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People & Places

Eclectic Collective

Bluebird Mercantile offers a new kind of shopping experience in Laguna Beach. By Ashley Breeding   Bluebird Mercantile is curated the same way its founder, Amii Schenk, says a beautiful home or wardrobe should be: “with well-made pieces that are a mix of new and vintage.” The 1,600-square-foot store, which held its grand...

10 Minutes With … Karyn Philippsen

This longtime Lagunan, named Citizen of the Year for the upcoming Patriot’s Day Parade, talks about finding her place in town through volunteerism. By Ashley Ryan   A self-proclaimed valley girl—before the term became popular—Karyn Philippsen grew up in the San Fernando Valley, cruising Van Nuys Boulevard. It wasn’t until 1979 that...

Ocean Originals

Artist Wyland makes waves as a dedicated marine conservationist. By Tanya A. Yacina   Wyland’s name is equally synonymous with art and marine conservation, positioning him as the quintessential Laguna Beach resident. After visiting the beach town with his family in the early 1970s, he moved here and opened his first studio...

10 Minutes With … Lindsay Smith

The chef-owner of Nirvana Kitchen & Pantry reveals how she transformed the restaurant to allow for more time with her family and how you can enhance your holiday meals with fresh ingredients. By Ashley Ryan   It’s been 15 years since chef Lindsay Smith opened Nirvana Grille in downtown Laguna, blending her...

For the Love of Dogs

Unconditional, a senior and special needs dog rescue, is building a Laguna Canyon adoption center and has opened a veterinary center to reduce the organization’s medical care costs. By Sharon Stello   A decade ago, when Amy and Julian Mack adopted Carlo, a stray pug with a missing hind leg, it spurred...

One on One With Julie Laughton

The general contractor and interior designer shares what she loves about working in Laguna and creating custom dream homes for clients. By Sharon Stello   With more than 1,000 custom homes and remodels under her belt, Julie Laughton continues to seamlessly handle both the design and construction aspects of projects throughout coastal...

10 Minutes With … Lee Rocker

The Stray Cats bassist and solo artist continues to rock this town and beyond. By Sharon Stello   Acclaimed bass player and Laguna Beach resident Lee Rocker is still strutting his stuff, slapping and spinning his giant upright bass in concerts from San Juan Capistrano to Canada. Rocker, who has gone solo with...

Science Superstars

Local organizations offer STEM programming that opens doors for youths in Laguna Beach and beyond. By Ashley Ryan   STEM—the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics—plays a role in nearly everything we do. From flicking on a light switch or creating a financial budget to using smartphone GPS to navigate to...

Second Act

David Ellenstein, the new artistic director at Laguna Playhouse, looks to breathe new life into the iconic theater, one eclectic season at a time. By Jennifer Pappas Yennie   When he was only 4 years old, David Ellenstein made the decision that theater would be his life. Fast-forward, and with 300 productions...

10 Minutes With … Steve and Embry Munsey

The owners of Jedidiah Coffee talk about their soon-to-open cafe, the meaning behind their business name and what they love about Laguna. By Sharon Stello   Jedidiah Coffee, which has been roasting its own coffee in Laguna Canyon for the past few years, is preparing to open a coffee shop at Jasmine...