Tempe, Ariz., lacks a museum, has few galleries, but boasts a beautiful arts center whose under use frustrates the City Council. The city recently hired an arts consultant to draft a cultural arts plan to find solutions. “A lot depends on public input,” said director of community services Shelley Hearn.

A vibrant arts community exists in Santa Clarita, home of the Cal Arts College and the College of the Canyons. “We have basic art venues but wanted something more encompassing, a master plan that takes us to the next level,” said spokeswoman Gail Morgan. “We have an arts commission but need a plan to pull it all together, to provide a blueprint for the arts in the Santa Clarity Valley,” she said.

Sonoma County may be a mecca for wine lovers, but it is also home to a diverse creative community. To bring that community to the table, county supervisors also hired consultants to formulate a creative arts action plan to establish arts leadership among 200 non-profit arts organizations, businesses and artists in its creative community, which spans 14 towns. “When the community brings in someone from the outside, they observe things that the community alone is too close to see,” said county arts director Kristen Madsen.

All three communities have turned to Cultural Planning Group of San Diego, hoping the consulting firm will deliver an unbiased road map to unite creative people and identify concepts for cultural change.

Now, too, has Laguna Beach, whose City Council on April 14 approved hiring Cultural Planning Group to assess the town’s arts and culture by surveying various constituencies that cater to artists and art presenters. Results are expected by March 2016.

The consulting firm’s overall goals for all its clients include fostering communication and collaboration between arts groups and artists, promoting cultural tourism and planning cultural facilities.

Managing partner David Plettner-Saunders declined comment via e-mail because the terms of the agreement are still being negotiated.

Arts and culture generated $49.1 million in economic impact and supported 1,351 jobs in Laguna Beach in 2010, according to an Americans for the Arts survey released in 2012. Other communities similar in size to Laguna Beach but divergent in their focus on cultural arts have taken notice: The arts mean business.

Though Laguna established its reputation as an arts colony in the early 20th century and at present bursts with public art, galleries and numerous performing arts organizations, the City Council and its Arts Commission decided they needed help preparing for the future by commissioning a new cultural arts plan.

Such a plan should include assessing housing for younger artists and funding of public art and art venues. Similar plans were drafted locally in 1995 and 2005.

During the hearing over the arts plan, Leah Vasquez, a former Arts Commission chair, voiced concerns about the availability of public art spaces for future artists and suggested using existing art festival spaces for off-season events.

Author Arnold Hano did not think he would be affected by future arts planning. He suggested that the the city is already being “smothered by art.” He questioned spending $75,000 for the plan and fears that the arts community might become too large a political force in the city. “I hope someone considers residents before having more festivals,” added his wife, Bonnie Hano.

Fletcher Barryman, president of Laguna Beach Republicans, questioned the value of a cultural arts plan. Laguna’s history and eclectic character give the town’s art scene unique appeal, he said. “Laguna on its own has been fine until now; leave the artists to the artists,” he said.

The post Arts Backers Seek a Roadmap Forward appeared first on Laguna Local News.

A crowd of mainly skateboarding supporters reacts in 2011 when the city banned some streets to skateboarding. Photo by Ted Reckas.

Aliso Beach Park is the best location in Laguna Beach to consider for a skateboard park, according to a report from the city’s recreation committee.

Plans for a skate park were resurrected when recreation committee members were directed by the City Council to focus on a site to explore. Council member Steve Dicterow said building a skateboard park is a top priority for the city.

Developing a local skate park has been bantered about town for years, with various locations suggested and rejected. Aliso Beach Park, across Coast Highway from Aliso Beach in South Laguna, is the best site for a potential skate park for several reasons, recreation subcommittee members say, and, admittedly, a few hurdles, too.

If kids don’t have enough to do, they’ll leave town, says one recreation committee member. “There’s just not enough things here to keep them here and to keep them happy,” said Allen Doby, who also served on the skate park subcommittee. Other subcommittee members were Michele Hall and James Howard.

Doby, retired executive director of Santa Ana’s Recreation and Community Services Agency, now lives at the top of Nyes Place, a street banned for skateboarding due to its steep grade. “We get skateboarders coming down the street at 35-40 miles an hour,” said Doby, despite the ban. “That’s dangerous.” Doby also worked in the recreation departments for Los Angeles county and Compton. A designated skate park would be safer than hill-bombing, he said.

Several steep streets running through the hilly neighborhoods of Laguna Beach were

A local skateboarder practicing in a driveway.

banned in 2011 to skateboarders, who could be cited for ignoring the rules. Safety helmets for 18 and under were required. The rules resulted from a public outcry over skateboarding, a sport as iconic to southern California as surfing. Ban proponents said skateboarders were a car collision waiting to happen and opponents decried criminalizing the sport.

Aliso Park suits a skateboarding center because of existing restrooms, parking and bus and trolley service, according to the subcommittee’s report. Noise impact, a crucial factor for surrounding neighbors, would be buffered by Coast Highway, committee members said. “Everybody wants a skate park, but no one wants it in their neighborhood,” said committee member Hall, who organized a town hall meeting in March to discuss a skate park.

Two obvious obstacles are that the land is owned by the County of Orange and is also under the jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission, said Ben Siegel, the city’s community services director. Siegel said his staff is just starting to look into possible constraints, requirements and permits.

“It would need a coastal development permit from the city’s planning commission,” said Seigel. The permit would be appealable for review by the California Coastal Commission, he said, which has jurisdiction over activities along the coastline and three miles out to sea. The process could be long and arduous, he said.

The park’s proximity to Aliso Creek might also create certain stipulations to satisfy the California Environment Quality Act, he said, which requires state and local agencies to identify the environmental impacts of development.

“If it’s determined to be feasible, we’ll reach out to the county,” Siegel said, to see if there’s interest in working with the city. A lagoon there is also being studied for a state-designated bird sanctuary as the result of a $300,000 grant to the Laguna Ocean Foundation from the California Coastal Conservancy.

Skateboarders on Glenneyre at Bluebird Canyon. Photo by Ted Reckas.

The county has yet to hear about any plan for a skate park, said Bill Reiter, OC Parks division manager. “Either they’d have to take over the ownership of the property or the (skate) park would be ours to operate,” he said. “I don’t think they’re going to be willing to build a park for us.”

Reiter, who’s been with the parks department for 17 years, said he’s never encountered a similar proposal, which would require approval by the county Board of Supervisors. He said it’s too early to know what tradeoff the county might propose.

Skateboard Mom, a moniker for lifelong skateboarder, children’s book author and resident Barbara Odanaka, said a site with an ocean breeze would be ideal. Odanaka, 52, said she travels out of town to skate.

