20 lagunabeachindy . com JULY 12 , 2024
Hills
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My support for the Seagrave restoration project is also driven by an apt example of why historic legacy projects are important to sustain community values . With two of four daughters and four of twelve grandkids in Charlotte , N . C ., we bought a home in a forest near Lake Norman and the fabled college town of Davidson , N . C . The college was founded in 1837 , and our home was in the historic village , so I could walk into town with my grandkids for breakfast when they stayed with us .
Walking down scenic historic Main Street in that perfectly preserved small town , not unlike Laguna ’ s Forest Avenue , where no one passes by without a wave and a hello , I used to think any sequel to “ It ’ s A Wonderful Life ” would have to be made in Davidson . It ’ s that authentic .
On Saturday at the Farmer ’ s Market the main attractions for kids of all ages , locals and visitors , is the historic Davidson Fire Department ’ s restored fire engine . It still runs . The Davidson Fire Station is next door to the Farmer ’ s Market , where the fire truck is a treasured community legacy .
Appreciating the Davidson historic fire truck and the Laguna Beach Seagrave firsthand , I kicked in a little more from my charitable causes fund than I might have , but I was happy to do it .
If you feel like I do , that the 1931 Seagrave is worth restoring , the Laguna Beach Firefighters Association is accepting gratefully any support you can provide . Visit lagunabeachcity . net to find more details about this historic fire truck .
Howard Hills is a third-generation Laguna native and constitutional law author .
July 4
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down the stairs and stop because the beach is overrun ... and the environment is getting trashed .”
The city ’ s first-ever Fourth of July drone show was also met with mixed reviews . Some residents said they enjoyed the change , while others lamented the loss of the traditional fireworks .
“ I loved our new drone show ,” said resident Jan Hobbs , adding that her out-of-town guests commented on how quiet Laguna Beach was . “ I would have liked it to have been a little longer and more in line with how long the fireworks show was , about 25 minutes .”
Mancuso
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Beach Environmental Sustainability Committee , said the Laguna public can trust her to be “ on the right side of every environmental issue .”
“ I am willing to take on issues others may be afraid to tackle , but that Lagunans want to see addressed ,” she said . “ Having a champion for animals , people and the planet on the council would benefit everyone . I am also a proponent of fiscal responsibility and accountability . That ’ s a profile we need on our city council .”
Mancuso previously ran for a council seat in 2016 and 2018 and said she ’ s dismayed that little progress has been made since then , especially when it comes to traffic and tourism .
“ Livability and affordability are still top-of-mind for so many voters I speak with ,” Mancuso said . “ Community members also continue to want greater transparency and accountability . They want to feel like they are being consulted on big decisions , which isn ’ t always the case today . Very little progress has been made on infrastructure modernization . We need council members willing to take on the less glamourous issues and identify preventative measures that will avoid catastrophes down the road that could be devastating for residents and businesses as well as our wildlife and city finances .”
For that reason , Mancuso said that , if elected , one of her main priorities will
Beauty
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majestic ocean .”
Adding , “ We ’ re over the moon about this visual voyage , which sparks a deeper appreciation for the beauty and fragility of our oceanic wonderland . Through these shared glimpses of splendor and connection , we aim to strengthen our dedication to protecting and preserving these priceless marine ecosystems .”
“ Our sincerest appreciation goes out to each participant for their contributions , our esteemed judges , and the organizers for fostering such a magnificent celebration !” be public health and safety , focusing on ocean health and water quality .
“ Our city has spilled 2.7 million gallons of sewage since 2007 ,” Mancuso said . “ Funds are being allocated to maintenance and upgrades , but many are wondering if it isn ’ t too little , too late . The experts I have spoken with have serious questions about whether Laguna should be running its own sewer district . That ’ s something that needs to be debated openly , with guidance from experts , not politicians .”
Mancuso started full-time legislative advocacy work in 2007 when she founded her nonprofit , Social Compassion in Legislation ( SCIL ).
The animal advocacy nonprofit was behind the law removing puppy mills from California pet shops and prohibiting the use of wild animals in circuses .
The nonprofit also sponsored a bill allowing pet owners to dine with their pets on restaurant patios .
“ Passed in 2014 , that law is still hugely popular today , though not many people know it was the brainchild of my nonprofit ,” Mancuso said . “ It was so popular I was asked to get one passed in New York as well , which I did in 2015 . As far as I know , no one else in the race has successfully gone up against special interests like I have . That includes standing up to the biggest corporations in America to get them to stop needlessly
Robb Mitchell ’ s “ Chillin Gulls ” won first place in Laguna Bluebelt photo contest amateur category . Photo / Robb Mitchell
The contest was judged by Laguna ’ s Rich German , global marine scientist Julianne Steers , and photographer and marine scientist Kate Vylet . They selected the first , second and third place winners in two categories : Amateur and Professional as well as 3 Honorable Mentions in each .
Rich German , Project O founder said “ It ’ s always an honor to be a judge for the Laguna Bluebelt Photo Contest . Laguna ’ s MPA is the ultimate example of our commitment to protect our precious coastline and the life that calls it torturing animals to make beauty products . Even my setbacks have made me a more effective and strategic leader and taught me vital lessons that I carry with me into my work and personal life .”
Mancuso ’ s next campaign event will be a Happy Hour hosted by Laguna residents and Citizens ’ Climate Lobby members Sue and Gary Stewart . The event will take place at the Stewart ’ s home on July 19 from 6 to 8 p . m .
Another event hosted by Charlotte Masarik , a Laguna Bluebelt coalition board member , is in its planning stages .
Visit judiemancuso . com to sign up for updates on future events and opportunities or to register to host a meet-and-greet .
Laguna Beach ’ s general municipal election will be held on Tuesday , Nov . 5 , to elect two city council members , the city clerk and city treasurer . All positions will hold a full term of four years .
The nomination period for these offices begins on Monday , July 15 and closes on Friday , Aug . 9 , at 5 p . m . Council members George Weiss and Bob Whalen , as well as city treasurer Laura Parisi and city clerk Ann Marie McKay , are up for reelection .
As of press time , only Mancuso and Hallie Jones , the executive vice president and chief program officer at Crystal Cove Conservancy , have officially announced their bids for city council .
home . And these images bring that commitment to light in a beautiful , visual way .”
Likewise , global marine scientist and contest judge , Julianne Steers said , “ From expansive aerials to dime-sized underwater wildlife these stunning images truly showcase the beauty and diversity in Laguna ’ s Marine Protected Area . Each image highlights a key role these elements play to thrive within our Bluebelt .”
A new judge from Monterey Bay , Kate Vylet , conservation and underwater photographer and videographer said , “ It was wonderful seeing so much passion for the Laguna MPAs captured in this year ’ s entries . I thoroughly enjoyed going through everyone ’ s work .”
Everyone has a chance now to pick the “ Best of the Rest ” as public judges and select their favorite photo until the deadline on July 23 . Visit the Laguna Bluebelt facebook page to cast a vote . Winning photos can be previewed at lagunabluebelt . org . Photo contest winners will be celebrated with an artist reception and chance to purchase their work on Aug . 1 at the Laguna College Art & Design Gallery , 374 Ocean Avenue in downtown Laguna Beach from 5 to 8 p . m .