Fair Game
By TOM JOHNSON
Seventy-six years later and Laguna Beach football again wins the title…and there’s still more work to be done!
The season that couldn’t be, IS! And, it continues. The Laguna Beach Breakers’ football team will host Granada Hills Charter this Saturday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. in the 2022 CIF State Regional 4-A Championship Bowl Game.
The Granada Hills Charter Highlanders come into the game with a record of 11-2, including a win last Saturday, Nov. 26 over Palisades, 44-7, in the CIF LA City Section Football Championship.
The Breakers come in at 11-3, after beating Diamond Bar last Saturday, 36-28. Laguna Beach has won nine in a row, including the Division 9 CIF Southern Section Football Championship. It was their first title in 76 years.
Laguna Beach took the early lead scoring on a 27-yard field goal by Nico Vidaurri Tucker in the first quarter.
After some back-and-forth, Diamond Bar finally got on the scoreboard midway through the second quarter on a 17-yard touchdown pass hauled in by Maddox Bernardino.
The Breakers, however, would then jump back in front, 10-7, just before halftime on a 7-yard TD pass from sophomore QB Jackson Kollock to Aidan Mulkay.
But it was the third quarter that made the difference. Twenty-one unanswered points put Laguna Beach up 30-7, which included a blocked punt by the Breakers’ Chase Tyson and senior linebacker Micah Chavez coming up with the ball and taking it in for the score.
Diamond Bar did manage to get on the board again near the end of the third, however, Kollock then put the game nearly out of reach in the first minute of the fourth quarter on a 51-yard TD pass to junior tight end Ryner Swanson.
Diamond Bar would add two more fourth quarter TDs, with the final one closing the gap to eight points that came with just over a minute left in the game.
So, this weekend it’s Laguna Beach vs. Granada Hills Charter on Guyer Field. What would a win do? Well, glad you asked, as the winner will face their Northern California Regional counterpart winner in a CIF State Championship Bowl Game on either December 9 or 10.
Don’t mean to look ahead, but Mayor Sue Kempf, I’m thinking tickertape parade down Forest…what say you?
• • •
Reminder, Thursday, Dec. 1 is the Laguna Beach Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee Meeting featuring Councilmember-Elect Mark Orgill, from 8-9 a.m. Mark was a very commonsense candidate who ran on a platform citing full transparency at City Hall and working to unite a divided community.
Mark is so well thought of that as a “developer” by trade, Mark ran on support from both sides of the community, including as an endorsed candidate of Village Laguna.
The Zoom meeting is free and can be found here.
• • •
Other news from the Chamber: Don’t forget, Friday, Dec. 2 from 5-10 p.m. is Hospitality Night, co-sponsored by the Chamber and the City of Laguna Beach. As just an f-y-I, the Peppertree Lot (Lot 2) will feature Santa Claus, tree lighting, music and more.
Get out there with your pocketbooks and shop local.
• • •
Okay, most of us know, or are familiar with, Harley Rouda. Harley is a popular local attorney and businessman who served as our U.S. Representative for California’s 48th Congressional District from 2019-2021.
In spite of those credentials, Harley will step to a supporting role this Thursday, Dec. 1, when his wife, Kaira Rouda, releases her new book, THE WIDOW.
The novel focuses in on a tradition started back in 1922 by one Mae Ella Nolan, who became a U.S. Representative after her husband died in office. This phenomenon has continued to occurr 47 more times up until today, including perhaps the most notable, Mary Bono, who assumed Sonny’s seat after he tragically died in a skiing accident.
Now, I should clarify that this is a fictional piece, where Kaira’s protagonist is Jody Asher, the longtime wife of a 15-term congressional member who suddenly dies after a secret affair with one of his staffers. Jody, of course, then takes control, and “there’s nothing the ruthless widow won’t do to secure the future she’s entitled to. Even if she has a secret of her own.”
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Courtesy of Kaira Rouda
The book is called “visceral and alluring…THE WIDOW is a riveting novel of marriage, privilege, and lies in the cutthroat world of international politics.”
This is not Kaira’s first venture out, as her other novels include Somebody’s Home, The Next Wife, The Favorite Daughter, Best Day Ever and All the Difference.
Remember, it’ll be in bookstores everywhere this Thursday.
• • •
The KX FM “DJ Take Over” end-of-year fundraiser is happening December 7-13. Local Laguna Beach fans and friends of the radio station take over the airwaves to help raise money.
Returning for an encore will be 7-year-old Max Weidhaas, who is scheduled to go on-air on Friday, Dec. 9 from 4-5 p.m. He is now a second grader in Ms. Stevens’ class at El Morro Elementary School. He’ll be joined by his dad, Chris.
Mark it down and remember to pledge for Max and the number of other “local celebrities that will join together to raise funds for KX FM. Money raised goes to rising operating costs.”
To make a pledge for Max, go to https://kxfm.secure.nonprofitsoapbox.com/kx-takeover-chris-max-weidhaas.
Sukhi Dail: Turning seeds of imagination into magical pieces of art
By DIANNE RUSSELL
Thirty years ago, at the end of a long, adventurous journey – one that included leaving India with only $5 in his pocket, riding the Orient Express, teaching and working at Hanna-Barbera studios in Hollywood – the sculptor, painter and lifelong philanthropist Sukhdev (Sukhi) Dail finally settled in Laguna.
Dail readily admits he’s a nature lover. “I had a friend who lived here, and I was in awe of the beauty of the coastline and the wilderness.”
Residents may be aware of Dail’s work from his public art installation Seabreeze (2015) overlooking Main Beach. “It captures the human spirit, in awe of the beauty,” he said. Although it’s his only public art piece in Laguna, he has created other public art throughout his life. His prototype of a larger work Where is My Forest? took second place in the Laguna Art Museum’s 2022 Art & Nature competition.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Sculptor and painter Sukhi Dail came to the US in 1968
Sprinkled with colorful anecdotes, Dail’s tales of his younger years and travel escapades are as mesmerizing as his works of art. “I grew up in the countryside – farmland – in India and rode my bike 10 miles to high school,” Dail said. “I was an artistic child and liked to fix things. My father was a medical doctor. He wanted me to be a brain surgeon, but every time I saw blood, I passed out. So, he put me in art school.”
After graduating from the Delhi College of Art, Dail took a teaching job at the Teacher’s College. “But I got tired of the repetitive nature of teaching,” he said.
In 1965, his need to create sent him on a journey to Paris to see the French Impressionists. Crossing the forbidding Persian Desert, the car he and a friend were travelling in, ran out of gas. Due to a sandstorm, the road was invisible, and they ended up walking six miles with no water and without finding a gas station. Tired and thirsty, they stumbled upon a settlement that saved their lives.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
The stained glass artwork on the front of his canyon home on Arroyo Drive is from the 1970s
“We spent a few days in a hotel in Iran, then ran out of money and went to temples, which provided good food and shelter. The car gave out, and we wondered, without money, how would we get to Europe?”
