Firebrand, which creates nationwide publications, websites and marketing, produces local mainstays The Laguna Beach Independent newspaper and Laguna Beach Magazine from its Broadway Street headquarters. More than write about Laguna, Firebrand has supported the idea of community with more than $50,000 of in-kind sponsorship and revenue to the local education foundation.

“SchoolPower has always been close to our hearts,” said Scott Sanchez, Firebrand’s chief technology officer and publisher. “The kids are the foundation of our town, and making sure that we support them feels like the right thing to do.”

The groups’ collaboration began five years ago, when Firebrand signed on to help SchoolPower’s newly-created community event, SchoolPowerPalooza – the predecessor of SchoolPower’s Dodgeball Tournament. Subsequently, Firebrand named SchoolPower as its Montage fashion show beneficiary and became one of SchoolPower’s most generous Business Alliance sponsors.

SchoolPower and Firebrand are currently partnering to increase the outreach of SchoolPower’s Laguna Locals Card, which offers discounts at over a hundred local businesses. Beginning in June, visitors will be able to purchase the Locals Card at Firebrand’s One Laguna, a multimedia center located on Forest Avenue that is equipped to help local residents and tourists get the most from the town.

“As a partner, Firebrand is not afraid to try something new and maybe push the envelope a little bit. Firebrand has helped us create new programs and revitalized long-standing ones,” said Robin Rounaghi, SchoolPower’s executive director who presented the award at a June event at The Ranch.

The Hall of Fame (aka “Claes”) Award was established in 2006 in honor of Hotel Laguna’s Claes Anderson, whose generosity paved the way for a new level of giving to SchoolPower. Previous Hall of Fame Award recipients include Donnie Crevier, David Wilhelm and Philo Smith, Hearts of Montage, David Wilson, Laguna Graphic Arts, Lumberyard and Fredric H. Rubel Jewelers.

Sanchez says Firebrand is proud to be included on that list. “We believe wholeheartedly in SchoolPower’s mission and we have a great partnership,” he said. “We only see things growing in the future.