Huntington Beach Police Department officers and other officials will be on hand Wednesday for a “Skate with HBPD” event at the city’s Winter Wonderland at Pier Plaza.

HBPD officers will be at the rink between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

For more information on the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, including opening hours, parking details and more, visit Huntingtonbeachca.gov/winterwonderland.

The public asked to weigh in on the sculptures in Newport Beach Park

The City of Newport Beach Arts Commission is seeking public input on the final selection of sculptures for inclusion in Phase VII of the rotating sculpture exhibit at Newport Beach Civic Center Park. The public survey will be online until January 10 at sparkoc.com/nb_sculpture_poll.

The votes will determine a total of 10 sculptures that will be provisionally installed for the sculpture exhibition. These selections will be presented to City Council on January 11.

The selected sculptures are expected to be loaned to the city for two and the sculptors whose works are installed will receive a small fee. The city is responsible for the installation of the art while the artists are responsible for the maintenance and repair of the work. For more information visit newportbeachca.gov/culturalarts.

OCC receives a scholarship for its photography school

The William, Jeff and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation has awarded a grant of $ 450,000 to the Orange Coast College School of Photography, the college announced Friday.

The funds will be used to create the Jeff Gross Photography Endowment, which will help the school buy and repair photographic equipment for students. Gross worked as a personal photographer for Getty Images.

Another plan for staffing is to offer tutoring services that place entry-level students under the tutelage of advanced photography students.

“Increasingly, the photography program relies on [on] “One-time funds” to buy and repair equipment, which leads to a kind of boom or bust, ”said Blade Gillissen, professor of photography at OCC. “An endowment like this can provide our students with consistency year after year. “

Pacific marine mammal receives inheritance gift

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach announced Thursday that it was the recipient of a gift in the amount of $ 105,000 from the estate of the late Al Roberts.

Roberts, who died Feb. 7, co-founded Jillson and Roberts Gift Wrap, and was the former chairman of the Orange County AIDS Services Foundation.

“Throughout his life, Al has dedicated himself to several philanthropic causes inside and outside the Orange County community,” said Peter Chang, CEO of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, in a statement. “However, his love for Laguna Beach shone at the highest point, and the Pacific Marine Mammal Center has been extremely fortunate to benefit from his kindness over the years. His gracious legacy of support that he leaves behind will allow us to continue our meaningful work in the conservation of marine mammals and oceans with a focus on our education programs aimed at developing our young people to become the next. generation of scientists, biologists, veterinarians and conservationists. . “

Santa on the promenade

Santa will return to the Promenade on Forest at Laguna Beach on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Santa will be all ears as the children tell him what they would like for Christmas. It will be located on an outdoor terrace near the intersection of Avenue Forest and Rue Glenneyre.

Apply to serve on Laguna Beach boards and committees

Laguna Beach City Council is currently accepting nominations to serve on various boards and committees.

There are positions to be filled on the Design Review Committee, Parking, Traffic and Traffic Committee, Recreation Committee, Heritage Committee, Environmental Sustainability Committee, and Property Restoration Committee. views.

All candidates will be interviewed virtually by the city council on Tuesday February 8 at 5 p.m. lagunabeachcity.net. Applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 21.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign into high gear

The Fountain Valley Police Department will have additional officers on patrol until New Years Day looking for drivers suspected of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The increased app is part of the “Drive sober or get pulled over” campaign. If alcohol or drugs are consumed, authorities encourage the use of a designated driver.

“When it comes to using drugs and / or alcohol and driving, there is a right and a wrong choice,” said Fountain Valley Police Sgt. Brian Mosher said. “Make the right choice by not driving impaired, so that everyone can enjoy the vacation. “

Local author to host book signing session on Saturday

Laguna Beach author Laura Ford will hold a book signing at the Lido Village bookstore in Newport Beach on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.

Ford released their first young adult novel, “Sounds Like Love,” this fall. Copies of the book will be available for purchase upon signing.

Molly Unger new General Manager of South Coast Plaza

Orange County resident Molly Unger has been named the new general manager of South Coast Plaza, it was announced this week.

Unger, who has over 25 years of retail and shopping center management experience, is the first female CEO in South Coast Plaza’s 54-year history. She took over the long-held role of David Grant, who recently announced his retirement.

“We are delighted to have Molly on board,” said Anton Segerstrom, partner of South Coast Plaza, in a press release announcing the hiring. “His in-depth knowledge and experience in shopping center management and his commitment to excellence are essential as we look to the future. “

Unger holds a psychology degree from the University of Arizona and an executive education certificate from UCLA Anderson School of Management.

“I am delighted to join South Coast Plaza at an exciting time in its history,” Unger said in the statement. “I look forward to participating in shaping the centre’s future while continuing its long tradition of quality. “

OC Fair announces its 2022 theme: ‘Feel the Sunshine’

The OC Fair announced this week that “Feel the Sunshine” will be the theme of the 2022 annual event which is scheduled from July 15 to August 14. Tickets are on sale now.

Advance ticket purchase will again be required with limited capacity, which will be open Wednesday through Sunday during its month-long stay. Attendance at this year’s event has been set at 1,055,770, according to OC Fair officials.

Tickets are also on sale for the first OC Fair concerts announced for Pacific Amphitheater and the Hangar. Live musical performances include Steve Miller Band, ABBA LA and Bee Gees Gold, Which One’s Pink ?, 24K Magic and a new show, LA Sound Machine.

For more information visit ocfair.com.

Blood collection at the UCI Blood Donor Center, which is in “great need”

the UCI Blood Donor Center began organizing a series of blood drives on Friday that will continue Monday through Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at UCI Medical Center, 101 The City Drive South in Orange. Officials say the center “urgently needs” blood, especially type O.

All donors will receive their choice of a $ 15 Target or In-N-Out Burger gift card. Aappointments are required. Call (714) 456-5433 to reserve a spot.

UCI Health is Orange County’s only Level 1 trauma center, providing intensive care services not available in any other healthcare system.

From daily pilot staff reports

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