Unfortunately, the adventure had significantly stalled. They were broke and still in the vicinity of India.
“I had a cousin in Tehran and he sent me 100 pounds, so we got a bus to Istanbul, to catch the Orient Express,” Dail said. “On the train, we met an antique dealer from Brussels, and he invited us to Brussels. So we stopped there and looked at the galleries and museums – it was a completely different world. Everyone was happy and friendly, and they loved Indian songs. I walked the streets looking for a job, and I got one after three days. I’d say, ‘I’m an artist, are you looking for an artist?’”
“I got a job copying paintings by the artist Henri Toulouse-Lautrec for the owner of a studio who had night club and wanted the paintings for it, to cover the dance floor,” he continued. “He showed me a book with 50-60 paintings by Toulouse-Lautrec and asked if I could paint like that. In my early days, I had practiced copying masters. I was fast, I could sketch one in 15-20 minutes and color it in two to four hours.”
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Dail with his sculpture, “Where is the Forest?”
If one believes in serendipity or karma, the chance meeting on the train with the Brussels’ antique dealer was fate.
“What is written will happen, we had no plan to stop there,” Dail said. “It just happened.”
In Brussels, Dail attended the Royale Academic Des Beaux Arts in order to have a place to create, as well as to obtain a higher degree in art education. He held his first European exhibition at the Gallerie Romain Louis in Brussels. Upon graduating, he decided to cross the Atlantic for the Americas.
Landing in Canada, he had his first experience in animation. Dail met his late wife of 48 years, Croatian-born Marija, who was in the arts and cinema, in a studio in Canada. “It was love at first sight,” he said.
He has two daughters, Mirna and Vera and two sons, Mavi and Pixote.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Self-portrait in his gallery
Marija was the inspiration for Seabreeze, Dail’s public art piece. “When she saw the Taj Mahal, she lifted her scarf over her head in awe,” he said. “Seabreeze represents a mythical spirit who emerges from the sea, happy and graceful. It is something that people can relate to.”
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56th Annual Patriots Day Parade honorees chosen
Honorees have been chosen for the 56th Annual Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 11 a.m. The parade theme is “Volunteer Heroes.”
Selected as Grand Marshal is Toni Iseman, who recently retired after serving on our city council for 24 years.
Honored Patriot is Major Erin E. Bevacqua, an active duty Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton, who graduated from Laguna Beach High School.
Citizen of the Year is community volunteer Ken Aubuchon.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Patriots Day Parade-themed banner “Toward Community and Unity” was proudly carried by two Laguna Beach Girl Scouts in the 55th Annual Patriots Day Parade
Junior Citizens of the Year, Kirra Moore and Chris Hemsley, Laguna Beach High School seniors, were selected by the school staff.
Artist of the Year is Randy Morgan and Athletes of the Year are the champion Laguna Beach Little League Intermediate All Stars, who are students at Thurston Middle School.
The parade entry and program ad deadline is January 13, 2023. For further information, contact Sandi Werthe at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Laguna Historical Society to hold program on Laguna Beach free community clinics
The Laguna Beach Historical Society will hold their next historic program, “The History of The Laguna Beach Free and Community Clinics” on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Susi Q Community Center’s Great Room.
Submitted photo
Dr. Korey Jorgensen is the featured presenter
Dr. Korey Jorgensen, one of the first members to join the free clinic, will present the history of its earliest days as a doctor supporting the clinic. Dr. Jorgensen later became medical director.
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Photo by Douglas Miller
Early Laguna Beach Free Clinic staff of volunteers, Ocean Avenue
The Laguna Beach Free Clinic was organized by a group of individuals who identified a need and found a way to serve the health services in the community. The group believed that individuals should have access to health care regardless of the ability to pay. In the late 1960s, their idea became a reality and the Laguna Beach Free Clinic was born. The clinic quickly grew in both staff and patient interest.
During the 1970s, the free clinic moved their locations and grew within the Downtown area and became well known in the community. Military doctors were recruited, as the El Toro base was near town. Services expanded and outside labs were often used when those facilities were not available. Through fund raising and hours of service by volunteers the group continued to meet the needs of many residents.
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Photo by Douglas Miller
(L-R) MaryAnne Yeager, Keys Keel, Marley Martin and Ricky Methout, October 1977
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Photo by Douglas Miller
Waiting Room at The Free Clinic, 1970s
Come listen and learn much more about how the clinic served the needs of the community, and how as a non-profit organization they have remained strong nearly 52 years later.
Susi Q Community Center is located at 380 Third St., Laguna Beach.
Obituary
Kian Thomas Saunders
January 26, 1994 – November 23, 2022
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Courtesy of the Saunders family
Kian with his dad, Kirk
It is with great sadness that Kirk and Mary Kate Saunders must share the news of the loss of their son, Kian Thomas Saunders. Kian suffered his entire life from a genetic disorder, an inverse duplication of chromosome 15, and finally succumbed to complications from his disability last Wednesday morning.
His parents, brother Rory Saunders, his extended family and many friends will miss his smiling face and loving demeanor but are at peace with the knowledge that his suffering is over and he is in Heaven with his beloved Virgin Mary.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that Kian be remembered with a donation to Hope in Motion International (www.hopeinmotioninternational.com).
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church on December 3 at 2 p.m.
Laguna Community Concert and JaZz Bands rock the holidays with three concerts
This holiday season brings a series of free concerts to fans of the Laguna Community Concert and JaZz Bands.
Both bands ring in the holidays on Friday, Dec. 2 for Hospitality Night, at the Peppertree parking lot on Forest Avenue starting at 6:15 p.m. The Laguna Community Concert Band kicks things off with holiday classics, “Sleigh-Ride,” “Christmas on Broadway” and “Christmas Pop Sing-Along,” featuring vocalist Lisa Morrice.
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Courtesy of Greg Carter Photography
Lisa Morrice will sing with the Laguna Community Concert Band on December 2 for Hospitality Night
Next, the Laguna JaZz Band plays its holiday blend of jazz and pop standards, Latin, pop and rock with talented vocalist, Ginger Hatfield. On Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m., Hatfield and the JaZz Band swing the Susi Q Community Center with holiday favorites such as “Santa Baby,” “Feliz Navidad” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
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Courtesy of Peyton Webster
The Laguna JaZz Band plays at the Suzi Q on Wednesday, Dec. 14
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Courtesy of Peyton Webster
Vocalist Ginger Hatfield will join the Laguna JaZz Band on December 14
The Laguna Community Concert Band performs its holiday repertoire at the Laguna Beach High School Artists Theater on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. The concert features favorites such as “The Hanukkah Song,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and “White Christmas,” as well as a visit from “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” and a rousing sing-a-long finale. Vocalists include Lisa Morrice, Gary Greene and Samantha Morrice.
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Courtesy of Peyton Webster
The Laguna Community Concert Band plays at the LBHS Artists Theater on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m.
