It takes a village
Our projects have united people from across the world including Japan, Ethiopia, France & beyond under the common goal of eco-sustainability.
After more than 50 years of service in Laguna Beach, we hope to continue to be a destination & force for a brighter future.
Letters of Support
As the future of the Emerald Sanctuary unfolds, consider what we've accomplished together so far;
Meet Kris
Kris’ first architectural experience was building custom aviaries and enclosures for animals he cared for and rescued in his youth. Showing early aptitude, his parents, famous Laguna Beach philanthropists, Vernon & Cherry Spitaleri, encouraged his skills by asking him to design a cabin for the family. Kris and his family built his design. The stunning geodesic creation still stands in the mountains today!
After earning his architectural degree he continued serving Laguna Beach as a designer, builder and renovator on local projects. For several years Kris then traveled by backpack around the world. From spending time with mother Teresa in Calcutta India to living with Aborigines in the Australian outback. Then to camping with the nomads in the Tibetan Himalayas and many other parts of the world.
His building efforts restored hope to victims of the Yugoslav war. Kris founded the Dawn Society which helped bring relief to orphans, save the lives of refugees, and teach people to live in peace by creating a project that brought refugees of opposing sides together to help re-build each other's homes after the ravages of war.
, he co-founded the Afghan Amity Society to bring relief and restoration to victims of war in Afghanistan. Kris designed a self sustaining multi-functional center consisting of schools, housing, cultural arts complex, orphanage, regenerative food garden, self contained green energy systems, medical clinic, and ecology center to rebuild the region in a clean and sustainable way.
Now, Kris' attention is turned back home to his roots in Laguna, where he is offering his lifetime of knowledge and skill for the benefit of the community. Residents know, the Straw House has been a tremendous labor of love that was slowed by Kris making himself available for years of sleepless nights at the bedside of his parents until thier passing.
The Straw House is dedicated to Cherry & Vernon, in loving memory, and in continuation of their legacy.