Briefly In the News: Police hosting social host ordinance meeting

The Police Department is holding a community informational meeting Oct. 3 to discuss the proposed social host ordinance.

The department, led by Chief Paul Workman, will give a presentation and then allow public input and discussion about the ordinance.

The ordinance has been a topic of discussion at City Council and in neighboring cities. If it passes, it would penalize adults for hosting gatherings during which alcohol or drugs are served to minors. The council recommends excluding prescribed medication.

The council also plans to recommend that religious gatherings be exempted along with family gatherings where the alcohol is exclusively between a parent or guardian and the minor.

The penalties would be a class for the first violation and then fines of $1,000 for consecutive violations.

The meeting is at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 505 Forest Ave. For more information, contact Laguna Beach police at (949) 497-0701.

— Joanna Clay

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MOPS starting fall meetings

Mothers of Preschoolers and Older (MOPS) is set to have its first fall meeting from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 20 at Laguna Beach Presbyterian Church, 415 Forest Ave. The group will meet every Thursday at the same time and location.

Guests are welcome to attend, and child care is available for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, according to a press release. Experts will discuss topics like marriage, managing stress, child nutrition and other relevant issues.

For more information contact co-coordinators Nancy Hermansen at (949) 290-2790 or nancyhermansen@gmail.com, or Pam Brown at (949) 228-2698 or pcb65@cox.net.

To register with the group, go to lagunabeachmops.com.

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Association hosts annual picnic

The Top of the World Neighborhood Assn. is holding its annual Neighborhood Picnic from 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 16 at Alta Laguna Park.

All are welcome, the press release said, and attendees should bring their favorite dish to share. Nonalcoholic beverages will be provided, as well as fun and games for the kids.

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Shop celebrating 20 years of business

AREO, at 207 Ocean Ave., is celebrating 20 years of business with an open house from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Live music, light appetizers and wine will be offered, along with a raffle that will feature 20 items, all from AREO, according to a news release.

Twenty percent of sales from Saturday will be donated to local charities. For information, call (949) 376-0535.

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Patriot Day ceremony set for Tuesday

The Laguna Beach American Legion will conduct a Patriot Day ceremony to honor all patriots and the victims of 9/11, and to demonstrate support for the military, police and firefighters, according to a news release.

The ceremony will start with a musical prelude at 10:30 .m. Tuesday at the Legion Hall front lawn, 384 Legion St. The program will begin at 11 a.m. with keynote speaker Todd Spitzer.

For more information, contact Richard Moore at (949) 376-6340 or Dave Connell at (949) 494-2065.

— Alisha Gomez

Twitter: @coastlinepilot