“We just played a concert at the Laguna Playhouse to an enthusiastic crowd on November 18,” said Mark Lowery, co-conductor of the Laguna Community Concert Band. Everyone – audience and band – really enjoyed themselves. And that’s why we perform, to bring the joy of live music to Laguna Beach.”
Now in its 22nd season, the Laguna Community Concert Band rehearses at the Laguna Beach High School band room on Tuesday nights at 6 p.m. For the latest news about the concert and jazz bands and a calendar of concerts, or if you would like to play with the band, visit www.lagunaconcertband.com.
Susi Q Community Center is at 380 Third St., Laguna Beach.
Laguna Beach High School is located at 625 Park Ave., Laguna Beach.
Pageant Legacy Society: Every plaque tells a story
With Giving Tuesday today, the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters celebrates the art of giving this holiday season with an opportunity to join the organization’s Pageant Legacy Society. The Pageant Legacy Society began in 2020 as a way for donors to support the Festival of Arts during financially challenging times due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as a way to leave a permanent mark in the Pageant’s iconic Bowl in Laguna Beach. When joining the Pageant Legacy Society, members select one of the 2,600 red seats in the amphitheater to have an engraved plaque installed on it, which acknowledges their gift.
There are now 250 members in the Pageant Legacy Society. Proceeds from this campaign helps to subsidize student scholarships, cultural and education programming and operational costs. “We are very grateful for the support received so far through this program. It has been such a great pleasure meeting and talking with our Legacy members and discovering that each plaque installed has a story to tell,” said Sharbie Higuchi, director of marketing/PR at Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach.
Seats have been reserved and named in memory of loved ones, recognition of a milestone, or a celebration of memories spent together at the Pageant of the Masters. Below are the stories behind five of the engraved plaques. Learn how you can join the Pageant Legacy Society and add your story at www.foapom.com/legacy-society.
Colin King from Highland, Calif. requested two specific seats for his plaques to go on. His grandmother, Mary-Ann, had brought him to the Pageant of the Masters nearly every year since he was 10 years old until she passed away in 2021. “The Pageant holds a special place in both mine and my grandma’s hearts. It was the last event we had attended together, so I decided to make a donation to add our names on our last seats, so we can watch the show together in spirit, in perpetuity,” King said. Their names are engraved in plaques permanently installed into the seats they last shared together, Row H, seats 33 and 31.
Jade-Addon Hall of Redondo Beach wanted to give a truly special and memorable gift to his grandfather for his 90th birthday this past October. As big fans of the Pageant of the Masters, he had two plaques engraved with the name of his grandfather Raymond and grandmother, Lolita. His grandfather was surprised and grateful for this meaningful gift. The number 90 also holds a special significance this year for the Festival of Arts, which celebrated its 90th birthday as well in 2022.
Luciana Coutchie of Laguna Beach donated to the Pageant Legacy Society in recognition of her beloved son, LBPD Motor Officer Jon Coutchie, who died tragically on duty in 2013. She picked Row M, seat 13 in the Irvine Bowl in honor of Jon’s call sign M-13.
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Courtesy of Festival of Arts
Julie Malino and Lynn Waldron sitting next to their Pageant Legacy Seat in the Irvine Bowl at the Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach
Pageant of the Masters super-fan Julie Malino of San Diego donated to have her name engraved alongside her significant other, Lynn Waldon. “For the last 10 years we have driven up from San Diego and stayed in Laguna Beach just to see the Pageant of the Masters. When we learned about the Pageant Legacy Society, we had to get involved,” shared Malino. “We wanted to be a part of something that is bigger than us and helped us feel like we’re part of the larger community. To be able to leave our mark with the Pageant, and help make sure it returns year after year – it’s truly the best gift there is.”
Longtime supporter of the Festival and Pageant Lois Mastrocola generously donated to reserve a block of seats in Row M of Loge Center. While some seats are engraved with names of her family members and friends, there are a few that she left blank. These plaques will be engraved with the names of her future grandchildren – the first, Chiara Loren, was added to her family this past August.
Other seats in the Irvine Bowl have been named for current and former Pageant volunteers, Laguna Beach high school graduates, local arts organizations, art lovers, patrons, family members and friends.
This holiday season, consider joining the Pageant Legacy Society and sharing your story. Tax-deductible donations begin at $500 for a seat in the Director’s Tier, $1,000 for Main Tier and $2,000 in Loge. Specific seat requests will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis. In recognition of donations, a plaque will be attached to a seat in the Irvine Bowl and the engraving will be listed in the annual souvenir program and on the Festival’s website. A printable certificate is also available to gift the lucky recipient. To become a Pageant Legacy Society Member, visitwww.foapom.com/legacy-society.
“Dedicating a seat is a timeless gift that can enrich the life of the recipient for years to come. Your plaque will remind future audiences of your loved one, or company, and be a reflection of your personal commitment to help make the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters possible for future generations,” concluded Higuchi.
To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Fine Arts Show, visit www.foapom.com, or follow @FestivalPageant on social media. To support the Festival of Arts, visit www.foapom.com/supportnow.
Letters to the Editor
Donate to Secret Santa to fill your heart and to offer others a Merry Christmas
Hello Laguna Beach friends, community and out-of-state donors,
Secret Santa is still going strong after 20+ years. The donation link is live, secure and completely transparent. It’s the same, secure online platform used by the Thurston & LBHS PTAs. You can click on the link daily to see how much has been donated.
If you prefer to donate gift cards, you can contact me and I will pick them up at your house and enter them into the live spreadsheet. Gift cards for grocery stores, gas and Laguna Beach restaurants would be amazing! Thank you.
This year, we will be doing a Secret Santa for 16 Laguna Beach individuals, plus one cat.
These are the 16 Laguna individuals we are helping this year:
–Laguna Beach goat herder Agotilio Moreno. He’s in Riverside now.
–Michael our Laguna Beach greeter
–Single dad and son
–Single mom with son at Thurston
–Single mom with daughter at LBHS
–Senior female (no family)
–Senior male
–Single mom with 2 boys at El Morro & Thurston
–Single college female at LCAD
–Single female with a cat who needs help with our vet Laguna Beach Veterinary Medical Center (who gives Secret Santa the rescue discount).
–(New) A Laguna Beach teen who was made fun of because of her clothes.
We have two money counters/in-kind donation counters this year, as we have a lot of people and one cat on our list.
As always, for full transparency, community “watchdog” Sheri Morgan will count the money with me and all donations given. Amy Graboske will be the 2nd money counter.
Pictures, receipts and total amount given to each family will be provided to all donors for full transparency.
The live spreadsheet is up and is updated daily for all the donations and in-kind donations for full transparency. I will email it to all donors.
A big thank you to everyone who has already donated and to this year’s business sponsors: Dr. Jeffery Briney D.D.S., gorjana, The T-Shirt Company at Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach Veterinary Medical Center, Laguna Surf & Sport, Sunless Love Spray Tanning, Clipa and The Stand Natural Foods.
Link to donate: https://secret-santa-2022.cheddarup.com/.
