Farewell to a good friend of Laguna

OUR LAGUNA

Don Rose died Oct. 14 at his Laguna Beach home, but his life will

not go unremarked. Friends and family will gather at 3 p.m. Saturday

at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship to exchange memories of a

man many considered Laguna’s “Mr. Democrat.”

During the 1950s, Rose was the Los Angeles County Commissioner of

the Democratic Party. He knew and worked with the Kennedys, Adlai

Stevenson, Alan Cranston and other Democratic potentates of the time.

“I am certain on the day he died, he was wishing fervently for the

Democrats to take the House and the Senate in 2002,” said Barbara

Double, who ran Rose’s ill-fated campaign for secretary of state in

1962.

Rose moved to Laguna in 1960 and served as postmaster here from

1965 to 1973. There was talk of him being named postmaster of Los

Angeles after John Kennedy’s victory in 1960. Rose declined. He

always said the only place he wanted to be postmaster was Laguna

Beach.

“He was always such a warm, kind person, so concerned about our

community,” Jean Raun said.

Raun is a member of the League of Women Voters, as was Rose and

his wife, Rona, who survives him. He is also survived by Donald Rose

Jr., daughter Romita “Skip” Lowe and four grand- children: Candy

Stevens of Laguna Laundromat, Peter Covington, Victoria Canahan and

Donald Rose III.

In town, Rose was active in the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce,

the Beautification Committee, Village Laguna and Laguna Greenbelt

Inc. He fed the homeless and defended our open space.

He will be remembered for his slogan, “Love Laguna -- Shop

Laguna.”

Friends and admirers are invited to attend the memorial and share

their memories. The fellowship is at 429 Cypress Drive. Written

memories can be e-mailed to Eveyn Munroe at evelyn-m@juno.com.

CUTTING UP

U.S. Navy veteran David Connell celebrated his birthday Saturday

by dancing to swing music.

Dancing to the big band tunes of the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s was a

highlight of the fifth annual USO Dinner and Dance, presented by

Laguna Beach American Legion Post 222. The event was held at the

Veteran’s Memorial Building on Legion Street.

Anyone who had a military uniform that still fit was encouraged to

wear it for the party.

The Sizzlin’ Seniors in Motion entertained -- all of them former

finalists in the Ms. Senior California Pageant. Dorcas Preston,

crowned Ms. Senior America in 2001, was featured. Post Vice Commander

Richard Moore acted as master of ceremonies. Dick “Lucky Laguna”

Roach served as disc jockey.

Connell, his wife, Diane, and several members of his family were

among the 114 guests at the event. His granddaughter, Jessica

Bradshaw, celebrated her 25th birthday that day.

“She was my 50th birthday present,” Connell said.

Others who helped Connell celebrate: two daughters, Dierdre Baxter

and Lori Snyder; son-in-law K.C. Snyder; granddaughter Kayla Snyder;

son John Martese with his wife, Julie, son, Austin, and daughter,

Brittany; and Ken Ross, a friend since he and Connell were 16.

Proceeds from the event will go mostly to the Girls State program,

sponsored by the Post 222 Auxiliary.

YOUTH WILL BE SERVED

Art by three Laguna College of Art and Design seniors was included

in the grand opening show of Art Affair at Gallery 1951.

The opening exhibit included works by Regina Jacobson, Maile Cole

and Carrie Viger, all seniors at the college.

Jacobson specializes in larger-than-life-sized portraits. Cole

illustrates children’s educational books. Viger, who is vice

president of the college student body, experiments with many genres.

The other three exhibitors at the grand opening were Clare Jones,

who recently graduated from the Art School of England, Michael

Downey, the most established artist of the group, and Sandy

Rodriguez.

Laguna College Student Body President Mardie Rees is scheduled to

become the seventh Affair exhibitor.

Art Affair holds receptions from 6 to 9 p.m. the first Saturday of

each month, featuring an emerging artist alongside the founding

group.

The gallery is at 1951 S. Coast Highway, open from 11 a.m. to 6

p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

ALL ABOARD

The Festival of Arts will introduce new Executive Director Steven

Brezzo to the general membership at the annual meeting, which is set

for Wednesday.

Results of the board of directors election will be announced. The

meeting is open only to members of the festival and the press.

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY ENTERTAINED

Singer Sisa recently entertained at the Laguna Beach Retirement

home. Her performance had the residents dancing.

Sisa hails from Prague. Her repertoire includes opera, musical

comedy, jazz, pop and gospel. She has sung at Emerald Bay and

performed with the Pasadena Pops Orchestra.

* OUR LAGUNA is a regular feature of the Laguna Beach Coastline

Pilot. Contributions are welcomed. Write to Barbara Diamond, P.O. Box

248, Laguna Beach, 92652, hand-deliver to 384 Forest Ave., Suite 22;

call 494-4321 or fax 494-8979.