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“ Our Town , Our Paper ” lagunabeachindy . com MARCH 17 , 2023 | Volume XX , Issue 11

Morrison named Orange County Technology Administrator of the Year

By LB Indy Staff
Laguna Beach Unified School District Chief Technology Officer Michael Morrison was named 2023 Technology Administrator of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators ( ACSA ) Region 17 , covering all Orange County school districts .
ACSA is the largest umbrella organization for school leaders in the nation . Region 17 focuses on serving educational leaders in the pursuit of equity and excellence to meet the diverse needs of all students in Orange County . One of ACSA ’ s priorities is to ensure that school leaders are recognized for their excellence and dedication to public education ; administrators of the year are selected for their outstanding performance and achievement in their respective categories .
LBUSD , PAGE 3
Michael Morrison ( front center in blue shirt ) stands with technology services staff , district and school site administrators . Photo / LBUSD

BELOVED SALON OWNER RETIRES AFTER 30 YEARS SERVING LAGUNA

By Clara Beard | LB Indy On March 12 , Takafumi “ Taka ” Oiwa locked his studio doors for the final time . It was a bittersweet moment for the salon owner , who , 30 years prior , began his career in Laguna Beach as an apprentice to Joseph Huffstickler of Huffstickler Hair Design on the corner of Coast Highway and Calliope . Since those early days learning the ropes as a young stylist , Oiwa gave his clients more than just a cut and color - he became a trusted friend and confidante .
“ I can ’ t thank each of you enough ,” Oiwa wrote in a goodbye letter to clients . “ I am humbled . Many of you have been coming to me for over 10 , 20 , 25 even 30 years . This is an absurdly long time to go to the same stylist – I suspect it may be my barista skills ? Even my own mother can ’ t believe people have stayed with me for that long and she likes me a lot ! I know I could never have achieved the success of my salon without your loyal support . I ’ ve had so much fun and learned so much along the way . I ’ m naturally curious , and I ’ ve always felt stimulated by your knowledge , wisdom and so many funny stories . My connections to each of you are treasured and have driven many happy things in my life .”
Oiwa ’ s start in Laguna came when he was just 23 years old . Originally from Japan , he attended the University of
SALON , PAGE 12
Studio Taka stylist Justin Starr , who started as an assistant at the salon 14 years ago , and Oiwa enjoy some celebration cake after the last clients left the salon on March 12 . Photo / Mike Johnson

LAGUNA BEACH ROTARY CLUB UNVEILS GRAPES FOR GRADS LOGO

By LB Indy Staff
Laguna College of Art and Design student Sophia Felger has designed the logo for this year ’ s Grapes for Grads , an annual fundraiser organized by the Rotary Club of Laguna Beach .
The club ’ s annual fundraiser provides scholarships to Laguna Beach High School seniors and undergraduate students at LCAD .
Each year , LCAD faculty select a student to design the Grapes for Grads logo , used on all marketing and media pieces for the event . The club unveiled the logo and honored Felger ’ s work at a recent weekly club meeting attended by Felger and LCAD ’ s Chair of Graphic Design + Digital Media , Dana Herkelrath .
“ We are thrilled with Sophia ’ s logo design and LCAD ’ s selection of this talented artist ,” event chairman Jeffrey Redeker said . “ It ’ s with the college ’ s support that we have been able to raise nearly $ 600,000 in scholarships for Laguna Beach students since Grapes for Grads ’ inception in 2005 .”

INSIDE COASTAL

LOGO , PAGE 23

SEE NEW CLASSIFIED SECTION ON PAGE 18

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