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7S7A3803BETWEEN TWO HARBORS

Emmy-nominated filmmaker Richard Yelland, who grew up in Laguna, has begun shooting an inspiring documentary called “Between Two Harbors,” which is about a camp for those diagnosed with cancer and those who have overcome it. “We focus our lens on cancer patients and survivors who are experiencing healing through ocean adventure at a beautiful, remote camp on Catalina Island,” Richard says.

The camp is offered by We Are Ocean, a charity started by Newport Beach native Jack Marshall Shimko, who focused on surfing, swimming and paddling to help him recover from treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma. Richard’s film crew created a trailer based on footage from the nonprofit’s inaugural camp in August. “These people, many too young and some not that old, show a rare wisdom facing life and death,” Richard says. “I felt uplifted and lucky to capture it.”

Once completed, he anticipates the documentary will be broadcast on the Outside Television channel and available for download on iTunes. A crowdfunding campaign launched Oct. 29 on the fundraising website, Kickstarter. —S.S.

 

 

Hannah & Kasey1KEEPING PACE

Laguna mother Kasey Konkel and her daughter Hannah, 13, are gearing up for the Surf City USA Marathon in Huntington Beach on Feb. 1, 2015. Kasey and Hannah plan to run the half-marathon portion at the event, which draws more than 20,000 participants each year. Hannah began running and training for these 13.1-mile runs at age 9, after seeing her adoptive mother Kasey train for full 26.2-mile marathons. This will be Hannah’s ninth half-marathon and her second consecutive run in the Surf City USA Marathon. Kasey ensures that Hannah remains safe while preparing for these types of endurance events, and lacing up their sneakers to hit the pavement together offers a unique bonding opportunity for the mom-and-daughter duo, who tackle each event side by side. —S.S.

ARTISTIC AVENUE

Though it doesn’t take much to encourage a visit to Ocean Avenue Brewery, the small establishment with a loyal following launched a new venture in September: Locals Wednesday.

A midweek pick-me-up for its dedicated regulars and new patrons alike, the evenings are an exciting mash-up of all things art and music. Produced with help from local company Tightrope Entertainment, along with the 10th Street Bros. and skimboarding world champion Bill “Beaker” Bryan, the events feature screenings of Bill’s skim and surf film, “Dragon’s Breath,” live music and displays of artwork for sale.

Beyond the locally brewed beer, entertainment and art, Locals Wednesday is also a place where friends and strangers band together to address some of the town’s important issues. Back in September, following the devastating hurricane in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, members of the community gathered at Ocean Avenue Brewery to plan relief efforts for victims—proving that the gathering of minds fuels both creativity and charity. (949-497-3381; facebook.com/oceanavelb) —B.B.

 

 

DCIM100GOPRODIVING INTO OCEAN PRESERVATION

Amber Jackson of Laguna Beach and her friend Emily Callahan made a big splash in the National Geographic Channel’s Expedition Granted contest this fall; their project looks at the potential to convert inactive oil rigs into artificial reefs for sea life. Amber, an oceanographer, conservation biologist and explorer, is a graduate of UC Berkeley and Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. She and Emily dive around rig platforms to study their potential to support ocean life—a real commitment to preservation. As Amber explains in the contest video, oil rigs become a habitat for fish and other marine animals, but when oil wells dry up, companies must remove the offshore rigs, leaving bustling ecosystems to perish.

Although the two women didn’t win, they were among the top 10 finalists out of approximately 700 entrants competing for a grand prize of $50,000—funds that will be used to push boundaries in fields from science to technology, conservation, adventure, arts and more. (expeditiongranted.com) —S.S.

Christopher Herzfeld

NEW MAN ON CAMPUS

Taking the helm as principal of Laguna Beach High School this October was a homecoming for Chris Herzfeld, who has lived in town for 12 years, but served as principal for a decade at Fountain Valley High School. “It’s fun to be a freshman again after all these years,” Chris says of being on a new campus. Here, we spoke with Chris, who shared his thoughts on his past experience and new endeavor.

Laguna Beach Magazine: At Fountain Valley High School, what accomplishment were you most proud of?

Chris Herzfeld: The professional culture and climate and the student culture and climate. … There have been efforts to increase kindness and outreach, and accept each others’ differences. (Teachers observe each other in the classroom to learn and share instruction techniques, while the “Barons 4 Life” program rewards students for displaying exemplary values.)

LBM: Why did you decide to take the position at Laguna Beach High School?

CH: Every year, on an ongoing basis, I evaluate where I’m at and if I’m making an impact. [At Fountain Valley,] everything I’ve been working on is really embedded. … I like Laguna Beach—I like the small-town feel of it. … [I thought,] “What a great opportunity to [make a difference] in the town where I live.”

LBM: What are your plans for any changes at Laguna Beach High School?

CH: Right now, I’m getting a feel for the programs and student culture. … It looks like they’re making good progress. … It just seems like the school has experienced a lot of change in the last couple of years [from curriculum to leadership]. … I think some stabilization is in order. —S.S.

 

GRAND OPENINGS

To the Point

The ancient Chinese art of acupuncture has, for centuries, been believed to rid the body of illness and pain. Operating under these ancient principles of healing, Laguna Beach Acupuncture offers traditional acupuncture therapy as well as Chinese herbal medicine, nutritional consultations, cupping and gua sha treatments, which involve lightly bruising the skin to rid the body of toxins. (949-407-8728; lbacu.com)

 

Calm for the Community

HonuLani Community Acupuncture recently opened above Koffee Klatch in the HIP District. OC natives Mani and Shay Elendil brought their business here from the Bay Area, introducing “community acupuncture” to town. The model features a sliding scale payment system, enabling patients to choose how much they pay, from $20 to $50. (949-715-4908; honulani
communityacupuncture.com)

 

Worldly Fashions

Fans of California style and outdoor activities will want to pay a visit to RWorld, a surf and skate brand that manufactures and sells apparel and boards. Launching its flagship retail location in north Laguna—a grand opening was held in early September—RWorld fits right in with its selection of socially conscious products ranging from men’s and women’s clothing to skate, surf and SUP gear. (949-412-4709; rworldsurfing.com) —B.B.

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