Briefly In The News

Hospital holds neighbor forum

Mission Hospital Laguna Beach will be hosting its next neighbor forum from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 20 to give the community an opportunity to learn about hospital happenings and ask questions.

The forum will take place in the hospital community room and all are invited. The hospital is located at 31872 Coast Hwy. For more information, call (949) 499-1311.

Homes to share in Laguna

The Laguna Beach Crosscultural Council is looking for people who might have an extra room to rent for a lower-than-market cost in return for a service the home-provider would need, and the Council would carefully match the home-provider to the right person, according to Sally Rapuano of the Council.

The idea candidate for home-sharing is an older person who needs weekly gardening, transportation, meal preparation, or companionship.

Homesharing could also benefit a homeowner who has found their income reduced or suddenly discovered a need for extra help for household tasks. A homeowner could try homesharing with a person who needs housing temporarily, such as a student or a newly divorced person. A young mother could find help with childcare; or a disabled person could feel more independent having someone assist with different needs.

The Crosscultural Council would make sure that home-providers and home-seekers are well-matched, would provide the time needed to try the arrangement out, and provide help to those who enter the program. Interested persons should call Rapuano at (949) 494-8618 or send an email to srapuano@cox.net.

Mammal Center sets benefit

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center will hold its 10th annual Sea Lion Sunset Cruise Fundraiser on July 22 aboard the Endeavor Yacht in Newport Bay.

Each year the organization treats as many as 250 marine mammals including California sea lions, Pacific harbor seals, Northern elephant seals, Northern fur seals, and various small cetaceans.

The Sea Lion Sunset Harbor Cruise will support the Center’s animal care and marine science education programs. The Cruise will feature a three-hour harbor cruise around Newport Bay, an organic Mexican dinner buffet, live music by Kerry Getz, opportunity drawing, silent auction, and cash bar. The cruise departs at 6 pm.

Tickets are $45 per person or $35 per person for groups of 10 or more. Send checks to Pacific Marine Mammal Center, 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 or call (949) 494-3050.

Alliance fundraiser a success

The Crystal Cove Alliance is well on its way to achieving its $300,000 fundraising goal after receiving cash and in-kind donations at the Sponsors’ and Underwriters’ Cocktail Party held in June, according to organizers.

The group received a $50,000 donation from The Resort at Pelican Hill, which will become title sponsor for the 8th Annual Crystal Cove Alliance Beach Gala: Rum Runner’s Party and Jazz on the Beach, Sept. 25.

The Gala will support the group’s mission of education, restoration and conservation at the historic Crystal Cove Cottages. Funding will support the development of innovative new programs including Arts in the Park, Science and Nature in the Park, environmental projects and educational programs.