This is as close as we can come to actually singing to our readers on their birthdays!
We’d love to include yours – and/or your children’s birthdays here.
Just email to:
editor@stunewslaguna.com
Celebrate and enjoy your
birthday!
Jan 15
Cora Kasperski
Randy Morgan
Reese Lackey
Jan 16
Cathy Cox
David Hansen
George Keplinger
Tommy Wetzel
Jan 17
Jenni Glevain
Tabatha Yewchuk
Tracy Dean
Jan 18
Beverly Ritz
Nelson Coates
Stuart Jones
Susan Goggin
Thaddeus Quigley
Jan 19
Alice Kinsman
Claudette Basto
Coleman Raffo
Elizabeth Lebold
Eric Steven Rankin
Heather Byer
Joanne Sutch
Ken Moss
Paul Hengstebeck
Sylvia Powers
Jan 20
Bonnie MacMillan
Jill Templin
Olivia Batchelder
Rick Balzer
Jan 21
Catherine Merola
Mary Spease
City Council accepting applications for appointed committees
The City Council is accepting applications for the following Committees, Commissions, and Boards: Planning Commission, Design Review Board, Arts Commission, Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee, Recreation Committee, Heritage Committee, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee, Environmental Sustainability Committee, Housing and Human Services Committee, View Restoration Committee, Orange County Vector Control District, and South Laguna Water/Sewer Advisory Committee.
Interviews and appointments will be conducted virtually on Tuesday, Feb 9 at 5 p.m. by the City Council. All applicants will be interviewed. Applicants may be contacted by City Council members prior to the interviews and appointments so please be prepared to make a brief statement about your desire to serve.
Laguna Beach residents who are interested in serving on one of these Committees, Commissions, or Boards should obtain an application from the City Clerk’s office or online from the City’s website at www.lagunabeachcity.net and file by Friday, Jan 22 at 4:30 p.m. Questions may be directed to the City Clerk’s office at (949) 497-0705. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.
The number of positions that will be open and details for the following Committees, Commissions and Boards: (*The City Council may reduce or increase the number of positions at its discretion.)
--(3) Two-year terms on the Planning Commission with terms beginning April 1, 2021, through March 31, 2023. The Planning Commission is a five-member body appointed by the City Council for the purpose of reviewing and advising the Council on items related to the development and modification of land uses within the City limits. As such, the Commission reviews and recommends action on the development and amendment of the general plan, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and special projects related to land use planning.
Planning Commissioners serve a two-year term and are compensated in the amount of $392.00 per month. The regular meetings of the Commission are held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 6 p.m. Study sessions may be held as part of the regular meeting or at other specified times. A substantial time commitment averaging 4-6 hours a week is necessary to be a Planning Commissioner. Meetings may be four or more hours long and require a great deal of preparation time. In addition to these regular meetings, Commissioners are expected to visit sites and review project proposals prior to the meeting, as well as attend special project workshops. It is desirable to have or be able to acquire certain skills or aptitudes, such as the ability to understand zoning regulations and their effect on allowed land uses. Experience in land use planning, architecture, engineering, and/or real estate would be an asset.
--(3) Two-year terms on the Board of Adjustment/Design Review Board with a term beginning April 1, 2021, through March 31, 2023. The Board of Adjustment/Design Review Board is a five-member body appointed by the City Council for the purpose of considering requests for variances from the zoning code. The members also sit as the City’s Design Review Board. Board members serve a two-year term and are compensated in the amount of $392.00 per month. The Board meets bi-monthly generally on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. A substantial time commitment of approximately 10 hours per week is necessary to be a Board member. In addition to the bi-monthly meetings, Board members are expected to visit the sites and review the plans of projects prior to the meeting. The Board acts on an average of 14 items per meeting. It is desirable to have or be able to acquire certain skills or aptitudes, such as the ability to understand and conceptualize architectural drawings, and to visualize building mass and volumes based upon on-site staking plans. Experience in the building trades, architecture, historic preservation, landscaping, planning and/or real estate would be an asset.
--(3 plus Alternate) Two-year terms on the Arts Commission with terms beginning April 1, 2021, through March 31, 2023. The Arts Commission is a seven-member commission with one alternate appointed by the City Council. Four of the seven members must be actively participating in the arts. The Commissioners are compensated in the amount of $137.00 per month. The Arts Commission has the power and duty to act in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters pertaining to the artistic aspects of the City. Additionally, commissioners recommend to the City Council the adoption of such ordinances, rules, and regulations as they may deem necessary for the administration and preservation of the fine/performing arts of the community. One of the major projects of the Commission is the City’s Art-in-Public-Places Program. Commission meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 5:30 p.m. Meeting and preparation time may exceed several hours per week.
