Laguna Beach Magazine: June 2018
A volunteer gets prepped to go on stage for Pageant of the Masters | Courtesy of Pageant of the Masters
Up Front: Around Town
Putting on the Ritz
As part of the Pageant of the Masters’ 85th anniversary, longtime sponsor The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is offering two overnight experience packages for visitors coming to see this renowned show where artwork literally comes to life. This year’s show will honor impressionists and plein air painters from Laguna and around the world with an “Under the Sun” theme. This is also the title of one package from the resort: Starting at $899 per night, guests will receive two tickets for premier seats in the center loge section of the venue, plus admission to Festival of Arts for two and a welcome amenity upon check-in for the overnight accommodations.
For an even more luxe option, Behind the Velvet Rope offers ocean-view accommodations, a behind-the-scenes tour of the production and a private guided tour of Festival of Arts, as well as all of the features in the Under the Sun package, all for $1,999 a night. These overnight experiences will be available from July 7 to Sept. 1, with Behind the Velvet Rope offered only on Saturday nights. (949-240-2000; ritzcarlton.com)
The VW Bus at the entrance of the Sawdust Art & Craft Festival grounds will be retired after this year | Courtesy of Sawdust Art & Craft Festival
A Groovy Departure
After greeting festivalgoers at the entrance of Sawdust Art & Craft Festival for 12 years, the 1971 Volkswagen bus that has served as a canvas for various artists (with an annual, customized paint job) will be on display for the last time. The artist honored with decorating the bus prior to its retirement is Drew Brophy, whose signature surf art adorns the iconic vehicle, depicting a vibrant beach scene complete with a sunset, palm trees and barreling waves.
This intricate design will provide a social media-worthy backdrop for attendees of all ages, with the #sawdustbus hashtag garnering more than 250 posts on Instagram over the past two years. Following this festival season, which will conclude Sept. 2, the hippie-style van will be withdrawn and moved to the home of its owner, Troy Poeschl, a local mixed-media artist who has exhibited at both Sawdust and Festival of Arts. The decision to remove the piece comes from the festival board, which is currently discussing new ideas for photo opportunity spots on the grounds. (949-494-3030; sawdustartfestival.org)
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center helps rescue, rehabilitate and release injured pinnipeds | Credit Pacific Marine Mammal Center photographer
A Rise in Rescues
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing animals like sea lions and seals, but the amount of patients it’s taken in this year is staggeringly high. Last year, the organization rescued 188 marine mammals and, as of publication, has taken in about 105 patients so far this year. Due to the high numbers, the center has partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to try and uncover the cause behind this spike.
Pinnipeds coming into the center’s care have been found all along the Southern California coast, with about 10 northern elephant seal pups, seven sea lion pups and one yearling (a total of 18 mammals) of the current in-house patients being rescued solely between Laguna Beach and Crystal Cove. These stranded mammals were suffering from conditions such as malnutrition, dehydration, emaciation and various other injuries, which the organization has been helping them overcome. In doing so, the center has been going through more than 400 pounds of fish and 20 bottles of Pedialyte per day.
Those looking for ways to help can donate Amazon gift cards for the Pacific Marine Mammal Center to purchase necessary supplies. The community is also welcome to take part in an annual membership program, symbolically adopt a patient or buy a brick to be included in the Pathway for Pinnipeds, and plenty of other ways to help raise funds. (949-494-3050; pacificmmc.org)
Laguna Beach High School basketball players | Credit Ali Rounaghi
All-Star Slam Dunk
Following a stellar season for the varsity boys basketball team at Laguna Beach High School, two all-star players were selected to represent the Orange Coast League at an annual game hosted by Orange Coast Optimist Club, a Garden Grove-based youth program that uses sports and other activities as a way to bring out the best in the children of Orange County. The 53rd North-South 12th Grade All-Star Basketball Game was held at Cypress Community College on April 21, with proceeds from ticket sales benefiting scholarships as well as youth and collegiate programs.
High school seniors Charlie Rounaghi and Owen McMurray were both among the top 20 scorers in their league this season and were selected as first team all-league players. This distinction stemmed from McMurray’s teammates voting him most valuable defensive player, and Rounaghi breaking the school record for assists and steals throughout the season as well as receiving the coach’s award and becoming co-MVP of the entire league. Both boys were on the winning South Orange County team for the all-star basketball game. But they weren’t the only players who excelled this year, as the entire team is being bumped up to the Sunset League, an eight-team conference that will potentially give the squad more of a challenge next season.
