Briefly In the News

Reward offered for missing video camera

Documentary filmmaker Michael Taylor would like his video camera and tripod returned, and is offering a $200 reward for the equipment, no questions asked.

The video camera was reported stolen Dec. 15 from the area of Summit Way and Summit Place after it was set up to take time-lapse photos. Taylor has been documenting the rebuilding of homes after the 2005 Bluebird Canyon landslide. After leaving the camera in place for a few hours Dec. 15, he returned to find it missing. The Sony DCR VX2000 camera and tripod are valued at $2,500. The tape inside the camera contains valuable footage that Taylor plans to use in his documentary.

Anyone with information about the camera may call Taylor at (949) 510-3978, or the tape and equipment can be dropped off at 1269 Bluebird Canyon Drive.

Tidewater group seeks volunteer docents

The Laguna Ocean Foundation’s Tidewater Docent program is looking for new volunteers. To qualify as a docent, volunteers must attend one formal training session of about two hours and accompany a veteran docent for one on the job training at the tide pools.

The next new docent training will be at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 11. For more information, e-mail Jake Bonus at jakebonus@gmail.com

Brewery request for added services denied

Ocean Avenue Brewery’s request for increased hours of alcohol service, entertainment and dancing was denied by the Planning Commission on Dec. 9, City Manager Ken Frank announced in his Dec. 18 update to city staff.

During the meeting, the commission conducted a one-year review of the brewery, based on findings from unannounced visits from code enforcement and fire personnel, and an analysis of calls for service for the last year by the police department.

The report stated that calls for service to the brewery increased slightly from the prior year. All of the minor condition deviations noted by staff have been corrected, Frank said.

Road closures halted

After a request by the City Council, a contractor that has been pulling fiber optic cable through a newly installed conduit on Coast Highway has agreed to have no more lane closures until January, Frank said. The firm will conduct some overhead cable work, but it will not require lane closures.

In addition, Frank said that the replacement of the retaining wall along the Third Street hill has been completed and both lanes of the street are open to traffic.

Cultural arts funding applications out

The city’s Business Improvement District Cultural Arts Funding applications are now available at www.lagunabeachcity.net, Frank said.

The funding is available for arts organizations with programming in Laguna Beach.

The deadline to submit the application is Feb. 5, with funding available July 1.

Sign up for free tax preparation help

The Susi Q Senior Center is offering free tax preparation to the community by IRS-trained volunteers. Tax assistance is offered at 9:15, 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays Feb. 3 through April 15.

For an appointment, call (949) 497-2441.