AROUND TOWN - April 25, 2008

Home sales drop 50% in first quarter of year

The number of real property reports, a report that homeowners must obtain before selling a home in Laguna Beach, has declined 50% during the first three months of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007, according to City Manager Ken Frank in his April 18 weekly update to city staff.

“This apparently shows a 50% drop in home sales which will adversely affect city revenues next fiscal year,” Frank wrote. “These reports are a bellweather for the pace of home sales.”

Property reports for 2007 were slightly below the two previous years, Frank added.

Downtown specific plan topic at meeting

A panel discussion on the Downtown Specific Plan is planned for the next meeting of Village Laguna, at 7 p.m. Wednesday at BC Space, 235 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach.

Ann Larson, a city planning department staff member, longtime Planning Commissioner Norm Grossman, and local businessman and property owner Mark Christy will contribute their varied perspectives to create a detailed picture of the plan and how it works.

The public is invited to attend.

Conservancy hosts Sup. Bates with update on creek

County Supervisor Pat Bates will be the keynote speaker at the Laguna Canyon Conservancy’s last meeting until after summer, set for 6 p.m. May 5 at Tivoli Terrace, 650 Laguna Canyon Road.

Bates will provide an update on the status of the Aliso Creek SUPER Project to improve and restore the polluted creek, as well as other issues of special interest to Laguna Beach.

Dinner tickets are $15 for non-members, $10 for members. To reserve a seat, call (949) 494-6465.

Planning, Arts commissions need three applicants

Three seats are open on the Laguna Beach Planning and Arts commissions.

Arts Commissioners serve a two-year term and meet the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 5:30 p.m. The Commission advises the City Council in artistic aspects of the city and public art projects.

The Planning Commission has five members and advises the council on development projects and land uses. Commissioners serve a two-year term and are compensated $230 per month. Commission meetings are the second and fourth Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. A substantial time commitment averaging 4 to 6 hours a week is necessary to be a planning commissioner.

Interested Laguna Beach residents must submit an application at the city clerk’s office or on the city’s website at www.lagunabeachcity.net. Applications must be filed by 5 p.m. May 27. Applicants will be interviewed by the council at 6 p.m. June 3 in the council chambers at City Hall, 505 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach.

Rosen is Woman of Year, be honored at luncheon

The Laguna Beach Woman’s Club has named Bree Burgess Rosen as its Woman of the Year for 2008. She will be honored at the club’s 14th annual luncheon on June 6.

“The Woman’s Club is proud to honor Bree for her talent, energy and generous spirit,” said Lee Winocur Field, club president.

The public is invited to attend the luncheon, which begins at 11:30 a.m. June 6 at the Clubhouse. Tickets are $40. For more information, call (949) 497-1200.