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
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
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
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 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.
