By Donna Furey | LB Indy
Laguna Beach resident Steve McIntosh concedes his motive is to lure trick-or-treaters to visit his Short Street neighborhood. He’s noticed a drop off in trick-or-treating traffic over the years and wasn’t making his own elaborate Halloween costumes anymore. So he decided to re-channel his creative energy by turning his grassy front yard into a cemetery.
“I’m not anti-Oak Street, but it gets a little crowded over there,” he joked, referring to the nearby Laguna Beach neighborhood that for years has ensnared mobs of costumed goblins, witches and fairies and assorted parents as a favorite Halloween destination.
The animated decor at 607 Short St. goes beyond faux coffins and dismembered skulls. It 
includes four projectors conjuring ghosts who fly through thunder and lightening and stop to chat with fellow apparitions, singing pumpkins and ghouls lingering in the fog around their tombstones. McIntosh believes he’s inspired his neighbors to become more imaginative with their Halloween displays as well. The family friendly display will be up and running every night until Halloween.
The acclaimed Oak Street party will once again be closed off to vehicular traffic from 5- 10 p.m. on Oak and Brooks Street between Catalina Avenue and Temple Terrace. In front of the Taub residence, KX 93.5 will broadcast live with lights and a disco ball, while trick-or-treaters can circle the block reveling in some of the best décor in town.
For adults, two local watering holes offer their own version of Halloween treats.
Bruce White’s 27th annual Dead Man’s Party and Costume Ball convenes at the Shark Bite Lounge, aka the White House Restaurant, 340 S. Coast Highway. The graveyard opens at 9 p.m. with a $20 cover charge and live music from rock band Party Foul. Or take in the Halloween Spectacular beginning at 9 p.m. at the Marine Room Tavern, 214 Ocean Ave. DJ Jonny Carson performs for a $5 cover and best and worst costumes win $200.
While blocks of Santa Ana’s downtown on Saturday, Nov. 1, will be filled with Dia de los Muertos shrines, local artist Sandra Jones Campbell hosts a local version. She’ll co-host a party with the Laguna Beach Sister Cities Association from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at her studio, 2173 Laguna Canyon Road. Festivities will include a taco cart, buffet, wine, beer, dancing and a costume contest with prizes. Admission is $25 for the party. Donations to fund hurricane relief for one of Laguna’s sister cities, Cabo San Lucas, are welcomed.
