ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN LAGUNA BEACH

Laguna Coastline (Joseph Kleitsch) circa 1926 - Collection of John and Patricia Dilks

Reservations are open again for 4 more!!

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Laguna Beach: Art & Activism Preserve a Coastal Landscape

Friday, October 25  - Sunday, October 27, 2024

Experience Laguna Beach, an early 20th century artist colony within the Laguna Greenbelt, 22,000 acres of preserved open space, and a Historic American Landscape as documented in a 2017 HALS report. This Southern California coastal city's dramatic natural setting is intertwined with the development of its artistic community and a tradition of preservation inspired by activists, such as landscape architect Frederick M. Lang, artists, gardeners, and others who worked to protect this coastal enclave through sensitive and thoughtful development.

This year's annual conference will explore both natural landscapes and the residential gardens and landscape designs that grew out of the community's deep respect for the Laguna Beach community's setting and its history.

SCHEDULE

Friday, October 25

6 PM

The conference will open Friday night with an optional dinner at well-known local restaurant, Dizz's.

Saturday, October 26

8 AM

Check-in at The Ranch at Laguna Beach with a breakfast buffet and presentations on Laguna Beach's landscape history.

Noon

Departure from The Ranch via bus.

Boxed lunches in Seaview Park overlooking the hills and beach below, followed by a visit to a residential garden designed by Fred Lang, a short visit to Treasure Island Park, and a guided tour of the Hortense Miller Garden.

6:30 PM

Group dinner at G G's Bistro in downtown Laguna.

Sunday, October 27

9 am

Walking tour of South Laguna, including a visit to the Fred Lang house and studio, and more. The conference will conclude with a visit to Heisler Park (1932), designed by South Pasadena landscape architect Lucia Fox Edwards.

REGISTRATION

Registration Fee: $410

Registration includes:  All Saturday programs and meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and Sunday tours and light breakfast.

Optional add-ons:

IF YOU WISH TO ADD A GUEST FOR EITHER DINNER, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO INFO@CGLHS.ORG. Please include the name of your guest. 

Friday night dinner guest - $105

Saturday night dinner guest - $85

      CGLHS Cancellation Policy

SPEAKERS AND TOUR GUIDES

Ann Christoph, a landscape architect, has significantly influenced the political and planning landscape of Laguna Beach for over the past 50 years. Her work with Fred Lang and the South Laguna Civic Association led to the creation of the first natural resource-based plan in Orange County and the inclusion of South Laguna hills in the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. She has designed numerous parks and public spaces, served as mayor and council member, and writes on environmental and planning issues for the Laguna Beach Independent.

Bob Borthwick, a landscape architect, has been involved in the Laguna Beach Open Space and landscape issues for over 50 years, having worked on projects like the preservation of Aliso Creek, Laguna Beach parks, and the restoration of Laguna Canyon Creek. He has also led various organizations and served on city task forces related to flood control and view preservation and serves on the Board of Directors of the Laguna Greenbelt.

Eric Jessen transitioned from a career in Orange County parks planning to becoming an "art detective" and historian, focusing on Laguna Beach and the Irvine Ranch. He uses his expertise in geography to locate the exact spots where famous artists like Joseph Kleitsch, Edgar Payne, Albert Bierstadt, and John Singer Sargent painted their works. Jessen’s documentation on the significance and the beauty of the Laguna Beach landscape and village-scape was a key component of the Laguna Greenbelt HALS submittal.

Tom Lamb is an abstract aerial photographer known for his environmental advocacy and memorable photographs. He contributed to the original HALS legislation, designed the Laguna Greenbelt HALS book, and is actively involved with the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association and the Festival of Arts.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Book rooms as soon as possible as prices will continue to rise as availability drops. Here are some suggestions for hotels in ascending order of price: HOTELS

GETTING HERE

Laguna Beach is in Orange County along Highway 1 (PCH), between Huntington Beach and San Clemente. The coastal town is approximately 84 miles north of San Diego and 51 miles south of Los Angeles.

John Wayne Airport (SNA) is the nearest airport - 11 miles from Laguna Beach.

San Juan Capistrano is the nearest train Station - 13 miles from Laguna Beach.

Downtown Los Angeles is a 1 to 2-hour drive to Laguna Beach.

San Diego is a 2 to 2-1/2-hour drive to Laguna Beach.

Laguna has a walkable historic downtown with a trolley on the weekends and all the usual ride-hailing services.

QUESTIONS

Email us at info@cglhs.org with the subject line "2024 Conference"