CITY ROUNDUP: Visitor center opens to public

Crystal Cove State Park is inviting the public to an open house and dedication on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the new Historic District visitor centers and educational exhibits.

The free event is hosted by Crystal Cove Alliance, the park’s nonprofit cooperating association partner. Activities will include a guided Historic District walking tour, a plein air painting demonstration by a local artist and tours of the new visitor center cottages.

Tide pool exploration, picnicking and whale watching from the cultural center patio deck are also available. The Beachcomber Café and Crystal Cove Shake Shack, both located in the park, will be open all day for dining. Free parking will be available at the Los Trancos parking lot.

“The new park visitor center exhibits further contribute to the appreciation of Crystal Cove’s colorful history by offering a unique opportunity to step back in time” said State Park Superintendent Ken Kramer.

Cottage 00, restored to represent its original use as the Cove manager’s office, will serve as the primary visitor center for the Historic District with a variety of displays related to the early days and evolution of Crystal Cove.

One of the bluff-top cottages, dedicated as the park’s cultural center, is restored to a 1930s era schoolhouse room, which sets the stage for the story of the Japanese community that prospered in the area prior to World War II.

Another cottage, located on the beachfront and formerly a burger stand and art studio, will be open for educational exhibits that will rotate periodically offering visitors an opportunity to always learn something new. For more information contact the park office at (949) 494-3539.

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Chatlin runs as delegate in Democratic caucus

Laguna Beach Democratic Club board member Pat Chatlin is running for election as a delegate for Barack Obama to the Democratic National Convention. A Barack Obama Caucus Election will take place Sunday at UCI’s student center. All Obama supporters from Congressional District 48 are encouraged to cast votes for delegate candidates at 2 p.m. The district is allowed to send two men, two women and one alternate to the convention.

A caucus election for delegates for Hillary Clinton will be held at Cal State Fullerton on the same day.

For more information, visit lagunabeachdemocratic club.com

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Unitarians to explore immigration issue

Sunday’s 10:30 a.m. service at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will be dedicated to understanding the U. S. Immigration System. Dr. Zohreh Behbehaini, a professor of International Business and Immigration Law, will be the speaker. This will be followed by a sandwich lunch and discussion of the issues. Interested members of the community are invited to attend. The cost of the lunch will be $5, with the proceeds going to the Cross Cultural Council. The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is located at 429 Cypress Drive, Laguna Beach.

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Miller Garden garage sale this Saturday

The Friends of the Hortense Miller Garden are having a garage sale this Saturday to raise money for new plants to improve the garden. The Friends are selling vintage pots, plants, garden accessories, books, and lots of miscellaneous items normally found at garage sales.

The sale will be at 1550 Del Mar Ave. in Arch Beach Heights from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone with donations of items to sell may call Marsha Bode at (949) 244-2010.

Guided tours of the Hortense Miller Garden in Boat Canyon are offered Tuesday through Saturday throughout the year and are arranged by calling the City of Laguna Beach Recreation Department, (949) 497-0716.

Historical Society focuses on Main Beach

The Laguna Beach Historical Society will hold a special program, “The History of Main Beach Park,” at the Laguna Beach City Hall, council chambers, at 7:30 p.m. April 21.

Former Main Beach Committee Member and current Laguna Beach Historical Society Board Member Vern Spitaleri will present the program, marking the 40th anniversary of the founding of the park. The public is invited and there is no charge.

In 1968, the City Council issued the bonds to finance the purchase of the Main Beach’s 1,000-foot long oceanfront, which was redeveloped over the next eight years.

On June 22, 1974, the city dedicated the park in a day-long event that included many local and state officials.

More information on the Society and Laguna history is at LagunaHistory.org.