Laguna celebrates rich heritage

Barbara Diamond

Laguna Beach has been different from its very beginning.

The residents say so; Vision Laguna 2030 participants, who spent two

years preparing a strategic plan for the city’s future, said so; about 3

million visitors a year say so; and history confirms it.

“What isn’t unique about Laguna?” asked public relations consultant

David Kidd. “Every house is different. Every organization is different.

Every City Council member is different. I’ve never seen such

individuality. It’s amazing.”

Laguna’s unique history will be celebrated throughout May. Activities

sponsored by the city’s Heritage Committee will include a special exhibit

at the museum, Orange County’s oldest cultural institution; guided tours

of historic downtown and backstage at the Pageant of the Masters; a

presentation by the Laguna Beach Historical Society and an opening

celebration at Madison Square & Garden Cafe.

The celebration of Heritage month began years ago. The Heritage

Committee was formed in 1990 to make recommendations to the City Council

about homes applying for placement on the city’s historic register.

EVENTS

Pageant of the Master Back Stage Tour: 3:30 p.m., Wednesday. No

reservations required. Meet at the pageant offices on the Festival of

Arts Grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. No charge.

Heritage Month Opening Celebration: 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, at Madison

Square & Garden Cafe, 320 North Coast Highway. Council woman Toni Iseman

will welcome guests. Plein Air painter John Eagle will demonstrate his

work. Jasso and Garcia will entertain.

Guided Walks: 9:30 a.m. to noon, May 4 and May 18. Heritage Committee

members will lead a tour of historic downtown Laguna. Meet in front of

the Laguna Beach Library, 363 Glenneyre St.

Celebrate with the Laguna Beach Historical Society 7:30 p.m., May 20,

at Laguna Beach City Council Chamber, 505 Forest Ave. William Taylor will

present a program on adventurer and writer William Haliburton, a former

Laguna Beach resident. No charge.

Guided Natural History Hike: 8:30 to 10 a.m., May 26 through Laurel

Canyon to Bommer Ridge with its spectacular view of Emerald Canyon. Bring

water. Wear a hat, sunscreen and hiking shoes. $2 donation is requested.

No parking fees. Meet at 20101 Laguna Canyon Road, 200 feet south of the

intersection of Laguna Canyon and El Toro roads.

Laguna Beach Art Museum 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily except Wednesdays,

May through July at the museum, 307 Cliff Drive. Works by four acclaimed

female Laguna Beach artists will be exhibited. Discover the influence

Anna Hills, Donna Schuster, Marian Wachtel and Julia Wendt had on the

history of Laguna Beach. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for students and

seniors. No charge on Tuesdays or during First Thursday Art Walk.

Self-guided Walks and Bus Tours Wednesday through May 3. Ride the city

bus and tour historic neighborhoods guided by the “Heritage Walking

Companion” brochure, available at City Hall or on the buses.

Information, call city Senior Planner Ann Larson at 497-0320.

CITY FACTS

Incorporated: June 29, 1927

City tree: eucalyptus citriodora

City flower: pelargonium

Population: 25,282 (2000 census)

Square miles: 9.1

Miles of coastline: 7

Miles of streets: 83

Annual visitors: 3 million

Parking spaces: estimated 2,000 plus

Fire/Police: independent.

Art Festivals: 3

Facts courtesy of the Laguna Beach City Clerk Office