A drawing demonstration at the LCAD Silent Auction | Credit Carol Covarrubias/LCAD
Up Front: Community
LCAD Silent Auction
Art collectors and Laguna College of Art & Design associates gathered at seven-degrees on April 20 for the 2018 LCAD Silent Auction, where they helped raise more than $60,000 to support the school’s art programs and scholarships. Over 175 guests dined on seasonal dishes while enjoying cocktails and jazz music by the Amy Rowe Trio, as well as perusing the various silent auction items. Bidders took home art pieces created by LCAD alumni and faculty, plus other renowned artists such as painters Scott Yeskel and Victor Hugo Zayas (who is also a sculptor). Various items from the estate of Terry Smith were also up for auction as a tribute to the late Laguna Beach volunteer and LCAD trustee who served as chair of both the development committee and Collector’s Choice committee. Additionally, there was an opportunity drawing for a Tesla experience, the winner of which received a two-day test drive of a Tesla Model X. (lcad.edu)
An overview of the Art Star Awards | Credit Carol Covarrubias
Art Star Awards
The Laguna Beach Arts Alliance celebrated 12 years of “Louies” at the Academy Award-style Art Star Awards gala, during which 220 guests were given the red carpet treatment at seven-degrees. The community and cultural leaders in attendance April 29 sipped on Champagne and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres on the terrace before dinner and the highly anticipated awards ceremony.
This year’s winners included the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational for Best Arts Program; Tom Swimm, a successful painter, photographer, playwright, musical composer and actor, for the Lifetime Achievement award; Lisa Hale, who holds a spot on the board of trustees for Laguna Playhouse and Laguna College of Art & Design, for Individual Arts Patron of the Year; the Festival of Arts scholarship program for Corporate Arts Patron of the Year; First Thursdays Art Walk and LCAD’s work with their professional gallery and student mentor program for Outstanding Arts Collaboration; Sian Poeschl, the city’s first cultural arts manager, for Arts Leadership; and muralist Mike Tauber for Artist of the Year.
Singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester was also honored as a guest speaker and discussed the value of arts education as well as her own creative journey, from her youth to her latest album, “The Fellas.” Another distinction was given to Bridget Dolkas and Kurt Mortensen of Pacific Symphony, who received the $5,000 Seven-Degrees of Inspiration grant to produce a classical music video that will be filmed in Laguna Beach and shown at next year’s event. (lagunabeacharts.org)
Martini Madness attendees with the Pacific Marine Mammal Center mascot | Credit Pacific Marine Mammal Center photographer
Martini Madness
Dolphins were gliding through the waves across from The Cliff Restaurant during the ninth annual Martini Madness, which was hosted by the Pacific Marine Mammal Center on May 6. This was more than fitting for the occasion, which raised more than $11,100 for the center that rehabilitates sick and injured marine mammals. The nearly 200 attendees were treated to signature martinis and appetizers while dancing to beats created by musician Joseph Soul. Even Sealena the Seal, the organization’s mascot, joined the party out on the dance floor.
The evening also included an opportunity drawing for the chance to receive two round-trip JetBlue tickets to anywhere the airline flies, while Laguna resident and artist Robin Hiers offered handmade martini glasses for sale. The organization’s next event will be Gala at Sea, scheduled for Sept. 9 at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, and will feature live entertainment from Yachty by Nature. (pacificmmc.org)
The Moulton family | Courtesy of Patrick and Peggy O’Donnell
Laguna Playhouse Gala
The Moulton family and South Coast Plaza were both honorees at the annual Laguna Playhouse Gala, which took place May 12 at Fashion Island Hotel and raised $1.7 million to support the local theater. Four hundred guests attended the event, which consisted of a VIP sponsors reception complete with a performance by Davis Gaines of “Phantom of the Opera” fame. Gaines was later joined by members of the Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre Conservatory for their rendition of the song “Day by Day.” The evening also featured an exquisite dinner, live and silent auctions, as well as special recognition of the honorees.
