New Fire Guy; Public Art Competitions; Lifeguard Testing; Sidewalk Repairs

This week's news update from Laguna Beach City Manager John Pietig:

New Division Fire Chief - The Fire Department is proud to announce the promotion of Api Weinert to Division Chief.  Api began his career with the Laguna Beach Fire Department in 1988 as a Reserve Firefighter.  During his tenure with the Department he has served as a Reserve Firefighter, Fire Prevention Specialist, Firefighter, Engineer, and since 2000 as a Fire Captain.  Api has also served as the Department’s lead Fire/Arson Investigator and is an instructor at Santa Ana College for fire service based classes. Api holds a Bachelor’s Degree from California State Long Beach, two Associates Degrees from Santa Ana College, is certified as a California Chief Fire Officer, and is also a graduate of Laguna Beach High School.

Glenneyre Parking Structure Lighting Replacement - The seven light posts on the top deck of the Glenneyre Parking Structure were badly corroded and were replaced last week by City crews.

Lifeguard Headquarters Art in Public Places - The Arts Commission has extended the deadline for this competition. The Commission is accepting artist qualifications for a sculpture and mural for the Lifeguard Headquarters at Main Beach Park. An artist honorarium of $60,000 is allocated for the sculpture and $40,000 for the mural.  This opportunity is open to artists residing in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. Applications must be submitted on-line by April 1, 2013 at http://lagunabeachcity.slideroom.com.  Competition guidelines are available at http://www.lagunabeachcity.net/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=8671.

2013 Music in the Park Logo Design Competition - The Arts Commission is accepting logo designs to celebrate the 30th season of Music in the Park. Entries will be accepted from residents of all ages. An original design must be submitted on disc at a minimum of 300 dpi measuring 5½” x 4¼” in a jpg or tiff format and a hard copy color comparison. An honorarium of $500 will be awarded to the artist of the winning design. Designs must be submitted by April 15, 2013. Competition guidelines are available at http://www.lagunabeachcity.net/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=8818.

2013 Junior Lifeguard Swim Testing Begins – Friday, March 22 marks the first of 12 testing dates, for this summer’s upcoming Junior Lifeguard Program.  All swim testing will be held at the Laguna Beach High School and Community Pool, located at 670 Park Avenue. The following is a list of dates and times: Friday, March 22; Saturday, March 23; Friday, April 26; Saturday, April 27, Friday, May 17; Saturday, May 18; Friday, May 31; Saturday, June 1; Friday, June 7; Saturday, June 8; Friday, July 5; and Saturday, July 6. All Friday testing will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All Saturday testing will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Additional information is available on the City of Laguna Beach website page at: http://www.lagunabeachcity.net/cityhall/marine/junior_guards_.asp.

Citywide Sidewalk Repairs - Construction began this week on the replacement of over 12,000 square feet of sidewalks and driveways citywide.  Most of the work is concentrated in the downtown area and includes the replacement of some street trees that have outgrown the parkways.  The work is scheduled to be completed by the end of April.