BRIEFLY IN BUSINESS

Pietig to address business club

John Pietig, assistant city manager for Laguna Beach, will speak at the Sept. 20 breakfast meeting of the Laguna Beach Business Club. Pietig will report on projects and programs that will affect the business community and the downtown shopping district.

Pietig has been with the city six years and has worked in urban management for 18 years. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University. He lives in Laguna Beach with his wife, Peggy, and two boys, Danny and Jacob.

His responsibilities involve working with all departments in the daily management of the city and on key community initiatives. He is overseeing the completion of the new city maintenance and parking facility in Laguna Canyon, the renovation of Heisler Park, the design of the new lifeguard headquarters at Main Beach, implementation of a new dispatch system for public safety services, and various improvements to city customer service. He also works with council members and citizens on task forces to retain the South Coast Medical Center and its emergency room in town and to address issues related to homelessness.

The Laguna Beach Business Club is a membership-based networking group of local business owners and entrepreneurs who meet the third Thursday of most months at the Hotel Laguna. The public is welcome; a $20 guest fee includes a buffet breakfast.

For more information, contact Steve Ewing, (949) 497-4275.

Plastic surgeon to sing for breast cancer

Dr. Arian Mowlavi, a Laguna Beach plastic and reconstructive surgeon and singer-songwriter, will donate the proceeds of an upcoming performance to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

“It is because of increased awareness, earlier detection through screening and improved treatment that death rates from breast cancer continue to decline, especially in women younger than 50,” Mowlavi said.

Mowlavi will perform at 8:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Gypsy Lounge, 23600 Rickfield No. 3A, Lake Forest. For more information, call (949) 499-4147.

Hospital hires new Auxiliary director

Helen Simpson has joined South Coast Medical Center as the new Director of Auxiliary Services.

Simpson most recently worked at Saddleback Hospital, where she oversaw the expansion of the volunteer program at both the Laguna Hills and the San Clemente campuses. In addition, she assisted with the implementation of the Point of Sales program into the Gift Shop; developed a resource manual and training program for the information desk volunteers; and managed a clerical projects program, which provided support to all hospital departments.

In addition to her accomplishments at Saddleback, Simpson previously worked as Assistant Manager for the Grand Rapids Housing Commission, where she oversaw the care of resident seniors. Prior to the Housing Commission, she was the Regional Administrator for Young Life, an international youth ministry, as well as a recruiter for Holland Home, a long-term care facility.

Simpson lives in South Orange County with her husband, Tim, and their two sons, Javin, 23, and Timothy, 16.

Chamber mixer at Tides Inn

The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring its September networking mixer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Tides Inn, 460 N. Coast Highway.

The cost is $10 for chamber members and $15 for non-members.

For more information, call (949) 494-1018 or www.lagunabeachchamber.org