Parking experiment frees up spots

An experiment in free parking in the Flatlands area between Thalia and Diamond streets has freed up spaces in nearby residential neighborhoods, a new study shows.

Bagging 75% of the parking meters in the business district on Glenneyre Street and Coast Highway for 60 days succeeded, according to the study.

Mayor Pro Tem Steve Dicterow and Councilmember Jane Egly have called the next meeting of the Flatlands Parking Task Force for 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 in the City Council chambers, 505 Forest Ave.

At the meeting, city officials will:

* review a parking consultant’s report of the pilot program; and

* consider the possibility of prohibiting overnight parking from 9:30 p.m. to 8 a.m., except for residents with “shopper” parking stickers.

A copy of the parking analysis prepared by Kaku Associates is available at the city’s website at www.lagunabeachcity.net.

Food sought for Resource Center

The Laguna Resource Center is experiencing a food shortage. Donations of nonperishable canned items and/or dry boxed foods may be brought to Tankersley Hall at Laguna Presbyterian Church Sunday, between 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Feb. 12.

The church is at 415 Forest Ave. Tankersley Hall is on Second Street, between the pre-school and the church buildings.

Information: (949) 715-3761.

TideWater Docent training class begins

The TideWater Docents are holding a training class for new instructors on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point. Docents explain to beachgoers that tide-pool rocks protect many fragile creatures which might be hurt when rocks are moved.

To date, the program has trained over 150 volunteers, 60 of whom work on a regular basis at the tide pools below Heisler Park and Treasure Island. The number of sites now includes Shaw’s Cove, which has been called the most threatened coastal location in the city. Others may be added this summer, Mia Davidson, Tidewater Docent coordinator said.

Docents must attend one formal training session of approximately three hours and accompany a veteran docent for a training shift in the tide pools. Information: Davidson, (949) 497-8807 or e-mail tidewaterdocentmia@earthlink.net.

Newport businessman named USC trustee

Gregory P. Brakovich, the chief executive officer of KBS Capital Markets Group LLC in Newport Beach, has been elected to the University of Southern California’s board of trustees.

A Laguna Beach resident and 1975 graduate of USC, Brakovich also serves on the foundation board of Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. He has worked in the financial services industry for 28 years, with former stints at Integrated Resources Capital Services and Fidelity Investments. Over the last decade, he has served as co-chief executive of Equitable Distributors and MetLife Investors Group.

In addition, Brakovich has remained active in the USC community, serving as a board member for the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and the USC Catholic Center. In 2001, he founded the USC College Board of Advisors for Orange County and serves as its chairman.

“Greg Brakovich will bring a strong financial background and a deep dedication to the university,” said Steven B. Sample, president of the USC board of trustees, in a news release. “He is also active in Orange County, an area in which many of our alumni live and work. He is a welcome addition to our board.”

Realty agents plan fashion show

The Laguna Board of Realtors is working on its seventh annual Fashion Show charity fundraiser, to be held from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 9, at Tivoli Too, 777 Laguna Canyon Road.

Entertainment will be provided by No Square Theater. There will be numerous chances to win raffle prizes, all leading up to the main event, a fashion show featuring local models and clothing donated by local merchants.

All proceeds go to No Square Theatre, the Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach and the Laguna Beach Community Clinic. Tickets are $35 each. Information: Laguna Board of Realtors, (949) 497-2474.

Children’s Hospital fundraiser next Friday

The Queen of Hearts Guild of Children’s Hospital Orange County is holding its annual Heart and Soul fundraising dinner with live entertainment and silent and live auctions from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17 at Tivoli Too, 777 Laguna Canyon Rd.

The emcee is Pat Kollenda, and the entertainment includes Gallimaufry Performing Arts and Laguna Beach Community Band’s Swing Set.

The hospital is a not-for-profit organization offering nearly every pediatric specialty and healthcare services for sick and injured children, regardless of their family’s ability to pay.

Reservations are required. Tickets are $100 each. Information: (949) 497-1682, or mary@fergicom.