Celine Macmillan
Laguna Beach
Remembering back to some fun times in the ‘60s
In the late 1960s, teen street dances were held right where our new promenade is planned. They were sponsored by a youth committee made up of members from different churches. The group was an idea from Bob Cornelison, the priest at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.
A stage in front of Klass Electric shop had a live band with power from the shop. The Laguna Beach Lumber Co. provided 4’ x 8’ plywood “walls” that were tied together in a zig-zag way at each end of the block which allowed the committee to have entry ways and be self-financed from admission dollars.
The dances were so popular the city council requested that the committee limit their promotion. One foggy night, Mayor Glenn Vedder got lots of phone calls because the fog seemed to trap the music and bother residents nearby and, on the hills, but the mayor had worked with the young people and the dances went on – closing at midnight.
I believe the Laguna Beach Police Department parked a car at one end of the block, and there never was a problem, in spite of the crowd.
At that time there was also an award-winning teen page in one of the local newspapers which was completely produced with teen writers and photographers.
Two wonderful memories of teens from the 1960s.
Roger Carter
Laguna Beach
Five resident artists form Arroyo Artists’ Collective with inaugural Open Studio event on December 10
By DIANNE RUSSELL
Sukhdev (aka Sukhi) Dail, a well-known artist, sculptor and philanthropist, who has lived and worked in Laguna for 30 years, announced the debut of his new studio, in situ, on Arroyo Drive. A longtime dream of Dail’s, his studio at 1685 Arroyo Drive will be open to the public on Saturday, Dec. 10. Collaborating with four other resident artists on Arroyo Drive, the group comes together as the Arroyo Artists’ Collective. This is the first of a series of open studio events for Dail.
Dail will have open studio hours from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and the four other artists in the Arroyo Artists’ Collective – Siân Poeschl, Troy Poeschl, Monica Prado and Sandy Groves will have open studios from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dail will debut his recent work in his new studio and will donate a portion of the proceeds from sales of his art to Laguna Greenbelt.
Courtesy of the Dail family
Sukhi Dail with “Seabreeze” public art installation at Main Beach
As part of the festivities, The Den Laguna, a collection of privately curated vintage items, will have a pop-up on Arroyo Drive as well. (They are by appointment and available for events.)
Street parking is available at the beginning of Arroyo Drive in the dirt lot or ask the street attendant for a parking permit. For a link to the trolley schedule, click here.
Sharing the genesis for the open studio event, Dail said, “I wanted to have the feeling of the more informal way artists interact with the community, going back to the ‘70s when I first came to Laguna. This street is an enclave of creativity and we support each other as neighbors and artists.”
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Courtesy of Linda Arroz
“Crows,” one of Dail’s sculptures on display in his studio
Inspired by nature and their surroundings, the Arroyo Artists’ Collective interprets five elements of the Universe: fire, wood, earth, water and metal in their various practices. Dail sculpts with bronze, steel and concrete; Siân Poeschl focuses on glass; Troy Poeschl is devoted to photography, while both Monica Prado and Sandy Groves work with clay.
A sculptor and painter, Dail’s life-long need to create sent him on an epic journey across the world to experience art. After graduating from the Delhi College of Art, in 1965 he found himself traversing Europe from India, where he was born, via the Orient Express. Settling in Bruxelles (Belgium), he attended the Royale Academic des Beaux Arts. Not one to stay in one place long, Dail crossed the Atlantic to Canada where he began working in animation.
In 1968, Bill Hanna of the iconic Hanna-Barbera studio invited Dail to Hollywood as the art and animation director. This led to work at Warner Brothers and Universal Studios where he became known for his work on such epic cartoons as the Flintstones, Scooby Doo, Casper the Friendly Ghost and Rugrats, to name just a few. Continuing to paint and sculpt, he’s participated in solo and group shows in American museums and galleries.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Glass art by Siân Poeschl
Dail’s work is currently at New Masters Gallery in Carmel and Nikko Gallery in Palm Desert. Dail’s statue, Seabreeze, a figure holding aloft a canopy of colored glass, was installed at a Main Beach overlook in Heisler Park adjacent to the Inn at Laguna Beach.
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LBCAC presents Opera Re-Imagined “Holiday Special” on December 17
Celebrate the holidays in style when Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center (LBCAC) presents their Opera Re-Imagined “Holiday Special” on Saturday, December 17 at 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30 p.m.)
In this fifth edition of their ongoing classical music series, audiences will enjoy holiday classics from some of Southern California’s sweetest voices, including mezzo-soprano Molly Noori and sopranos Bella Rusin and Christa Stevens (making her LBCAC stage debut!). They’ll be joined by the incomparable Katherine Bode on piano.
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Courtesy of LBCAC
Katrina Murphy will be taking the stage during the Opera Re-Imagined “Holiday Special” at LBCAC
As a special holiday treat, they’ll also be featuring Katrina Murphy, who starred as Christine in the London production of Phantom of the Opera.
Murphy will be performing a medley from Phantom of the Opera and transform the LBCAC into the Kit Kat Club to keep the party going.
The evening is hosted by Laguna Tenor Rick Weber.
Tickets are VIP, $50; General admission, $30. Click here for tickets.
Grant funding was made possible by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach.
Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center is located at 235 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach.
Colors of the season
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Photo by Scott Brashier
Finally, the Fall colors have arrived
LCAD presents “DESIGN AT WORK” alumni stories
Laguna College of Art + Design is presenting “DESIGN AT WORK,” an exhibition showcasing the creative process and actual products from professional practices by LCAD’s Graphic Design + Digital Media Alumni. The opening reception is taking place on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 6-9 p.m. at LCAD Gallery. The exhibition runs through Jan. 22, 2023.
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Courtesy of LCAD
The “DESIGN AT WORK” exhibition showcases stories from alumni of LCAD’s Graphic Design + Digital Media BFA program
Through conceptual prototypes and professional projects, LCAD’s Graphic Design + Digital Media alumni stories and experiences demonstrate the design process from concept, research and ideation sketches to actual applications for clients, products and services.
The alumni of LCAD’s Graphic Design + Digital Media BFA program produce creative solutions within a broad range of industries both nationally and internationally. This exhibition showcases design concepts and solutions in technology, apparel, footwear, publishing, experiential design, professional sport and creative agencies.
LCAD Gallery is located at 374 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach. Admission is always free. Hours are 11a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. It is closed Monday and Tuesday. For more information, visit www.lcad.edu.
Net-Works community church invites all to attend Solace, a holiday service of remembrance on December 1
Hosted by Net-Works Laguna Beach, the community is invited to attend Solace to honor loved ones who are no longer with us. On Thursday, Dec. 1, beginning at 7 p.m., the evening will offer families and friends an opportunity to come together to remember those who have gone before us and who continue to inspire us.
The service will be held at the Woman’s Club, located at 286 St. Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach.
“Relationships don’t end with death, but instead become transformed,” said Pastor Don Sciortino of Net-Works. “When we lose a loved one, we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind. In so doing, we keep them alive.”