“Some of the most popular skate parks in California are right near the beach; Venice, of course, and Santa Barbara has one right on the beach and Santa Cruz has one very close,” she said. “People need to look with new eyes at what a boon this could be for our city. I’m one of thousands of older skaters who make summer road trips going to different skate parks.”

Other sites under consideration were somewhere in Laguna Canyon, the village entrance at Broadway Street and Forest Avenue and Lang Park in South Laguna, committee members said.

“In my professional opinion,” said Doby, “the entrance is not the place for a skate park. The way it’s laid out now, it’s always busy.”

Even though the village entrance is within walking, biking and skateboarding distance for neighborhoods surrounding downtown, council members probably wouldn’t want a skateboard park there because it would be unsightly, said Hall.

Hall, who unsuccessfully ran for City Council in November and campaigned for a skate park, is helping establish a nonprofit organization for local youth activities and to help defray the costs of building the skate park, she said. Organizers have already met with skate park designers, she added.

“I think part of the issue is that people see skaters as being less desirable,” Hall said. “A skate park is a park and we’re going to build something beautiful. There’s no perfect site and this one definitely has its hurdles that we have to get through, but it doesn’t mean it’s not doable.”

The post Skate Park Backers Focus on Aliso appeared first on Laguna Local News.

Sea lion pups in recovery at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.

Local and federal investigators suspect  someone tainted saltwater pools holding recuperating sea lions at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Canyon last week and are seeking the public’s help to find the culprits.

This is the first known animal assault at the center or elsewhere in the region, according to federal agent David Reilly, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Long Beach, who is assisting with the investigation.

A substance believed to be chlorine, like that used in swimming pools, injured the animals, who suffered varying degrees of corneal ulcerations due to the contamination.

The assailants could face criminal charges for violating the Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act and state animal cruelty prohibitions, Sgt. Tim Kleiser said in a statement.

Police say a large amount of chlorine was mixed in the water filtration system of one pool at the center, the county’s only marine mammal rescue center. Currently, 125 mostly malnourished creatures are in the center’s care, Keith Matassa, the center’s executive director, said Tuesday.

The contamination affected 17 healthy sea lions, which were due to be released the following day. Eight have recuperated but seven continue to receive treatment from a staff veterinarian, which involves flushing their eyes with fresh water, Matassa said.

The sea lions eyes are swollen shut or clouded by the contamination, which Matassa said smelled like the chemicals commonly used to kill bacteria and algae in public pools.

Chlorine is actually contained in swimming pool chemicals such as calcium or sodium hypochlorite, says the Environmental Protection Agency’s website.

Detectives have interviewed several people having access to the facility and are reviewing surveillance footage. Police are eager to speaking with anyone who observed anything unusual outside of the center Monday, April 27, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Tuesday, April 28. They are urged to call Detectives David Gensemer or Abe Ocampo at 949 497-0377 or the NOAA hotline 800 853-1964.

The post Chlorine Attack Sickens Sea Lions appeared first on Laguna Local News.

Monday, April 27

Burglary. 100 block of Chiquita St. 12:19 p.m. During a two-hour absence by the resident, someone entered a home window and took watches valued at $200 from a jewelry box.

Detective activity. 33600 block of Del Opisbo. 2:51 p.m. Narcotics investigators who set up a drug buy in Laguna Beach arrested Christopher Steven Bayer, 32, of Newport Beach, for suspicion of felony possession and transportation of narcotics, and Ralph Malfavon, 30, of San Juan Capistrano, and Juaquin Vargas, 26, of Mission Viejo, for alleged misdemeanor drug possession. Police seized 3.8 grams of methamphetamine and .2 grams of heroin.

Pedestrian stop. 300 block of Broadway St. 4:30 p.m. Leah Alspaugh, 35, of Oceanside, was arrested for multiple warrants.

Wednesday, April 29

Juvenile contact. 21600 block of Ocean Vista Dr. 8:38 a.m. Four LBHS students hanging out on beach chairs outdoors near a water tower were collared for ditching school and one was cited for marijuana possession.

Vandalism. 1400 block of Glenneyre St. 1:32 p.m. Someone attempted to kick in a door and damaged the lock.

Property. 3200 block of Alta Laguna Blvd. 5:24 p.m. Someone found a box cutter in the playground.

Thursday, April 30

Traffic stop. Myrtle St. 1:35 a.m. A 22-year-old Mission Viejo woman was cited for DUI.

Fraud. 31600 block of Scenic Dr. 9:58 a.m. A resident who tried to file taxes was rejected and discovered his social security number had already been used.

Stolen vehicle. 31800 block of Eighth Ave. 10:30 a.m. A 2000 Ducati motorcycle worth $4,000 was located about 1 p.m. less than a block away in the 31900 block of Virginia Way. The ignition had been tampered with.

Petty theft. 2300 block of Laguna Canyon road. 4:41 p.m. 32 lug nuts and 16 differential sleeves valued at $600 were stolen from a vehicle left for service.

Stolen vehicle. 2700 block of S. Coast Hwy. 9:38 p.m. A 2009 Honda was stolen after its owner left for the beach.

Friday, May 1

Medical. 31300 block of Monterey St. 12:07 a.m. Christopher Yax, 27, of Dana Point, was arrested for a no bail warrant.

Traffic stop. 300 block of Glenneyre St. 2:41 a.m. A 26-year-old Laguna Niguel man was cited for DUI.

Repossession. 700 block of Balboa Ave. 4 a.m. A tow truck driver repossessed a 2015 Mercedes.

Vehicle burglary. 1600 block of S. Coast Hwy. 8:47 a.m. The driver’s side window was smashed and thieves took possessions valued at $1500.

Vandalism. 400 block of N. Coast Hwy. 1:16 p.m. A couple who checked out of a hotel caused $700 in damage.

Saturday, May 2

Domestic violence. 200 block of Jasmine St. 12:01 a.m. Matthew Brady, 34, of Laguna Beach, was arrested for suspicion of felony domestic violence in the wake of an argument where he allegedly was waving a knife that led to a small cut on his girlfriend’s knee. Bail was set at $100,000.

Traffic stop. 1500 block of S. Coast Hwy. 2:17 a.m. A 42-year-old San Clemente man was cited for DUI.

Drug activity. 1100 block of S. Coast Hwy. 5:55 p.m. Angeline Victoria Tropp, 28, of Laguna Beach, and Jeffrey Stephen James Austin, 29, of Capistrano Beach, were each arrested for suspicion of three misdemeanor drug charges. Tropp also allegedly brought methamphetamine into the jail, concealed in her bathing suit bottom.

Sunday, May 3

Drug activity. 300 block of Broadway St. 8:58 a.m. Erin Zimmerman, 21, of Pennsylvania, was arrested for providing police false ID and a parole violation.

