THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2026
First Community Town Hall Meeting at City Hall
NEXT WEEK! The City will be hosting our first Community Town Hall at City Hall in the Council Chambers to highlight City services, including public safety, capital projects, utility undergrounding, and more. We will also discuss the City’s budget outlook and potential new revenue sources for Laguna Beach voters to consider.
Stay informed about our City and join us 6:00 pm February 19th at City Hall (505 Forest Ave) in the Council Chambers. This event is free and open to all.
The Arts Commission Invites Artists and Musicians to Apply!
Artists and musicians are invited to apply for the following active calls for early 2026:
- 2026 Call for Musicians Deadline: February 28, 2026
- Banner Competition Deadline: March 2, 2026
- Council Chamber Banners Deadline: March 2, 2026
- Temporary Public Art on Forest Ave Deadline: March 2, 2026
- Art That’s Small at City Hall Deadline: March 8, 2026
Laguna Beach Residents — HHW Survey!
The City is gathering feedback from residents to help improve household hazardous waste (HHW) recycling programs and make Laguna Beach a cleaner, safer community. Please take a few minutes to share your input by completing the short survey below:
Registration is Now Open for the ASICS Laguna Beach Trophy Invitational!
The ASICS Laguna Beach Trophy Invitational is set to return to Laguna Beach High School, March 20–21.
Field events will take place on Friday, March 20, followed by track events on Saturday, March 21. Teams are invited to register now with and secure their spot in this premier track and field event.
Entries are open through Sunday, March 15 at 11:59 p.m., with accepted entries announced on Monday, March 16 by noon. - Friday meet time: 1:00 PM-9:00 PM - Saturday meet time: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM (races start at 7:30 am)
Fire Department Introduces a New Pump Pod
Our Fire Department has introduced a new Pump Pod, built by Pump-Pod USA, that allows firefighters to precisely control water flow, reducing waste and conserving water during training. Funded 100% by a State Water Department grant at no cost to taxpayers, this innovative system strengthens public safety while protecting valuable local water resources.
You can't buy love, but you can adopt it at an Orange County Animal Shelter!
This Valentine’s Day weekend, six Orange County animal shelters are working together to encourage the public to adopt. Whether you are seeking a walking buddy, a couch companion, or a best friend, your match is waiting at your local animal shelter. In addition to adoption, there are many ways to support homeless pets this season, including signing up to volunteer, becoming a pet foster, or donating to pets in need.
Participating shelters in alphabetical order:
• Coastal Animal Services Authority (CASA) • Irvine Animal Care Center • Laguna Beach Animal Shelter • Mission Viejo Animal Services • Newport Beach Animal Services • Orange County Animal Care
The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter adoption procedures are designed to make sure that both the potential family and the animal adopted are in the very best situation possible. The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter is located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Road. For any questions, please call (949) 497-3552.
Disposing of Your Valentine’s Gifts Properly
- Take off any ribbons, plastic wraps, rubber bands, or wires from your flower bouquet. - Place flowers in the green organics waste cart to help reduce methane gas. - Remove batteries from electronics like musical cards and drop them off at one of our three city battery disposal sites during normal business hours.
City Battery Drop off Sites:
- Public Works Administration Building - 479 Ocean Ave. - Community and Susi Q. Center - 380 Third Street - Laguna Beach City Hall - 505 Forest Ave.
Beautification in Action – 330 South Coast Hwy
The City of Laguna Beach’s Commercial District Beautification and Property Maintenance Program is proud to spotlight recent improvements at 330 South Coast Hwy, home to Things & Carats and Crazy Shirts. A fresh coat of paint and repairs to peeling exterior surfaces have given the building a clean, refreshed appearance that enhances its charm and curb appeal. These updates contribute to the welcoming character of the downtown and reflect the City’s ongoing efforts to support property maintenance and visual enhancements throughout commercial districts. The improvements at 330 South Coast Hwy join many others across the community, demonstrating a shared commitment to keeping Laguna Beach vibrant and well-maintained. For more information about the City’s Commercial District Beautification and Property Maintenance Program, please contact Louie Lacasella in the City Manager’s Office at llacasella@lagunabeachcity.net.
New Business Coming: Faherty located on the Promenade
Residents may have noticed signage at 255 Forest Ave, on the Promenade. The City would like to inform the community that this property will soon be home to Faherty.
