Why are we here & What do we do about it?

Hello again my friends. It has been quite a delay between my meandering thoughts being posted here. I have been spending the latter half of the year dealing with some clients and escrows. I just didn't find myself in the mindset of wandering through those scary parts of my mind when I had the free time to be able to write.

So, days turned into weeks, which then turned into months. With the holidays bringing some quiet time and some renewed connections to past friends, I have the time and the energy flowing that brought me to this post. For anyone who missed the wild wandering of my amusing (crazy?) posts, I apologize for this absence. Ok, I'm done with my disclosures and excuses.

Anywho, I've been thinking about the two questions in the title of this post...Why are we here & What do we do about it? My first instinctive response would be that I don't know, but that would defeat the purpose of looking into yourself for the answers. I will try to look in there for this.

My answer to "Why are we here?" is to enjoy! Enjoy this world, the other people we meet, the things that we do and well everything! Enjoy helping, our self and more importantly others! Enjoy the love around us and the love we can give to others! If I could enjoy every moment of every day, I think I would be a pretty successful soul. So let me recap my response to why we are here...enjoy everything we see, hear, taste, feel, do, experience and give!

Now, What do we do about it? Well, I think it is as simple as following the advice from my answer within the previous paragraph. I will be looking to enjoy every moment of my time here. I have not only wandered though Laguna, but also though life. The one thing, that I have learned and truly believe is the golden rule of life, is that if every single person you meet is happier after you met them, then the world is enlightened and improved along with them! I love the feeling when I help someone...not the phony help where you are forced to help someone, but when you are helping someone you care for. The warm, happy feelings you get from helping someone you care about is the payment for your efforts. I don't believe Sacrifice (Definition for sacrifice: giving something you need for NOTHING in return) is the solution. Helping someone or giving something to someone, who can use that something, for your emotional or spiritual enjoyment is NOT a sacrifice. You were given something of value in return and the value could be even greater!

So, can we all look at life with this viewpoint? My answer is: YES! It isn't easy and I know that I'm not 100% there yet, but I am looking forward to trying. If we can all try every day and we then see the wonder and enjoyment of the world around us increase, then we can continue to move closer to that perfect world.

I look forward to seeing and leaving you with a grin on your face in the future! Thanks for reading and if you see me wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi!!! Cole

Writer's block in Laguna

Hello and welcome everyone to the writer's block posting. I have completely lost the direction and the creative juices that are needed to spout interesting knowledge...or at least useless or funny knowledge! I have been absent from posting since the infamous "mutiny post" in which the writers were fired and executed (or so we thought). I do have to say that the reasons for not writing have nothing to do with the current state of the financial world. It is truly just "writer's block", if there is such a thing. The weather in Laguna has been that of a split personality...one day it's a broiler and the next it is cool and looks like rain. Even though there has been no consistency, which would lead to posts about how strange the weather has been, I still have been unable to bring myself to this point.

Well, I couldn't think of anything to write about, so I wrote this instead. It's Friday night and many are out partying it up and have big plans for the weekend. (By the way, the block got so bad that I didn't even update the weekend events...sorry about that) If someone who has never read any of my posts is confused by this point...sorry...it's about time you joined in with the rest of us confused types!!!

Anywho, may all of your weekend travels and adventures be fun and safe, and if you see me wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi!!! Cole

Laguna Beach Weekend Events

Hello all. The management would like to apologize for the delayed publication of this weekly update. There was a miscommunication that occured last weekend that turned into a disagreement between the writers and the editors. The editors were upset that the writers put the incorrect information about the ending of our cherished summer events, such as the Pageant of the Masters, the Festival of Arts and the SawDust Festival. They all ended prior to this weekend and the writers didn't make it sound that way. In the end, all of the writers were fired and then executed for treason!!! (They tried to take out and kill the editors!) Well, now with the new staff in place, we will continue.

Friday:

1. September Sunset Serenades-Matt Otto Trio, a Jazz group will perform at 6pm. The series will continue throughout the month at the Picnic Beach area of Heisler Park.
2. Author of "The Anti-Alzheimer's Prescription" to speak-Dr. Vincent Fortanasce will speak at 5pm at Laguna Beach Books, 1200 S. Coast Hwy. For information call or email Jane at (949) 494-4997 or jane@lagunabeachbooks.com.
3. Wine Tasting Party-The Laguna Canyon Winery at 2133 Laguna Canyon Road is hosting the party. Enjoy wine with hot food, snacks, bread, crackers & cheeses in the Steel Tank/Wine Room. Drop in without reservations from 6 to 9pm. Cost is $30 and there will be live music. For information, call Marlowe Huber at (949) 715-9463 or email info@lagunacanyonwinery.com.

Saturday:

1. Farmer's Market-This market of fresh food continues as usual at 8am in the parking lot next to City Hall on Forest Avenue.
2. Rollinger Campaign Fundraiser-Cindalee and John Hall will host a fundraiser at their home for former City Clerk Verna Rollinger's campaign for Laguna Beach City Council. A donation of $75 and reservations are requested, but if someone shows up with a check, they will be let in! For information or reservations, call (949) 494-9878.
3. Adopt Your Street/Beach Pick-up-This is the 1st Saturday of the month ritual held by Zero Trash Laguna from 8am to whenever at various streets and beaches in Laguna. After the parties that most likely brought people from out of the area into Laguna, we need to put our hands together and pick up whatever we can!

Sunday:

1. Bearfoot (their spelling) Bluegrass & BBQ-Bearfoot Bluegrass performs from 4 to 6pm at the Aliso Creek Inn, 31106 Coast Hwy and the BBQ will be from 3 to 7pm. Adults are $10 in advance and $12 at the door; children 12 and under are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. VIP tables are available for $100 in the Canyon Grill Terrace. For information, to purchase tickets or make reservation for VIP tables (which includes tickets), call (949) 715-9713 or visit www.lagunabeachlive.org.
2. Open Mic Night-No Square Theatre continues it's popular "Local Vocals" open mic nights. To be from 5:30 to 8:30pm at the Laguna Beach Woman's Club, 286 St. Ann's Drive. For additional information, visit http://www.nosquare.org/.

That is the list for the weekend. "Since this is the first weekend for this new set of writers, we would welcome any comments or additions to the events" Your editors.

Thanks for reading and if you see me wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi, but don't let the editors know that we're the same writing staff in disguise and plotting their demise!!!!! Cole

Laguna Beach Weekend Events

Happy Friday to all! We have had a wonderful summer...knock on wood...so far. It's hard to believe that Labor Day weekend is upon us already!!! The Art-A-Fair and the Marvelous Wonderettes both finish this weekend and the SawDust Festival, Pageant of the Masters and the Festival of Arts all follow closely behind. The Farmers Market is still continuing on Saturday's though. So let us make the most of this holiday weekend!

Friday:

1. Back to School Party-The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce and Laguna Beach Resource Center, with No Square Theater, are sponsoring a Back to School party for children of low-income families in Laguna Beach at 5pm at 225 Forest Avenue (Formerly Crystal Image gallery. School supplies (spiral notebooks, pens and pencils, colored pencils, etc.), clothing, backpacks and other items are needed. Items may be dropped off beginning at 8am at the Chamber of Commerce, 357 Glenneyre St., or at 225 Forest Ave. For more information, call the Chamber at (949) 494-1018.

Saturday:

1. Art-A-Fair Closing Night Carnival-From 5 to 9pm, it's the final opportunity to bid on the silent auction items displayed all summer. There are also auction items including services at Ziba Day Spa, an BMW M6 child’s pedal car, and a necklace by designer Karen Larsen. Admittance to this evening’s festivities is open to all and ticket prices will be $3.50 all day. Swingsensations will be entertaining from 1 to 4pm and, strolling doo-wop darlings, Augie’s Side Effect from 6 to 9pm. Complimentary refreshments will be provided by the artists, and TivoliToo! will also be open for food, beverages and two-for-one margaritas from 5 to 6pm.
2. Smooth Jazz Series-The Festival of Arts continues an astounding line up of jazz musicians from 1 to 4pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at http://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org/.

