Briefly In Education

School district refinances bond debt

The Laguna Beach School District is looking to refinance the bond debt of the Community Facilities District, which will save homeowners in the district 9.3%.

Dean West, director of fiscal services, said the school district saw that interest rates went down and found it in its best interest to refinance.

There are 567 homes in the Community Facilities District, which works much like a developer fee but rather than paid up front, homeowners pay it month to month, similar to mello roos type of tax, West said. The Community Facilities District covers facilities and renovations of school structures. The homes all surround El Morro Elementary School.

The homes are in the area of the school district, but not necessarily all within the city limits, West said, since some of the area is unincorporated.

The refinancing will save homeowners in the area about $100 a year, depending on the property.

— Joanna Clay

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Finance director retiring after 33 years

The finance director of the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach is retiring after spending 33 years with the club, according to a press release.

The public is invited to meet with outgoing Finance Director Bali Thorn at a barbecue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach at the Main Branch.

Thorn began her work at the club as a secretary June 8, 1979, the release said. She has watched the club grow from 250 annual members to 1,500.

She has been a Lagunan since 1972 and once ran the Laguna Beach Deli Co.

“Bali has been an incredible partner in strengthening our club,” said Executive Director Pam Estes in a statement. “Her profound contributions have and will make a meaningful difference in so many lives. Bali is very special and it has been an honor to work alongside of her.”

To RSVP for the barbecue, call Michelle Ray at (949) 494-2535 ext. 103.

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LCAD names communications manager

Laguna College of Art & Design announced Mike Stice as the college’s communications manager, according to a news release. Stice was a part-time Liberal Arts faculty member and director of the writing lab at the college for more than 12 years.

He has also worked for more than 20 years in several different capacities at Laguna Art Museum, and was an art assistant at Surfing magazine in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the release said.

“I couldn’t be more excited about working at LCAD in this new capacity,” Stice said in a statement. “It’s an absolute pleasure to have this opportunity to work with such a passionate and talented staff, faculty, board, and student body. I’m looking forward to working together with everyone in this gem of a community and to helping LCAD achieve the recognition of which it’s so deserving.”

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Boys & Girls Club awarded grant for art program

The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach was given a $10,000 grant from the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts Foundation for its art programs for young people, according to a news release.

The club has its own art studio, where it offers art activities that focus on art history, criticism/analysis of art and aesthetics as well as introducing new art techniques and encouraging creative interpretation.

“We are so grateful for the continued support from the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts Foundation and many others who make it possible for us to provide an array of art opportunities for young people,” said Pam Estes, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, in a statement. “The Club provides programs that involve young people in the visual, musical, performing, and digital arts. These engaging programs help foster young people’s creativity, confidence and capability to contribute to the world. Creative experiences help young people expand their personal understanding of themselves and compassion for others.”

— Alisha Gomez