Brush fire. 600 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 4:25 p.m. A cigarette thrown into brush ignited a fire.

Fire. 600 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. 5:11 p.m. Smoke was again spotted coming from brush by outbound lanes.

Drunk driving. 1700 block of Catalina St. 10:50 p.m. A 31-year-old foreign visitor was cited for DUI.

Traffic stop. 1000 block of Laguna Canyon Rd. A 48-year-old Mission Viejo woman was cited for DUI.

The post Streetbeat appeared first on Laguna Local News.

Friday, May 8

Laguna Tots, 6:30 p.m., No Square Theatre, 384 Legion St. $10. Also May 9 and May 10 at 2:30 p.m.

Nick I & ADD, 9 p.m., Mozambique, 1740 S. Coast Hwy, 949 715-7777.

World Anthem, 7 p.m., Cliff Restaurant, 577 S. Coast Hwy.

James Clay Garrison, Hotel Laguna, 425 S. Coast Hwy.

The Bangles, 8 p.m., The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949 496-8930. $35.

Coup de Comedy Festival, performances 3-10 p.m., free UC Irvine Trevor Theater. Also May 9.

Saturday, May 9

Art auction benefit, 5-8 p.m., at Salt Fine Art, 1492 S. Coast Highway. $25.

Battle of the Mariachis Festival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Jazz jam, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Laguna Coffee Company, 1050 S. Coast Highway.

Space Oddity, 9 p.m., Mozambique, 1740 S. Coast Hwy, 949 715-7777. $10 at the door.

Andrew Bloom, 7 p.m., Cliff Restaurant, 577 S. Coast Hwy.

Beatles vs Stones, 8 p.m., The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949 496-8930. $18.

Pablo Ziegler Quartet for a New Tango, Soka University, Aliso Viejo. $29.

KidSing, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., singing festival for grades 3 thru 6, free performance finale, Our Lady Queen of Angels School, 2046 Mar Vista Dr.,

Newport Beach.

Pacific Symphony Youth Ensemble, 3 p.m., free, Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa.

Sunday, May 10

Laguna Craft Guild Art Show, Sunday, May 10, 9 a.m. – sundown, Main Beach cobblestones.

Missiles of October, 4 p.m.; Marine Room Tavern, 214 Ocean Ave.

Upstream, 5 p.m.; Mozambique, 1740 S. Coast Hwy, 949 715-7777.

Funniest Housewives, 7 p.m., The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949 496-8930. $30.

Pacific Symphony’s youth wind ensemble performs at 1 and its youth orchestra at 7 p.m., both free, Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa.

Monday, May 11

Jason Feddy Band, 7 p.m., Mozambique, 1740 S. Coast Hwy, 949 715-7777. $10

Tuesday, May 12

Adam Lasher Band, 7 p.m., Mozambique, 1740 S. Coast Hwy. $45 per person. 949 715-7777.

Ruben Gonzales, 7 p.m., Cliff Restaurant, 577 S. Coast Hwy.

Wednesday, May 13

Locals Wednesday, Ocean Avenue Brewery, 237 Ocean Ave.

Juke Joint Jokers, 7 p.m., Mozambique, 1740 S. Coast Hwy., 949 715-7777.

Poul Pederson, 7 p.m., Cliff Restaurant, 577 S. Coast Hwy.

Thursday, May 14

The Higgs, 7 p.m., Cliff Restaurant, 577 S. Coast Hwy.

Andrew Bloom, 7 p.m., Mozambique, 1740 S. Coast Hwy., 949 715-7777

Ongoing:

Spring exhibitions at Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Dr., open daily except Wednesday, 11 a.m. -5 p.m.

“Murder for Two,” 7:30 p.m., Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road. Tickets: 949 497- 2787. Thru May 17.

The post Indy on Arts appeared first on Laguna Local News.

The Blackburn family invites the public to honor the extraordinary life of Kathleen Blackburn from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at The Ranch at Laguna Beach.

“All are encouraged to come, share a story, a memory and toast her extraordinary life,” says a statement from husband Bill Blackburn.

Blackburn, 71, who died March 16, moved to Laguna Beach in 1974 and served the city of Laguna Beach from 1992 to 2000 as a member of the City Council and Planning Commission, in addition to serving twice as mayor.

Shuttles will run from 4 to 9 p.m. between Three Arch Bay, Mission Hospital The Ranch.

Countering Extreme Violence

Anila Ali

Pakistani-American educator and author Anila Ali, who ran unsuccessfully for the 74th State Assembly district in Huntington and Newport Beach, discusses U.S. efforts to counter violence at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at the Unitarian Fellowship Hall.

Ali participated in a White House panel on Countering Extreme Violence in February with other community leaders and law enforcement officials.

She speaks at a meeting of the Democratic Club, 429 Cypress Dr.

Pearson Joins The Susi Q Society

Elizabeth Pearson, center, with part Laguna Beach Seniors presidents Pauline Walpin, left, and the late Louise Buckley.

The Laguna Beach Seniors announced that former Laguna Beach Mayor Elizabeth Pearson will leave most of her estate to the Susi Q Society, an endowment of the Susi Q Center.

“There will always be an older population in Laguna, therefore it is critical that we all work together to ensure that this facility endures in order to provide our senior residents the quality services and diverse social opportunities they deserve,” said Pearson, who championed its completion while a council member.

For further info: contact Executive Director Nadia Babay at 949 715-8102.

Film Documents Town’s Eco Heroes

Meg Hiesinger

The eighth annual Laguna Hero Fest screens the 30-minute documentary, “Laguna Beach Eco Heroes,” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at Seven Degrees, 891 Laguna Canyon Road.

Special water conservation activities for youth begin at 3:30 p.m. and include guest presenter Meg Hiesinger of the Ecology Center, who promises to inspire each participant to act responsibly in water use. All ages are invited to attend.

The documentary features locals working to protect and preserve the special wilderness environments surrounding Laguna Beach including Greg MacGillivray, Nancy Caruso, Chip McDermott, Wyland and others.

There will be food and drinks for purchase, live music, and a silent auction. Suggested donation is $20.00

City Holds Open House

An open house hosted by the city of Laguna Beach will take place at City Hall, 505 Forest Ave., from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16.

City staff will answer questions about their departments services. Members of the community can stop by the City Council’s booth to meet and greet the council members.

There will be a balloon artist and face painter for the kids, refreshments, displays of city vehicles and demonstrations by several departments.  Local radio station KX 93.5 will be broadcasting live from the event.  All are invited to come out and learn about city services.

