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Laguna Canyon Conservancy
BOARD MEMBERS
Officers
Gayle Waite
President
Gayle Waite has been a longtime supporter of preserving the open space environment since participating in the 1989 Walk to save Laguna Canyon. President of LCC for the past two years, she is also a member of the Laguna Beach Greenbelt, the Laguna Beach Woman’s Club (past President for two years), the Laguna Real Estate Charitable Assistance Fund (original incorporator/President, current VP), American Association of University Woman of Laguna Beach and a current board member of the All of Us Precision Medicine Research Study at UCI funded by the NIH. Formerly an art director in New York City for major publishers and advertising agencies before starting an Orange County ad agency, Gayle became a successful real estate broker in 1990. She is a past President of the Laguna Board of REALTORS and was recognized by the CA State Senate and Orange County Board of Supervisors for her professionalism. Gayle believes that careful real estate development and protection of the environment can be a successful partnership.
Gayle Waite has been a longtime supporter of preserving the open space environment since participating in the 1989 Walk to save Laguna Canyon. President of LCC for the past two years, she is also a member of the Laguna Beach Greenbelt, the Laguna Beach Woman’s Club (past President for two years), the Laguna Real Estate Charitable Assistance Fund (original incorporator/President, current VP), American Association of University Woman of Laguna Beach and a current board member of the All of Us Precision Medicine Research Study at UCI funded by the NIH. Formerly an art director in New York City for major publishers and advertising agencies before starting an Orange County ad agency, Gayle became a successful real estate broker in 1990. She is a past President of the Laguna Board of REALTORS and was recognized by the CA State Senate and Orange County Board of Supervisors for her professionalism. Gayle believes that careful real estate development and protection of the environment can be a successful partnership.
Norman Powell
Vice President
Norman is a retired geophysicist. Upon becoming a resident of Laguna Beach in 1968, he established the Laguna Beach Tennis Association and served as its President until 1973. In 1972 he served as Chairperson of the committee that developed the first draft of the Open Space and Conservation Element of the Laguna Beach General Plan. Later, while living in Dana Point, he played an active role in saving the Dana Point Headlands from overdevelopment, serving as Director and Chairman of the Dana point Headlands Conservancy from 1994 to 2004. He returned to Laguna in 2012.
Norman is a retired geophysicist. Upon becoming a resident of Laguna Beach in 1968, he established the Laguna Beach Tennis Association and served as its President until 1973. In 1972 he served as Chairperson of the committee that developed the first draft of the Open Space and Conservation Element of the Laguna Beach General Plan. Later, while living in Dana Point, he played an active role in saving the Dana Point Headlands from overdevelopment, serving as Director and Chairman of the Dana point Headlands Conservancy from 1994 to 2004. He returned to Laguna in 2012.
Gene Felder
Treasurer
Gene Felder, long-time Laguna Canyon Conservancy Vice-President beginning in 1989, succeeded Carolyn Wood as President as is now Treasurer. Gene Felder was raised in La Mirada, graduated from Cal State Fullerton in Business, and received an MBA from UCLA. He retired in 2017 after spending his entire career in manufacturing. Gene and Johanna have lived in Laguna Beach since 1986 and Gene has donated significant time engaged on issues of public policy. He was Chair of Save Laguna Art Museum, active in Save the Pageant, and is currently President of the Top of the World Neighborhood Association. Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett appointed Gene to the Coastal Greenbelt Authority which oversees the Laguna Coast and Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Parks. Gene served on the Board of Directors of the Laguna Beach Historical Society from 2001 to 2014 serving as President from 2001 to 2006. He is co-author, with Foster J. Eubanks, of the 2013 book “Laguna Beach, Then & Now”.
Gene Felder, long-time Laguna Canyon Conservancy Vice-President beginning in 1989, succeeded Carolyn Wood as President as is now Treasurer. Gene Felder was raised in La Mirada, graduated from Cal State Fullerton in Business, and received an MBA from UCLA. He retired in 2017 after spending his entire career in manufacturing. Gene and Johanna have lived in Laguna Beach since 1986 and Gene has donated significant time engaged on issues of public policy. He was Chair of Save Laguna Art Museum, active in Save the Pageant, and is currently President of the Top of the World Neighborhood Association. Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett appointed Gene to the Coastal Greenbelt Authority which oversees the Laguna Coast and Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Parks. Gene served on the Board of Directors of the Laguna Beach Historical Society from 2001 to 2014 serving as President from 2001 to 2006. He is co-author, with Foster J. Eubanks, of the 2013 book “Laguna Beach, Then & Now”.
Cheryl Czyz
Recording Secretary
After a career in education from elementary through college, Cheryl retired and moved to Laguna Beach to enjoy a village surrounded by open space. As a child she had gained an appreciation of the outdoors through frequent Sierra Club hikes and that continued at her alma mater UCLA where she hiked with the International Club.
After a career in education from elementary through college, Cheryl retired and moved to Laguna Beach to enjoy a village surrounded by open space. As a child she had gained an appreciation of the outdoors through frequent Sierra Club hikes and that continued at her alma mater UCLA where she hiked with the International Club.
