OUR LAGUNA: Laguna leaders share accomplishments

The annual Leadership Luncheon founded and hosted by Bobbi Cox is a grown-up version of show and tell.

Brochures, printed announcements of events and the new edition of the annual Community Directory were distributed to the participants. Community and business leaders shared the accomplishment in the previous year of which they were most proud and their top goal for the New Year.

“Everyone in this room is a leader,” said Cox in her opening remarks at the 21st luncheon, held Jan. 10 at the Hotel Laguna.

She urged the participants to expand their efforts.

“Be a mentor,” Cox said. “Bring in new people into town, who don’t even know you exist.”

Each speaker is given one minute — and they better be prepared. Cox wields a mean timer.

But even she had trouble packing in everything she wanted to say in 60 seconds.

Cox, whose interests range from the arts to her real estate company to promoting community activities, was thrilled to be asked in 2007 to be on the board of the Irvine Barclay Theater. Her goal for 2008 is to get more people to participate — doesn’t matter in what.

Updates from community groups

 Bea Field, executive director of the Susi Q Senior Center, under construction on Third Street, said her goal is to make a smooth transition to the new facility and to increase membership.

 Laguna Beach Seniors Inc. Vice President Darcy Beckel would like to see the center’s Founders Wall filled with local names. Capital Campaign co-chair Ann Quilter would like to see contributions that would put names on some of the rooms in the center.

Her other goal is to dance with Cox on the floor of the exercise room at the center, named for Cox in appreciation for the $50,000 she donated to the capital campaign.

 Lee Winocur Field, the president of the Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach, urged luncheon participants to use the clubhouse for events.

 Former Mayor Ann Christoph cited Village Laguna’s proposed development guidelines for the Athens Group project in Aliso Canyon as a major accomplishment.

 Jason Kelso is hoping to increase membership in the Lawn Bowling Club this year.

 Laguna Beach Taxpayers Assn. President Martha Lydick praised the city for the many projects it was able to complete in 2007 despite the Bluebird Canyon landslide drain on funds.

For 2008: “Keep up the good work,” she said.

 Jean Raun, grande dame of the Laguna unit of the League of Women Voters, proclaimed the league’s immigration study was its major accomplishment in 2007.

Looking further back, Raun reminisced about the days when the first drink ordered at the hotel bar cost whatever the ocean temperature was that day — usually about 61 to 67 cents.

She is looking forward to the Great Decisions program, due to start soon.

 Speaking for the Friends of the Library, Peggy Ford said getting Ray Bradbury as a speaker in 2007 would be hard to beat.

“Raising the rest of the money to improve the lighting is our goal for 2008,” Ford said.

 Marine Mammal Center Director of development and Marketing Melissa Sciacca’s finest hour in 2007 was when the outdoor pools were completed for our flippered friends.

 Connie Burlin said breakfast with Laguna Beach Exchange Club is always an accomplishment. The club’s breakfasts traditionally herald the beginning and end of the annual summer tourist season in town.

The Assistance League of Laguna Beach donated $45,000 in 2007 toward the senior center.

From the business community

The Leadership Luncheon is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and it was well represented.

 Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Redeker was proudest of the successful Rotary and chamber Grapes for Grads, which raised funds for the scholarships. He expects to expand the program this year.

“I am proud, as of the last nine days, to be the past President of the chamber,” said Dave Sanford. He also announced the opening of a new Super Dave’s shop in Laguna.

Chamber Executive Director Rose Hancock announced the annual Installation of Officers and the Spirit of Laguna Awards will be held Jan. 25.

“Many here today are nominees,” Hancock said.

 Laguna Beach Visitors and Conference Bureau Executive Director Judy Bijlani announced that the bureau won two marketing awards in 2007. Next year, the bureau will expand its association with the arts, which blossomed this year with the bureau’s participation in the early stages of a cultural exchange program with Menton, France.

  “I began to take art classes again in 2007 after 33 years,” said Joan Gladstone, principal of Gladstone International and consultant to Aliso Creek developer Athens Group.

“In 2008, I will continue to spread the word about the benefits of Athens Group’s proposal.”

Ditto Greg Vail.

 Gina’s Pizza owner Andrew Costa said being in business in town for 30 years was quite an accomplishment.

“That’s 150 in restaurant years,” he said.

 Longtime Laguna Beach businessman Harry Lawrence closed Warren Imports in 2007 after 61 years in business, with the help of his wife, Zahide.

“My goal is to have him live to be 100 years old,” she said.

 More than 500 weddings were held last year at Tivoli Too and Tivoli Terrace, Bobby Fader announced.

June Neptune’s goal for 2008 is to keep the brides and grooms really happy.

 Insurance broker Pat Freeman was a happy groom in 2007, who said his major accomplishment was getting married at 7 p.m., 7/7/07 to a lady he had known for seven years and seven months. How lucky is that?

 Citizens Business Bank Vice President and chamber board member Chris Lange is more than a businesswoman. She sang the Star Spangle Banner a capella in the opening ceremonies for the luncheon. She has a lot to sing about. The bank did $20 million in business last year.

 Bubbles of Laguna id=s the name of the bath and body shop at the Hotel Laguna, not the owner, chamber board member Catherine Wilkinson.

Her goal of 2008 is to interest residents in shopping and dinning down town.

Next week: achievements and goals of educators, churches, health care institutions, patriots, volunteers, etc., city officials and the city’s accomplishments in 2007.

OUR LAGUNA is a regular feature of the Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot. Contributions are welcomed. Write to Barbara Diamond, P.O. Box 248, Laguna Beach, 92652; hand-deliver to Suite 22 in the Lumberyard, 384 Forest Ave.; call (949) 494-4321 or fax (949) 494-8979.