The Ranch debuts Grill ‘N Glow fire pit rentals at Lost Pier Café
Savor quintessential California beach days year-round with new Grill ‘N Glow fire pit rentals at The Ranch at Laguna Beach’s Lost Pier Café. The new program includes portable fire pits and specialty Grill Packages with ingredients for burgers, s’mores, and more, providing everything needed for a fun, convenient, and safe grilling experience on Aliso Beach.
The new Grill ‘N Glow program at Lost Pier Café allows locals and guests of The Ranch at Laguna Beach to legally rent and operate portable fire pits on Aliso Beach, which is the only beach in Laguna to allow fire pits. The portable grills are available for $85 for 3-hour rentals and accommodate up to six people per grill.
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Submitted photo
Guests can now rent and operate portable fire pits on Aliso Beach
Patrons can bring their own ingredients or purchase specialty Grill Packages with top quality ingredients selected by The Ranch at Laguna Beach’s Executive Chef Kyle St. John. The Grill Package ($55) includes four burgers and four hot dogs, as well as burger buns, hot dog buns, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, ketchup, mustard, and chips. The S’mores Package ($24) includes ingredients for four s’mores, including chocolate, graham crackers, marshmallows, and roasting skewers. Beach chairs are also available to rent for $7 per person.
The Grill ‘N Glow fire pit rental program is the latest amenity from Lost Pier Café to enhance the dining experience on Aliso Beach. The restaurant added a beer and wine list to its menu this summer, and recently earned an “Ocean Friendly Restaurant” designation by the Surfrider Foundation for sustainable practices.
Grill ‘N Glow fire pits at Lost Pier Café are available by reservation only on a first come, first served basis.
To make a reservation, visit www.lostpiercafe.com/firepit or call (949) 715-4210.
For additional information about Lost Pier Café, including menus and beach rentals, visit www.lostpiercafe.com.
For more information on The Ranch at Laguna Beach’s farm and sea to table culinary program overseen by Executive Chef Kyle St. John, visit www.theranchlb.com.
Something for everyone in our wilderness parks
Sign up online:
www.lagunacanyon.org/events
(949) 923-2235
Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park
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Keep It Wild
Sat, Dec 14
8 – 11 a.m.
Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in beautiful Laguna Coast Wilderness Park at the native plant nursery as the group cares for native plants from their seed stage to their mature, ready-to-be planted stage. Volunteers may collect seeds, sow seeds in flats, bump plants up, plant at restoration sites, sterilize plant containers, and help maintain the nursery. Gain hands-on experience with habitat restoration while working alongside other zany and interesting plant lovers. Wear closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection. Bring water. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area. Park and walk up the gravel trail 100 yards to get to the small native plant nursery, just before the trailers. Age Requirements: Ages 5 – 16 are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent. Students 16 – 18 years old are welcome with a waiver signed by a parent/guardian that will be collected at the start of the event. The waiver will be sent to you after the online registration form is completed. For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat/Sun. Parking: Free for Keep It Wild volunteers.
Bird Walk
Sat, Dec 14
8 – 11 a.m.
Spot local native and resident birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this 2-mile hike over moderate but uneven terrain (up to 50-ft. elevation gain) to Barbara’s Lake and back through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States.
For ages 12 and up (minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Wear hiking or walking shoes and bring your binoculars.
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Nix Nature Center. For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat/Sun.
Parking: $3/vehicle.
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Aliso and Wood Canyons
Wilderness Park
•••
Trail Stewardship
Sat, Dec 14
8 a.m. – Noon
If you use the wilderness park for hiking, biking, photography, or just relaxing, Trail Stewardship will be right up your alley. Get up close and personal with the trail you use; you’ll see the trails in a whole new way. No experience necessary. This is fun hard work. Whatever your skill level is, there is a job to do: clearing drains of brush; building “gargoyles” to better define the trail; moving dirt or building an in-slope turn. Volunteers will be using tools such as loppers, picks, shovels, and McLeods to restore features that protect the trail and/or build new features to improve trail sustainability. Remember: let’s keep users on the trail and water off the trail to prevent fragmentation of our precious wilderness. Refreshments will be served.
Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and sun protection. Bring plenty of water.
The location will be determined closer to the date.
Intro to Mountain Biking
Sun, Dec 15
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer mountain bike trail assistants on this beautiful 8-mile bike ride (400-ft. elevation gain) on uneven terrain. Learn mountain biking basics and trail etiquette while enjoying the canyon views. Please come prepared with a bike suitable for off-pavement riding, sturdy shoes, helmet, gloves, water, and a snack. Ages 15 and up are welcome with a signed waiver from a parent. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Pkwy. For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat/Sun. Parking: $3/vehicle.
