THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026
The Next Regular Meeting of the City Council is Tuesday, April 14 at 5:00 P.M.
The "Tentative Agenda" is strictly tentative and there is no guarantee that items listed will be agendized as scheduled due to changing priorities, new information, staff workloads, and other unforeseeable events.
Mayor’s Podcast Episode 4: Downtown Improvement Project and Upcoming Planning Commission Meeting
March 24 City Council Meeting Recap
Lique Hoskins was recognized for her generous donation to Sally’s Fund – providing services and opportunities to those in our community that need them the most.
New Webpage: Follow the State’s Review of the Petition to Expand No Fishing Boundaries in Laguna Beach
The City has launched a new webpage to help residents understand and track the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s review of a local petition submitted by Laguna Bluebelt. The petition requested an expansion of existing no fishing areas to include the entire Laguna Beach coastline.
This new webpage provides a high level overview of the State’s review process, along with access to key background materials. It summarizes the Laguna Bluebelt petition, outlines how the State evaluated the request, and explains the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s decision to deny the proposed expansion.
Residents will also find links to supporting documents, prior reports, and other resources to better understand how Marine Protected Areas are evaluated and managed over time.
To stay informed, the page includes an option to sign up for topic-specific email updates from the City. Subscribers will receive notices about new developments, future public meetings, and opportunities to provide public testimony as the process continues.
Visit the page at www.lagunabeachcity.net/mpa or access it through the City’s main navigation menu under “Our Initiatives” to learn more and stay engaged on this important coastal issue.
Request for Qualifications
The City of Laguna Beach Arts Commission is accepting qualification materials from artists and artist teams with demonstrated experience in designing, creating, and installing site-responsive public art. Applicants will be considered for an installation at a new City Fire Station, which is expected to be completed in 2028.
Art-in-Public Places - Fire Station #4 Deadline to apply: May 31, 2026
Community Update: South Coast Highway Street Signs and Center Medians
The City has recently received questions regarding the new street signage and center medians installed along South Coast Highway in South Laguna. These improvements aim to be more visible, we wanted to provide a brief update on what has been completed, what remains ahead, and what residents can expect next.
South Coast Highway Improvement Project Nearing Completion Caltrans is scheduled to complete its South Coast Highway ADA Improvement Project next week. The project has focused on improving accessibility and roadway conditions along the corridor, including:
- Construction of ADA improvements
- Repaved roadways
- Installation of new, larger street name signs to improve visibility
- Construction of four new center median islands
These improvements were completed as part of Caltrans’ roadway work and are intended to improve both safety and usability along this section of Coast Highway.
New Street Signs The new street signs installed as part of the project are larger than the previous signs and are designed to improve visibility for drivers. Their purpose is primarily functional, helping motorists identify streets more clearly and safely while traveling the corridor.
Center Median Landscaping Caltrans completed construction of the four new median islands as part of the roadway project. The City is responsible for the landscaping installation within those medians.
The landscape design for the median improvements was reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission on January 21, 2026. The approved Design Review plans are available at the following link: Median Concept Plans
At this time, planting is scheduled to begin in September 2026. The City is exploring an interim solution until the permanent landscaping is in place.
Why the Medians Are Not Yet Landscaped A number of residents have asked why the medians were installed before landscaping was completed. The short answer is that the hardscape and roadway improvements were delivered as part of the Caltrans construction project, while the landscape installation is a separate City responsibility that will follow under the approved design plan.
This means the medians may appear unfinished in the interim, but the current condition is not the final intended appearance.
Why This Matters This section of South Coast Highway has seen meaningful improvements to pedestrian safety and accessibility. The project added new sidewalks and implemented ADA upgrades, making the corridor more navigable for all users, including individuals with disabilities, families, and pedestrians.
These improvements are intended to create a safer and more functional environment along a heavily used corridor, while the upcoming landscaping phase will complete the visual character of the roadway.
Business Spotlight: The Shoe Cellar Expands
The City is pleased to announce that The Shoe Cellar has opened a second location at 1200 S Coast Hwy, Ste. 104A. In addition to their location at 903 S. Coast Hwy, this new space at The Old Pottery Place provides another opportunity to explore their curated footwear collection. Be sure to stop by and visit the new location. For assistance with opening, expanding, or relocating your business in Laguna Beach or for more information on the City’s economic development initiatives, please contact Louie Lacasella in the City Manager’s Office at llacasella@lagunabeachcity.net.
Last Weekend's Shred Event Recap
On Saturday, March 31, the City, in partnership with CR&R, hosted a successful drive-thru Document Shredding Event at the Act V Parking Lot. The event was organized by Environmental Technician Juliet Agtang and CR&R Sustainability Specialists Daniel Keller-Wolf and Elizabeth Drelling, with staff assistance from the Orange County Conservation Corps, which provided eight team members. Approximately 189 vehicles participated, and the event generated 8,500 lbs of shredded paper. Thank you to all residents and businesses that took part. If you missed this event, the City will be hosting another shredding event on Saturday, November 14!
Community Film Night: Lahaina: Voices of Change Premiere & Panel
The City of Laguna Beach invites the community to a special evening film and discussion on Wednesday, April 1 at the Rivian South Coast Theater. The premiere of Lahaina: Voices of Change begins at 6:45 p.m., followed by a panel discussion around 7:45 p.m.. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Free general admission is available (donations welcome). A limited VIP ticket ($100) includes front-of-house seating and access to a VIP reception with food and beverages from 4:30–6:00 p.m. at the Willbo Store (353 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA). Free parking is available adjacent to the Willbo Store.
Join us for this meaningful community event supporting ongoing recovery efforts for families in Lahaina.
Sign Up for Spring & Summer Recreation Programs!
Annual Low Cost Neuter/Spray Program Sponsored by PUP Laguna Beach
Requirements:
- Must be a Laguna Beach or Laguna Woods resident (proof of residency required).
- Maximum of two vouchers per household.
- If purchasing a voucher for a K-9, the dog must be currently licensed with Laguna Beach or Laguna Woods. A license may be purchased at the time of voucher purchase if proof of a valid rabies vaccination is provided.
- Cash or check only.
- The last day to purchase a voucher is March 31, 2026. Procedures will take place in April.
- Participating veterinarians are Laguna Beach Animal Hospital and Laguna Beach Animal Medical Center.
* Residents may not choose the veterinarian. The surgery performed will be a traditional canine/feline castration or ovariohysterectomy.
Art That's Small Exhibition
The 2026 Art That's Small exhibit is currently on view at Laguna Beach City Hall through April 17, 2026, and greets visitors with artworks no larger than 12” x 12” in a wide range of media, including painting, photography, drawing, and mixed media.
- Laguna Beach City Hall, 505 Forest Ave - Reception: Thursday, April 2, 2026 - 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The Arts Commission has selected the winning designs for the 2026 Banner Competitions!
Congratulations to the selected artists: India Hynes, Lovisa Kjerrgren, Hilary McCarthy, Shaney Watters, Jennifer Griffiths, Amy Rose Hammond, and Micahel Phillips.
Their work will soon be featured on banners installed at Main Beach and inside the City’s Council Chambers.
Have a Wonderful Weekend! 🌴
Printed copies of the newsletter are available Fridays at the Community & Susi Q Center. Alternative Language Options Available Upon Request.