Up Front: Around Town

Enlightening Literature

A duo of literary laureates—appointed by the city of Laguna Beach to replace the poet laureate position—will serve as cultural ambassadors while collaborating on workshops and events to advocate for the literary arts. For example, a recent art-inspired writing contest was based on an image taken by local photographer Jeffrey Rovner. This year’s laureates are two outstanding women: Lojo Simon, a prominent playwright, dramaturge and published writer who has won the Laguna Beach Poetry Contest thrice, alongside Suzanne Redfearn, an author, architect and co-owner of downtown eateries Lumberyard and Slice. “My whole idea for supporting the literary arts in Laguna is to bring the literary community together and to facilitate the ideas of those who are a part of it,” Redfearn says of her new role.

Suzanne Redfearn | Photo by April Brian — Suzanne Redfearn | *Photo by April Brian*

In addition to their other contributions to the literary scene in town, the laureates will be choosing various poems and prose that were inspired by Laguna to share with the community on the city’s website. The June selections started off with a heartfelt introduction by Simon, titled “Poetry Knows No Age,” in which she discusses how some of the most profound pieces she’s heard have come from poets as young as 6. The featured pieces were collected from the John Gardiner Community Poetry Contest (formerly the Laguna Beach Poetry Contest, which was renamed in honor of the late poet) and included “The Chair” by Daniel McGinn, which won the adult category, and “Laguna Canyon Blues” by Raundi K. Moore-Kondo, both of which are tribute pieces to Gardiner, as well as “Lifeline” by Penelope Duran, which focuses on ocean pollution and won the teen category. (lagunabeachcity.net)

David Heil | Courtesy of David August Clothing — David Heil | *Courtesy of David August Clothing*

Fashionable Philanthropy

Laguna Beach resident David Heil is using his position as founder of the luxury menswear brand David August to benefit Miracles for Kids, a Tustin-based nonprofit that provides financial aid and other resources to critically ill children and their families. The clothing company recently unveiled a charitable collection of accessories that includes a classic, silk jacquard tie that comes in six versatile color schemes of blue, green, gray, navy, pink and purple, which will meld with any man’s wardrobe, as well as three companion pocket squares that are made of Italian silk and come in black, navy and purple tones that perfectly complement the ties’ accent colors. Both items feature the censored tagline, “F#*K Cancer,” which is speckled across the pocket squares in miniscule print, as well as on the backside of the tie, along with the Miracles for Kids logo to make for a true statement piece.

All of the net proceeds from the sale of these specialty items will be donated to the charity, which caught Heil’s attention when he attended the organization’s annual Night of Miracles Gala and subsequently joined its board of directors in 2008. These Italian-made products are available online or by making an appointment with one of David August’s premier clothiers at the company’s showroom in Costa Mesa. (714-545-7848; davidaugustinc.com)

A Montage of Collaboration

Whether you’re a trendsetter or simply love to shop, be sure to stop by Montage Laguna Beach’s Summer Designer Series, where locals and resort guests can enjoy a personalized shopping experience that includes pop-ups as well as meet-and-greets with various fashion designers. The featured collections of high-end clothing and accessories for both men and women include items such as one-of-a-kind jewelry by the Miami-based designer Hayley Denman of Hayley Style on Aug. 3 and 4; Southern California-inspired bags from Hammitt as presented by the company’s founder and CEO, Tony Drockton, on Aug. 10 and 11; eco-friendly swimwear from Vitamin A by Laguna-based Amahlia Stevens on Aug. 17 and 18; and much more. Events will be held in either Treasures Boutique, the Spa Boutique or Art of Living from 4-6 p.m.

Those who would prefer to drive to one of the region’s famous shopping malls, or anywhere else in the hotel’s locale, Montage guests now have access to Cadillac vehicles following a recent partnership with the automotive brand and its parent company, General Motors. Guests can arrange for chauffeured transportation at no extra charge, or utilize the Ride & Drive Program, which allows them to get behind the wheel and try out some of the automaker’s newest models, such as these 2018 all-wheel-drive vehicles: ESV Escalade Premium Luxury SUV, XT5 Platinum Edition Crossover SUV and CT6 Premium Luxury Sedan. Both experiences can be organized by a hotel concierge, who will also provide road maps and driving itineraries to help facilitate an exciting adventure. (866-271-6953; montagehotels.com)

Museum Makeover

As Laguna Art Museum celebrates its centennial year, it is also looking forward by modernizing its website and renovating the lower level galleries. The revamped online presence was made possible by a local creative agency, Studio Misfits, which specializes in digital marketing and advanced web design. The new site features a visually pleasing aesthetic that aims to enhance the visitor’s experience and better represent the museum as an artistic, cultural and historical institution.