The late philanthropist Nellie Gail Moulton’s great-grandson, Jared Mathis, who serves on the board of trustees for Laguna Playhouse and as CEO of the Moulton Company, accepted the honor alongside his cousin, Scott T. Barnes, the company’s CFO. Additionally, the Moulton family announced a $1 million gift that will be used to renovate and restore its namesake theater. (lagunaplayhouse.com)
Modern Pop co-founder Julie Podolec | Courtesy of Modern Pop
Taste of the Town
Flavors That Pop
Modern Pop, a local popsicle company that was co-founded by Laguna residents Brad and Julie Podolec, released three new flavors to its line of fruit-based frozen treats at the beginning of the year. Joining a sweet lineup of pineapple, raspberry pomegranate and strawberry lemonade popsicles are tastes of classic fruit punch, juicy mango and a tropical flavor, which is made with the superfood pitaya. No matter which one you choose, you’re sure get a low-sugar, fat-free dessert that solely consists of delicious, natural ingredients. These treats are made by flash-freezing whole fruit to ensure your entire family will be getting the nutrients they need while cooling off from the summer heat. Modern Pop products can be found in stores across the country, including Whole Foods Market, Gelson’s Market and Pavilions here in Laguna. (themodernpop.com)
Street corn at the soft reopening of Central Laguna Beach | Courtesy of Central Laguna Beach
From the Ashes
After a devastating fire that put Central Laguna Beach out of commission from late December of last year, the restaurant celebrated its grand reopening May 31 following a full renovation. Cozy booths have replaced the banquette that resided in the main dining room and wood textures have been added throughout the space to enhance its modern, industrial look. But, of course, the most important aspect is the food.
“We’re going to be keeping the staples that we had on the previous menu: a little bit of that Latin flair,” explains managing partner Taylor McKinney. “But the new menu is going to be something that … caters to the masses. We’re going to have a lot of salads, more small bites; we’re going to have some great pieces of fish and great steak.” Some of the fan favorites that will still be available are items like the paella, rotisserie chicken, roasted salmon and the Lomo Saltado with petite tender beef steak. There will also be a new wine list and cocktail menu.
The one thing that will be staying the same is the staff. “Throughout this process … we’ve realized that you can have the most beautiful bar, the best patio or the best kitchen, but what truly defines a concept and how a concept progresses daily is the team,” McKinney says. “So that’s probably the No. 1 thing that we’re really happy about, is that the whole team is coming back, because they make this concept what it is.” (949-715-0801; centrallagunabeach.com)
The Spa Smoothie on the Be Well by Kelly menu at Montage Laguna Beach | Courtesy of Montage Hotels & Resorts
Fresh Faces
Montage Laguna Beach has named Jeffery Walter as the resort’s new executive chef. Walter has previously served as executive chef in Nevada at Bellagio Las Vegas, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Caesars Palace Las Vegas, as well as in Southern California at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. In his new position, Walter will be overseeing all of the dining operations at the resort, including Mosaic Bar and Grille, Lobby Lounge and The Loft. He will also be responsible for the in-room dining, as well as any banquets, weddings or other special events, and giving support to Studio.
Another new partnership is with Orange County native Kelly LeVeque, a holistic nutritionist and founder of Be Well By Kelly, who has worked as a health coach for the likes of Jessica Alba, Chelsea Handler and other celebrity clients. LeVeque is implementing wellness into the culinary experience for Montage guests by creating seasonal menus with healthy options. Beginning in April, The Loft and Mosaic Bar and Grille began offering her spring selections, which include the Spa Smoothie with Primal Kitchen’s Collagen Fuel protein powder, a chicken kale Cobb salad and more. (949-715-6000; montagehotels.com)
Desserts at the OC Chef’s Table event | Courtesy of Illumination Foundation
Helping the Homeless
Some of Orange County’s top chefs came together at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa for OC Chef’s Table on March 18 to help raise funds for Illumination Foundation, which uses the proceeds from this annual event to benefit the homeless population in Orange County. The organization’s latest initiative is building the country’s first recuperative care housing site for children, in partnership with Children’s Hospital of Orange County, for which the event raised $1 million—half of the overall cost of the project.
This year, five Laguna Beach chefs participated, such as renowned first-timers Azmin Ghahreman, owner and executive chef at Sapphire Laguna, and Rainer Schwarz, executive chef at Driftwood Kitchen and The Deck on Laguna Beach. Other local representatives were Arthur Ortiz, executive chef at Skyloft; Ron Fougeray, chef de cuisine at Splashes; and Andrew Gruel, owner of Slapfish, which has various locations in Southern California, including Laguna.
The 340 guests who attended the event were placed at one of 32 chef’s tables, each of which boasted its own menu and elaborate decor. Dishes featured fan favorites from some eateries, like the butter brisket with sweet corn hash and veal demi-glace from Skyloft, as well as specially created plates like the Antarctic Chilean sea bass from Driftwood Kitchen and a coffee-scented lamb loin served at the Slapfish table. (ifhomeless.org)