Jahn Levitt
Communications Secretary
Jahn Levitt, a native New Yorker, and former editor at Random House, later a move to California, where I became a buyer for Bullocks and a textile designer. After living in Laguna Beach, I was drawn to environmental issues. I was on the Board of Village Laguna for 4 years, a past member of the Women’s Club, and a current member of the American Association of University Woman. I served on the Board of the Laguna Beach Beautification Council, volunteered at the Blue Bell Home for Cats, and Yorkshire Terrier Rescue. For the past five years I have been a Judge for the K-high school Library Poetry Awards.
Jahn Levitt, a native New Yorker, and former editor at Random House, later a move to California, where I became a buyer for Bullocks and a textile designer. After living in Laguna Beach, I was drawn to environmental issues. I was on the Board of Village Laguna for 4 years, a past member of the Women’s Club, and a current member of the American Association of University Woman. I served on the Board of the Laguna Beach Beautification Council, volunteered at the Blue Bell Home for Cats, and Yorkshire Terrier Rescue. For the past five years I have been a Judge for the K-high school Library Poetry Awards.
Jackie Gallagher
Sawdust Pollinator Garden Coordinator
Jackie Gallagher is a Native Californian. She has participated in local environmental issues since the 1970’s. She has lived in Laguna since 1982 and appreciates the diverse ecosystem that makes up Laguna Beach. She participated in creating a STEAM (Science, Technology, English, ART, Math) Art Program at Dana Hills High School in collaboration with the Festival of Whales from 2009-2018. The goal to continue educating our community and increase ecological awareness, is important to her as a board member and conservationist.
Jackie Gallagher is a Native Californian. She has participated in local environmental issues since the 1970’s. She has lived in Laguna since 1982 and appreciates the diverse ecosystem that makes up Laguna Beach. She participated in creating a STEAM (Science, Technology, English, ART, Math) Art Program at Dana Hills High School in collaboration with the Festival of Whales from 2009-2018. The goal to continue educating our community and increase ecological awareness, is important to her as a board member and conservationist.
Carey Strombotne
Laguna Canyon Foundation Liaison
Carey Strombotne moved to Laguna Beach in 1982, and instantly fell in love with everything Laguna. She and her husband, Dion, raised their two sons, Rex, and Derek, in Laguna, surfing and swimming at our local beaches, and instilled in them a love and appreciation for our oceans and canyons. Carey began her environmental protection advocacy while volunteering with the Save Trestles campaign, which was a 20-year battle to stop a toll road from bisecting San Onofre State Park, working alongside Surfrider, Sierra Club, and other groups that formed a coalition. She joined the board of Laguna Canyon Conservancy (LCC) in 2008 after meeting then president of LCC, Carolyn Wood while volunteering to help save Trestles. Carey is also on the Laguna Canyon Foundation board of directors as a liaison to Laguna Canyon Conservancy. She is also a longtime member of the Top of the World Neighborhood Association (TOWNA) board of directors.
Carey Strombotne moved to Laguna Beach in 1982, and instantly fell in love with everything Laguna. She and her husband, Dion, raised their two sons, Rex, and Derek, in Laguna, surfing and swimming at our local beaches, and instilled in them a love and appreciation for our oceans and canyons. Carey began her environmental protection advocacy while volunteering with the Save Trestles campaign, which was a 20-year battle to stop a toll road from bisecting San Onofre State Park, working alongside Surfrider, Sierra Club, and other groups that formed a coalition. She joined the board of Laguna Canyon Conservancy (LCC) in 2008 after meeting then president of LCC, Carolyn Wood while volunteering to help save Trestles. Carey is also on the Laguna Canyon Foundation board of directors as a liaison to Laguna Canyon Conservancy. She is also a longtime member of the Top of the World Neighborhood Association (TOWNA) board of directors.
Directors
Bien Cruz
Board Member
Bien Cruz was asked sometime back"What made you choose to live in Laguna Beach?"
Her response was, the verdant sapces and mature trees while driving through the old two lane Laguna Canyon Road afforded a countryside feel. This led to the sandy Main Beacch and quaint downtown. The hillsides are void of cookie cutter structures. These are what lured me and my family to Laguna Beach. Hence, I hope to contribute in caring for and preserving all these, especially the mentioned verdant spaces for the future.
PAST ACTIVITIES: I was active with my neighbors in evaluating architectural plans submitted to Design Review Board, of new constructions and remodels few to many years after the 1993 fire.
Before retirement, mentored medical students and future specialists in my field of expertise.
I have years of domestic responsibilities in budgeting and investing in real estate, equities and bonds.
PAST POSITIONS: Treasurer for Saint Catherine Women's Council, Laguna Beach. Board member for University Santo Tomas, fouinded in 1611 in Manila, Philippines, and the Medical Alumni Association of SoCal.
CURRENT INTERESTS: Fossil fuel energy and alternative energy.
Bien Cruz was asked sometime back"What made you choose to live in Laguna Beach?"
