Briefly In Neighbors

Hobby Lobby coming to Laguna Niguel

Arts and crafts retailer Hobby Lobby is moving into Laguna Niguel.

The chain’s new location will be on Alicia Parkway between Pacific Park Drive and Avila Road in the Marketplace at Laguna Niguel shopping center, according to a news release from the store.

The 77,800-square-foot space used to be home to Mervyn’s.

This location marks the eighth store in California for Hobby Lobby, which is based in Oklahoma City. It is expected to bring about 35 to 40 jobs to Laguna Niguel.

The store is projected to open in late spring or early summer of this year.

For more information, visit https://www.hobbylobby.com.

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Emergency prep academy begins March 6

The city of Aliso Viejo is now accepting applications for the Community Emergency Preparedness Academy, which begins March 6.

The outreach program educates residents on being prepared for emergencies and major disasters and how to help in the event of one.

Academy members will learn about local hazards and planning; earthquake preparedness and disaster supplies; fire safety, fire extinguishers and wildfire preparedness; first aid, CPR and defibrillators; and more, according to a news release from the city.

The academy is open to adults and teenagers who attend with a parent. Class size is limited.

Classes will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays through April 24 at City Hall, 12 Journey, Suite 100. Dinner will be provided before each meeting.

To register, call Steve Rhyner, Aliso Viejo’s emergency management coordinator, at (949) 635-1809 or email srhyner@ocsd.org.

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Compost workshop at Soka on March 3

Soka University is presenting a free compost workshop for Aliso Viejo residents and Soka students from 10 a.m. to noon March 3.

The workshop will provide guidelines for creating compost from food scraps and yard waste at home. Several different methods will be demonstrated.

Those interested in attending should pre-register by Feb. 17. Contact Rae Beimer at (949) 425-2535 or rbeimer@cityofalisoviejo.com.

Soka University is at 1 University Drive.

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Finalists announced for leadership award

St. Mary’s School in Aliso Viejo will give out its Father Ernest D. Sillers Legacy Leadership Award at its Tribute to Leadership Awards Assembly on Feb. 2.

The Legacy Leadership Award is given to an eighth-grader who demonstrates outstanding leadership skills and participation in community service, according to a news release from the school.

Students who want to be considered for the award submit a resume and an application, and a panel of judges not affiliated with St. Mary’s choose the winner.

The finalists include: Lauren Walker, Abigail Jackson, Makenna Rieden, and Kristina Gonzales from Aliso Viejo; Melanie Traylor of Laguna Hills; Katelyn Stoddard of Rancho Santa Margarita; Kathryn Querner of Laguna Niguel; Kayla Jahangiri and Grant Hoffmann of San Juan Capistrano; Tess Hezlep of Newport Beach; and Jillian Coker and James Coker of Ladera Ranch.

The winner will receive a scholarship savings bond worth $2,500.

—Kelly Parker

Twitter: @KellyParkerTCN