Local woman tapped for state commission Gov....

Local woman tapped

for state commission

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Marian Bergeson to the

California Transportation Commission Thursday.

Bergeson, 79, is a resident of Newport Beach. She has more than 22

years experience in public service as secretary of education, a state

senator and an assemblywoman. The position on the commission requires

state Senate confirmation.

Organization ready

for holiday gala

Parent Help USA, a child-abuse-prevention center in Costa Mesa, is

accepting donations for its holiday gala benefit and memberships for

its 2004 membership drive.

The group offers free counseling, weekly peaceful-parenting

classes and family outreach services. It participates in the Toys for

Tots program. With the holiday season approaching, the group needs

donations of blankets, toys and clothing.

For membership and donation information, go to the group’s website

at https://www.parenthelpusa.org.