New board for Sawdust

EYE ON ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Laguna Beach never disappoints -- when one event ends so begins

another. I could happily live every day in Laguna without ever

leaving. But if I have to by circumstance, my favorite part is seeing

the cliffs that mark that I’m home and the drive from that point on

-- passing all the familiar places that make Laguna Beach the best

place to call home.

The Sawdust Art

Festival names board

Rebecca Meekma released that the Sawdust recently held elections

for its 2002-03 Board of Directors.

“The board members are: Martin Roberts, president, Tracey

Moscaritolo, vice president, Karen Petty, secretary, Larry Gill,

treasurer and members Helen McNamara, John Barber, Jennie Riker,

Debra Covern and Drew Weir,” Meekma said. “All board members are

Sawdust exhibitors and serve for three years, volunteering their

time.”

Woody’s fund-raiser

a big success

Over the past couple weeks Woody’s at the Beach has been raising

funds with its “One in Seven” -- a celebration of breast cancer

survivorship that has netted more than $8,500 for the Orange County

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

On Oct. 3, Woody’s had an art opening with about 80 people

attending. On exhibit were donated pieces of art by local artists as

well as art done by breast cancer survivors with Laguna artist Debra

Paswaters donating several pieces. Last Sunday was the benefit

brunch, art auction and fashion show.

“The dining room was sold out, which was good,” said Alford

Harrison, Woody’s marketing director. “We’re really excited that it

exceeded our expectations.”

“One hundred percent is going to the Orange County Komen

foundation and a portion will go to the Laguna Beach Community Clinic

and help with mammograms -- which is great,” Harrison said.

“The key is whenever we do something the money stays here within

the community -- it’s always our emphasis.”

Monica McDade with AIDS Services Foundation was part of Harrison’s

two-person team that put this entire event together.

McDade is a breast cancer survivor and found the event

significant.

“Personally, it’s very special to me to have so many friends and

family support something so near and dear to my heart,” McDade said.

“Artwork is always a healing medium,” McDade said.

Local artists donated the majority of work as did survivors.

“The survivor component -- who didn’t think of themselves as

artists but worked through angst and fear was moving, quite lovely,

framed pieces to see them on the wall,” McDade said.

“It’s a raw feeling -- the healing power of creativity can

overcome fear,” McDade said. “It’s a very empowering gift to give to

other people.”

Woody’s is at 1305 S. Coast Highway. For more information, call

376-8809 or go online to www.woodysatthebeach.com.

Enjoying the re-opening

of La Casa Del Camino

Last Friday La Casa had a re-opening bash to celebrate its first

phase of renovations to the historic Laguna hotel.

Mayor Wayne Baglin and Mike Tauber, art committee extraordinaire,

were a part of the celebrating crowd.

The music was sensational with Latin Afro Cuban music from artists

Babatunde Lea and Bobby Matos of Ubiquity Records and a special

appearance by Sir Adamsmasher, singer of the club hit “Party People.”

Other highlights include the amazing floral designs, the delicious

food, lively martinis, fine cheese, wine and champagne on the hotel’s

scenic 360-degree view haven of a deck.

La Casa Del Camino is at 1289 S. Coast Highway and can be reached

at 497-2446.

* SUZIE HARRISON is a reporter for the Laguna Beach Coastline

Pilot. She may be reached at 494-4321 or suzie.harrison@latimes.com.