THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026
Introducing The Mayor’s Podcast with Mark Orgill. Now Live and Available for Listening on the Go!
The Mayor’s Podcast, hosted by Mayor Mark Orgill, is now available on the City website and across major streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Amazon Music, with additional platforms such as YouTube coming soon. Residents can listen anytime and anywhere, whether commuting, walking, or traveling. Direct access links are available on the City website. Click here
The first two episodes are now available. In Episode 1, Mayor Orgill is joined by City Attorney Megan Garibaldi to discuss State housing laws and how they affect the City’s authority, decision making, and policy direction. In Episode 2, Mayor Orgill sits down with City Manager Dave Kiff to review the results of the City Council’s 2026 Strategic Planning Session that occurred in late January and to provide insight into the organizational priorities for the year ahead.
Each episode brings listeners inside the decisions shaping the community and explains timely issues with clarity, context, and candor. The podcast delivers concise, informed conversations on the policies, projects, and priorities that affect residents today and in the months ahead.
Mayor Orgill intends to release new episodes at least twice per month during his tenure as Mayor in 2026, providing regular and reliable updates for the community. Stay connected to your City government wherever you are and listen on the go.
Join us TONIGHT for the First Community Town Hall Meeting at City Hall
THIS EVENING! 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 tonight at 6:00 pm at City Hall (505 Forest Ave) in the Council Chambers. This event is free and open to all.
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.
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)
Meet Jordan, a sweet and sensitive 4-year-old neutered male black pug mix.
Jordan is a 4-year-old neutered male black pug mix with a loyal heart and a sensitive side. He has been at the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter since July 20, 2024 and is currently our longest resident, patiently waiting for his furever home. Jordan doesn’t always show well in his kennel and can seem protective of his space, but once he feels comfortable, he’s an affectionate couch potato who loves belly rubs and quiet companionship. He enjoys the company of other dogs, especially females his size, and our volunteers rave about what a great walker he is. Jordan would do best in a calm, adult-only home where he can truly relax and thrive. Come meet Jordan today!
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.
Beautification in Action – 550 South Coast Hwy
The City of Laguna Beach’s Commercial District Beautification and Property Maintenance Program is proud to spotlight this week, with recent improvements made at 550 South Coast Hwy, home to Hugo Rivera Gallery, Thomas Studios, Coastal Modern Gallery and The Hat Box. Painting and repairs to peeling exterior surfaces have enhanced the building, creating a refreshed appearance. These updates contribute to the welcoming character of the City and reflect the City’s ongoing efforts to support commercial property maintenance. The improvements at 550 South Coast Hwy join a growing list of enhancements throughout the community, including 330 South Coast Hwy (Things & Carats and Crazy Shirts), 227–237 Ocean Avenue, Wells Fargo (265 Ocean Avenue), Bank of America (299 Ocean Avenue), Bill Mark Gallery (218 Forest Avenue), Hobie Surf Shop (294 Forest Avenue), Bushard’s Pharmacy (244 Forest Avenue), 888 Glenneyre Street, and 304 Forest Avenue (Envy and Martin Roberts Gallery). From refreshed paint and fade improvements to new awnings and a vibrant mural, these projects collectively demonstrate a shared commitment between the City and local businesses and property owners to keep Laguna Beach looking its very best. 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.
Community Update: Be Well OC Mobile Mental Health Services
The City of Laguna Beach is grateful for the partnership with Be Well OC and the meaningful support their mobile mental health team provided to our community over the past two and a half years.
On April 18, 2023, the City Council approved a two year agreement with Mind OC, operating as Be Well OC, to bring dedicated mobile mental health services to Laguna Beach. The program launched on August 1, 2023, and, with supplemental funding, remained in place through January 2026. Be Well OC recently notified the City that, due to funding constraints affecting the program, the dedicated mobile unit concluded service at the end of January.
During its time in Laguna Beach, the Be Well OC team delivered compassionate, professional care and helped connect individuals and families to critical mental health resources. The City and Be Well OC are continuing conversations about how mobile mental health services could return in a model that is sustainable over the long term.
The City remains committed to supporting mental health and wellness. Countywide resources are available, and residents who need immediate support may call or text 988. In an emergency, please call 911.
We appreciate the community’s support and will share updates as new opportunities are identified.
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
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
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 Wonderful Weekend! 🌴
Printed copies of the newsletter are available Fridays at the Community & Susi Q Center. Alternative Language Options Available Upon Request.