Briefly In The News

Flood task force of 10 is forming

The Laguna Beach City Council is accepting applications to serve on a Flood Mitigation Task Force, according to City Clerk Martha Anderson. The task force will consist of 10 members: two from the council, one planning commissioner and seven at-large members of the community — at least two representing canyon neighborhoods.

The task force will evaluate ideas from residents and professionals regarding ways to protect canyon residents from floods, and will review past flood events in the canyon to identify recommendations that can be made to the county of Orange and to Caltrans to ensure the city is prepared for another flood. The task force is expected to make its recommendations over a six-month period, according to the news statement.

Residents who are interested in applying must submit an application, available at the clerk’s office at City Hall, or online at https://www.lagunabeachcity.net. The application must be filed by 5 p.m. Feb. 23. Applicants will be interviewed by the council at its March 1 meeting.

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Miller Garden group holds annual meeting

Friends of the Hortense Miller Garden will host a talk by “master gardener” Kay Havens on the topic “What to Plant Now — Spring Vegetables” at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Community Center, 380 Third St., Laguna Beach.

The Friends will have a short business meeting followed by the presentation. For more information, call Marsha Bode at (949) 244-2010.

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City seeking ‘green’ nominees

The city of Laguna Beach is accepting nominations for its 2011 Environmental Recognition Award Program, to recognize environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts by individuals and organizations in and around Laguna Beach.

The Environmental Committee selects the award recipients by majority vote and sends the recommendations to the City Council, which presents the awards.

Any Laguna Beach resident, business, community organization or school may be nominated. A nominee may not be affiliated professionally with, or a family member of, a current Environmental Committee member. Nominations may not be submitted by the nominee.

Official nomination forms may be obtained from the city’s website at https://www.lagunabeachcity.net/living/environment.asp or by calling (949) 497-0390.

Nomination forms and documentation must be delivered by 5 p.m. March 11 to the city clerk’s office, 505 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

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Rotary invites grant applications

The Laguna Beach Rotary Club will be accepting applications for grants between Tuesday and March 31. The club has been serving the community for almost 80 years and raises funds through their Classic Car Show, Friday lunch meetings at Aliso Creek Inn and other events. To apply for a grant, contact Jeff Redeker, community service chairman, at jeffrey.s.redeker@baml.com.

—Compiled by Cindy Frazier