OUR LAGUNA: Leaders list accomplishments, Part 2

Ninety community and business leaders had 90 minutes at the annual Leadership Luncheon to share their top accomplishments in 2007 and their goals for 2008. It took us two columns to cover the event.

This week: some representatives of the arts, health, church and faith-based groups, educators and politician get their say. We’ve missed some and we are sorry, all the more reason to attend the luncheon to hear first hand what has been done, what folks are planning to do and get in on the act.

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The Arts

The abrupt resignation of Rick Stein as executive director of the Laguna Playhouse in 2007 was a shocker, so it was hardly a surprise that hiring a replacement was a top priority.

“My goal is not to have to go through that again,” said Andy Barnicle, Playhouse creative director.

Laguna Beach Live! started an endowment fund for the Laguna Beach Music Festival in 2007, announced founder Cindy Prewitt. Laguna Art Museum Director Bolton Colburn said consensus had been reached last year to focus efforts on the current site. The 90th anniversary of the Laguna Beach Art Assn., which first built the sales gallery on North Coast Highway and Cliff Drive that morphed into the museum, will be celebrated this year.

Sawdust Festival spokeswoman Rebecca Meekma announced Tom Klingenmeier has been named general manager. Julita Jones’ goal for the New Year is to find more space on private property for public art “” the mission of the Community Art Project folks.

Festival of Arts President Wayne Baglin wants a sold-out Pageant of the Masters.

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Health Care

Vera Martinez announced the Community Clinic had hired Shirley Lorenz last year as director of development. Lorenz said her goal is to keep the clinic an integral part of the community. Chris Loidolt reported the clinic was among the groups that benefits from donations by Hearts of Montage.

South Coast Medical Center CEO Bruce Christian championed bringing a 17-member heart team to the hospital as a major accomplishment. As for 2008: He wants to complete the master plan for the hospital campus.

Doctor’s Ambulance Service certified 4,000 people in CPR last year, according to Kay Kearney.

“That saves lives,” Kearney said.

Ellen Denver said the America Cancer Society is looking for captains for the 2008 Relay for Life fundraiser.

“The role of the Trauma Intervention Program is to comfort people in crisis,” said Sandy Hill. The group donated 45,000 volunteer hours in 2007, offering shoulders for families to cry on during stressful waiting times at hospitals or in the event of dire news.

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Church and faith

The Rev. Jerry Tankersley said the top accomplishment for Laguna Presbyterian Church was finally launching its renovation program.

Daga Krackowizer of the Interfaith Council said the group gained more visibility in 2007 and she hopes to present more interfaith events in 2008.

Education

“One hundred percent of our students passed the [high school] exit exam,” Laguna Beach Unified School District Superintendent Bob Fraisse said.

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In higher education:

“We launched a new major in video-game art,” Laguna College of Art & Design President Dennis Power said.

And in 2008, the college will have its first commencement for a graduate degree class.

Terry Barman of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Laguna Beach hopes to the see the clubs’ preschool program accredited.

Madeleine Peterson reported the Laguna Beach branch of the American Assn. of University Women initiated a scholarship in 2007 for women returning to college and hopes to send six Thurston Middle school girls to the annual Tech Trek camp.

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Politicians

Mayor Jane Egly claimed her main accomplishment in 2007 was getting elected mayor by the council and her goal is to have the same smile on her face at the end of this year as she had at the beginning.

“My goal is to make sure Jane keeps smiling,” said Councilman Kelly Boyd.

Councilwoman Toni Iseman touted the council’s recent decision to name Menton, France, as Laguna’s sister city “” tout sweet.

While she wants to increase Euros coming our way in 2008, Iseman also wants to reduce traffic.

“We still have South Coast Medical Center and now we have a receptionist at City Hall,” exulted Councilwoman Cheryl Kinsman, happy that two of her main goals for 2007 had been accomplished. Assistant City Manager John Pietig said his goals for 2008 were defined by the council members who spoke at the luncheon. Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider was unable to attend because of work commitments at the South Coast Medical Center Foundation. But she got her chance at the City Council retreat Saturday. See page A1.

“I am very pleased to have been instrumental in bringing about a change of publishers for our Municipal Code in hard copy and an online version on the city’s website,” City Clerk Martha Anderson said. Her office goal is to continue to provide the community with the service it deserves and expects.

“On a personal level, I hope to be reelected so I can be the one to provide it,” Anderson said.

City Treasurer Laura Parisi remarked that the city’s interest income came in ahead of budget and was biggest contributor to the increase in the city’s reserve fund.

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All-Around Good Guys

Charlie Quilter, president of the Patriots Day Parade for the umpteenth time, announced “Stars and Stripes Forever” will be the theme this year. Harry Lawrence will serve as grand marshal. Hotel Laguna owner Claes Andersen was named Citizen of the Year. World War II medic Bob Meyerhof was chosen Patriot of the Year.

Barbara Painter will reprise her role as a volunteer “” she used to spend more time at the high school than most teachers.

Rosalind Russell, known to many as the “goat lady,” is counting on donations to help finance her trips to Nepal to provide assistance to women and children.

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.