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Remember loved ones at Solace, a holiday service to be held at the Woman’s Club on December 1
Solace is a service of comfort, a spiritual time where congregants invite God; “the God of All Comfort” to help them remember and honor their loved ones. It is a way to recognize the depth of the season and help process those negative feelings that might be held within during the holidays. By doing so, all can celebrate more fully, knowing those who are no longer with us are being honored.
The evening will include musical selections from local musicians, inspirational readings, recognition of loved ones and more. Everyone is welcome.
There will be a spiritual time for all faiths and beliefs to come together to receive God’s comfort and peace.
For questions or to RSVP, contact Pastor Don at 714.231.1230.
Countdown to Christmas: LOCA Art Education brings on the holidays
Hospitality Night is on Friday, Dec. 2, so stop by LOCA’s booth to say, “hello.”
Instagram Challenge Brown for November continues for one more day.
LOCA invites everyone to engage in seasonal arts challenges on Instagram. Creative types can get inspired by sharing photos, and photos of artwork, that follow easy themes. The challenge is “Holiday Colors” featuring images with a dominant color. The November theme is brown, December is green and January is blue. All mediums are invited including collage, drawing, printmaking, painting, photography and sculpture. To participate now through November 30, post images featuring brown to Instagram and be sure to tag @locaarts and use the hashtag #locaartschallenge.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Winter Fantasy 2022 started November 19
–LOCA Tree at Winter Fantasy
There is a LOCA-decorated tree as part of the Community Tree exhibition at Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Festival. The LOCA tree features amazing hand-painted metal cutouts by Rich and Sue Linder among additional festive embellishments. Blue Bell Cat Foundation won first prize. The Winter Fantasy is open weekends from November 19 through December 18 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission is $10. For more information, click here.
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Courtesy of LOCA
Visitors can make custom ornaments at the LOCA booth
–Visit the LOCA booth on Hospitality Night
Everyone is invited to visit LOCA’s pop-up studio during Hospitality Night in Downtown Laguna Beach. Visitors may drop by and create a holiday-themed ornament to take home. Hospitality Night is Friday, Dec. 2 from 5:30-7 p.m. in Peppertree Park. It is free. The greater event runs 5-10 p.m. throughout Downtown.
For more information about LOCA, go to www.locaarts.org.
Cultural Arts Updates: What’s happening in the arts around town in December?
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
The Promenade all decked out for Christmas
December Performances at the Stage on Forest/Promenade:
Thursday, Dec. 1
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Stage on Forest - Ryan Heflin
Saturday, Dec. 3
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Stage on Forest - Felisha Dunne
Sunday, Dec. 4
5-7 p.m.
Stage on Forest - Adam Lasher
Friday, Dec. 9
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Stage on Forest - Jodi Siegel
Saturday, Dec. 10
5:30- 7:30 p.m.
Stage on Forest - Ava August
Sunday, Dec. 11
5-7 p.m.
Stage on Forest - Andrew Corradini
Friday, Dec. 16
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Stage on Forest - Beth Wood
Saturday, Dec. 17
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Stage on Forest - Kelly Fitzgerald
Sunday, Dec. 18
5-7 p.m.
Stage on Forest - Molly Bergman
Consumer service on your terms with the Cox app
For consumers, life moves fast, and we often don’t have the time to track down the information or support we need to maximize our services. When it comes to managing your Cox account and connection, the Cox app puts you in the driver’s seat.
With a simple download of the Cox app to your smart device, you’ll gain access to the tools you need to manage your Cox services and account effortlessly. Let’s walk through a few of the app’s handy benefits:
–Tech Support: Access real-time tech support the way you want it. Read Cox support forums for the answer you need, or chat with a customer service agent any time, 24/7. Check out the app’s Support tab to read helpful articles, find a Cox store near you, or chat with us right from the app.
The app’s Smart Help feature automatically performs regular network service checks, looking for issues with your internet, TV or phone services. If there are disruptions to your services, you’ll see a message right on your dashboard. Plus, enable app notifications to be the first to get updates relevant to your area. (Text alerts are available, too.)
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Courtesy of Cox Communications
Download the Cox app to your smart device and gain access to the tools you need to manage your Cox services and account effortlessly
–Account & Billing: You don’t need to wait on hold or stand in line to ask a basic question or accomplish a simple billing task. With the Cox app, those days are in the rearview mirror.
Use the app to view and pay your bill, check data usage details, set up or cancel automatic payments, see up to 18 months of previous bills and change billing preferences (even move your Cox service) – all without needing to make a phone call, wait on hold or speak with an agent. It’s a beautiful thing!
–Account: Explore the benefits and features of all your Cox-connected services in one place. My Services shows the details of your Cox broadband home internet, Contour TV, phone and Homelife service plans and connects you easily to other Cox apps.
Other benefits? Glad you asked. You can also enable Face ID for a seamless login experience. Plus, opt for paperless billing, change your language preference or add alternate account contacts.
It’s never been easier to manage your Cox account. Use the Cox app – with all your account services information and preferences in one secure place – and you’ll save precious time and energy (and paper!) for other more important life “stuff.”
Download the Cox app today in the App Store or Google Play for customer service on your terms, delivered right to your fingertips – as it should be. For more information, visit www.cox.com.
This is paid content by Cox Communications. Cox provides residents in the Laguna Beach area with digital cable television, telecommunications and Home Automation services. Cox also provides scholarships to local high school students in its service area through its Cox Cares Foundation. For more information, visit www.cox.com.
Crescent moon
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Photo by Scott Brashier
This wonderful shot clearly captures the moon’s surface on that little sliver
Dennis’ Tidbits
By DENNIS McTIGHE
Here comes December!
Our local weather continues to be on an extended winning streak with clear and sunny days, mild temps with gentle breezes and clear brisk nights. However, the rest of the country is dealing with ‘Ol Man Winter’s Wrath, and it’s not even officially winter yet.
The meteorological winter begins on Thursday, Dec. 1 and runs through February 28, 2023, while the standard calendar winter that we follow begins on December 21 and runs until March 21, 2023. Here in Southern California, we’re really dodging a bullet and that’s just fine with me and the rest of the folks here in Laguna. Once again, that’s why we live here!
As a rule, winters in Laguna are a walk in the park compared to most other places in the U.S. Florida and Southern Arizona escape most of the harsh winter weather and that’s about it. I get cabin fever just being cooped up inside for even two or three days. I’m not into having to put on five layers just to step outside for even a short time. I’m way too old and way too tired for that crap. I’m all about shorts and flops.
Here comes December, home of the shortest days of the year as our rainy season begins to ramp up with an average of about 2.6 inches of rain. Historically we’ve had two rainless Decembers – in 1989 and 1990. Other really dry Decembers were 0.06 inches in 1969, 0.14 in 2012 and 0.33 in 1985. Our wettest Decembers were 11.65 inches in 2010, 9.89 in 1997 and 8.64 in 2004. December’s normal hi-lo temp in Laguna is 66-45 degrees. The warmest December day happened on December 3, 1958 with 88 and again on December 12, 1979. Laguna’s coldest night occurred on December 8, 1978 with 28 in town and 22 out in the canyon.
