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Photos by Ron Chilcote With the reopening of the Emerald Canyon Trail in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park this month, we figured readers might enjoy a glimpse into what some consider the jewel of the coastal canyons. Emerald Canyon Trail begins at the top of Bommer Ridge, a less...

Please tantalize those at home with a high resolution image from your adventures near and far. And thanks again to fans that save space for the Indy in their bags.    

Photos and story by Mitch Ridder Last Saturday morning, 50 men and six women pushed themselves through three physical events to begin their journey to become Laguna Beach lifeguards. First, competitors had to successfully complete a 1,000-meter swim under 20 minutes in 58º water,...

By Ron Chilcote Perhaps the most pristine and precious of all the canyons in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Laurel Canyon nestles in a hollow shielding it from the adjacent San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor, a barrier to the free flow of wildlife that introduces sounds...

Photos and story by Ron Chilcote Through the heart of the Laguna wilderness runs Laguna Canyon Road. Historically a major access to Laguna Beach, it was originally dirt and gravel and later a paved, twisting two- and three-lane road through the canyon. Now it is two lanes each...

On the corner of High Drive and Cedar Way in North Laguna stands a little tiny village of welcoming and kitschy gnomes. The gnome village is the fond collection of a seemingly well-adjusted person, Jennifer Hart, the lone remaining occupant of the Laguna Playhouse costume shop....

  Arts Commission members will lead walking tours of the public art in Heisler Park on Friday, Sept. 20, between 4 and 5:30 p.m. Leaving every 20 minutes from the amphitheater, the commissioner led tours will provide background about the art works and insights into the...

Photos and Story by Ron Chilcote In the Sycamore Hills of Laguna Canyon, now known as the James Dilley Greenbelt Preserve, the majestic old oaks and sycamores form magnificent groves. Near the entrance the trees stand in sharp contrast to the nearby toll road. The path up the...

By Loreen Berlin, Special to the Independent A hushed crowd of appreciative attendees nearly forgot to applaud as models strutted the runway at the annual fashion show, among the final special events of the summer-long Festival of Art, which closed Saturday. All entries were...

Good-natured ribbing between players as well as intense, competitive ping pong characterized last Saturday’s third annual table tennis tournament at The Susi Q Senior Center. Fifteen players competed in singles and doubles brackets.   Singles: Russell Singer William...

A wave of violence erupted in Surf City USA after the conclusion of the U.S. Open of Surfing on Sunday in Huntington Beach. Local police had to use tear gas and other non-lethal means to disperse an unruly crowd of hundreds that left a wake of damage to city vehicles, portable...

Fourth of July Fun in South Laguna About 50 people gathered for South Laguna’s eighth annual Fourth of July Parade last week where families and friends whooped it up the old-fashioned way. From tossing eggs and water balloons to bobbing for apples and face painting, a good...

In the aftermath of The Vic skim boarding contest at Aliso Beach, contestant Blair Conklin found himself in a gauntlet of hugs and high fives, as family and friends took turns congratulating the 18-year-old SoLag favorite on his first hometown pro victory. “It’s always something...

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