Monday:

1. Labor Day Pancake Breakfast-The Laguna Beach Fire Department will once again be making pancakes! From 7 to 10:30am at Heisler Park (Cliff & Myrtle), we can all see them entertain us with their culinary skills!!! Cost is $5 and proceeds go toward child abuse prevention programs. The event is sponsored by the Laguna Beach Exchange Club.

The summer events are beginning to fade, so let's make the most and have a wonderful, fun and safe Labor Day weekend. Thanks for reading and if you see me wandering around Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi!!! Cole

Open House in Laguna this Weekend

Hello out there in cyberland. I have an open house here in Laguna this weekend. Please click on the link below to get the information.

I will have all of my material detailing the current listings and listings that have closed out in the last 3 months. If you want to find out information on every listing in Laguna, this is your chance!

Thanks again and if you see me wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please hi!!! Cole

Laguna Beach Weekend Events

Hello from Hesperia...yes, Hesperia. I am out of the neighborhood due to a passing in my family (good old grandma is in a better place), so this is delayed. The Marvelous Wonderettes, the SawDust Festival, Art-A-Fair, Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts are still showing strong each day and the Farmer's Market is supplying us on Saturday as usual.

Friday:

1. Cancer Benefit-Cause for the Cure benefit at Hennessey's Tavern, 213 Ocean Avenue begins at 8pm. A raffle to benefit the American Cancer Society. For more information, call (949) 494-2743.
2. Relay for Life-Will begin with an opening ceremony at 6 p.m. and continue for 24 hours continuously, to 6 p.m. Saturday at El Morro Elementary School. Registration: begins at 5 p.m. on Friday. Opening Ceremony: The festivities will begin at 6:00pm sharp. Survivor Lap: all cancer survivors are welcome to walk in the survivor lap (the first lap of Relay), which will begin immediately following the opening ceremony at 6 p.m. Luminaria Ceremony: the ceremony will take place at 9 p.m. on Friday night and will celebrate and honor the lives of past and present cancer patients. Luminaria are available for a purchase of $10 and may be purchased at the actual event. Kids Camp: the camp will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday night and will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. There will be food, crafts, a bounce house and more for kids to enjoy. Saturday BBQ: A BBQ lunch will take place Saturday afternoon from about 11 a.m. to 2p.m. People will be asked to make a $5 donation. Music: There will be several music acts, bands and performers throughout the 24 hours.

Saturday:

1. Summer Nights at the Great Park-Continues with HAPA at the Irvine Great Park
2. Bargain Festival-Neighborhood Congregational Church will hold the 58th annual Bargain Festival from 8am to 3pm at 340 St. Ann's Drive. For more information, call (949) 494-8061
3. Grand Opening of "I Want Lovely Hair"-Grand opening celebration from 4pm to 7pm at 1075 North Coast Hwy. For more information, email Jacqueline Dull.
4. Special Pageant Gala Benefit-Begins at 8:30pm at the Irvine Bowl, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. Gala tickets: $50-350. For more information, call (800) 487-3378 or go to www.lagunafestivalofarts.org.

Sunday:

1. "Art of Cooking" Seminar-Continues from 1 to 2pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call (949) 494-1145 or visit www.lagunafestivalofarts.org.
2. Blues Fest-The Sunday Blues Fest continues at 2pm to 4pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call (949) 494-1145 or visit www.lagunafestivalofarts.org.
3. Beatles' Classics-The Sunday performances with Jason Freddy and Friends continues at 6pm to 8pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call (949) 494-1145 or visit www.lagunafestivalofarts.org.
4. Jane Egly Campaign Kickoff-The mayor will kickoff her campaign for re-election at Madison Square Garden, 320 North Coast Hwy at 4 to 6pm. A donation of $20 is requested.

Have a wonderful, fun and safe weekend. Thanks for reading and if you see me wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi!!! Cole

Laguna Real Estate Market Update

Hello all and welcome to a philosophical journey through the real estate market...no not really. I just don't have any idea how to make an opening sentence "feel" right for this.

Anywho...the real estates market here in Laguna has seen some resent increased activity. Throughout this year we were averaging about 15 home sales closing per month, but June and July were 21 and 20, respectively. August has started quickly, closing over a half dozen in the first week. On top of that the number of homes going into escrow has also increase...so what is the cause. From heavily researching, following pricing trends, speaking with buyers & sellers and following the advertising, the main reasons that I have found are that sellers have adjusted their pricing structures to be in alignment with the market and that buyers are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I am constantly speaking with real estate investors, who are very actively searching for more places to plant their money. They don't ask me if the market has turned, they tell me they want to buy before the general populous joins the rush. I don't know about where the bottom of this market was/is/will be, but I know that people who purchased 8 or more years ago almost certainly have equity. It is the false equity that built up from 2003 to 2006/07 that is becoming just that...false. So we have traveled back in time to 2003/04 pricing, which is where we should have been in 2005. The real estates market has long revolved around a 10 year cycle of 7-8 year of growth and 2-3 years of lag and because of the government and lenders trying to make that 7 to 8 period go on forever, we have had to go through this last couple years of "fun".

Let's learn our lesson and RESEARCH before making any purchases. I have stated before that if you are trying to buy to flip homes, I wouldn't do it. There are some out there doing it and making money, but I believe that real HOMEOWNERS, the long term, live in the home individuals, are the real winners. They now have a chance to get into homes that were unavailable. Their incomes have increased since 2003 and now they can afford the home priced at 2003 levels! I love giving a new homeowner the keys to that home!!! I wish I could do it every day...I guess that makes me work hard and keep working hard.

Well, I do believe that this did turn out to be a bit of a philosophical journey! Thanks for reading and as always...if you see me wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hello!!! Cole

Laguna Beach Weekend Events

As the summer rolls on and we seem to be in the Tropics with this humidity, so do all the usual events like the Pageant of Masters, Festival of Arts, Art-A-Fair, The SawDust Festival. The Marvelous Wonderettes continue singing away and the Saturday morning Farmer's Market is still supplying us with nutrients.

Saturday:

1. The Festival of Arts Auction-A silent and live auction of the work featured in the 75th Pageant Program display; "Art-to-Go:" an exhibition benefiting The Artists Fund. Located at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road.
2. Summer Nights at the Great Park-Continues with Vagabond Opera. For information please check http://vagabondopera.com.
3. Smooth Jazz Series-The Festival of Arts presents an astounding line up of jazz musicians from 1 to 4pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at http://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org/.

Sunday:

1. Save Trestles Demonstration-Surfrider Foundation activists, surfers, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts will stage a demonstration from 10:30am to whenever needed to raise awareness about the harmful impacts of the proposed Foothill South toll road and the need for the Secretary of Commerce to reschedule the public hearing they canceled earlier this summer.
2. "Art of Cooking" Seminar-Continues from 1 to 2pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at http://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org/.
3. Blues Fest-The Sunday Blues Fest continues at 2pm to 4pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at http://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org/.
4. Comeback Kids Book signing-Penelope Dyan will be at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center beginning at 2pm. For more information, contact Bellissima Publishing at (619) 669-1918.
5. Beatles' Classics-The Sunday performances with Jason Freddy and Friends continues at 6pm to 8pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at http://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org/.

