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The surprising resignation of jazz band teacher Matt Witek, just weeks before the start of the new school year, has some parents wondering whether district administrators truly value the music program.

By Cassandra Reinhart, Special to the Independent Laguna Beach police say they are ready for two rallies this weekend that could bring hundreds of clashing protesters to Main Beach on Sunday evening.  Police Sergeant Jim Cota said the Laguna Beach Police Department has been in...

Friday, August 18 “A Night with Janis Joplin,” Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd. Through Sept. 10. 949 497-2787. Renown Muzic, 5 p.m., Laguna Art-A-Fair, 777 Laguna Canyon Rd. 949 494-4514 Terron Brooks, 5:30 p.m., Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Rd. Sawdust Festival,...

Harding is talking about the possible impacts the newly approved 28-unit artist work/live compound directly adjacent to her property will have on Laguna Canyon. The project was given the green light at the Aug. 9 meeting of the California Coastal Commission,

The Festival of Arts’ concerts conclude with a 1 p.m. performance by drummer Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band on Saturday, Aug. 19. As a band leader and a sideman, Sanchez has banged out a fiery stew of straight-ahead jazz and melodies and rhythms from Latin American...

“Laguna Beach of Early Days,” a personal historical account by Joseph S. Thurston, whose parents settled in Aliso Canyon in 1871, is now available thanks to a reissue by his grandson, Kelly Boyd. During a City Council meeting last week, Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Boyd said that he and...

The Joanne Artman Gallery now represents oil and mixed media artist Anna Kincaide. The artist specializes in portraits of stylized women disguised by avant-garde, floral-inspired hats. Her work is on display at the gallery, 326 N. Coast Highway, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-...

Health in Balance Integrative Medicine chiropractor Gary Arthur and his staff will offer an interactive workshop, Seven Steps to Relieve Neck and Back Pain, at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29. RSVP for the workshop, which includes dinner at 949-497-2553 or visit...

Last fall, Laguna Beach school administrators launched a new teacher-training program that helps instructors integrate state-of-the-art technology into lessons that allow students to solve real-world problems and explore cultures across the globe.

To celebrate its 85 years showcasing art, the Festival of Arts is throwing itself a party on Sunday, Aug. 13, with free admission, games, art activities, live music, giveaways and treats at 650 Laguna Canyon Road Among the day’s highlights: jurors Mark Porterfield, Emma Paddon...

Fashion reinvention takes the stage at the Festival of Arts this Saturday, Aug. 12. Competing to create the most inspired couture using reclaimed, reused or recycled materials are Festival exhibitors Carla Bosch, Antje Campbell, Stefan Cummings, Brad Elsberry, Elizabeth McGhee,...

The newest juried show “August Nights,” by members of the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, opens with a 5-8 p.m. public reception Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Forest & Ocean Gallery in Laguna Beach. The award winning paintings and artists will be announced at...

Friday, August 11 “Chicago,” 7:30 p.m., No Square Theater, 384 Legion St. $25. Also 8/12, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. 8/13. Gary Turner, 5 p.m.; Laguna Art-A-Fair, 777 Laguna Canyon Rd. 949 494-4514 Melanie Taylor, 5:30 p.m., Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Rd. Sawdust Festival, 935...

By Cassandra Reinhart, Special to the Independent After almost 10 years, a landowner’s proposal to build an artist work/live space in Laguna Canyon has been approved. At a meeting Wednesday in Calabasas, the California Coastal Commission unanimously approved a coastal permit...

Training played a crucial role in the actions of a young Laguna Beach lifeguard, credited with saving the life of a 10-month-old baby that began to choke while eating a snack on North Treasure Island Beach, near the Montage resort.