“ Our Town , Our Paper ” lagunabeachindy . com MARCH 29 , 2024 | Volume XXI , Issue 13
Surf ’ s Up at Rivian ’ s South Coast Theater : Premiere of ‘ Girls Can ’ t Surf ’ Makes Waves
By Jackie Connor , Special to the Independent
This past Saturday , Laguna Beach ’ s newly revamped South Coast Theater , which also serves as electric car maker Rivian ’ s largest flagship location in Southern California , saw a full house of the beachiest of surf fans for the premiere of “ Girls Can ’ t Surf ,” a fluorescent look into the real-life stories of some of surfing ’ s top female talent fighting through primarily male dominant surf culture during the 1980s .
“ I think it ’ s terrific what Rivian ’ s done for this public space--it ’ s brought the community together ,” said Jean Billyou , Laguna Beach resident . “ I ’ ve wanted to see this movie for about three years and
Pro surfers Tess Booth , Alisa Schwarzstein-Cairns , Andersen , Jorja Smith Harmon , Jolene Smith am over the moon to be able to see and and Jericho Poppler answer questions after Girls Can ’ t Surf premiere on Saturday , March 23 . hear from the panel of star surfers I ’ ve Photo / Jim Collins followed for 40 years .” about the surf industry ’ s evolution to the Smith and Jericho Poppler . Each reflected The film follows the impactful journeys present day , highlighting the World Surf on the emotional connection with the of professional surfers Jodie Cooper , League ’ s decision to implement equal pay film , travel experiences , the evolution of Frieda Zamba , Pauline Menczer , Lisa for athletes in September 2019 . surf culture and the future of women ’ s Andersen , Pam Burridge , and Wendy After the show , Tess Booth , Laguna surfing amidst the current ever-changing Botha as they faced difficulties finding Beach local and daughter of professional industry . sponsorship , pay disparities , discrimination and more while pursuing their true included Alisa Schwarzstein-Cairns ,
surfer Jeff Booth , hosted a panel that “ It really is a different time to look at all passion for surfing . The film also talks Andersen , Jorja Smith Harmon , Jolene
SURF , PAGE 3
Local Police Officer Graduates From FBI Academy
By LB Indy Staff
Laguna Beach Police Captain David Dereszynski recently graduated as a member of the 289th session of the FBI National Academy .
Dereszynski is the eighth officer in Laguna Beach Police Department history to complete the prestigious program successfully . Nationally , less than one percent of police officers have the opportunity to attend the program , the police department said .
The graduation took place at the
National Academy in Quantico , Va ., on March 15 .
“ Captain Dereszynski ’ s successful completion of the FBI National Academy represents a significant milestone in his career and is a testament to his dedication to excellence in law enforcement ,” Laguna Beach Police Chief Jeff Calvert said . “ We are immensely proud of his achievement and commend him for his commitment
FBI , PAGE 3
Captain David Dereszynski with Chief Jeff Calvert . Photo courtesy of the Laguna Beach Police Department
Laguna Playhouse Raises $ 370,000 at Annual Gala
Tunes from Broadway Musical ‘ Jersey Boys ’ and The Sensational 60s Featured
By LB Indy Staff Laguna Playhouse raised $ 370,00 at its annual gala “ Oh What a Night ! Celebrating Songs from Jersey Boys & The Sensational 60s ” held on Sunday , March 3 at the Laguna Playhouse .
Courter Simmons , Christopher Kale Jones , Shonn Wiley , Ryan Williams from the Broadway , Chicago and Los Angeles companies of the Broadway musical Jersey Boys united and performed many of the hit songs from the show including “ Sherry ,” “ Walk Like a Man ,” and “ Can ’ t Take My Eyes Off You ” which featured slick dance moves and the glorious harmonies and sounds of the era .
The gala raised $ 370,000 to support Laguna Playhouse ’ s Youth Theatre programs , funding for actors and designers for its live theatrical productions , as well as technical equipment required for both backstage and onstage .
Artistic Director David Ellenstein welcomed the donors and their guests and provided an update on the renewed success of the Playhouse , as well as provided a sneak preview of the 2024-2025 season , which kicks off in September with the comedy hit “ Don ’ t Dress for Dinner .” The guests were
INSIDE
PLAYHOUSE , PAGE 6
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