--(4) Two-year terms on the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee with terms beginning April 1, 2021, through March 31, 2023. The Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee is a seven-member body that acts in an advisory capacity on matters pertaining to parking, traffic, circulation, transit, the Parking Management Plan, and traffic complaints. Meetings are generally held on the fourth Thursday of the month at 6 p.m.
--(4) Two-year terms on the Recreation Committee with terms beginning April 1, 2021, through March 31, 2023. The Recreation Committee is a nine-member body that directs their efforts in the area of providing for the recreation and park needs of the community. Meetings are generally held on the first Monday of the month at 6 p.m.
--(3) Two-year terms on the Heritage Committee with terms beginning April 1, 2021, through March 31, 2023. The Heritage Committee is currently a five-member body. The Heritage Committee serves in an advisory role on matters pertaining to historic preservation such as placement of a structure that is not on the Historic Resources List on the Historic Register, removal of a structure from the Historic Register, creation of a special designation plaque program, alterations to “E”-rated structures, and demolition of historic structures in a
commercial zone. Meetings are generally held on the third Monday of the month at 6 p.m.
--(4) Two-year terms on the Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee with terms beginning April 1, 2021, through March 31, 2023. The Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee is a nine-member body appointed by the City Council whose charge would be to advise the City Council on all matters pertaining to disaster prevention, planning, and preparedness. The Committee will make recommendations to the City Council and will have
staggered terms. Meetings are generally held on the first Monday of the month at 6 p.m.
--(4) Two-year terms on the Environmental Sustainability Committee with terms beginning April 1, 2021, through March 31, 2023. The Environmental Sustainability Committee is a seven-member advisory body to the City Council. The purpose for the Committee is researching, reviewing, and advising the Council on items related to protecting the environment and improving the community’s future sustainability. The Committee receives its work assignments from the City Council. Committee members typically work in subcommittees to research issues and policies and prepare recommendations for approval by
the Committee for submission to the City Council. A personal time commitment of 10 to 15 hours per month may be necessary to accomplish tasks. Regular meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Meetings may be two or more hours, and often require a great deal of preparation time.
--(3) Two-year terms on the Housing and Human Services Committee with terms beginning April 1, 2021, through March 31, 2023. The Housing and Human Services Committee is currently a seven-member body appointed by the City Council whose charge is to assess and identify housing opportunities and human needs for all segments of the community, provide input on the City’s Housing Element of the General Plan, inform and make recommendations to the City Council and other community leaders, and increase community awareness of
programs to fill these needs. Meetings are generally held on the first Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m.
--(3) Two-year terms on the View Restoration Committee with terms beginning April 1, 2021, through March 31, 2023. Members of the View Restoration Committee adjudicate view claims submitted by property owners to restore pre-existing views that are alleged to be significantly impaired by vegetation. The five-member committee of local residents appointed by the City Council conduct public hearings to review claims, hear testimony, and determine
significant view impairment. The Committee may approve a view restoration order and establish a maintenance schedule for the subject vegetation on the property. The View Restoration Committee generally meets on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
--(1) Two-year term on the Orange County Mosquito & Vector Control District (OCMVCD) with a term beginning immediately through January 2, 2023. The person elected will serve as a Trustee on the OCMVCD Board, and the Board generally meets on the third Thursday of every month at 3 p.m., at the OCMVCD headquarters in Garden Grove.
--(3 plus Alternate) Four-year terms on the South Laguna Water/Sewer Advisory Committee with terms beginning April 1, 2021, through March 31, 2023. The South Laguna Water & Sewer Advisory Committee addresses water and sewer related projects, programs, and topics of interest for the South Laguna area. The Committee generally meets quarterly at 2 p.m.
$35,000 available in scholarships from Cox Charities
Cox Charities is offering $35,000 in college scholarships to high school seniors in the Orange County and Palos Verdes areas. The Cox Scholars scholarships range from $2,500 to $5,000. Recipients must be a 2021 graduating high school senior living in Cox’s Southern California service area.
