Election 2012: Candidates host successful fundraisers
Mayor pro tem Verna Rollinger raised more than $9,000 at a June 16 fundraiser, according to a press release.
The event, held at the home of Debbie Lewis, helped raise money to support her reelection to the Laguna Beach City Council. A light supper and silent auction was held.
“What makes Laguna Beach such a special place? Why did we decide to come here or stay here to live?” Rollinger asked supporters.
“Our Laguna is about taking care of each other, acting as responsible stewards of the beautiful environment we share, solving problems by working together, and respecting the diverse expressions and aspirations of each member of our community,” Rollinger said at the event.
Guests included Bonnie and Arnold Hano, Councilwoman Toni Iseman, former Councilman Bobbie Minkin, and more than 90 others.
“I love what we’re doing to keep the dream alive,” Rollinger told supporters, “and I want to continue working on the City Council to keep Laguna Beach the special place that it is, because there is more work to be done.”
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Laguna Beach Legal hosts Dicterow fundraiser
Laguna Beach Legal held a fundraiser June 15 for Steve Dicterow, who also is running for City Council, according to a press release. Dicterow previously served on the council for 12 years and was a three-time mayor of the city.
The event was held at the home of Paula Lingelbach, and appetizers and champagne were served, courtesy of French 75, the release said.
World-class concert pianist Giovanni, accompanied by singer/songwriter Gustavo Alarco, entertained guests.
The committee for this event included Ellie Tipton Ortiz, president of Laguna Beach Legal Inc., Connie Burlin, Sande St. John, Wendy Potter, and Roland Ortiz..
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Whalen event raises $5,200
City Council candidate Bob Whalen held a campaign event June 14 at The Rooftop Deck, according to a news release.
“I am guided by a desire to make Laguna Beach a better place to live, to work and to visit,” Whalen said at the event. “That doesn’t happen by accident. It takes vision, leadership and hard work and I am willing to work hard to improve the city.”
Hosts of the event included Chris Keller, Amy Amaradio, Gregg and Kathy Abel, Ketta and Jeb Brown, Laurie Kraus, Donnie Crevier, Mark Christy, El and Lori Hathaway, Mary Kate, Kirk Saunder, Morris and Stephany Skenderian, Laura and Lou Rohl, and Peggy and Josh Wolff.
“This is the person I want to serve with starting next December,” Councilwoman Toni Iseman said to group of 92 supporters. She also praised Whalen’s record of service to the community, according to the release.
The event raised $5,200 for Whalen’s campaign fund.
Addressing the gathering, Whalen highlighted some key issues for the city.
“The first priority for the city is to maintain a strong fiscal position,” Whalen said. “Without a healthy financial base we can’t accomplish anything significant.”
— Compiled by Alisha Gomez
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Karger ends presidential bid
In other news, gay Republican presidential candidate Fred Karger announced June 28 that he is ending his run for the White House.
“We are folding up our big tent and ending our historic campaign for president,” he said in an email. “Thanks to all who supported this undertaking. I am forever grateful.”
Karger, 62, said this will not be the last that Lagunans see of him in politics. He plans to be involved in politics and civil rights during his retirement, drawing on his years of experience as a political consultant for the Dolphin Group.
The Laguna Beach resident remarked that he ran the longest campaign story of the election cycle, beginning in December 2009 and wrapping up at this week’s Utah primary.
He discussed his goals as the first gay candidate for president in a previous Coastline Pilot article.
Karger, who acknowledged Mitt Romney had the GOP nomination, said he continued to campaign in California and Utah “where it was an honor to be on both state Republican ballots.”
Karger said he will not be endorsing Romney, due to his signature on the National Organization for Marriage’s Marriage Pledge. He called NOM a “known hate group.”
In the previous story, he said he helped spur an investigation in Maine of the organization, which is accused of money laundering. He said he also received notice that it is being investigated in California as well.
After a busy year of campaigning, he said he plans to spend the summer relaxing in Laguna.
He said he’s anxious to “do all the things that were put on hold the last couple of years,” such as riding his Vespa and spending time with friends.
— Joanna Clay