Around Town: Davis Magnet School principal surprised with national award

Newport-Mesa Unified officials traveled to Washington, D.C., earlier this month to accept an award recognizing Davis Magnet School as one of 325 National Blue Ribbon Schools. And, while attending a Nov. 4 ceremony, they received another pleasant surprise.

Davis Principal Christy Flores was one of eight Blue Ribbon administrators to receive a Terrel H. Bell award for outstanding school leadership from U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona. The national award honors “school leaders who are committed to education as a powerful and liberating force in people’s lives.”

Andrea McGary, vice president of Davis Magnet’s PTA, said she was not surprised to learn Flores had been nationally recognized for her leadership.

“Her passion and vision to make Davis the best school for our students, staff and families is evident in everything she does,” McGary wrote in an email. “She gives direction, inspires us, and also treats everyone as an equal team player. [We are] so grateful she’s our principal.”

Pageant of the Masters reveals 2022 theme

After completing its return season for the COVID-19 pandemic-induced recess, the Pageant of the Masters announced this week that the theme for next year’s show will be “Wonderful World.”

“Wonderful World” will transport the audience to far-away lands and serve as a celebration of cultures, according to organizers. The show is expected to display images that will take pageant-goers to 17 countries over a span of 90 minutes.

“One of my favorite heroines who provided inspiration for next year’s Pageant is the intrepid American journalist: Nellie Bly,” Pageant director Diane Challis Davy said in a statement. “In the 1890s, she attempted to travel round the world in fewer than 80 days, the challenge imagined in Jules Verne’s fictional classic, ‘Around the World in 80 Days.’ We’re researching her travel logs, diaries and ephemera related to her ambitious solo journey. Did she accomplish her mission? You’ll have to see the show!”

Tickets for the new season of the Pageant of the Masters will go on sale Dec. 1 at PageantTickets.com or by calling (800) 487-3378. Advance tickets start at $30 per person.

Attendees of the show this summer were treated to “Made in America,” which showcased tableaux vivant recreations of the work of American artists.

Fountain Valley set to host holiday events

With the holidays just around the corner, the city of Fountain Valley invites you to get into the holiday spirit with a handful of holiday-themed events.

There will be a tree lighting ceremony at Fountain Valley Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst St., on Dec. 4. The public is invited to come out from 4:30 to 8 p.m. that evening.

In addition to the tree lighting, there will also be a snow zone area.

On the night of Dec. 10, sit down for refreshments with one half of the legendary holiday couple, as Mrs. Claus regales the community with holiday stories.

The “Cookies with Mrs. Claus” event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Attendees must register prior to the event, which costs $8 per person.

Then on Dec. 11, meet the jolly old man himself, as “Breakfast with Santa” will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Pre-registration is required for this event, too, and the cost is $15 per person. It will include a pancake breakfast, carnival games, crafts, and of course, participants will have their picture taken with Santa.

The events with Santa and Mrs. Claus are at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center, which is located at the same address as Fountain Valley Sports Park. Registration is available through the city website.

Laguna Beach Business Club to feature Billy Fried

Billy Fried will be next to take center stage in the Laguna Beach Business Club’s monthly speaker series.

Fried, the founder of La Vida Laguna, will speak to attendees of the Nov. 18 breakfast meeting, which begins at 7:30 a.m. at Seven7Seven, 777 Laguna Canyon Road. The event fee is $30 for those who are not members of the Laguna Beach Business Club.

A 22-year resident of Laguna Beach, Fried’s business offers stand-up padding, surfing, hiking and e-bike tours. He also writes a Laguna Beach Independent column called “The Kibitzer,” and he has a show on the local radio station KXFM called “Laguna Talks.”

Pickleball in Alta Laguna Park

The conversion of a tennis court into three permanent pickleball courts at Alta Laguna Park has been completed, Laguna Beach city officials announced this week.

There are also shadow pickleball lines placed on an additional tennis court, allowing for up to five games of pickleball to be played at one time at the park.

Support our coverage by becoming a digital subscriber.