Applications are now open. The deadline to complete and submit the online application is February 3. For more information, visit www.coxcharitiesca.org.
“Now more than ever, students in our community are working hard to achieve their educational dreams amid new learning circumstances and tough financial times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a company founded by a teacher, we continue to support local students and education in San Diego and look forward to awarding our annual scholarships in the new year,” said Chanelle Hawken, vice president of government and public affairs for Cox Communications in California.
Scholarship recipients will be chosen based on their scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, volunteerism, and staying focused on their educational goals despite facing adversity in their lives.
Here are some helpful tips for students when applying for a Cox Scholars scholarship:
1. Before you apply – Review the scholarship requirements carefully and make sure you’re eligible before spending time putting an application together. If you don’t meet the requirements such as GPA or place of residence, your application will not be considered.
2. Financial information – Use tax forms to declare income or give your best estimate if tax forms are unavailable. To be most effective, don’t leave any sections blank.
3. Extracurricular activities – The scholarship committee wants to know what applicants are interested in. Make sure to provide an accurate timeline that includes all activities from the previous four years. Make sure not to repeat information in multiple places.
4. A personal statement – Don’t wait until the last minute to put this together. Give yourself time to think about the topic, and answer from your own personal experience. The more passionate you are, the better your statement. Ask someone you trust to read it and give feedback. And don’t forget to run a spell check.
5. Submit your application and supporting documents before the deadline – If you wait until the last minute, you may encounter issues that prevent you from submitting the application on time, such as computer issues or gathering financial information from a parent.
Funded by employee payroll donations that are matched by the company, Cox Charities provides support to communities in Cox Communications’ service area by awarding scholarships to high school seniors and grants to nonprofit organizations.
A volunteer advisory board of Cox employees oversees the foundation and its giving programs.
In 2020, ten Cox Scholars from Orange County and Palos Verdes were recognized for their successes in the classroom and in the community.
For more information, visit www.coxcharitiesca.org.
Deadline approaching for Bank of America paid summer internship program
Summer may feel far away, but the deadline is fast approaching for civic-minded teens in Orange County to apply for Bank of America’s prestigious Student Leaders program, which provides paid summer internships at local nonprofits.
Each year, Bank of America selects 300 high school juniors and seniors across the country to participate, including four from Orange County. The 2021 online application process is now open through January 29. To apply, go here.
Last summer, the Student Leaders program was converted to a virtual format, with the Orange County students working with United Way of Orange County on a special project and learning firsthand how to work in a local organization. The program is part of the bank’s investment into education and workforce development for young adults to obtain job and leadership experience, while making a difference in their communities.
For more information about the Student Leaders program, go here.
Laguna photographer offers free portraits for first responders, essential and frontline workers
Top local real estate photographer Bob Ortiz wants to show his appreciation to frontline workers, essential workers, and first responders by offering them photographs at no charge.
“I want to let them know how much we appreciate their sacrifices and service,” says Ortiz.
Click on photo for a larger image
Photo by Bob Ortiz
Crew at Ralph’s market in Laguna
Ortiz is an affiliate of the Laguna Board of REALTORS® and is an architecture photographer who photographs million-dollar homes. Bob has been a staple in the Southern California photography scene for many years.
“I’ll take photos and then Stu News will post them. Let’s get the ball rolling and show the people of Laguna Beach what the frontline and essential workers and first responders mean to us and how grateful we are,” says Ortiz.
To contact Ortiz to arrange for a portrait, email him at RORTIZ1@cox.net or call (949) 289-2912.
Net-Works Community Church offers personal prayer to Laguna Beach residents
Pastor Don Sciortino of Net-Works Community Church is sending a message of encouragement and help to Laguna residents.
Sciortino says, “All of us are feeling the emotional, psychological, and spiritual effects of these past months as the COVID-19 pandemic continues on. Many are feeling stressed, anxious, fearful, and discouraged. What can be done to give hope and encouragement? One way is through personal prayer, proven throughout history to be comforting and soothing.”
Click on photo for a larger image
Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Pastor Don Sciortino and his wife Karen
In desiring to reach out to the community during this difficult time, Net-Works Community Church is now offering personal prayer at their downtown office, located at 303 Broadway St (Suite 107), next door to Shirley’s Bagels.
The prayer is offered to everyone, to people of all faiths or no faith. The prayer will be confidential and sensitive. To make an appointment, call Pastor Jay Grant at (949) 315-1398. Net-Works will be offering appointments between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., and 7 to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is no charge.