The winter of 1978-79 was Laguna’s second coldest on record, surpassed only by the winter of 1948-49, when it snowed two inches at Top of the World and the snow stayed on the ground the whole next day. The highest elevation at T.O.W. is 1,105 ft.
December’s normal ocean temps in Laguna are about 57-60 degrees or so. It’s been as cold as 52 like in 1979 and it’s been as warm as 65 twice; in 1972 and 1997. December gets at least a couple of Santana Wind events that have sent temps into the high 80s in 1958 and 1979. We didn’t get our very first Santana of the season until Christmas Day 2000.
The sheer raw power of that intense thunderstorm way back on August 3, 1952 was a complete life changer for me at the tender age of 5, I kid you not! During the drive back to Hollywood, my birthplace, I was asking my Pop a bunch of questions about that day like “How come we don’t get storms like that in the L.A. area?” and stuff like that. My Pop turned to Mom and uttered, “I think we’ve created a monster. I even dreamed about that storm that night we were back home. I was definitely hooked on the heavens, and I knew right then and there my fascination would be no short term deal. My Pop, who knew a thing or two about weather himself, went on to explain a bit about the atmospheric dynamics that made this violent storm possible. More on that next time in Stu News Laguna!
See y’all next week, ALOHA!
Winter Fantasy: Sawdust launches holiday festival with snow, song and spirit
By THERESA KEEGAN
This story is a part of our Arts section. Visit www.stunewslaguna.com/arts for more arts stories as well as our arts calendars.
It was hard to tell who was more excited with the opening of the Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Art & Craft Festival this year – the kids, the artists or the parents who were able to let their children run around with cautionary warnings of “Remember, Santa’s watching.”
After three long years of cobbling together an event due to COVID restrictions, the excitement of being able to freely wander around fully stocked art booths, sipping beverages and listening to live music was evident during opening day of the 32nd winter festival on November 19. The event included the official lighting of the Christmas trees and melodic music performed by the Top of the World Elementary School Honor Choir.
“It’s always nice in the winter because you get the locals who don’t come in the summer,” said Marcus Thesing, glass blower and longtime exhibitor at the Sawdust. “And they tend to buy more with the holidays.”
New faces
Also, because the winter festival is open to artists outside Laguna Beach, there are often new faces and exhibitions. This year, 165 artists offer everything from bronze doorbell covers to finely crafted jewelry and glass sculptures.
Art exhibitions, hands-on creative opportunities, a petting zoo, community Christmas trees decorated by local groups and, of course, Santa himself, enhance the festive atmosphere.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Laguna Beach Mayor Sue Kempf had a heart-to-heart with Santa during opening day festivities that included an afternoon ribbon cutting at the 32nd Annual Winter Fantasy
Heather Reichard was so inspired by the art scene in Laguna Beach that, when she moved to California from the East Coast four years ago, instead of quitting art, she went at it with a vengeance.
“It’s just so exciting here. I can’t pass up this opportunity,” she said. Upon landing in the area, Reichard quickly went back to her chosen passion of creating whimsical scenes from vintage and forgotten items. Many reflect a homey, folksy East Coast upbringing. A potato masher that now doubles as a tree topper reminds her of her grandmother’s kitchen. Crescent-shaped bolts become moons that adorn fun night scenes.
“My works keep morphing and changing,” she said. “It blends my two loves: vintage items and bright, loud colors.”
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Artist Heather Reichard, who creates art from vintage items including rulers and kitchen tools, is thrilled to participate in this year’s Winter Fantasy
After moving to the West Coast and seeing the desert for the first time, cacti started appearing in her scenes. Ocean themes are also now infiltrating her usual landscapes and the gathering of Reichard’s work on the wall at booth #603 is a fun cornucopia of intrigue and beauty.
“It’s been a dream to be in this show,” she said, crediting the crowds and fellow artists as creating a uniquely supportive environment. “I know a lot of the folks and it’s really good people.”
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Reichard’s whimsical art is inspired by an East Coast upbringing and focuses on family and country homes
Glass artisans Shea Roberts and Nathan Olvera, first-time Winter Fantasy artists, are having a hard time believing they’re actually exhibiting at the festival.
“Until the art was actually up it just didn’t feel real,” said Roberts. She spent the night before the November 19 opening day painting their names on the walls of booth #234. Her stained-glass pieces – ranging from intricate astronauts to flowing jellyfish and even wildflower scenes – are neatly propped along the shelves. On the opposite side, Olvera has a variety of glass bowls and sculptures neatly displayed, as well as a bowl filled with colorful hand-blown glass balls. As a 2020 college graduate, he’s had plenty of COVID-era struggles, but since connecting with established glass blowers, including Thesing, it’s been easier to pursue his craft and find time in a glass studio. He looks forward to his scheduled demonstrations at the festival – in addition to thrilling passersby with the wonder of his craft, it’s also the warmest spot to be, should the nights get cold, he laughed.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
This stained glass piece was created by artist Shea Roberts
Roberts, who works mainly on commission pieces and portraits, is thrilled to move her artwork from her parents’ garage to the Sawdust Festival.
“I can really collaborate with clients,” she said, and on opening night, already had one piece commissioned to create a lava lamp sculpture with whales. “It’s just so amazing to connect with potential customers.”
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Laguna Beach Seniors’ Annual Holiday Luncheon planned for December 12
Friends! Help kick off the holiday season at the Laguna Beach Seniors’ Annual Holiday Luncheon scheduled for Monday, Dec. 12 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at The Woman’s Club.
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Photos provided by The Susi Q Center
(L-R) Bree Burgess, Charlie Quilter, Cheryl Post and Ann Quilter at the 2019 Laguna Beach Seniors Annual Holiday Luncheon
This year’s event is fully catered by Panache Catering & Events and includes roasted turkey, homemade cranberry sauce, traditional bread stuffing, sautéed seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes and freshly baked dinner rolls plus pumpkin pie for dessert. Community entertainment will be provided by the Ho Ho Ho Daddys.
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The Ho Ho Ho Daddys will be performing at the luncheon
Tickets are $40/person and can be purchased online at www.thesusiq.org/classes--registration.html, or by contacting Christine Brewer at 949.715.8105, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Table reservations are available. All reservations must be paid by December 5. Please include the names of your guests and be sure to note if you would like a vegetarian meal.
Tickets are going fast, so reserve your space early.
The Woman’s Club is located at 286 St. Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach. Free parking is available across the street at the Neighborhood Congregational Church.
Laguna Dance Festival Holiday Gala is scheduled for December 3
The holidays are fast approaching and so is the Laguna Dance Festival Holiday Gala, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Surf & Sand Resort.
The evening will start at 5 p.m. with sunset cocktails, followed by dinner and dance performances throughout the evening.
