BRIEFLY IN BUSINESS

Sleep Center opens at South Coast

Dr. George Shahinian has opened the Laguna Beach Sleep Center on the South Coast Medical Center campus in South Laguna.

The center is a state-of-the-art facility where sleep studies are conducted to determine the nature of a sleep disorder.

“The Laguna Beach Sleep Center studies and analyzes a number of disorders including sleep apnea, insomnia, snoring, narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome,� Shahinian said.

Following an initial office visit, patients may be asked to spend the night in one of the sleep study suites.

High-tech recording equipment monitors sleeping and waking periods.

Treatment for sleeping disorders may include behavioral modifica- tions, use of breathing apparatuses or medications.

For more information about the Laguna Beach Sleep Center, call (949) 715-0505.

Business district extension on table

The City Council voted April 17 to adopt a resolution extending the Business Improvement District assessment for an additional 12 months. The assessment will expire June 30 unless the council agrees to continue it.

The assessment was established in 2001 as an increase in the city’s existing hotel transient occupancy tax (“bed tax�) on all hotels and motels in Laguna Beach.

The assessment requires lodging establishments to pay an extra 2% of gross room revenues to the city.

The funds are earmarked for the Laguna Beach Visitors and Conference Bureau, Laguna College of Art & Design, Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Art Museum, Arts Commission programs and Cultural Arts Funding.

The council set a public hearing date of May 15 for the assessment extension.

The city estimates it will receive $1.65 million in revenues from the assessment during the 2007-08 fiscal year.