Laguna Beach City news City of Laguna Beach, California

(Cover Photo by Mitch Ridder)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

This Week's City Council Action:

OC Supervisor Katrina Foley Recognizes City Council Members

On Tuesday, OC Supervisor Katrina Foley recognized Councilmember Bob Whalen for his years of service as Mayor, Mayor Sue Kempf for her appointment to Mayor, and Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi for his appointment to Mayor Pro Tem.

City Council Recognizes Laguna Business Owners for Green Business Certification

On Tuesday, the City Council recognized 8 Laguna Beach businesses that have met the California Green Business Network certification and recertification requirements! ♻️ These businesses include ARTime Barro, Dog Ranch Bed & Biscuit, Earth Stones International, Eco Now, Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center, Peter Blake Gallery, Haus of Wellness, and 7 Roots. Congratulations and thank you for your efforts to become a green business!

City Staff Recognized for Milestone Years of Service

On Tuesday, the City Council recognized 10 City staff members who have reached a milestone year of service and employment with the City of Laguna Beach during the fourth quarter of the calendar year. Congratulations to all employees recognized! ✨ 🪴

Congratulations to the Winners of the City's Photo Contest!

On Tuesday, the City Council recognized the winners of the City's Photo Contest. In October 2023, the City of Laguna Beach held the City’s Photo Contest to those who live, work, or exhibit in Laguna Beach. The theme was “Through the Lens of Laguna Beach” and there were 122 photo submissions from 45 participants. The contest judge was local photographer Mary Hurlbut. The first place winner was Mitch Ridder (right) and runner-up winners were Keli Daniels (left), Christoper Allwine, and Gemma Totten. Congratulations! 📷 ✨

Public Works & Utilities Department Recognized for APWA Project of the Year

On Tuesday, the City Council recognized the Public Works & Utilities Department for receiving the American Public Works Association (APWA) Drainage, Water, Wastewater Project of the Year for the Irvine Cove Emergency Backup Generator project. In 2023, the Public Works & Utilities Department installed a natural gas emergency generator in an underground vault to ensure continuous operation of the Irvine Cove wastewater lift station to prevent potential spills on the beach, preserve ocean views, and provide environmental protection of ocean habitat.

City Council Approves Mechanical Treatment for Fuel Modification Program

On Tuesday, the City Council directed City Staff to proceed with its fuel modification program in 2024 with a mechanical treatment, using no herbicide. The primary goal of the fuel modification program is to slow the spread of wildfires by treating wildland habitats near neighborhoods. City Council also requested that City Staff confer with the California Coastal Commission for flexibility in meeting mitigation plan objectives for restoration site using alternative methods. City Staff will develop an integrated pest management plan and present the plan at a future City Council meeting.

Laguna Canyon Road Project Update

On Tuesday, the City Council received a project update from the Laguna Canyon Road Ad-Hoc Subcommittee, approved the Public Engagement Implementation Plan, authorized the City Manager to execute and submit a RAISE Grant Match Commitment Letter for up to $1,280,000, and authorized the City Manager to submit a Relinquishment Initiation Letter to Caltrans to enter negotiations for the acquisition of Laguna Canyon Road through the Caltrans relinquishment process. Acquisition of the road is expected to expedite and facilitate implementation of improvements such as utility undergrounding and multi-modal transportation elements along Laguna Canyon Road. The Laguna Canyon Road: Protect & Connect project aims to improve safety for all users, enhance sustainability, and manage congestion along one of the only direct routes to Laguna Beach - the Laguna Canyon Road corridor. The next step in the Laguna Canyon Road project is to begin public engagement in early 2024.
Click HERE to Read More about the Laguna Canyon Road Project

The City Council's Annual Strategic Planning Session is on January 19 at 8:30 A.M. at the City Council Chambers.

Click HERE for the January 19 Annual Planning Session Agenda

The Next Regular Meeting of the City Council is Tuesday, January 23 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.

January 23 Tentative Agenda

Click HERE for the City Council Tentative Agenda
The Week That Was (TW2) is an update on City business in previous weeks.
Click HERE for "The Week That Was"

Mayor Kempf Recaps This Week's City Council Action in Today's Podcast

In today's podcast on Voice of Laguna, Mayor Kempf discusses this week's City Council action including the Council's decision to use a mechanic treatment for the City's Fuel Modification program.

Click HERE to Listen to Today's Podcast on Voice of Laguna!

Apply Now for Community Assistance Grants

The City of Laguna Beach makes Community Assistance Grants available to local non-profit organizations that provide special services to residents of Laguna Beach. The Community Assistance Grant Application period is open from January 8, 2024 through March 21, 2024.

The objective of this program is to assist local organizations in funding new projects or expanded services within the community. Grant awards are decided by the City Council.
Click HERE for More Information and to Apply Online!

Commercial Burglary Suspect Arrested

Click HERE to Read the Full Press Release

On January 04, 2024, at 3:46 a.m., a Laguna Beach Police Department police officer conducted patrol checks of the businesses along Laguna Canyon Road. Laguna Beach Police Department has increased patrol checks in this area due to multiple recent commercial burglaries.

The officer observed a vehicle leaving a closed business and conducted a traffic enforcement stop based on a vehicle equipment violation. The officer observed various items in the vehicle which heightened the officer’s suspicion.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the driver, Joseph Hernandez, a resident of Chino Hills, was arrested for burglary, possession of stolen property, and additional charges. Officers were able to determine ownership of the stolen equipment ($20,000 value) and return the items to the owners.

Anyone with information regarding the burglary and thefts is urged to contact the Laguna Beach Police Department at 949-497-0701.

Bambi is Still Looking for a Forever Home 🐶

Bambi is a 2 1/2 year-old spayed female Doberman mix who is still looking for a place to call home. She is very affectionate and gets along with other dogs. 🐶

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.
Click HERE for More Information on Adoption Procedures!

Temporary Skate Ramps Open at the Community & Recreation Center 🛹

The City of Laguna Beach installed temporary skate ramps at the Community & Recreation Center. The skate ramps will be used for City-sponsored skate classes and camps, as well as for free skating during limited daytime hours.

The temporary skate ramps are open Monday through Friday 2:00 p.m. to dusk and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The placement of the skate ramps were approved as a pilot program by City Council as part of the interim use plan for LBCRC in response to resident requests for a location within the City where youth could safely skateboard.

Click HERE to sign up for recreation classes this winter! There are many new programs available at the Community and Recreation Center including Futsal, Tumble-N-Kids, Music & Wiggles, and Paint, Paste, & Pour.

Submit Designs in the 2024 Banner Competition

The Laguna Beach Arts Commission invites you to submit your design in the 2024 Banner Competition! Prospective designs and application materials must be delivered by March 4, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. to the Cultural Arts Department at City Hall (505 Forest Ave).

Completed banners will be displayed on lampposts throughout the City during the summer. $4,000 will be awarded for all completed banners selected.
Click HERE for More Information!
Click HERE to apply online!

Have a Wonderful Weekend! 🌊

Have a Question? Click HERE to Contact the City of Laguna Beach!
Printed copies of the newsletter are available Fridays at the Community & Susi Q Center. Alternative Language Options Available Upon Request.