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Courtesy of Laguna Dance Festival
The Laguna Dance Festival Holiday Gala takes place at the Surf & Sand Resort on December 3
Seating is limited, so purchase your tickets and tables here.
For more information on Laguna Dance Festival, visit www.lagundancefestival.org.
Surf & Sand Resort is located at 1555 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.
Current art exhibitions at Laguna Art Museum
Laguna Art Museum’s (LAM) 10th annual Art & Nature Festival is currently on view through February 15, 2023. The Art & Nature festival raises environmental awareness and explores the cross-sections between nature and the arts.
Art & Nature exhibitions include The Sea Around Us by artist Rebeca Mèndez, an immersive 360-degree video art installation, that transports viewers to an area of the Pacific Ocean located 30 miles from the Laguna Beach coast, portraying the ocean as a fully animated body as well as a place of deep interconnectedness for all living things. Using scientific footage, the video shifts to thousands of oozing barrels of DDT on the seafloor being sampled by robotic arms. Pyramidion by artist Kelly Berg is an interactive sculptural experience that invites viewers to contemplate the layered history and unique geology of Laguna Beach.
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Photos courtesy of LAM
“The Big One” by Robert Young
The Big One by artist Robert Young is thought to still hold the record as the largest painting ever created in Laguna Beach and is on display in the California Gallery. Five Summer Stories: The Exhibition, is presented in partnership with MacGillivray Freeman Films and Coast Film Festival in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic surf documentary, including a sneak peek of the film and historic imagery, clothing and items from the era of the film.
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Artist Ivy DeVerley (1879-1963) “Mask,” Dr. Iliana Rosen, c. 1925, Pastel on board, 22” x 15,” Gift of Nancy Dustin Wall Moure
In addition to the Art & Nature festival exhibitions, Her Great Gift: The Nancy Dustin Wall Moure Collection is on view through February 12, 2023. The collection includes 40 artworks made from the 1830s through the 1970s that trace how artists documented the California experience. Her Great Gift is the first presentation of the Nancy Dustin Wall Moure Collection and features some of the earliest known oil paintings made in Southern California, California plein air paintings, watercolors from the WPA period, mid-century abstractions and explorations into Light and Space. Artists include Mabel Alvarez, Karl Benjamin, Norton Bush, D.J. Hall, Roger Kuntz, Fernand Lungren, James McCray, Arnold Mesches, Charles Rollo Peters, F. Grayson Sayre, Stanislav Szukalski, John Law Walker, Julian Bracken Wendt, William Wendt and many others.
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“Torse” (Torso), c. 1935, by William Mortensen, Gelatin silver print from Mortensen’s Portfolio series; 5.14” x 6.5,” Courtesy of Dennis Reed Collection
The museum also presents Photography & Seduction: William Mortensen’s Laguna Beach, on view through January 15, 2023. The exhibition honors the Laguna Beach resident and is one of the only museum exhibitions of his work, illustrating his ascent as one of the most famous photographers of his time. Photography & Seduction is a journey through Mortensen’s career from his star-studded Hollywood beginnings to his teachings, as well as influences, processes and more. The exhibition aims to share Mortensen’s contributions to and influence on American photography, while also sharing his connection to Laguna Beach.
Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach.
For more information, go to www.lagunaartmuseum.org.
Tony’s Treehouse Adopt-A-Family program will bring joy to families over the holidays
Tony’s Treehouse’s 22nd Annual Adopt-A-Family program will bring joy and good cheer to many families this holiday season and they are seeking assistance from the community.
Supporters will experience a hands-on opportunity, along with their children, co-workers, neighbors, teen club, Scout troop, soccer team…you name it. Participants will receive an individual’s or family’s story and wish list, so they can adopt someone or a family in need.
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Photos courtesy of Tony’s Treehouse
This Treehouse family with their newly delivered Christmas tree
Here are two options on how you can help:*
1. Hands on: You shop, wrap and deliver to the Treehouse headquarters in Laguna (or they will gladly pick up at your location).
2. Hands off: You send the dollars to make the magic happen, and their volunteers shop, wrap and deliver the gifts.
*Average donation for a family of four is between $50 and $100 per person, whatever your budget allows.
Once you sign up, you will be given a short bio of your individual or family, their names, ages and interests. Tony’s Treehouse will coordinate with you on the timing of the gift delivery (TBA).
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A Treehouse volunteer, making a deliver to a family in need
To allow their volunteer Santa to shop and deliver for you, click on donate now, or mail a check to: Tony’s Treehouse, 668 N. Coast Highway, #112, Laguna Beach, Calif. 92651. Please make sure they have your email or mailing address, as tax receipts will be sent to you.
If you would like to “adopt” this season, or have any questions, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Tony’s Treehouse is a nonprofit organization based in Laguna Beach. It was founded in memory of a beloved little 9-year-old boy named Tony. The legacy he left his family and friends is one of giving, loving and living life to its fullest extent.
For more information about Tony’s Treehouse, go to www.tonystreehouse.org.
Film festival celebrates an enduring love of surfing and the people who capture the moments through the years
By THERESA KEEGAN
This story is a part of our Arts section. Visit www.stunewslaguna.com/arts for more arts stories as well as our arts calendars.
It’s no surprise the Coast Film & Music Festival has a special focus on water. But this year’s event also featured the evolution, passion and commitment to capturing surfing through the generations.
From the opening night’s intimate showing of Five Summer Stories at the Downtown Hobie Surf Shop, to its sold-out showing (with live music) at the Festival of Arts and right on through to awarding the prestigious Follow the Light surf photography award, the love of this sport was evident throughout the festival.
Both esteemed filmmaker Greg MacGillivray, who in the 1970s was breaking into new film territory, as well as Follow the Light Surf Photography Grant Program (FTL) winner Kalani Cummins, spoke of the magic of capturing surfing as well as the wonder of filming the powerful ocean. The universality of their experiences may span decades, but it is timeless.
“I had a hankering to do one more film, just for surfers,” MacGillivray recalled of his 1972 film. At the time, he was working with the late Jim Freeman, and they’d just connected with Hollywood assignments and were ready to move onto the big league. But as a Laguna resident, surfer and ocean lover, MacGillivray wanted to capture what was occurring in the surfing – and larger world – at the time.
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Photo by Scott Brashier
The popular band Honk, which provided the music for the original film, gathered again to accompany the sold-out showing of “Five Summer Stories” at the Festival of Arts
“Surfing was undergoing a shift of its own – boards were smaller, speed was becoming much more important,” MacGillivray recalled. “The culture was changing. There were various aspects of surfing that were controversial at the time, such as competition and losing surfing spots.”
In addition, the country was changing. The Clean Water Act was signed into law, people gathered en masse for the first Earth Day, women were demanding equal treatment and there was a new sense of responsibility about the environment.
“It was such a big change in society,” said MacGillivray. “There was a new attitude toward the ocean and the air as resources and that they needed protection.”
