Our Laguna: Pilots' history soars into presentation

Although Stephens was a big name in aviation history, Halliburton was a draw for the Laguna Beach audience, although of less interest to Schultz.

Councilwoman Toni Iseman asked if Schultz had less respect for Halliburton than for Stephens.

"I didn't know him, and I don't know if he had the soul or substance that Moyes had," Schultz said.

Coincidentally, the next morning Iseman participated in a special council meeting on the stalled remodel of Halliburton's home in South Laguna that has created some vibrant debate about city's policies on alterations to historical structures.

"If I ruled the world, I'd go out and buy a case of wine and some snacks and invite everybody to sit down and figure out how to do this right," said Mayor Pro Tem Verna Rollinger.

Councilman Kelly Boyd advised purchasing at least two cases of wine, probably appropriate.

Halliburton's house didn't get the name of Hangover Housfor no reason, although some have claimed it stemmed from the location atop a peak in South Laguna that would never pass muster today with opponents of ridge development.

According to society member Eric Jessen, the Hangover House is the legacy of one of the most famous residents ever to live in Laguna.

An adventurer and travel writer, Halliburton rode elephants in Babylon, sailed the route of Homer's "Odyssey," climbed the Matterhorn and swam the Hellespont, while on his travels around the world, about which he wrote, according to the society newsletter.

Still curious?

Village Laguna will present a program on Halliburton at 7 p.m. Monday at the Unitarian Fellowship, 429 Cypress Drive.

*

By design

The 20th annual Philharmonic House of Design opened to the public with a festive premiere night Saturday.

A private reception was held the previous night for sponsors, designers and donors to the Design House, which is the major fundraiser of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County's youth education programs.

Laguna Beach gallery owner Peter Blake was among the guests Saturday. He had loaned several pieces of art to the society, including an abstract seascape that lent color to the living room designed by Dan Ollis and his partner, Hal Swanson.

Ollis described the room as soft contemporary. He said it took 2 ½ months to put it together.

"I call it sophisticated," Blake said.