Billy Fried

2 months ago | lagunabeachindy.com | Billy Fried

Surfer. Abalone diver. Spear fisherman. Bullfighter. Roller derby enthusiast. Mountain biker. Motorcyclist. Ship captain. Wood worker. Sculptor. Luthier. Musician. Photographer. Birder. Korean War veteran. Author. According to local Craig Lockwood, who edited his two memoirs, Bud Hedrick was every bit the Hemingway character "in the broadest sense of the word." Someone whose passion for adventure was informed by the war. Bud passed away recently but somehow squeezed centuries of life out of his 94 years.

Feb 28, 2025 | lagunabeachindy.com | Billy Fried

One thing you can be sure of in these crazy times: we all need a LAF. That's why we at KXFM Radio are launching the 1st annual LAF awards, better known as the "Laguna Achievement Festival." It's in one month – Saturday, March 29 at Seven Degrees- and it's to celebrate all the crazy, good, talented people and places in our town. Come on out because it will be one giant community bash, a kind of Hospitality Night meets Sawdust Locals Night meets LSD.

Feb 7, 2025 | lagunabeachindy.com | Billy Fried

We all know that Laguna is a magical, beautiful place. And also that it’s never looked worse. Is this the decline of the empire? Empty storefronts, dirty streets, bliss-crushing congestion, filth on the beaches, sewer spills, sidewalk fixes that never end, DUIs and drug busts. More South Central than South County. I’ve heard people staying at the Montage are remaining on the property because there’s nothing appealing in town. It’s Deadsville at night.

Jan 31, 2025 | lagunabeachindy.com | Billy Fried

I enjoyed reading Lauren Simon’s piece on her late dad Allan Simon last week. He was one of a kind. Self-made, curious and “always growing, because you have to,” he once told me. So, I’d like to add a few more personal observations on how he impacted the community he loved so much. Allan was born in the Bronx to a father who worked hard selling steel wool. But Allan was destined for something more.

Jan 9, 2025 | lagunabeachindy.com | Billy Fried

If a life well-lived is measured by the number of people whose lives you touched and changed for the better, then Stuart Bloom, who transitioned recently at the age of 84, lived the greatest life of anyone I’ve ever known. What an extraordinarily enlightened, compassionate and benevolent human being. Someone who shone his light for us all to see with grace, humility, humor and love. Stuart was born in Chicago in 1940 and raised in a loving family.