CITY ROUNDUP: Longer sewer hours approved

Longer working hours have been approved for the lengthy North Coast Interceptor sewer project on South Coast Highway at Nyes Place.

The longer hours might cause more traffic headaches for drivers, but should reduce the time it will take to finish the project.

Working hours will be lengthened to 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m instead of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shorter hours were in place to reduce traffic jams during peak travel hours.

The longer hours will allow the contractor to work a full day and may save the city money, as well as finishing the project earlier, City Manager Ken Frank stated in his weekly memo to city officials Nov. 21. Caltrans has also agreed to allow the city to install 30 mph speed limit signs in the area.

The sewer project has generated complaints from area businesses due to the loss of street parking during the construction, slated to last through March.

Federal grant will replace fire equipment for breathing

The Department of Homeland Security has awarded Laguna Beach a grant for about $190,000 to replace all of the Fire Department’s self-contained breathing apparatus, City Manager Ken Frank announced Nov. 21.

The city will have a 10% match, which is already in the adopted budget, Frank said. With this grant, the fire department has obtained about $650,000 in outside funding since 2002, he added.

Bates to speak at Conservancy dinner

Supervisor Pat Bates will be the guest speaker at the Laguna Canyon Conservancy dinner meeting Monday.

Bates will provide an update on the status of the Aliso Creek Super Project, the new Orange County Parks Strategic Plan, the Coastal Coalition and other involved issues of special interest to Laguna Beach.

Conservancy dinner meetings, at Tivoli Terrace on the Festival of Arts grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, are open to the public. No-host bar opens at 6 p.m., with dinner served around 6:35 p.m. followed by the program.

Dinner tickets are $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers and may be paid at the door with prior reservations. Membership is $10 per person, per calendar year. New memberships and renewals will be good through Dec. 31, 2008.

Those planning to attend are recommended to reserve early by calling Ed at (949) 494-6465 and leaving name, phone number and number of reservations.

Hospital holds Holiday Fair

South Coast Medical Center will be the site of a Holiday Fair from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 in the lobby.

Holiday and specialty gifts, designer-like purses, jewelry, accessories and toys will be on sale. Also offered will be home-baked goods, including breads, jams, desserts, sandwiches and beverages.

For more information, contact Helen Simpson at (949) 499-7175

California building code training sessions set

The 2007 Editions of the California Building Code and related Codes will become effective throughout the state, including Laguna Beach, on Jan. 1. Any project submitted for building plan check after Dec. 31 must comply with the 2007 California Codes.

Laguna Beach has adopted significant local amendments to the 2007 California Codes based on local geologic, topographic and climatic conditions. In an effort to aid local designers, contractors and owners in the use of the codes, two separate training sessions will be held. The sessions will focus on the nonstructural provisions of the 2007 California Building Code with an emphasis on the City’s locally adopted amendments.

The sessions will be at 5 p.m. Monday and Dec. 17 in the Council Chambers, 505 Forest Ave.

No reservations are necessary. Questions can be directed to John Gustafson at (949) 497-0336 or jgustafson@lagunabeachcity.net.

Community Clinic raises $10,000 in drawing

The Laguna Beach Community Clinic’s opportunity drawing for its postponed Raise the Roof Fundraiser was Nov. 4, in front of the antique band saw at Ganahl Lumber. The event was designed to raise money for a new roof on the clinic.

Dr. Korey Jorgensen drew the three winning entries. The Kirk Saunders family won a week at a Beaver Creek, Colo., condo; Wayne Peterson won the 2008 Rose Parade package including 4 VIP grandstand tickets and entry to a float party in Pasadena.

The five-course gourmet dinner for six prepared by a trained chef was won by an anonymous donor who gave the gift back to the clinic so it could be presented to a special volunteer.

The event raised $10,500 for the programs of the clinic.

“We are thrilled with the result of this drawing,” said Dr. Tom Bent, medical director. “Even though we decided to postpone our roofing party, we look forward to having all those who responded to the event with us in 2008 when it is rescheduled. The support of this community has been extremely rewarding.”

Recycle cellphones, cartridges for preschool

Old cellphones or used ink cartridges can be turned into scholarships for Laguna Presbyterian Preschool and Youth Department. Items can deposited in labeled boxes in the church or preschool offices, located on Second Street, between Forest Avenue and Mermaid Street.

For more information, contact the church office at (949) 494-7555 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.