Cracking Down on Underage Drinking
In early December, Laguna Beach joined three other southern Orange County cities in adopting a social host ordinance that targets adults serving alcohol to minors in their homes. The City Council voted three-to-two in favor of the ordinance, hoping to curb underage alcohol use in the community. First-time offenders have the option of taking an approved class at their own expense, or paying a fine of $1,000. Repeat offenses are labeled a misdemeanor, with an additional $1,000 fine. The City Council, Laguna Beach Police Department and Laguna Beach Community Coalition believe the ordinance will obstruct underage drinkers from their main source for obtaining alcohol, but opponents beg the question of its unintended consequences. The ordinance’s efficacy will be under review for its first six months, after which time it will be subject to revision or termination. —F.N.
Healthy Choices, Healthy Heart
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., but nonprofit organizations like Guard A Heart are tackling the problem on a local level by advocating for awareness and prevention. Laguna Beach Magazine celebrates American Heart Month this February by offering five heart-healthy tips from Dr. Douglas Harrington, CEO of Aviir Inc., a cardiovascular testing company working in collaboration with Guard A Heart:
1) Stop smoking: By quitting today, you can reduce and even reverse the damage. 2) Manage your weight: For every pound you are overweight, your heart has to pump through an extra mile of blood vessels. Even losing as little as 5 pounds will make a tremendous difference. 3) Eat a healthy diet: Try and eat mainly fruits and vegetables. At least half of your grains should be whole grains, such as oatmeal, brown rice and quinoa. Dark chocolate (over 72 percent cacao) has heart-healthy benefits! 4) Increase physical activity: A brisk 30-minute walk three times a week can help your ticker live longer. 5) Take medications as prescribed by your health care provider: Medication compliance is an important component of a healthy heart. Additionally, make sure to ask your doctor about cardiac risk assessments. — A.H.
Laguna Becomes LAmade Muse
Laguna’s rich artistic history, vibes and views have inspired yet another creative soul, and this time it’s Los Angeles-based designer Leor Spector. It only took a short visit for LAmade’s chief designer to garner enough inspiration from Laguna Beach to create the entire LAmade Resort 2013 collection, full of relaxed looks contrasted with vivid colors.
“I loved the fuchsia flowers along the coast,” Leor says. “The culture, the paintings, the people and the ‘sensational vistas’ really inspired me.”
The collection weaves the feel of Laguna into its signature airy cotton-blend fabrics that reveal a hint of subtle sexiness in a seamless way. (lamadeclothing.com) —K.P.
The Sounds of South America
The sounds of South America come to town at the 11th annual Laguna Beach Music Festival, Feb. 5 – 10, presented by Laguna Beach Live! and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County. Tango jazz master Pablo Ziegler and his classical tango quartet hailing from Buenos Aires will be playing a collection of their finest melodies. Pablo’s compositions blend classical Argentine tango rhythms with jazz measures. MacArthur Genius Grant winner Regina Carter (jazz violinist) and pan-Latin folk ensemble Huayucaltia will showcase their talents as well. The Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Art Museum and the Susi Q senior center are among the venues that will feature these musical performances. These smaller sets create a unique artist-to-audience connection. Tickets range from $35 to $100 (lagunabeachmusicfestival.com). —B.T.
Helmets Now Required
The City Council has approved an ordinance that allows police officers to confiscate skateboards from riders who are not wearing protective helmets. Violators can retrieve their skateboard after a waiting period of one week for the first violation, and after 30 days for all subsequent violations. Although the council approved the measure in October, Chief of Police Paul Workman explains that the police department didn’t start enforcing the measure until Jan. 1. The ordinance applies to skateboarders of all ages, but those under 18 will need to have a parent or guardian accompany them in order to get their skateboard back. —L.D.
Easy Style
Cutting-edge designer Troy Lee has long collaborated with racing icons like Steve McQueen and Bruce Brown, so creating a collection with Peter Fonda seems like a natural progression. The duo developed an Easy Rider line of men’s casual and protective gear. A redesign of Troy’s original red, white and blue Stars and Stripes theme, the collection includes an open-face helmet, glove and vintage black helmet tee. The company says more new lines and products are also on the horizon. —A.B.
Festival gets new website
The Festival of Arts and the Pageant of the Masters recently got a new website, lagunafestivalofarts.org, complete with social media integration, a radically revised event calendar, an expansive artist database and more, just in time for the 80th anniversary. —M.M.
Local Reads
Arnold Hano moved to Laguna back in the 1950s and has authored dozens of books, including the well-known “A Day in the Bleachers.” His latest book “3 Steps to Hell” was just released, featuring three of his thrillers. Pick up your copy at Laguna Beach Books. —M.M.
Centered on Charity
In celebration of a recent $3 million renovation, Center Club in Costa Mesa, the premier members-only business and social club in Orange County, will hold a Grand Re-Opening and Charity Classic Fundraiser on Jan. 31 at the updated facility. In addition to dinner and dancing, the event will showcase shining new amenities including an upscale bar and lounge, multimedia room with a 103-inch television for sports gatherings, and a high-tech boardroom, as well as honor club founder Henry Segerstrom. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit three local charities: Orange County Museum of Art, MDA Augie’s Quest and Employee Partners Care Foundation. —A.B.
Weddings by Facebook
The St. Regis Monarch Beach has been selected as the venue for the first-ever Brides Live Wedding. In January, the public will help choose the lucky couple and each element of their wedding via votes on Facebook. And in April, the luxurious wedding will be held at the resort in Dana Point. —M.M.
Beachy Keen
Celebrating the culture of the SoCal coast, a new beach boutique called The Shop opens in mid-February in the old Recycle Jeans location, offering an array of goods to the “fashionable beach girl.” It’s a place where the surf vibes live and reminds us of what our community is all about, says owner Jessica Hirsch Watson, who has many years of experience in the surf apparel industry. Find classic beach and swimwear, home decor, jewelry and baby goods, among other coastal-inspired collections. (facebook.com/theshoplaguna) —A.B.
Grants Gifted to Local Nonprofits
Laguna Beach Community Foundation revealed the 2012 Annual Grants Program awards Dec. 3 at Hotel Laguna. Sponsored by Georgia Andersen, 25 Laguna Beach nonprofits received a total of $94,900 for health and human services, art and culture, education and the environment. An additional 29 nonprofits received $164,900 during the year from the foundation’s charitable funds. Recipients included Crystal Cove Alliance, Laguna Art Museum, Glenwood Housing Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach Community Clinic and Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Foundation, among others. “The Laguna Beach Community Foundation was founded and exists today as a symbol of our deep love for Laguna Beach and our desire to make a difference in the quality of life in Laguna Beach,” says Laura Tarbox, LBCF chair. (lagunabeachcf.org) —B.T. LBM
