Laguna Beach City news City of Laguna Beach, California

(Cover Photo by Laurie Nassif)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

This Week's City Council Action:

City Council Holds Annual Strategic Planning Session

On Friday, January 19, the Laguna Beach City Council held its Annual Strategic Planning Session at the Laguna Beach Council Chambers. The Annual Strategic Planning Session provided an opportunity for the City Council to discuss and set its priorities for 2024.

Update on Pickleball Courts in Laguna Beach

On Tuesday, City Staff presented its findings related to sound attenuation at Lang Park, along with opportunities to expand programming to other locations within the City. As the next step, City Staff will investigate potential locations at Moulton Meadows, Alta Laguna, and inland Aliso Beach. Additionally, City Staff will collaborate with the property manager of the adjacent residential units at Lang Park to incorporate additional sound mitigation efforts, including the installation of multi-pane windows. City Staff will return to the City Council at a future meeting with the project scope and cost estimates for Lang Park.

City Council to Form Ad-Hoc Committee Regarding Permanent Design of Promenade on Forest

On Tuesday, the City Council voted to appoint Mayor Sue Kempf and Councilmember Mark Orgill to an ad-hoc committee to review public feedback and a plan moving forward regarding the permanent Promenade on Forest design. The approval of the formation of the City Council’s ad-hoc committee will take place at the February 13, 2024 meeting. If approved, the ad-hoc committee will return to the City Council with a plan regarding the Promenade on Forest in the next three months.

Aliso Creek Estuary Project Update

On Tuesday, the City Council received a presentation from the Laguna Ocean Foundation (LOF) regarding the restoration project for the Aliso Creek Estuary. The City Council requested that LOF submit its project for a concept review before proceeding with the environmental review. It is estimated that the results of the concept review will be presented to the City Council in late summer. During that meeting, the City Council may review the project's benefits and implications and determine the next steps.

The Next Regular Meeting of the City Council is Tuesday, February 13 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.
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"

Public Works Director Named Acting Director of Community Development

Interim City Manager Sean Joyce announced yesterday that Marc Wiener, Community Development Director of Laguna Beach since December 2019, has decided to leave the City effective immediately to pursue other professional opportunities. “I wish to thank Marc for his contributions these past 4 years and to wish him well in his future endeavors. Marc is proud of his time in Laguna and of the many friends he made along the way,” Joyce said.

Joyce appointed Laguna Beach Public Works Director Mark McAvoy Acting Director of Community Development while the City conducts a recruitment for Mr. Wiener’s replacement.

Throughout this interim period Mark McAvoy will work closely with Assistant Community Development Director Matt Schneider to provide continuity of department leadership that provides services upon which so many residents rely every day. Mark McAvoy is not a candidate for the Community Development Director position.

Mark McAvoy has assigned City Engineer Mark Trestik, a 23-year veteran of Laguna Beach, as Acting Public Works Director during his assignment. The two will remain in regular communication to ensure no disruption of operations in Public Works and to facilitate a seamless transition upon McAvoy’s return to Public Works. “I am confident that the depth and breadth of talent in Public Works will allow for Mark McAvoy’s temporary absence without reducing service to the public.
Click HERE to Read the Full Press Release

Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi Assists Point In Time Count

Earlier today, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi assists City Staff in the County's annual Point In Time count. The Point In Time is an annual survey of people experiencing homelessness in the County.

The count provides vital information that helps the County of Orange better understand homelessness in the community and guides the way the County and its partners respond to homelessness in Orange County.
Click HERE to Learn More about the County's Point-In-Time Count

Laguna Beach Animal Shelter Celebrates Heartwarming Adoption of Sparky! ✨

After a journey of resilience and patience, the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter is thrilled to announce the long-awaited adoption of Sparky, a lovable canine who captured the hearts of shelter staff, volunteers and visitors alike.

Sparky, a Border Collie mix, was the longest staying resident at the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter. Despite his friendly demeanor and playful spirit, Sparky faced challenges in finding his forever home.

The dedicated staff at the shelter worked tirelessly to ensure Sparky's well-being and happiness while actively seeking the perfect match for this special dog. New Beginnings Animal Rescue provided training which helped with his placement.

The adoption of Sparky highlights the importance of patience and perseverance in the world of animal rescue. While Sparky's journey took time, it ultimately led to a perfect match between him and his new family. The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter extends its deepest gratitude to Sparky's adopters for opening their hearts and homes to a deserving companion.
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!
The Cash Collection period for the Woods Cove Underground Utility Assessment District is open. The Cash Collection period provides options for property owners to prepay or finance their assessments, or to apply to the City’s Loan Deferment Program. The deadline to prepay or qualify for the Loan Deferment Program is February 22. Questions regarding assessments can be directed to Senior Project Manager, Pierre Sawaya, at (949) 497-0751. Questions regarding the Loan Deferment Program can be directed to the Finance Department at (949) 497-0793.
On Sunday, February 4, OCTA will offer free rides all day on fixed-route buses. No ticket required! Transit Equity Day commemorates the birthday of civil rights icon Rosa Parks, whose 1955 refusal to give up her seat on the bus led to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that segregation on transit was unconstitutional. Every day, OCTA is committed to offering equitable, reliable and balanced transportation for all.

🎥 Watch: An Artist Perspective: Outdoor Banners

Click HERE for More Information on the 2024 Banner Competition!
Click HERE to Apply Online!
Click HERE to Apply Online!

Wishing You 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.