Thanks again and have a wonderful and safe weekend. If you see me wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi!!! Cole

Laguna Beach Weekend Events

The Olympics are under way and the opening cerimonies take place this evening, but that is on the opposite side of the planet and here in Laguna we have our own "Annual entertaining olympics of sorts". The SawDust Festival, the Festival of Arts, Art-A-Fair and The Pageant of The Masters are still running strong! The spectacle that is the Marvelous Wonderette's are still sing at full voice! And the Saturday Farmer's market is still feeding us some good stuff. So now we have the new additions to the mix.

Saturday:

1. "Spirit of the Master" parade-In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Pageant of the Masters, the Pageant will sponsor a parade similar to the “Spirit of the Masters” parade in 1933. The parade will start near the Laguna Art Museum, the Festival’s site location in 1935. The route will include stops at some of the Festival’s early locations before moving to its permanent home in 1941. The parade will end on the Festival of Arts grounds with a presentation on Center Green immediately following. Parade route: 11:00 a.m. Parade beginsFestival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters President Wayne Baglin begins parade with the ringing of a bell.Parade route: 1) Laguna Art Museum, North Coast Highway at Cliff Drive: (The Festival's site in 1935) south on Coast Highway to: 2) Ocean Avenue (The Festival's site in 1934) to: 3) Hotel Laguna (The Festival's site in 1932, 1933 and 1936) - back to Forest Avenue to: 4) City Hall (The Festival's site in 1937 through 1940) to: 5) Festival of Arts permanent home site (1941 - to present) After the parade arrives at the Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, there will be a Center Green Presentation with Laguna Beach Mayor Jane Egly.
2. Jaipur Kawa Brass Band-Marching band, party band, Hollywood wedding band “the newest craze in world music" performs at the Irvine Great Park. The escape-velocity hands of percussionist Hameed Khan Kawa (of worldpop music label Musafir) and his seven musicians result in an intoxicating blend of traditional Rajasthani rhythms, timeless brass band melodies, Hollywood film. There is no limit to their musical imagination and riotous energy. Don't miss them on the final performance of their US debut tour. More information: www.artways.com
3. Childrens book Author reading and benefit-At 4 p.m. Laguna Beach Books at the Old Pottery Place, 1200 S. Coast Hwy will host an event for author James Hunt, who will read from his book "I Have a New Puppy! Now What?". This will be a special afternoon, as Hunt will be donating all proceeds to Laguna Beach Fire Department and the Fallen Fire Fighters Relief Fund. For more information, please call (949) 494-4997.

Sunday:

1. "Art of Cooking" Seminar-Continues from 1 to 2pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at http://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org/.
2. Blues Fest-The Sunday Blues Fest continues at 2pm to 4pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at http://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org/.
3. Beatles' Classics-The Sunday performances with Jason Freddy and Friends continues at 6pm to 8pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at http://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org/.

Hazy Dayz Here in Laguna

For those of you who have had the pleasure of spending the last few days in Laguna and haven't ventured toward Laguna Hills via the canyon or anywhere else away from the coast, I needed to tell you that the sun has been making an appearance! The haze along the coast has been staying strong here in Laguna and it seemed to me that the sun would be gone everywhere...until I approached El Toro Road on Laguna Canyon! Then I suddenly realized that the sun was out and the sky was virtually cloudless. Imagine that! The mugginess that I felt in Laguna now became that of a sauna. The temperature in Laguna felt in the 70's this weekend, but outside, just a bit inland, it was 15-20 degrees warmer. So thank you haze! I personally like the 70's much more than the possibility of 90's!!!

Keep enjoying the beauty and pleasures of Laguna and as usual be safe. Thanks for reading and if you see me wandering around Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi!!! Cole

Laguna Beach Weekend Events

The weekend is upon us once more and as normal the show go on! The SawDust Festival, Pageant of The Masters, Festival of the Arts and the Art-A-Fair are all continuing daily...the Farmer's market on Saturday are all going strong and as usual. As for the other events of the weekend, away we go!

Friday:

1. Wine Tasting Party-The Laguna Canyon Winery at 2133 Laguna Canyon Road is hosting the party. Enjoy wine with hot food, snacks, bread, crackers & cheeses in the Steel Tank/Wine Room. Drop in without reservations from 6 to 9pm. Cost is $30 and there will be live music. For information, call Marlowe Huber at (949) 715-9463 or email info@lagunacanyonwinery.com.

Saturday:

1. Smooth Jazz Series-The Festival of Arts presents an astounding line up of jazz musicians from 1 to 4pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at http://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org/.
2. Poet Donna Hilbert-The Acclaimed Poet is coming to Laguna Beach Books, 1200 S. Coast Hwy at 5pm. For more information or to speak with Jane Hanauer, call the store (949) 494-4997 or email at jane@lagunabeachbooks.com.

Sunday:

1. "Art of Cooking" Seminar-Continues from 1 to 2pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at http://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org/.
2. Blues Fest-The Sunday Blues Fest continues at 2pm to 4pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at http://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org/.
3. Beatles' Classics-The Sunday performances with Jason Freddy and Friends continues at 6pm to 8pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at http://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org/.
4. Open Mic Night-No Square Theatre revives it's popular "Local Vocals" open mic nights. To be held the first Sunday of each month from 5:30 to 8:30pm at the Laguna Beach Woman's Club, 286 St. Ann's Drive. For additional information, visit http://www.nosquare.org/.

We all enjoy having the wonderful events in Laguna and they help make Laguna, Laguna! Have a fun and safe weekend. Thanks for reading and if you see me wandering around Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi!!! Cole

"Life...Don't talk to me about Life!"

That quote is from Marvin "the manic depressed robot" from the British television show, "Hitchhiker's Guide To The Universe". It's not that I'm depressed...it's just seemed fitting for the "June Gloom" that has taken over July and what seems like all summer. Don't get me wrong, I personally think this summer here in Laguna has been wonderful. I just hear people talk about the "gloom".

Because of it, we have been nice and cool. Take over the weekend for instance. My parents live in Hesperia and the temperature was over 100 there! And we had the great days in the 70's!!! Anywho, I guess that the title should be "Gloom...Don't talk to me about Gloom!". And that is how my abnormally wired brain worked it's way to this. The world is created by our minds...if we perceived it differently, it would be different! So, I sentence you to be hung by your toenails until you cheer up. Let's create a world where the negative people, press, news and whatever else wants to be negative can't make us lose our positive attitude!!!

Laguna is a spiritually uplifting place and with the power of positive thinking we will change the world...at least I will change my world. I have been looking for a sign, something to guide me toward "The Path". I believe that I will see it and I hope that it shows me that I am on the right route to find it! So, call me a dreamer, a spiritualist or whatever you want to, but I am just out here in this little universe of mine trying to find happiness. I have a profession that allows me to help people find dream homes and hopefully reach their goals, but I still think of myself as a teenager looking for his endpoint. I still don't know what that is and maybe that's the point...to always be out here looking for the next bit of knowledge, to never be satisfied with what you have done.

What seems like long ago in a distant universe, I began writing in this space...pouring my heart out and putting random thoughts out into the "ether-net". I thought that I would be able to meet people and enlighten some as to what Laguna was all about. In addition to that, I have started looking deep inside, the way I haven't in years, and wondering WHY? The big why! As Douglas Adams wrote it in Hitchhiker's, "The ultimate question of life, the universe and everything!" So, Why?

I have been a believer for years that we are all together in this. If you harm or help or do anything to someone, you are doing it to yourself. I have tried to follow this creed, but it is a very hard one to follow in the real world, especially when you are the only one sharing this way. I know I won't stop, but I know that the fountain of energy can run low sometimes...I'm unfortunately not the Fountain of Youth...and I can use some outside support, energy, feedback, love, enlightenment...whatever your beliefs would call it.

But that is still not the answer to the question, it is only how you may or may not live life...as to the "Why?" I don't know! I just know that I will keep living, trying to support those around me with the maximum positive energy that I can muster and searching and searching. Until then, I will keep looking for the signs and "The Path".

