Local Halloween display is better than a trip to Disneyland
For you ghosts, ghouls, and goblins hunting for a haunting experience this Halloween, where things do go bump in the night, you need to go no further than 4427 Santa Monica – if you dare.“Each year I add something new to my Halloween display,” said Wayne Smith, former editor for Disney Productions. “This year I have added a scene right out of Disney’s Haunted Mansion attraction.”Eerily displayed in Smiths’ front window are three skeletons playing cards at a floating table. In the center, a crystal ball containing the head of a woman speaking to the dead, played by Wayne’s wife Pam.“The skeleton sitting at the head of the table is me, I’m dead,” Wayne said, explaining the backstory. “In my hand is a picture of my lovely wife Pam, who is also dead. I drafted her for the role of Madame Leona, whose head is encased in a crystal ball. We are having a séance, trying to see if we can bring our spirits back.”For Pam, portraying the iconic Madam Leona from the Haunted Mansion, required hours in the makeup chair as Wayne applied layers of gooey, sticky white makeup to create the perfect cast of her face.“I had to sit perfectly still for three hours and couldn’t say a single word,” said Pam. “Wayne has a very creative mind. Being a part of his unique world is a lot of fun, although I will apply my makeup from now on.”The cards held by the skeletons are Hologram’s; the images change as you walk past, just like they do at Disneyland and in the movie “Haunted Mansion.”On Halloween, visitors to Wayne and Pan’s haunted house will be allowed to stroll down, “The Pathway Of Doom,” where they will encounter a maze of singing pumpkins, flying ghosts, talking tombstones, and an automated coffin. It’s like a visit to Disneyland but better. It’s free.The passion driving Wayne’s love for all things Disney stems from the years he worked for Disneyland and Disney Productions. He started as a costumed character and worked his way up to Disney’s video department and the Disney Channel. He brings that expertise to Ocean Beach each year on Halloween and again on Christmas with his unique displays.
Mitzi Shore: The woman who shaped modern comedy
Mitzi Shore wasn’t just another name in the comedy world, she was the backbone, the pioneer who carved out a space for countless legendary comedians and she has a La Jolla connection.Born on July 25, 1927, in Milwaukee, Shore set her sights on an acting career when she moved to Los Angeles in the late 1940s. But as fate would have it, her true talent wasn’t in front of the camera but behind the scenes, helping to shape an entire generation of stand-up comedians.By 1972, she made her mark with The Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard, turning what was once just another club into a holy ground for aspiring comedians. Under her eye, the club wasn’t just a venue — it was where stars like Robin Williams, Richard Pryor, and Jim Carrey discovered their comedic voices.“Mitzi had a remarkable eye for talent,” Adam Sandler said. “She could tell who would succeed just by watching their first few minutes on stage.”And boy, did she know how to pick them.MORE THAN A COMEDY CLUB OWNERAlso, Shore wasn’t just running a comedy club; she was nurturing a family of misfits who needed guidance as much as they needed laughs. She could see potential where others might not. Howie Mandel once said: “Mitzi Shore was the heart and soul of The Comedy Store. She taught us how to find our voice.”It was this kind of hands-on mentorship that set her apart. Why? To Shore, comedy was personal, and she was known to push comedians to dig deeper and find their unique voices, and that’s why so many revered her.Her son, Pauly Shore, perhaps summed it up best after her passing: “My mom was not just my mother; she was a pioneer for women in comedy. Her legacy will live on forever.”Fellow comedian Chris D’Elia didn’t hold back either when he said: “Without Mitzi, there wouldn’t be half the comedians we have today. She changed the game for all of us.”A SECOND ACT IN LA JOLLAIn the later years of her life, She found peace in La Jolla, away from the neon lights of Sunset Boulevard. Though she had stepped back from the daily grind of running The Comedy Store, her love for comedy never faded. “La Jolla’s energy is completely different. It gives me the peace I need to think creatively,” Shore once said. Here, she could unwind, reflect, and continue to inspire.But of course, she wasn’t one to stay idle for long.In 1976, she opened The La Jolla Comedy Store, giving San Diego’s comedy scene a serious boost. It quickly became a favorite go-to for top-tier comedians looking to escape Hollywood’s chaos.David Spade, Whitney Cummings, and Sebastian Maniscalco all frequented the club, drawn by its intimate setting and Shore’s special factor.