News Release

Ocean Foundation in need of volunteers The Laguna Ocean Foundation is seeking volunteers for its TideWater Docent program, which educates residents and visitors about the ecology in Laguna's protected tidepools. Docents volunteer at Crescent Bay, Shaw's Cove, Heisler Park, Wood's Cove, Goff Island and Treasure Island, all part of the Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve. Those interested have to attend one two-hour classroom training session and participate in on-the-job field training led by a professional, according to a news release.

High school teacher nabs award Laguna Beach High School science teacher Steven Sogo received a 2013 Science Awards for Excellence in Inquiry-Based Science Teaching, according to a news release. The awards are sponsored by educational tool supplier School Specialty's science brands, including Frey Scientific, along with the National Science Teachers Assn. (NSTA). Three full-time, K-12 science teachers from elementary, middle and high schools were set to be honored at the 2013 NSTA National Conference on Science Education in San Antonio, which started on Thursday.

Adult theater classes being offered The Laguna Playhouse will offer adult theater classes in January, according to a news release. "Intro to Playwriting: Write, Direct and Share a Short Play" starts Jan. 15, and "Intro to Theatre: The Art and Business of Putting on a Show" starts Feb. 19. Each class cost $250, with 25% discounts offered to seniors, students, Players Club members and Laguna Beach residents. Classes are limited to 10 people, and those interested do not need to have experience.

Dachshund races will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Old World Village in Huntington Beach. The German-themed center is known for the races, a prominent part its annual Oktoberfest, but the dachshund races also take place Sundays year-round. Admission is $2, and parking is free for those who pre-register their dogs. Those interested in signing up their dachshund to race can call (714) 898-5111 or go to wienerdogstore.com . For more information, visit http://www.oldworld.ws . * Eric Carle stories come to town Parents know the tales by Eric Carle, and those stories will come to life at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts with Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia's "A Brown Bear, a Caterpillar and a Moon: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle" on March 9 and 10. The performance in Samueli Theater will feature "evocative music, stunning visual effects and innovative puppetry that brings together old favorites and new friends," according to a news release.

Taim in Laguna Beach, pronounced like thyme, is one of the newest boutiques to hit the city. Owner Kendra Pearce officially opened the boutique in early October at 1259 S. Coast Hwy. The space, drenched in a rustic shabby chic decor with vintage Mademoiselle posters throughout the shop, is all about helping customers realize their personal style, Pearce said. "The concept is we're a styling boutique," she said. "We're all about helping people discover and refine their style. " Taim carries everything from jewelry and basics to timeless knits, dresses and jackets.

The Laguna Beach Police Department will be conducting DUI checkpoints from 9 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday in areas with high numbers of DUI collisions or arrests. The DUI saturation patrols are part of the department's ongoing traffic safety campaign, according to a news release. In California, DUIs accounted for 774 deaths in 2010, according to a news release. Such deaths had fallen dramatically for five straight years; however, 2011 numbers indicate that DUI deaths remained the same as 2010, the press release said.

The Laguna Beach Festival of Arts Foundation awarded Laguna Beach High School five grants for visual and performing arts education programs, according to a news release. Laguna Beach High School's art program received a $15,000 grant; its band boosters received $5,000; the dance department $2,500; performing arts program $5,000; and performing arts boosters $2,500. The grants are key to the high school's programs. "Visual and Performing Arts are essential in the development of a well-rounded student," Principal Joanne Culverhouse said in a statement.

The Laguna Beach Festival of Arts Foundation awarded Laguna Beach High School five grants for visual and performing arts education programs, according to a news release. Laguna Beach High School's art program received a $15,000 grant; its band boosters received $5,000; the dance department $2,500; performing arts program $5,000; and performing arts boosters $2,500. The grants are key to the high school's programs. "Visual and Performing Arts are essential in the development of a well-rounded student," Principal Joanne Culverhouse said in a statement.

Ocean Foundation in need of volunteers The Laguna Ocean Foundation is seeking volunteers for its TideWater Docent program, which educates residents and visitors about the ecology in Laguna's protected tidepools. Docents volunteer at Crescent Bay, Shaw's Cove, Heisler Park, Wood's Cove, Goff Island and Treasure Island, all part of the Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve. Those interested have to attend one two-hour classroom training session and participate in on-the-job field training led by a professional, according to a news release.

School district awarded honor from club The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach awarded the Laguna Beach Unified School District the 2012 Outstanding Agency Partner Award, according to a news release. "The club is honored to have such a strong relationship with the school district," club President Bill Wood said in a statement. "The kids get so much more from both. " According to the club's Executive Director Pam Estes, "Our Boys & Girls Club feels so fortunate to have a such a united partnership with LBUSD, based on the shared goal of enabling young people to reach their potential.

Dachshund races will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Old World Village in Huntington Beach. The German-themed center is known for the races, a prominent part its annual Oktoberfest, but the dachshund races also take place Sundays year-round. Admission is $2, and parking is free for those who pre-register their dogs. Those interested in signing up their dachshund to race can call (714) 898-5111 or go to wienerdogstore.com . For more information, visit http://www.oldworld.ws . * Eric Carle stories come to town Parents know the tales by Eric Carle, and those stories will come to life at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts with Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia's "A Brown Bear, a Caterpillar and a Moon: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle" on March 9 and 10. The performance in Samueli Theater will feature "evocative music, stunning visual effects and innovative puppetry that brings together old favorites and new friends," according to a news release.