One of Orange County's most important arts patrons and volunteer leaders has died: John Stahr. He was the first Board President of Arts Orange County, working closely with its founding Executive Director Bonnie Brittain Hall twenty-five years ago "We're all fortunate that John and Elizabeth decided to make Orange County their home, Hall remarked. "John most certainly met the moment in our county's life, and set such a fine example of how one person can make a difference. The fruits of his labor and investment surround us today and are lasting legacies throughout our community...In his quiet, capable way, John engendered the trust of others. He was integrity personified. Endowed with a keen intellect, he could see the 'big picture,' see what needed to be done and envision the strategies to get there. He was willing to devote his time, resources and personal capital to move projects forward. In addition, he was fun to be around--he was an avid reader and world traveler; always up for a good conversation. He was curious about the world and genuinely interested in other people. With his life-long partner, Elizabeth, at his side, they were a formidable and capable team that anyone would want on their side."

"When I arrived as Bonnie's successor, the first person she encouraged me to meet was John Stahr," commented ArtsOC President & CEO Rick Stein. "I always looked forward to my periodic lunches with John, who relished the homestyle Mexican food at a favorite back street restaurant in Santa Ana. We'd be joined at these from time to time by Peter Keller, President of the Bowers Museum, or Dean Corey, President & Artistic Director of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, and they went on for hours because nobody wanted to leave. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him." Read his obituary here.

"Dana Point just got a new bronze statue that pays homage to another icon in the surf world. The latest honors John Severson, founder of SURFER magazine, filmmaker and artist, who shared the stoke of surfing, allowing people to be transported to waves around the globe through images, videos and articles that captured the growing culture.