CITYSCAPE ROUNDUP:Dicterow to join chamber board

Laguna Beach Mayor Steve Dicterow will be wearing a new hat once he steps down from the City Council in December.

Dicterow has been appointed to the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce & Civic Assn.’s Board of Directors, chamber officials announced Wednesday.

Dicterow has been a City Council member since 1994.

“The entire chamber board and I are very excited to have Steve serve on our board,” said Dave Sanford, board president.

“We know that he will be a great asset in helping the chamber achieve its goals, fulfill its mission and assist in steering us in the right direction for the future. We all look forward to working with him.”

Dicterow is a business manager for a number of world championship motorcycle racers, and an attorney. He and his family are longtime residents of Laguna Beach.

Friendship Shelter launches fund drive

Friendship Shelter launched its annual fund drive at a Nov. 4 open house attracting more than 60 attendees. The Annual Fund is a critical source of operating income supporting the shelter’s programs.

The shelter helps return citizens to stability and productivity.

“We are proud to report 100% participation in the Annual Fund by our board of directors and staff, as well as several cornerstone gifts from businesses and individuals,” said Executive Director Carol Rhoads. “The majority of our budget is derived from contributions, primarily from individuals. The remainder comes from government sources, foundation grants and rents paid by residents at Henderson House, our subsidized, transitional apartment building in San Clemente.”

Friendship Shelter’s 60-day Self-Sufficiency Program provides 29 adults with shelter and meals, individual case management, substance abuse recovery, healthcare solutions, life-skills training and more in a highly structured setting at its Laguna Beach facility. Some 300 are served annually.

“There are 3.5 million homeless Americans in any one year,” Board Chairman Joe Ziomek said. “Half of homeless women are victims of domestic violence, and up to 40% of homeless men are veterans. A donation to our Annual Fund is an investment in the citizens and the future of Orange County.”

The organization’s goals for the coming years include improving the graduation rate at the shelter, expanding the transitional housing program and helping other communities to replicate the Friendship Shelter model.

Individual tour appointments or tax-deductible gifts can be made by contacting Director of Development Jennifer Greenwalt at (949) 494-6928 or visiting Friendship Shelter’s website at www.friendshipshelter.org.

Friendship Shelter is the only year-round emergency shelter in south Orange County for homeless unaccompanied adults.

Thanksgiving slated at Bluebird Park

Laguna Beach residents will again celebrate Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 23, with a potluck dinner in Bluebird Park and share with others who have nowhere else to go.

Everyone is welcome, whether they bring a dish or not, and the Laguna Beach Resource Center and the Crosscultural Council will provide tables and chairs, plates, cups and silverware.

The meal begins promptly at noon. Those who want to help set up should arrive by 11 a.m. Anyone bringing a turkey should call (949) 228-1954. For more information, call (949) 497-3936.

Donations sought for Thanksgiving dinner for Marine families

Laguna Presbyterian Church is raising funds to help provide Thanksgiving meals to the families of Marines at North Camp Pendleton.

For the fourth consecutive year , the church will contribute toward the Friends of San Onofre Marines, which provides all the ingredients for a Thanksgiving feast for families of North Camp Pendleton Marines.

Some families have members who have served two, three and, in some cases, four tours in Iraq or Afghanistan, and are living on minimal incomes.

Tax-deductible donations may be made by writing a check to Laguna Presbyterian Church and indicating on the memo line “For Camp Pendleton Marines.”

Checks should be brought to the church office on Second Street or mailed to: Laguna Presbyterian Church, 415 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

For more information, contact Fred Sharman at (949) 290-2358.

Animal advocates to hold Thanksgiving luncheon

RUFF (Rescuing Unwanted Furry Friends) will hold a Thanksgiving luncheon Thursday, Nov. 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Tivoli Terrace, 650 Laguna Canyon Rd.

All proceeds support abandoned, ill and injured animals.

Traditional turkey and vegetarian options will be offered. Pets are welcome. The cost is $30 per person, $15 for children under 12. For reservations, call (949) 494-9650.

Hospital Auxiliary plans Holiday Faire

South Coast Medical Center Auxiliary’s Annual Holiday Faire is set for 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6, in the hospital lobby. Attendees can shop while enjoying holiday music and drink freshly brewed holiday coffees and tea.

The Holiday Faire is featuring designer costume jewelry, decorator art work, glass fusion art and jeweled flatware, “fun” stuff priced at $5 each, holiday and specialty gifts, and home-baked goodies.

All proceeds benefit the not-for-profit hospital medical services.

South Coast Medical Center is located at 31872 Coast Highway. For more information, call the South Coast Medical Center Auxiliary Office at (949) 499-7177.

Womenade gathering to raise money for boy

Womenade, a fundraising potluck dinner group, is set to meet Monday, Nov. 13, from 7 to 9 p.m.

The potluck fundraiser will honor a 7-year-old named Rafael who lives with severe cerebral palsy.

Goodwill of Orange County requested Laguna Beach Womenade’s help in securing a new wheelchair for the boy, who is unable to walk or talk. The goal on Monday night is to try to raise as much as possible of the $5,000 that the new wheelchair costs. This specific chair is recommended by Goodwill.

Attendees are requested to bring a main or dessert dish to serve at least for four people. All are welcome to attend the potluck. Reservations should be made by calling Jane at (949) 464-0022 or Stephanie at (949) 497-9214.