NOT IN LAGUNA: Those answering the phone...

NOT IN LAGUNA: Those answering the phone at the Dana Point Resort these days cheerfully announce the 350-room hotel is “soon to be known as the Marriott Laguna Cliff’s Resort.” City Council members aren’t pleased. “We would have preferred that they leave Dana Point in the name, but we just have to deal with it,” said Councilwoman Karen Loreda. . . . Dana Point’s other big hotel? Why the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, of course.

A SMALL JAM: The Seattle rock band Mudhoney, which had been scheduled to open for Pearl Jam this week at the San Diego Sports Arena, will play in smaller Costa Mesa haunts instead, now that Pearl Jam’s tour is canceled. . . . Mudhoney appears tonight at the Lava Room at Newport Station, 1945 Placentia Ave. $5. (714) 631-0031.

LESSER CLAIMS: The number of small claims cases has steadily decreased in Orange County and court officials think they know why. A 1992 change in state law requires that landlords, trying to evict problem tenants, file a civil action instead of going through small claims court. . . . “It certainly would make a substantial difference,” said Central Municipal Court Executive Officer Robert Kuhel. “But, whether it made all of the difference, I do not know.” Another factor could be the filing fees, which went from $8 to $15 in 1992.

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Claiming Less Small claims lawsuits in Orange County have declined by 21% in two years. ‘94: 43,465 Source: Orange County municipal courts STILL OUR TYPE: In these days of computers, the city of Santa Ana has a unique time-saving device--typewriters. . . . The city has 292 typewriters, and recently decided to spend more than $10,000 to keep them in working condition. The typewriters, some of which are 30 years old, come in handy when workers need to make quick changes to computer-generated forms. Bob Williams, the city’s purchasing manager, says: “They’re not ready for a museum, yet.”

TONIGHT: Singer-songwriter Janis Ian (F1) performs at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 8 p.m. $17.50. (714) 496-8930.