Alec Glasser, founder of The Drake restaurant, aims to give Orange County’s underserved youth a shot at success with donations for instruments and instruction through his nonprofit, The Drake Gives.
By Ashley Ryan
From an early age, Alec Glasser’s passion for music permeated his life. As part of a program to...
The South County Crosscultural Council’s new executive director talks about expanding resources for local day laborers, some of his favorite places in Laguna and more.
By Sharon Stello
In college, Tim Hartshorn began conducting research on the experiences of migrant workers, which not only helped him earn a Ph.D. from UC...
Karin Wyman-Vardaman, the new executive director of Laguna Canyon Foundation, has come full circle, helping to protect the open spaces she grew up enjoying as a child.
By Sharon Stello
A photo of Barbara’s Lake hangs on the wall of Karin Wyman-Vardaman’s office. Next to it is a watercolor painting of...
Laguna’s experts can help create a dream celebration to match any couple’s style.
By Ashley Breeding
With spring in the air and wedding season on the horizon, planners are aflutter finalizing details for their brides’ big day.
“This is the time when we tie everything up with a big, pretty bow,” says...
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...
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 Sharon Stello
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
