Obituary

Richard J. Schwarzstein

July 6, 1934 – May 29, 2022

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Submitted photo

Richard J. Schwarzstein

Richard Joseph Schwarzstein, a Laguna Beach resident since 1974, passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2022. Richard had expressed to his family on several occasions that he hoped to live to 100. After considering all of his achievements and adventures, his daughters are confident that this humble and hardworking man accomplished a 100 years’ worth of living in just 87 years.

Richard was born July 6, 1934, to Jack and Beatrice Schwarzstein, in Yonkers, NY. One of Richard’s earliest jobs was working on the Yonkers Ferry, which his father and uncle owned and operated on the Hudson River before the Tappan Zee Bridge was built. Richard graduated from Columbia University and earned his law degree at Harvard Law School. While at Harvard, he met Sande, a student at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. They married on September 19, 1959, in Denver, Colorado. Richard and Sande had three daughters, Cindy, Alisa and Amy. 

Richard began his law career with a prestigious firm in New York City. In 1963, he was instrumental in the conviction of Anthony “Tino” De Angelis after the Great Salad Oil Swindle, a major corporate scandal. In 1974, Richard became the first member of his family to leave the East Coast when he, Sande, and their daughters, moved to Laguna Beach and he built his own law practice in Newport Beach.

Richard retired in February 2022. In his nearly 63-year career, he specialized in corporate law, securities, mergers and acquisitions, trademark law, international law and nonprofit law. He received the highest rating in the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, was named one of the top international attorneys in California by Los Angeles Bar Journal, and was recognized in Who’s Who in America Law, Who’s Who in the West, and Who’s Who in the World.

Richard held leadership roles in many professional organizations, including the World Trade Center Association of Orange County, the International Law Section of the Orange County Bar Association, Laguna Beach Sister Cities Association and the Harvard Club of New York City, for which he was the Southern California delegate. Business clients and colleagues often referred to him as a kind and cerebral man. Throughout his life, he remained curious, reading and studying voraciously to stay abreast of the vast changes in technology and world affairs.

Richard was also active in the community outside of work and his family inspired him to develop a variety of interests. Through Sande, he became passionate about supporting arts and cultural organizations. The Schwarzstein family maintained a home in Jacmel, Haiti, and operated Renaissance 2, a gallery specializing in the first generation of Haitian artists, which was a magnet for art in the region. Richard and Sande built an impressive collection of Haitian art and were instrumental in supporting the Haitian art and cultural community. 

Richard served on the board of directors of the Laguna Art Museum and the Orange County Philharmonic Society. He was a trustee with the Laguna College of Art + Design and the Hutchins Consort. Richard provided many of the nonprofit organizations which he was involved with pro bono legal services and was known to be very generous with his time.

Richard encouraged his daughters from childhood throughout their careers. When his oldest daughter, Cindy, built a successful business at the intersection of art, hospitality and event planning, he worked with her to get the company name, Cartwheel Art, trademarked. Through Cindy, Richard became interested in graffiti and street art. Richard was also instrumental in supporting Cindy in navigating the Special Education legal process for her son, who has special needs. 

When his daughter Alisa began surfing competitively as part of the National Scholastic Surfing Association, and later with the Association of Surfing Professionals, now known as the World Surf League, Richard embraced the sport, incorporating both as 501(c)(3) nonprofits. He also served for many years on their boards, while taking the family to Alisa’s international competitions, traveling everywhere from Australia to Peru. He followed surfing for the rest of his life.

Richard was also involved with sports in other ways, including volunteering and working pro bono with various organizations such as the Aventura Sailing Association, Association of Professional Towsurfers, International Skateboard Association, United States of America Snowboarders Association, U.S. Surfing and others.

His youngest daughter Amy, who shares her father’s interest in world affairs, studied abroad and lived in France for more than 30 years. As an international lawyer who loved to travel, Richard took every opportunity to visit Amy and her family during his business trips to Europe. The two often discussed social justice and politics. As a labor of love, he was instrumental in obtaining U.S. citizenship for his great grandson.

Richard’s deep love for history led him to spend countless hours researching his family tree. He was devoted to his family and is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sande, daughters Cindy, Alisa and Amy, son-in-law Ian, grandchildren Capucine (Ben), Fantine (Jack), Solene, Spencer, Ethan, Richard and great grandson, Lucas. His sister Suzanne passed away in 2012, but he is survived by his nephew Charles (Arlene) and niece Karen (David). He is also survived by his sister-in-law Mona (Bert), nephews Brian (Carol), David (Cindy) and niece Karen, as well as many cousins. 

