OUR LAGUNA: Lengthy list of local leaders at luncheon

The timing was right for the annual Leadership Luncheon presented Jan. 15 at the Hotel Laguna by the Chamber of Commerce.

Luncheon founder Bobbi Cox kept the reports of 2008 achievements and 2009 goals on track with her non-negotiable timer.

“I am ruthless,” Cox warned the representatives of civic groups and businesses at the luncheon. Participants were given one minute to share their accomplishments last year and ambitions for this year. Cox, a Realtor and philanthropist, said her goal for 2009 is to lighten up and become less encumbered.

Not sure how she will accomplish this with all of her activities, including a charitable foundation she set up years ago and for which she is the sole decision maker, not to mention her business.

Cox then passed the microphone around the room, with a close eye on her ubiquitous timer and a quick hand at snatching the roving microphone.

“I am just wondering what the chances are of getting Bobbi to bring her timer to the next council meeting,” said City Clerk Martha Anderson, who monitors the speakers at the meetings and is not always as successful as Cox in silencing them.

But what the luncheon participants had to say was worth hearing. Here’s a sampling.

Major accomplishments in 2008:

“Putting on the 42nd annual Patriots Day Parade,” Charlie Quilter.

“Balancing business, family and council [duties],” Mayor Kelly Boyd, who has pledged to work to improve businesses conditions this year

“Getting used to the job,” Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Pat Bates.

“We exceeded 17,000 visits,” Community Clinic Chief Executive Dr. Tom Bent.

“We celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Pageant of the Masters and had our 11th sold-out year,” Festival of Arts Marketing Director Sharbie Higuchi.

Pageant Director DeeDee Challis Davy said the board would accept nothing less than another sold-out season for the coming year.

“We worked with the Senior Center, and the lobby will be named for us,” said the Soroptimist’s Diane Hruby.

“Everything in 2008 was done because of the people in this room,” supra-volunteer Sande St. John said. “And nothing has happened without the chamber.”

“Regained my health,” Harry “Mr. Laguna” Lawrence.

“The Boys and Girls Club of Laguna served more than 1,500 kids last year,” staff member Pam Estes.

“We raised money for the new lighting at the library,” Martha Lydick, Friends of the Laguna Beach Library President.

“Moving from a foreign country called Arkansas,” David Taylor of Assemblyman Chuck DeVore’s office.

“We hooked up with Words of Comfort, hope and promise, which supports the military,” Diane Connell, President of Laguna’s American Legion Auxiliary.

“I was thrilled to be reelected,” Anderson.

“Put together a new staff to keep artists playing nicely in their sand box,” Tom Klingenmeier, Sawdust Festival General Manager and the 2009 recipient of the Exchange Club’s Book of Golden Deeds; award chair Pat Freeman made that announcement.

“Working with [community organizations] and Athens Group to put on the walk in Aliso Creek,” Ginger Osborne, Village Laguna president.

“Obtaining a job on the council,” Councilwoman Verna Rollinger.

“Lagunatics,” lyrics writer Chris Quilter: “We make fun of everyone. The town is such a rich resource and all of you help us.”

“Accreditation, which is something most ambulance services don’t have,” said Shaun Tabor of Doctors Ambulance Service.

“Zero Trash Laguna,” Environmental Committee member Chip McDermott.

Greg Vail breathed a sigh of relief when the massive document containing 250 major and minor items in support of the Athens Group development project in Aliso Canyon was completed.

“Arts Orange County named the Playhouse the outstanding arts education organization,” Playhouse Artistic Director Andrew Barnicle.

Laguna Beach Unified School District Supt. Robert Fraisse brought his whole team of principals, counselors and staff to the luncheon.

“I am a little worried about the schools right now,” Fraisse said.

No need to fret. El Morro and Top of the World elementaries were named Distinguished Schools in 2008 and Laguna Beach High School was awarded the coveted Blue Ribbon. Thurston Middle School has been nominated as a Distinguished School this year.

