CITYSCAPE ROUNDUP: City to consider parking ideas

The Laguna Beach City Council will consider final recommendations from the Planning Commission regarding a proposal for preferential parking in the Flatlands/Woods Cove neighborhoods of midtown Laguna at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16 in the Council chambers at City Hall, 505 Forest Ave.

Preferential parking restricts street parking for the public, with residents able to obtain permits exempting them from the restrictions.

Residents in the midtown area have complained that customers and employees of nearby businesses are taking parking spots away from residents.

This issue was tentatively scheduled for the City Council’s consideration at the Sept. 18 meeting, but was rescheduled at the request of the Parking, Traffic and Circulation Committee.

A copy of the City Council meeting agenda and agenda bill on this item may be obtained from the City Clerk’s office on Oct. 11 after 3:30 p.m. Electronic copies will be available on the city website, www.lagunabeachcity.net, on Oct. 12 after 5 p.m. For more information, contact Ann Larson, planning administrator, at (949) 497-0320.

Partners Bistro hosts benefit for Habitat for Humanity

Partners Bistro will host an evening supporting Habitat for Humanity of Orange County and its development of 27 homes in San Juan Capistrano from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday.

The event will support the efforts to build 27 new homes in San Juan Capistrano for qualified low-income families. Fourteen of the homes are being marketed to combat-disabled veterans and their families.

A pilot program for Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, Homes for Heroes and Foundations for Families is the first development in the organization’s history which specifically targets veterans.

Due to limited space, reservations are required. Tickets are $100 each.

For reservations or more information, contact Anne Morris, Director of Corporate Relations, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, (714) 434-6200, ext. 206, or via e-mail at [email protected].

Two committees seek applicants for two-year term

The city’s Environmental Committee and Housing and Human Services Committee are in need of applicants. The committees consist of seven members who serve two-year terms.

The Environmental Committee is seeking to fill the seats of four members whose terms will expire on Oct. 31. The Housing and Human Services Committee has three seats that will expire on Oct. 31.

The Environmental Committee provides the Council with guidance on issues including water quality/marine safety; noise, air and light pollution; public education/citizen’s oversight and open space.

The Housing and Human Services Committee gives input to the Council regarding affordable housing, as well as housing opportunities for all segments of the community. The committee is familiar with the City’s Housing Element of the General Plan and annually reviews the progress of its policies and programs. Human services, including services for senior citizens and disabled community members, is also a focus of the committee.

Residents of Laguna Beach who are interested in applying to either committee are required to submit an application that is available online at www.lagunabeachcity.net or in the City Clerk’s office. The application must be filed with the City Clerk by 5 p.m. Tuesday. All applicants will be interviewed by the City Council at their regular meeting, 6 p.m. Oct. 2 in the City Council Chambers, 505 Forest Ave.

Hospital plans ‘Fall Into the Holidays’ fashion show today

The South Coast Medical Center Women’s Advisory Council and Auxiliary are co-hosting the 12th annual “Fall Into the Holidays” fashion show luncheon at 11:30 a.m. today, at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott in Dana Point.

Local boutiques Bliss, Duet, Havoc, Monarch Silks, Satisfy My Soul, Something Moore and Tight Assets have agreed to participate in this year’s event. All proceeds from the fashion show benefit South Coast Medical Center’s general fund.

“In order to create new medical programs or purchase new equipment, the hospital relies on the generosity of its donors and the community,” said Elizabeth Schneider, executive director of the nonprofit SCMC Foundation.

In addition to viewing the latest fashion trends, Constance Evans of Color Me Beautiful will be the special guest speaker.

Individual ticket prices range from $250 to $85.

Opportunity prizes include one week in a condo in Cabo San Lucas, one week in a condo on the beach in Oceanside, a one-night stay at the Montage Resort & Spa, a vintage fur coat, works of art and other items.

For more information, call Kate Mullins at (949) 499-7228.

Giuliani campaign kicks off with party in Laguna Beach

Supporters of Rudy Giuliani’s candidacy for U.S. president are invited to a Laguna Beach house party at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the home of Don and Judy Josephson, 1685 Delmar St.

A live broadcast of Giuliani will be sent to thousands of homes throughout the country as an official volunteer/supporters campaign “kickoff.” The party will start at 4:30 p.m., and Giuliani will address volunteers at 5:30 p.m. The broadcast will be replayed at 7 p.m.

A catered dinner will be served. There is a minimum contribution of $25 per person; $5 for students.

To attend, leave a message at (949) 494-0801, with the names of individuals who will attend and a telephone number, or e-mail [email protected] and list names of individuals, address, telephone number.

Top of the World plans potluck picnic Sunday

The Top of the World Neighborhood Assn. will host its annual Neighborhood Picnic from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Alta Laguna Park. All are invited. Attendees do not need to be a member of the group.

Neighbors are invited to bring their favorite dish for a potluck dinner. A major focus will be on fun and games for the kids, said Assn. President Piero Wemyss.

“We will have a visit from the fire department with a chance for our children to take part in a demonstration,” Weymyss said.

Oil is topic at climate workshop Saturday

UCI physics professor Dennis Silverman will speak on “Peak Oil: Sooner? Or Later?” at the next Climate Protection Workshop, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 505 Forest Ave. The workshop is free and open to the public.

The purpose of the workshop is to implement the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement approved by the council Feb. 6. That agreement calls for cities to combat global warming by reducing green house gas emissions 7% less than 1990 levels by 2012.

After the presentation and brief question and answer period, attendees will work in teams to write a set of recommendations that will be submitted later this year to the city’s Environmental Committee and City Council.

For more information, contact Tom Osborne, Climate Protection Work Group chairman, at (949) 499-4809 or [email protected].

Flu shots at Bushard’s

Bushard’s Pharmacy is offering flu shots from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Wednesday beginning Sept. 26. The shots cost $35.

The pharmacy is located at 244 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach. For more information, call (949) 494-1059.