Thanks for reading and if you see me wandering through Laguna looking for "The Path" in my little grey Subaru, please say hello and let me know if you have any directions!!! Cole

Laguna Beach Weekend Events

Good afternoon and happy Friday. I know that I normally have this all up and running much earlier then this. All the usual suspects are still in full swing...The Marvelous Wonderettes & Cabaret are still singing, The SawDust Festival, Art-A-Fair and The Festival of Arts are still there for the taking, The Pageant of the Masters is still in focus and the Farmer's Market is still supplying Saturday morning. As for the other happenings, away we go:

Saturday:

1. Art Goes Green: Eco Friendly Design-This is at the Festival of Arts and in collaboration with Endangered Planet Foundation. This is the 1st official Art Goes Green day from 1pm to 4pm at the Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org.
2. "For the Bible tells me so" documentary-This documentary by Daniel Karslake discusses if the love between two people can ever be an abomination, is the chasm between homosexuals and Christianity too wide to cross and how can the Bible be used to justify hate? Beginning at 7:30pm at the Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann's Drive. This a free screening with coffee and desert on the patio starting at 6:45pm. There will be a Q & A immediately following the screening. For information contact Julie Phillips at (949) 497-2343.

Sunday

1. "Art of Cooking" Seminar-Once again from 1 to 2pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at http://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org/.
2. Blues Fest-The Sunday Blues Fest continues at 2pm to 4pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at http://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org/.
3. Beatles' Classics-The Sunday performances with Jason Freddy and Friends continues at 6pm to 8pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at http://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org/.

As the weeks go by in summer, I am glad to have seen and heard of few problems in our little community and also enjoy all the fun to be had here! Keep having fun out there and being safe.

Thanks for reading and if you see me wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hello!!! Cole

Laguna Real Estate one of select few

According to statistics recently released, Laguna is one of only FOUR zip codes to show an increase in median home value from the same time last year. The four zip codes were 92651 (Laguna Beach, of course), 92662 (one of Newport Beach's, which was up a whopping 47%), 92657 (Newport Coast) and 92625 (Corona Del Mar). The average for the county was a 20% drop in median prices. As you can see it was localized in this area, but the down side was that the number of home sales dipped 32.5% for all of Orange County and 52% in Laguna! The nice homes are selling right now. Others are chasing the market.

We have larger than normal inventories, which create the choices for the buyers. If the buy can choose between two homes, one of which is updated and remodeled or one that is essentially original (outdated), but both are prices similar or close enough to compare, the buyers are moving on the former. We also have the "distress" properties that are starting to leak into Laguna's market. We had been relatively insulated, but they are starting to drive buyers, with pricing below market! If the market can move them quick enough to have the effect trickle up to the rest of the listed homes, we will have a much swifter recovery from the slow sales. If on the other hand we see the "distress" properties become too great a number, we could be seeing more price reductions. Then, Laguna won't be in the "select few" with median price increases from the year previous.

The moral of the story is that homes are selling (slowly) and the nice homes are selling for statistically more than before, so we can continue to look for the light at the end of the tunnel and surf the wave right up to the shore!

Thanks for reading and if you see me wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi!!! Cole

Laguna Beach Weekend Events - Part 2

Hello again out there in cyberland! Hope all are having a great Friday and maybe starting the weekend early. This will be the conclusion of the weekend events that are known to be scheduled.

Saturday:

1. Big Night of Comedy-Lynn Epstein is hosting the "One Very Funny Night" comedy show at 8:30pm at the Laguna Beach Woman's Club, 286 St. Ann's Drive. Doors open at 8pm and cost is $10 in advance and $12 at the door, cash only. (Must be 21 or older) For more information or to buy tickets in advance, visit www.lynnepstein.com or call (949) 290-4679.
2. "Art of Cooking" Seminar-Once again from 1 to 2pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at http://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org/.
3. Blues Fest-The Sunday Blues Fest continues at 2pm to 4pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at http://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org/.

Sunday:

1. South County Crosscultural Council Benefit-Rep. Loretta Sanchez, Congresswoman for the 47th Congressional District, will speak at a party to benefit the South County Cross-Cultural Council, to be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the home of Mary and Herb Rabe in Laguna Beach. Food will be provided by Mandarin King and other local restaurants. For more information about the event, please call (949) 497-3936.
2. Beatles' Classics-The Sunday performances with Jason Freddy and Friends continues at 6pm to 8pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at http://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org/.

I hope everyone has a fun, wonderful and safe weekend and if you see me wandering around Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi!!! Cole

Laguna Beach Weekend Events - Part 1

The usual suspects are still in full swing...meaning the SawDust Festival, Pageant of the Masters, Art-A-Fair, and the Festival of the Arts are still here for us to enjoy and as usual the Farmers Market will be there Saturday morning. As for the other things happening this weekend in Laguna, they are many and I will post this in two parts. Now here is today:

Friday:

1. The Marvelous Wonderettes-The show is running this weekend. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, matinees; 2 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, Thursday matinees; 2 p.m. July 10 & 24, Sunday evening; 7:30 p.m. August 3. Ticket Prices: $25 to $70 and special half price tickets for students, teachers, and military with ID: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings/ Saturday matinees. For information and to purchase tickets, call 949-497-2787, and for group sales, 949-497-2787 ext. 229.
2. Assistance League's Summer Sale-Located at the Turnabout Thrift Shop, 526 Glenneyre St. A garage sale will be held behind the shop. Call (949) 494-5977 for information.
3. Cabaret-The Artist Theatre, 650 Park Avenue performs at 8pm the 18th and 19th. Cost is $20-$25 for general reserved, $15-$20 for students and seniors and $10-$15 for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased through Gallimaufry'™s website at www.gallimaufry.info or by calling (949) 499-5060.

Thanks for reading and if you see me wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi!!! Cole

Laguna Beach Weekend Events

While the SawDust Festival, Art-A-Fair, The Festival of the Arts and the Pageant of The Masters march on daily, we also have other events to fill our weekends. Some may begin and run on throughout the summer. Others are just one time only hits.

Friday:

1. Preview of The Marvelous Wonderettes-This musical about 4 girls going to their 1958 prom will have a preview on the 11th and regular performances begin on Sunday the 13th at the Laguna Playhouse. For information and to purchase tickets, call 949-497-2787, and for group sales, 949-497-2787 ext. 229.

Saturday:

1. Summer Smooth Jazz Concert Series-Held at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road from 1pm to 4pm.
2. Fundraiser for China earthquake victims-Being held at the Mardarin Fine Art Gallery, 1294 South Coast Hwy from 6:30 to 9:30pm. Call (949) 376-9608 for information.

Sunday:

1. Methodist Women's Carwash-From 11:30am to 1pm at the Laguna Beach United Methodist Church, 21632 Wesley Drive. Call (949) 338-6135 or email Judy Pettigrew at ltcmom@cox.net for more information.
2. "Art of Cooking" Seminar-From 1 to 2pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org.
3. Blues Fest-The Sunday Blues Fest begins at 2pm to 4pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org.
4. Beatles' Classics-The Sunday performances with Jason Freddy and Friends begins at 6pm to 8pm at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org.

Thanks for reading and if anything needs to be added, please let me know. Have a great and safe weekend and if you see me wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi!!! Cole

Laguna Beach Real Estate

I have been accused of being a bit over analytical. But when it comes to this market of real estate, I keep having people come up to me for my opinion on homes.

I know that many homeowners are gloom and doom. I am one of the people who purchased during the last few years, so I theoretically have lost money...on paper. Since I am not selling or planning to sell my home, I actually haven't lost anything. I know that values have returned from the ether. We need to stop thinking that the real estate world is coming to an end! We haven't returned to values from the 1970's or 80's, we've returned to where we should have stopped in 2003-2004.