Chair of Iron Chef Hosts Montage Benefit 

Mark Dacascos, chairman of Food Network’s television series “Iron Chef America,” hosts this year’s Share Our Strength Taste of the Nation benefit at Montage Laguna Beach on Sunday, May 17.

Tickets are still available for the 3-6 p.m. outdoor chef tasting in advance for $200 per person or $225 at the door.

Nine celebrity chefs will serve up their signature dishes including Shirley Chung, 28 Restaurant and Lounge, of Irvine; David Coleman, Chianina Steakhouse of Long Beach; Ben Ford, of Fords Filling Station, Michael Hung of Faith & Flower, Waylynn Lucas of (fōnuts), Marcel Vigneron of Beefsteak, and Ari Taymor of Alma, all of Los Angeles; along with Lee Smith and Craig Strong, of Montage Laguna Beach.

Local beneficiaries include Second Harvest Orange County Food Bank, and Community Action Partnership of OC.

Toastmaster Marks a Milestone

The club’s new officers, seated from left, Dennis Bogle, Linda Robinson, Patricia Truman and John Foley; standing, Gwen Earle and Alex Palermo. Not pictured, Ana Finkelstein.

The Laguna Beach Toastmasters Club recently received its new club charter from the international organization.

The club established last May has steadily grown to 25 members. They meet every Monday at 6 at the Laguna Beach Library, 363 Glenneyre St. Guests and visitors are welcome.

King Departs for a New Chapter

Cathy King, who worked in the city’s personnel department, retired last Friday, May 1, after working 30 years for the city of Laguna Beach.

King delivered premier customer service to her co-workers and the public, says a statement from the city manager.

The post Party Honors an Extraordinary Life appeared first on Laguna Local News.

A ‘30s era image of Fire Station One on Forest Avenue.

Laguna Beach celebrates its own history in May with an array of annual Heritage Month festivities organized by city officials, individuals and groups.

On Saturday, May 9, take a free guided tour of historic downtown with Heritage Committee members. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Laguna Beach library, 363 Glenneyre St. Concludes at noon.

Eric Jessen and Mike Boone will lead a forum discussing the city’s 1982 Historic Inventory and the City’s Historic Registry from 6-7 p.m. on Monday, May 11, at the Susi Q Center, 380 Third St.
On Sunday, May 17, take a free guided walk from noon until 2 p.m. in the Crystal Cove Historic District. Park at Los Trancos parking lot for $15. Meet at bluff top deck near cottage rental office. For info: crystalcovealliance.org. Or step out for Village Laguna’s annual home tour. It sets out from noon to 3 p.m. from the ACT V parking lot in Laguna Canyon.

The fire department’s history, which includes the county’s oldest operating fire station, is the focus of a Laguna Beach Historical Society talk at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, in City Hall. The public is welcome at the free presentation.

And all month visitors are welcome at the Historical Society’s Murphy-Smith House, 278 Ocean Ave., Fridays through Sundays from 1-4 p.m. The 1920 bungalow is exemplary of early Laguna Beach cottages.

Heritage Month activities are also listed on the city’s website: lagunabeachcity.net.

The post Heritage Month Spotlights Town History appeared first on Laguna Local News.

The Village Laguna Charm House Tour sets out Sunday, May 17, to explore seven homes in Laguna Canyon, whose owners all were personally impacted by the 1993 Laguna Beach firestorm.

The 43^rd annual tour will feature distinct and unique homes, from cottages to modern edifices, each with lush gardens and great art. Several on the tour survived the historic fire and others are replacements for the homes that the owners lost in the blaze.

Among the homes visitors will enter is a tiny, immaculately-maintained wooden cottage built in 1939. The owners recall a canyon childhood surrounded by hippies and beatniks.

Another of the homes is owned by a noted Laguna artist. Her work is featured throughout the house as is the furniture made by her artisan husband.

One home designed by noted Laguna architect Mark Singer was built to replace the house that originally stood at the site, but was consumed in the ’93 blaze. Metal work created by the artist owner-occupant including railings, tables, chairs and an entertainment center are key in this modern dwelling.

All seven homes are within walking distance of each other but there will be a bus available for those desiring some assistance.

The tour begins in the ACT V parking lot at 1900 Laguna Canyon Road. Parking is free and a shuttle will transport participants to the first home from noon to 3 p.m. The houses will be open for touring until 5 p.m.

Tickets cost $50 in pre-sale and $60 on the day of the tour. Proceeds contribute to Village Laguna’s political action campaign committee.

For additional info: call 949 472-7503.

The post Tour Explores a Neighborhood Remade by Fire appeared first on Laguna Local News.

Residents who’ve envisioned more outdoor dining and pedestrian-only traffic on the block of Forest Avenue east of Coast Highway may see that vision become a reality, at least temporarily, as early as August.

Despite uncertainty about the outcome, the City Council asked urban planning consultants and staff Tuesday to proceed with plans for pilot demonstrations to close Forest Avenue to cars between Coast Highway and Beach Street in August and September for an as yet undetermined period.

At the same time, the council asked planners to fine-tune other trials, such as transforming some parking spaces into outdoor seating and dining areas or “parklets” on both Forest and Ocean Avenues, and closing a portion of Ocean Avenue on Saturday mornings in October for the farmer’s market, which will be displaced due to sewer construction.

Additionally, the council endorsed beautifying and improving pedestrian amenities along Forest Lane, the alley behind Forest Avenue.

The trial transformations arose from the hiring last July of an urban design team led by San Diego-based MIG. Their task is helping city planners update the downtown specific plan, which guides future development. In trying to improve livability and mobility downtown, MIG sampled public reaction to a brief street closure on Ocean Avenue with mini parks and displays last November.

Based on that event’s success, the council asked staff and MIG to propose new pilot demonstrations of ways to transform the downtown experience, after seeking input from various concerned groups.

They presented the fruits of their labors Tuesday.

Most residents have experienced Forest Avenue as a pedestrian thoroughfare during the city’s annual Hospitality Night in December. But this street closure trial will occur during regular business hours in August and September.

If any of the trials gain enough favor from residents and affected businesses, the city will look into the permitting required to make the changes permanent, City Manager John Pietig said.

As for the improvements to Forest Lane, “Don’t test it, just do it,” suggested Mayor Bob Whalen, questioning the need for a trial period on something that’s “really just a beautification project.” The other Council members agreed.

In addition to overhead string lighting, surface cleaning, landscaping and public art, the improvements would involve consolidating of individual trash bins to a central location. Business owners seemed amenable to the changes as long as deliveries are unimpeded.

Several restaurant owners endorsed converting parking spaces to dining areas. “Parklets are better than parking spaces,” said Alessandro Pirozzi, owner of Alessa.

