lagunabeachindy . com JUNE 7 , 2024 17
oxide , nitrogen dioxide , benzene , and carbon monoxide . So what ? According to a recent Stanford study , gas stoves are responsible for 12 percent of all childhood asthma cases and other respiratory ailments in the United States . Moreover , he pointed out that induction ( electric ) ranges boil water faster than gas , are safer in that you can touch without burning yourself , and the heat is more precision-controlled digitally .
Similarly , Marsh explained the superiority of electric vehicles over those with internal combustion engines , heat pumps over gas-powered heaters and air conditioners , and the advantages of electric water heaters over gas-powered ones . After his presentation , Marsh fielded questions from the audience . Next , brief presentations were made , and tables were staffed by representatives from Quit Carbon , OC Goes Solar , Southern California Edison , Switch Is On , and Citizens ’ Climate Lobby .
The nearly 130 attendees overwhelmingly praised the HEF . City Manager Dave Kiff said , “ It was heartening to see so many Lagunans at the Fair ( including long-time friends of ours ) interested in solar , induction , and other ways to move towards greater electrification and less day-to-day use of fossil fuels . Having the Fair in association with Rivian made it extra special – it was my first time visiting the theater after the renovation , and it ’ s a perfect space to think about a future where we impact the climate less and less .”
“ I congratulate our local chapter of the Citizens ’ Climate Lobby on a very successful and informative Home Electrification Fair ,” said Mayor Sue Kempf . “ The first such event in Laguna Beach . Now it is time for all of us to step up and electrify our homes .”
Laguna landscape architect Bob Borthwick and his wife Vicki opined : “ We have solar panels on our house and an electric car but had not yet made plans for replacing our water heater or home heating . Your program was very helpful in encouraging us all away from fossil fuels and towards a cleaner planet .
“ Former San Juan Capistrano Mayor and CCL leader Larry Kramer declared : “ The HEF exceeded my expectations . The speakers were great . The Rivian venue could not have been better . Most of all , I was impressed that Laguna ’ s mayor spoke and with all the actions the city was taking to address climate change .”
Other attendees from Aliso Viejo , Laguna Niguel , and San Clemente echoed the views just shared . The event was one more shining moment in Laguna ’ s efforts to steward the environment and exemplify its forwardthinking , green leadership in Orange County .
Tom Osborne co-leads , with his wife Ginger , the Laguna chapter of Citizens ’ Climate Lobby .
Susi Q Announces New Marketing and Communications Director
Lynette Brasfield is the Susi Q ’ s new marketing and communications director . Photo / Susi Q
By LB Indy Staff
The Susi Q has selected Lynette Brasfield as its new marketing and communications director , following the retirement of Jo Ann Ekblad , who held the position for nine years .
Brasfield has worked with the nonprofit as its publicist for three years and is now responsible for strategic communications planning and implementation of the broad range of Susi Q ’ s outreach efforts .
In addition , Brasfield will work with the Susi Q team to bring in new programming designed to provide older adults with the support they
need to age in place , as well as fresh entertainment , educational and informational offerings .
“ Lynette has done a great job increasing awareness of the Susi Q in the community these past few years ,” said Nadia Babayi , executive director of Laguna Beach Seniors , aka the Susi Q . “ We are confident that with the support of our seasoned programming / event manager , Christine Brewer , and our wonderful staff , the Susi Q will continue to provide programming at the highest level to benefit the community .”
Brasfield said she was delighted to take on new responsibilities ; however , she is also aware of the big shoes she would need to fill following Jo Ann Ekblad ’ s retirement .
“ I love the staff at the Susi Q and will miss Jo . She did a fantastic job putting together vital communitybuilding programs and many exciting offerings , from opera to jazz concerts and more ,” Brasfield said . “ I hope to build on her legacy going forward .”
Brasfield said what excites her most about the Susi Q is that it ’ s not “ your grandmother ’ s senior center .”
“ Instead of creating a silo where seniors only interact with each
DIRECTOR , PAGE 21
Ghiasi Designs aims to furnish clients with ‘ extraordinary ’ interiors Arash Ghiasi of Ghiasi Designs offers residential and commercial interior design services as well as bespoke furniture and accessories .
Ghiasi Designs is a furnishings and interior design business run by 24-year industry veteran Arash Ghiasi . “ Over the past three decades , I ’ ve owned a clothing store , multiple home furnishings stores as well as an art gallery ,” Ghiasi said . “ This experience has enabled me to have a great understanding of trends as well as what products and services clients will love and appreciate for years to come .”
Ghiasi was asked the following questions to find out more .
Q . How did your business start ? A . I was formerly in the fashion business as a stylist and clothier with a knack for making people and places look great . I was going through a life transition and was moving out of my residence .
I figured I was starting a new chapter in life so I would sell a lot of the furnishings , and as I did that and I sold most of the awesome furnishings that I had accrued , I thought to myself , “ What if I can help others do the same thing ?” Next thing you know I had placed an ad in the paper that stated , “ I can help you sell your unwanted furniture .”
The phone started to ring off the hook , and next thing you know , from a garage I transitioned into my first consignment shop and gradually started to bring in new furniture . Within two years , I was in one of the top malls in the United States .
Q . What is your mission ? A . I strive to inspire people and show them how to transform their ordinary places to extraordinary homes and businesses . In 24 years ’ experience in the industry , I ’ ve come to find most people have an idea what they like but don ’ t know how to bring it all together .
Q . What services do you offer ? A . I offer residential and commercial interior design services as well as provide bespoke furniture and accessories .
Interior design consulting services provide recommendations for furniture , accessories , paint coolers , flooring , cabinets and just about everything aesthetically needed to create a cohesive and stunning environment . This service also provides my clients with related links where they can purchase the items and implement them into their home or business . You can call this the gold package .
Turnkey design services are for clients who don ’ t have the time or desire to deal with any aspect of the project . So I offer complete solutions from beginning to the end . You can call this the platinum package .
Bespoke furniture services provide solutions to accommodate clients ’ specific style , needs and measurements for their space . We offer in-home consulting in which we can bring fabrics to our clients ’ home , take measurements and show them a variety of bespoke options .
Q . What makes Ghiasi Designs unique compared with similar businesses ? A . My vast experience in this industry , passion for design and ability to help my clients see the vision for their home or business enable me to get more done in less time . Time is our most precious commodity , so I don ’ t believe in stretching out projects to accumulate hourly rates .
I offer easy-to-understand services catering to my clients ’ needs . The process and experience should be fun , creative , effective and simple .
Q . What ’ s new with the business that you want everyone to know about ? A . I ’ m now launching my online store highlighting some of my designs .
ADVERTORIAL SPOTLIGHT
Ghiasi Designs typically is open from 10 a . m . to 6 p . m . Mondays through Fridays , and on Saturdays , depending on clients ’ schedules . For more information , visit ghiasidesigns . com , call ( 949 ) 995-3577 or email ghiasidesigns @ gmail . com .