Briefly In the News

Workshop on plastic bag ban is Wednesday

The city is holding a public workshop at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday to hear comments from local businesses regarding the city’s proposal to ban the distribution of plastic carry-out bags to customers at retail and eating establishments.

The proposed ordinance states that only recycled paper bags or reusable bags be given out at businesses, but plastic bags may be used to carry produce and meats so they don’t come into contact with other items. The ordinance also would require that a fee be charged for every paper bag distributed to customers.

The general public is also invited to the workshop, which will be at the City Council Chambers, 505 Forest Ave. For more information, call (949) 497-0390.

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Patriots Day Parade theme is selected

The theme for the 46th annual Patriots Day Parade on March 3 will be “Never Forget.”

“Our theme reminds us that as Americans we hold dear the idea of a quest for a better life. … We cherish and preserve the memory of those who sacrificed their lives that we might live in freedom and peace. Never forget our flag and those who defend it,” Patriots Day Parade committee member Sandi Werthe said in a statement.

The committee also chose its new officers: Ed Hanke II is president; Charles Quilter is vice president; Nina Rietsch is secretary; and Werthe is treasurer.

The next committee meeting is at 7 p.m. Nov. 2. Nominations are being taken for grand marshal, Honored Patriot, Citizen of the Year, Artist of the Year and Athlete of the Year.

For more information, contact Werthe at (949) 494-6016 or shworthy@juno.com.

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Paradigm Project makes its way through Laguna

Members of the Paradigm Project trekked through Laguna Beach on Saturday as part of its 10-day “Woodwalk” from San Diego to Los Angeles.

They are carrying 40- to 60-pound wood bundles for eight hours a day to raise awareness about the millions around the world who die each year because of lower respiratory illnesses caused by open-fire cooking, according to a news release.

The trek began Oct. 4 and was scheduled to end Thursday in Hollywood.

The Paradigm Project aims to raise money from the walk in order to distribute 5 million fuel-efficient stoves in East Africa before 2020.

—Kelly Parker

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Resident wants tree in lot cut down

It cost Laguna Beach resident Beatrice Hillard $3,000 to repair her car after a tree limb fell on it, and she wants the tree that did the damage removed.

“A [Tustin] woman was killed, and they chopped down 100 eucalyptus trees; I am just asking for one to be cut down in the Albertsons parking lot,” Hillard said.

Hillard appealed to the City Council for help when she couldn’t get satisfaction from the property manager of the Aliso Creek Shopping Center where the offending tree still stands.

“I’d like some action,” Hillard said.

Hillard was not in her convertible when it was damaged, and the top was up.

“I’m 87, and I don’t drive with the top down,” Hillard said.

—Barbara Diamond