Presidential Debate: Cheer or Jeer Among Friends
The local Democratic Club opens its headquarters for debate watching at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, in the former Boom Boom Room night club, 1401 S. Coast Highway. The 90-minute debate starts at 6 p.m. PST.
“Refreshments available, come on down, one and all,” said club president Nick Hernandez.
Chances to Quiz Local Candidates
Four Laguna Beach City Council candidates compete for an audience against the presidential debate at a forum about South Laguna issues, also Monday, Sept. 26, from 7-9 p.m. at the South Coast Water District headquarters, 31592 West St.
South Laguna Civic Association hosts the forum, where audience members can also submit questions, said association president Greg O’Loughlin.
Water district candidates will also have an opportunity to make brief statements, he said.
The quartet of candidates vying for two Council seats will also take questions at what may be the final forum of the local campaign season at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, at City Hall.
Former Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kristine Thalman will moderate the forum hosted by the Board of Realtors, Chamber of Commerce and Firebrand Media, publisher of the Laguna Beach magazine and Independent weekly newspaper.
Treasurer’s Backers Hold Fundraiser
The Committee to Re-elect Laura Parisi for City Treasurer invites the public to a 3 p.m. wine and hors d’oeuvres fundraiser Sunday, Oct. 2, at 780 Alta Vista Way.
The suggested donation is $100 per person. RSVP to [email protected].
Whalen Bid Receives Supervisor’s Endorsement
Orange County 5th District Supervisor and Chair Lisa A. Bartlett has endorsed City Council member Bob Whalen for re-election, says an announcement this week.
Whalen has also earned the endorsement of fellow City Council incumbents and former Planning Commission colleagues, says a statement.
Whalen has focused on improving public safety and supported Laguna’s arts community while on Council. He has pushed utilities to provide more funding for undergrounding wires in high-risk cities like Laguna Beach and supported increased funding for police, firefighters, lifeguards and disaster preparedness.
Whalen has cited environmental concerns as a second-term priority, including open space acquisition as well as water quality improvement such as restoration work at Laguna Creek and Aliso Creek.
‘Scream’ Sign Captures Tenor of One Campaign
A caricature of Edward Munch’s iconic “Scream” painting is the centerpiece of eye-catching yard signs supporting the candidacy of Verna Rollinger for City Council, says an announcement.
Produced by her supporters, Village Laguna, the organization focused on preserving village character, features a cartoon version of “Scream” set in Laguna Beach.
The sign “is emblematic of the frustration the average Lagunan feels that our town has benn given way to tourists at the expense of the residents,” said Johanna Felder, Village Laguna president. “The incumbents running for re-election to the City Council have neglected residents’ concerns, spending large sums on tourist-related projects,” she said.
Photo: Verna Rollinger
School Board Candidates Take Questions
All three candidates, challengers Howard Hills and Peggy Wolff and incumbent Jan Vickers, will answer questions from the audience beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, in the Artists Theatre, 625 Park Ave.
The local branch of the American Association of University Women hosts the event with the League of Women Voters.
Kathleen Fay, who serves as advocacy leader in the Laguna Beach PTA Council, will moderate the discussion.
