LAGUNA BEACH : City Heritage Month to Highlight Homes

A monthlong look at the history of the city begins today with Heritage Month, which will spotlight Laguna’s past and the efforts to preserve it for the future.

Among the events scheduled are a history exhibit, guided tours and an evening slide presentation featuring the city’s unusual homes, from beach bungalows to oceanfront estates, said Stephen Crawford, chairman of the city’s Heritage Committee.

“Part of Laguna’s charm is in the heritage of Laguna’s homes,” Crawford said. “We’re trying to have people become more aware of our historic ordinance, which gives people incentives to remodel and refurbish some of Laguna’s cottages, instead of tearing them down and building new houses.”

On May 8, the panel will give a free slide presentation titled “A Fun Look at Laguna’s Eclectic Architecture and Homes” at 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean Avenue Wells Fargo Bank branch.

On May 18, Villa Rockledge, an oceanfront home built in 1918 and frequented by film stars, will be featured during the 19th annual Charm House Tour. Advance tickets are $20.

Heritage Month will also include a history exhibit beginning today at the city library, guided walks around downtown Laguna Beach and a poster and art contest.

By concentrating on the city’s history, heritage committee members hope that residents who own some of the more than 780 homes identified as having historic significance will register them with the city, Crawford said.

For information about the month’s events, call Tamara Campbell, the city liaison to the committee, at (714) 497-0713. For details about the Charm House Tour, call (714) 455-3611.