MINUTES WITH

THIS LONGTIME LAGUNAN , NAMED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR FOR THE UPCOMING PATRIOT ’ S DAY PARADE , TALKS ABOUT FIND- ING HER PLACE IN TOWN THROUGH VOLUNTEERISM .

By SHARON STELLO

Karyn Philippsen was named Citizen of the Year for the Patriot ’ s Day Parade .

Philippsen and her husband were looking for a home and found an old cottage with potential here in town . She had always wanted to build her own house and had boxes full of magazine photos she collected as inspiration . They gutted the cottage , leaving only one wall , and rebuilt it from the ground up . Their home , she proudly shares , was even included in the 1985 Charm House Tour .

Since then , Philippsen has become part of the fabric of the community . She runs a business , K . P . Consulting , specializing in community relations , marketing and customer service for the luxury hospitality industry . She also worked as chef concierge as part of the opening team for The Ritz-Carlton , Laguna Niguel , and was later on the pre-opening team for Montage Laguna Beach as director of international sales .

Notably , she was founding chairman of the Visit Laguna Beach board and still serves as secretary . She is president of the Friends of the Laguna Beach Library board , serves on the Laguna Beach Sister Cities Association board and was recently appointed as the community relations liaison of Laguna Playhouse . This position , she says , will “ focus on reminding people to return to their theater , support … [ this ] treasured gem ” after perhaps getting out of the habit during the pandemic .

In honor of her many local contributions , Philippsen has been named Citizen of the Year for the 57th annual Patriot ’ s Day Parade , which is planned March 2 .

“ I am still in shock ,” Philippsen says . “ It has been so humbling . I just do … what I do , not for the recognition , [ but ] it just needed to be done . … Those named Citizen of the Year that came before me are all people I respect and admire . … It is an honor to be recognized as part of this legacy of commitment .”

Philippsen volunteers with organizations that are meaningful to her , like the library . “ Technology is changing so many things , but quiet contemplation using your imagination

cannot be substituted ,” she says . “ Reading or being read to is a soothing experience that captures many thoughts that can then be shared . … The library needs protection so it will always be there for everyone .”

In addition to community work , Philippsen spends any spare time she can with her son , Christopher , and granddaughter , Sadie Mae .

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE : What do you like about living in Laguna ? KARYN PHILIPPSEN : Everything . We are so lucky in Laguna Beach . [ We have ] a small residential population . We honor our seniors with the best community benefits and the amazing Susi Q [ senior center ]. We have our own playhouse , … our own museum , … our own art college , … world-famous festivals , … ideal weather and the best beach . … I have traveled all over the world and I love all the places I visited , but there is no place like home — in Laguna Beach .

LBM : Why is it important for you to give back to the community ? KP : Service and giving is how I interpret my life . I am here on this earth to help make a difference — hopefully in a good way — and have fun with fun people . And Laguna is full of fun people . And [ I aim ] to set a personal example for others . … We are all changemakers , or should be .

LBM : Any favorite restaurants in town ? KP : It is difficult to apply the word “ favorite .” … I suppose a regular restaurant habit is sitting at the Lumberyard and requiring friends to share my specialrequested “ crispy ” french fries . … I eat most of them , but sharing makes me feel like I am watching my waistline .

LBM : Do you have any hobbies ? KP : Watching movies — old movies , especially black-and-white movies — is a favorite pastime . … I also love hitting the convertible button in my car and driving with the wind in my hair . … My favorite quickie drive is PCH north to Trader Joe ’ s for dark chocolate almonds — a true treat . g

SEAN ARMENTA

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