Laguna Canyon will get new pipes

The County Water District will install new domestic water pipelines on Laguna Canyon Road between Forest Avenue and Philips Road beginning the first week of February.

Traffic in the area may be affected from February through mid-May.

Laguna Canyon Road will remain open to two-way traffic at all times. Hours of construction will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. District customers in the area will be notified if it becomes necessary to temporarily interrupt water service.

The new pipeline is intended to enhance water flow for firefighting and improve the overall reliability of the water distribution system, water officials said.

Information: (949) 494-1041.

Design board likes the new Heisler plan

The design review board has approved revised plans for renovations at Heisler Park. The board voted that the proposed monuments be removed, that restrooms at Picnic Beach be lowered by 2 feet, and that one of the barbecue grills be eliminated, project manager Wade Brown said.

“The monuments were taken out because it was felt they weren’t in keeping with the low-key wooden designs in our other parks,” Brown said.

With the issuance of a coastal development permit, the project is set to proceed, unless an appeal is filed within 10 days, Brown said.

Seats open on two appointed committees

The City Council is seeking applicants for four positions on the parking/traffic/circulation committee and four positions on the recreation committee.

The committees generally meet once a month.

The parking committee acts in an advisory capacity on matters pertaining to parking, traffic, circulation, transit, the parking management plan and traffic complaints.

The recreation committee deals with the recreation and park needs of the community.

Laguna Beach residents who are interested in serving on either should file an application with the City Clerk’s office by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31. Interviews will be conducted at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the City Council meeting.

Applications are available from the city clerk’s office at City Hall, 505 Forest Ave., or online at www.lagunabeachcity.net.

For more information, contact the city clerk’s office: (949) 497-0705.

Assistance League tea for prospective members

The Assistance League will hold a membership tea at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 30. Prospective members can meet new friends and learn about the group’s various philanthropic programs and the Turnabout Thrift Shop.

The following membership categories are available: active, associate and professional. The tea will take place at the Chapter House, 547 Catalina St. Parking is available in the back of the building off Goff Alley off Park Ave. Information: (949) 376-6908.

Great Decisions begin

The Great Decisions Discussion Groups, co-sponsored by the Social Action Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Laguna Beach and the League of Women Voters, will hold their introductory meetings at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, at the Fellowship, 429 Cypress Drive.

Anyone with an interest in international relations and crucial global issues is welcome to join. The discussions -- centered around “Great Decisions,” a briefing book published by the Foreign Policy Association -- will continue for eight consecutive weeks. The book provides readings on eight timely global topics.

The Foreign Policy Association strives to help Americans gain a better understanding of significant world issues in the belief that a concerned and informed public is the foundation for effective foreign policy. Information: Jean Raun, 494-2247.

Chamber plans networking luncheon

The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce will hold a networking luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, at Ristorante Robilio, 303 Broadway.

Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers if purchased by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, or $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers at the door.

Information: (949) 494-1018.

Dessert contest