Some individuals, realtor's included, began to believe that values would never stop going up, or even slow down the increase. Well that has caused a lot of heartache and in the worst case, loss of home! Average prices have dropped, median prices have dropped, amount of homes for sale have increase, but for those who purchased for the right reason and with the truthful information about themselves are still holding on to their homes. The best place to invest, especially right now, is still real estate...as long as you are looking for LONG TERM investing! Whether we look into the crystal ball and it tells us that the market will go up or down in the immediate future, it doesn't matter for the long term. If you can TRUTHFULLY afford a piece of real estate to invest in for the long term, real estate won't let you down. I read all the doom and gloom in the paper...just as I did in the 1990's...and I know that those who understood bought! Those who didn't waited until the press, news and media told them to buy and then were upset that they had to fight for the property...not only that...they had to pay more for the privilege to fight for the property. I'm not saying to buy or sell because the market is at the bottom...I'm not saying to buy because you can turn an immediate profit...I'm saying to buy (or sell to buy up) to enjoy LONG TERM wealth...to have something of your own for the long haul. I look at flipping very much like day-trading on the stock market...unless you have a large sum of expendable money, you may want to jump out your window right after you threw your computer out the window!!!

Laguna Beach has been slightly insulated by it's proximity to the water, but that didn't last forever and we must be looking toward the future, not the past. The real estate is worth what it is today, not what it was worth in 1970, 1980, 1990 or even last year! I have seen areas where up to 80% of all properties for sale are because of financial troubles, but we only had 22 out of over 360 as of last week. That will change. But if we use our intellect and planning we can reduce the chances in the future.

Thanks for reading and if you see me wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi!!! Cole

Laguna Beach 4th of July Weekend Events

Happy 4th of July! This last week seems to be a vacation week for many, which would include my blogging. My old college buddy, Wright R.S. Block, has been out for the last week visiting and because of that, I couldn't think of a thing original to say or write! Now as to the weekend ahead of us, it's going to be a bang, right. Lot's of Firework shows, but no playing with them and getting ourselves in trouble. Theme for the weekend: Happy, Safe & Sane!

Friday (4th of July):

1. God Bless the USA-From 10:30am to Whenever/TBA the Laguna Community Concert Band will perform patriotic favorites at the SawDust Festival, 935 Laguna Canyon Road. Call (888) 308-8324 for information.
2. Wine Tasting Party-The Laguna Canyon Winery at 2133 Laguna Canyon Road is hosting the party. Enjoy wine with hot food, snacks, bread, crackers & cheeses in the Steel Tank/Wine Room. Drop in without reservations from 6 to 9pm. Cost is $30 and there will be live music. For information, call Marlowe Huber at (949) 715-9463 or email info@lagunacanyonwinery.com.

Saturday:

1. Farmers Market-Once again we can go stock up on natural foods in the parking lot next to City Hall on Forest from 7am.
2. Adopt Your Street/Beach Pick-up-This is the 1st Saturday of the month ritual held by Zero Trash Laguna from 8am to whenever at various streets and beaches in Laguna. After the parties that most likely brought people from out of the area into Laguna, we need to put our hands together and pick up whatever we can!

Sunday:

1. The Festival of the Arts!-Another piece of the Laguna Summer jigsaw puzzle falls into place on this day. From 10am to 11:30pm at the Irvine Bowl, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. Approximately 150 painters, sculptors, ceramists, jewelers, photographers and other artist will display and sell original works in this juried show. $7 for a season pass, $4 for seniors and students. Laguna residents and military are free with proper ID, as are children under 12 years of age. In honor of the 75th anniversary of the show, there is a special 75 cent admission fee after 7:50pm. There will be free workshops, tours & demonstrations throughout the days and some lessons for fees if interested.

Additionally the SawDust Festival and the Art-A-Fair are still going strong to make there lots of entertainment for the holiday weekend. Please enjoy yourself this weekend and be safe! Thanks for reading and if you see me wandering around Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi!!! Cole

Laguna Beach Weekend Events

And so summer begins...I mean, events that going on during summer...The Summer Season! I do hope that the weather is perfect all summer long. Since we're here in this perfect little town, Laguna, why can't we have perfect weather to go along with it? So with the first weekend of the summer events, we will start to get quite busy out there. Let's make sure that calm heads prevail and we all have wonderful times. I am now stepping off the "soap box" and here is the events for the weekend:

Friday:

1. Art-A-Fair-Opening day for the Art-A-Fair is from 10am to 9pm and is located at 777 Laguna Canyon Road. Art-A-Fair is open 7 days a week and allows the opportunity to view and acquire art directly from the artist exhibitors. There are special demonstrations and lectures on how the artist's works are created, free workshops and supervised children's art activities. Restaurants serve lunch and dinner. Cost is $7 for adults (Military or groups of 20 or more are $3.50) Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Weekly Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 10am to 9pm, Friday & Saturday 10am to 10pm.
2. SawDust Art Festival-The 42nd annual SawDust Art Festival located at 935 Laguna Canyon Road opens it's doors at 10am to 10pm for the new season. "Summer of Enchantment" will feature creations from 202 Laguna Beach artists and will offer themed music and entertainment, art classes, artist demonstrations and art tours...to name a few of the things offered! Food and beverages are available at the outdoor cafes. Cost is $7 for adults, Seniors $6 age 65 & up, Children $3 age 6 to 12 and free for children under 5 years of age. Summer season passes are $20 and the annual pass, which gives you unlimited admission into the summer and winter shows, is $25. There are free city trolleys from paid parking lots.

Saturday:

1. Farmer's Market-As usual in the parking lot next to City Hall on Forest Avenue at 7am. Come and eat fresh!
2. Amateur Radio Demo-The Laguna Beach Emergency Communications Team will be hosting their 10th annual Field Day event, which is a 24 hour event from 11am Saturday to 11am Sunday at the Fire Road, between Moulton Park Meadows Park and Top of the World, to demonstrate the capabilities of amateur radio. LBECT is a volunteer group within the Laguna Beach Police Department. All Laguna Beach residents and visitors are welcome and there is no charge. They will provide the means to send radiograms to family friends, upon request. There will be an information table as well as several radio stations and even a station for visitors to try to make a contact on amateur radio. For information, contact John Kountz, Chief Radio Officer, Laguna Beach Emergency Communications Team, (949) 494-8783
3. Candle Making Class-Pure Light is demonstrating candle making from 11:30am to 3pm at 821 Laguna Canyon Road. They will have a different Summer themed Barbeque torch candle daily from June 28th to July 3rd. Guests can create their own personal candle, with mementos within (bring something to remind you of Laguna, or a photo, they will laminate it) for $25. For more information, simply click their link above or call (949) 376-7200.
4. Wine Tasting-Taste and learn about 8 different wines for $1 from 1pm to 4pm at the Laguna Culinary Arts Gourmet Cheese and Wine Shop and Cafe, 845 Laguna Canyon Road. For more information, call (949) 494-0745.
5. Free Outdoor Movie-The Laguna Beach Film Society presents a free outdoor screening of "The Whale Rider" at 7:30pm at Lang Park on Wesley Drive. Bring your blankets and picnic dinner to watch the New Zealand fairy tale about an 11 year old Maori girl who communicates with whales through song!

