Pizza

Laguna Beach High School honored firefighters and police officers last Friday with an on-campus breakfast. Students, teachers and administrators mingled with representatives from both departments while they enjoyed breakfast burritos from Johnny’s Pizza. After Principal Don Austin thanked the departments, both fire and police officials spoke of the school’s unexpected thoughtfulness. The fire department has worked since summer with the district in preparing a detailed action plan for fire scenarios.

TODAY Burbank Toastmasters, an organization dedicated to improving public speaking skills and confidence, meets at noon at the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, 200 W. Magnolia Blvd. Call (818) 566-7894. THURSDAY A Taste of Downtown Burbank will be from 5 to 10 p.m. along San Fernando Boulevard, between Magnolia Boulevard and Orange Grove Avenue. Ticket holders will enjoy the specialties of 30 restaurants and eateries, a beer garden hosted by Gordon Biersch Brewery and live entertainment by Capt.

ITALIAN Gina's Pizza & Pastaria Since 1975. Two locations: 1100 S. Coast Highway. (949) 494-4342. Boat Canyon, 610 N. Coast Highway. (949) 497-4421. Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. $ Romeo Cucina 249 Broadway. (949) 497-6627. Featuring contemporary Italian music performed by Italian singer-songwriter Nino Cuomo starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

Thurston Middle School's fourth annual Out on the Town fundraiser was a huge success, netting more than $7,100 for the school's PTA. Christy Addis and Stacy Gavin did an outstanding job of coordinating this popular event, which took place March 16. More than 130 parents and teachers joined together in a progressive evening of food, drink and fun at top local restaurants. A warm welcome and generous hosting of appetizers and beverages was first provided by Lumberyard, Nick's Laguna, Nirvana Grille, Sundried Tomato, Tommy Bahamas and Nirvana Grille.

Barbara Diamond The Seed Institute will celebrate on Sunday its growth as an aid to people with disabilities who want to open their own businesses. Seed Fest 2002 will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Dennis Ekstrom Gallery, 2135 1/2 Laguna Canyon Road. The fund-raiser will feature homegrown entertainment, refreshments and auction items. Mercy Miles will perform. Papas Tacos and Z Pizza will provide the food, and local artists donated fine art, jewelry and ceramics for sale.

A community fundraiser for the owners of Penguin Cafe is being held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Riddle Field, 600 Hillcrest Drive. The McMurrays recently found out their son, 11-year-old William, has an inoperable brain tumor and they have no health insurance. "We're having it at Riddle Field because we know William likes baseball," said Kim Ressler, who is organizing the event. FOR THE RECORD: An earlier version incorrectly referred to the organizer as Kim Kressler.

BISTROS French 75 Bistro and Champagne Bar 1464 S. Coast Highway. (949) 494-8444. A Parisian-style bistro and champagne bar featuring traditional and contemporary French bistro cuisine. Private rooms and full-service catering available. Piano jazz from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; and from 8:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Open from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $$$$ Hennessey's Tavern 213 Ocean Ave. (949)

Suzie Harrison It's Kyle Martin's first year teaching at Thurston Middle School, and if the student reaction is any indication, the position suits him well. During a recent language arts resource class he made learning a fun and interesting experience. Students can take a resource class for one subject they need help in or several. This class had nine students in grades 6, 7 and 8, who worked well as a team throughout the period. "It's a fun class.

Glori Fickling, For the Coastline Pilot When dedicated chef Marwan launched his delightful little Mama's Bakery and Lebanese Cuisine in Laguna Beach two years ago on Mother's Day he introduced to locals a new dimension in ethnic taste sensations. The quaint little respite with myriad tables outside for alfresco dining is a continuing tribute to his late mother who so loved our community that she often brought lavish picnics to Heisler Park to share with neighboring sun worshipers.