Adopt-a-Family fundraiser

Mayor Elizabeth Pearson-Schneider is hoping that an Adopt-a-Family

program will provide long-term financial relief for residents

displaced by the June 1 landslide.

Pearson-Schneider is working with the Laguna Beach Resource and

Relief Center to try to raise $150,000 for each of 20 families whose

homes were too badly damaged to even enter safely.

“That will give them $3,000 a month for 2 1/2 years and $60,000

for geology reports on the properties and initial architectural

planning,” Pearson-Schneider said. “I am partnering with the resource

center because it is a 501c3, which means about 40% of the donations

will be tax deductible.”

The appeal will be broadcast on Cox Cable channel 30, and reach

out to large corporations, urging employee fundraising.

“I will personally approach the Building Industries Association,”

Pearson-Schneider said. “But groups such as architects, builders and

realtors could combine to adopt.”

Adopters can choose the family they wish to support from profiles

that will be available probably by next week on the website,

www.lagunarelief.org.Planning Commissioner Anne Johnson and former

resource center manager Marsha Bode are writing the profiles.

“However, other contributions are still needed for short term

assistance,” Pearson-Schneider said.

For more information, call the mayor at (949) 497-7128 or (494)

497-7121.