Briefly in the news

Free flu shot clinics at Hoag Hospital’s health centers have been

canceled after the hospital was unable to receive the vaccines on time.

The clinics -- open to seniors 60 and older, as well as people with

weak immune systems -- were scheduled at Hoag’s centers in Aliso Viejo,

Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach from Friday through

Sunday. In past years, about 3,000 people have received flu vaccination

this way.

The hospital administered more than 2,200 shots at a drive- through

clinic in Newport Beach on Nov. 11, but hospital officials said they had

bought the vaccine directly from suppliers, since vaccine from the county

is not yet available.

Hospital officials said they couldn’t remember a similar shortage in

past years, adding that the type of flu virus anticipated for this year

had slowed the manufacturing process.

Information: 1-800-514-HOAG.

Jewish Family Service group discussions

Jewish Family Service of Orange County offers a discussion group on

how to take care of elderly parents. The group’s purpose is to assist

adult children and other relatives in identifying problems and coming up

with solutions.

The group will meet for two Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at the

organization’s office in Costa Mesa. The program costs $20, and the group

will start meeting once enough participants have signed up.

The organization also offers a group for interfaith couples that

include one Jewish partner. Issues discussed include raising children,

observing holidays, symbols in the home and relationships with extended

families.

Information on both groups: (714) 445-4950.

Sign-ups for Newport youth hoops

Kids attending third to sixth grades can sign up for Newport Beach

Community Services Department youth basketball.

Registration, which begins after school and will last until 4 p.m.,

will take place at the following schools:

* Dec. 4: Eastbluff Elementary and Harbor View Elementary schools

* Dec. 5: Andersen Elementary and Lincoln Elementary schools

* Dec. 6: Mariners Elementary, Newport Elementary and Newport Heights

Elementary schools.

Registration fee is $40 for Newport Beach residents and $45 for

nonresidents. Coaches will be on the basketball courts at each site.

The league focuses on fundamental skills and teamwork. Each player

will play at least half of every game and all skill levels are encouraged

to participate.

Registration is also possible at the community services department at

3300 Newport Blvd.

Information: (949) 644-3151.

Santa rentals available for holidays

The Newport Beach Community Services Department is accepting rental

requests for Santas during the holidays.

Santas will visit holiday parties, business meetings, day-care or

school events as well as scout troop gatherings in Newport Beach and

parts of Costa Mesa and Irvine.

A minimum rental of 30 minutes is required. Santa is available between

10 a.m. and 10 p.m. from Dec. 1-23.

Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance and are made on

a first-come, first-served basis.

The fee is $40 for the first 30 minutes and $35 for each additional

half-hour. The fee includes a candy cane per guest.

Information: (949) 644-3151.