Briefly In The News
Day Without A Bag a success
More than 1,700 free, recycled, reusable grocery bags were handed out to shoppers on Dec. 18 during “Day Without a Bag,” according to coordinator Mike Phillips of the Laguna Beach Water Quality Department.
Bags were distributed by volunteers from Laguna Ocean Foundation, Zero Trash Laguna, Transition Laguna, El Morro Elementary Green Team and Waste Management, Inc.
The purpose of the event was to remind the public of their role and influence as consumers in the effort of reducing waste associated with single-use grocery bags, Phillips said in a press statement thanking the volunteers and retailers for their efforts.
“The city would further like to thank the following local grocery retailers for allowing the distribution of the reusable bags at their businesses: Albertsons, Pavilions, Ralphs, Whole Foods and the Farmers Market. Their cooperation was greatly appreciated,” Phillips said.
A limited number of bags are still available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Public Works/Water Quality Department, on the second floor of City Hall, 505 Forest Ave.
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Holiday tree recycling, trash collection
Residential trash collection service will be on the regular schedules next week. There will be no commercial trash collections on Saturday and Jan. 1. Waste Management’s administrative offices will also be closed on those days.
After the holidays, holiday trees may be recycled. Trees will be collected for three weeks following Christmas starting on Monday through Jan. 14. Residents who have curbside service may place their trees at the curb on their regular service day.
Trees taller than 4 feet must be cut to less than four feet to be accepted at curbside. Remove all decorations, lights and stands from the tree. Flocked trees will be accepted but cannot be recycled. Last year, a total of 25 tons of trees were collected from the curbside program.
You can recycle your tree after the three-week collection period by cutting it up and placing it in the green waste cart or by scheduling a bulky item pick up. Each residential customer is entitled to two free bulky item pick-ups per year.
Contact Waste Management Customer Service at (949) 642-1191 to schedule bulky item pick-up or for more information about holiday tree recycling.
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City Hall holiday closures
Laguna Beach City Hall will be closed today and Dec. 31 in observance of Christmas and New Year’s Day, which fall on the following Saturdays. There are no public meetings scheduled for the week of Dec. 27 to 30.
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Patriots Day Parade due dates
The 45th annual Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade is scheduled for March 5. The program ad deadline is Jan. 10 and the entry deadline is Jan. 14.
For more information, contact Sandi Werthe, program/entry chairwoman, at shworthy@juno.com or (949) 494-6016.