Briefly In The News

Pearson to be feted at Mayor’s Lunch

Former Mayor Elizabeth Pearson will be honored by the Laguna Beach Woman’s Club at the club’s annual Mayor’s Lunch at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 4. Pearson was elected in November to her third term on the City Council and served as mayor in 2010. The former mayor will be thanked and “roasted” during the event at the club, 286 St. Ann’s Drive.

The public is invited. Tickets are $35 per person. For more information, call (949) 497-1200 or e-mail Francine Scinto at fpscinto@gmail.com. To obtain a seat, mail or deliver checks by Monday.

*

The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park will be open Saturday after being closed since the severe flooding of Dec. 22, according to the Laguna Canyon Foundation. The park is open from 7 a.m. until sunset. Parking areas are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Crystal Cove State Park backcountry remains closed, but the beaches and tidepool areas are open to the public. All wilderness park public programs will resume Monday. For a list of park programs, visit lagunacanyon.org/activities.html.

*

Conservancy hosts Pietig at meeting

City Manager John Pietig will be the keynote speaker at the 6 p.m. Feb. 7 meeting of the Laguna Canyon Conservancy. Pietig will discuss what citizens can expect in 2011 and answer questions.

The meeting will take place at Tivoli Terrace, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. To attend, make a reservation by calling (949) 494-6465.

*

Streets Task Force hosts speaker

Frank Peters, a bicycling enthusiast from Newport Beach, will address the Complete Streets Task Force meeting at 4 p.m. Feb. 8 in the Community Center, 380 Third St., Laguna Beach.

Peters will discuss efforts in Newport Beach and Corona del Mar to make the city more bicycle-friendly. For more information, call Charles Alban at (949) 306-9388.

*

The Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade Honorees Brunch will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at Tivoli Terrace, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. The event will salute the 2011 parade honorees.

Grand marshals are Al Roberts and Ken Jillson, creators of the AIDS Service fundraiser “Splash”; honored patriot is Frank Keneley, U.S. Army Air Corps, World War II; Citizen of the Year is Pat Kollenda, community volunteer and Festival of Arts board member; Junior Citizens are Caroline Rechter and Ben Hanson, Laguna Beach High School class of 2011; artist of the year is Laguna College of Art & Design, in recognition of its 50th anniversary; and athlete of the year is James Pribram, professional surfer, environmentalist and Coastline Pilot columnist.

The parade is March 5. The luncheon cost is $25 per person. For more information, contact Sandi Werthe at (949) 494-6016 or shworthy@juno.com.