Michael Kluchin News Today

At the close of another year packed with unpredictable and varied local news, the Independent takes a look back at what residents considered the most important stories of 2023. The Indy delivered updates on local issues, including a murder that stunned the community, conflicts between Laguna Beach Company CEO Mohammed Honarkar and investor group MOM entities, the plight of Emerald Bay Sanctuary and much more. 

The Kaleidoscope, the prominent but beleaguered shopping mall in Mission Viejo that has struggled to sustain foot traffic and tenants over the past two decades, has sold for $33.5 million in a sign of a new future for the property.

According to recent reports, at least some of Laguna Beach Company's tenants, which includes Hotel Laguna, were sent letters indicating a change in ownership and property management.