Though the website’s new look is already complete, the gallery renovation project is still underway, having launched in February. Upon completion—the modern spaces are expected to be finalized in September—the Brief Gallery and the Segerstrom Family Gallery will be about 20 percent larger, the corridor between the galleries will be expanded and the historic flooring engraved with donors’ names will be restored. This project, which aims to provide exhibition spaces that enhance the artworks displayed in them, was made possible by funding from the city through its Cultural Facilities Improvement Matching Grant Program, as well as pro bono architectural services by Laguna-based Anders Lasater Architects. (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)

Coastal Accommodations

Hotel Joaquin, which opens in August in Laguna Beach, is part of the Auric Road collection of petite resorts that also includes Korakia Pensione in Palm Springs and Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Mont. The company’s first Southern California location exudes a minimalist vibe that aims to connect adventure and relaxation with its coastal setting. Situated on North Coast Highway, just above Shaw’s Cove, the resort was expertly designed by Studio Robert McKinley out of New York and boasts incredible ocean views as well as amenities to fit any mood, including access to a tranquil pool and the Adventure Garage, which is filled with bicycles, surfboards, hiking and diving gear, and more. The 22 guest rooms feature chic decor and an “unplugged atmosphere” which replaces the typical television set with a trendy vinyl record player, as well as a curated collection of music that will “complement each guest’s intention for their stay.” The resort will also feature a French-Mediterranean menu filled with seafood, and a creative cocktail program to match. With sustainability in mind, the resort will focus on reducing plastic waste, while additional plans involve collaborations with local charities that will allow guests to feel like part of the community. (hoteljoaquin.com)

Poetry and Prose

Two local groups recently published books filled with compilations of written works by various authors and poets. The Laguna Canyon Project was founded in the 1980s by late photographers Jerry Burchfield and Mark Chamberlain, the latter of whom wrote the main essay in a recent book about the effort, chose all of the featured images and worked closely with the designer and contributors before he passed away in April. The book, titled “The Laguna Canyon Project: Refining Artivism,” contains more than 130 photographs and written works that give detailed accounts of the project’s historic movement to hinder the suburban development of the Laguna canyons through its politically charged, environmentally focused art. Find this Laguna Wilderness Press publication at Laguna Beach Books, the Festival of Arts gift shop (through Sept. 1) or on the publisher’s website, lagunawildernesspress.com.

The other compilation comes from Third Street Writers, a nonprofit that aims to nurture the development of writers through workshops, reading events and community outreach programs. The group’s second published anthology, “Beach Reads: Lost and Found,” contains 56 pieces of art, photography, poetry, short stories and essays that “explore the experiences of losing, finding and searching.” The book was edited, in part, by Laguna resident Rina Palumbo while the cover was created by Jennifer Griffiths, also of Laguna Beach. Find this publication at Laguna Beach Books or on the writing group’s website, thirdstreetwriters.org.

Sun & Surf Special Section

Curious Cosmos

Local astronomers give their top tips for summertime stargazing in Laguna Beach.

In today’s digital age, we often spend too much time engrossed in what’s on our screens rather than paying attention to the world around us. But summer is the perfect season to break free from this apathetic habit and explore the natural beauty of Southern California and beyond. You can transport yourself to another part of the universe, without ever leaving Laguna, through one simple piece of equipment: the telescope.

For astronomer Craig Bobchin, who helps facilitate stargazing sessions at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, his love for outer space started when he was about 8 years old. “When I was a kid growing up in New Jersey … with snow up to my knees, [I was] trying to drag people out to look at Jupiter and the Orion Nebula,” Bobchin says. “This was back in the 1970s. There was no internet; everything I learned was either through reading magazines or looking it up in books, looking at star chats and just putting [out] my little telescope and trying to find something on my own.”

Today, Bobchin hopes to inspire other budding astronomers by encouraging them to interact with his telescopes and see the world, not on a screen, but with their own eyes. “[People] see the glare of the city lights and they don’t look up; I give them a reason to look up,” Bobchin says.