Sunday:

1. A Very Special Event for the Love of Mother Earth-This event from 10am to noon at 1041 Marine Drive is hosted by Summer Bacon. It is a donations only event and 100% of the proceeds will be donated and divided between two Laguna Beach non-profit organizations, The Pacific Marine Mammal Center and The Laguna Ocean Foundation. Please join, on a beautiful green lawn overlooking the ocean of Laguna Beach, for a morning of guided toning, prayer and meditation for a world in turmoil--for the healing of Mother Earth, and all of its inhabitants. There will be ample parking due to an agreement to use the parking lot down the road from the home. Bring a beach chair (no high backed chairs, please), or a blanket. Dress comfortably. And, if you would like to join them on the beach afterwards, please bring a sack lunch. For more information, email Bruce Royer or call (949) 715-6977.

As we roll into summer, we are treated to the best there is to offer and let's hope we give the best of ourselves back! Thanks for reading, have a wonderful & safe weekend and if you see me wandering around Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi!!! Cole

Summer begins in Laguna

Thankfully the temperature is a little cooler this week than last week and now we see the beginnings of the Laguna Summer season...The SawDust Festival begins tomorrow (June 27th). As we all drive up and down Laguna Canyon we see the SawDust grounds, Art-A-Fair and The Festival of the Arts...to name a few landmarks...and soon we will spending even more time sitting in front of them in the traffic from them!!! The area, Laguna Beach, is beautiful and I know the summer programs, that are available, are part of the complete package that is, Laguna Beach. So we will have to deal with the traffic or avoid the area. We don't have any solutions from the powers that be at this time, but maybe with the increased pressure that we place on them each year, that will change.

The performances and displays always intrigue and amaze me so I will continue to support them and then drive directly in the opposite direction from them! If anyone has a solution, I and probably a whole lot of people would like to hear it.

Enjoy the summer season and thanks for reading. If you see me wandering through Laguna...or sitting in traffic, please say hi!!! Cole

Melting away in Laguna

OK, someone turned the heater on MAX and forgot to turn it off!!! These last few days have been extremely hard to believe. It has felt like a sauna in Laguna! For those of us who aren't meteorologists, what the heck is going on. I can handle warm weather, when you work your way up to it...not when you suddenly change from the 70's to the 100's, in what seems like, overnight.

Fine, I'm done complaining. I hope that everyone that was out in the sun used a lot of sunscreen and had a wonderful time this weekend. For me it was work days, but I had the pleasure of speaking with some old friends! I recently found an old friend from 10 years ago...I felt like saying the line from "Grosse Point Blank"..."10 YEARS MAN, WHERE YOU BEEN!" It makes me feel young again to speak with past friends. While I have remained down here Behind the Orange Curtain as they would say, they have moved to other parts of Southern California. I've said before that I love the way Laguna makes me feel, but I am still intrigued by how it is a complete opposite reaction by some. I guess they don't have the right mentality to have it get under their skin and really take hold.

So we will continue to wander through life and enjoy the beauty that Laguna throws at us each day...whether it be raining, sunny, hot, cold or something else...it is still beautiful and enriching...at least to me!

Thanks for reading and if you see me wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi!!! Cole

Laguna Beach Weekend Events

Welcome to another Friday! It has been a warm week and let's root for a wonderful weekend to follow. And to the weekend events:

Saturday:

1. Farmer's Market-As usual in the parking lot next to City Hall on Forest Avenue and starting around 7am.
2. Festival de Musique-Laguna Beach's sister city, Menton, France, will be honored with a series of concerts from noon to 4pm. The "First Day of Summer" event will feature many different styles of American and French music at various locations on Forest Avenue and culminating with an organ concert at the Christian Science Church. The event will begin at the Presbyterian Church Rose Garden, 415 Forest Avenue. Contact Carol Reynolds at (949) 497-0986.
3. DeLagunatic benefit-Lagunatic's will hold a benefit show from 8pm to ??? (TBA) at the Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann's Drive. The "roast of the coast" will feature past favorites and cast members of the beneficiary, who is suffering from ALS/Lou Gehrig's Disease, and past cast member, Deborah Harris. There is a Gala Party that starts at 6pm and then the performance will begin at 8pm in Bridge Hall. Cost is $150 and are on sale via telephone at the church, (949) 494-8061 Ext. 14.
4. Keep it Wild Volunteer Day-The Laguna Canyon Foundation is holding it's volunteer day at (3) Three sites from 8 to 11am: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Crystal Cove State Park and Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. REI will provide water, snacks and complimentary T-shirts to volunteers at all locations. For more information or directions, call (949) 497-8324 or email lagunacf3@lagunacanyon.org.

Sunday:

1. Wine Seminar-The Montage Resort & Spa is once again holding a wine seminar at the Loft Bistro, 30801 S. Coast Hwy, from 2 to 4pm. Cost is $25 per person. For more information, call (949) 715-6420.

Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful weekend out there and if there is anything that you know of that you see missing, please let me know and I will correct this horrible mistake! Please be safe and if you see me wandering around Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi!!! Cole

Random thoughts of Laguna keep me awake!

I normally am awake early to coordinate my schedule with my wife, who works 5am to 5pm shifts, but I am sitting here awake tonight with too much on my mind. I am writing in hopes that it will allow me to sleep soon.

So why are we here? That is a question I have asked before and will probably always be searching for an answer to! Are we here to help ourselves, others, the world (society, that is) or nature (the planet, solar system and everything)? Are we here to find the reason or is the reason only a motivational item? Do we only have the things around us to make us happy or is there something deep, emotional, spiritual or otherwise that we have to look forward to?

I have spent many a sleepless evening contemplating this. I have found that I enjoy making others happy, but other than emotional benefits, it wouldn't help me survive. (I haven't found anyone willing to pay normal people to make people happy) That means I have to find a way to earn money to pay for housing and food...that kinda sucks! Anywho, I did for a time find that helping people get the car of their dreams made me feel good and made me money. Unfortunately, we all know what a hassle buying and selling cars is! Thus I moved on.

As I said before, I originally started this blog to change preconceived views of Laguna, but I also have learned that it has changed me. I love the way I feel in Laguna...it uplifts me! I wander through the day thinking that I can help someone. I have always wanted to help those who want to help themselves but lacked the means. So now I sit at open houses or in my office, waiting for the chance to help someone realize their dreams. I'm still in sales (per se), but I feel like I can just be helpful rather that sell something. Now I still feel...and probably always will...that I am not in the right place yet, which is another reason why I'm writing this instead of asleep.

So, back to where I started on this post this evening! Am I where I need to be? Am I doing what I need to be doing? Or am I diverted off the path due to the fact that, without money we can not live? I am thinking that I won't figure this out...especially this evening! But at least by putting it down in words and broadcasting it for the world to see, I can sleep better knowing that someone may be able to not only hold me accountable for my goals...but maybe they might be able to assist along the path!!! I am still not sure if I will be able to sleep better after writing this or if it will just get me thinking even more.

Well, I am going to try anyway. Any of you insomniacs out there reading this, please forgive me for once again delving deep into my psyche. Thanks for reading and if you see my wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi to hopefully keep me awake at the wheel!!! Cole

Animals of Laguna Beach

I have spent some time and taken a couple of our visitors to do the same at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. The center is a non-profit there only to help the animals. They are there to assist them when they beach themselves when they are ill. They spend the time nursing them and feeding them. The seals and sea lions are adorable and cute to see.

I am unfortunately saddened by the fact that every time we have gone there, we are the only ones there. You can feel the love from the people who are working so hard to help these animals work their way back to the wild and you just feel for the animals as they stare at you or bark out in possession of their territory. I love these cute little guys and gals and I hope they all get back to the wild.

Please, the next time you have some time to say hello to them, stop in and while you're there give some money to make sure we can have them well taken care of. These animals are out there in the waters playing and looking for food, while we are worried about all the strange intricacies of life. I still wonder who's better off! But when they need our help, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, is there!!! The least we, as the general public, can do is let them know we care and know their work is appreciated.

Thanks for reading and if you see me wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi and follow me to the cute little animals.

