LAGUNA BEACH : City Co-Sponsors Fire ‘Remembrance’

The City Council has agreed to co-sponsor “One Year Later: Remembrance & Rebirth” to commemorate the anniversary of last fall’s firestorm.

The four-day event will begin Oct. 27, exactly one year after a fierce blaze ripped through the area, damaging or destroying more than 400 homes and scorching the once-scenic landscape.

A variety of relief agencies and community groups, including the city’s Arts Commission, had pushed for the remembrance and sought the council’s support Tuesday night.

“There has never been a disaster like this in Laguna Beach,” arts commissioner Pat Kollenda said. “This was a city disaster; it should be a city-sponsored four days.”

Activities will include music, a memorial service, a “survivors’ potluck” and a display of fire-related artwork. A planned bonfire was scratched from the schedule.

The damage inflicted by the fire deeply affected the close-knit community, where several city leaders lost homes, including Councilman Robert F. Gentry, City Manager Kenneth C. Frank, Deputy City Manager Cindy King and Planning Commissioner Jeff Powers.

As further testament to the emotional impact the fire had on the community, Councilwoman Lida Lenney, mayor at the time of the fire, fought back tears Tuesday night during discussion of the commemoration.

“I’m really glad you’re doing this,” she said. “I want to support you with all my heart.”

David Horn, whose Mystic Hills home burned, acknowledged that some people would rather not be reminded of the fire. Still, he applauded the city’s efforts.

“Everyone’s going to handle this differently,” Horn said. “I think it’s a very important milestone to recognize.”