Briefly In the News

Kids’ writing contest aims to honor fathers

Miracles For Families is encouraging children to enter its “Why My Dad Is My Hero” writing contest, with the winning child receiving $100.

“This is a great opportunity for kids to brag about their dad,” Maria Crockett, executive director of Miracles for Families, said in a statement. “There are many things, large and small, that fathers do to strengthen the family unit, build a strong community, and contribute to a thriving society. We’re excited to showcase everyday heroes who make this happen quietly, yet with a lasting positive impact.”

Kids should keep their entries to 250 words or less, and they should be submitted to Hope@MiraclesForFamilies.org by March 28. The winner will be announced at an award presentation and fundraiser from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 29 at Wells Fargo, 260 Ocean Ave., third floor.

At the fundraiser, Mayor Jane Egly will present the winner, and 10 other kids will be asked to share their stories with the crowd.

Tickets are $50 per person or $75 per couple. Children are free. The evening includes a light dinner, drinks, a silent auction and musical entertainment.

Proceeds go to support Miracles for Families’ Healthy Relationship Education programs. For tickets, email Hope@MiraclesForFamilies.org or call (949) 813-3584.

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Residents to take survey about life in Laguna

The city will conduct a community-wide survey about quality of life, service delivery and city government in Laguna Beach.

Pre-survey notifications were mailed to a random sample of 1,200 households last week. The actual survey will get sent to those same addresses starting March 19.

The last survey of this nature was conducted in 2007. City officials hope to get a 25% to 40% response rate.

All surveys will be sent to the National Research Center, and the results will be available in May.

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Neighborhood street construction begins

Construction began this week to help improve traffic safety in the Diamond/Crestview neighborhood.

The project focuses on 16 locations and includes installation of steel guardrails, asphalt paving and reflective markers. Currently damaged guardrails will be replaced.

The work is estimated to be finished by early May.

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Clinic presented with money raised at mayor’s event

In lieu of the usual luncheon to laud the outgoing mayor, Councilwoman Toni Iseman opted to do something different this year.

She turned the annual lunch hosted by the Woman’s Club into an evening fundraiser, with the Community Clinic the recipient of the $5,000 that was raised.

The check was presented by event chairwoman Gayle Waite to the clinic’s Medical Director Dr. Tom Bent at the Feb. 28 City Council meeting.

“Our clinic staff, clients, and our board of directors are grateful to Toni and the Woman’s Club for spreading the word about our mission — delivering medical care to our community regardless of a person’s ability to pay,” Bent said in a statement.

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Glennwood House to host weekend estate sale

The Glennwood Housing Foundation is hosting an estate sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday to raise money for operation expenses and renovation costs.

The house, at 2130 S. Coast Hwy., is a residential facility that will house up to 50 adults with developmental disabilities. It is scheduled to open this fall.

The estate sale will feature items from antiques to furniture.

The foundation’s new administrative team will also be on hand to give tours of the site.

Shauna Bogert has been named the new executive director. She is a Laguna Beach native and has 23 years of experience working with people with developmental disabilities.

Stacey Enmeier is the new assistant director at Glennwood Housing. She has worked with battered women, breast cancer survivors and at-risk youth.

For more information, call Enmeier at (949) 547-1971 or email stacey.enmeier@gmail.com.

—Kelly Parker

Twitter: @KellyParkerTCN