“La Jolla was like a second home to Mitzi,” comedian Marc Maron once said. “She took the essence of The Comedy Store and recreated it here, giving local comedians the same chance to develop and grow.”SAYING GOODBYE TO A LEGENDMitzi Shore passed away on April 11, 2018, at her home in La Jolla, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. The comedy world felt the loss deeply, with an outpouring of love and tributes from comedians everywhere. Carrey said: “She was a magical person who gave people hope.”Although she was laid to rest in Los Angeles, her spirit most likely still lingers in La Jolla. The Comedy Store continues to pay homage to her legacy, with special tribute nights and events that continue her tradition of discovering fresh talent.Sources:Los Angeles Times: Mitzi Shore, Comedy Store Founder and Trailblazer, Dies at 90Variety: Mitzi Shore, Comedy Store Founder, Dies at 90Hollywood Reporter: Mitzi Shore, Comedy Store Founder, Dead at 90Vulture: Remembering Mitzi Shore, Comedy Store FounderNBC San Diego: Comedian Mitzi Shore, Founder of the Comedy Store, Dies at 90People: Mitzi Shore, Founder of the Comedy Store, Dies at 90San Diego Union-Tribune: Remembering Mitzi Shore
The Cat’s Meow Fur Ball, and San Diego Fashion Week Fall Runway Show
The 38th Fur Ball was hosted by the San Diego Humane Society on Oct. 5 at the San Diego Humane Center, honoring Richard and Sharon Bockoff. Guests arrived ‘dressed to the nines’ with their canine companions. More dogs were attending the event with their owners this year than ever before. The theme for the evening was “The Cat’s Meow!” marking the first time that cats were the stars of the show. Coco and Amore Schwab graced the invitation this year, thanks to their “cat mom” Norma Schwab who won last year’s bid.To further enhance the Fur Ball experience, canine services were provided for the guests. These included a doggie valet, which gave the pups a much-needed walk while their owners continued to enjoy the festivities. Additionally, a canine concierge service was available, with volunteers circulating the event to provide pet blankets, water, and baggies for their furry friends.President and CEO Dr. Gary Weitzman welcomed the audience and Megan Parry from ABC 10News served as mistress of ceremonies for the evening. The guests enjoyed a delicious vegetarian dinner prepared by Jeffrey Strauss of Pamplemousse Grille. Auctioneer Mark Drilling helped raise an astounding $1.7 million during the event. The perfect evening concluded with music from Haute Chile.With the shelter currently facing overcapacity, there are many dogs in need of adoption. Everyone was encouraged to consider adopting a pet. For more information, visit the San Diego Humane Center or check out https://animalcenter.org/adopt-a-pet/adoptable-dogs/.FALL RUNWAY SHOWThe 17th San Diego Fashion Week showcased its Fall Runway Show on Oct. 5 at the ANDAZ Hotel. Director Gwen Bates stated that this show is a platform for both emerging designers and established brands to present their collections on the runway. The featured designer this year was Caroline Williard Couture. Additional designers showcasing their work on the runway were Angel Tan, Sarra’s Petals, Grisham Manor, GFash, MSTR STAG, Lady Lane, Insufficient Fun, and Lina Dweik.This two-day extravaganza included a trunk show and awards on Sunday, Oct. 6, which was held on the rooftop of the ANDAZ Hotel. Bites and sips were provided by STK Steakhouse. The top designer awards were presented to first place MSTR STAG; second Lina Dweik; and third Grisham Manor and Sarra’s Petals. Awards for the top models went to first place Ariana Angel; second Nalani Coleman and Alex Folas; and third Micah Queja and Madison Vice.Fashion Week San Diego (FWSD) holds additional events throughout the year. Stay tuned at www.fashionweekSD.com.UPCOMING EVENTSSaturday, Nov. 2 – RAZKAL Market & Fashion Show at Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center from 1-7 p.m. https://bit.ly/4f8FpUc.Sunday, Nov. 10 – Sip and Style at Novo Brazil Brewing Mission Valley from 1-4 p.m. Each ticket includes a bag filled with fashion and a drink of your choice. https://bit.ly/4eandJ7.Monday, Dec. 2 – BIMS Week Fashion Show (Black in Marine Science) at Paradise Point Resort & Spa from 6-8 p.m. Showcasing sustainable fashion, swimwear, and dive/snorkel gear. https://bit.ly/48be7u5.Friday, Dec. 6 – Winter Wonderland Fashion Show & Luncheon at the US Grant Hotel. Leonard Simpson will present the runway show. arc-sd.com/winterwonderland/.Saturday, Dec. 14 – Kenneth Barlis Fashion Show (Made in the Philippines) from 3-8 p.m. at the Port Pavilion. Formal attire only. https://bit.ly/4h9XN0P.Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the Southern California area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher, and podcaster at dianacavagnaro.com.
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