PMMC Chairman to Speak at Laguna Beach Business Club
The Laguna Beach Business Club’s Aug. 17 meeting speaker is Jeff Meberg, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center Chairman. The LBBC holds a breakfast meeting on the third Thursday of each month, starting at 7:30 a.m., hosting speakers that discuss topics valuable to achieving success in personal and professional lives.
Meberg’s philanthropic efforts and dedication extend to many organizations in Orange County. In addition to serving on the Pacific Marine Mammal Center Board of Directors as the Chairman of the Board, he also serves on the Board of Directors at the Glennwood Housing Foundation, a residential facility in Laguna Beach for young adults with developmental disabilities. Meberg is also involved with LOCA, an educational art nonprofit whose members are integrated throughout the Laguna Beach community.
Club meetings begin with a buffet breakfast and a brief networking roundtable. Meetings are hosted at Nirvana Grill, 303 Broadway St., #101, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Non-members are welcome. The non-member guest fee is $30, payable by check to the Laguna Beach Business Club or with cash on the meeting day. Space is limited. Guests must be sure to receive RSVP confirmation. More information about the LBBC can be found at lagunabeachbusinessclub.com or by writing to [email protected].
ECW’s Summer Concert Series Finale this Saturday
Episcopal Church Women of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church (ECW) will host its final concert of its Summer Series IV on St. Mary’s ocean view terrace on Saturday, Aug. 19, at 5:30 p.m. By previous concertgoers’ demand, the Black Orchid Duo is back, playing rock and blues for the community. Ed Krajec is a popular local musician who teaches guitar at Laguna’s Guitar Shoppe. Danny Beissel is well known through his time with Train and Sugar Ray, so it will be a rockin’ good time! All proceeds go to local charities such as Sally’s Fund, Creative Identity, Wayfarers Youth Shelter, the Laguna Food Pantry, the Friendship Shelter and others. We also have opportunity prizes, including an Italian-themed basket, gift certificates to local restaurants, wine, and more. ECW hopes this will be a sell-out event like the last concert. Tickets may be purchased at www.ecwstmaryslb.org.
MOM Investco Entities to Host Town Hall – New Date Announcement
The investor group MOM Entities will host a town hall meeting for Laguna Beach residents at Hotel Laguna on Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to answer questions about the future of Hotel Laguna and other area properties. To be invited, email your full name and address to [email protected].
Laguna Pride 365 to Host Festival this Saturday
The annual Laguna Pride Festival is this Saturday, Aug. 12, from 3 to 10 p.m. at Lang Park, 21540 Wesley Dr., Laguna Beach. The festival will have live entertainment provided by Corday and KINGQUEEN, with DJ Eduardo spinning. The event will also have craft vendors, food trucks, a playground for kids and an interactive fun zone. More information is available at www.lagunabeachpride.org.
Six-Week Writing Workshop on Offer at Susi Q
Lynette Brasfield, an award-winning novelist and former Cal State Fullerton writing instructor, will lead a six-week class entitled “Write Your Story: Novel, memoir or short story – it’s up to you!”
Through fun written exercises, discussions and workshopping, participants will explore what makes sense for their story and discuss the joys and challenges inherent in each approach. All ages and levels of experience are welcome.
“Novels, memoirs and short stories are all enriched when writers have a solid understanding of characterization, dialogue and ways to keep the reader reading,” Brasfield said. “Most importantly, we’ll discuss participants’ goals, specifically which format might best suit not only the story they have in mind but also their particular skills.”
Brasfield’s class will take place on six consecutive Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., starting Sept. 21, with the final class on Oct. 26. Cost is $96 for all six classes. To register, go online to www.thesusiq.org and click on Classes. To RSVP by phone, call (949) 715-8105 or email [email protected].
Susi Q is increasingly becoming a destination for local writers and readers. Not only does the center host the successful “Evenings with an Author,” which will feature Lisa See at a sold-out event in September, but it is also home to the Third Street Writers and Laguna Beach Writers’ Workshop.
Catmosphere Adoption Event Coming Up
On Saturday, Aug. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Catmosphere Laguna cats and kittens will be featured for adoption at Gelson’s Laguna Beach location, 30922 Pacific Coast Highway. More information about the adoption event can be found by contacting the Catmosphere Laguna Foundation at (949) 619-MEOW (6369) or [email protected]. Future adoption event dates continue monthly throughout the year.
Susi Q to Provide Forward-thinking End-of-life Care Planning
Nonprofit Susi Q will offer Honoring Your Life: End of Life Care Planning, a series of four free workshops during which participants are invited to discuss thoughtful choices related to healthcare and end-of-life preparations, regardless of their current health status.
