Two Miles of Laguna Coastline Closed after 95K Gallons of Sewage Spills into Ocean
“ Our Town , Our Paper ” lagunabeachindy . com DECEMBER 1 , 2023 | Volume XX , Issue 48
Museum of Make Believe Invites Art Lovers to Step into a World of Whimsy and Magic
Council Majority Opposed to Rotating Mayoral Role
By Clara Beard | LB Indy
A fresh , creative interpretation of the conventional art gallery is coming to Laguna Beach in early 2024 .
The Museum of Make Believe , brainchild of Amy and Geoff Mitchell , steps far outside the box of the sterile world of gallery showrooms and enters a new world , one where whimsical art and storytelling blend together , creating an immersive , multi-sensory experience .
“ When people come into our museum , we want them to feel like they ’ ve entered another world ,” said Mitchell . “ It should feel moody in here , where we open the door to a mysterious world with low light world with sound . We want the community to leave the museum inspired to create their own magic .”
The Mitchells began mulling over the idea of making their storytelling exhibits permanent in 2020 . The nonprofit Museum of Make Believe was born - just in time for the pandemic to hit a few weeks later . It didn ’ t slow the couple down , however , who quickly gained exposure by hosting virtual storytelling events , but still
MUSEUM , PAGE 3
Two Miles of Laguna Coastline Closed after 95K Gallons of Sewage Spills into Ocean
By Clara Beard | LB Indy
Those planning on swimming , surfing or diving in the ocean along Laguna Avenue to Blue Lagoon will have to hold off for a few days after a Nov . 29 sewage spill prompted the OC Health Care Agency ( HCA ) Environmental Health Division to close a two-mile stretch of Laguna shoreline until further notice .
According to the county , a force main sewer line located at Bluebird Canyon and Pacific Coast Highway broke during repairs
Museum of Make Believe ’ s Amy and Geoff Mitchell ( left ) stand with Azure ( center ) and Kelsey Irvin around the Tree of Make Believe . The group is in the process of transforming a former office space at Bluebird Canyon into an immersive enchanted forest exhibit , the future setting for Museum of Make Believe nonprofit . Clara Beard / LB Indy
and is said to have caused the sewage spill , estimated at almost 95,000 gallons .
A force main is a pipeline that transfers pressurized wastewater from the discharge side of a pump or pneumatic ejector to a treatment plant . In other words , the city ’ s main sewage line .
HCA said ocean water-contact sports are off limits in the affected area until two consecutive days of water quality monitoring results meet AB 411 Ocean Water-Contact Sports Standards .
As of Nov . 29 , HCA closures are in effect at the following beaches : Cleo Street Beach , Bluebird Canyon , Pearl Street Beach , Victoria Beach and Blue Lagoon Beach .
Untreated sewage released into the ocean could result in swimmer exposure to pathogenic bacteria , viruses and protozoans such as E . Coli and Salmonella , among others . These organisms may cause diarrhea , gastroenteritis , respiratory infections , and other ailments and
SEWAGE , PAGE 18
By Clara Beard | LB Indy
Is it time for a policy change regarding Laguna Beach ’ s mayor and mayor pro tem assignments ? Not anytime soon . Save for George Weiss , the remaining city council members say they ’ re happy with the status quo , one in which council members select a candidate and take a vote .
Council member Weiss ’ s proposal of a rotation , brought before council during its Nov . 21 regular meeting , suggested all elected council members should have the opportunity to be called “ mayor ” or “ mayor pro tem ” during their time in office .
“ It ’ s been a longstanding tradition that council members rotate into the positions of mayor and mayor pro tem ,” said Weiss , who was elected to council in 2020 . “ That time-honored tradition continued until the last five or six years . I believe it ’ s best to go back to that tradition that served Laguna well rather than positions decided by the majority of the council . It ’ s a ceremonial role , and I hope we can agree to do that tonight .”
Since 2013 , Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen has been mayor and mayor pro tem of Laguna Beach seven times in 10 years . Mayor Pro Tem Sue Kempf has held the positions three times in the almost five years she ’ s served on council .
Support from the public was mixed , with some agreeing the assignment of mayor and mayor pro tem should be available to all council members .
COUNCIL , PAGE 3
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