Emanual By Mark D. Crantz By Mark D. Crantz I envisioned my later years to be one of coasting. Ah, you know, retirement, a period of time when you aren’t on the road chasing down dollars. Well, I had it half right. I’m coasting on Coast Highway. But… There’s not much coasting going on Coast Highway. Stopping on Coast Highway is what it is. Stopping. And stopping. Some more stopping. And then, let’s see, more stopping. I’ve gotten good at stopping. When I pull out of my driveway, I stop. There isn’t even a stop light or stop sign requiring me to stop. But I do it as practice before I get on Coa ..read more

By Michèle Monda Michele Monda The City Council has become a black hole into which questions asked by councilmembers and residents disappear—totally ignored, not answered and never discussed.   This was abundantly obvious at the April 9, 2024 City Council meeting. First, Councilmember Rounaghi commented about a man arrested 15 times over the past year in a Laguna neighborhood. Rounaghi’s remark: he appreciated the LBPD for working with the DA’s office. This is a terrifying situation for residents. Yet there was no follow-up or update from the police department or councilmembers. &nbs ..read more

As the city moves forward with its own pool, you may wonder where this leaves the school district project.  For clarity, city recreation manages and operates all aquatics programs except high school teams. That means virtually everything, and everyone moves to the new city pool facility when it opens. For the district, school board, high school athletes and coaches, this is great news! It means only the high school coaches and 79 aquatics athletes (in swimming and water polo) will remain at the district pool when it is completed.  Athletes can use their own new pool 100% of the time ..read more

Blue Moon      For maybe six months, I had been dating the woman who was to become the love of my life. It was New Year’s Eve, but I was alone in Laguna at my place, and she was alone in L.A. at her place. I wanted to ask her down but didn’t dare to ask; it was already 10 p.m., and would she answer the phone? Come down on the spur of the moment? Reject me? I worked up my nerve and called; an hour later she was here. She had a bottle of nice red wine and a plan. “We’re going to the beach to watch the blue moon at midnight.” “What? It’s too damn cold.” “Come on. Bundle u ..read more

Earth Day 1970 and 2024  By Tom Osborne Earth Day. It’s my favorite societal event. Even though it’s not a government-sanctioned national holiday, it should be. What other single event is celebrated globally in 192 countries by people of diverse faiths, ethnicities and customs? Earth Day observances have remained true to its founders’ vision. The event is unifying rather than divisive and reminds us of the sacredness of our blue and white planetary orb spinning in space that is home to virtually all life, all poetry, all art, all that makes us human and getting up each morning worthwhile ..read more

Blake T. Franklin was born September 28, 1942, in San Mateo, Calif., to parents Harvey James and Marie Agnes Franklin. He attended Menlo-Atherton High School. Blake graduated from Dartmouth College, cum laude, in 1963, and from Harvard Law School in 1966. He taught law in Costa Rica through the U.S. Peace Corps upon graduation. In 1969, Blake joined Coudert Brothers where he developed a transactional practice with an international focus. Blake had an outstanding reputation in the business community and was very much a citizen of the world. He was gifted ..read more

Thursday, April 11 DUI. A 46-year-old Grand Rapids, Mich. man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He was held on $2,500 bail. Burglary, parole violation, resisting an officer. Nathan John Turner, 43, was arrested on suspicion of burglary, parole violation, and resisting an executive officer. He was held without bail. Friday, April 12 DUI. A 64-year-old Aliso Viejo man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He was held on $2,500 bail. Saturday, April 13 Failure to register. Kyle Albert Winton, 44, of Laguna Beach was arres ..read more

Garden Park Spring Fling and Potluck Next Saturday South Laguna Community Garden Park come together during last year’s annual spring fling event. Photo courtesy of the South Laguna Community Garden Park.  South Laguna Community Garden Park will host its 15th Annual Spring Fling Concert and Potluck on Saturday, April 27, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Garden Park, located at Eagle Rock and Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, located at 31610 Coast Highway. The Laguna Garden Band will be playing everyone’s favorites. Come and enjoy the beautiful spring blooms and tunes, sample healthy dishes inspi ..read more

By Caedman Welch, LBHS senior and member of the school’s “Walking for Water” club Meet Susan Hough. The 13-year resident of Laguna Beach not only mentors many LBHS students but also inspires private therapy clients near and far.   Hough also founded the non-profit Wisdom Springs organization that sponsors the annual “Walking for Water” event in town and in Leesburg, Virginia. This year’s local walk will take place on April 21 from noon to 3 p.m. on the football field at Laguna Beach High School. Susan Hough. Photo courtesy of Wisdom Spring Make no mistake about it. Susan Hough may be ..read more

Here We Go Again By Mark D. Crantz By Mark D. Crantz City Council delays Promenade Project. Here we go again using that dreaded word. Delay. Let’s say it again, Laguna. Delay. Now, let’s all hold hands, sway and sing, “We are the delay.” Here’s my idea of a good delay. “Good morning, Mr. Crantz. This is your credit card company calling. There’s been a delay on your billing. We need to find a bigger envelope for all the charges. Don’t pay your credit card this month. Now that’s a delay I can get behind. I suppose in the Promenade case, there’s good reason to delay. More residents want to have i ..read more