Briefly In News

Cultural council receives grant

The South County Crosscultural Council received a $4,000 grant from the Laguna Beach Community Foundation, according to a news release.

The money will be used for ongoing projects benefiting the La Playa Center ESL classes, preschool and the Laguna Day Worker Center. The money has already helped to reduce expenses for the annual tamale sale at the Presbyterian Church on Hospitality Night in December, the release said.

The funds will also be used for the council’s annual Cinco de Mayo party, which celebrates Crosscultural Council’s work and its clients. The party will be held this year at the Woman’s Club. For more information, call (949) 497-3936 or go to https://www.crossculturalcouncil.com.

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Foundation elects new trustees

The Laguna Beach Community Foundation recently elected several community leaders as new trustees. They include Mary Ferguson, Lyneé Kniss, Donnie Crevier, Nicole Anderson and Jane Egly, according to a news release.

The board elected Rick Balzer as chair of the foundation.

“Our talented trustees will assist in taking the Community Foundation to new heights and help us build additional community connections,” Rick Balzer said in a statement.

For more information on the Laguna Beach Community Foundation, contact President and Chief Executive Darrcy Loveland at (949) 715-8223 or info@lagunabeachcf.org.

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La Vida Laguna joins global organization

La Vida Laguna joined 1% for the Planet, pledging to donate 1% of annual sales to support nonprofits that focus on sustainability, according to a news release.

“We are very excited to partner with 1%,” Chief Paddling Officer Billy Fried, who writes a column in the Coastline Pilot, said in a statement. “We believe every company has an obligation to give back, and 1% has an amazing program to designate where funding will go. In our case, part will go to Nancy Caruso’s Get Inspired Inc. to support her efforts to re-populate both kelp and abalone in our oceans.”

Members of 1% for the Planet give 1% of their annual sales to nonprofits in the organization’s network, which are approved based on referrals, track record and sustainability focus. More than 3,000 non-profits worldwide are currently approved, the release said.

La Vida Laguna offers surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking and team building experiences to tourists and corporate groups throughout the area.

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Applications sought for scholarships

The South Coast Water District is offering $500 college scholarships for graduating high school seniors who live in water district’s area, which includes South Laguna.

Applications are due by May 1, according to a news release. Students must provide examples of their community service, public service, volunteer work and/or environmental activities. They must also submit a 500-word essay about water from topics provided.

For an application, call (949) 499-4555 ext. 3153, or visit the website at scwd.org/community/scholarships/asp.

— Alisha Gomez