Shortly before his passing, Richard reflected on his life with his wife and daughters. He was not one to brag, but thinking back on his accomplishments, he noted, “Not too bad for a kid from Yonkers.”

Letters to the Editor

The 2017 proclamation by City Council proclaiming the month of June as LGBTQ Heritage & Culture Month

In honor of LGBTQ Heritage & Culture Month in Laguna Beach, we want to share the full resolution unanimously proclaimed by City Council in 2017:   

PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF JUNE AS LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDER HERITAGE & CULTURE MONTH IN LAGUNA BEACH

WHEREAS, reflecting the rich heritage and culture of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer (LGBTQ) community is vital to honoring the residents and visitors to the City of Laguna Beach; and

WHEREAS, Robert F. Gentry, one of the first openly gay Mayors in the United States, served in the City of Laguna Beach; and

WHEREAS, the first openly gay candidate for President of the United States in a major party (Fred Karger) is a resident of Laguna Beach; and

WHEREAS, the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis is recognized in Laguna Beach through the efforts of the HIV Advisory Committee, the longest running such City committee in the nation; and

WHEREAS, the City of Laguna Beach recognizes the diverse, evolving and ever-changing needs of the LGBTQ community; and

WHEREAS, the City of Laguna Beach supports the inclusion and reflection of the LGBTQ community in its businesses and commerce; and

WHEREAS, it is understood that the City of Laguna Beach supports and values the major contributions of LGBTQ visitors to tourism; and

WHEREAS, the LGBTQ senior citizen population is recognized for its contributions to shaping the City of Laguna Beach; and

WHEREAS, the City of Laguna Beach supports its young LGBTQ residents, encouraging them to be who they are and ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all; and

WHEREAS, the City of Laguna Beach supports the LGBTQ Heritage & Culture Alliance’s efforts to recommend practices and events that celebrate the LGBTQ community; and

WHEREAS, the LGBTQ community finds their life experiences reflected and honored in the policies, businesses, arts, culture and celebrations within the City of Laguna Beach.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Laguna Beach City Council proclaims that, FOREVERMORE, the month of June is recognized as LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER & QUEER HERITAGE & CULTURE MONTH IN LAGUNA BEACH and encourages the community to honor and celebrate the contributions, heritage and culture of the LGBTQ community.

Chris Tebbutt

Laguna Beach LGBTQ Heritage & Culture Alliance

Longtime Laguna artist claims she was unfairly shunned by Sawdust Festival Board

Hello! I’m Clay Leeds. My family has been volunteering in Laguna Beach almost forever. My wife and I aid in local schools, scouting, dance, soccer, the canyon, ocean and many events. My mom, Beth Leeds, is a local artist/community activist in Laguna for 70+ years (LBHS ‘59), recently honored as 2021 OC Register’s 125 Most Influential People.

Here’re ways Mom has worked to Save Laguna: “Stop” sign at Beach & Cliff (when she was 8!); lifeguard tower; got the Captain’s House, Royal Thai Cuisine and Roy Marcom’s buildings moved instead of demolished; stopped RV parking lot to replace basketball courts on Main Beach; stop offshore oil-drilling between Catalina, Laguna/Newport; helped save Laguna Canyon from 3,200-home development; help found Laguna Canyon Conservancy; thought up and organized “Walk to Save Laguna Canyon”; lobbied US Dept of Energy & EPA in Washington with a US National Energy Policy she wrote. Without Mom, many treasures would be gone.

Mom needs our support now.

She’s working on her Clean Oceans Challenge, to clean up our environment by switching to clean and safe products, and dreams to create art for customers at the Sawdust, where she ekes out a modest living over the summer.

My letter today is prompted by something unfairly unfolding at the Sawdust right now. 

Mom applied for the Sawdust Festival and got Booth Lottery #153. Days later the Board Vice President requested a residency affidavit from an active Sawdust member.

From November 2020-2021, Mom lived at: Coast Highway; Laguna Canyon; and Top of the World, meeting residency requirements. Star Shields gave an affidavit that he visited her at each of these places.

Unfortunately, the Board did not do its due diligence. Mom asked what specific document has an issue, so she could clarify. They never followed up with Mom nor helped a member resolve this issue.

March 25th, the Sawdust Board sent a Certified “denial” Letter. She contacted Sawdust’s Grievance Committee, who said she didn’t have a grievance.

Mom attended April’s Sawdust Board Meeting and not one Board Member, she said, made eye contact with her. She waited patiently for regular business to conclude, stood up to ask if the Board could meet with her, but according to her the President shouted her down, telling her she can’t talk.