Cindy Prewitt, founder of Laguna Beach Live!, brought a Blue Grass Festival and a new salon series to city music lovers last year.

Jen Prewitt, who said she obviously got her height from her dad rather than her petite mom, opened a new Carmel non-medical in-home care in Laguna.

Contractor Al Oligino summed it up 2008 — “If you are lucky enough to live in Laguna, every year is a good one,” he said.

Goals for 2009

“I want to second what Kelly said about working with [local] businesses,” Councilwoman Toni Iseman said. On a personal note, the Black Belt shopper will hold her own garage sale in February.

“Keeping Harry alive,” said Zahide “Mrs. Mr. Laguna” Lawrence.

Cathy Krinsky’s goal for this year is to get everyone to correctly pronounce Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance, which she heads.

“I want to literally lighten up in 2009,” said Supervisor Bates. “The job involves lunches and banquets, and I am going to Jenny Craig tomorrow.”

She promised that the city’s priorities would be her priorities in 2009.

“Launching ‘Shopping is an Art’ in Laguna,” Chamber Executive Director Rose Hancock.

The Assistance League of Laguna Beach brought in 42 members last year, which will help the group achieve its 2009 goal to serve everyone from infants to seniors.

Police Chief Mike Sellers pledged to continue to work to make Laguna the safest place in Orange County.

The Visitors Bureau Executive Director Judy Bijlani proposes to help keep residents and businesses rich and happy. You go, girl.

Nick Bozych said the Surf & Sand will be courting the European Market this year.

“Moving into the Senior Center,” past Seniors Inc. President Louise Buckley.

Connie Burlin is working on the Book of Golden Deeds Luncheon.

Nancy Milby wants Culinary Arts to lose its reputation as the best kept secret in town.

Patty Truman will again chair the annual Realtor’s Fashion Show, but a poetry reading trip to England is a new project.

Rosalind Russell is going green in the construction of her home that replaces the one that burned in late December.

“Give you the best there is,” Lori Neiswender of Albertsons Market.

Chamber President Jeffrey Redeker plans to create a Merchant/Restaurant Advisory Council this year.

Sally Rapuano will keep doing what she has done so well — directing the activities at La Playa and keeping the wheels greased for Sally’s Fund transportation service for the elderly or the infirm.

“Personally, I want to find the source of Sande St. John’s energy level,” Rollinger said.

Casa del Camino owner Chris Keller plans to help the stimulate the economy in Laguna by restructuring the menu at the renamed K’ya Bistro — all small plates for $10 each.

Laguna College of Art President Dennis Powers and staff member Patsee Ober want Laguna to become known as a college town.

“My goal for next year is to hit the High F in the Star Spangled Banner,” said Community Concert Band founder Carol Reynolds, who volunteered to sub for the scheduled singer at the luncheon. Her other goal is a bigger and better Fete d’ Musique.

Also on the guest list: Bobby Fader of Tivoli Terrace and Tivoli Too, Betty Burnett and Mike Dunbar of South Coast Water District, Chris Lange of Citizen’s Business Bank, artist Patricia Whiteside Phillips of art organizations CAP and LOCA, Terry Anne Barman of Even Start, Regina Barnes of Laguna Beach Water District, Freddie Charles of Trauma Intervention Program, past chamber President Dave Sanford, Erik Dahlerbruch of Pacific Edge, publicist Joan Gladstone, Chuck Robinson of Ganahl Lumber, La Rue de Chocolat’s Katie Moss, Lori McLean of Sorrento Grille, Leslie DuValle from Congressman Campbell’s office, Capri Laguna’s Scott Gerrity, caterer Maggie Hempen, and Coastline Pilot city editor Cindy Frazier.

Absent, but applauded for the luncheon, Hotel Laguna owner Claes Andersen.

American Legion Post Commander Dave Connell led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Rev. Jerry Tankersley gave the invocation.

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; call (949) 494-4321; fax (949) 494-8979 or e-mail [email protected]