Our Laguna: A day of honor and remembrance

"Ted's been around so long, I don't recognize some of the people here," said Det. Darin Germaine.

Current co-workers in attendance included Lt. Jason Kravetz, John and Animal Control Officer Joy Falk, Sgts. Eric Lee, Robert Rahaeuser, Jeff Calvert and George Ramos, Community Service Officer Robin Levinson, parking patrol officer Marlene Mackler, code enforcement officer MariannMcNaughton and special assessment district expert Joe Chiquette.

Also on the guest list: Matt and Mary Lawson; Chris Seapin, wife of former Laguna Beach police officer, Rick Seapin and their grandson, Cody Picah, who spent considerable time in the arms of Nit Farnsworth, secretary to the detective division; and Councilwoman Verna Rollinger, who knows a bit about retirement, having left the job of City Clerk after six terms in office only to run for the council.

The affair was catered by the White House, Rumari's and the Ocean Avenue Brewery. St. Johns' crew included Danielle and Vanessa Gee and Connie Burlin.

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9/11 remembered

Sept. 11 was commemorated in Laguna Beach in a solemn ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Building and the rumble of at least 1,000 motorcyclists on a remembrance ride through downtown.

American Legion Post 222 Vice Commander Bob McIntosh and Adjutant Richard Moore conducted the ceremony on the grass in front of Legion Hall.

After a prayer by Moore, Diane Connell and Debbie McIntosh laid red roses on black-draped tables.

An empty chair represented prisoners of war and military still missing in action.

McIntosh spoke briefly, remembering 911 as an unforgivable and horrific attack that robbed America of more than 3,000 lives.

"We vowed we would not forget," McIntosh said. "But have we?

"Domestic issues and the war in Iraq have our attentions, and for good reason, But I feat Sept. 11 is fading in our memories, now relegated to a single paragraph in newspaper stories and occasional references on television."

His point was illustrated by the difficulty one resident had in finding an observance to which she could take her children.

"I felt it was important for my children to understand the significance of the day and I couldn't find any until this," said Jenny Zimmerman.

The family couldn't stay for the luncheon that followed because daughter, Gwenneth, and son, Aaron, had soccer practice.

Sept. 11 has officially been declared Patriot Day, a day to commiserate with those who cannot forget: families who lost loved ones