THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2025
Alex Rounaghi speaks with Dr. Jason Glass about his first 100 days in Laguna Beach schools 🎙️
In this week’s Mayor’s Message, Alex Rounaghi shares insights from his conversation with Dr. Jason Glass on his first 100 days as Laguna Beach Unified School District Superintendent, including updates on the school board, community priorities, and lessons on civility, tolerance, and free expression in schools. He also celebrates Laguna Beach’s victory in the recent intercity lawn bowling tournament against Newport Beach and reflects on the importance of collaboration and community spirit.
Be Part of City-Wide Service Day!
Free Composting Workshop!
The City of Laguna Beach and CR&R are hosting a free composting workshop to help residents transform food and yard waste into rich, organic fertilizer through traditional composting techniques.
- When: Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Where: Community & Susi Q Center Art Room (380 3rd Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651)
RSVP Required: LagunaBeach-Recycles@crrmail.com
Paper Shredding Event
The City & CR&R are excited to host a drive-thru document shredding event on November 8th at City Lot #16 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Residents and businesses may bring a maximum of 10 bankers boxes of paper to shred. Proof of residency or business operations is required.
Share Your Feedback at the Town Hall Meeting hosted by LBUSD
LBUSD will host a series of Town Halls at each school site to provide families and community members an opportunity to share feedback directly with the superintendent. The conversations will focus on what the district should continue, what may need to change, and new opportunities to consider. All Town Halls are open to anyone, regardless of school affiliation. Families and community members are encouraged to attend the session most convenient for them.
6–7:30 p.m. on September 30 - Thurston Middle School - Library
Check out the Fall Activity Guide!
Tip-a-Cop Fundraiser at Ruby’s Diner
Support Laguna Beach police officers and Special Olympics athletes at the Tip-a-Cop fundraiser! During this special event, officers and athletes will serve as waiters at Ruby’s Diner, with all tips donated to benefit the Special Olympics team. Donations help cover the cost of uniforms, sporting events, and training. Guests can also enjoy a classic car show outside while supporting a great cause.
September is National Preparedness Month!
The City of Laguna Beach encourages everyone to strengthen their personal preparedness while also supporting neighbors, friends, and community members.
It's important to remember that, especially for older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals with access or functional considerations, preparedness is not a “one size fits all” approach. To be effective, preparedness efforts need to be inclusive, accessible, and tailored to meet individual needs.
Please consider the following important tips:
- · Create a Personalized Emergency Plan: Factor in medical needs, assistive technology, service animals, and accessible transportation. Share your plan with care providers, family, or neighbors who may support you in an emergency.
- · Stay Connected with Accessible Communication: Have multiple ways to receive alerts, such as texts, phone calls, or using visual notifications. Also, plan for power outages with backup options like a portable radio.
- · Build an Emergency Kit that Works for You: Include spare batteries, chargers for mobility or communication devices, copies of medical information in accessible formats, and items that support independence and safety.
- · Practice and Review Regularly: Test your plan by learning evacuation routes, identifying accessible transportation options, and practicing responses for different disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, and power outages.
Prepare today, so you can ensure your safety, security, and independence tomorrow.
California Residential Mitigation Program for Earthquakes – Register Now!
The California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP) offers earthquake retrofit grants to qualified California homeowners in high-risk areas with vulnerable types of houses. CRMP has two retrofit grant programs: Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) and Earthquake Soft-Story (ESS). These programs offer grants to homeowners to complete a residential seismic retrofit.
Homeowners who live in select ZIP Codes, with homes that have certain characteristics, may be eligible for grants to help pay for a seismic retrofit of their house. Supplemental grants are also available for qualified income-eligible homeowners.
The application period runs through October 1st.
This year’s theme is Preparedness Starts at Home and focuses on getting back to the essentials of preparedness. This includes understanding the hazards we face here in Laguna Beach, making a family emergency plan, building an emergency supply kit, and signing up for emergency alert systems. To support you in your preparedness efforts, we created the new City of Laguna Beach specific all-hazard Emergency Preparedness Guide. Be sure to share the guide with your family, friends, and neighbors.
Another essential step in preparedness is getting trained on basic disaster response skills like fire safety, light search and rescue, and basic medical operations. You can do this by attending the upcoming Community Emergency Response (CERT) Academy. The academy is open to adults and teens who live, work, or attend school in Laguna Beach.
Meet Coco, the Affectionate and Gentle Silky Terrier Mix
Coco is a sweet 10-year-old spayed female Silky Terrier mix who loves nothing more than cuddling in your lap. Affectionate and gentle, Coco is the perfect companion for anyone looking for a loyal senior pup to share their heart and home.
