Former mayor basks in Starlight

Mayor Elizabeth Pearson-Schneider presented former Mayor Kathleen Blackburn with the Starlight Award at the 2005 StarFinders Recognition Dinner.

Blackburn has not been idle since retiring from the Laguna Beach City Council. She has served on the hospital’s governing board for more than 10 years and only recently retired from the Festival of Arts board.

In her introduction of Blackburn, Pearson-Schneider said, “I have talked a lot about Kathleen’s volunteerism and accomplishment. What I haven’t talked about is how much of an inspiration she has been to so many of us.

“In the face of tragedy and disappointment, she picks herself up and moves forward. She doesn’t live in the past -- she lives in the moment. She eschews negativity and reinforces the positive.

“She is a role model for all who associate with her, a loyal friend and, I must say, a heck of a lot of fun to spend time with. It has been my good fortune to work and play with Kathleen for 13 years.”

Among the guests were former Starlight Award recipients: Merle Minks (1989), Everett Mangam (1996) and Robert Burgess (1997), all Laguna Beach residents.