Secret Santa
I felt left out of Secret Santa when I read the Indy article, “Newly Restored Painting Reveals Early Laguna.” The grandson of an early...
Pet Peeves
Silent, but Deadly
Dave Barry is the greatest humorist of my generation. Barry replied, “No, thank you, Crantz. Your remedial writing makes me look great.”
Putting...
Guest Column
Charisma
Cha-ris-ma: A special quality of leadership that captures the popular imagination and inspires unswerving allegiance and devotion. -Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary. Second Edition
Muhammed Ali, Mother...
The Kibitzer
Over The Wall I Go
I had been building a house in Mexico for what seemed an eternity. The Vatican was built faster. But a...
The Slant
What’s Worth Celebrating?
What a year. The never ending presidential campaign and election are finally over. Everyone feels the fatigue. There have been wars, terrorism,...
Village Matters
Unexpectedly Making History
We don’t know we’re part of history when we’re in it. We’re just living our lives and dealing with what is laid...
Taking Stock
Up, Spirits?
Stocks had a good month in November, the best since March. The rally that begin with the unexpected election results is so far...
Musings on the Coast
Spectacular Creatures in Our Midst
As loyal readers of this column know, I am a Laguna Beach waterman. I venture to my local (secret) cove...
Heart Talk
Where Everyone Knows His Name
I recently turned 69. Thus begins the last year of my life when my friends can truthfully describe me to...
Pet Peeves
No Strings Attached
Reading the recent Indy article, “Arranging More Harmony at TOW” brought back music memories. A new music building at Top of the...
Guest column
A Solution to Simplify Historic Preservation Rules
By Laurence P. Nokes
If you own a property in Laguna Beach built before 1955, you must be concerned...
Inside Out
A Thanksgiving wish for solidarity with protesters at Standing Rock.
Wisdom Workout
Wisdom’s Secrets
This election season has rocked the foundation of many of us. It is noteworthy how many have shared that they feel unhinged, unsettled...
Heart Talk
A Curmudgeon Looks at Thanksgiving
I have not let my iconoclastic, cranky side out for a walk for some time. The holiday season seems like...
Taking Stock
Thanksgiving
After the tumult over the past two weeks, the condensed Thanksgiving trading week provides a useful pause. The financial media predicted that a victory...