Intermediate Mountain Biking
Sun, Dec 15
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Catch beautiful canyon views on this 10-mile ride over steep and uneven terrain (1,600-ft elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer mountain bike trail assistants. This is for intermediate riders with mountain biking experience.
Appropriate mountain biking equipment required. Must have helmet, gloves, and hydration; a snack is strongly suggested. Also, be prepared for varied weather out in the canyons. This bike ride is not for beginners. Ages 15 and up are welcome with a signed waiver from a parent. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Parkway. For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat/Sun. Parking: $3/vehicle. If the event is canceled due to weather or other circumstances, organizers will notify you through your provided email address.
Discovery Hike
Wed, Dec 18
8:30 – 11 a.m.
Explore beautiful Wood Canyon and discover its native flora and fauna with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this steep, uneven, and rocky 5-mile hike (depending on trail choice, up to a 500-ft. elevation gain). While the group will stop from time to time, spending moments to “discover,” this hike isn’t for beginners. Please wear closed-toe hiking shoes and sun protection and bring plenty of water. Meet at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area. From Pacific Park/Canyon Vistas intersection, go northwest on Canyon Vistas. Park legally (note street signs) on or near Canyon Vistas, preferably between Coastal Oak and Madia (22144 region of Canyon Vistas). The group will meet on the paved sidewalk easement leading toward Wood Canyon Trail. For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri or (949) 923-2200 Sat/Sun. Parking: Free.
Laguna Beach Library presents Andrew Giraldo on Saturday
Laguna Beach Library is proud to announce a special afternoon of classical guitar music with Andre Giraldo on Saturday, Dec 14 at 2:30 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend this musical program.
Andre Giraldo is a Los Angeles-based guitarist and teacher who performs widely as a soloist and member of the Artisan Guitar Ensemble (trio). He believes in the capacity of music and art to infuse meaning and transform the lives of both the performer and the listener.
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Submitted photo
Andrew Giraldo will perform at the Laguna Beach Library on Saturday
Giraldo’s goal is to share his passion for music with as wide an audience as possible and to connect with audiences.
For more information on Andre Giraldo, visit his channels on Youtube/Instagram @andreplaysguitarra or @theartisanguitarensemble.
For more information on the Laguna Beach Library and upcoming events, visit www.ocpl.org/libloc/lbch.
The Laguna Beach Library is located at 363 Glenneyre St.
Library Events
December
Fri, Dec 13
Stay N Play
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Babies and toddlers will meet to play and socialize. The library provides developmental toys for these informal play sessions. Older siblings are welcome.
Sat, Dec 14
Classical Guitar with Andre Giraldo
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Join the library for a special afternoon of solo guitar with Andre Giraldo. For all ages. Light refreshments will be provided.
Mon, Dec 16
Third Street Writers Group
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Serious writers working on projects (short stories, novels, plays) meet to share feedback and support. This is not a workshop for beginners. Please contact the library for additional information.
Tues, Dec 17
STEM Fun & Toys Sleepover
4 – 5 p.m.
The kids will do a variety of hands-on STEM activities. The toys will stay at the library for sleepover. The kids will observe their science experiments when they pick up their toys on Wed, Dec 18, after noon.
Wed, Dec 18
Toddler Techy Story Time
11 – 11:30 a.m.
Stories are important. That’s why the library has combined the classic story time with technology to introduce Techy Story time, making use of iPads, Apple TV, and occasionally a 3D printer to make it fun and educational.
Thurs, Dec 19
Family Story Time
10:30 a.m. – Noon
Welcome to the Peapod Academy. Join some of the cutest babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in town and adults of their choice at the library. Little peas will enjoy books & story time, songs & music, finger plays, movement, hands on activities, arts & crafts, and other cadets. Each week has a different theme. Get to know others and support your little one’s developmental skills. No preregistration required.
Thurs, Dec 19
Read to a Dog
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Kids ages K-17 can read aloud to the therapy dogs who are great listeners.
Thurs, Dec 19
Holiday Story Time
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Join together for a jolly holiday story time with Laguna Beach Police Officers. Hot cocoa and cookies will be served. All ages are invited.
Fri, Dec 20
Stay N Play
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Babies and toddlers will meet to play and socialize. The library provides developmental toys for these informal play sessions. Older siblings are welcome.
