Website Upgraded for National Disability Month

The Seed Business Network (SBN) of Laguna Beach has launched an upgraded website at disabilitybiz.org. In business since 2003, SBN has assisted over 3,500 people with disabilities in starting and running small businesses.

“This website exists to heighten our community’s awareness of disability and unemployment issues,” said Andy Leaf, president and founder. “We are launching now, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, to connect with potential employers and business partners about this highly employable and vibrant segment of the workforce.”

A third of 55 million Americans with disabilities are unemployed though many have high school degrees, even college degrees, and computer expertise. Disabled people are mostly an overlooked, untapped economic resource, said Leaf.

“I want to encourage all employers and people in a position to hire outside contract work to support people with disabilities by first checking our website’s business card section to see the variety of services they can engage,” Leaf said. “It could make a huge difference in someone’s life and their ability to independently support themselves.”

For more information, contact Andy Leaf at [email protected]

 

Steele Ties Up for Talk on Ocean Institute

Local resident Bill Steele, a board member of the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, talks about the tallship Pilgrim, whale watching tours and other programs is a guest on “The Importance of Being” weekly radio show.

The show is broadcast live at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 on KX 93.5 FM and hosted by local Ernest Hackmon.

 

Young Entrepreneur Visits Business Club

The Laguna Beach Business Club members welcome Ethan Gromet Thursday, Oct. 15, who will discuss his work helping technology entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful business ventures.

Gromet, 23, was a 2010 recipient of a Business Club scholarship. He is currently director of operations for the USC Viterbi School of Engineering “Startup Garage”.

Club meetings begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Hotel Laguna, 425 S. Coast Hwy. RSVP to Bart Zandbergen at 949-455-0300 x218

There’s Shakin’ Going On

Throughout the month, the Laguna Beach Fire Department will be visiting the local schools and participating in emergency drills to help educate the community on fire safety and emergency preparedness.

On Thursday, Oct. 15 at 10:15 a.m. is the “Great Shake Out,” earthquake drill, aiming to help homeowners, schools, and organizations improve preparedness.

Chief Ed Valdez urges residents to stay informed by self-registering cell phone numbers and email addresses to receive emergency messages from the county’s mass notification system. Register at www.alertoc.com.

 

Term Open for Design Review Board

One position on the city’s Board of Adjustment/Design Review Board for a term through March 31, 2018 is open to any Laguna Beach resident interested in serving.

The five-member body appointed by the City Council considers requests for variances from the zoning code and building designs. Members are expected to allocate at least 10 hours a week visiting sites and reviewing plans.

Those interested may find the application either online on the City’s web site, www.lagunabeachcity.net, or at the City Clerk’s office. The council will interview prospective applicants Tuesday, Oct. 20.

 

Step Out Into the Wilds Nearby

Learn about the California native plants and wildflowers with a Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist on this moderate-paced 3.5-mile hike Saturday, Oct. 10, at 8 a.m. from Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection). Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.html. For questions call: 949-497-8324. Parking: $3.

 

Learn Tips to Modify Homes for Seniors

A workshop teaching seniors how to modify their homes to face the challenges of aging takes place Saturday, Oct. 17, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Susi Q Senior Center, 380 Third St.

A panel composed of architect Morris Skendarian city building official Dennis Bogle, contractor Peter McCarroll, and age in place specialist Benjamin Morey will offer ideas on how senior can adapt their homes for decreasing mobility.

For more info or needed transportation contact Belinda Deines at [email protected] or (949) 464-6626.

Goat Herd Kicked Up to 300

To ensure vegetation does not contribute to the fuel supply of wildfires, the city relies on residents to maintain their own properties and a roaming goat herd.

The herd currently numbers 300 and is working an area from Thurston Middle School around to Top of the World School. Vegetation maintenance is critical due to the drought but particularly so for the next two months when Orange County experiences Santa Ana winds, the city manager’s report notes.

 

Local Women Take On Current Causes

Laguna Beach police Chief Laura Farinella, Friendship Shelter Executive Director Dawn Price, and Let Laguna Vote leader Rita Conn will speak at a free 5 p.m. program “What We Really Need to Know,” Tuesday, Oct. 13, at City Hall.

Farinella calls on a community partnership with police to solve quality of life issues, Price advocates for alleviating a community crisis by creating housing for the homeless, and Conn will address risks surrounding decommissioning the San Onofre nuclear power station.

The talk is sponsored by the American Association of University Women.

 

Nominees Invited for Parade Day Honors

The public is invited to submit nominations for honorees to next year’s Patriot’s Day Parade, including citizen of the year, artist of the year and athlete of the year categories, organizers announced.

A committee has started organizing for the 50th parade on Saturday, March 5. Charlie Quilter returns as president, supported by Ed Hanke, Kathleen Fay, and Sandi Werthe.

“Celebrating Our 50th” was chosen as the parade theme.

Nominations should be submitted by Oct. 20 by email to Sandi Werthe, [email protected] or by mail to P.O. Box 5147, Laguna Beach, CA 92652.

 

Bagged Leaves Okay for Pickup

The city trash hauler, Waste Management, will allow residents to put out an unlimited amount of tied-bags of leaves at the curb alongside their green waste cart.

Those who prefer a more “green” solution, bundled green waste (not exceeding five feet in length nor weigh more than 50 pounds), can be placed beside or on top of the green waste cart.