Scouts Retire Flags With Ceremony

Laguna Beach’s Cub Scout Pack 35 recently held its annual end of the year beach party at Aliso Beach, which included a BBQ and flag retirement ceremony.

The ceremony involves shredding and burning of old flags ready for retirement until the flag turns to ash. Other than the military, The Boy Scouts of America is the only organization allowed by Congress to officially retire a U.S. flag.

Each scout participated and den leader Kimberly Leeds officiated.

Food Drive Aims to Feed Children

Caliber Collision’s food drive continues through June 26 to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

Food collection bins or cash donations set up at each of the body shop’s centers, including its Laguna Beach location at 2105 Laguna Canyon Road.

Still Funny a Decade Later

Members of the Laguna Laughter Club will enjoy a hearty chuckle Sunday, June 21, marking 10 years of hilarity on the sand. The public is welcome for the 8 a.m. session below the gazebo on the north end of Main Beach, says founder Jeffrey Briar, who coaxes 350 people per month to laugh for health, fun and friendship.

For info contact 949 376-1939 or [email protected].

Workshops Seek Community Feedback

Public outreach workshops about design of the village entrance and planning in Laguna Canyon and are scheduled for next week.

The entrance workshop will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, in City Council Chambers at 505 Forest Ave. Landscaping, a pedestrian and bicycle pathway and an exterior renovation of the historic sewer digester facility are planned. The public is invited to participate in the design process.

The canyon outreach workshop takes place from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, at the Community and Susi Q Center, 380 Third St. City officials will provide an overview of existing conditions and planning context. They are looking for feedback on design character, land use, mobility and natural systems.

For more information on the Village Entrance Project, please visit: www.Village-Entrance.com.

Let Off Steam Over Coffee With a Cop      

The public is invited to share coffee with a cop, from 2 -4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, at the Starbucks on South Coast Highway at Broadway Street.

The police department’s top brass, including Chief Laura Farinella, will be available to talk informally.

“I am eager for the Police Department leadership team to connect with the community and enhance our partnerships in the interest of working together to keep Laguna Beach safe for our residents, business owners and visitors,” she said.

Info? Contact Captain Darin Lenyi [email protected] or 949 497-0375.

Outdoor Beauty Earns Praise

The Laguna Beach Beautification Council bestowed awards on residential and commercial properties with exceptional “curbside appeal” earlier this month.

            In the commercial category, Laguna Riviera Beach Resort and the Cliff Restaurant were recognized. Ruby Street Park and the Main Beach mural sculpture “Grace,” by the late Terry Thornsley, were winners in the city category. In addition, 14 private residences were chosen.

Established in 1953 by Harry Lawrence, the council spotlights natural beauty and cleanliness, while the current leader, Ruben Flores, also promotes beautification projects.

The public is welcome to join the council’s potluck picnic at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at Alta Laguna Park, 3300 Alta Laguna Blvd.

Laguna Earns Planners Praise

City staff accepted an award from the local chapter of the American Planning Association for its mobility plan earlier this month. The award celebrates planning leaders.

The recently completed plan, developed over two years and a dozen public meetings, balances transportation types and is expected to guide the city’s capital improvement projects.