Observing Outer Space

Tucked away from some of the region’s bigger cities—and their lights—Laguna Beach offers several good vantage points for stargazing. Bobchin and fellow Orange County Astronomers member Alan Smallbone, who serves as the group’s secretary and has lived in Laguna for nearly 14 years, agree on the best spots for stargazing in town: Crescent Bay Point Park and Top of the World—though the latter closes at sunset, the nearby Alta Laguna Park remains open until 1 a.m. Smallbone also suggests checking out Treasure Island Park and Crystal Cove State Park as well as Astronomy Night at Nix Nature Center, presented by the Orange County Astronomers group, with the next event planned Aug. 18.

And it’s no surprise that Bobchin says The Ranch at Laguna Beach is one of his top local recommendations, adding that all are welcome to attend his free Friday night stargazing events. “This is probably the best place because, being in a boxed canyon, you’re shielded from light pollution and you have the ocean on the other side … which helps cut off a lot of light pollution,” Bobchin explains, noting that it’s getting more difficult to see the stars in urban areas due to overpowering city lights.

To combat this predicament, the city of Laguna passed a Good Neighbor Outdoor Lighting Ordinance in 2012, which requires homeowners with outdoor lights to either aim them down or cover them completely. “The best thing you can do to combat light pollution begins at home,” Bobchin says. “And that would be to put full cut-off shields on your lights so it doesn’t shine up. … Use as low wattage [of a] bulb as possible because a bare bulb and a very bright bulb creates glare.”

Other viewing issues can occur if the sky is overcast, but Bobchin is always on the lookout for “sucker holes,” or little pockets in the clouds that allow you to see through to the stars beyond. At times like this, he recommends using the Sky Safari app, which shows users the night sky from your exact position on Earth with options to highlight the constellations or specific stars and planets. But, of course, he still prefers to look through a telescope as opposed to a screen.

Summertime Stars

The sky above Laguna allows stargazers to view myriad constellations, such as the Big Dipper, which can be seen year-round because it’s circumpolar, meaning it rotates around the North Pole, and is part of Ursa Major, the Great Bear. Other constellations visible in the northern sky throughout the year include Cassiopeia, named after a beautiful, yet vain matriarch in Greek mythology who claimed to be more beautiful than the sea nymphs and, thus, will never set below the horizon as punishment for this insult; and Perseus, named for the son of Zeus and killer of Medusa. During the summer months, locals can view Lyra, the harp; Scorpius, the scorpion; and Cygnus, the swan, also known as the Northern Cross.

Individual stars that can be seen locally include Polaris, the North Star, and Arcturus, a red giant in the constellation Boötes, the herdsman, that is the most luminous star in the Northern Hemisphere. Altair, which is a part of the constellation Aquila, the eagle, is also visible as are the other two stars that make up the summer triangle: Deneb, a supergiant in the tail of Cygnus, and Vega, the brightest star in Lyra.

Though the names of these celestial bodies are all rooted in lore, Bobchin believes those meanings should stay in ancient history. “Astrology is the first science,” he says. “It was astronomy before we knew what we were looking at; it was an attempt to explain the universe.”

Through the Looking Glass

Over time, science and innovation have provided equipment to help stargazers better understand what they are seeing. As far as telescopes, Bobchin says that the type you use is not very important as long as you have clear skies. “You don’t judge a telescope by power, which a lot of people think,” Bobchin explains, adding that stargazers could even use a simple pair of binoculars. “… You judge it by how big the mirror or the lens is because [what matters is] … how much light it gathers.”

Ultimately, the telescope you want to use depends on what you’re in search of—for example, some scopes are better suited for viewing planets. And how far can you see with a telescope, exactly? “With your own eyes in a dark sky, you can see 2 ½ million light years away,” Bobchin says. “You can see the Andromeda galaxy, [which is the closest spiral galaxy to our own]; it’ll be a small, fuzzy patch … [but] that is the furthest thing you can see with the naked eye.” So, there really is no limit to what you might find among the stars.

Look to the Sky

Spend a warm summer night under the stars and search for these celestial objects that can be viewed through a telescope, binoculars or even with the naked eye.

Planets appear exceptionally bright in the night sky, which make them easy to spot even without visual enhancements. Look up on July 31, when Venus will be at its brightest in the western sky at sunset, and Mars will be in the southeastern sky approximately 36 million miles from Earth—the closest it will get to our planet until 2035—and will be visible throughout August and into autumn. During the summer, Jupiter will be in the southwestern sky from sunset to midnight, while Saturn will be in the southeastern sky from sunset until about 3 a.m. Stargazers in dark viewing areas will also be able to see the Milky Way galaxy stretching from the south overhead to the north.

