UPFRONT PLACES | PERSPECTIVES | HAPPENINGS
FROM RADICAL ORIGINS
Visit Laguna Beach has launched a new documentary series and podcast , “ From Radical Origins ,” featuring true stories about the people , activism and events that have shaped Laguna Beach . A community watch party was set to take place Feb . 1 . The first episode , “ Reef Madness ,” was released back in November and highlights the Brooks Street Classic — considered the world ’ s longest-running surf contest . Five other episodes have also been released so far . They delve into the trailblazing story of mountain biking in Laguna ; the birth of skimboarding here ; the work of James Dilley and more than 200 nonprofits to protect Laguna ’ s greenbelt ; the story behind the Christmas Happening , also known as the Woodstock of the West Coast ; and the passion , experimentation and transformative ideas that have shaped Laguna into a creative hot spot . One more installment was still to be released ( as of press time ) about the start of the Sawdust Art Festival , created by artists who rebelled against Festival of Arts to form their own “ rejects festival .” Schiefer Chopshop , with offices in Costa Mesa , Atlanta and Canada , produced the series of mini documentaries and podcasts , which showcase the “ dynamic artists , athletes , spiritualists , activists , entrepreneurs , dreamers and doers that have contributed to the fabric of the city , adding layers to what visitors , locals and vacationers experience when visiting the iconic SoCal beach town ,” a news release said . The episodes — collectively billed as “ untold stories of irrepressible spirit , and the creative colony it galvanized ”— may be viewed on the Visit Laguna Beach website . ( 949-497-9229 ; visitlagunabeach . com / radicalorigins ) — S . S .
“ From Radical Origins ,” a new documentary series and podcast by Visit Laguna Beach , highlights people and events that shaped the town .
Leading the Way
Laguna Canyon Foundation has named a new executive director , Karin Wyman- Vardaman , who fills the position after longtime leader Hallie Jones left for a position at Crystal Cove Conservancy in September . Wyman-Vardaman , a native of Laguna Beach , looks forward to giving back to the place that brought her joy growing up as she often explored the open spaces around her hometown . The foundation is dedicated to protecting the 22,000-acre South Coast Wilderness , which includes Laguna Canyon , advocating for open space , providing public outreach and education , as well as conducting trailwork and habitat restoration . Before taking this job with the foundation in December , Wyman-Vardaman served in the 1980s as director for animal care and operations at Pacific Marine Mammal Center ( then known as Friends of the Sea Lions ) and senior director of the Ocean Institute in Dana Point for nearly two decades as well as founder and executive director of Working Circle , a nationally recognized nonprofit committed to wolf conservation . She was even named by Forbes magazine as one of 50 women over age 50 making an impact in 2021 . Among her hobbies , Vardaman enjoys distance swimming in the ocean and competing in equestrian sports with her horse , Mikey . ( 949-497-8324 ; lagunacanyon . org ) — S . S . g
Karin Wyman- Vardaman of Laguna Canyon Foundation
FROM TOP : COURTESY OF VISIT LAGUNA BEACH ; CHRISTIE SWEENEY ; OPPOSITE PAGE : CANDICE DARTEZ
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