Adopt a Beach

Help clean Main Beach and Treasure Island in Laguna Beach.
Sat., March 19 from 9 a.m.-noon.
Sponsored by California Coastal Commission.
www.cleanwaternow.com

North Laguna Garden Tour

Gate & Garden Walking Tour of North Laguna:
Hosted by the Laguna Beach Garden Club
Friday, May 6 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tickets are $35
www.lagunabeachgardenclub.org

Sea Bags for Tommy Bahama Give Old Boat Sails New Life in

Exclusive Collection of One-of-a-Kind Totes

By Greg Lutchko and Emily McMullin

The concept of recycling is always in fashion -- but at Tommy Bahama recycling literally is fashion by way of Sea Bags for Tommy Bahama. Designed from authentic recycled boat sails, each bag is handmade at the Sea Bags headquarters in Portland, ME and varies slightly in texture and fabric. Most bags -- like most sails -- are white or off white Dacron and are finished with deckchair inspired stitching and sturdy rope handles.  Sea Bags for Tommy Bahama is the ideal partnership for two distinct, iconic brands and       the prefect compliment to the Tommy Bahama luxury island lifestyle.

The collection includes a large tote ($188), a medium tote ($168) and a wine tote/gift bag ($38), featuring the Tommy Bahama logo, or signature marlin graphic.  Four exclusive wine tote/gift bags are also available at select Tommy Bahama destinations including Naples, Palm Desert, Sarasota and Laguna Beach.  All Sea Bags for Tommy Bahama are water resistant and machine washable.

Tommy Bahama encourages us all to keep it green and the reusable wine tote/gift bag is a perfect way to recycle.  Each bag is designed with a special gift tag that includes eight signature lines to encourage its re-use. Simply write the name of the next recipient on the following line and date it on the space next to the name when gifting to your friend.  Then, when they’re ready to re-gift the bag, they simply cross out their name and sign it over to the next recipient. What a great way to track the journey among your circle of friends... and the last person on the tag gets left holding the bag… literally!   In addition, Tommy Bahama Restaurants will reward all those “keeping it green” by waiving the $20 corkage fee when you arrive at any of its 13 restaurants carrying your favorite wine in one of the exclusive Sea Bags for Tommy Bahama wine totes.  Help Tommy Bahama keep paradise a little more green and clean and look good while doing it!

The complete collection of Sea Bags for Tommy Bahama is available at

Tommy Bahama Laguna Beach and at www.tommybahama.com.

Rain Barrel Contest Winners Announced

The Laguna Beach County Water District recently sponsored a rain barrel painting contest. Here is a list of winners:

• Katelyn Kolberg (2nd Grade, El Morro Elementary)
• Colette Hammett (Thurston Middle School)
• Summer Stanaland (Thurston Middle School)
• Sabrina Johnson (Laguna Beach High School)

Contest Winner Katelyn Kolberg

Additional barrels were painted by the following non-profits:

• Transition Laguna Beach
• Laguna Beach Garden Club
• City of Laguna Environmental Committee

The barrels are on display in various locations in Laguna Beach's village district area.

Rainwater and Low Impact Development Workshop

Rainwater and Low Impact Development Workshop

March 9, 2011 at 6:30pm

Laguna Hills Community Center

Heritage C Room

25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA  92653.

This FREE workshop is open to all OC residents.  Participants will learn about rainwater harvesting, grey water systems and low impact development.  This workshop will be taught by Brad Lancaster who is an expert in rainwater, grey water, and stormwater harvesting.  He has more than 15 years experience in permaculture consulting, design, and implementation.

Space is limited to 120 people.

RSVP today to:  Jenna Voss jenna.voss@ocpw.ocgov.com or call 714.955.0672

Overcoming a Fear of the Forest

The buddy system is always best when hiking, or doing any outdoor sport, but don't be afraid to go it alone if you can't round-up someone to tag along. Read more...

Green Laguna Beach Home at 733 Pelican

Looking for a home that combines breathtaking ocean views and environmental responsibility? Look no further than 733 Pelican in Laguna Beach, CA. Built by WC Renovations, the 3,600 sq. ft. home features the following green elements:

o      Recycled fiber carpet: non-toxic glue

o      Duel flush toilets

o      Tankless water heater

o      Kohler low flow fixtures

o      Motion sensor fixture at power

o      79 led can lights replacements

o      Dimmer switches throughout

o      Energy star rated appliances

o      Low VOC paint- exterior and interior

o      Low E 2 and 3 windows

o      Tinted windows on west side of home

o      Automatic awning

The property is currently on the market through Surterre. Realtor Sean McCraken says, "It’s a healthy house. Besides being energy efficient, it uses non-toxic glues and paints.” Surterre is an eco certified broker. 

South Laguna Community Garden Wins Awards

By Reuben Flores, Laguna Nursery

I am pleased to be writing to you with great news. As some of you know, I am a donor and consultant for the South Laguna Community Garden. The garden has been a collaborative effort among several Laguna Beach designers, gardeners, donors, and volunteers to bring organic herbs, vegetables and fruit trees to our coastal community. It is made up of individual plots that have been adopted by different neighbors who regularly tend to their spaces and create their own personal garden wonderlands; each is a unique representation of the personality and passion of its particular gardener. It has been incredibly fulfilling to watch both the garden and our friendships grow hand in hand during this process.

Last week the South Laguna Community Garden received official 

recognition when it was rewarded with a merit award from the Southern California Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (SCCASLA). Although all of us who have brought the garden to fruition have known its importance, it is exciting to see that others recognize the important role a garden can play in healthy living. I continue to educate our clients about this: It has been one of my life’s goals to bring wholesome gardening to every client’s household, whether it be through organic gardens, herb and vegetable gardens, or fruit and 

citrus trees.

Along with the health benefits, the aesthetic value of a garden is 

undeniable. I make an effort to choose botanics that will bring bird 

and butterfly life into the garden. I also choose aromas, textures, and 

functional art that will stimulate the senses and bring joy to all who 

spend time in the garden.

The ultimate point is that a garden is more than just a piece of landscape. It is a living, breathing part of your home, family, and lifestyle – a source of food and an escape from the chaos of everyday life. Please take a few minutes to check out the South Laguna Community 

Garden to see how much is possible when dreams, hard work, and community spirit combine.

I hope you will all take a little time to check out the South Laguna Community Garden, and I hope it inspires you as much as it has inspired me. It is located at Eagle Rock and Virginia Way.

Awards:

Environmental Award, City of Laguna Beach, April 20, 2010

Merit Award, Southern California Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architect, Oct. 28, 2010

Beautification Award, Beautification Council, Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, Nov. 9, 2010