2008 Election Notebook:

Laguna Beach residents Frank Barbaro, chairman of the Orange County Democratic Party, and Janet Keller went to the Democratic National Convention in Denver as delegates committed to Sen. Hillary Clinton.

The roll call vote was suspended when Clinton’s motion to nominate Barack Obama as the Democratic candidate for president by acclamation was approved, with scant time allowed for dissent.

Barbaro and Keller were two of the 21 Orange County delegates to the convention.

Steve Young, Democratic candidate for the 48th Congressional District, which includes Laguna, also was a delegate and previously pledged to Obama.

City Councilwoman Toni Iseman was also in Denver, as an observer.

  FUNDRAISERS

John and Cindalee Penney-Hall will host a fundraiser Sept. 6 at their home for former City Clerk Verna Rollinger.

A donation of $75 is suggested. Reservations are requested.

“But if someone shows up with a check, will we let them in? You betcha,” Rollinger said.

For more information or reservations, call (949) 494-9878.

Madison Square Café and Garden was the site of Mayor Jane Egly’s first fundraiser, held Sunday.

  ENDORSEMENTS

Village Laguna voted Monday to endorse Rollinger and Egly; City Clerk Martha Anderson, City Treasurer Laura Parisi, and School Board candidates Jan Vickers and Bill Lansidel — the latter four running unopposed.

  LOCAL DEMS

The Laguna Beach Democratic Club held a forum at its regularly scheduled August meeting.

Although the City Council race is by law non-partisan, Egly and Rollinger spoke as candidates at the meeting. Both are club members.

Congressional candidate Steve Young also made an appearance.

— Barbara Diamond