Laguna Presbyterian Church hosts Annual Homeless Christmas Breakfast on Saturday
The 19th Annual Homeless Christmas Breakfast will once again be hosted by Laguna Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Dec 14 at 9 a.m. Guests will be treated to a hot breakfast, musical entertainment, and gifts including backpacks and sleeping bags.
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Submitted photo
Guests will be treated to gifts, food, and more on Saturday
Ed Sauls will serve as master of ceremony at the event organized by Rick Shoemaker of Laguna Presbyterian Church along with the help of 30-plus volunteers.
Boy Scouts from Troop 35 will serve as wait staff and will clean up, while Brian and Sue Back will organize the kitchen “staff.”
Missy Palino and Jennifer Baker with Girl Scout Troops 145 and 1440, along with other Girl Scouts, will assemble 100 decorated hygiene kits for the guests.
“This is what Christmas is all about,” Shoemaker said.
Laguna Presbyterian Church is located at 415 Forest Ave.
Crystal Cove State Park
crystalcovestatepark.org
If you love hiking, lace up those boots. The backcountry and wilderness areas offer you 18 miles of hiking trails through 2,400 acres of native wilderness, mostly the endangered coastal sage scrub plant community. For energetic backpackers, there are three environmental campgrounds, one in the canyon and two at the higher elevations. The higher trails offer beautiful vistas of the mountainous backcountry, geological formations and the Pacific Ocean. Exploring the lower trails offers hiking through riparian woodlands with oak and sycamore trees along the seasonal Moro Creek. Whether you trek the high or low trails or both, you will see native plants and animals that call this park home.
Science Saturday
Sat, Dec 14
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Become a scientist and join Crystal Cove Conservancy staff and UCI researchers to learn about ongoing restoration projects in Moro Canyon and help with maintenance of a research site during Field Science Saturday. Meet at the Berns Environmental Study Loop Amphitheater (PCH inland at School-State Park stoplight, follow the signs to the Campground/Moro day-use). Reservations requested at: https://crystalcove.org/event/field-science-saturday-22/. Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15).
Beach Scavenger Hunt
Sat, Dec 14
1 p.m.
Join park naturalist Ranger Alex for a fun, kid-friendly Beach Scavenger Hunt. Search for natural treasures left behind by the ocean and learn about the coastal marine wildlife found in the park’s Marine Protected Area (MPA). Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Meet at the Reef Point Parking Lot (PCH coastward at stoplight Reef Point, turn left after the entrance kiosk and meet at the first restroom building). Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15).
Sunset Bluff & Beach Walk
Sat, Dec 14
4 p.m.
Join a park naturalist on a beautiful Sunset Bluff and Beach Walk at Crystal Cove State Park. Learn about the unique cliff and marine environments and the native plants and animals these support. Bring a camera and binoculars. Meet at the Pelican Point parking lot #2 (PCH coastward at Newport Coast, left at kiosk to the end). Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15).
Trailside Chat
Sun, Dec 15
9 a.m. – Noon
Stop by and meet a park naturalist at a Trailside Chat table before starting a hike into the backcountry of Crystal Cove State Park. Learn about some of the fun critters living in the park and reasons to stay on the trail. A park naturalist will be stationed at the Moro Canyon Trail Head near the Berns Amphitheater (PCH inland at School-State Park stoplight, follow signs towards the campground). Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15).
Family Nature Hike
Sun, Dec 15
9 a.m.
Fall is an exciting time to learn about our local critters including bobcats, butterflies, and birds. Join park naturalists on a moderate 3-mile family nature hike at Crystal Cove State Park to learn about the plants and animals living in the park. Meet at the Moro Canyon Trail Head near the Berns Amphitheater (PCH inland at School-State Park stoplight, follow signs towards the campground). Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15).
Marine Wildlife Twalk
Sun, Dec 15
9 a.m.
Crystal Cove State Park is a great spot to look for resident dolphins, migrating whales, and birds just passing by the coastline. Join a park naturalist for a Marine Wildlife “Twalk” and learn some fun facts about the coastal creatures as the group walks the bluff trail and scans the ocean at each overlook. Meet at Pelican Point lot #4 (PCH coastward at Newport Coast, left at kiosk to the last lot). Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15).
Sea Glass Jewelry
Wed, Dec 18
10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Enjoy a free sea glass jewelry making activity in the Education Commons in the Historic District at Crystal Cove State Park (park in the Los Trancos lot – PCH inland at Los Trancos stoplight then walk across the street or take the shuttle). Learn how to turn sea glass into a one of a kind creation. Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15).
Love birds?
