Community Datebook

Marine Room Hosts Dog Rescue Fundraiser

The Marine Room, 214 Ocean Avenue, will host Pet Place International’s first Rockin’ Dog Rescue and Fundraiser at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 14. In addition to meeting some of Pet Place International’s adoptable rescues, guests can enjoy the Jamie Browning Band’s classic rock tribute to Tom Petty and take advantage of raffles, prizes, vendor booths and give-aways.

For more info, call 494-3027.

Garden Volunteers Needed

Docents are needed for the Hortense Miller Garden in Laguna Beach.

People come from all over the world to see this Laguna landmark. The commitment requires one or two garden tours a month and an eight-hour training course.

For further info: email [email protected] or call Dorothea 949 494-6627

Local Groups Urged to Register for Expo

Local groups are urged to register for the Laguna Beach Community Alliance’s second annual Info Expo to be held on Saturday, May 7, to inform the public about their work; share information, ideas and resources; increase membership and participation; and recruit volunteers.

Groups interested in participating can register online at www.LBCAlliance.org. Booth spaces are assigned on a first come, first served basis.

For more info, visit http://www.LBCAlliance.org.

Legion Honors Police, Firefighters

The county’s 25 American Legion Posts honored local police and firefighters at an annual event on March 24.

Former Assemblyman Todd Spitzer served as host because of his past police duty.

Laguna Legionnaire Dave Connell and Legion Auxiliary President Diane Connell hosted Laguna’s honorees, who received several awards: Officer Jason Farris won first place for community service and will compete in the Legion’s state competition; officers George Ramos, Rod MacDonald, and Paul Bixby received commendations for valor; Ramona Lock and Vic Opincar received commendations of merit for their many years as police volunteers.

Applicants Wanted for Water Board Vacancies

There are two vacancies on the Laguna Beach County Water District commission. Incumbents and new applicants must complete an application by May 27 for consideration of appointment.

For more information, contact the District at 494-1041 or 306 Third Street.

Philanthropist Receives Rotary Peace Award

Sadiq Tawfig, owner of Laguna Beach’s Khyber Pass and founder of the Afghan Amity Society, recently received a “Peace Award” and spoke about “Achieving Peace in Afghanistan: Challenges and Opportunities” at the Rotary Club’s Peace Conference, held at Claremont College’s School of Theology on March 19.

Tawfig discussed the way education for girls and boys at the school he began in Herat, Afghanistan, is helping to improve health conditions for residents.

Friends of Dorothy Click Their Heels for ASF

The Friends of Dorothy Guild raised $28,000 at their annual “friend-raiser” for AIDS Services Foundation Orange County on March 17, bringing the total they have raised since their founding in 2007 to almost $500,000. All proceeds benefit ASF and its services and programs to help those living with AIDS and their families, as well as AIDS awareness and outreach.

Held at Lexus Newport Beach on St. Patrick’s Day, the event included music by Nick St. Royal, Irish-inspired food, wine by Barefoot Winery and plenty of prize drawings. Dorothy founder Barbara Venezia emceed the event, with special guests Maria Marquez, ASF board chairman, and Phil Yaeger, ASF executive director.