Marc Cohen, chef owner of the restaurants 230 Forest and Watermarc, agreed, even offering to underwrite the parklet conversion.

Alan Hall, owner of the boutique Muse, offered a cautionary note. He said similar street closures in Huntington Beach proved a boon to restaurants, while retailers suffered. Even so, he predicted that attention to details could yield a positive experience for all.

“I’m so excited about this and I hope that it passes,” said resident Lorene Auger, summing up the enthusiasm of most residents who spoke.

Planners received generally positive feedback and support from affected business owners, reported Principal Planner Wendy Jung, although they did raise concerns about parking, deliveries and access.

“It’s a test,” said Mayor Pro Tem Steve Dicterow, who said that while no one knows what’s going to happen, it’s ultimately “about retaining, if not enhancing, the charm and character of downtown and it would be a major quantum leap forward if it works.”

The post City Experiments With Downtown Street Closures appeared first on Laguna Local News.

This trio downtown on Broadway Street got a jump on the 20,000 fans at Angel Stadium who put on sombreros at the start of the fifth inning on Cinco de Mayo to set a Guinness world record.Photo by Jody Tiongco.

The post Sombrero Day appeared first on Laguna Local News.

Addressing the Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the City lunch, Mayor Bob Whalen redefined the stated agenda Wednesday by describing not the status quo but the future.

Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen, left, greets a constituent at the State of the City talk.

Whalen outlined the five big issues he sees the city confronting: land use downtown and along Laguna Canyon Road, a parking master plan, a cultural arts plan, the undergrounding of utilities, and obtaining a secondary sustainable water source.

Describing land use efforts, Whalen highlighted the updating of the downtown specific plan now underway, noting the tremendous input from the community that has led to the upcoming trial closure of Forest Avenue. He also mentioned the review of development standards along Laguna Canyon Road, which he described as “a jewel” that captures the community’s essence. And he said the Laguna Canyon Road task force will likely report to the Council in August about the best ways to manage flooding and to improve safety for bikes and pedestrians. “Wouldn’t it be great to walk or bike out there safely?” he asked.

If open space defines the canyon, art defines Laguna’s soul, Whalen said, and called for reinvigorating Laguna’s art scene beyond the summer festivals, in a way that fills the city with people, not cars.

A common theme among the big issues is the transition from an auto-centric community to a more pedestrian and bike-oriented one, said Whalen. Beyond the already successful summer trolleys and new off-season service, will be the challenge to create a citywide parking master plan that investigates off-street structures in various neighborhoods, explores public-private joint ventures and seeks new opportunities to expand peripheral parking.

Undergrounding the utilities on Laguna Canyon Road is essential before any improvements can happen there, but it is equally important citywide, Whalen said. It’s a big, expensive undertaking, but the city must continue to analyze ways to make it happen, said Whalen.

“Water conservation is obviously the topic of the day,” said the mayor, noting that to comply with the state-mandated 25 percent reduction in use will likely involve cutting down outdoor watering.

Despite conservation, “the long range key is a secondary sustainable water source,” said Whalen. “We can conserve, but if the pipe goes dry, we’ve got a problem,” he said, urging exploration of potable reuse of the 10 million gallons per day spewing from the Aliso Creek outfall and supporting potential plans for a desalination plant in Dana Point.

The success of any effort will depend on gathering broad community input and winning public support for any development plan, concluded Whalen. For some of the larger projects “we will have to look at some kind of bond financing,” he said. “For the right project and the right mix, it’s something the community may support.”

As he wrapped up his speech, Whalen drew inspiration from Teddy Roosevelt, who said that if you believe you can do something, you’re halfway there.

“I believe we can. In my view, we are halfway there,” said Whalen. “I ask all of you to join us and move to the goal line.”

The post Mayor Maps Laguna’s Future appeared first on Laguna Local News.

Local and federal investigators say someone tainted saltwater pools where recuperating sea lions swim at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Canyon last week and are seeking the public’s help to find the culprits.

One of seven outdoor pools where staff of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center treat rescued animals, though not those injured by chlorine.

This is the first known animal assault at the center or elsewhere in the region, according to federal agent David Reilly, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Long Beach, who is assisting with the investigation.

A substance believed to be chlorine injured the animals, which suffered varying degrees of corneal ulcerations due to the contamination, according to animal rescue staff.

All the animals had left the pool when the first member of the center’s staff arrived at 6 a.m. Tuesday, April 28, said police Sgt. Tim Kleiser. She noticed the pungent smell first and then saw all the sea lions uncharacteristically out of the water, he said.

Police say a large amount of chlorine was mixed in the water filtration system in one of seven pools at the center, the county’s only marine mammal rescue center. Currently, 125 mostly malnourished sea lions are in the center’s care, Keith Matassa, the center’s executive director, said Tuesday. More than 2,900 California sea lion strandings have been reported so far this year, the highest level in 12 years, according to NOAA data.

The chlorine contamination affected 17 rescued sea lions, which had been nursed back to health and were due to be released last week. Eight have recuperated but seven continue to receive treatment from a staff veterinarian, which involves flushing their eyes with fresh water, Matassa said.

The sea lions’ eyes were swollen shut or clouded by the chemical, which Matassa said smelled like pool chemicals.

Bacteria and algae is suppressed home pools used by people with chlorine concentrations of about 3 to 5 parts per million, and at a heavy use hotel pool at about 8 to 10 ppm, said Jared Benson, of Beachside Pool Service in Laguna Beach.

The center maintains its pools at a far more dilute .5 ppm chlorine level for its rehabilitating sea mammals. Yet, chlorine levels were measured at 500 ppm in the contaminated pool, said Kleiser.

“That would be extremely toxic,” said Dudley Wigdahl, curator of mammals and birds at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, which keeps its chlorination levels at .3 ppm and monitors levels several times a day. “That would bleach their fur, it would burn their skin. I’ve never seen a reading that high,” he said.

Kleiser said the center’s staff veterinarian determined that the animals’ exposure was actually less than expected, noting the absence of vomiting or diarrhea among the injured sea lions. “They were smart enough to get out,” he said.

The attacker’s motivation puzzles police. Because whoever gained entry seems to know the area, disgruntled employees are one line of inquiry, Kleiser said. Investigators are also reviewing surveillance video, which takes in most of the center’s perimeter, he said.

The assailants could face federal and state charges for violating the Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act and animal cruelty prohibitions, respectively.

Police are eager to speak with anyone who observed anything unusual outside of the center Monday, April 27, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Tuesday, April 28. They are urged to call Detectives David Gensemer or Abe Ocampo at 949 497-0377 or the NOAA hotline 800 853-1964.

The post Updated: Chlorine Attack Sickens Sea Lions appeared first on Laguna Local News.