Use binoculars to watch 21P/Giacobini-Zinner, a comet that is brightening rapidly and expected to reach an optimum magnitude by late August, as it journeys north. If you have access to a telescope, look deeper into the Milky Way to see the Lagoon and Trifid nebulae, both of which will be in the south end of the famed star cloud. The constellation Lyra contains Epsilon Lyrae (also known as the Double Double because it comprises two sets of double stars, creating a quadruple star system) as well as the Ring Nebula, which will be situated practically straight up, making it an easy target and well-suited for viewing.

Taste of the Town

Dine Feature: Brews & Bites

Laguna Beach Beer Co. has finally made a home in its namesake city, where refreshing sips and elevated pub grub reign supreme.

Things are abuzz at The Hive (formerly Festival Center), where Laguna Beach Beer Co. recently opened its new tasting room for beer and food connoisseurs alike. After establishing their business in 2014, lifelong Laguna Beach residents Mike Lombardo and Brent Reynard have now opened two locations—the original is in Rancho Santa Margarita, where the company brews all of its craft beer. With its roots in Laguna, it’s no surprise that the canyon’s newest eatery opened in early June amid much fanfare. The tasting room has been bustling with myriad patrons—both locals and visitors alike—from groups of friends to couples and families, for whom it offers a “groms” menu plus plenty of games to keep little ones entertained. Older guests may also enjoy the games, which include everything from foosball to cards and checkers.

When entering The Hive, diners will be greeted with a gorgeous, oceanic mural by Laguna College of Art & Design graduate Beau Stanton that beautifies the exterior of Laguna Beach Beer Co. Upon entering the establishment, diners head to the counter, where they can order food and drinks before picking a seat on one of two outdoor patios, indoor at the bar or high-top tables or in the lounge area with comfy sofas. Be sure to admire the artwork adorning the walls, which showcase local artists and popular spots, such as the Pirate Tower at Victoria Beach. And sports fans will appreciate several big-screen TVs on the wall for watching a game while enjoying a pint.

When it comes to drinks, the eatery offers an extensive beer list comprising about 20 Laguna Beach Beer Co. brews, including its six core offerings: Greeter’s Ale, a pale ale and the first beer the company made; Canyon Road red ale; Ruby Street grapefruit IPA; Second Reef blonde ale; Thousand Steps, an IPA that is also used in the eatery’s poblano queso; and Main Tower, a pilsner that will be entered in the Great American Beer Festival in September. The menu also incorporates a few guest beers, which are currently from Orange-based Chapman Crafted Beer. If you’re not quite in the mood for beer, you can also choose from a selection of wine, cider, kombucha or other, nonalcoholic drinks. When new beer offerings are ready, they’re announced on the company’s social media, then released at the RSM location on a Monday and in Laguna on Wednesday.

Though the tasting room is very beer-centric, the food menu consists of elevated options that are fairly atypical of a traditional brewpub while still offering something for everyone. Head Chef Michael Falcone, who previously served as kitchen manager at the RSM location, proudly presents his Italian heritage through his dishes.

This is especially prominent in his artisanal flatbreads, which are all named after local hot spots. Falcone’s personal favorite is Main Beach, a classic margherita pizza that incorporates very light, fresh flavors from the tomato sauce, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and basil. The restaurant’s best-selling pizza is Ocean, a barbecue chicken pizza topped with bacon and pickled red onions that makes for a not-too-sweet yet savory dish with a bit of crunch.

Another one of Falcone’s favorites is the baked Brie and peaches (he gets the latter ingredient at our local farmers market), which is served atop toasted sourdough with blackberries, arugula, honey and pistachios, melding fruity flavors and a smooth, creamy texture that any cheese-lover will enjoy. Other shareable options include the blackened cauliflower seasoned with a bold, house-made spice mix and then served with roasted corn, pepitas and watermelon radish, as well as the warm pretzel or mac and cheese, both of which come with the aforementioned Thousand Steps poblano queso.

That isn’t the only dish that incorporates beer as an ingredient, as one sandwich option includes red ale-braised sausage and stout-braised onions, as well as whole grain mustard and coleslaw for a boozy bite. A staff favorite is the Emerald Canyon Wrap, a vegetarian option with hearty mushrooms, crisp green bell peppers, creamy smoked Gouda, as well as onions, arugula and garlic aioli in a spinach wrap (though the employees tend to add chicken to the mix—which can also be requested by customers for those in the know).