Faherty is the childhood dream of twin brothers Mike and Alex Faherty, lifelong surfers who grew up at the beach, yet carried a deep appreciation for premium, well-crafted clothing. Faherty is committed to sustainability, ethical manufacturing and premium materials, creating comfort-first apparel designed with longevity and environmental responsibility in mind.
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.
Laguna Beach and Community Land Trust Achieve Milestone with the Acquisition of Two Artist Live/Work Properties
The City of Laguna Beach is excited to announce the successful closing of escrow on two properties designated for artist live/work spaces, marking a significant milestone following the formation of the Laguna Beach Community Land Trust (CLT) aimed at supporting our local artists and workforce.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that affordable housing and working environments for artists, seniors, and essential workers stay in our community. The newly acquired properties will provide vital resources to foster creativity and support the diverse artistic community that defines Laguna Beach.
“We are thrilled to see this project come to fruition,” said Mayor Mark Orgill. “These properties represent more than just buildings; they are spaces where creativity will thrive and where our artists can live and work in the heart of our beautiful city. I want to thank my fellow council members, city staff, and the Community Land Trust board members for their hard work and dedication that made this vision a reality. I also want to extend my gratitude to all the community members who helped bring this effort to fruition—this has truly been a community effort.”
Councilperson Bob Whalen added, “This achievement underscores our commitment to preserving the unique character of Laguna Beach. By supporting our artists, we not only promote creativity but also strengthen our community as a whole.”
The establishment of the community land trust and the completion of these acquisitions are the result of dedicated efforts from city staff, community members, and stakeholders who recognize the importance of preserving the artistic spirit of Laguna Beach.
The City is committed to continuing its work to support affordable housing solutions and enhance the quality of life for all residents. As we move forward, we look forward to seeing the positive impact these properties will have on our artistic community.
For more information about the community land trust and future developments, please visit Community Land Trust Page
Top of the World Neighborhood Association Earned Their Firewise USA community Recognition
Congratulations to the Top of the World Neighborhood Association for earning Firewise USA community recognition—becoming the fourth neighborhood within the Laguna Beach city limits to receive this designation. This newly recognized community includes 679 homes in the Top of the World / Old Top of the World region of the City.
The community’s large size showcases Laguna Beach’s proactive approach in encouraging residents to form Firewise USA communities of all scales, further bolstering the city’s overall wildfire preparedness and resilience. This recognition is the result of a strong grassroots effort led by a dedicated group of neighbors who came together with a shared commitment to enhancing wildfire safety.
Residents in the area who are interested in learning more about Top of the World Firewise Community may contact Resident Leader Tim Templeton at timtempleton@gmail.com.
The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Firewise USA program is a community-led initiative that provides a structured approach to wildfire resilience. It fosters collaboration between residents and the Laguna Beach Fire Department to strengthen home fire resistance and better prepare neighborhoods. Firewise USA communities range from condominium complexes and neighborhood streets to larger city areas. Groups with 8 to 2,500 dwelling units can form their own community through a four-step process. To verify if your homes falls within an established Firewise recognized community; or to start your own community, please visit the Fire Department’s Firewise USA Informational Page.
NFPA Notice for California Residents Regarding Firewise and Insurance Discounts
Tom Fruin Returns to City Hall
February 20 - April 30, at Laguna Beach City Hall, 505 Forest Ave
Renowned artist, Tom Fruin, will be installing a trio of plexiglass and steel sculptures titled “Beacon”, “Duty Calls” and “Rubik’s Cube House” on the lawn at City Hall. The sculptures are a nod to utilitarian design and structures we usually overlook, casting colorful shadows and reflecting sunlight during the day while interior lighting creates a captivating glow in the evening.
New Exhibition by MFA students from LCAD: A New Tide
January 12 – March 5, 2026 at Laguna Beach City Hall, 505 Forest Ave
A New Tide is an exhibition of recent artwork by Master of Fine Arts students from Laguna College of Art + Design. The new year is a time to reflect on the past and make choices on where we are headed. 2026 will be an eventful year. Cyclical changes, like the tide, influence our lives and alter our sense of normality. These artists employ skills from the past as they adapt to the unknown, aware that the arts are a living and constantly evolving cultural inheritance.
Have a Happy Valentine's Day! ❤️
Printed copies of the newsletter are available Fridays at the Community & Susi Q Center. Alternative Language Options Available Upon Request.