Kids' Holiday Art Exhibit Seeks Entries

From City Manager John Pietig's weekly update:

2011 Children’s Holiday Palette Exhibition - The Arts Commission is accepting entries from children ages 5 to 17 who reside or attend a school or art program in Laguna Beach. Holiday-themed designs must be submitted on a template available from the city’s website. Entry deadline is Nov. 14 at noon. Up to a dozen will be mounted on small wooden palettes and displayed at City Hall throughout December. This program is funded by the lodging establishments and the city.

September Sunset Serenades - Last week, the Arts Commission concluded its monthlong Friday evening music series at Heisler Park. The concerts were held in the new amphitheater by Rockpile. Attendance increased each week, averaging 250. The next season of Sunset Serenades will be at the same location in May 2012. This program is funded by the lodging establishments and the city.

Signup for Arts Information - The Cultural Arts Department is encouraging artists and community members interested in receiving information for public art competitions, Artist Open Studios or Cultural Calendar to sign up for e-notifications on the city’s website. Other notifications are for traffic alerts, City Council agendas, the Recreation brochure and job opportunities. To receive email alerts, register at www.lagunabeachcity.net/portal/default.asp

Dry Season Surface Water Diversions Offline - The city operates and maintains 18 urban water diversion units covering the majority of the city’s watersheds. The diversions have proved to be an indispensable element to improve ocean water quality. These diversions are left online as long as they can be during the dry season and into the fall months. The diverted runoff is directed to the city’s sewer system. Too much water can cause the lift stations to run beyond their capacity. The rains expected this week pose enough of a concern that all 18 have been taken offline. The result will be noticed at outlets along the beach where storm water might be seen discharging as it typically does during the winter season. The Laguna Channel diversion unit is put back into service during extended dry periods of the winter season.

North Coast Highway Sidewalk Repairs – Caltrans has completed its project to repair damaged sidewalks and curbs at roughly 25 spots along North Coast Highway between Broadway and Cajon Street.

Proposed Mini-Parks – Design review for two small city parks will be considered by the Planning Commission on Wednesday. Proposed locations include a view park at 1400 Park Ave. and a passive park at the intersection of Laguna Canyon Frontage Road and Woodland Drive. Minor improvements at the two sites will include benches, tables, trees and native ground cover.

Increased Crosswalk Enforcement - On Tuesday, the Police Department will increase crosswalk enforcement at locations throughout the city using a brightly dressed pedestrian. Drivers are encouraged to always watch for people stepping off the curb or appearing from behind stopped vehicles.