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Microbiome Scientist, AI Author Headline Library Lectures

10.04.26

The Library Foundation of Newport Beach starts its 2026-2027 Spotlight on Science series, which is free to attend, on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. in the new Witte Hall.

The first speaker is Rob Knight, a professor of pediatrics, bioengineering, computer science and engineering, and data science at UC San Diego. His lecture is titled "The Invisible Universe Within: How Microbes Shape Health, Disease, and the Environment."

Knight is the founding director of the Center for Microbiome Innovation at UC San Diego and a leading voice in microbiome science worldwide. He has written more than 1,000 scientific papers and the books "Follow Your Gut" and "Dirt Is Good." He also co-founded the Earth Microbiome Project, the American Gut Project and two biotech companies. His research has linked microbial communities to a range of human health conditions, from obesity to Alzheimer's, and has deepened scientists' understanding of the microbes in our environment.

To register for the free program, go to libraryfoundation or call 949-717-3818.

The popular Library Live series, which brings renowned authors to town, begins its season Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. in Witte Hall.

Stephen Witt opens the series. He is the author of "The Thinking Machine: Jensen Huang, Nvidia, and the World's Most Coveted Microchip," a history of Nvidia that reached bestseller lists in several countries and includes exclusive interviews with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Witt is considered one of the leading historians of artificial intelligence. He will share his insight into what made Huang and Nvidia so successful, and how AI will affect creative industries and how producers can position themselves for the shift.

To register, visit libraryfoundationnb

Witte Hall, 998 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach

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Surfing Heritage & Culture Center Opens New Laguna Beach Home

09.28.26

Visit Laguna Beach is celebrating the opening of the Surfing Heritage & Culture Center (SHACC), one of the world's most respected surfing museums, in its new home in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach. Located just 200 yards from the shoreline at Main Beach, the center honors Laguna Beach's place as one of California's earliest surf towns while preserving the stories, craftsmanship and culture that shaped the sport around the world.

SHACC was founded by legendary surfer, explorer and Laguna Beach native Dick Metz, and its move from San Clemente to downtown Laguna Beach marks a new chapter for the institution. For more than two decades, the museum has preserved surfing's history through an unmatched collection of historic surfboards, rare photography, artwork, literature, films, memorabilia and archival materials. Now, it returns to the community where Metz's vision began. Often called the "Smithsonian of Surfing," SHACC holds the world's largest collection of historic surfboards, making it a go to resource for surfers, historians and enthusiasts everywhere.

The move is a homecoming for Metz, who grew up in Laguna Beach in the 1930s and came of age alongside the town's early surf culture. Inspired by Olympic champion and surfing pioneer Duke Kahanamoku, he spent a lifetime collecting and preserving surfing's history, so bringing the museum back to Laguna Beach brings his story full circle.

Visitors can expect immersive exhibits tracing surfing's evolution through iconic boards, rare photography, original artwork, historical archives and interactive storytelling that dives into the sport's cultural impact across generations. SHACC will also host rotating exhibitions, educational programs, lectures and community events as part of its ongoing mission to preserve, educate and celebrate surf heritage.

The timing couldn't be better for Laguna Beach, which is gearing up for its centennial celebration in 2027. Known for its artistic spirit, stunning coastline and deep ties to California surf culture, Laguna Beach only strengthens its reputation as a place where history, creativity and coastal living meet with SHACC now calling it home.

For more information about the Surfing Heritage & Culture Center, visit shacc.org. For information on planning a visit to Laguna Beach, visit visitlagunabeach.com.

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