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.
Congratulations to Billy Fried! In his last Indy column (Culture Comes to Laguna, Dec. 8 edition), he invented “arts washing.” Just like “sports washing” is used to erase human rights abuses, it seems to me that Fried attempts to wash away the vitriol and obscenity-laced tirades of former council member Peter Blake and the attempted armed takeover of Hotel Laguna by Mohammed Honarkar. How? By Fried’s effusive praise for a show of Jorg Dubin’s art organized by Blake and sponsored by Honarkar.
The City of Laguna Beach ordered Hotel Laguna and 14 West to close Tuesday evening after three separate altercations between two different armed security guard teams broke out on the premises.
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.
Letter: Village Laguna Wants Hotel Laguna to Fully Reopen - Laguna Beach Local News lagunabeachindy.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from lagunabeachindy.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.