May 21, 2026, 7:30AM

Ware was born in Fullerton California. As a teen, his favorite destination was Laguna Beach where he enjoyed bodysurfing at Crescent Bay. He studied art at Fullerton College and studied design at Woodbury University. While working in the music industry and collecting massive amounts of music, he moved to Laguna Beach and began working with the Preparator Team at the Laguna Art Museum. Today, after 20 years in Laguna, he is the Lead Concierge at Visit Laguna Beach, and loves being an ambassador to his favorite place. He is also proud to host his weekly radio show, Kevin’s Beach on Laguna’s community radio station KXFM. Kevin’s been sharing his unique and creative collection of music on KXFM since the station’s beginnings in 2012. Kevin also has a passion for art. His paintings have been showed in different venues around town.

Burt, an experienced esthetician and massage therapist for both humans and canines, recently represented Spa Del Rio in the World Championship of Massage Therapy in Copenhagen, Denmark. With a background in marketing and sales, she opened the boutique spa alongside her mom and sisters, a close-knit family of five. What began as a family venture has grown into a trusted destination for exceptional massage and facial services. Since opening in 2020, Spa Del Rio has been recognized as the #4 Best Massage in the U.S. by Yelp, and holds more 5 star reviews than any other spa in Laguna Beach.

April 16, 2026, 7:30AM

Dr. Nicklas will talk about how to succeed and lead in a time where uncertainty is the only certainty.

As founder of Luminovate Solutions, Dr. Nicklas is a strategist who helps organizations create environments where people can learn, adapt, and do their best work. With a background in psychology and research in adult learning theory and andragogy, she brings a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to growth and development. Her experience across corporate, small business, educational, nonprofit, and consulting settings gives her a broad perspective on what helps different organizations thrive in fast-moving environments. Ashley believes that when people are well supported with practical tools and clear guidance, they become more adaptable, more effective, and better equipped to turn challenges into opportunities. This creates stronger organizations and lasting results that benefit everyone involved.

March 19, 2026, 7:30AM

Alexis is a natural-born public speaker with over a decade of experience, including formal training in speech and debate, which lead her to become a nationally-ranked speaker in Oratory, long-form persuasive speaking. For the past 11 years, her career has focused on digital marketing, specifically in the B2B and SAAS fields. Alexis has a deep passion for nature, conservation efforts, and renewable energies. She often gives public presentations in her field of expertise, but is currently expanding to Christian-based topics, environmentalism, and energy-based topics.

February 19, 2026, 7:30AM

Dr. Rankin will discuss the easy ways to get featured in news, publications and beyond.

Dr. Rankin, a Laguna Beach resident since birth, is a Mensan with two doctorates (a PhD and LHD). She has taught at the University of Cambridge and Columbia University, lectured at the University of Oxford and for TED, trained US federal agents, and graced mainstream stages everywhere from the DR Congo to International Comic-Con. Dr. Rankin has been honored by the White House for her work, has written 14 books, and writes for Psychology Today. Before becoming an author and lecturer, Dr. Rankin served in higher and public education as an award-winning educator, as chief education & research officer (CERO) of a global data systems company she co-owned from founding to sale, and as Fulbright Specialist for the US Department of State. Her media appearances are extensive, and she serves alongside Nobel laureates and international thought leaders on multiple company advisory boards. The American flag was once flown over the US Capitol Building (on Capitol Hill) in her honor.

January 15, 2026, 7:30AM

Dionne Mejer is a sought-after speaker, facilitator, and the driving force behind the Sales with Soul™ and Lead with Soul™ movement. With more than 20 years of experience spanning sales, strategy, and leadership, she helps organizations align people, processes, and technology to build Revenue Excellence Programs rooted in high-performing, human-centered teams.

As the Founder of Revenue by Design, Revenue Excellence Principal, and author of The Stepped Approach, Dionne has guided startups and global enterprises through meaningful transformation—delivering measurable outcomes such as 30% increases in close rates while creating lasting cultural impact.

Whether coaching executives one-on-one or energizing a room from the stage, Dionne blends grit, grace, and strategic insight to drive clarity, trust, and momentum. Attendees leave her talks and workshops feeling relieved, energized, and empowered with a fresh perspective—and clear, actionable steps to achieve meaningful, sustainable growth.

November 20, 2025, 7:30AM

Dave Kiff brings substantial local government experience and expertise to the City of Laguna Beach. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Division Director for the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, overseeing homelessness programs totaling $30 million annually. Additionally, Kiff has served as Interim City Manager for several California cities, including Sonoma, Healdsburg, and Huntington Beach. He also brings extensive experience as the former City Manager of Newport Beach, where he successfully managed a $300 million budget, staff of over 700, and a diverse range of city services for nearly a decade.

October 16, 2025, 7:30AM

Sue Kempf was selected to the Laguna Beach City Council in 2018 and served as Mayor in 2022 and again in 2024. Prior to her election to City Council, Sue served nearly 5 years on the City’s Planning Commission, and three years as Chair of the Emergency Disaster Preparedness Committee. In 2019, Sue and Councilmember Bob Whalen, in concert with City Staff, developed the Fire Mitigation/Fire Safety program which has been widely deployed throughout the City, including the HeliPods on the ridgeline which allow for quick aerial response capability. Her City Council assignments include board member positions on the Laguna Canyon Foundation, Laguna Beach County Water District, Festival of the Arts, Irvine Bowl Policy Committee as well as liaison to the Arts Commission, Recreation Committee and South Laguna Water District Advisory member.

In her professional career, Kempf served three years as President of Mirion Technologies Dosimetry Division and 28 years in the wireless communication industry in senior management and Executive positions. Her most enjoyable volunteer activity in town was coaching boys basketball at the Boys and Girls Club in Laguna Beach for several years. Sue enjoys life in Laguna Beach with her spouse, Cheryl, and her many friends around town.