Briefly In the News

City’s beaches are given A grades

Heal the Bay’s 20th annual Beach Report Cards Annual Report graded all of the city’s beaches with high marks, City Manager Ken Frank reported in his June 4 Friday update.

In the report, Heal the Bay “grades” beaches throughout California on a scale of A+ through F based on wet and dry weather ocean water monitoring data from the previous year. Laguna Beach again made the honor roll for 2010 for having straight A+’s in dry weather for the following beaches: Treasure Island, Aliso Beach North, Laguna Lido and 1000 Steps. All other city beaches scored straight As in dry weather, including the mouth of Aliso Creek, Frank said.

Skateboard rules proposed

Skateboard regulations may in the Laguna’s future, according to Frank. After a resident proposed to prohibit skateboards on streets steeper than 3%, the Parking, Traffic and Circulation Committee voted to create a subcommittee to study the issue more and research policies and regulations in other communities. About 30 people attended the meeting.

Kelp accumulates on area beaches

Kelp forests have grown in Laguna waters, and over the past two weeks, the beaches from Main Beach to Bluebird Beach have been inundated with kelp, the city manager stated in the June 4 Friday update.

“Public works crews have doubled efforts to remove the kelp on a daily basis,” Frank stated, adding, “This morning alone, 15 tons of kelp was removed from Main Beach.”

Plant sale benefits Miller Garden

Friends of the Hortense Miller Garden will sell plants, pots and garden art and accessories at the Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday to raise funds for the garden.

Buyers can choose from flowering plants, succulents and other low-water usage plants suited for Laguna Beach gardens. Also available will be vintage and slightly used pots, and garden-related objects donated by the Friends of the Hortense Miller Garden, including pots and handmade cloth grocery bags donated by local artists.

CHOC group holds fundraiser

The Laguna Beach Queen of Hearts Guild, which supports Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), will hold its annual fundraiser at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Tivoli Terrace, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.

Entertainment will be provided by the Orange County High School of the Arts, directed by Steve Josephson, executive artistic director of Gallimaufry Performing Arts. Pat Kollenda, Laguna Beach Arts Commission chairwoman and member of the Festival of Arts Board of Directors, will be the mistress of ceremonies. The event features an auction, raffle, appetizers and cash bar.

Proceeds will benefit the Child Life program at CHOC in Orange. Tickets are $50. To attend, e-mail LB.Volunteer@cox.net.