For a standout dish, order the blackened chicken salad, which is seasoned with the same blackening spice as the cauliflower appetizer and packed with flavor from its toppings of corn, cherry tomatoes and watermelon radish on a spring mix and a zesty cilantro-lime vinaigrette.

Be sure to ask your bartender for beer pairing recommendations, or order a flight of four tasters to find the perfect one to complement your meal. But don’t wait too long to try a taste as the menu will be changing seasonally, based on Falcone’s culinary vision and his guests’ top picks.

Tip: If you want to take some beer home, consider ordering a Crowler: Similar to a growler (a large, usually glass jug), these giant cans are filled with up to two pints straight from the tap and then sealed shut. Beer in a Crowler is best enjoyed after letting the brew settle in the fridge for at least a day.

Hamachi crudo with charred avocado, compressed strawberries, jicama, cucumber, radish, coconut crisps and coconut-Thai chile | Photo courtesy of Splashes — Hamachi crudo with charred avocado, compressed strawberries, jicama, cucumber, radish, coconut crisps and coconut-Thai chile | *Photo courtesy of Splashes*

Dine Sides

Seaside Suppers

Guests and locals alike are invited to Surf & Sand Resort for its Seaside with Sommeliers wine dinner series. Attendees will indulge in a multicourse meal, as presented by the culinary team at the resort’s oceanfront restaurant, Splashes, with vino pairings determined by featured sommeliers from different wineries. Joe Baumgardner, sommelier and cellar master at JC Resorts, will also serve as the host of each dinner. The first event, which was held in April, included a four-course dinner with pairings by Cakebread Cellars of Napa, Calif. The next dinner will take place Sept. 13, featuring Nickel & Nickel, another Napa-based winery.

If you prefer to personalize your meal, the restaurant has a new summer menu, which features light, fresh flavors that are reminiscent of the season with culinary twists from the ingredients to the presentation. For a refreshing bite that cleanses the palate while also looking like a piece of art, order the beet-cured hamachi crudo appetizer with charred avocado, compressed strawberries and shaved coconut crisps, which is finished with a Thai chili and coconut water broth. If you’re looking for a heartier starter, the pork belly is a must: Served atop a bed of cauliflower puree and peach jam then topped with pickled Fresno chili and purslane, the crispy meat is the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Another standout plate is the tender rack of lamb with tarragon gnocchi, mint salsa verde, sheep’s milk turmeric yogurt, pickled cauliflower and a pistachio dust garnish. Don’t leave before indulging in a dessert, such as the decadent strawberry meringue vacherin with pistachio cremeux or the carrot cake with pineapple compote, candied carrots and tropical sorbet, both of which make for a deliciously sweet ending. (888-579-8544; surfandsandresort.com)

Leaving a Legacy

Almost a year and a half after debuting in The Hive (formerly Festival Center) on Laguna Canyon Road, Kitchen in the Canyon is under new ownership. This hot spot was opened by chef Patrick DiGiacomo with his business partners Craig and Debi Lyon, but, as of May, DiGiacomo has passed the reins on to The Laguna Beach Co., which is the holdings company for real estate investment firm 4G Ventures’ Laguna properties (including the restaurant and The Hive center).

The changes don’t stop there, as Dora Wexell Orgill has been brought in as the eatery’s vice president and general manager while Jenny Earnshaw Messing is the new executive chef, in addition to her duties at Terra Laguna Beach (formerly Tivoli Terrace), which was also recently acquired by Honarkar, on the Festival of Arts grounds.

Messing is known for her healthy renditions of classic comfort foods and for creating gorgeous plates that allow guests to eat with their eyes first. She will be applying her culinary vision to an expanded menu with more diverse, accommodating meals, such as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options that will all incorporate seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. A rotating specials board has been showcasing dishes like Paleo, gluten-free waffles; avocado toast; and vegetable-filled lunch bowls to give diners a taste of what’s to come on the permanent menu. Additionally, wider selections of drinks, including juice, tea and kombucha, as well as healthy takeout snacks, such as jerky and dried fruit chips, have already been implemented.

These items, and more, will be offered during new operating hours that include a dinner service. Many of the most popular menu items will remain, as well as most of the management and staff, including Craig Lyon as a manager and Debi Lyon as the resident baker, in a surefire recipe for continued success. (949-715-5388; kitcheninthecanyon.com)

Weaving enchanting stories that honor authenticity ✨

Featured Publications

Dec 12 Laguna Beach Magazine: July/August 2018