Villagers awaiting assistance in one of Nepal’s remote villages damaged by the recent earthquake.                                           Photos courtesy of Rosalind Russell.

Bearing supplies enough for 150 families to one of Nepal’s devastated remote villages, Rabindra Sitaula encountered near riots when 350 people in need arrived and tried to loot supplies Wednesday.

Sitaula serves as program manager in Nepal for the R Star Foundation, based in Laguna Beach, which for a decade has distributed donated goats to isolated villages to improve living standards.

Foundation founder Rosalind Russell said this week that not a single charity or government authority has delivered aid to any of the 48 goat-receiving villages she’s involved with, all of which were damaged by the April 25 quake.

“Ninety percent of our villagers all lost their homes,” she said, and now residents are at high risk for cholera and other diseases due to exposure as the rainy season arrives.

She said the foundation lacks the funds to buy cholera vaccine.

Supplies of rice and daal are hand carried to a village this week by R Star’s team.

Earlier, Sitaula delivered beans, rice, tea and sugar, as well as heavy plastic sheeting for makeshift shelters to 600 people in two villages within days of the 7.9 quake, said Russell.

“Rabin tells me how the scared villagers have hope because of the supplies arriving unbelievably fast, faster than even Kathmandu appears to be receiving,” she said. “To our knowledge, none of our villages in the largest hard hit area of Nepal has received help other than what we have provided. Airdrops are just beginning.  We do not know if the drops will cover any of our furthermost villagers. We are hopeful, but dubious other relief will arrive to help our villagers, ever. What we are doing is saving lives now.”

R Star workers establish a medical camp in earthquake hit Baluwa this week.

Situala estimates he’s distributed supplies to 1,000 people so far, but has exhausted the emergency funds on hand, said Russell, who intended to wire more quake relief this week. Her efforts are drawing support from unlikely places, such as $1,000 promised by the Unity Church of Boulder and a banker in Australia, who grew up in now-destroyed Baluwa, Russell said Thursday.

“This is not the time to stop the help arriving to our villagers,” she said. “We need your

Burning of bodies in a quake hit Nepal village.

immediate help. This is truly a catastrophic world event where more lives will be lost should relief not reach our near 30,000 villagers.”

Meanwhile, some young orphans in Nepal are doing their part to help quake victims, though quake damage displaced them from the Kathmandu orphanage founded by Laguna Beach resident Christine Casey.

The 25 young residents of Chhahari, which means shelter in Nepalese, are temporarily living in the home of Nepal board member Dawa Tamang.

Casey and Tamang’s 18-year-old daughter, Ongmu, decided on a plan to ask the children

Chhahari kids eye cholera medication provided by a friend of the earthquake damaged orphanage in Nepal. Photo courtesy of Christine Casey.

to participate in helping a few of the hardest hit villages in the Kathmandu valley, Casey said in an email this week.

“Ongmu explained to our children the sad circumstances of some people living very close and asked each child to go to their cupboard and choose some clothes to give other children,” Casey said. “They were all anxious and happy to run to their rooms and pick out something to put into the bag.”

“Ongmu is researching the villages where we should go and our taxi driver, Maishe, along with four Chhahari children, Ongmu and me will be delivering our collection in a few days,” Casey said.

More info: RStarFoundation.org and Chhahari.org.

Another way to give.

The post Quake Relief Trickles into Nepal’s Villages appeared first on Laguna Local News.

A virus wiped out sea stars along the entire west coast last year. This year, an eerie new phenomenon, urchin balding, is attacking purple-spined sea urchins in Orange County tide pools, and local scientists are investigating this new mystery.

: Cal Poly Pomona scientist Jayson Smith shows bald spot on purple-spined sea urchin.
Photo By: Jayson Smith

Due to a warmer winter than usual, in and out of the ocean, tide pool conditions have worsened over the last year, said Jayson Smith, a Cal Poly Pomona marine biologist who specializes in the local tide pool habitat. Where once abalone, lobster and sea stars thrived, now sea hares, octopus, small fish, limpets and mussels seem to be leaving the scene, said Smith.

The latest debacle leaves urchins with bald spots, where algae takes root, said Jennifer Burnaford, biology professor at Cal State Fullerton.

The urchins are developing bare areas and, like scraggly new hair growth, algae is taking root in the soft tissue there, Burnaford said. “Coralline algae takes a long time to grow,” she informed tide-pool educators and docents during a workshop Saturday, May 2, at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point. “So it seems that the balding isn’t fatal.”

Scientists have yet to understand the urchin-balding syndrome, said Smith. Ocean advocates who recognize the problem have yet to take further protective steps to stop the declining conditions in the tide pools. “Things are looking pretty poor right now,” he commented. Educators and docents anecdotally report seeing fewer urchins at some tide pools and more empty shells.

The once-prolific California blue mussels are also becoming increasingly sparse along the Southern California coastline, Burnaford said.

In 2013, sea stars started dying en masse from Alaska to Mexico, causing what was described as the most pervasive marine mortality event in local waters, scientists reported.  Last year, researchers released peer-reviewed papers identifying the cause as densovirus. The virus looked like leprosy with sea stars developing lesions, and then dropping limbs and losing entrails, often within hours.

Scientists continue to research why a virus, which sea stars contract periodically, wiped out the entire population. Possible causes that might have contributed to a compromised immune system, such as global warming, ocean acidification and pervasive water pollution, are still being studied.

Aside from the urchin and sea star issues, diversity in Orange County tide pools has been decreasing for decades, Smith said. There’s been a continual decline in the highly specialized animals that inhabit Laguna’s tide pools, added Louise Thornton, chair of Laguna Ocean Foundation, whose docents and staff provide tide-pool education and protection in Laguna Beach.

“We appear to have more than just the sea-star wasting,” Thornton said. “We appear to have something else going on. There’s something going on because the fish are disappearing.”

Keeping people’s hands out of the tide pools and away from the creatures can’t hurt, Smith and Thornton agreed. However, restricting public access to restore a declining habitat, even temporarily, runs counter to state public access laws regulated by the California Coastal Commission.

The Coastal Act strongly supports public access to California beaches and tidelands, and also requires that access is balanced with environmental concerns, said Sarah Christie, legislative director for the commission, headquartered in San Francisco. “If people are just saying, ‘Oh, we can’t do anything to protect the tide pools because the coastal commission’s public access policies won’t allow it,’ that’s not entirely accurate,” she said.

To place a temporary closure on local tide pools, a permit would be required “to verify that the public’s use of the tide pools is contributing to the degradation,” Christie said. “It’s not accurate to assume we wouldn’t allow it.” As an example, she noted that the commission imposed seasonal closures to protect snowy plover habitat.

