Laguna Talks

Meet Laguna fire Chief Jeff LaTendresse and learn about Laguna's current fire risk, what we have done to mitigate it, and what's left to do. Plus get Jeff's take on our water crisis, and what it takes to be a fireman or woman.

Meet local designer, builder, and Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce President Gregg Abel. Gregg is a longtime force for good in town, a renown tastemaker with a California Craftsman sensibility. Gregg's father Chris was one of the leading mid-century architects in Orange County, and Gregg has taken the family baton and run with it.

Meet Dave, the featured columnist for the Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot community paper. Dave has a unique take on our town, and writes weekly about his keen observations and the quirky people who make up our town.

Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot's only full time columnist David Hansen joins the show to talk about the writer's process, and how he dreams up such colorful stories about our town.

Meet longtime Laguna local and all-around great character Bucky Baker expound on his recent, unfortunate incarceration. A fascinating and candid look at our prison system and whether it really functions to rehabilitate the incarcerated.

Listen to Ronnie expound on his 25 years with his epic band World Anthem, as well as bodysurfing the wedge, growing up in Laguna, and being a force for good in town.

Meet 12 term (that's right 24 years) Planning Commissioner Norm Grossman. You would think that would make him stale, but think again. Norm is fresh, topical, and wanting to move Laguna forward.

We got a surprise visit when Mayor Bob Whalen stopped in and spent the next 90 minutes talking about his agenda for the coming year. It's ambitious, and we love it!

Meet longtime Planning Commissioner and City Council candidate Rob Zur Schmiede expound on what he will do for Laguna if elected.

Meet newcomer city council candidate and lifelong resident Michele Hall talk about her vision for bringing a new generation of leadership to our town.

Meet the candidate for City Council, running as an Independent on the slogan "Laguna is a Masterpiece." Find out what he means and what he wants to do.

Meet the irascible Grossman – a one issue candidate who wants to overhaul the Laguna Beach Police. Find out why.

Meet 4 term City Council woman Toni Iseman, in the midst of her campaign for an unprecedented 5th term. Find out what makes Toni ticks.

An hour of funk, world music and talk

Spend the hour with the multi-generational Bloch family, habitual attendees to Burning Man, the arts gathering in the Nevada desert. Scion Jerry is a 59 year old attorney from Laguna Niguel. His daughter Danielle and her boyfriend Christo also attend. Find out the allure of this festival to so many people as they share their […]

Meet the master musician, songwriter, troubadour, radio DJ, and maybe the funniest, most irreverent guy in town. Hear his back story, including the early days of his career in England, his battle with drugs,and how Laguna turned his life around

Meet the Native American Andrew Soliz, who teaches the Lakota Indian traditions, including ceremonial sweat lodges. Andrew also teaches at-risk youth how to be good men, dances at Sun Dance, and is an accomplished wood worker and artist who shows at the Sawdust.

Meet the co-owner of Bluebird Canyon Farms, Laguna's only urban farm. Scott and how wife Mariella are dedicated permaculturists who beautifully restored 15 fallow acres in the heart of Laguna and are now producing organic, bio-dynamic food. Besides vegetables, they also have chickens, and apiary, hydroponics, and are keen to open their property to the […]

And spins some fun too

He's the Michael Jordan or Kelly Slater of his sport, the greatest mountain biker of his generation, 19X MTB champion and MTB and BMX Hall of Famer. USA Today calls him "Undisputedly the best all-around world class cycling athlete." And he lives here in Laguna. Meet Brian Lopes.

Friendship Shelter's Board member Barbara McMurray and Executive Director Dawn Price discuss the proposed permanent supportive housing project in the canyon.

In the wake of the traffic bicycle death of John Colvin, we talk with 2 bike advocates, Max Isles and Tamara Hlava and decide on the spot to for, Livable Streets Laguna.

He's worked for entities as disparate as Gary Hart, the Dalai Lama, and the Montage. He's a two term Laguna Beach City Councilman, and he travels to war-torn countries for observation missions funded by the US government. Is he CIA? Find out here!

Spend the hour with Supernova "Nick I" Hernandez, Laguna's favorite singer, songwriter, musician, big wave surfer, humanitarian, founder of Common Sense band, and always the coolest guy in the room. Plus we jam a few songs together.

Meet candidate for California Governor and Laguna resident Neel Kashkari and hear his platform for creating more economic prosperity for our state. Plus his idea of a perfect weekend in Laguna.