Laguna Beach Weekend Events

Hello and congrats...we made our way to another weekend in Laguna!!! Let's celebrate. Now this weekend promises to be special, considering it will start with Friday the 13th and then end with Father's Day. Let's take a look at the events already planned.

Friday:

1. Piano & Vocal Jazz-April Spain performs from 7 to 11pm on Friday & Saturday at the Cedar Creek Inn, 384 Forest Avenue.
2. Voices in Wartime-Join JOY (Justice Outreach and You) Ministry at Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann's Drive, at 7pm fora unique experience of film, poetry, dance and conversation. Special guests John Gardiner, The Laguna Poet, and the multi-talented songwriter, storyteller, Mark Turnbull, will guide us in our journey. Dessert and coffee will be served. For information contact Sally Barron.

Saturday:

1. Saturday Morning Jazz-10am at the Laguna Coffee Company. Call (949) 494-6901 for information.
2. Farmer's Market-As usual, in the parking lot next to City Hall on Forest Avenue. Come and grab some wonderful fresh treats!!!
3. Homeless forum-A Community Homeless Forum will be held from 9 to 11am at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue. For information, call (949) 497-0398.
4. Women's Earth Ways-Maria Yraceburu, 13 generation Quero Apache Diiyin or Holy One, will lead a day of ceremony for women on Women's Earth Ways from 10am to 5pm at the Laguna Beach United Methodist Church, 21632 Wesley Drive. Preregistration is required at Yraceburu.org and the cost is $150.

Sunday-Happy Father's Day:

1. Wine Seminar-At the Montage Resort and Spa, Loft Bistro, 30801 S. Coast Hwy, from 2 to 4pm. $25 per person. For information, call (949) 715-6420.
2. U.S. Open-Final round of the national championship of golf will be on a television near you, unless you are lucky enough to have tickets to the tournament, which is being played down the 5 freeway at Torrey Pines...sorry, I know this isn't happening in Laguna, but I still have golf deep in my blood!

Those of you traveling around to see their loved ones, please be safe...as usual...and have a wonderful weekend. In case you didn't notice, there was no reference to the Thalia Surf contest...it FINALLY happened last weekend!!! I was beginning to worry that we were never going to get good conditions again. Well, crisis narrowly averted!

Thanks for reading and let me know if any of you out there find anything happening that I missed. Have fun and if you see me wandering around Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi!!! Cole

Where's the LOVE, Laguna???

After reading about the young teacher from Laguna Niguel that was killed as a passenger in a car accident last Friday, which was possibly caused by driving under the influence, I began to think...once the pain went away...just kidding...I haven't put any soul searching Laguna posts in here in a while. I also started to notice that, judging by the police blotter, we seem to have quite a few drunk drivers out there on our hands.

I was young and stupid at one time...I still think of myself as young, but not AS stupid...so why would you risk yours and other's lives and the anguish that it would cause your loved ones if something happened. Now, as I said before, I am not completely innocent. Why, I was "stupid" and believed that I was a "better" driver while drunk because I follow the laws of the road more to the book when drunk...other than the fact that I was drunk. Looking back, I was not only stupid, but also insane!!! The whole point is your judgement is inhibited while under the influence.

So, long ago, I changed my ways and cleaned up my act. I did this by conscious decision and thought it would be easy for everyone else to do the same. Unfortunately, the "influencing chemicals" may not allow others to do so, or maybe they don't care, or maybe they aren't intelligent enough to do so. Whatever the reason, I believe that we all instinctively don't want to harm ourselves and other, but our actions can be the complete opposite.

I am one of the very, very few who can say they were hit by a drunk driver and wasn't seriously hurt (whiplash was the extent of the physical injuries), thank heavens! But as I sit hear thinking my "deep thoughts" about life today, I wonder...why?!? Why was I lucky and others have not been? Why do people still do so many things that harm themselves and those around them? I have been asked before what my legacy here would be. I still like the idea of making people happy...putting a smile on faces! If we all made it our passion in life to simply give your beautiful heartfelt energy...your "life-force"...with no thought of what we would get in return, true magic, healing and miracles would happen.

We are all living here in this universe of energy...together. Let's start treating everyone we meet, not as a stranger, but as a part of ourselves that we may not know or understand yet! This little town of Laguna is one of the places in the world where I have felt closest to this idea and I would love to "infect" the rest of the universe with a undiluted form of the infectious virus called LOVE!!!

I promise to try to find the undiluted and unmutated version of LOVE for as long as I exist...in this life or another. So for any of you out there interested in joining my search for the "Question to the ultimate answer of life, the universe and everything" (I already know the answer is 42 thanks to Douglas Adams, now I just need the question), the quest for the "holy grail", or whatever you would like to call it...the search for UNTAINTED LOVE, please join me!!! I have tried to follow paths and they have made me feel spectacular amounts of love, I am still waiting for someone to point me in the right direction to find that perfect level. Maybe we aren't supposed to, maybe that is the idea behind life...to always search and strive, and when we find it, everything will be over. I don't know, but I am so looking forward to the journey.

Join me if you dare! I would love the company...and I think it will be fun and enlightening.

Thanks and if you see me wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi and we will exchange some lovely energy!!! Cole

Laguna Beach through Power lines

Some of Laguna's best views have them destroyed by power lines. I deal with this issue a lot. I am currently looking out toward the ocean and in the process am looking through power lines!!!

Certain areas have taken the first step and they have been placed below ground. Unfortunately, most areas have not. The homeowners need to realize that the benefits, from a standpoint of property values will far out way the costs associated.

Why do they not do it then? I understand from some homeowners that they can't afford to add them to their budget, but maybe they haven't had it completely explained to them. Yes, there would be inconveniences and costs. Those could never out way, not only the property value increase, but additionally the intrinsic value of the enjoyment of the better view!!! The city would have to be involved and that will also cost money for the city, but they would benefit from having a more tourist appealing town.

The argument from the city may be that they won't spend because they won't see the benefit, but they will. The better the views, the more tourism and property values increase and that translates into more tax revenues.

The end result of the expense would leave happier, healthier and more beautiful skylines and people. I love the views in Laguna, but I can see the potential, also. Oh, and there would be less power poles to run into!

Anywho, thanks for reading and if you see me wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi!!! Cole

Laguna Beach Jazz

Part of Laguna's artistic charm has to be musical. I wanted to remind everyone that the summer season of events are beginning to hit the calendar.

The popular "Jazz Wednesdays" by Laguna Beach Live! opens with Luther Hughes and the Cannonball/Coltrane Project from 6 to 8pm this Wednesday. It will be in the outdoor rose garden of Hotel Laguna, 425 S. Coast Hwy. Cost: $10. Information: Laguna Beach Live! or call (949) 715-9713.

Have fun and get your groove on! Thanks for reading and if you see me wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi and tell me to turn up the music! Cole

Big city issues in our little Laguna

For those of you who live in a cave and didn't have knowledge of the "Anthrax scare" that engulfed Laguna on Friday the 30th of May, we aren't out of the limelight. Even though we are a "quaint, little, cute" town, we still have to worry about the real world. I would have never thought that hazmat squads and FBI agents would be taking over downtown to investigate and cordon off, but it happened.

So here we are in this wonderful little town surrounded by the "normal" world, which seems to want to either shoot, blow up or something to each other. I have spoken with a lot of people who like the fact they feel safe enough to have their doors unlocked...will that last? I hope so!!!

From the information that I have heard and read, the situation on that Friday was handled quickly and efficiently. That gives me confidence that we can be safe even if we are surrounded by the "terrors" of the normal world!

I hope we all can realize that we only hurt ourselves when we try to damage or hurt others...we're all in this together and I know that I only want to see people happy...all people!!!

So please join me in a big, collective hug, and let's see if we can all be nice. Try this...think of your goal in life as, making every person you meet happier then they were before you met!!!

