AROUND TOWN - Jan. 23, 2009

Senior/community center grand opening is Jan. 31

The city of Laguna Beach has announced the grand opening of the much-awaited Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Senior Center on Jan. 31. The City Council and Laguna Beach Seniors will conduct the ribbon cutting ceremony at noon, and an open house and class demonstrations will take place from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

The Laguna Beach Community and Senior Center has 20,000 square feet of program space for multigenerational classes and activities. Senior facilities include a library/lounge, multipurpose room, kitchen, computer lab, card/game room and meeting room.

The Community Center has two dance/exercise studios, and art studio and a multipurpose room for classes and meetings. The terrace adjacent to Third Street provides outdoor space to take advantage of Laguna’s wonderful climate. The garage has spaces for 72 vehicles.

The center is a partnership between the city of Laguna Beach and the Laguna Beach Seniors.

Real property reports see steep decline

Real property reports issued by the city of Laguna Beach dropped by 50% in 2008 compared to 2005, City Manager Ken Frank reported in his Jan. 16 Weekly Update to city staff.

The reports are required to be filed by the seller to advise the purchaser of zoning and other planning constraints on the property. In calendar year 2005, the city issued 514 reports. In 2008, only 256 reports were issued.

“This is a decline of 50% and is a relatively accurate reflection of property sales in town,” Frank stated.

Chamber sponsors ‘shop local’ program

Laguna Beach residents can get a 10% discount on purchases at many local businesses through the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Shopping is an Art in Laguna Beach program.

Residents are given cards that identify them as participants in the program. Businesses are encouraged to sign up and be part of the discount program by calling the chamber at (949) 494-1018 or visiting www.lagunabeachchamber.org

Cultural arts grant applications open

The city of Laguna Beach is accepting applications for cultural arts grants.

The grant funds must be used by nonprofit organizations for projects to promote tourism and encourage overnight hotel occupancy during the non-summer months.

Applications must be submitted at the counter in the Community Services Department by Feb. 6. For more information, visit www.lagunabeachcity.net

Egly to be honored at Woman’s Club

Councilwoman Jane Egly will be honored at a luncheon Feb. 6, sponsored by the Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach.

Egly served as mayor of Laguna Beach during 2008.

“We expect a great deal of our mayors,” said club President Renae Hinchey. “They master agendas, preside over meetings and perform numerous ceremonial duties — all in addition to their many regular duties as council members.”

Doors will open at the clubhouse at 11:30 a.m. Price is $30 per person. Checks must be made out to Woman’s Club — Mayor’s lunch and mailed to 286 St. Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Reservations and checks must be received by Jan. 30 to guarantee seating.