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.
Congratulations to the Terrace at Canyon Hills Homeowners Association for becoming first Firewise USA® community recognized in the City of Laguna Beach!
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.
NFPA Notice for California Residents Regarding Firewise and Insurance Discounts.
Laguna Canyon Road Town Hall: Comments and Responses Now Available Online
To follow-up on the Laguna Canyon Road Town Hall, in addition to the meeting recording and the presentation, comments and responses have now been posted on the project webpage, lagunabeachcity.net/LCR.
City Introduces First-Ever Animal Shelter Vehicle and Zero-Emission Trucks for Animal Services
A VW Buzz was purchased for the Animal Shelter to assist with transporting animals to local veterinarians, evacuating animals from the shelter during emergencies, and helping with community adoption events. This is the first city vehicle ever purchased for the Animal Shelter, which the staff appreciates because they no longer have to use their personal vehicles to transport shelter animals.
Two Ford F-150 Lightning trucks were purchased for use by the city’s Animal Services Officers. The all-electric trucks have air-conditioned pet containers, and plenty of power to last for days between charges. In addition to having the most horsepower in the police fleet, the new ASO trucks have six built-in power outlets that can be used to supply power for tools or other emergency equipment in the field when a nearby power source is unavailable.
We thank Fleet Services Coordinator Larry Wohrman, Animal Services Officer John Thompson, and Animal Care Specialist Taylor Dunaway for their joint efforts in researching, purchasing, and developing the new zero-emission Animal Services vehicles!
Beautification in Action – Fresh Paint, Lasting Impact: Hobie Surf Shop Shines
The City’s Commercial District Beautification and Property Maintenance Program is pleased to spotlight another successful property that reflects ongoing commitment to maintaining attractive and welcoming commercial spaces. This time, the spotlight is on Hobie Surf Shop at 294 Forest Avenue, where the removal and repair of peeling and chipped paint has brought renewed charm and vibrancy to the iconic storefront.
While the change may seem subtle, the refreshed exterior makes a clear visual impact—contributing to a more polished and inviting streetscape in the downtown. Improvements like this underscore how small, targeted upgrades can dramatically boost curb appeal and support the character of commercial corridors.
Hobie Surf Shop isn’t just any retail space—it's a staple of surf culture with deep roots in the community. Established by legendary surfer Hobie Alter and later joined by partner Dick Metz in the 1950s, the shop has long been a hub for surf enthusiasts, locals, and visitors alike. As one of the original pioneers of the Southern California surf scene, Hobie Surf Shop carries a legacy that blends innovation, authenticity, and coastal lifestyle. Enhancements to its historic location help preserve its legacy while keeping the downtown area vibrant and welcoming.
This project aligns with the broader mission of the City’s beautification program, which encourages commercial property owners to invest in regular maintenance, repairs, and aesthetic upgrades. The City supports these efforts by conducting outreach, guidance, and reimbursement of certain City fees.
The Hobie Surf Shop update joins recent improvements at Bushard’s Pharmacy (244 Forest Avenue), 888 Glenneyre Street, and 304 Forest Avenue, where refreshed paint, upgraded awnings, and even a new mural have helped transform the visual experience of public spaces. These projects collectively showcase how property owners throughout Laguna Beach are playing a vital role in enhancing the city’s unique charm and appeal.
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.
Non-Summer Season Trolley Routes (Sept. 2, 2025 - June 24, 2026)
Coastal Route
Free trolley service on Coast Highway between North Laguna/ Heisler Park, downtown, South Laguna/ Mission Hospital and Ritz Carlton in Dana Point.
- Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes.
Canyon Route
Park for free at Lot 16/Act V (1900 Laguna Canyon Road) and ride a free trolley to downtown Laguna Beach every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
Note: Lot 16 is closed to the public Monday-Friday.
Enjoy Live Music at Sunset Serenades in Heisler Park
Experience the vibrant sounds of Afro Fiesta with Afro-beat, reggae and Latin rhythms at Sunset Serenades in Heisler Park, Laguna Beach, on Friday, September 26.
Concerts take place from 5:30 p.m. to sunset. Low-back beach chairs are encouraged. Alcohol is permitted for guests 21 or older, but must be accompanied by a full meal. Solicitation of any kind is not permitted at City events.
Enjoy Your Weekend Ahead! ☀️
Printed copies of the newsletter are available Fridays at the Community & Susi Q Center. Alternative Language Options Available Upon Request.