Briefly In the News

Hotel nabs excellence award

Casa Laguna Inn and Spa received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award, according to a news release.

The honor is given to businesses that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor. Approximately 10% of businesses listed on TripAdvisor receive the award, the release said.

To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor.

“Casa Laguna is pleased to again receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence,” the Inn’s General Manager Kathryn Mace said in a statement. “We are widely known for our dedicated, guest-first service and superb food and amenities, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive traveler reviews on TripAdvisor.”

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Goddesses give back

The Goddesses of Peace International, which hosts its Festival of Goddesses at the Festival of Arts grounds, gave $2,000 to the nonprofit Laura’s House, according to a press release.

“I was profoundly moved and very proud of how the women in our community came together at our third annual Festival of Goddesses event to raise money for such a worthy cause as Laura’s House,” said GOPI’s founder and Executive Director Yaminin Redewill in a statement. “They are doing a phenomenal job of helping individuals and families affected by abuse. This is a wonderful example of why The Goddesses of Peace, International was created.”

More than 400 people attended The Festival of Goddesses event on March 31 this year.

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Assistance League board installed

A new board of directors for the Assistance League of Laguna Beach was installed last month, according to a press release.

President Karen Mauro was elected for a second term. Also elected to the board are Pat Hobbs, Jacinta Loewen, Jo Martin, Joanie Porter, Joan Kasman, Carrie Joyce, Joan Carlson, Ann McEneaney, Judy Soulakis, Ann Hyde, Norma McKibban, Valerie, Milan, Diane Gelfer and Janene Freitas.

The positions, all volunteer-based, help to support the League’s community philanthropic programs and lead the group’s 190 members, the release said.

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Senior Center hosts open house

The Susi Q Senior Center, 380 Third St., is hosting a Community Open House from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. There will be free refreshments, an art exhibit and reception, raffle prizes, ballroom dancing demonstrations and more.

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Zoo of insects comes to town

OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation is hosting Dr. Sue Van Vorhis Key and her Insect and Arthropod Zoo from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Key has a zoo of live insects and arthropods that can be touched. Visitors can also make their own insect to take home, a press release said.

Space is limited. For more information and to sign up visit lagunacanyon.org.

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Taste of the Nation is Sunday

Montage Laguna Beach is hosting its second annual Share our Strength Taste of the Nation from 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the resort, 30801 Coast Hwy.

The event will feature eight well-known chefs along with the Montage’s Executive Chef Craig Strong of Studio, the hotel’s signature restaurant, according to the release.

One hundred percent of ticket sales support Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger, the release said.

“Montage is thrilled to be hosting this extraordinary event for the second year,” said Todd Orlich, general manager of Montage Laguna Beach, in a statement. “We are honored to welcome such an outstanding line up of talented chefs. Share Our Strength is an organization that we are very passionate about and we look forward to another successful event.”

Ticket packages and prices vary. For details, visit montage.lagunabeach.com/tasteofthenation.

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Public workshop on Monday

The Planning Commission will hold a public workshop on bicycling at 5 p.m. Monday at the Community Center, 380 Third St., according to a release.

The commission is in the beginning stage of updating Laguna’s Transportation Element and seeks public opinion regarding pedestrian and bike safety, active life styles, healthy living, noise reduction, urban runoff, smog, parking, auto congestion, CO2 reduction and supporting local businesses, the release said.

— Compiled by Alisha Gomez