Briefly In the News

Applicants sought for two city committees

The City Council is now accepting applications for both the Heritage Committee and the TechComm Committee, according to a news release from the city.

There are five seats open for two-year terms on the Heritage Committee, which advises the council on historical preservation matters in the city.

There are two seats open for two-year terms on the TechComm Committee, which advises the council on telecommunications issues like cable TV, public access television, Internet and telephone service.

Interested residents must file an application with the city clerk by 5 p.m. Tuesday. Applications can be found online at https://www.lagunabeachcity.net.

The council then interview applicants at its March 20 meeting.

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Buses now stop in front of senior center

Laguna Beach Transit service now makes a stop in front of the Susi Q Senior and Community Center.

This is a one-year pilot program, and Laguna Beach Seniors Executive Director Nadia Babayi is encouraging people to use the service when coming to the center for classes or activities.

New bus schedules and bus passes are now available at the front counter of the Susi Q.

A 20-ride Punch Pass is $15, with no expiration date. The same pass for those 65 or older or disable is $6. A pass for low-income seniors is free, but requires filling out an income verification form.

Buses and trolleys are always free in July and August.

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New CFO named for Mission Hospital

Eileen Haubl has been named the new chief financial officer for Mission Hospital, which has locations in Laguna Beach and Mission Viejo.

Haubl joined Mission Hospital almost 10 years ago and was previously the vice president of financial operations, according to a news release from the hospital. She also served as interim CFO last summer.

“Throughout her career, Eileen has demonstrated the leadership qualities that are important to success in our ministry,” Kenneth D. McFarland, president and chief executive officer of Mission Hospital, said in a statement. “She is a consistent thought leader who strives for continuous improvement, always inspiring her team to embrace and create positive change.”

Haubl holds a master’s in business administration from Pepperdine University, and also serves on the Mission Hospital Community Benefit board.

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Jaqua added to foundation’s board of trustees

The Laguna Beach Community Foundation this week announced the addition of Jim Jaqua to its board of trustees.

Jaqua has previous experience working with community foundations in both his personal and business life, according to a news release from the foundation.

“Jim’s professional expertise and personal experience as a philanthropist will be tremendous assets to our board and will assist the Laguna Beach Community Foundation in our goal to encourage philanthropy,” Darrcy Loveland, president and CEO of the foundation, said in a statement.

Jaqua is a former president of the Bank of Hemet and has established a Donor Advised Fund for the Riverside Community Foundation, as well as a personal one through the Laguna foundation.

He and his wife, Susie, “love Laguna Beach and are glad to be able to use our expertise to help Laguna Beach residents understand charitable giving through a community foundation,” Jaqua said in a statement.

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Get support while grieving loss of pet

A pet loss support group has started up in Laguna Beach.

Certified pet loss counselor Ellie Freedman will run the group from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of the month.

At the group, learn to deal with the grief and pain of losing a pet companion. Attendees will meet other “pet parents” suffering a loss.

A $25 donation is requested.

Call Freedman at (949) 315-5616 or email ellie-oc@petlosspartners.com to find out the location of the meeting and RSVP.

—Kelly Parker

Twitter: @KellyParkerTCN