Briefly In The News

Give to loved ones through charity

Neighborhood Congregational Church is hosting its seventh annual Alternative Christmas Market from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 4 and 11, according to a news release.

Last year's event was a huge success, raising more than $5,000. Shoppers can buy gifts that provide support and sustenance for people in need, including animals for developing country farmers through Heifer International, weekly one-on-one reading sessions for at-risk children, immunizations to protect vulnerable children, bed nets to prevent malaria, soccer balls to build peace through play, school supplies and uniforms for African girls, and donations to help break the cycle of poverty among youth in developing countries or the cycle of youth homelessness in Orange County.

Habitat for Humanity will sell pins and cards to support their building projects in Orange County. Beautiful bead jewelry from Uganda will be available, as will olive oil from the Holy Land, fair trade coffees, teas and chocolates, cookbooks, reusable shopping bags, hand-crocheted jingle bell hats, Dee Dee's bags and special gifts made by the congregation's children. Delicious homemade treats will be served.

Shoppers again this year can turn gold into cash with Alternative Market's gold buyer. Broken, mismatched and unworn jewelry can be traded for immediate cash. Ten percent will be donated to the Justice ministry of Neighborhood Church.

Neighborhood Congregational Church is at 340 St. Ann's Drive in Laguna Beach. Parking is free at Cleo and Glenneyre streets. Call (949) 494-8061 for more information or driving directions.

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City Manager's Weekly Update

•Sue Anne Monlux has been promoted to administrative assistant to the police chief, Laguna Beach City Manager John Pietig wrote in his Weekly Update of Nov. 18.

Monlux has worked for the city for seven years and been an acting administrative assistant for several chiefs over the years. She has a bachelor's degree in English and a teaching credential from Chapman University. She takes over for Tina Linden, who recently resigned following the addition of twins to her family. Linden served as the assistant to the chief for more than 10 years.