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BEACHY KEEN
Aliso Beach Park and other southern stretches of sand will change ownership from Orange County to the city of Laguna Beach early this year . March 1 is the target date for the property transfer , which will give Laguna possession of all beaches and beach access points within city limits , nearly doubling the length of city-controlled beaches . Back in 1987 , when the city annexed south Laguna coastal areas , the county retained ownership of the beaches in that section . Now the county will step aside , thanks to the Dec . 6 agreement approved by the Orange County Board of Supervisors , which comes with a $ 22 million lump sum to assist the city with operations and maintenance of these properties over the next 20 years . In addition to Aliso Beach Park , the city is acquiring Camel Point , Laguna Royale , Table Rock , Thousand Steps and West Street beaches . As part of the ownership change , the city ’ s Marine Safety Department will take over all ocean lifeguard responsibilities in these areas , which will involve hiring five new permanent positions and up to 50 new seasonal lifeguards to staff these beaches . For continuity , the hours of operation at these beaches will remain the same as those set by the county . ( 949-497-3311 ; lagunabeachcity . net ) — Sharon Stello
The city of Laguna Beach will take over ownership of Aliso Beach Park ( pictured ) and other southern spots around March 1 .
Sharing Stories
For the third consecutive year , Bank of America has provided support for the Laguna Playhouse ’ s innovative program , Our Stories , which helps young people tell their own story through the arts . The latest grant , for $ 10,000 , was awarded in September . Launched in January 2020 with funding from the Orange County Health Care Agency and expanded since then , the powerful program offers workshops led by specially-trained teaching artists for underserved and at-risk youths between the ages of 16 and 25 who have experienced trauma such as homelessness , foster care , domestic violence and debilitating illness . In these sessions , the teens and young adults learn to explore aspects of their lives , family or culture and express themselves through playwriting , spoken word , music , painting , sculpting and more as a catalyst for healing and change . The mental wellness effort creates a safe space for self-expression and the workshop leaders ensure that each participant feels validated and empowered throughout the process , which is monitored by mental health counselors . ( 949-497-2787 ; lagunaplayhouse . com ) — S . S .
Bank of America is helping fund Our Stories .
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT : WIRESTOCK CREATORS / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM ; 1827PHOTO / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM ; COURTESY OF LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE
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