BRIEFLY IN BUSINESS

Recalled beef was on menu at 2 local eateries

Two Laguna Beach restaurants were on a state Department of Public Health-released list of businesses that served beef from the embattled Chino slaughterhouse of Westland/Hallmark Meat Packing Co. at the center of the country’s largest beef recall.

Brussels Bistro, 222 Forest Ave., and Husky Boy Burgers, 802 N. Coast Hwy., were two of more than 400 restaurants, markets and cafeterias that made the list.

The USDA said no deaths or illnesses related to the recall have been reported.

The beef company was put under public scrutiny in past weeks by an undercover video released by the Humane Society that showed employees abusing sick or injured cows, which may have been sent to slaughter afterward — an illegal practice.

Restaurant representatives were not available for comment by press time.

Tourism Council elects Bijlani president

Judith Bijlani has been elected president of the Orange County Tourism Council board of directors for 2008, according to OCTC Executive Director Mark Feary.

Bijlani is executive director of the Laguna Beach Visitors and Conference Bureau, and has directed strategic planning in the tourism and retail industries for the past 25 years. She has been active with the tourism council for more than 10 years.

“We are sincerely excited to have Judy lead our group,” Feary said. “She has a wealth of experience in this field.”

In a related move, Gary Sherwin was also elected vice president of the organization for the same term. A 20-year hospitality veteran, Sherwin has served as the president and chief executive of the Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau since 2006. Michael Maxsenti, publisher of OC — The Place Magazine, was named secretary, and Russ Kline, director of account and market development for American Express, was named treasurer.

The Orange County Tourism Council, made up of some 35 members from businesses and organizations across the county, seeks to develop visitor traffic to the area to bolster the county’s economic growth.

Prior to joining the bureau, Bijlani served as a tourism/retail marketing consultant, president of Shop California, and as a director in shopping center marketing/tourism management for Urban Retail Properties.

She is also a past member of the board of directors for the California Travel Industry Assn., the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau board of directors, and a past chairwoman of the board for the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce.

Curves offers discount with food drive item

Curves of Laguna Beach will be participating in the Curves Food Drive to benefit local food banks.

Curves has set a goal to collect 15 million pounds to help people in need of healthy food.

Curves is offering a discounted service fee of $30 for any new member who brings in a bag of non-perishable groceries and commits to a 12-month CD membership between March 3 and March 15.  

Others wishing to donate may drop off non-perishable food items at Curves Monday through Friday during business hours through the month of March.

Curves Laguna Beach is located at 1100 S. Coast Hwy. For more information, contact Krueger at (949) 494-9676.