CITYSCAPE ROUNDUP: Storm debris clouds beaches

The storms of late January left a large amount of debris on Laguna’s beaches, and the city recently hired a contractor to remove trash and dead kelp, City Manager Ken Frank reported in his Feb. 14 update to city staff.

Seven workers were employed each day for seven days, cleaning the beaches from Crescent Bay to Victoria Beach, Frank said. About nine tons of debris were collected at a cost of $7,500.

“If another storm surge pushes a large amount of debris on the beach, we will retain the contractor again so that this material does not stay on the beach as it gets warmer,” Frank wrote.

City misses out on transit grant

The Orange County Transportation Authority recently approved 13 grants for transportation enhancement activities, but not for a proposed project in Laguna Beach, City Manager Ken Frank stated in his Feb. 14 update.

A total of 35 grants were submitted, including one from Laguna Beach for the Broadway Gateway beautification, which would have involved re-landscaping the area between the bus depot and Forest Avenue. That project was ranked three below the group that received funding, Frank said.

“In checking with the OCTA staff, if we had increased the city’s matching share from 15% as we had proposed to 40%, our project would have been funded,” Frank wrote. “During the next cycle, we will review this project again and consider a recommendation to increase the city’s match which would most likely assure funding.”

Homeless to be topic at Village Laguna meeting

The recently adopted recommendations of the city’s Homeless Task Force will be the topic of discussion at Village Laguna’s general meeting, 7 p.m. Monday at Wells Fargo Bank community room.

Ed Sauls and Colin Henderson of the task force will talk about the recommendations for approaching the problem of homelessness in Laguna Beach and to point out ways Lagunans can help. The public is invited to attend.

Council to consider permit parking March 4

The Laguna Beach City Council will hold a public hearing March 4 to consider the final report regarding recommendations for a proposed preferential parking program in the Flatlands/Woods Cove neighborhoods. The meeting will start at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 505 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach.

The recommendations already approved by the council call for resident parking only by permit in the neighborhoods from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., with Laguna Beach shoppers’ parking permit holders exempted from the restrictions. The council also decided to put the issue to a vote.

A number of details must be decided by the council, including who will vote and when; whether a simple majority or a two-thirds vote will be required to implement preferential parking; the boundaries of the parking district; the cost and availability of guest passes; and when the parking program would begin.

The public is invited to provide input on the issue at the meeting. A copy of the agenda bill may be obtained from the city clerk’s office and from the city’s website, www.lagunabeachcity.net.

AAUW Foundation gives $14,000 in grants

The American Assn. of University Women Laguna Beach Foundation, the nonprofit arm of AAUW Laguna Beach Branch, which raises funds to support social and educational needs in the community that support AAUW’s mission, has significantly increased its funds to support local causes.

Additional grant money will be provided to increase the number of scholarships to enable Thurston girls entering 8th grade to attend a weeklong summer science camp from 2 to 6. In addition, the amount of scholarship money available for Laguna Beach High School senior girls has been increased from $1,500 to $2,100; the money available for Returning Woman Scholarships from $1,200 to $3,000, and money to nonprofit community organizations from $1,750 to $5,000.

La Playa English as a second language program; Even Start at the Laguna Beach Boys and Girls Clubs; the Laguna Beach Community Clinic, and Laguna Beach Live! have all been awarded grants based on their 2007 applications.

AAUW-LBF again invites local nonprofit organizations to submit an application for grants from $200 to $750 that address needs related to AAUW’s mission. Successful applicants must agree to submit a report documenting outcomes achieved through this funding. The deadline to apply is May 1. For an application form or more information, call (949) 497-5184 or go to www.aauw-lagunabeach.org.

HIV Committee seeking input

The HIV Advisory Committee is looking for people who have new ideas about educational outreach regarding HIV.

There are plans this year to collaborate again with the high school’s peer counselor group. As in years past, an evening barbecue on the high school quad will be followed by small discussion groups in the library.

Community members wishing more information about the HIV Advisory Committee can call chairman Scott Alan at (949) 494-5229.