Offering touch-tanks and traveling aquariums as alternatives to the tide pools are protective strategies used to lessen human impact on the tide pools, according to marine protection staff in Dana Point and Newport Beach.

Laguna Ocean Foundation unsuccessfully proposed a touch-tank at the new Laguna Beach lifeguard headquarters on Main Beach, and the foundation lacks the funding or a location for such a service now, said Thornton.

Dana Point uses a cart to show visitors shells, exoskeletons, skulls, teeth and other dry artifacts, said Sean Vogt, the city’s natural resources protection officer. “The idea is that visitors can touch, pick up and fully interact with these artifacts, while using more passive observation skills such as minimal handling in the tide pools so as to not disturb or injure the living creatures,” Vogt said.

Newport Beach uses a state-of-the-art truck, called the IsoPod, with two types of touch-tanks inside. The truck cost $160,000 in state grant money to customize and equip, said Michelle Clementine, Newport Beach marine protection officer. Visitors can interact with tide-pool animals in a controlled setting instead of touching them in their habitat, she said.

A student-study will begin this fall on whether touch-tanks keep people from poking, prodding, picking or poaching tide-pool animals, Smith said.

The post Tide Pool Life Diminishes appeared first on Laguna Local News.

Water Production Supervisor Steve Dishon describes a new water reclamation facility during a tour at the plant’s dedication in Aliso Canyon in May 2014

Even as Gov. Jerry Brown grapples with California’s drought by mandating that water districts curb their demands by 25 percent, the Orange County Grand Jury urges them to expand supply by stepping up production of recycled water.

Dwindling local water supplies could be conserved by tapping into the 147 million gallons of treated wastewater currently discharged into the ocean daily, says a grand jury report issued Friday, May 1.

The report recommends that almost all of the county’s wastewater processing districts, including South Orange County Wastewater Authority (SOCWA), which serves Laguna Beach, identify and implement the most cost-effective method of increasing production of recycled water, so as to reduce the county’s reliance on imported water.

The affected districts are required by law to respond to the report’s recommendations within 90 days.

Local water supplies from the Santa Ana River groundwater basin or recycled wastewater meet nearly half of Orange County’s total water demand. To meet the remaining demand, the Municipal Water District of Orange County buys water from northern California and the Colorado River through the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Its purchases are distributed to 28 agencies that pipe water to homes and businesses.

The amount of water available for extraction from the groundwater basin depends on annual rainfall and shrinks during droughts. In order to replenish the basin, the county will have to recycle more wastewater or buy more imported water, according to the grand jury findings. They also found that in almost all cases treating wastewater for irrigation (“purple pipe” water) or potable use is less expensive and more dependable than purchasing imported water, given that imported water sources are shrinking, while excess wastewater is simply being pumped into the ocean.

South-county water districts rely almost entirely on water delivered by the MWD, which will cut deliveries by 15 percent beginning July 1.

Out of 262 million gallons of wastewater produced daily in the county, 147 million flows into the ocean, 45 million fills purple irrigation pipes and 70 million gallons becomes potable. The ratios differ by district, according to the report.

Of the 23 million gallons of wastewater processed daily by SOCWA, 8 million is recycled and 15 million is discharged at sea a mile from Aliso Beach.

Irvine Ranch Water District, which was excluded from the grand jury’s recommendations, has the advantages of a planned community. Irvine recycles 87 percent of its 23 million gallons of daily wastewater for landscaping and industrial uses.

In its findings, the grand jury noted that it costs the Orange County Water District, which serves 20 northern and central county cities, $1,468 per million gallons to treat wastewater for potable use, or $1,133 less than the current cost of importing a comparable amount water.

At the same time, it costs SOCWA, which serves two water districts in Laguna Beach and

SOCWA’s wastewater treatment plant in Aliso Canyon has more capacity than customers for its recycled water.

other cities, $3,326 to treat 1 million gallons to purple pipe standards, or $725 more than it costs to import water. But the jury believes that rising costs of imported water will change that ratio.

The post Grand Jury Calls for More Recycled Water appeared first on Laguna Local News.

Laguna Canyon Road reopened at 3 a.m. today after a 10-hour closure due to emergency repairs by utility crews to replace a toppled telephone pole, police said Tuesday.

A telephone pole, sheered off in the 2700 block when hit by a car, toppled across the road and struck an outbound vehicle, Sgt. Tim Kleiser said. Neither motorist was injured, he said.

“That person’s lucky,” said Kleiser, noting that the pole snapped at its base, bringing down phone and cable wires.

Though police closed the road between Canyon Acres Drive and El Toro Road, residents who live along the canyon were allowed to drive to their homes, Kleiser said.

The post Canyon Road Reopens appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

Kathleen Blackburn’s friends and singing partners, from left, Judy Blossom, Gay Sutherland, Carol Ann Berryman, Karen Gilbert, Shirley Torrance, Diana Gairdner and Jeanne Jones, gamely shared their pastime.

Several hundred friends, colleagues and family members gathered Wednesday, May 13,  to recall former Mayor Kathleen Blackburn’s civic contributions, character and athleticism during a celebration at The Ranch in Aliso Canyon.

Kathleen Blackburn

One of Blackburn’s lesser known attributes was her love for pop lyrics, but friends provided the crowd with a sample. Other speakers included husband Bill Blackburn, Mayor Bob Whalen and Planning Commission member Ann Johnson.

Blackburn, 71, who served Laguna Beach from 1992-00 on the City Council and

Former Mayor Jane Egly, center right, was among a host of current and former elected officials who attended the remembrance for Kathleen Blackburn.

Planning Commission, including two terms as mayor, died March 16.

Bill Blackburn greets well-wishers during the celebration of his wife, Kathleen Blackburn.

The post Friends, Peers Recall Blackburn’s Impact appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

Monday, May 4

Grand theft. 30900 block of Coast Hwy. 10:36 a.m. Someone stole 16 marine-grade Northstar batteries from a cell site valued at $4800.

Drunk driving. 30800 block of Coast Hwy. 1:25 p.m. A 42-year-old La Crescenta man was cited for DUI.

DUI. 1300 block of S. Coast Hwy. 5 p.m. Arthur Anthony Moreno, 60, of Ontario, was cited for suspicion of DUI and held for $15,000 bail due to a prior offense.

Tuesday, May 5

Traffic stop. Nyes Place. 1 a.m. A 37-year-old resident of South Africa was cited for DUI.

Traffic stop. Cleo St. 2 a.m. A 21-year-old Dana Point man was arrested for DUI.

Grand theft. 500 block of Forest Ave. 11:24 a.m. Someone swiped a $1500 laptop computer from a car parked near the beach and owned by a Burbank resident.

