Let's start with the bad news. Due to its overwhelming popularity among 13-34 year-olds, MTV’s skanky pseudo-reality show Laguna Beach, The Real Orange County, has been renewed for a second season in 2005. It’s been reported in the local papers that MTV film crews are once again crawling around all over town, and that the next season will highlight the senior year antics and angst of Kristen, arguably the show’s most reprehensible character. Stay tuned for more hooking up, pole dancing, and fun-filled, sun-drenched Laguna Beach adventures!
Now for the good news: a few of the stars from the first season have put their new-found celebrityhood to admirable use. As reported in the Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot, Dieter Schmitz will be running and biking from San Diego to Laguna Beach (about 70 miles) to raise funds for Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE), a national nonprofit that works to prevent and raise awareness about depression and suicide. Through his website, www.runninghome4teens.com, Schmitz has raised $6,000 in pledged donations, with a goal of $10,000. Supporters include bands Blink 182 and New Found Glory, who are auctioning off autographed guitars on their websites, with 100% of the proceeds going to Schmitz’ cause. In the first season, cast member Trey Phillips revealed a refreshingly rare interest in life beyond tanning salons and party planning by organizing a youth activism group. He says he and other cast members will be present the afternoon of December 19 at Laguna Beach High School when Schmitz concludes his fundraising journey. (I'm SO there!) Schmitz and Phillips plan to combine their youth activism and fundraising efforts in the future.