Briefly In The News
Give to loved ones through charity
Neighborhood Congregational Church is hosting its seventh annual Alternative Christmas Market from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 4 and 11, according to a news release.
Last year’s event was a huge success, raising more than $5,000. Shoppers can buy gifts that provide support and sustenance for people in need, including animals for developing country farmers through Heifer International, weekly one-on-one reading sessions for at-risk children, immunizations to protect vulnerable children, bed nets to prevent malaria, soccer balls to build peace through play, school supplies and uniforms for African girls, and donations to help break the cycle of poverty among youth in developing countries or the cycle of youth homelessness in Orange County.
Habitat for Humanity will sell pins and cards to support their building projects in Orange County. Beautiful bead jewelry from Uganda will be available, as will olive oil from the Holy Land, fair trade coffees, teas and chocolates, cookbooks, reusable shopping bags, hand-crocheted jingle bell hats, Dee Dee’s bags and special gifts made by the congregation’s children. Delicious homemade treats will be served.
Shoppers again this year can turn gold into cash with Alternative Market’s gold buyer. Broken, mismatched and unworn jewelry can be traded for immediate cash. Ten percent will be donated to the Justice ministry of Neighborhood Church.
Neighborhood Congregational Church is at 340 St. Ann’s Drive in Laguna Beach. Parking is free at Cleo and Glenneyre streets. Call (949) 494-8061 for more information or driving directions.
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City Manager’s Weekly Update
•Sue Anne Monlux has been promoted to administrative assistant to the police chief, Laguna Beach City Manager John Pietig wrote in his Weekly Update of Nov. 18.
Monlux has worked for the city for seven years and been an acting administrative assistant for several chiefs over the years. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and a teaching credential from Chapman University. She takes over for Tina Linden, who recently resigned following the addition of twins to her family. Linden served as the assistant to the chief for more than 10 years.
•At its meeting Nov. 14, the Arts Commission reviewed 180 submissions to the annual Children’s Holiday Palette Exhibition, Pietig wrote. The commission selected 14 designs for display at City Hall during December. The selected artists are: Katie Baker, 4, Meghan Reardon, 5, Ashley Abrahams, 7, Clara Becker, 8, Kathryn Callahan, 8, Luca De Mari, 8, Annabelle Kavanagh, 8, Elsa Dahle, 9, Joey Risi, 9, Emily Baker, 11, Katie Glavinovich, 12, Lucas Toro, 12, Nathan Hunt, 13, and Maryellie Jacquez, 16. This program is funded by the lodging establishments and city of Laguna Beach.
The commission also is accepting applications from organizations to fund arts programs occurring July 1 through June 30, 2013 in Laguna Beach, according to Pietig. The deadline for applications is Feb. Applications are available at https://www.lagunabeachcity.net or e-mail spoeschl@lagunabeachcity.net.
•The city’s email notification system has been expanded to include text messaging, Pietig wrote. Residents who want text message sent to their cell phone about significant traffic delays due to accidents or construction projects can sign up at https://www.lagunabeachcity.net. Once enrolled, just select “traffic alerts” from the list of available e-notify options. For questions about the text messaging service or traffic alerts, email trafficalerts@lagunabeachcity.net.
•Orange County will be adding a second outbound traffic lane on Laguna Canyon Road at El Toro Road. The work began last week and is scheduled to be completed by the end of March. The improvements will require the installation of a new traffic signal. During construction, there will be temporary signals in place.
•This year’s Spark of Love toy drive has begun. Residents can drop off unwrapped toys and sporting goods at any Laguna Beach fire station through Dec. 24.
— Jamie Rowe