Sadly, a Sawdust friend told me he was one of the last to pick booths, and said, “That’s weird. There were a few booths left after booth picking was completed.”

Mom’s livelihood is at stake. Many artists rely on the Sawdust to make ends meet. This year marks Mom’s 50th anniversary at the Sawdust.

Mom contacted the California Attorney General, whose office expressed interest in hearing more. However, Sawdust friends implored her not to hurt the Sawdust. The Sawdust is her home where her kids grew up. Mom told me, “I want to be an artist with the other artists. I want to airbrush T-shirts right in front of everyone, and for kids and grandmas who jump up and down with joy! I want to make them happy.”

Mom meets requirements to be an Exhibitor, yet is excluded by the Sawdust Festival Board, who have neglected and shunned my Mom. I am disappointed and confused by their actions. I humbly ask for help to spread news of this incident, with hopes the Sawdust will change their stance and support one of Laguna’s most important residents.

Clay Leeds

Laguna Beach

Should there be school training exercises in Laguna?

Stu News Laguna’s counterpart, Stu News Newport, reported Tuesday that the Newport Beach Police Department will be holding school shooting training exercises next week at Corona del Mar High School.

Officers will be participating in various active shooting scenarios involving role players and simulated weapons. I wonder if Laguna’s police department is considering doing something similar.

My two youngest children, who are 29 and 27, both attended TOW, TMS and LBHS. I never stopped to think that, as they left for school each morning, I might never see them again. Sadly, this is not what many parents here in town or across the nation think now.

When you add up the death toll of thousands of innocents slaughtered at school, shot on street corners by drive-by thugs, gunned down while grocery shopping or murdered in their churches or synagogues, it seems like no place is safe any longer. 

These senseless acts may not have happened in Laguna, but one recently did in Laguna Woods. If you ask me, the collective impact of these heinous crimes is clear: It feels like we are living in a war zone.

I’ve heard that as many as 400,000,000 guns are in people’s hands now. If true, then I have to ask: How many more guns are needed to make people feel safe? My hope is the LBPD can help answer that question.

Denny Freidenrich

Laguna Beach

Guest Letter

Hang T. Dang, D.O., FACOS, FACS

City of Hope

A personal choice: Dr. Hang T. Dang talks about breast cancer reconstruction

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Courtesy of City of Hope

Hang T. Dang, D.O., City of Hope

The good news about breast cancer is that there are now many options for treatment and recovery. At City of Hope Orange County, we want women to know they have choices about the course of their care, including more innovative reconstructive procedures.

“Women need to know that breast cancer can be very treatable and lifesaving breakthroughs are happening every day,” said Hang T. Dang, D.O., a breast surgical oncologist with fellowship experience who focuses on the treatment of benign and malignant breast diseases at City of Hope Newport Beach Fashion Island.

“Molecular and genetic testing is personalizing breast cancer treatment and making it more effective. A wide portfolio of new drugs can fight cancer better with fewer side effects. And women are seeing excellent cosmetic results from their surgery in combination with advanced techniques for breast preservation and reconstruction.”

Named a 2022 Orange County Medical Association Physician of Excellence, Dr. Dang is fellowship-trained in aesthetic breast surgery. She is one of more than 400 City of Hope physicians and 1,000 scientists and researchers who only focus on cancer.

With leading-edge technology and surgical expertise, City of Hope physicians deliver outstanding outcomes that are difficult to achieve elsewhere. Patients benefit from access to promising new therapies through pioneering research and innovative clinical trials for breast cancer. City of Hope provides a collaborative and caring multidisciplinary team of breast cancer experts who understand patients’ needs and backgrounds to provide a whole-person approach to treatment.

Among Dr. Dang’s specialties is oncoplastic reconstructive surgery, a combination of cancer surgery and plastic surgery. Often, both cancer removal and reconstruction can be performed together to avoid multiple surgeries. And for many women, it is possible to leave the nipple intact and to reconstruct the breast tissue so that a natural shape is retained without using implants.

Dr. Dang explains that how one chooses to heal from cancer is a very personal decision.

“Some women feel it is important for their physical and mental health to return to their former shape, while others do not want any additional procedures,” she said. “I advise my patients to take the time they need to learn about how breast reconstruction might affect them, both emotionally and physically. I encourage them to know the facts about the procedures and then make a personal choice that is best for them.”

Dr. Dang believes the most important part of her job is advocating for her patients. “Anyone who has heard the words ‘You have cancer’ knows the importance of hope,” said Dr. Dang. “Having hope allows people facing cancer to get through the process easier and cope with their diagnosis better. I always tell my patients that I’m here to fight for them and with them.”