The free workshops will take place Sept. 14, Oct. 12 and Nov. 9 between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the Susi Q Center, 380 Third Street.
Facilitator of the workshops, Susi Q’s Director of Aging in Place Services Rickie Redman noted, “End-of-life planning represents a profound opportunity for individuals to embrace empowerment, express creativity, and demonstrate self-love. Through active participation, you will learn how to seamlessly integrate your personal preferences and deeply held values into your end-of-life care, thereby ensuring a sense of solace for both yourself and your cherished ones.”
September’s workshop will focus on Advance Directives, October on Palliative and Hospice Care and November on Burial, Funeral and Legacy.
Register online for the event at www.thesusiq.org or to RSVP by phone, call (949) 715-8105 or email [email protected].
Free Live Music at Bluebird Park
The Laguna Beach Arts Commission presents the 40th annual Music in the Park concert series, with musical performances every Sunday until Aug. 20 at 5 p.m. at Bluebird Park. Low-seating beach chairs are encouraged. Alcohol is permitted for guests 21 and older but must be accompanied by a full meal.
Performance Schedule:
Aug. 13 – Always, Adele
Aug. 20 – Special guest
Upcoming Laguna Art Museum Programs
Bellissima! A Plein Air Painting Workshop – Aug. 12 at 10 a.m.
Embark on a creative sojourn at The Resort at Pelican Hill: 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast. Guided by the artistic expertise of renowned local luminary Jo Situ Allen, in collaboration with Laguna Art Museum, this workshop offers an exceptional familial encounter inspired by the legacy of outdoor painting in Laguna Beach. Channeling the very essence of the museum’s founding Plein Air Artists, participants will commune with nature’s beauty to craft timeless masterpieces. Using the versatile medium of acrylic paint, attendees will employ a medley of techniques to infuse life into their creations. After the workshop, explore plein air paintings within the resort’s collection. A splendid blend of accessible guidance and inspiration awaits, making this a quintessential summer arts soirée. No prior experience required. Light refreshments will accompany the event, with an opportunity to capture memories alongside the artist. Location: The Event Lawn.
Family Plein Air Workshop – Aug. 13 at 10 a.m.
Delight in the legacy of Laguna Beach’s early painters at Laguna Art Museum’s Family Plein Air Workshop. Drawing inspiration from the captivating Joseph Kleitsch: Abroad and At Home in Old Laguna exhibition, now on display until Sept. 24, families will be guided through the nuances of plein-air painting. The museum’s adept teaching artists will initiate the journey with a foundational watercolor lesson, leading to an exploration of the stunning Laguna Beach landscape. Designed for all ages and skill levels, this workshop offers an artful bonding experience for families.
Paysages Voilés (a plein air-inspired recital) – Aug. 12 at 7 p.m.
Experience the enchanting fusion of music and art as international soprano Deanna Breiwick and renowned pianist Cheryl Lin Fielding present an exquisite evening inspired by plein air art. With a curated program entitled “Veiled Landscapes,” this mesmerizing recital captures the essence of plein air painting through carefully selected musical pieces. Discover the profound connection between art, nature, and music in the heart of Laguna Beach.
Self-Help Graphics & Art: A Celebratory Lecture – Aug. 20 at 11 a.m.
Amid the revelries of the opening weekend festivities for the new exhibition, “Marking an Era: Celebrating Self Help Graphics & Art at 50,” opening on Aug. 19, join the museum for an enlightening discourse led by Kevin Cruz Amaya. Diving into the cultural impact of Self Help Graphics & Art and the intricate world of printmaking, Cruz Amaya brings a wealth of knowledge as a doctoral candidate in Chicana/o and Central American studies at UCLA.
Storytime Saturday – Aug. 26 at 11 a.m.
Bring your little ones to Laguna Art Museum for an interactive Storytime and art-making experience that is truly magical. Our engaging read-alouds will be complemented by mindfulness exercises, art projects, and in-gallery activities that foster meaningful connections with caregivers and others. This month’s session will feature “Remarkably You” by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Patrice Barton, followed by a self-portrait activity celebrating all the remarkable qualities that make each child unique.
Art Workshop: Figure Drawing – Aug. 27 at 4 p.m.
Unleash your artistic prowess under the guidance of Peter Zokosky, the luminary Chair of MFA Drawing + Painting at LCAD. Delve into the timeless art of figure drawing, drawing inspiration from the Joseph Kleitsch exhibition. A live model and essential supplies await you as you embark on this creative odyssey. Unlock your potential in the world of artistry. Reserve your spot now. More information on all upcoming LAM events can be found at lagunaartmuseum.org/events.
