Grants will fund new sewers

Laguna Beach is set to receive $900,000 in federal funds that will go

toward replacing the city’s aging sewer system.

Congressman Christopher Cox had requested the money on behalf of

the city. The grant will be combined with city revenues and used to

renovate the sewer system.

City officials said sewer spills can be reduced by improving the

sewer lift stations at Fisherman’s Cove and Shaw’s Cove. The old

lifts are within 100 feet of the beach, allowing any sewer spill to

go directly into the ocean.

Additionally, the funds will help to replace deteriorated sewer

mains, install emergency generators, improve alarm systems and allow

for more frequent cleaning.

A night in honor of Lida Lenney

The Laguna Canyon Conservancy dinner reception will honor the late

Lida Lenney at 6 p.m. on Monday at Tivoli Terrace, 650 Laguna Canyon

Road. “The Lida Lenney Story,” a Powerpoint presentation on her life

and accomplishments, will be presented by Harry Huggins.

The dinner will begin with no-host cocktails at 6 p.m. and a

three-course meal at 6:45 p.m. The cost is $10 for members and $15

for nonmembers. Information: (949) 494-6465.

Design Review Board applicants sought

The Laguna Beach City Council is accepting applications for

members of the Design Review Board. There is an opening for a regular

board member and an opening for an alternate.

Interviews for the positions will be held at the City Council

meeting at 6 p.m. on Jan. 4 in the council chambers at City Hall, 505

Forest Ave.

The board is responsible for considering requests for variances

from the zoning code and coastal development permits.

Applicants must be able to commit to 10 hours per week and must be

flexible to visiting sites and reviewing project plans before

meetings.

Laguna Beach residents who are interested in applying should ask

for an application at the City Clerk’s office, 505 Forest Ave. The

deadline for an application is Dec. 29. Information: (949) 497-0705.

RUFF does the furry friends proud

RUFF, Rescuing Unwanted Furry Friends, served more than 250 meals

and raised more than $6,500 at its annual Thanksgiving dinner. The

RUFF Board is looking for several new members and volunteers who are

interested in becoming involved.

RUFF is in need of the following volunteer positions: telephone

call manager, fundraising director, volunteer director, grant writer

and humane education director. RUFF also needs volunteers to

photograph and frame pet photos at the Aliso Viejo PetsMart from 11

a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Dec. 18, and 19. For

information on volunteering with RUFF, call (949) 494-6271.

Business Club elects new officers

The Laguna Beach Business Club recently elected new officers for

2005.

Rick Cirelli was elected vice president, Karen Polek elected

president and Jerry Immel, was elected secretary and treasurer. The

Laguna Beach Business Club is a nonprofit organization comprised of

members who either work or live in Laguna Beach.

The club meets 11 times a year, at 7:30 a.m. on the third Thursday

of each month. The club provides educational and networking

opportunities for people who manage or own their own business.

Guest speakers are frequently invited to give talks on interesting

and timely topics. For more information, call (949) 497-3331, Ext.

203.

Pageant tickets are on sale now

Tickets to the Pageant of the Masters went on sale to the general

public on Wednesday.

The 2005 Pageant of the Masters, “On The Road -- A Crash Course in

Art and Popular Culture,” will run nightly from July 7 through Sept.

1, with a gala benefit performance on Aug. 27.

Ticket prices are $15 to $80 and tickets to the benefit are $50 to

$300. Information: 1-800-487-3378 or https://www.Pageant

Tickets.com.