New sheriff meets and greets at Laguna event

Some of the county’s most influential women met Monday in Laguna Beach with Orange County’s new sheriff, Sandra Hutchens.

More than 200 members of the California Women’s Leadership Association and guests attended the gathering at Sapphire Restaurant, where newly appointed Sheriff Hutchens was introduced.

“The purpose was to have the CWLA members and South County get up close and personal with the new sheriff,” said Laguna Beach resident Kristine Thalman, chief executive officer of the Building Industry Assn. of Orange County.

Thalman has been described as one of the county’s 40 most influential politicos.

Elected officials and the politically connected from around the county attended the Mid-Summer Eve Mixer, including Judge John Adams and Fifth District Supervisor Pat Bates, who was endorsed by the group in 2006.

“I think I saw every prominent Orange County politician there,” said Laguna Beach Taxpayers Assn. President Martha Lydick.

The event was underwritten by Judy Ware, attorney Diane Palumbo, Birge Narbutus and Bince Monaco.

“It was standing-room only,” said Councilwoman Elizabeth Pearson, who was endorsed by the association in 2002 and 2006.

Among the locals who attended: publicist Joan Gladstone, Waste Management spokeswoman Michelle Clark and Laguna Beach Republican activist Ann McDonald.