Sawdust kicks off summer in Laguna

LAGUNA LIFE

Everyday I thank my lucky stars that I live here in this town. I live

it, love it, breath it and pray for it. I appreciate it and care for

it; not only for our town but more importantly for the people. We are

family here. I can look out my window and see the treasures of life

all within my arms reach. The sun, the ocean and that beautiful blue

sky. This is who I am.

Where else in the world can you go to a place like the opening

night of the Sawdust and hangout with generations of people who went

to the same high school? I love community gatherings like that, and I

wish we had more. It’s good for the soul. Walking, talking, sipping

coldies, summer is here and the opening night at the Sawdust kicks it

off.

Speaking of gatherings I ran into Pete Mann at the Sawdust and he

gave me an invite for this year’s “Lu Au” Hawaiian feast, potluck

dinner and midnight skinny dip. Featuring the island sounds of

“Pantive” at 7 p.m. on Aug. 16 at Pearl beach. Last year’s event was

bouncing and I’m sure this year’s will be even better.

Staying with the island flavor, I had dinner at Eva’s last week in

South Laguna and it was awesome -- the setting, the vibe, the food,

the home blended drinks. It’s a great place for any occasion. I give

it big thumbs up.

This week my thumbs down goes to the Ocean Avenue Brewery since

your wonderful bouncer barred me and my brother from going in. The

best part was when he asked where we were from. Word of advice it’s

good to know who the locals are.

Peace.

* JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach resident, professional surfer

and co-founder of “They Will Surf Again,” a nonprofit foundation

assisting people with spinal cord injuries. He was also a member of

the Water Quality Advisory Committee. He can be reached at

Jamo@AlohaSchoolof Surfing.com. His Web site is

AlohaSchoolofSurfing.com.