Welcome Mat Rolled Out for New Fire Chief
A public reception was planned this week to welcome Michael Garcia, the city’s new fire chief.
The 32-year fire service veteran stepped into the job as the city’s 19thfire chief this week. During the past eight years, Garcia worked as a member of the Long Beach Fire Department command staff, holding many positions including as the acting fire chief.
Garcia’s background includes expertise fire operations, administration, fire prevention, emergency preparedness, staff training, and community relations, a statement says. He holds a bachelor of science degree in vocational education from California State University, Long Beach.
Garcia will take over duties from Acting Fire Chief Tom Christopher at a salary of $192,000 a year.
Montage Names New Executive Chef
Jeffery Walter was named executive chef of Montage Laguna Beach, a resort whose four dining venues include the lobby bar, Loft, Mosaic and top-rated Studio restaurant.
Additionally, he will manage in-room dining, banquets, weddings and special events, says an announcement.
Walter held similar executive chef posts at resorts in San Diego and Las Vegas, most recently the Bellagio, where he oversaw operations for 30 food and beverage outlets.
Laguna Local Gets Board Appointment
Laguna Beach resident Claudia Villamizar has been appointed to the Southern California Easterseals board. Easterseals assists more than 10,000 Southern Californians with disabilities.
Villamizar, a systems engineer and consultant, is the operations manager for the Huntington Learning Center which provides tutoring and exam prep for K-12 students and those with learning disabilities.
