Hour of lights out

Laguna Beach joined some 126 countries in turning off lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

About 100 people attended the secnd annual Earth Hour party organized by Transition Laguna Beach. By 8 p.m. people started gathering outside City Hall. Then, led by the musicians from Full Moon Drum Circle, the group marched down Forest Avenue, South Coast Highway and Ocean Avenue, according to organizers.

By the time the group arrived at Endangered Planet gallery at the Lumberyard Mall, the group had doubled in size. A candlelight party was held with food and drink provided by individuals and businesses. Organizers were disappointed that, on most of the streets, this night was not much different from last year’s Earth Hour, with few businesses turning off their non-essential lights, said participant Hoiyin Ip.