CITYSCAPE ROUNDUP: Sewer project nears its end

After weeks of delay, the North Coast Interceptor sewer reconstruction project at Nyes Place is expected to be completed by the end of March, City Manager Ken Frank announced March 7 in his weekly update to city staff.

Frank said the contractor has successfully installed the replacement pipe along the south end of the project.

The installation of the new force main serving the Nyes Place lift station has taken longer than planned. The force main was installed March 5-6 and backfill will be completed next week.

“Weather and complexities of the project have caused an extended project end date,” Frank wrote, adding that the project will be completed by the last week of March. Project progress photos can be viewed at www.clbwq.net.

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Street ends project to be showcased

Cal Poly Pomona landscape architecture students will have a place in downtown Laguna to showcase their proposals for improving three beach-end streets in Laguna Beach. A vacant storefront on Forest Avenue is being donated to the project, which is being conducted jointly with the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Beautification Council, said Rik Lawrence, a Beautification Council member.

The large retail space at 225 Forest Ave., formerly occupied by Crystal Image, is being cleaned up as a showcase for the street ends proposals, Lawrence said.

The students created models of their proposals to improve the ends of Cress, Brooks and Mountain Streets. The models were shown last month at Wells Fargo Bank. Beautification Council members asked the Cal Poly Pomona landscape architecture professors to assign the project to their classes.

An open house is planned for 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday. The work can be viewed at www.flickr.com/groups/ 693127@N22.

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‘Spring cleaning’ of beaches to be held

The Clean Water Now! Coalition and Hearts of Montage, joined by Soul Surfing School, will conduct an Adopt-A-Beach cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon March 22 at various Laguna Beach locations.

Stations will be at Vacation Village (Sleepy Hollow), Oak Street, and Treasure Island/Aliso Creek (below the Montage Resort & Spa).

Bags, gloves, tide pool brochures and other materials will be available at each site.

Community service hours will be authorized for youth groups.

For more information, visit www.cleanwaternow.com or call (949) 280-2225 or (949) 497-5918.

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American Legion holds Easter Egg Hunt

The Laguna Beach American Legion and Women’s Auxiliary will once again sponsor the Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Laguna Beach High School baseball field, 925 Park Ave. The hunt will take place at 1 p.m. sharp on Easter Sunday, March 23. This free event is open to all children nine years or younger.

The American Legion has been sponsoring this Laguna tradition for more than 50 years.

Participants are advised to arrive early, between noon and 12:30 p.m., as the Easter Bunny will make a personal appearance and will be available for photo opportunities.

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Homeless Forum planned in May

The Laguna Beach Housing and Human Services Committee is planning a community forum to educate the public on issues surrounding the homeless, City Manager Ken Frank announced.

The forum is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 17, from 9 to 11 a.m. in the City Council Chambers.

AAUW grants now available for nonprofits

The American Assn. of University Women, Laguna Beach Foundation invites Laguna Beach nonprofit organizations to submit an application for grants from $200 to $750 that address needs related to the association’s mission.

Funding requests must relate to the education and needs of women and girls or provide information to educate and benefit the public on these issues, promote lifelong education and positive societal change.

Successful applicants must agree to submit a report documenting outcomes achieved through this funding. The deadline to apply is May 1.

For an application form or more information, call (949) 497-5184 or go to www.aauw-lagunabeach.org.

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Mission offers discount April 11 for residents

Mission San Juan Capistrano is encouraging Laguna Beach residents to visit the Jewel of the Missions by offering a 2-for-1 admission price special. Residents who purchase an adult admission to the Mission may bring in one guest free of charge April 11. For more information visit www.missionsjc.com.