Briefly In The News

Free trolley parking at Boat Canyon

Free parking for trolley customers will be offered Aug. 21 to 29 at the rear of the Pavilions Shopping Center at 600 N. Coast Hwy. at Boat Canyon, City Manager Ken Frank announced. Approximately 50 free parking spaces will be available daily from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The parking lot will be staffed during operating hours by a city attendant. Temporary signage southbound along Coast Highway will direct drivers to the free parking. For more information, contact the Community Services Department at (949) 497-0716 ext. 6.

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Fire Dept. advises on wildfire safety

The Laguna Beach Fire Department is launching the Ready, Set, Go program in preparation for the 2010 fire season.

“This is an important component of the fire department’s mission to protect lives and property through fire prevention and public education,� said Fire Chief Kris Head. “As we approach this fire season it is important for residents to assess their preparedness for surviving wildland fire.�

The department has begun a public education campaign to assist those located in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The Ready, Set, Go program and publications provide guidance on readying homes with ignition-resistive features and determining how to create defensible space, setting an action plan and getting ready to “Go� with a plan on when to leave and where to go in the event of a wildfire.

Community members may sign up at https://www.lagunabeachcity.net/cityhall/fire for a free wildfire consultation on your home, and look in the mail for the Ready, Set, Go information. Over the next three weeks firefighters will be going door to door in wildfire-prone areas. For more information, contact Capt. Patrick Brennan, [email protected].

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Green/Blue Belt tour slated

La Vida Laguna has scheduled it’s second Green Belt/Blue Belt Eco-Tour for 8 to 11 a.m. Aug.28. All proceeds will be donated to Get Inspired, Inc. the nonprofit organization formed by Nancy Caruso, known as the “kelp lady,� who has organized efforts to replenish local kelp beds, plus the Permaculture Institute of Southern California, and the Friends of the Hortense Miller Gardens.

The tour meets at La Vida Laguna, 674 N. Coast Hwy. at 8 a.m. and begins with a paddle to the sea lion rookeries off Seal Rock. Then the group paddles to the newly replenished kelp beds off Heisler Park, where Caruso will speak about the 800 species of marine life in the underground eco-system. The group will then land onshore, and head to Hortense Miller Gardens for a docent led tour of the natural coastal gardens and mid-century modern home that will include a snack of water and fruit salad. Cost is $75. For reservations, call (949) 275-7544.

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Martinis for marine mammals

Pacific Marine Mammal Center is hosting Martini Madness, a night of martinis and fine foods from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at Madison Square & Garden Café, 320 N. Coast Hwy.

Tickets are $20 and proceeds will benefit the center, which rescues ill and injured seals, sea lions, and sea elephants. To make a reservation call (949) 494-3050.