AROUND TOWN - Sept. 12, 2008

Five seats open on Laguna Beach committees

The City Council is accepting applications to serve on the Environmental Committee, and Housing and Human Services Committee. The committees consist of seven members who serve two-year terms. The terms of three of the Environmental Committee members and two of the Housing and Human Services Committee seats will expire Oct. 31.

The Environmental Committee was created to provide the council with guidance on a broad range of issues important to the community, including water quality/marine safety; noise, air and light pollution; public education/citizen’s oversight; and open space. The committee oversees various sub-groups specializing in those areas. Meetings are the fourth Monday of each month.

The Housing and Human Services Committee was created to provide input to the council regarding affordable housing, as well as housing opportunities for all segments of the community. The committee is familiar with the Housing Element of the General Plan and annually reviews the progress of its policies and programs. Meetings are the first Wednesday of the month.

Residents of Laguna Beach who are interested in applying are required to submit an application available at www.lagunabeachcity.net or in the City Clerk’s Office. The application must be filed by 5 p.m. Sept. 30. All applicants will be interviewed by the council at its regular meeting, 6 p.m. Oct. 7 in Council Chambers, 505 Forest Ave. For more information, call (949) 497-0705.

Identity theft program set at Woman’s Club

A program to help people understand how to safeguard personal information, how thieves get information and how to clear your name if you are a victim is being presented at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Laguna Beach Woman’s Club, 286 St. Ann’s Drive.

The public is invited to attend at no charge. Light refreshments will be served and information guides provided. For more information, call (949) 497-6346.

Top of the World group plans picnic fun for kids

The Top of the World Neighborhood Assn. will hold its annual Neighborhood Picnic from 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 21 at Alta Laguna Park. All are invited. Participants do not need to belong to the group, but memberships are $10.

Neighbors are invited to bring their favorite dish to participate in a pot luck dinner. A major focus will be on fun and games for kids.

The association board is very concerned about the fire damage and inappropriate activity such as smoking in the Laguna Heights open space, and encourages anyone seeing such activity to report it to the Laguna Beach police non-emergency number, (949) 497-0701.

12th annual Pet Parade, Chili Cook-Off is Sunday

The Laguna Board of Realtors 12th annual Pet Parade and Chili Cook-Off is set for noon to 3 p.m. Sunday at Tivoli, Too, 777 Laguna Canyon Road.

The event is open to the public for $5 per person (children younger than 10 admitted free). The goal is to raise money for the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter and the Blue Bell Cat Foundation.

Pet owners can enter their pets into five different categories for $10 each. Prizes are awarded and at the end everyone participates in the “Pet Parade.” Registration will start at 11:30 a.m.

The Chili Cook-Off offers tastes of chili from eight different booths. For more information, call (949) 497-2474.