Click on photo for a larger image
Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Pastor Jay Grant
Net-Works is also offering personal prayer by phone. Call Pastors Don Sciortino at (714) 231-1230, Paul Marchi at (714) 429-0023, or Jay Grant at (949) 315-1398.
Finally, those interested may leave a prayer request for themselves, family, or friends at prayer@praylaguna.org, and the pastoral staff will pray over those need(s).
For more information on Net-Works Community Church, go to www.net-workslb.org.
Dr. Keys Keel is offering curbside COVID-19 testing and flu vaccines at his South Laguna office
From the comfort of one’s car, residents can now receive COVID-19 testing and flu vaccines outside the office of Keys S. Keel, M.D. Dr. Keel has been in the office since 1992, serving Laguna for 35 years.
His office staff includes Denise Duda, office manager, medical assistant, and biller, who has been with Dr. Keel for 22 years, and Elvia Gomez, a licensed esthetician who has been with the doctor for two years.
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Submitted photo
Dr. Keys Keel
Dr. Keel and staff will be offering the following COVID-19 testing:
--Abbott ID Now COVID-19 Testing: This test is a rapid molecular in vitro diagnostic test utilizing an isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-Cov viral RNA in direct nasal swabs. The ID Now has received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA. Results are within 15 mins.
--COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing: Nasal swab is performed; detects live, active infection. Results are within 20 mins.
--COVID-19 Expedited PCR Testing: Nasal swab is performed; specimen is sent UPS to an outside lab. Results are within 24-48 hours.
--Antibody Testing: Finger prick, testing IGM and IGG; can detect past infection of COVID-19. Results are within 15 minutes.
Dr. Keel received his medical education at University of California, Irvine in 1984. He was president of his Medical Class in 1983. He also did his residency at UCI.
He has been on the active Medical Staff at Mission Hospital Laguna Beach since 1986.
Although he specializes in Family Practice, he also provides cosmetic services.
Dr. Keel’s office is located at 31542 Coast Hwy, Suite 3. For more information, call (949) 499-3915.
City of LB Recreation Division invites residents to start 2021 with fun, fresh air, and exercise
Time to shake off the holiday letdown and begin the new year with some healthy exercise and fresh air – or maybe some canine behavior tips. This winter, the City of Laguna Beach Recreation Division is offering several fun and exciting ways to accomplish these goals with limited in-person outdoor youth and adult classes as well as online classes for all ages and dogs too!
Take advantage of classes like: LB Water Polo, Youth Soccer classes, Skyhawks Tot classes, Tennis for all ages, Pickleball, and online dog and puppy training.
Pickleball has become a big hit with all ages. Pickleball classes will be held at Alta Laguna Park for all levels. For those who have never played or those who want to expand existing skills, these are the ideal classes. Classes are taught by experienced instructor Hai Nguyen and staff. The course will cover the basics of pickleball rules, terminology, primary skills, coordination, strokes, and more. The City is offering three class sessions.
Click on photo for a larger image
Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Charley attended one of Penelope Milne’s classes when he was a puppy
For the little ones, the Skyhawks Tot classes are a perfect fit. Held at Bluebird Park, this program requires parent participation. Soccer Tots is the City’s flagship program. Playable on almost any surface, these soccer-themed motor skill classes are extremely easy for youngsters to get into. Younger age groups focus on developing motor skills and self-confidence while older age group classes focus more on developing core soccer skills and personal focus with an introduction to light competition.
The Recreation Division has not forgotten our four-legged friends.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many families have been working and schooling from home and found it a good time to adopt a puppy or dog. For both training and fun activities for dogs, Penelope Milne, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, of DubDubDog Animal Behavior Services, will be conducting two weekly online sessions beginning this week (this session will be held on Tuesdays and Fridays). For an example of a group online class, go to www.whatagoodpuppy.com.
Click on photo for a larger image
Photo by Scott Brashier
Community pool open on reservation-only basis
Field and facility information: Riddle Field is closed for maintenance through Feb 1.
The community pool is open for limited lap swim on a reservation-only basis.
Laguna Beach playgrounds are currently open.
Susi Q Center and Lang Park Center are still closed.
Recreational Committee Scholarships are currently available to use towards classes. For an application, click here.
To access the catalog for more information on all programs offered and to register for classes, click here.