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Courtesy of MacGillivray Freeman Films
Following the showing of “Five Summer Stories” at Hobie Surf Shop, film director Greg MacGillivray signed copies of his new memoir “Five Hundred Summer Stories,” which chronicles his experiences producing movies for the past 50 years
Five Summer Stories reflects these changes in the various movie sections, with each story lovingly capturing one aspect of surfing. While many thought MacGillivray was developing a new movie style, in fact he admits the separate stories were dictated more by necessity than inspiration.
“We kept going back to Hollywood and then would shoot this when we had the time and money,” he said.
The movie became a cult-like hit upon its release in 1972. For years, people would return to the theater annually to celebrate the surf culture and lifestyle it celebrated. They’d dance to the joyous music of Honk, and often, would even be treated to a new addition of the film. Five Summer Stories ultimately became stories within stories with the additional footage.
“Everyone loves having the various sequences,” said MacGillivray. “Some are funny, some serious, some were straight surfing and commenting about styles. For the first time, there was a lot of slow motion and people could really see the sport.”
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Photo by Kalani Cummins
When a 14-year-old surfer was overcome with emotion, after successfully riding a wave in Tahiti, photographer Kalani Cummins captured the moment, complete with a rainbow, courtesy of Mother Nature
Decades later, Cummins was finding his own way and discovered, at age 15, the power of photography – especially that magical moment when water and surfing was the subject matter.
“At first I’d just shoot surfers from land,” he said. But he wanted to get closer, so he secured a waterproof housing unit for his equipment.
“When I was shooting in the water the first time, it was definitely scary,” he said. “I never thought I’d be in the water when the waves are that big. But you get a perspective that 90 percent of people don’t get.”
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Photo by Scott Brashier
The Coast Film Festival kicked off the 2022 event with an intimate – and sold-out – showing of the film “Five Summer Stories” at Hobie Surf Shop. The crowd was introduced to the event’s lineup and then a discussion with people involved with the film before the showing began.
Cummins spent his formative years being driven by his parents (he wasn’t old enough for a license) to The Wedge in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach or Salt Creek in Dana Point. He soon realized capturing surfing was a lifetime calling.
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Music Director Ami Porat announces opening of his 38th season with Mozart Classical Orchestra
Musical Director Ami Porat of the Mozart Classical Orchestra (MCO) announced the concert programs of the Orchestra’s 2022-2023 season, featuring masterworks in new settings celebrating the Orchestra’s 38th season. Three subscription programs from December through May 2023 will feature, among others, works of Mozart, Dvorak, Piazzolla, Brahms, Vivaldi, Strauss, Haydn and Vivaldi. The orchestra’s education and outreach events “Mozart on the Move” and “Mozart for Teens” enter their 35th year.
As of last season, the MCO has returned to the Artists Theater in Laguna Beach High School, where it played its first professional season in 1985. “In the friendly and warm acoustics of this beautiful hall, the classic masterworks shine and the audience shares the intimacy of the theater,” said Porat.
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Courtesy of MCO
Musical Director Ami Porat conducting the Mozart Classical Orchestra
On Sunday, Dec. 4, MCO will be performing Strings Attached at 3 p.m. This is an eclectic program of masterpieces written for strings, mingled with two superlative examples of the Italian Baroque concerto for violin by Venetian composer Antonio Vivaldi, also known as “Il Prette Rosso,” or “The Red Priest.” Violinist Reina Inui will play “Winter” and violinist Alexis Mescher will perform “Summer,” both works from the Vivaldi’s masterpiece, the Four Seasons.
Brahms’ Hungarian Dances, built on the composer’s own original melodies, not folk tunes, was written following Brahms’ service as accompanist for a concert tour with Hungarian violinist Szigeti. Brahms’ capture of the Gypsy musical idiom is indeed remarkable. Originally written for piano-4 hands, they present it in a new orchestration for strings by their own Maestro.
Written in just 11 days in May 1875, Dvorak’s Serenade for Strings, a tour de force of melodic invention and mellifluous writing for strings, concludes this unique concert program, performed only at the Artists Theater.
To purchase December 4 concert tickets ($39 per person), visit www.mozartorchestra.org/tickets. For season tickets (three concerts for $117), visit www.mozartorchestra.org/season-tickets.
Just Gather to hold Good Vibes holiday party, ribbon cutting on December 8
On Thursday, Dec. 8, Laguna Beach’s newest nonprofit, Just Gather, invites the community to celebrate life with hope for current and future generations. As the first-of-its-kind digital detox nonprofit offering, its mission is to promote mental wellness and positive mindsets for youth (and families) through connection to nature, self-care, experiential learning and mentorship. The team envisions future generations thriving in harmony with nature through wellness, education, entrepreneurship, the arts and human connectedness. Services are complimentary for youth ages 9-19, Native Americans and Veterans.
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Photos courtesy of Just Gather
Just Gather’s Michelle Highberg, Evelina Pentcheva and Janelle Hilton at the Coast Film & Music Festival table
The Good Vibes holiday party will be held at Bridge Hall in the Neighborhood Congregational Church. A buffet dinner will be served indoors where there will be a few silent auction items including a bronze sculpture donated by Laguna Beach’s Randy Morgan. Local businesses participating include We Love Laguna Beach, Ben Young Studio, Stefanos Jewelry by Miki Latimer, Laguna Herbals by Andrea Sands, Wellness Creations by Valerie Lynn and special youth vendor tables led by Just Gather’s Philanthropy Club leader, 16-year-old Laguna Beach resident, Joelle Yang. All vendors are donating a portion of their proceeds back to the cause. Jedidiah Coffee will be serving hot chocolate and coffee, and the Orange County Health Care Agency will have an educational table for youth and parents.
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Laguna Beach Wellness vision boards, where student attendees are welcome to embellish with their own contributions
The event begins at 4 p.m. with an optional sound healing indoors as well as holiday shopping, arts & crafts outdoors. Students are welcome to add to the Laguna Beach Wellness vision boards which began at the Coast Film & Music Festival. At 5:30 p.m., there will be a 15-minute program including a ribbon cutting with the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, followed by a dessert contest and award ceremony at 6:30 p.m., where Bob Lively will choose winners in the following five categories: Taste, Aesthetic, Creativity, Nutrition and Most Entertaining. Everyone is welcome to participate. RSVPs are requested @justgatherwellness (on Instagram), by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or via www.justgather.org, with an optional donation of $20 per person/$50 per family.
Just Gather was founded by a diverse group of community leaders with aligned life missions to help, heal and connect. Six of the founding advisory board members reside in Laguna Beach: Janelle Hilton, Michelle Highberg, Valerie Lynn, Quentin V Kunaka (Q), Carrie Click and Robin Thomas. The incoming CEO, Sierra Ward, is an integrative health leader who works alongside one of Just Gather’s lead professional advisors, Dr. Hank Williams, owner of North Laguna Wellness.
To learn more or get involved in Just Gather, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 949.813.7681.
Neighborhood Congregational Church is located at 340 St. Ann’s Drive (at Glenneyre Street), Laguna Beach.
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.
