Briefly In the News

Glennwood House fund established

The Glennwood House has created a fund at the Laguna Beach Community Foundation, in an effort to raise almost $3.4 million for renovating its housing community.

Funds raised will go toward building state-of-the-art dormitory-style living quarters that will house up to 50 people at a time, according to a news release. The accommodations will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The 17,000-square-foot facility at Ruby Street and South Coast Highway will offer adults with developmental disabilities a place to live. Glennwood House will also help residents find jobs, teach life skills, and host social and physical activities.

To make a tax-deductible donation to the Glennwood House Fund, mail a check to Laguna Beach Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1628, Laguna Beach, CA 92652. There are opportunities available for room naming and donor recognition.

For more information, email info@lagunabeachcf.org or call Darrcy Loveland at (949) 715-8223.

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Restaurant recognized for great views

CLAES Ovation at Hotel Laguna has been named one of the top scenic-view restaurants in the nation by diners who use the OpenTable website.

The top 50 list was created based on reviews submitted by OpenTable users from July 2010 to June 2011.

“I am so excited to know that not only are our guests enjoying our cuisine, they also are enjoying the complementing view! To be nationally listed with restaurants such as Top of the Tower in New York is just an honor beyond compare,” hotelier Georgia Andersen said in a statement.

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LCAD announces new VP of development

Laguna College of Art & Design has appointed Domenick Ietto as vice president of development.

“It’s a great privilege being welcomed into the talented LCAD family,” Ietto said in a statement. “The college has a unique and valued presence in the cultural fabric of Laguna Beach, and its star is still on the rise.”

Most recently, Ietto was vice president of Irvine Barclay Theatre. He has also worked with performing arts organizations like the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

“We are fortunate to have a professional with extensive management and development experience in nonprofit arts organizations,” LCAD President Jonathan Burke said in a news release.

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Local named a public relations fellow

Laguna Beach resident Melinda Morgan Kartsonis was elected to the Public Relations Society of America College of Fellows, according to a news release.

Kartsonis is a principal at Irvine-based Morgan Marketing & Public Relations. She was one of nine professionals chosen for the honor and the only one from the West Coast.

The College of Fellows was founded more than 20 years ago to recognize outstanding individuals in the public relations field. Candidates must have at least 20 years of experience in the industry.

The 2011 Fellows will be inducted Oct. 15 at the PRSA conference in Orlando, Fla.

— Kelly Parker

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Mexican eatery now open for business

Asada Laguna Beach, a Mexican restaurant, has now opened at 480 S. Coast Hwy.

Mayor Toni Iseman and Rose Hancock from the Chamber of Commerce were there to welcome Asada and its owner, Scott McIntosh, to the city with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday.

The space, formerly occupied by Javier’s, boasts open-air dining with an extended patio that faces the street and a tequila bar.

The menu includes everything from filet mignon tacos and ceviche to jalapeño chicken blanco and roasted prawns with grapefruit.

For more information, visit asadalaguna.com.

—Joanna Clay