management, and Water Conservation and Outreach, which usually meet during normal business hours. Meeting and preparation time may exceed several hours per week. The Laguna Beach County Water District Commission has the power and duty to act in an advisory capacity to the Board of Directors in matters pertaining to administration, delivery of water, and maintenance of the District’s water systems and facilities. Additionally, commissioners recommend to the Board of Directors adoption of such ordinances, resolutions, rules, and regulations as deemed necessary for the administration and preservation of the District’s water systems and facilities.

To qualify, applicants must reside within the boundaries of Laguna Beach County Water District. Applications are available at District Headquarters located at 306 Third Street, Laguna Beach, or on the District’s website, www.lagunabeachwater.com, and must be filed with the District by 5 p.m. on May 28, 2021. All applicants will be interviewed by the Board of Directors at its regular meeting on June 17, 2021, at 5 p.m. at the District Headquarters.

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.