CITYSCAPE ROUNDUP:Laguna a fire hot spot on map

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s 2007 fire risk severity map designates much of Laguna Beach’s surrounding open space as very high risk.

The recently proposed fire hazard maps define fire hazards in areas the state is responsible for protecting, which includes much of the park and preserve space around Laguna.

The maps were open for public comment online through Aug. 1. Forestry and Fire Protection Director Ruben Grijalva is scheduled to approve the designations or submit them to be reworked.

Areas in both North and South Laguna are listed as very high risk on the map.

To view the map, visit www.fire.ca.gov/wildland _zones_maps.php.

Third Street cottages still without new owners

The three historic cottages moved from Third Street to the Big Bend area are still without new owners, Laguna Beach City Manager Ken Frank reported July 27.

“It doesn’t appear that we have many or any takers for the three cottages,” Frank said in his Friday Update. “It appears that some of the people who anticipated taking one or all of the cottages had assumed some of the normal city requirements, like zoning and Design Review, would not have to be met if a cottage was relocated.”

Frank said steps will be taken to publicize the cottages’ availability.

Free menopause lecture to be given at hospital

“Menopause” may be a humorous musical now at Laguna Playhouse, but it’s also a stage of life many women find uncomfortable.

A free lecture on how women can find relief from the symptoms of menopause will be offered at South Coast Medical Center on Aug. 22 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Kenneth James will share tips on managing menopause symptoms and improving quality of life at the free lecture, titled “Hot Tips to Turning Down the Heat In Menopause.” The lecture will take place in the Community Room at the hospital, 31872 S. Coast Highway.

“I encourage my patients to take an active role as they approach menopause,” said James, a specialist in women’s health. “Women need to be aware that menopause can also bring a time of good health, happiness “” and a new sense of freedom.”

In his lecture, James will discuss the early signs of menopause, the changes that occur during menopause and ways to manage the symptoms naturally and medically.

His talk will also address the advantages and disadvantages of hormone therapy as well as proactive tips to minimizing the menopausal risks of heart disease and osteoporosis.

“My goal is to provide helpful information to women on important menopausal issues and let them know they can improve their quality of lives, despite the interruption of the discomforting symptoms,” he said.

Doctors define menopause as the time when a woman has had her last period, which begins on average at age 51. Symptoms of perimenopause can begin as early as 10-15 years before menses completely stop, or when menopause has officially started.

To register for the lecture, call (949) 499-2250 or register at SouthCoastMedCenter.com.

Business club speaker to address elder care

The Laguna Beach Business Club’s August speaker will be Mary Anderson, director of patient care at Newport Bay Hospital.

Anderson will discuss “Providing Care for Aging Parents” at 7:30 a.m. Aug. 16 at the Hotel Laguna.

She will discuss the conditions of depression and Alzheimer’s in elders and how early detection and proper care management can help not only the aging parent but the caregiver as well.

Anderson has lived in Laguna Beach for 36 years, where she raised two children, and has been an active volunteer and two-time board president for the Laguna Beach Community Clinic. She has also participated on the Orange County Mental Health Assn. Board.

Professionally, she has served as director of nurses at a psychiatric hospital, as a program administrator, and as a private consultant.

The Laguna Beach Business Club meets the third Thursday of each month. The general public is welcome. To reserve a space, contact Josh Wolff at (949) 720-4140 or e-mail jwolff@wolff-law.com no later than Aug. 10. A buffet breakfast for $20 per person is provided.