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From the Canyon to the Coast
Hallie Jones , who has led the Laguna Canyon Foundation as executive director for the past decade , is making a move to the Crystal Cove Conservancy . Jones will start as executive vice president and chief program officer — a new position created by the nonprofit — on Sept . 11 . Meanwhile , the Laguna Canyon Foundation has hired a firm to search for her replacement with a goal of appointing a new director by the new year or sooner . Jacky Cordero , who has served as deputy director , will lead the foundation until then . In Jones ’ new role , she will focus on strategic development of the conservancy ’ s community engagement and advocacy programs , “ guiding the organization ’ s work to become a leading convening voice on conservation and issues facing protected lands and waters ,” according to a news release . Also under her purview is ensuring the continued expansion of the conservancy ’ s science , technology , engineering and math , or STEM , education programs for students in kindergarten through college including the development of a coastal engineering program in partnership with UC Irvine ’ s Samueli School of Engineering . For college-aged students , the conservancy currently has an internship , but plans to increase its offerings . Jones brings more than 20 years of experience to the job : She spent more than a decade at Heal the Bay in Santa Monica and then joined Laguna Canyon Foundation in
Hallie Jones , former executive director of Laguna Canyon Foundation , now works at Crystal Cove Conservancy .
2013 . Additionally , she serves on the OC Parks Commission and the Natural Communities Coalition board and is a member of the Safe Trails Coalition . “ We are thrilled to welcome Hallie to the Crystal Cove Conservancy team ,” said Kate Wheeler , president and CEO of Crystal Cove Conservancy , in the news release . “ She is the perfect person to help lead the conservancy as we continue to shift our focus to prioritize expanding our STEM education and community programming to inspire more people to care for vulnerable places like Crystal Cove .” ( 949-376-6200 ; crystalcove . org ) — Sharon Stello
WELLNESS ON WHEELS
Laguna Beach City Council is highlighting mental health awareness through a new partnership with Be Well OC . The two-year pilot program , which launched at the beginning of August , will help make compassionate care more accessible for the community , with 911 calls that don ’ t require law enforcement or emergency medical services being deferred to the mobile Be Well OC Mobile Crisis Response Team . Using the company ’ s vans to travel to those in need , staff members are equipped to assist with emotional and social well-being through techniques like crisis intervention , de-escalation , mediation and counseling . Some of the nonemergency situations that the crisis team handles include intoxication welfare checks , suicidal ideation , death notification , nondomestic violence disputes and assistance with a lack of basic needs like food or shelter . Supported with both private and public funding , the program aims to destigmatize mental health issues ; Laguna Beach is the sixth city to implement it , after neighboring towns like Newport Beach and Irvine . ( 949-749-2500 ; bewelloc . org ) — Izzy De Leon
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Be Well OC ’ s partnership with the city
FROM TOP : COURTESY OF HALLIE JONES ; COURTESY OF PAUL RODRIGUEZ
18 LAGUNABEACHMAGAZINE . COM