December 19, 2024

Casa Romantica Resuming Outdoor Programs after 2023 Landslide

It was almost a year and a half ago that San Clemente’s Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens lost use of much of its outdoor space due to a landslide. After having to postpone a great deal of its programming, they are finally able to begin bringing back programs such as their jazz series and classical concerts. Although restoration has not been easy and there is much still to be done, management of the historic site is thrilled with the progress that has been made.

Read more here.

Irvine Hires First City Librarian 

As part of its plans to separate from the county library system, the City of Irvine has hired Julie Zeoli as its first city librarian. Zeoli will lead Irvine’s new Library Services Division after having formerly served as the assistant library director for the City of Yorba Linda. Currently, library service within Irvine is provided by the Orange County Public Library system, a network of 34 branches.

Read more here.

Bill Kerlin Steps Down as Managing Director of Laguna Playhouse 

Laguna Playhouse announced that Bill Kerlin will step down from his position as its Managing Director to focus solely on his work as Managing Director of North Coast Repertory. David Ellenstein will continue in his dual roles as Artistic Director of both the Laguna Playhouse and North Coast Repertory Theatre. A search for a new Managing Director for the Laguna Playhouse will begin after the start of the new year.

To learn more about Laguna Playhouse, visit https://lagunaplayhouse.com/

In Memoriam

Janet Hilbert of the Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University has passed away at the age of 83. Jan left behind a profound legacy that deeply touched the arts community. After earning her Master’s from USC, she went on to spend 36 years as a Professor of Business at Santa Ana College. She and her husband Mark had a shared commitment to bringing attention to the rich history of the California Scene Painting movement and to making art accessible to all. The Hilbert Museum opened its doors in 2016. Through Jan and Mark’s vision, it grew from its original 7,000 square feet to 22,000 square feet, and now features two buildings which are joined by the beautiful Janet Hilbert Arts Courtyard.

Read more here.

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We acknowledge with respect our presence on the ancestral lands of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians - Acjachemen Nation and the Tongva People.