Our Laguna: Last chance for free Sunset Serenade

Some folks may have noticed that ubiquitous me was not at events last weekend that I was expected to attend.

I had a date Friday with a handsome doctor, Steven Chang, which I slept through as he performed minor surgery on my neck — at 7:30 a.m., no less, and spent the rest of the weekend recovering.

While I was hors de combat, so to speak, Laguna didn't miss a beat.

The Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual State of the City luncheon. For those like me who missed it, read interim Coastline city editor Alisha Gomez's account on the front page. And thanks to architect Gregg Abel and former Mayor Cheryl Kinsman for noticing that I wasn't there.

That night, the next-to-last free Sunset Serenade of the spring was performed at Picnic Beach in Heisler Park, with Mancini/Stone Trio performing vibraphone jazz.

Last chance to be serenaded until the fall season is Friday. The talents of John Troy and singer-songwriter Jason Feddy will be showcased at the new Amphitheater in the Park, where most performances are held unless the grass needs to be re-sodded, as happened last weekend. Music starts at 6:30 p.m.

Funding for the free performances comes from local lodging establishments, which voluntarily forked over almost $1.5 million in the 2011-12 fiscal year to art-related organizations, programs and people who draw tourists to Laguna, and the city through the Business Improvement District.

*

Rohrabacher attends dinner

Congressman Dana Rohrabacher flew into town Friday night from Washington, D.C., to spend the weekend at his Southern California home. First stop: the Laguna Beach Taxpayers Assn. dinner at the home of Don and Judy Josephson.

Under the redistricting, the 48th Congressional District will include Laguna Beach and Rohrabacher wants to be the representative.

Sixteen couples or individuals paid $150 for the privilege of hosting Rohrabacher, his wife, Rhonda, and their eldest daughter. Others paid $60 to attend, $10 less if they joined the group, which several did, according to association President Martha Lydick.

"Uncle Frank" Ricchiazzi imported salad, stuffed shells and garlic bread from Tustin's Claro's Italian Market.

"It was worth a trip to Tustin," Lydick said.

Host Committee member Chris Keller donated an array of desserts that included tiramisu and cream puffs.

*

And the Prius goes to...

Wyland Foundation hosted a drawing for a Toyota Prius on Saturday for residents who participated in the National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation.