Gentry joins Boom Boom effort

Robert F. (“Bob”) Gentry ? who served for 12 years on the Laguna Beach City Council, including three terms as mayor from 1982 to 1994 ? has joined a grassroots campaign seeking to stop the redevelopment of the Coast Inn and Boom Boom Room, two historic gay venues in Laguna Beach.

Gentry, credited as the first openly gay mayor in Orange County, has become co-chair of Save the Boom, a campaign launched by Laguna resident Fred Karger, who is circulating petitions in an effort to persuade the new property owner, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, to keep the businesses going.

Business operator Patrick O’Laughlin said that the lease expires on the properties at the end of September and a rent increase will prohibit him from keeping the businesses viable. Udvar-Hazy has reportedly purchased the entire block of ocean-view parcels.

“These two establishments are the cornerstone of Laguna’s gay life, and the Boom Boom Room is arguably the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the Western United States,” Karger said.

“We are thrilled to have someone so respected in Laguna Beach come on board in a major way,” Karger added. “Bob Gentry was one of the early leaders in gay civil rights in the nation, and to have him help head up this campaign is a major boost to our efforts.

“He [Gentry] had tremendous success in saving many other things for Laguna during his 12 years on the City Council. His experience, contacts, leadership and dedication will be invaluable.”

“I am pleased and proud to join the efforts of Lagunans and visitors alike in saving the historic Boom Boom Room from demolition and redevelopment,” Gentry said.

Gentry, who no longer lives in Laguna Beach, splits his time between Rancho Mirage and Honolulu.

For more information, call (949) 494-4750, e-mail regrak@aol.com, or visit www.savetheboom.com.

Sales tax increase starts

The Laguna Beach sales tax will increase a half-cent beginning Saturday. In December, voters approved Measure A, a tax increase to help the city’s finances in the wake of costly repairs to the landslide-ravaged Bluebird Canyon area.

The Measure A sales tax is expected to generate about $10 million during the next six years, at which time the tax will end unless voters extend it. Officials may choose to end the tax earlier. The increase will raise the sales tax to 8.25%, the same as in Los Angeles County. Copies of the new tax tables are available at the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce or call (949) 494-1018.

Trash service delayed next week

The Waste Management trash and recycling pick-up schedule will be delayed by one day in the days after the 4th of July, in observance of Independence Day. Those who receive service on Monday will not experience any delays.

Customers in Laguna Beach should place their bins out for pick-up one day later than usual, beginning July 5 through July 8.

“Customers who usually receive service on Tuesday will instead receive it Wednesday, and so on throughout the remainder of the week, with Friday’s customers receiving service on Saturday. Those with Monday service will be unaffected by the holiday,” said David Ross, senior district manager.

All Waste Management operations will be closed for the holiday. Hauling operations, customer service and transfer stations will reopen Wednesday.

For more information, call (949) 642-1191, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, or visit www.wmorangecounty.com.

Chamber’s Hometown Barbecue Wednesday

The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce is rounding up the town for its annual Hometown Barbecue and kickoff for the Pageant of the Masters, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot, 260 Ocean Ave.

This event includes admission to the final dress rehearsal of the Pageant of the Masters, at 8:30 p.m.

This year, in addition to the barbecue, catered by A la Carte Gourmet, a Wells Fargo stagecoach will be on hand, with a few live props, a “jail ‘n bail,” and live rock music until 10 p.m. A silent auction will offer donated items.

Blue Water Events is bringing the Missiles Of October, along with Beth Wood, Vickie Hazlett, Ard Mathews and a special performance by Just Jinjer.

For more information, call (949) 494-1018.

Parks supporters lobby strategic plan

The Harbors, Beaches and Parks department, a county agency that oversees all the public wilderness, open and recreational spaces, is holding a series of meetings on a new five-to seven-year strategic plan.

Environmental advocates are pressing for the department to again become a separate agency, instead of being under the umbrella of the Environmental Management Agency. Activists believe this will ensure the restoration of some $4 million annually taken from the department after Orange County’s bankruptcy.

Supervisor Tom Wilson will host a meeting for residents of the Fifth District at 6:15 p.m. Thursday at Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway.

An open house takes place at 5:30 p.m., with the meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“It is recommended for the public good that Harbors, Beaches and Parks be returned to a separate department directly accountable to the Board of Supervisors. To help make this happen, everyone is invited and urged to attend the July 6 meeting,” said Carolyn Wood of Laguna Canyon Conservancy.