Traffic stop. Shell station. 2 p.m. Jose Alvis-Jorge, 29, of Irvine, was arrested for suspicion of two felonies, possessing and transporting narcotics.

Traffic stop. 200 block of Laguna 11:55 p.m. A 59-year-old Studio City man was cited for DUI.

Wednesday, May 6

Swimmer rescue. Shreve Dr. 12:29 p.m. A wave swept several people into the water, some of whom suffered abrasions, including one possible head injury.

Fraud. 31500 block of Bluff Dr. 12:47 p.m. Someone attempted to open up a Paypal account with unauthorized information.

Thursday, May 7

Petty theft. 300 block of Lookout Dr. 12:47 p.m. Four bags left for a nonprofit were taken by someone else.

Fraud report. 31600 block of Coast hwy. 1 p.m. A business accepted a counterfeit $50 bill.

Traffic stop. 31500 block of West St. 1:38 p.m. An officer who stopped a vehicle over tinted windows arrested Steven Schweitzer, 29, of Ladera Ranch, for alleged possession of narcotics for sale when a search turned up methamphetamine, marijuana, pipes and heroin.

Fraud. 900 block of Park Ave. 2:48 p.m. A resident’s identity was stolen and used for employment.

Citizen contact. 30600 block of Marilyn Dr. 2:56 p.m. Investigators will look into allegations that a caregiver provided a lethal dose of medication last July.

Welfare check. 2800 block of Zell Dr. 7:58 p.m. Police found a resident on a bedroom floor who had fallen and injured herself the day before thanks to a call from an alert neighbor who noted her absence.

Friday, May 8

Traffic stop. 200 block of Beach St. 1 a.m. A 39-year-old El Monte woman was cited for DUI.

Traffic stop. 300 block of S. Coast Hwy. 2 a.m. A 36-year-old Anaheim man was cited for DUI.

Vehicle burglary. 400 block of Oak St. 7 a.m. Thieves smashed a car window and took a gym bag with a swimsuit, towel and shoes valued at $150.

Saturday, May 9

Burglary. 400 block of Jasmine St. 11:50 a.m. Thieves entered through the front door and made off with $2800 in valuables.

Fire. 3200 block of Alta Laguna Bld. 10:11 p.m. Police detained five teens from Lake Forest and Trabuco Canyon that had started and doused a fire in a cave. None were cited.

Drunk driving. 400 block of El Bosque. 10:27 p.m. John Tyson Schmidt, 39, of Canyon Country, was arrested for suspicion of felony drunk driving. His 28-year-old female passenger, from Santa Clarita, apparently struck her head on a windshield and was transported for treatment.

Sunday, May 10

DUI. 500 block of coast Hwy. 9:27 p.m. Tara Marie Collins, 26, of Dana Point, was arrested for suspicion of DUI and misdemeanor cruelty to a child.

The post Streetbeat appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

Friday, May 15

Classical chamber musicians El Re’al Players, 6:30 p.m., Sunset Serenade in Heisler Park Amphitheater. Free.

Nick I & ADD, 9 p.m., Mozambique, 1740 S. Coast Hwy, 949 715-7777.

Sabrina Lentini, 7 p.m., Cliff Restaurant, 577 S. Coast Hwy.

Boogie Knights, 8 p.m., The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949 496-8930. $15.

Eden Espinosa sings Broadway tunes with South Coast Symphony, 7:30 p.m., Crossline Church, 23331 Moulton Pkwy, Laguna Hills. $20-40. 714 731-8079

Saturday, May 16

Doheny Blues Festival, 11:30 a.m.-9:30, Doheny State Beach, Dana Point. $60. Also 5/17.

Jazz jam, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Laguna Coffee Company, 1050 S. Coast Highway.

Stone Jonez funk, 9 p.m., Mozambique, 1740 S. Coast Hwy, 949 715-7777.

Pilot Touhill, 7 p.m., Cliff Restaurant, 577 S. Coast Hwy.

Queen Nation, 8 p.m., The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949 496-8930. $15.

Sunday, May 17

Missiles of October, 4 p.m.; Marine Room Tavern, 214 Ocean Ave.

Lesterfari & Kings reggae, 5 p.m.; Mozambique, 1740 S. Coast Hwy, 949 715-7777.

Funniest Housewives, 7 p.m., The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949 496-8930. $30.

A sample of the Laguna Canyon homes on this year’s Charm House Tour, Sunday, May 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., from ACT V parking lot in Laguna Canyon. $60 per person.

Monday, May 18

Rocky’s Revival, 7 p.m., Mozambique, 1740 S. Coast Hwy, 949 715-7777.

Tuesday, May 19

Vinnie and the Hooligans, 7 p.m., Mozambique, 1740 S. Coast Hwy. 949 715-7777.

Adam Lasher, 7 p.m., Cliff Restaurant, 577 S. Coast Hwy.

Wednesday, May 20

Locals Wednesday, Ocean Avenue Brewery, 237 Ocean Ave.

Bill Magee, 7 p.m., Mozambique, 1740 S. Coast Hwy., 949 715-7777.

Gritify, 7 p.m., Cliff Restaurant, 577 S. Coast Hwy.

Thursday, May 21

Missiles of October, 7 p.m., Cliff Restaurant, 577 S. Coast Hwy.

Andrew Bloom, 7 p.m., Mozambique, 1740 S. Coast Hwy., 949 715-7777.

“Now, Voyager,” 7 p.m., with Bette Davis and filmed in Laguna Beach, Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Dr. $7 and free to members.

Ongoing:

Spring exhibitions at Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Dr., open daily except Wednesday, 11 a.m. -5 p.m.

Closing weekend: “Murder for Two,” 7:30 p.m., Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road. Tickets: 949 497- 2787.

The post Indy on Arts appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

Interfaith Council member Daga Krackowizer at last year’s collection, which netted more than 2,500 pounds of nonperishables for the Laguna Food Pantry.Photo by Sally Barron.

Volunteers from the Laguna Beach Interfaith Council will be collecting donations of nonperishable food between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at three local grocery stores on Saturday, May 16. The most-needed items are breakfast cereal, canned tuna, peanut butter, jelly, pasta, and pasta sauce.

Expect to see them outside Haggen, Ralphs and Pavilions to collect donations for the Laguna Food Pantry. Monetary donations can also be made on the spot using a QR code and a mobile device or by check.

Volunteers can sign up for two-hour shifts by calling local coordinator Sally Barron at 949 497-2343.

The Laguna Food Pantry north of the dog park in Laguna Canyon distributes 2,500 pounds of fresh groceries weekly to low-income households, 20 percent of whom are children. New volunteers are always welcome.

The post Volunteers Plea to Restock Food Pantry appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.