Chasing Down The Muse: View from the Roof

Sunsets that last forever.

Temperatures that beg off the idea of winter.

Laguna basks in the sing/song swing of seasons.

I sat at the Rooftop Bar at Kya, with friend Cathy Cox, and admired the broad brush strokes of color that swept the sky and the surface of the sea. We’d come for happy hour and the bar was packed with like-minded sunset worshipers.

The sun edged lower toward the now-silhouette of Catalina, and it seemed everyone paused in honor of the day’s end. Cameras flashed repeatedly in attempts to capture the moment. A vast palette of oranges, pinks and purples filled the sky.

From the aerie, we could see three surfers down at Oak Street. They were grabbing the last of the west-northwesterly swell that had pounded Southern California the last few days and had the waves all to themselves. Between a few close-out sets and some decent rights and lefts, it was clear that they were in their zone. I was torn between the kicked-back choice I’d made, or running out to my car, throwing on my wetsuit and paddling out to join them.

The energy of the bar’s patrons was warm friendship. Strangers chattered with strangers and shared chairs and tables. I recalled the controversy over the opening of the Rooftop. In typical Laguna style, the issue had to do with parking — our one nemesis, besides tree/view issues. For a while, the city seemed inclined to let only hotel guests use the facility, something that seemed just plain silly. Whatever negotiations led to its use, I am grateful that the open-air bar was opened to the public. I’m sure that every visitor agrees.

A few weeks ago, Drake Harris, a lifelong friend, made the drive up from San Diego. The plan was a beach walk and sunset from the Rooftop. The view, the fresh air and the friendliness of the crowds stunned him.

“We could use something like this in San Diego,” he shared.

As always, the voice of a non-resident reminds me that Laguna is a unique and special place.

While Cathy and I sipped wine, we talked about other places we have lived. She grew up in Kansas and had been married to a career Air Force pilot. His job took them from city to city, state to state. She loves to brag that she chose Laguna for herself and that she has lived here longer than anyplace since she left Kansas.

The scale of Laguna is one of the factors that attracted her — small town, yet big town heart. The involvement of community in both environmental and educational concerns, fundraising that is local and global, and its dedication to the arts are laudable.

This weekend, one of several planned fundraisers for the earthquake victims of Haiti is at Blue Laguna. Saturday, there will be dancing and live entertainment, which includes roots island rock from Water House and DJs Brothers From Another Mother. The cost is $5 at the door. For more information, call (949) 376-blue or visit www.bluelagunaoc.com.

In keeping with their developing good neighbor policy, Mozambique is planning a neighborhood cleanup and lunch. This event will take place Sunday.

The cleanup will be from noon to 1 p.m., with a concert and lunch from 1 to 3 p.m. The pledge is to continue this program on a weekly basis.

HelpBlueWater.com volunteers will set up the beautification effort at Mozambique lower parking lot at noon. Free parking will be available.

To reward volunteers after the cleanup, Mozambique will provide a half-off lunch menu with happy hour drink prices, and they will be extending their $5 brunch buffet special.

In addition, Mozambique will be showcasing British singer-songwriter Jason Feddy who has shared stages with Neil Young, David Grey, the Cranberries and many others.

The idea, spurred by HelpBlueWater.com, is to utilize the arts to attract attention to vital community issues, and to spur action for positive environmental change. They hope to demonstrate the positive potential for harnessing musician’s abilities to draw attention, inspire action and have a lot of fun in the process.

For more information, call Rick Conkey (949) 573-8624, e-mail rickconkey@gmail.com, or visit www.helpbluewater.com. Mozambique is at 1740 S. Coast Hwy.

So many good hearts. So many open minds. In the midst of sticky issues such as parking, trees and view blockage, business development permits, homeless shelters, design review struggles and budget shortfalls, we in Laguna have the enviable ability to stop what we are doing, and simply walk the beach.

That’s where I clear out my head, and that’s where I’m headed now. What about you?

CATHARINE COOPER is a local designer, photographer and writer who thrives off beaten trails. She can be reached at cooper@cooperdesign.net or (949) 497-5081.