Runoff for $1,000 storm-drain logo

The City of Laguna Beach Arts Commission and Water Quality Department are now accepting designs for the 2006 Storm Drain Marker Competition.

The competition is designed to promote public awareness of water quality by discouraging activities that result in polluted runoff to the storm drains.

The selected artwork will be displayed on more than 900 storm-drain inlets throughout the city. The city will own the rights to the selected design, which may be used on other city-produced materials, publications and web-site.

Entries will be accepted from residents of Laguna Beach, and proof of residency will be required.

The design should convey or include the message: “Do Not Pollute! Drains to the Ocean.” Imaginative and colorful designs are suggested.

The honorarium is $1,000.

Prospective designs must be delivered to the Cultural Arts Department by 4 p.m. Friday, April 7. Information: Siân Poeschl, Cultural Arts Manager, (949) 497-0722.

Creationism stirs life into debate

Professor Nate Feldmeth of Fuller Seminary will trace the debate over and history of creationism, evolution and intelligent design on Sunday, March 12, at 10:30 a.m. in the Parlor of Laguna Presbyterian Church, 415 Forest Ave.

Intelligent design has been called an alternative to teaching evolution; others call it creationism in disguise.

Information: (949) 494-7555.

Interfaith Council meeting Thursday

The Interfaith Council invites all congregants of Laguna churches to attend a meeting at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 16, in the Guild Hall at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 428 Park Ave.

The Interfaith Council works to further communication and cooperation among the various religious organizations of Laguna Beach, and between those institutions and the community’s social service agencies, to better serve the needs of the community’s poor, the sick, and the disenfranchised.

The meeting will provide news about outreach programs from individual churches, and discussion of the group’s continuing involvement with the Resource Center, the Cold Weather Shelter, and other community social welfare programs. Information: David Peck, (949) 497-3936.

Hospital auxiliary holds book sale

South Coast Medical Center Auxiliary is sponsoring a book sale on Wednesday, March 8 and Thursday, March 9 to benefit the hospital. The book sale will be held in the hospital lobby from 6:30 a.m. until 7 p.m.

The book sales are held four times per year. All proceeds go to the hospital.

Coffees with Hortense planned for March

The Hortense Miller Garden is planning to hold monthly Coffee Mornings with Hortense, beginning Saturday, March 11 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Participants will be limited to 25, who will visit and enjoy Miller’s famous garden, including a tour of her mid-century art-filled home and brunch on the patio. Suggested donation is $35 per person.

The garden is located on a hillside in North Laguna overlooking Boat Canyon and the Pacific Ocean.

Future coffees will take place Saturdays, April 8, May 13 and June 6 from 9 a.m. to noon. Reservations: (949) 494-1205.