Around Town: Westin South Coast Plaza to host dogs for ‘Yappy Hour’ on Friday

The Westin South Coast Plaza hotel in Costa Mesa will host a “Yappy Hour” on Friday in celebration of the lunar Year of the Dog.

From 4 to 6 p.m., humans can partake of free appetizers and drink specials while their dogs can enjoy bacon- and chicken-infused water and treats. Dogs also can make use of miniature fire hydrants and artificial turf.

The first 10 dogs will receive a gift bag.

The Westin is at 686 Anton Blvd.

H.B. to flush hydrants through summer

The Huntington Beach public works utilities division will be flushing hydrants throughout the city in July.

City officials said the process is a routine maintenance program to ensure quality drinking water and good water distribution for fighting fires.

Ratepayers near a flushing operation “may experience a temporary discoloration of their water ... a result of harmless silt, mineral sediment and air, which do not affect the safety of the water,” according to a news release.

For more information and a flushing calendar, visit huntingtonbeachca.gov/hbwater or call (714) 536-5921.

Businesswoman receives Costa Mesa Mayor’s Award

Costa Mesa Mayor Sandy Genis presented businesswoman Janet Krochman with the Mayor’s Award on Tuesday.

Krochman was recognized for her volunteer work and involvement in local schools and youth sports.

“Hopefully, I will have another 40 years in the city and continue to do good things,” Krochman said in a city news release.

SchoolPower raises $320,000 for Laguna Beach schools

SchoolPower, which raises money for Laguna Beach schools, recently collected more than $320,000 during its 33rd annual dinner dance.

The event was held at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. Some of the money will go toward hiring a districtwide digital library specialist.

Junior League children visit Heroes Hall veterans museum

The Junior League Juniors group from Newport Beach-based Junior League of Orange County recently visited Heroes Hall, a veterans museum in Costa Mesa.

The group learned about branches of the military and area history and made colored postcards for veterans and care packages that will be sent to troops overseas.

Center Club to host former ambassador

The Center Club in Costa Mesa will host a World Affairs Council presentation March 1 featuring Cameron Munter, former U.S. ambassador to Serbia and Pakistan.

Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $50.

For more information, visit worldaffairscouncil.org.

Ensure Justice conference coming to Vanguard

Vanguard University’s annual Ensure Justice conference will be held March 2-3 at the Costa Mesa campus.

The theme is substance abuse and human trafficking. Katherine Chon, director of the Office on Trafficking in Persons, will be the keynote speaker.

For more information, visit ensurejustice.com.

Tattoo shop to hold Down syndrome benefit

Gold Rush Tattoo in Costa Mesa will host a benefit for the Down Syndrome Assn. of Orange County on March 3.

It will feature a special tattoo design and a raffle. Tattoos start at $40.

Gold Rush is at 1779 Newport Blvd. For more information, call (714) 540-5794.

Youth ministries director named at Laguna church

Jen Kucera Rothman, a Laguna Beach resident, was recently named director of children and youth ministries at Laguna Beach United Methodist Church.

The graduate of Southern Methodist University has a secondary teaching credential and master’s degrees from National University.

Literary Luncheon to benefit American Assn. of University Women

The Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach will host the 31st annual Literary Luncheon on March 10.

The event raises money for the American Assn. of University Women, which advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research. Money will benefit Laguna Beach High School graduating seniors, middle school girls attending a summer science camp and returning female students at area colleges.

For more information, contact susan.kent@cox.net or call (949) 494-5789.

Crystal Cove group schedules Prop. 68 awareness event

The Crystal Cove Conservancy will hold an informational and fundraising event March 12 about Proposition 68 and how it may affect the community.

The measure on the state ballot in June proposes a $4-billion parks and water bond, including money for state parks like Crystal Cove.

The event will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Oasis Senior Center, 801 Narcissus Ave., Corona del Mar. RSVPs are being accepted through March 8 at crystalcove.org/event/yeson68.