BRIEFLY IN BUSINESS

Kristalle owners garner honors

It’s been an exciting month at Kristalle, the gem and mineral gallery in North Laguna Beach.

Co-owner Wayne C. Leicht has been granted the privilege of selecting students to receive the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies annual scholarship award.

Two students of Leicht’s choosing will receive $2,000 toward their studies in mineralogy. The students study at the University of Arizona and at the University of Auburn. The awards will be presented at a Federation banquet in June.

In addition, a new mineral Leicht discovered while collecting at the Grandview Mine in Coconino County, Arizona has been approved by the International Mineral Names Commission and will be called “grandviewite.” The mineral is a blue copper aluminum sulfate occurring in acicular crystals.

Wayne and his wife, Dona Leicht, have contributed the first chapter of a book, “The Fifty Greatest Amerian Mineral Localities,” which will be released in early 2008, and will also be working with the Smithsonian Institution in a special display of gold to be featured a the annual Tuscon Mineral Show in February.

The couple will soon travel to Tokyo, where they will be recognized at the International Tokyo Mineral Fair for their 20-year participation in that event, and Wayne will be interviewed for the national public television station.

Kristalle is located at 875 No. Coast Highway. For more information, call (949) 494-5155.

Hospital names new OB-GYN director

South Coast Medical Center has appointed Kenneth A. James, M.D., as Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

James has taken over the practice of Dr. Edwin Stoney in Laguna Beach and now is Dr. Woody White’s medical partner.

“Dr. James will continue the tradition of obstetrics and gynecology started in 1964 by Dr. William White in Laguna Beach,” said Bruce Christian, president and CEO of the hospital.

James is a boardcertified obstetrician and gynecologist who recently relocated from New York City.

He specializes in low and high-risk obstetrics and office and surgical gynecology.

He is proficient in all gynecologic issues ranging from adolescent gynecology through menopause and all the years in-between.

He offers consultations in genetics, infertility, abnormal menstrual bleeding, contraception, pregnancy, menopause and more.

South Coast Medical Center offers a complete birthing experience, starting with a multitude of preparation classes to a maternity ward overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Expectant mothers are urged to choose from childbirth education classes (Lamaze), breastfeeding classes, infant care classes and baby safe classes.

Tours of the maternity ward are available.

For more information, visit www.lagunabeachobgyn.com or call (949) 499-2258.