Calling All Musicians! City Taking Applications for Concert Series Gigs

Laguna Beach City Manager John Pietig's weekly update:

Sunset Serenades and Music in the Park - The Arts Commission is currently accepting information from professional musicians and bands who are interested in being considered for the 2012 Sunset Serenade and Music in the Park concert series. A CD and press package should be mailed to the Cultural Arts Department, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 or via e-mail to spoeschl@lagunabeachcity.net

Public Safety 911 Phone System Receives Facelift - Beginning on January 18, 2012, the emergency 911 system will receive a state funded $246,000 upgrade.  The extensive upgrade will likely take one month to complete.  As part of the project, the state is also funding replacement of the expensive call recording equipment, communications furniture, computers and many other items including replacement of professional headsets worn by the dispatchers.

City Hall Exhibition - On Thursday, January 4, 2012 the Laguna College of Art & Design will be installing the exhibition “Visual Tales from Eire and England: A Study Abroad Retrospective.” in City Hall. The student exhibition features works inspired by the 2011 study abroad program that toured historic sites in Ireland and England. A reception will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 5 p.m. The exhibition will be on display through March 16, 2012. This program is funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach. 

Cultural Arts Funding Applications - The Arts Commission is currently accepting applications for Cultural Arts Funding. The deadline for arts organizations to submit their application is Friday, February 3, 2012. Applications are available on line or e-mail spoeschl@lagunabeachcity.net

Leaf Blower Reminder - The Police Department is reminding community members that leaf blowers continue to be illegal to use within the City limits.  These include the operation of electric and gas powered blowers which are described in Laguna Beach Municipal Code 7.25.070(D).  Warnings and/or citations will be issued when Police Department Staff view someone using one of these devices. Homeowners who receive complaints will also be sent letters educating them about the law. 

Marine Protected Areas Update - The Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve and Laguna Beach “No-Take” State Marine Conservation Area was implemented on January 1, 2012, per the California Department of Fish and Game.  Over the last week the Department of Marine Safety has staffed Tide Pool Educators to provide information to the public and contact fishermen who are unaware of the new regulations.  Additionally the California Department of Fish and Game has been seen off Laguna Beach patrolling in the enforcement vessel the Thresher. The reserve extends from Abalone Point in Irvine Cove south to Goff Point off of Treasure Island.  The conservation area then extends to Seacliff Drive at Table Rock Beach.  Take of all living marine resources is prohibited in both Laguna Beach MPAs.  The remainder of South Laguna is included in the Dana Point State Marine Conservation Area that allows the recreational take of finfish, lobster, and urchin, and has specific protections for the tidepools. The State of California Department of Fish and Game is responsible for implementing and enforcing the Marine Protected Areas throughout the state.