Briefly In the News

Incoming and outgoing fire chiefs to be feted

A reception for retiring Laguna Beach Fire Chief Mike Macey and incoming Chief Kris Head will be from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday in the front lobby of City Hall.

Macey’s last day is March 12.

Battalion Chief Kris Head assumes the duties of fire chief March 15.

Parade head to speak at Exchange Club

Michael Lyons, president of the 2010 Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade, will be the featured speaker at the 12:15 p.m. Thursday Exchange Club meeting at Watermarc Restaurant, 448 S. Coast Hwy.

Lyons, a Laguna native, now manages UC Irvine’s custom-designed programs for international professionals.

He worked overseas for much of the last 16 years, the last five of which were spent in Lebanon where he was the director of international students at the American University of Beirut.

For a list of Exchange Club speakers visit, LagunaBeachExchangeClub.org/meetings.

For more information, call Katy Moss at (949) 494-0703 or Jim Rue at (949) 494-6684

Alcohol Licensee Training set for March 25

The Laguna Beach Police Department will be hosting an Alcohol Licensee training from 1 to 4 p.m. March 25 in City Council Chambers, City Hall, 505 Forest Ave.

This is the third alcohol training offered to establishments licensed to sell alcohol, according to City Manager Ken Frank.

This year’s training will cover issues for businesses who sell alcohol for off-site use such as liquor stores, markets and other non-bar/restaurant related businesses, Frank said in his Friday Update to city staff.

Free tax preparation assistance at Susi Q

The Susi Q Senior Center is offering free tax preparation to the community beginning this week.

IRS-trained volunteers will be available to give basic tax help to those with middle to low incomes who file simple tax returns, with special attention given to seniors 60 and older.

Taxpayers with complex tax returns are advised to seek paid tax assistance. All returns will be filed electronically with no charge to the taxpayer.

Tax assistance is offered at 9:15, 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 15. Call (949) 497-2441 to schedule an appointment.

Nominees sought for ‘green’ honor

The Laguna Beach Environmental Committee is accepting nomination forms for its Environmental Recognition Award Program. The deadline for submitting the nomination form to the City Clerk’s office is 5 p.m. March 19.

Nomination forms are available at the City Hall, 505 Forest Ave., or www.lagunabeachcity.net/living/environment.asp.

For more information, call (949) 497-0390.