Majority overhaul

Suzie Harrison

If the subject of franchising or licensing the Pageant of the Masters

ever comes up again, Festival of Arts board members want to make it

clear -- no way.

Since last year’s controversy stemming from talks of licensing the

pageant, a new board majority has been elected. The current board is

eager to put festival members’ minds at ease.

The board held a special meeting of the voting membership Saturday

to decide on an amendment to the bylaws prohibiting franchising or

licensing of the Pageant of the Masters.

Festival members at the meeting voted to canvass other members who

will vote on the amendment. Members also voted to amend the articles

of incorporation to clarify issues about property taxes and the

group’s nonprofit status.

“As you know, a lot of controversy came last year about the

prospective licensing and franchising that actually became public,”

Board President Anita Mangels said.

Since then, the board has heard a lot of feedback from members

asking if they could do something to prevent it.

“[It was decided] the best possible way to protect the pageant is

to amend the bylaws so that, no matter who is on the board in the

future, the pageant will remain exclusively and only in Laguna

Beach,” Mangels said.

There is already wording in the lease with the city and in the

bylaws that prevent the festival from producing the “tableaux

vivants” outside city limits, but many are concerned that the rules

are silent about the festival’s ability to sanction performances of

similar events in other locations.

Last year’s controversy also included the hiring of an executive

director. This year, the board has no plans for such a position.

“The reason we brought in an executive in the past was to promote

the Festival of Art/Pageant of the Masters and create new

opportunities,” board member Bob Dietrich said. “Now everyone is

happy with the status quo, and everything is pretty much on cruise

control.”

Festival member and Councilman Wayne Baglin said he was impressed

with how many members showed up for membership day at the festival

but was disappointed so few went to the special meeting at the Irvine

Bowl.

Baglin said he’d like to see more evidence that the board is

seeing eye-to-eye.

“I’m disappointed to understand there is still acrimony on the

board rather than a united board building on the future,” Baglin

said. “I think the board majority right now is doing an excellent

job.”

He said he believes Mangels is providing exceptional leadership.

Member Bobbi Cox said she wished there had been a better turnout

at the meeting by the membership but believes the board is on pace.

“I think they’re good, based on what I saw on Saturday,” Cox said.

“There was no strife apparent other than one heckling question. If

this meeting is evidence of how the board is getting along, then it’s

getting along better.”

Mangels said the board is following a process enabling the

membership to have the greatest possible say in the decision.

“The ballots will be mailed out as quickly as possible,” Mangels

said. “We’re hoping for a very quick turnaround.”

There are 3,068 voting members. A majority is needed to pass the

amendment.