One social, charming place to live

CATHARINE COOPER

What a magical place Laguna Beach is to live. The city, more

affectionately known as a village, is filled with passionate

life-loving people devoted to preserving a unique and eclectic

character. As I waited last Saturday at Heidelbergs for coffee to go,

I was struck by how different our town feels, both physically and

psychically, than the other places I have traveled. The coffee

shop/bakery was delightfully crowded on a fog-shrouded morning.

Two jam-covered children bounced in their seats, pawing their

exhausted mother with small sticky hands. Three surfers, fresh from

the swell, exchanged notes about the morning waves as their hair

dripped salty water and their feet left tiny sand trails. An older

couple quietly shared the newspaper, while savoring plates of

scrambled eggs and toast. Carrot muffins and tears marked an intimate

exchange between female lovers. The only visible tourists wandered

aimlessly, plates in hand, waiting for an empty table.

Saturday evening provided yet another night with art, the staple

of our village. Peter Blake hosted an opening of stunning new works

by Chris Gwaltney and Daphne Confar. Across the street at the Art

Museum, the Surf Culture show continued to churn up memories. Local

landscape artist, Jana Ruzicka, joined me with the images and we

freely discussed film versus digital, the quality of printmaking, and

how photography continues to inform our lives.

Never-far-from-the-maddening crowd, Mayor Toni Isemen and her

partner, Steve Miller, arrived for the special unveiling of a new

bronze sculpture by Joshua B.C. Hoy. Her contagious smile filled the

room as she chatted up life, art and politics.

The intimacy Laguna serves up is one of her charms.

Moving up the hill, Chris and Bree Mitchell hosted new art work by

our very own Nick Siracusa. Nick’s vibrantly painted oils graced the

home and garden of this outdoor party. Rob Eller’s guitar music

provided a lyrical backdrop which floated throughout the

neighborhood. Fervent conversations ranged from an analysis of

conceptual art to questions of plant materials and slope protection

(my patient husband Steve answered them all). The usual question,

“How long have you lived here?” was joyously answered by some who

actually grew up in our fair city.

Sunday held yet another social function, a “getting to know you”

kind of open house in support of Laguna College of Art and Design.

Board of Trustee member Terry Smith and Wayne Peterson graciously

shared their home for the event. College President Alan Barkley

shared his thoughts on the growth and nature of the College, while

former Dean, Jonathon Burke introduced student work and detailed the

school’s extensive programs.

Rounding out the gathering, Sian Poeschl, the city’s arts

coordinator and Sawdust Festival exhibitor, chatted with Councilman

Wayne Baglin and his lovely wife, Faye. Trustee, Christopher Tower

briefly shared stories of his summer escapades, before hurrying off

to the theater.

Yes, Laguna is a wonderfully social town.

The weekend was heaven to me, filled with friends, art and the

vibrant exchange of new ideas. The coastline is infinitely cleaner

thanks to the broad efforts of the Coastal Cleanup Day. A leisurely

stroll along the boardwalk, with surf pounding, birds squawking and

locals grinning, reminded me of why, of all the places I could choose

to live, I have made Laguna Beach my home.

* CATHARINE COOPER loves wild places. She can be reached at

ccooper@cooperdesign.net or (949) 497-5081.