Her response was, the verdant sapces and mature trees while driving through the old two lane Laguna Canyon Road afforded a countryside feel. This led to the sandy Main Beacch and quaint downtown. The hillsides are void of cookie cutter structures. These are what lured me and my family to Laguna Beach. Hence, I hope to contribute in caring for and preserving all these, especially the mentioned verdant spaces for the future.
PAST ACTIVITIES: I was active with my neighbors in evaluating architectural plans submitted to Design Review Board, of new constructions and remodels few to many years after the 1993 fire.
Before retirement, mentored medical students and future specialists in my field of expertise.
I have years of domestic responsibilities in budgeting and investing in real estate, equities and bonds.
PAST POSITIONS: Treasurer for Saint Catherine Women's Council, Laguna Beach. Board member for University Santo Tomas, fouinded in 1611 in Manila, Philippines, and the Medical Alumni Association of SoCal.
CURRENT INTERESTS: Fossil fuel energy and alternative energy.
Alice Harmon
Board Member
Alice Harmon is a native Californian, born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. She graduated from USC with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught first grade for eight years in Los Angeles, Riverside and El Centro schools. While still living in El Centro Alice became a travel agent. Later she moved to Laguna Beach and continued her work in the travel industry until retirement. Alice is a member of the Trojan Guild of Orange County; PEO, a philanthropic and educational group; and Newport Panhellenic where she serves on the Scholarship Committee. Alice has been a member of Laguna Canyon Conservancy for many years.
Alice Harmon is a native Californian, born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. She graduated from USC with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught first grade for eight years in Los Angeles, Riverside and El Centro schools. While still living in El Centro Alice became a travel agent. Later she moved to Laguna Beach and continued her work in the travel industry until retirement. Alice is a member of the Trojan Guild of Orange County; PEO, a philanthropic and educational group; and Newport Panhellenic where she serves on the Scholarship Committee. Alice has been a member of Laguna Canyon Conservancy for many years.
Linda Mayer
Board Member
Linda Mayer has been an Orange County resident since 1954, first in Santa Ana, then Costa Mesa and then to Irvine until moving to Laguna Beach in 2015. She has been active in various service organizations including Newport-Harbor chapter of Zonta International, AAUW and several Church groups. As a Court Reporter in Orange County Superior Court for 40 years specializing in business litigation, she witnessed many battles involving ocean views and other community coastal problems.
Linda Mayer has been an Orange County resident since 1954, first in Santa Ana, then Costa Mesa and then to Irvine until moving to Laguna Beach in 2015. She has been active in various service organizations including Newport-Harbor chapter of Zonta International, AAUW and several Church groups. As a Court Reporter in Orange County Superior Court for 40 years specializing in business litigation, she witnessed many battles involving ocean views and other community coastal problems.
Paul Merritt
Board Member
Paul Merritt, a native Southern Californian, ''Lagunatic'' for decades [1963]. Graduate of Laguna Beach high school. Past president of Laguna Taxpayers Association. Member 1990s Surfrider Foundation. Real property broker, lifetime member of Nature Conservancy. Former O.C. Elected official. Chairman O.C. Economic Commission [ Federal]; as well as a ''travel buff’'. Current Board member Woods Cove Association. Decade of local charity work, Exchange Club of Laguna. Early supporter of Laguna Greenbelt. Thirty years of membership Laguna Beautification Committee.
Paul Merritt, a native Southern Californian, ''Lagunatic'' for decades [1963]. Graduate of Laguna Beach high school. Past president of Laguna Taxpayers Association. Member 1990s Surfrider Foundation. Real property broker, lifetime member of Nature Conservancy. Former O.C. Elected official. Chairman O.C. Economic Commission [ Federal]; as well as a ''travel buff’'. Current Board member Woods Cove Association. Decade of local charity work, Exchange Club of Laguna. Early supporter of Laguna Greenbelt. Thirty years of membership Laguna Beautification Committee.
Ed Merrilees
Advisor
Ed Merrilees. I joined the Orange County District Attorney’s office in 1957 in Santa Ana as the 13th deputy. As Assistant DA I served on the Board of Directors of CSP, the predecessor in the courts to Waymakers, providing juvenile diversion and youth shelter services to deserving youth. In 1997, when the California Legislature approved a contract with a luxury resort developer to take over the cottages at Crystal Cove, I became involved in its opposition including serving on the Board of Friends of the Newport Coast. After 12 hard-fought years a successful result was obtained and now the public can continue to enjoy the beauty of Crystal Cove. Along the way I joined LCC and the Sierra Club and became a supporter of saving our natural habitats.
Ed Merrilees. I joined the Orange County District Attorney’s office in 1957 in Santa Ana as the 13th deputy. As Assistant DA I served on the Board of Directors of CSP, the predecessor in the courts to Waymakers, providing juvenile diversion and youth shelter services to deserving youth. In 1997, when the California Legislature approved a contract with a luxury resort developer to take over the cottages at Crystal Cove, I became involved in its opposition including serving on the Board of Friends of the Newport Coast. After 12 hard-fought years a successful result was obtained and now the public can continue to enjoy the beauty of Crystal Cove. Along the way I joined LCC and the Sierra Club and became a supporter of saving our natural habitats.
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