AROUND TOWN - May 2, 2008

Aliso plan available, open house set

The Athens Group is proposing new development to replace the existing Aliso Creek Inn and Golf Course (formerly known as Ben Brown’s), located on the inland side of Aliso Beach in South Laguna, according to city staff. An area referred to as the Aliso Lots (also known as the former Driftwood Estates) is an additional project component.

The Aliso Creek Area Plan encompasses a total of about 325.8 acres. The proposed project includes: 251.4-acre Conservation Area, 51.6-acre Recreation Area, 14.7-acre Inn and Cottages Area, and 8.1-acre Residential Area.

To allow public viewing of the project site, an open house will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. May 10 at the site, 31106 Coast Hwy.

An Environmental Impact Report will be prepared, and a Notice of Preparation and Initial Study are available for public review at Laguna Beach City Hall, 505 Forest Ave.; at the Laguna Beach Library, 363 Glenneyre St.; and online at www.lagunabeachcity.net

For more information, contact Kathy Lottes at (949) 553-1427.

Ladies to lunch for library

Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider and Friends of the Laguna Beach Library President Martha Lydick are inviting all to attend the “Ladies Who Lunch and Read” luncheon at noon on May 8, 2008, at Tivoli Terrace, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. The cost is $50 per person, and proceeds will benefit the Laguna Beach Library. Checks should be mailed to Martha Lydick c/o 1284 Coronado Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Hats and gloves are optional, but participants should be prepared to share two books they’ve enjoyed. To reserve a seat, call Lydick at (949) 497-7053.

Boutique benefit set for Saturday

A Benefit Boutique with designer items from more than 40 Laguna Beach boutiques and hundreds of local residents will take place Saturday. This is the second annual boutique benefit and organizers hope to raise more than $20,000 to benefit the Laguna Resource Center, which helps low-income families and the homeless.

Designer clothing and active wear will be on sale from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach.

For more information, visit www.boutiquebenefit.com or email [email protected].

Garden Club talk on container plantings

Floral designer Janelle Wiley will present “Container Plantings for Summer” at the May 9 meeting of the Laguna Beach Garden Club. Wiley has worked at Sherman Gardens in Corona del Mar for 17 years and her work has been seen in Sunset Magazine.

The meeting will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann’s Drive. For more information, visit www.lagunabeachgardenclub.org.

‘Miracles’ benefit set at Sapphire Laguna

Miracles for Kids, which works to improve the lives of kids with life-threatening illnesses, is holding a dinner and silent auction benefit on May 19 at Sapphire Laguna.

The evening includes a four-course dinner paired with selected wines, plus a silent auction of fine wines and a raffle. Tickets are $250 per person. For ticket information, call (949) 878-5437.