Briefly In the News

Trees felled by storm

The large rainstorm that blew through the area Monday felled a number of trees in Laguna Beach. A large magnolia tree uprooted on Mountain View Drive at 4:14 p.m., according to police records. A tree fell on a vehicle in the 30000 block of Catalina Avenue at 7:12 p.m. A large tree branch was reported blocking the sidewalk at Kendall Drive and Balboa Avenue at 7:13 p.m. Monday.

A 45-foot tall tree fell on Coast Highway at Montage Resort Drive, blocking all lanes, at 9:13 p.m. Monday. At 9:15 p.m. Monday, a tree was reported down on a car at Mountain Road and Gaviota Drive.

On Tuesday, a tree was reported down in a parking lot in the 100 block of Mountain Road at 7:41 a.m., and a tree was blocking the roadway behind Mission Hospital Laguna Beach at 10:37 a.m.

Clinic medical director honored by organization

Dr. Tom Bent, medical director and chief operating officer for the Laguna Beach Community Clinic, was named Family Physician of the Year last week by the Orange County chapter of the California Academy of Family Physicians. Bent received an engraved cut crystal bowl by organization members.

Bent was nominated for the award for his work with the underserved and homeless, his leadership at the Community Clinic and his involvement with medical students and residents. Bent is president of the group.

‘Coal Country’ film to be shown Sunday

Transition Laguna and the Canyon Land Conservation Fund are teaming up for a movie and music night to benefit the Coal River Mountain Watch.

“Coal Country” will be shown at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the Festival of Arts Forum Theater, 650 Laguna Canyon Road.

The event will also feature folk music, speakers and a discussion of climate change.

A $15 donation is suggested. For more information, call (714) 649-2820 or visit www.transitionlaguna.org.

Saloon party for Toys for Tots is Monday

The Saloon in the Peppertree Lane will host its sixth annual Christmas party benefiting Toys for Tots from 6 to 10 p.m. Monday.

Admission is one unwrapped new toy, which will be exchanged for a ticket to an opportunity drawing with prizes including gifts from Peppertree Lane neighbors La Rue du Chocolat, Sutton Place, and Watermarc Restaurant, and other prizes.

The evening will also feature hors d’oeuvres, drink specials and an appearance by Santa Claus.

The most needed gifts this year are for young people between the ages of 12 and 16.

The Saloon is in the Peppertree Lane at 446 S. Coast Hwy. For more information, call (949) 494-5469.

City launches redesigned website

The city of Laguna Beach has launched a redesigned website, intended to provide information in a format that enables users to quickly and easily find what they are looking for, said City Manager Ken Frank.

New features include a more robust calendar, enhanced search tools and site navigation, printer-friendly pages and the ability to view council meetings live over the web.

The site address is www.lagunabeachcity.net.