Thanks for reading and if you see me wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi and if possible we can share a hug!!! Cole

Laguna Surf Contests

For those of you who have read and noticed that I have continued to mention the Big Thalia Surf contest to happen on that weekend or the next or next...we seem to be having some wave issues around here. I have seen, read and been told that this contest would happen without fail on the Memorial Day weekend and that the Brooks Street contest would also find a weekend to have it completed...every year.

Now we can't even get one set of waves. What's the world coming to! We can't live without surfing!!! The Brooks Street contest hasn't been held since 2005 and we are running the risk of having the Thalia contest drowned (pardon the pun). Well, once again they are waiting for the waves to come the Thalia this weekend.

Let's hope they do come and we don't have our hopes washed away with shin slappers! Please let the 8 to 10 foot waves with perfect form start making their wave to the beach right now!!!

Thanks for reading and if you see me wandering around Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi! Cole

Laguna Beach Weekend Events - Part 1

Once again the weekend will be detailed in two posts due to meetings and the paper-person's habit of sleeping in! I hope everyone out there is wonderful, I just did a marathon drive to Vegas (to Vegas on Wednesday and back on Thursday) to spend a day with my wife who was already there for business. The misty, almost rain like conditions of Laguna on Wednesday were very calm compared to the winds there were out in the high desert going to Vegas! Ok, on to business:

Friday:

1. Woman of the Year Luncheon-The Laguna Beach Woman's Club will hold the luncheon at 11:30am at 286 St. Ann's Drive, Laguna Beach, CA. Cost is $40 & must be purchased in advance. For more information, call (949) 497-1200.
2. Sunset Serenedes-Bob Hawkins will play the Blues Guitar from 6:30 to sunset on Main Beach.
3. Laguna Beach Rotary Club Meeting-12pm to TBA at Hotel Laguna will be discussing current Real Estate Market and Financing in Laguna Beach. Cost for luncheon is $25. For more information, call Club President Jan Herkelrath (949) 499-2309 or email at seajan1@verizon.net.

Saturday:

1. Island Party-No Square Theatre presents the 3rd annual Laguna Resource and Relief Center Island Party from 6-10pm. Live entertainment, door prizes, silent auction, tropical refreshments and a sampling of Lagunatics. Tickets $50 in advance and at door. Proceeds benefit the Laguna Resource and Relief Center. Sponsors packages are available.
2. Adopt Your Street/Beach Pick-up-ZeroTrashLaguna, the grassroots community movement working to keep our streets and beaches free of trash, invites you to join in on the 1st Saturday of each month from 8am to TBA.
3. Farmers Market-Going on down next to City Hall in the parking lot on Forest 1st thing in the morning.

Sunday:

1. Wine Seminar-In the Loft Bistro of the Montage Resort & Spa from 2-4pm. Cost is $25 per person. Call (949) 715-6420
2. Chorale Concert-The Laguna Beach Chorale will present a concert at 7pm at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 428 Park Avenue, Laguna Beach. Works will include Mozart's "Solemn Vespers" and folk songs arranged by Luboff and Rutter, complete with chamber orchestra. General admission $15, Students and Seniors $10. Child care provided. For more information, call Resch at (949) 218-0973.

As I have more to add, I will bring it out here. Have a wonderful and safe weekend and if you see me wandering around Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi! Cole

Aliso Canyon Redevelopment Plan

The Athens Group gave us the access and the tour, but I still feel skittish about this redevelopment plan.

Are we allowing them to alter nature? I'm split on that. I know there is non-indigenous plants in the creek, but if we remove the plants and "clean" the creek by clearing it out, will the animals return. The construction that will happen will change animals way of life and those that have gone (because of the state of the current creek) or that are still there, may not return if the area is unsafe and unusable for them for a few years!

I know that amelioration is important for the land, the economy and society, but are the costs too high. I am just not sure!

What should we do? What are your thoughts out there in cyber-land? Convince me one way or the other, because I don't feel like we have enough information yet!!!

I look forward to your thoughts and compelling arguments, and if you see me wandering around Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi and then convince me that we should or shouldn't let this happen.

Local School API scores released

Hello all. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I have been dealing with clients, who have children, and the topic of schooling almost always works it's way in. So I was glad to see the coverage that the news sources have given.

Now, the local schools scored in the top end of the state grading scale. Some were at the "9" level, which is considered nearly perfect and the majority received the "10" or perfect score. It was of interesting note that when compared to other "similar" schools, which they describe as student's ethnicity, socioeconomic status, average class size and number of credentialed teachers, to name some of the criteria, many of the same "perfect" or "nearly perfect" school received some of the lowest rating. I guess that makes them the "worst" of the "best"!

To give an example, I will compare the Laguna Beach High score with the Dana Hills High score. Dana Hills High was rated as a "10" in both the overall and comparative rankings and it's score was 825. Whereas, Laguna Beach High was rated as a "nearly perfect 9" in the overall, but a worst possible "1" rating in the comparative. Laguna Beach High's score was 811. If I were to look at the score comparison of 825 to 811, I wouldn't think that there was that much of a gap between those two schools. But that's just me. If you would like to get more information on a particular school, please go to API School Level Reports.

So, maybe it isn't a bad thing to be "nearly perfect" with a ranking of "9" and the worst of the best!!! If it is only about a 1.5% increase in test scores to be the "Best of the Best", it seems to me not only that much too worry about, but also, a extra few minutes of studying to reach the top!!!

Good luck out there students and keep up the good work!!! Thanks for reading and if you see me wandering around Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi! Cole

Big Thalia Surf Contest (Take 2) - This weekend

I was once again reminded by my faithful reader Kim Thacker that the Surf contest from last weekend was postponed until this weekend and will be held down at Thalia. This will be held one on Saturday or Sunday...depending on wave conditions. Run on down and say hello to Kim and thank her for reminding me again!

Once again, have a great weekend, and if you see me wandering through Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi! Cole

Laguna Beach Weekend Events - Part 2

Hello again avid readers. I am here to update the weekend events! Yippee! Hope no one died from the anticipation.

Friday:

1. Sunset Serenades; Singer/songwriter Jason Feddy will perform on Main beach from 6:30pm to sunset. For more information, call (949) 497-0722.


2. Tea Party; Pure Light, 821 Laguna Canyon Road, will hold a Girls' Night Out Spiritual Tea party from 5 to 9pm. $75 includes a 15-minute tea leaf reading, 15-minute seated massage, music, candlemaking and refreshments. For information or to RSVP, call (949) 376-7200 or email info@purelightcelebrations.com.

Saturday:

1. Mr. LBHS; A "mangeant", a male beauty pageant will be held by the Laguna Beach High School at 7:30pm in the Dugger Gym. Tickets are $5 at the door; all proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.


2. Skim Celebration; Victoria Skimboards, 2955 Laguna Canyon Road, is holding a summer kickoff from 10am to 5pm. For information, call (949) 494-0059 or go to http://www.victoriaskimboards.com/.


3. Bali Party; Bali-themed party held by Pure Light, 821 Laguna Canyon Road, from 3 to 8pm. For information, call (949) 376-7200 or go to http://www.purelightcelebrations.com/.

Sunday:

1. Author Event; Elizabeth George, author of the Thomas Lynley mystery series, will read and sign at a free 2pm event at the Woman's Club of Laguna Beach, 286 St. Ann's Drive.


2. Open Mic Night; Hosted by No Square Theatre from 5:30 to 8:30pm at the Laguna Beach Woman's Club, 286 St. Ann's Drive. Free! For information, visit http://www.nosquare.org/.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and gets to enjoy this beautiful time of the year here in Laguna. Thanks for reading and if you see me wandering around Laguna in my little grey Subaru, please say hi. Cole