You, Too, Can Be On a City Commission! Also: Free Compost!

News from Laguna Beach City Manager John Pietig:

Applications for Arts and Planning Commissions - The City Clerk’s office is currently accepting applications for (4 seats) on the Arts Commission and (2 seats) on the Planning Commission. The terms for both Commissions are from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2015. The deadline for submitting applications to the City Clerk’s office will be Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at 5 p.m.  Interviews and appointments will be Tuesday, May 21, 2013. You may pick up an application either in the City Clerk’s office or online at www.lagunabeachcity.net.

Wykoff Way Strom Drain Emergency Repair - There is a leaking metal storm drain that collects runoff from the private street Wykoff Way and runs down through two private properties to Bluebird Canyon Drive. It was recently discovered that this storm drain was installed by the City in drainage easement granted to the City in 1967. Public Works staff will proceed with repair of the pipe on an emergency basis using a lining process. It is expected that the storm drain will be repaired by the end of May.

Reimbursement of Expenses Related to September 16, 2012 Fire - Today the City accepted a $63,403 check from Southern California Edison as settlement regarding the City’s claim for reimbursement of the costs related to responding to the September 16, 2012, fire above Ruby’s restaurant and the subsequent efforts to remediate the hillside.  This reimbursement means that the City will not have to assess the property owners in the area to recover the money expended for the remediation efforts.  The Laguna Terrace Mobile Home Park is separately pursuing its own reimbursement request with Southern California Edison.

Compost Giveaway in May - The annual compost giveaway event will be held on Saturday, May 4 from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the Act V Lot located at 1900 Laguna Canyon Road.  In appreciation of the recycling efforts by Laguna Beach residents, 40 tons of compost will be made available for pickup by residents. The compost is provided by our contract solid waste hauler, Waste Management of Orange County and their green waste recycler, Tierra Verde Industries.  This is a self-service event so residents are reminded to bring gloves and shovels.  Empty sand bags will be provided, which residents can fill with compost.  There will be a limit of six bags per household (about 80 lbs. total).  Distributions are on a first-come, first-served, basis.