Around Town: ‘Skate with HBPD’ event set for Wednesday

Huntington Beach Police Department officers and other representatives will be present Wednesday for a “Skate with HBPD” event at the city’s Winter Wonderland at Pier Plaza.

HBPD officers will attend the ice skating rink between 4 and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

For more information about the Winter Wonderland rink, including hours of operation, parking details and more, visit huntingtonbeachca.gov/winterwonderland.

Public asked to weigh in on Newport Beach park sculptures

The Newport Beach City Arts Commission is seeking public input on the final selection of sculptures to be included in Phase VII of the rotating sculpture exhibition in Newport Beach Civic Center Park. The public survey will be online until Jan. 10 at sparkoc.com/nb_sculpture_poll.

Votes will determine a total of 10 sculptures that will be tentatively installed for the sculpture exhibition. These selections will be presented to the City Council on Jan. 11.

Selected sculptures are expected to be on loan to the city for two years, and sculptors whose artwork will be installed will receive a small honorarium. The city is responsible for installing the art while artists are responsible for maintenance and repair of the work. For more information, visit newportbeachca.gov/culturalarts.

OCC receives grant for its School of Photography

The William, Jeff and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation awarded a $450,000 grant to the Orange Coast College School of Photography, the college announced Friday.

The funds will be used to create the Jeff Gross Photography Endowment, which will aid the school in buying and repairing photography equipment for students. Gross has worked as a staff photographer for Getty Images.

Another plan for the endowment is to offer tutoring services that put entry-level students under the tutelage of advanced photography students.

“More and more, the photography program is relying [on] ‘one-time funds’ to purchase and repair equipment, and this leads to a kind of boom-or-bust situation,” Blade Gillissen, a professor of photography at OCC, said. “An endowment like this can provide our students with year-in and year-out consistency.”

Pacific Marine Mammal Center receives estate gift

Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach announced Thursday that it was the recipient of a gift in the amount of $105,000 from the estate of the late Al Roberts.

Roberts, who passed away on Feb. 7, co-founded Jillson and Roberts Gift Wrap, and he was a former president of the AIDS Services Foundation of Orange County.

“Throughout his life, Al dedicated himself to several philanthropic causes in and outside of the Orange County community,” Pacific Marine Mammal Center chief executive Peter Chang said in a statement.

“However, his love for Laguna Beach shined the brightest, and the Pacific Marine Mammal Center was extremely fortunate to be the recipient of his kindness throughout the years. His gracious legacy of support that he leaves behind will enable us to continue our meaningful work in marine mammal and ocean conservation with a specific emphasis on our education programs geared towards developing our youth to be the next generation of scientists, biologists, veterinarians, and conservationists.”

Santa on the Promenade

Santa will return to the Promenade on Forest in Laguna Beach on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Santa will be all ears as children tell him what they would like for Christmas. He will be located on an outdoor deck near the intersection of Forest Avenue and Glenneyre Street.

Apply to serve on Laguna Beach boards and committees

The Laguna Beach City Council is currently taking applications to serve on various boards and committees.

There are positions open on the design review board, the parking, traffic and circulation committee, the recreation committee, the heritage committee, the environmental sustainability committee, and the view restoration committee.

All applicants will be interviewed by the city council virtually on Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 5 p.m. Those interested in applying can pick up an application from the city clerk’s office or by visiting lagunabeachcity.net. Applications must be filed by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 21.

‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign in high gear

The Fountain Valley police department will have additional officers on patrol through New Year’s Day looking for drivers suspected of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The increased enforcement is part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. If alcohol or drugs are consumed, authorities encourage the use of a designated driver.

“When it comes to consuming drugs and/or alcohol and driving, there is a right and wrong choice,” Fountain Valley Police Sgt. Brian Mosher said. “Make the right choice by not driving impaired, so everyone is able to enjoy the holidays.”

Local author to hold book-signing event Saturday

Laguna Beach author Laura Ford will be holding a book signing at Lido Village Bookstore in Newport Beach on Saturday, from noon to 3 p.m.

Ford released her first young adult novel, “Sounds Like Love,” this fall. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the signing.

Molly Unger new general manager of South Coast Plaza

Orange County resident Molly Unger has been named the new general manager of South Coast Plaza, it was announced this week.

Unger, who has more than 25 years of experience in retail and shopping center management, is the first female general manager in South Coast Plaza’s 54-year history. She has taken on the role long held by David Grant, who recently announced his retirement.

“We are delighted to have Molly on board,” said Anton Segerstrom, partner at South Coast Plaza, in a news release announcing the hiring. “Her extensive knowledge and experience in shopping center management and her dedication to excellence are critical as we look to the future.”

Unger holds a psychology degree from the University of Arizona and an executive education certificate from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.

“I am thrilled to join South Coast Plaza at an exciting time in its history,” Unger stated in the release. “I look forward to taking part in shaping the center’s future while continuing its storied tradition of quality.”

OC Fair announces its 2022 theme: ‘Feel the Sunshine’

The OC Fair announced this week that “Feel the Sunshine” will be the theme of the 2022 annual event which is scheduled for July 15 to Aug. 14. Tickets are on sale now.

Advance ticket purchase will again be required with limited capacity, which will be open Wednesdays through Sundays during its month-long stint. Attendance at this year’s event was pegged at 1,055,770, according to OC Fair officials.

Tickets are also on sale for the first OC Fair concerts announced for Pacific Amphitheatre and the Hangar. Live music performances include Steve Miller Band, ABBA LA and Bee Gees Gold, Which One’s Pink?, 24K Magic and a new show, LA Sound Machine.

For more information, visit ocfair.com.

Blood drive at UCI Blood Donor Center, which is in ‘dire need’

The UCI Blood Donor Center began hosting Friday a series of blood drives that will continue this Monday through Wednesday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at UCI Medical Center, 101 The City Drive South in Orange. Officials say the center is in “dire need” of blood, especially Type O.

All donors will receive their choice of either a $15 Target or In-N-Out Burger gift card. Appointments are required. Call (714) 456-5433 to reserve a spot.

UCI Health is Orange County’s only Level 1 trauma center, providing critical care services not available in any other health system.

From Daily Pilot staff reports

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