Madison Loses Key Supporter
Incumbent Kelly Boyd, after remaining steadfast in his support of Laguna Beach City Council candidate Jon Madison over the last month, reversed himself this week.
“I waited patiently for his information to come in,” said Boyd, referring to the well-liked restaurant owner’s promise to produce university diplomas after his academic credentials at Cornell University and UCLA School of Law could not be independently verified last month. The single document he did release purported to be a diploma from Cornell University was issued on the wrong day of graduation in 1979, with the wrong name of the college department at the time and the wrong names and signatures of the dean and president that year.
For Boyd, who announced his support early in Madison’s campaign before 150 fans, the error-riddled diploma was a tipping point. “It’s not right to continue,” Boyd said of his former stance.
“He’s done a phenomenal job with the restaurant and the Heritage Committee and for nonprofits in town,” Boyd said, “but I find it hard to support him.”
Meanwhile Mayor Elizabeth Pearson, also a Madison loyalist, announced she is endorsing Boyd and Michele Oliver Hall in the race, but did not provide an explanation as to whether she was withdrawing her support for Madison. She omitted mentioning it from her statement, and didn’t respond to a query for clarification.
“I am pleased to announce my endorsement of two Laguna Beach City Council candidates whose philosophies are similar to mine as it relates to property rights, pro artists and pro businesses — and who have convinced me of their fiscally responsible approach to governing,” she said in a statement. “I am announcing support for my colleague Kelly Boyd and a long-time supporter of mine, Michelle Hall.”
Forum Provides a Primer on Ballot Issues
The pros and cons of initiatives on the Nov. 4 ballot will be explained by a representative from the Laguna Beach branch of the Orange Coast League of Women Voters twice in the next two weeks.
The presentations will take place at noon Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Universalist Union Fellowship, 429 Cypress Dr., and at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the Laguna Beach Library.
Firebrand Hosts Final City Council Forum
Issues of interest to five neighborhood associations around Laguna Beach are the focus of Firebrand Media’s final debate Wednesday, Oct. 29, just four days before voters decide the fate of seven candidates seeking election to the town’s City Council.
The public is welcome to attend the 6:30 p.m. program at City Hall, which will be preceded by a 6 p.m. reception.
Andrea Adelson, the editor of the Laguna Beach Independent, will moderate the program.
Merritt Invites Voters’ Questions
The public is invited to attend an informal meeting from 6:30- 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 1294 S. Coast Highway #B, to hear city council candidate Paul Merritt lay out his vision of Laguna Beach and to answer questions.
Republican Supports Democrat’s Candidacy
Republican Congressional candidate Wendy Leece endorsed her Democratic opponent Sue Savary in the race against the incumbent, 48th District Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, who is trying for his 13th term. The district includes Laguna Beach.
Leece announced her decision Oct. 4 on the KX@OneLaguna radio show, “Perspectives.” “Laguna Beach has so many Republican and independent voters that cannot reconcile their values with Congressman Rohrabacher’s,” said host Ari Grayson.
Savary, of Newport Beach, taught at USC’s Marshall School.
