Laguna Niguel Rotary proposes documentary premiere, asks council to explore local archives

Ben Pasco, representing the Laguna Niguel Rotary Club, introduced three presenters who outlined a proposal to premiere a documentary about women leaders and the city's history as part of the Global Women's Forum. Pasco said the project would be "run by Laguna Niguel Rotary and Rotary International" and asked for the council’s support.

Rio Fior, the film creative lead, said the documentary "In Her Shoes" would open with stories of women who "broke barriers" and spotlighted local figures including Pat Bates, noting that "one of those stories belongs to Laguna Niguel." Filmmaker Devon William described a nontraditional, character-driven approach—following residents and local organizations so audiences "discover the history with them" rather than hearing scripted 'speaking heads.'

Rotary public relations chair Tatiana Shamnik, a Laguna Niguel resident, asked the council to "explore creating a dedicated space for the Laguna Niguel Historical Archives within the Laguna Niguel Public Library," saying photographs, documents and oral histories could support rotating exhibits and later be digitized. She said the documentary team could contribute firsthand material to an archive and recommended the city study what space and resources would be needed.

The request was made during the public-comment period; no formal council action on archives was taken at the meeting.