Neighbors

Alexander Wentzel memorial set

A memorial service and celebration luncheon for Alexander John Wentzel, who died Jan. 5 at the age of 84, will take place Jan. 22.

Wentzel, a Laguna Beach resident, was born May 19, 1926. He was instrumental in founding RUFF (Rescuing Unwanted Furry Friends), an animal rescue organization, and served as the first president of the Log Cabin Republicans Club of Orange County. He was also on the founding board of directors of the AIDS Services Foundation.

He was active in local politics, serving as treasurer for the City Council campaign of Wayne Peterson and Cheryl Kinsman. He also served as a board member of the Laguna Beach Taxpayers Assn. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was honored by KFI as “Citizen of the Week” for Southern California.

He is survived by his partner of 50 years, Richard Anderson.

A memorial service is planned for 10:30 a.m. Jan. 22 at Pacific View Memorial Park, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar. The service will be followed with a celebration luncheon at noon at Tivoli Terrace, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. To attend the luncheon, e-mail Frank Ricchiazzi at frankricc@cox.net.

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Borthwick honored for landscape project

Bob Borthwick, senior principal of Borthwick Guy Bettenhausen, Landscape Architects of Irvine, recently received the Award of Merit for the San Clemente Beach Trail from the American Society of Landscape Architects. The $15 million project is 2.6 miles long, situated at the base of the beach bluffs, and extends the entire length of the city. Included are railroad undercrossings, pedestrian bridges, public art, and native/sustainable landscaping. South Laguna Landscape Architect Ann Christoph assisted with planting design.

The San Clemente Beach Trail also has received award recognition from the American Planning Association and local newspapers.

Laguna Beach artist Marlo Bartels created custom tile work for the project, and local photographer/artist Tom Lamb provided photo documentation for the award. Both Bartels and Lamb are Laguna Beach Festival of Arts exhibitors.