Bring a pair of binoculars and look for feathered friends who have adapted to Crystal Cove, as you hike the trails, which go from easy to strenuous. Among the birds you might spot: Anna’s Hummingbird, American Kestrel, Black-Bellied Plover, Black Phoebe, Brown Pelican and the Great Blue Heron. For a directory of birds, visit www.crystalcovestatepark.org/birds-of-crystal-cove. For a trail map, visit https://crystalcove.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/CrystalCove_Trails_Map.pdf.
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Cassins kingbird
About Tidepool Etiquette: Crystal Cove State Park is a Marine Protected Area. Taking or possessing tidepool sea life is illegal. To help preserve the longevity of the tidepools: never remove animals, shells or rocks; never pick up animals, observe them where they are; walk gently, taking care not to step on plants.
Meet Pet of the Week May
May is currently taking over Pet of the Week. She is a spayed eight-month-old cat who is a Siamese mix. May is known to be very shy, and takes a while to warm up to individuals. She is very quiet and will often go off on her own throughout the house. She does do well with other cats, so a home with more animals in encouraged. In addition, she loves playing with children and is very loving towards them. She is the perfect partner to explore with and is able to climb great heights. Nancy Goodwin, shelter director, is hoping to have May adopted as soon as possible.
Once you look into May’s green eyes, she will have you smitten for life
The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter adoption procedures are designed to make sure that both the potential family and the animal adopted are in the very best situation possible. Due to their approach to adoption, the shelter’s return rate is five percent as compared to the national return rate of 50 percent.
The LB Animal Shelter is located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Rd. For information on adoption procedures, call (949) 497-3552 or go to www.puplagunabeach.org/our-pets.php.
Schedule for Tuesday Talkies film screenings announced
Join other film buffs to screen award-winning recent cinema from around the globe for Tuesday Talkies at the Susi Q. The class meets Tuesdays from January 14 through March 31, from 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Stay for a class discussion regarding the “true story” for historic or biographic subjects; for more fictional selections, conversation will focus on aesthetics like art direction, foreshadowing, and symbolism.
This shared appreciation promises to widen perspectives on filmmaking as a collaborative art form. This semester’s theme features mostly recent award-winning movies from worldwide film festivals.
Film festival favorites will include:
--January 14: The Arctic, 2019, Iceland, 98 min. A plane crash survivor faces a difficult choice. Shot in 19 days. Stars Mads Mikkelsen.
--January 21: Zama, 2017, Argentina, 115 min. Writer/director Lucrecia Martel based this on a 1956 novel about a 17th century Spanish officer awaiting a transfer to Buenos Aires.
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Zama will play on Jan 21 at Tuesday Talkies at Susi Q
--January 28: The Guilty, 2018, Denmark, 85 min. Gustav Moller helms this crime drama about a kidnapped woman’s call to a police dispatcher. Won 36 awards.
--February 4: Eighth Grade, 2018, USA, 93 min. Director/writer Bo Burnham conveys modern life through his introverted protagonist as she navigates the final days of her middle-school career. Won 56 awards, including DGA and WGA.
--February 11: The Wild Pear Tree, 2018, Turkey, 168 min. A college graduate returns to his hometown, hoping to publish his book.
--February 18: The Heiresses, 2018, Paraguay, 98 min. Lifelong friends sell family heirlooms to survive financial straits. Also won 36 awards.
--February 25: A Simple Favor, 2018, USA, 117 min. Directed by Paul Feig, no wonder this won “Campy Flick of the Year” by GALECA. Stars Anna Kendrick.
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A Simple Favor stars Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively and plays on Feb 25
--March 3: Custody, 2017, France, 93 min. A seemingly caring father wants more involvement in this son’s life after a bitter divorce. 22 wins.
--Marcy 10: The Cakemaker, 2017, Israel-Germany, 113 min. No spoilers on this one! Won 18 awards.
--March 17: Leave No Trace, 2018, USA, 109 min. A father and daughter live off the grid. Director/writer Debra Granik is famous for Winter’s Bone. She has won 49 awards.
--March 24: Burning, 2018, South Korea, 148 min. Scored 46 wins out of 127 noms.
--March 31: The Bookshop, 2017, UK, 113 min. Stars Emily Mortimer and Bill Nighy. Set in 1959, a coastal community experiences a cultural awakening.
Register online at www.lagunabeachgov.org or at the Susi Q front desk. The cost is $60 – a $5 senior discount and a $5 early bird discount will be given at time of registration.
The Susi Q Center is located at 380 Third St.
