Cast

"Lonesome Traveler" had plenty of company Saturday at the Laguna Playhouse gala opening. The Rubicon Theatre Co.'s ode to American folk music had the sold-out audience spontaneously singing along and the enthusiasm didn't end when the curtain came down. "This was so fun," said Kathy Conway , as first-nighters mingled with the cast and toasted them with champagne. Conway said she knew every word of the songs performed by the nine-member cast in their roles inspired by folk music immortals such as Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Lead Belly and others.

Suzie Harrison It was lights, cameras and action as the cast of MTV's "Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County" rallied at their Fight the Slide benefit for the Bluebird Canyon landslide victims last Thursday night at Seven Degrees. The event was taped for a future broadcast of the reality drama. Three hundred eighty-eight people attended the sold-out event, which raised more than $23,000, according to Mayor Elizabeth Pearson-Schneider. MTV's cameras, crew and executives were everywhere, as they followed the cast filming for an upcoming episode of the show.

HAPPENINGS Good Morning The Morning Party stands out in the Circuit scene for its decision to raise funds for a local clinic. B1 PUBLIC SAFETY Down the drain The city has received $837,000 from the government to use for sewer repairs. A6 ALSO: The Garden Fanatic gives the low-down on the Buddleia. A7 Greer Wylder talks shop. A7 Tom Titus reviews the "Life of Reilly." B2 Marianna Hof and Doug Bowler give library tips.

The number of votes cast in the City Council election continue to creep up as ballots uncounted on election night are processed, but the order of finish — Toni Iseman, Elizabeth Pearson-Schneider, Kelly Boyd and Verna Rollinger — has not changed. "The total number of voters — about 10,000 — is very close to the total four years ago when four candidates also ran for three seats, but the votes are much more spread out in this election," said former election consultant, Norm Grossman.

Tom Titus What's the most popular production at the Laguna Playhouse this year? Well, judging by audience demand, it would have to be the theater's Monday "dark night" offering "Late Nite Catechism." This one-woman show, originated by Marypat Donovan but now featuring other actresses, has been extended for a second time. It's now scheduled to close Nov. 17. Originally intended as a filler to be presented each Monday evening through the run of the playhouse's season-opening comedy "Harvey," the show has taken on a life of its own. Here's a snippet of this column's review of the opening performance: "This satirical sister simply assumes she's hosting a gathering of Catholics -- and it's surprising just how many audience members were raised in that faith, and give their 'conversion names' as well as the ones they were born with.

Come enjoy an exclusive jewelry trunk show Oct. 22 at Areo, featuring famed local jewelry artists Connie Archibald, Eric Silva & Debra Steel. Savor cocktails and appetizers (from 6-9 p.m.) and meet the artists. All three artists’ works are unique and highly collectible. Connie creates hand cast sterling silver jewelry, including her famous Laguna Beach cuff bracelet; Eric’s work is international, using unique gems, fine metals, and eco-conscious materials; Debra is noted for her pearls and gems, with vintage and found items.

A rift in the Esslinger family has cast a shadow on the future of Laguna Terrace Park. Paul "Duke" Esslinger is suing his son Stephen, daughter-in-law Amy, Laguna Terrace Park LLC, the Esslinger Family Limited Partnership and Does 1-1000. Plaintiff Paul Esslinger is accusing the defendants of elder abuse, breach of fiduciary duties and fraud, among other charges related to the management of the partnership established in 1997 after family members settled a lawsuit involving the family trust created by the plaintiff's parents in the 1970s.

The Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot is sponsoring a Holiday Window Contest for local retailers. Community members may cast their ballots for one or more retail windows in any part of town that they think have the best holiday decorations. The business with the most votes will get a free quarter-page ad in the Coastline Pilot. Restrictions apply. The top vote-getters will have their windows and businesses featured in the Dec. 25 issue. Voting begins today and continues through Dec. 20. To cast a ballot, send us a note by mail with your name and the name and address of your favorite holiday-decorated retail windows in Laguna Beach ?

The Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot is sponsoring a Holiday Window Contest for local retailers. Community members may cast their ballots for one or more retail windows in any part of town that they think have the best holiday decorations. The winner will get a free quarter-page ad in the Coastline Pilot. The top vote-getters will have their windows and businesses featured in the Dec. 25 issue. To cast a ballot, send us a note by mail with your name and the name and address of your favorite holiday-decorated retail windows in Laguna Beach and why you liked them to P.O. Box 248, Laguna Beach, CA 92652, or send your ballot via e-mail to coastlinepilot@latimes.