Briefly In The News

Foundation launches fundraiser

The Laguna Canyon Foundation is seeking to raise $5,000 for repairs to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Aliso and Wood Canyon Parks. Following the recent severe rains, a series of five mudflows now cover portions of the Willow Canyon Road and several sections of Laurel Canyon Trail washed out. All staging areas and the Nix Center parking lot saw significant damage from the rain, and a small mudflow destroyed the carpet at the Nix Nature Center’s Ranger’s office. To contribute, call (949) 497-8324.

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Seniors hire new director

The Board of Directors of Laguna Beach Seniors has appointed Nadia Babayi as the new executive director of the Susi Q Center, according to City Manager John Pietig in his Jan. 7 Friday Update.

Babayi has more than 25 years of experience with corporate, nonprofit and government organizations. Most recently she was campaign manager and team leader for the Dept. of Commerce in a project with 12 South Orange County cities, including Laguna Beach, relating to the 2010 Census. Babayi began her duties Monday.

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The Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade Honorees Brunch will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at Tivoli Terrace, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. The event will salute the 2011 parade honorees. Grand marshals are Al Roberts and Ken Jillson, creators of the AIDS Service fundraiser “Splash;” Honored Patriot is Frank Keneley, U.S. Army Air Corps, World War II; Citizen of the Year is Pat Kollenda, community volunteer and Festival of Arts board member; Junior Citizens are Caroline Rechter and Ben Hanson, Laguna Beach High School class of 2011; Artist of the Year is Laguna College of Art & Design, in recognition of its 50th anniversary, and Athlete of the Year is James Pribram, professional surfer and environmentalist.

The parade is March 5 and entries are due today. The luncheon cost is $25 per person. For more information, contact Sandi Werthe at (949) 494-6016 or shworthy @juno.com.

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Charities may apply for grants

The Laguna Board of Realtors and Affiliates Charitable Assistance Fund will review written applications in January to determine which local community groups will receive donations from 2011 fundraising events. The Realtors and Affiliates sponsors two big fundraising events and the proceeds are donated to local nonprofits that generally are smaller in size, serve local needs and do not already have large funding sources. Scholarships are also awarded to qualifying Laguna Beach High School students.

To qualify, groups must be a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit; a questionnaire will be supplied. Prior recipients are allowed to reapply. The deadline for written applications is Jan. 15. Letters will be sent to all applicants in February notifying them of selection committee’s decisions. To apply, contact Executive Vice President Vicky Kammeraad at (949) 497-2474 or by e-mail at vicky@lbrealtors.com.