Visit www.cityofhope.org/OC to learn more. To make an appointment at any of the four City of Hope Orange County locations, call:

–Newport Beach Fashion Island: 949.763.2204

–Newport Beach Lido: 949.999.1400

–Irvine Sand Canyon: 949.333.7580

–Huntington Beach: 714.252.9415

This is paid content by City of Hope. For more information on the City of Hope, visit www.cityofhope.org.

Letters to the Editor

Urge the City Council to ban lighter-than-air balloons

Sadly, anyone who spends a lot of time in the ocean in Laguna knows it is littered with plastic pollution. While we have a long way to go globally, the City of Laguna Beach has been a leader in tackling plastic pollution over the last decade. We have another chance to lead when the City Council considers banning helium or “lighter-than-air” balloons. 

When these balloons are released intentionally or accidentally, they immediately become airborne litter and eventually lose their loft and often land in our public open spaces or in the ocean, where they threaten marine life. Balloons are often mistaken for food and are consumed by sea birds, sea turtles and marine mammals. The string also can cause wildlife entanglement.

As a result, cities across the nation are banning the sale and release of lighter-than-air balloons, including recent bans in Solana Beach and Encinitas. 

While mylar balloons are particularly harmful because they last longer in the environment (and can also spark fires if they hit power lines), all lighter-than-air balloons have a negative impact on marine wildlife and typically have plastic balloon strings, which pose the threat of entanglement. 

We are urging the City to join Solana Beach and Encinitas in banning the sale and release of all lighter-than-air balloons. 

If you agree, please contact our City Council and urge them to support a ban on all lighter-than-air balloon sales and releases.

Dr. Chad Nelsen

Surfrider Foundation CEO

Laguna Beach 

Balloons don’t necessarily make for happy times

For several years, The Ranch at Laguna Beach has made it a policy that balloons of any kind are prohibited on property. While this is sometimes a difficult policy to explain and enforce, our guests become deeply appreciative once we explain why this is so important for us and our surrounding community.

As I write this letter, we can see the tell-tale evidence of another brightly reflective mylar balloon that is trapped in the foliage of our verdant canyon walls. We spend a lot of time removing these, which would likely be trapped forever if not removed by hand. As someone who also spends a lot of time boating off our shoreline, me and my family pick up no less than three balloons floating in the ocean every time we venture out onto the water. This is just not acceptable.

While I appreciate that for decades balloons have become synonymous with joyful celebrations, we also need to recognize the damage these cause to our fragile environment. The Ranch at Laguna Beach enthusiastically supports this proposed ordinance and would even support a ban on the sale of any style balloon in Laguna Beach.

Kurt Bjorkman, Chief Operating Officer 

The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Are $7 a gallon gas prices coming to Laguna?

Get ready friends. At the rate gas prices are increasing, I predict we will be paying $7 a gallon for gas in town before the 4th of July. 

And if what happened in Venice over Memorial (Day) weekend happens in Laguna, shop owners are going to be very unhappy.

That’s because tourists paid $6 a gallon to drive to Venice for a day at the beach but didn’t pay for much else (like ice cream, sun hats, postcards or T-shirts).

As an aside, I recently drove to my son’s wedding in Carmel Valley. On the way, I stopped for gas in King City. Regular was $6.89, Plus was $6.99 and Supreme was $7.09. 

So, get ready, Laguna. I’m guessing these same prices are coming to town soon.

Denny Freidenrich

Laguna Beach

Letters to the Editor

Correction to the concern that emails aren’t getting through

In Anne Caenn’s letter titled “Concerns with council skirting the intent of the Brown Act,” Anne states, “When we asked what had happened, we were told that our letters had been “blocked” and “scrubbed” in the city’s email system.” 

I must correct this statement. When Anne Caenn contacted me about the emails she sent that apparently had not been received, I had her email me directly, and discovered that Microsoft’s email protection system flagged her email address as spam, malware, or other email threat. Once flagged by Microsoft as a suspicious or harmful email address, any emails from that address are automatically quarantined and not delivered to the recipient for security reasons. 

I advised IT, who designated her email address as an approved sender to City email recipients, which has (for now) resolved the issue. The City did not “block” or “scrub” Anne Caenn’s emails and is not privy to why Microsoft identified her email as suspicious. There is a comment form on the City’s website that can be used instead to ensure comments are received at www.lagunabeachcity.net/government/departments/city-council/online-comment-form.

Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk

City of Laguna Beach