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
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