Briefly In The News

Chamber’s executive director resigns

Rose Hancock, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, has resigned, the chamber announced this week.

Hancock is leaving to pursue other interests but will still consult with the Chamber through the end of the year.

“I have truly enjoyed my time as executive director and of my association with the Chamber,” Hancock said in a statement. “I have been privileged to work with an amazing group of volunteers, staff and board members and look forward to making sure the transition in Chamber leadership is a smooth one.”

Hancock has served on the city’s Business Task Force, the mayor’s Homeless Task Force and was previously on the Chamber’s board of directors.

She has been the executive director since 2005.

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Sundried Tomato celebrates milestone with benefit

Sundried Tomato American Bistro and Café is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Laguna Beach.

From 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 18, the restaurant will host a four-course dinner, with proceeds befitting the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.

“For the past 10 years, Sundried Tomato has been the go-to place for dining in downtown Laguna Beach,” Holli Lienau, co-owner of the restaurant, said in a statement. “We are excited to be celebrating our ten year anniversary by partnering with such an incredible local charity.”

The dinner includes appetizers, the restaurant’s signature sun-dried tomato soup, entrées and dessert. Specialty martinis will also be available, including the “Seal”ed With a Kiss drink.

Tickets are $50, with $40 going directly to the center. RSVP by Sept. 15 to (949) 494-3312.

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Support Glennwood, nab a hotel gift card

The Glennwood House of Laguna Beach has partnered up with TheHotelCard and Expedia.

TheHotelCard offers discounts at more than 50,000 hotels around the world.

If customers donate $80 to the Glennwood Housing Foundation, they will receive a gift card worth $100 to use at hotels in the Expedia Affiliate Network.

The Glennwood House provides housing for adults 18-45 who have developmental disabilities.

For more information, visit https://www.glennwoodhousing.org and click on TheHotelCard link

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Applicants needed to fill Personnel Board

The Laguna Beach City Council is seeking applicants to serve on the city’s Personnel Board.

The board has three members who serve two-year terms, which begin Oct. 1 every other year. The group hears appeals on job dismissals, demotions, suspensions and pay reductions.

Interested residents must fill out an application and turn it in by 5 p.m. Tuesday. Applications may be found at the city clerk’s office or at https://www.lagunabeachcity.net.

Applicants will be interviewed by the City Council at its Sept. 20 meeting.

For more information, call (949) 497-0705.

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Free series will discuss estate planning

Peter Kote will moderate a free eight-week series about estate planning beginning Friday in the Community Room of the Susi Q Senior Center, 380 Third St.

Participants will learn about financial and estate planning, and how to find competent planning advisors.

The “It’s Your Estate” workshops run from 1:30 to 3 p.m. every Friday until Oct. 28. The series is sponsored by the Laguna Beach Community Foundation and Laguna Beach Seniors.

To register, call the foundation at (949) 715-8223 or email info@lagunabeachcf.org.

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‘Velva Jean’ author to appear at bookstore

Jennifer Niven, author of “Velva Jean Learns to Fly,” will be at Laguna Beach Books at 4 p.m. Sunday.

She will read from and sign copies of her book and take questions from the audience.

In the follow-up to Niven’s debut novel, “Velva Jean Learns to Drive,” Velva Jean goes on the road and tries to make her dream of singing at the Grand Ole Opry come true. After a surprise visit from her brother, this dream gives way to a new one: becoming a female pilot.

Laguna Beach Books is at 1200 S. Coast Hwy., Suite 105. For more information, call (949) 494-4779.

—Kelly Parker