THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2025
Laguna Beach Ranked Safest Coastal OC City for Violent Crime in 2024
Laguna Beach, CA — Laguna Beach has been officially deemed the safest coastal city in Orange County for violent crime in 2024, according to the Department of Justice. The city also ranked second lowest in property crime, just behind Dana Point. This recognition highlights not only the city’s low crime rates, but also the ongoing commitment of both the Laguna Beach Police Department and the community to public safety and quality of life.
This distinction is more than just a reflection of crime statistics. It represents the tireless work, professionalism, and dedication of the men and women of the Laguna Beach Police Department, as well as the strength of the department’s partnership with the community it proudly serves.
With a population of approximately 22,000 residents, Laguna Beach reported only 37 violent crimes and 210 property crimes in 2024. These numbers are especially notable given that the city welcomes more than six million visitors annually. Laguna Beach had fewer violent crimes than other coastal cities in Orange County, including Dana Point, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, and Huntington Beach.
“Our department’s mission is clear: To be the safest coastal community in Orange County through exceptional policing and community engagement,” said Police Chief Jeff Calvert. “This recognition affirms the impact of that mission and the dedication of our officers, professional staff, and community partners.”
This achievement is a shared success. From sworn officers to professional staff working behind the scenes, every member of the department plays a vital role in keeping Laguna Beach safe. Community members have also contributed by staying informed, involved, and engaged in local public safety efforts.
“As we look ahead, we are committed to continuing this momentum,” Chief Calvert added. “Our goal is not only to maintain our standing, but to become the safest coastal community in Orange County for both violent and property crimes.”
The Laguna Beach Police Department extends its sincere thanks to the entire community for its continued trust and support. Together, we are building an even safer and stronger Laguna Beach.
Mayor Alex Rounaghi Celebrates Laguna Beach Being Named the Safest Coastal City in Orange County🎙️
In this week’s Mayor’s Message, Alex Rounaghi reflects on the 70th Annual Laguna Open Volleyball Tournament, celebrates Laguna Beach being named the safest coastal city in Orange County, shares insights from his recent Colorado River inspection trip on local water reliability, provides updates on efforts to underground utilities in Laguna Canyon, and highlights this weekend’s first-ever Intercity Lawn Bowling Tournament with Newport Beach.
Stay Connected: City Updates for Local Businesses
The City of Laguna Beach is pleased to announce a new way for local businesses to stay connected. Business owners, operators, and commercial property representatives are invited to subscribe to a dedicated email list focused on economic development and business-related updates.
As part of the City’s ongoing efforts to support and strengthen relationships with the local business community, this voluntary email subscription will deliver timely, relevant information directly from City staff. Topics may include:
- City policy changes impacting businesses
- Economic development initiatives
- Business resources and opportunities
By subscribing, you'll receive direct communications designed to keep you informed, engaged, and better equipped to navigate changes that affect your business.
Sign up today to receive business updates from the City of Laguna Beach
Please feel free to share this opportunity with your colleagues, neighbors, and others in the local business community who may also benefit from staying informed.
For more information, please contact Louie Lacasella, City Manager’s Office at llacasella@lagunabeachcity.net.
Join Us for Coastal Cleanup Day!
Be part of the effort to keep Laguna Beach beautiful by joining us for Coastal Cleanup Day. Participants must sign-up before the event begins. At the end of the day, visit the weighing station to see just how much trash was collected. Enjoy live music, coffee, and browse booths from local non-profits supporting this important cause.
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
Be Part of City-Wide Service Day!
Fall 2025 Activity Guide is Here!
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!
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.
LBFD Annual Fire and Life Safety Business Inspections
The Fire Prevention Division of the Laguna Beach Fire Department, under the direction of the Fire Marshal, is responsible for enforcing fire and life safety regulations throughout the city. Its primary responsibilities include fire prevention, hazard mitigation, maintenance of fire protection systems, and management of hazardous materials.
The Annual Fire & Life Safety Inspection Program ensures compliance across various occupancies—from small businesses to complex structures like schools and large multi-family buildings. These inspections identify hazards and help protect property and public safety.
Inspections are conducted by both the Fire Prevention Division (Fire Marshal and Fire Inspector) and Engine Companies from the city’s four fire stations. Engine Companies primarily inspect offices and retail spaces, while the Fire Prevention Division handles larger and more complex occupancies and target hazards (e.g. multi-family complexes, restaurants, places of assembly).
Annual fire inspections are required by law and tailored to each business’s occupancy classification, providing a cost-effective way to protect lives and property.
On April 12, 2022, the Laguna Beach City Council approved an updated fee schedule for Fire Department inspection and permitting services based on a cost-recovery analysis. The Agenda Report, Resolution, and Fee Schedule are available at lagunabeachcity.net/fireprevention.
For details on the inspection process and requirements, visit the Annual Fire & Life Safety Inspections Page. For questions about fire inspection billing and sample invoices, see the FAQ for Fire Inspection Billing.
For further inquiries, contact the Fire Prevention Division at fireprevention@lagunabeachcity.net.
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.
Thank you to all the residents who attended the Laguna Canyon Road Town Hall!
Staff is preparing responses to issues raised at the meeting. The responses will be posted to the project webpage within a week. A second Town Hall on this subject will be scheduled in October.
City Manager Kiff’s presentation can be downloaded from the project webpage, lagunabeachcity.net/LCR.
City Offers AI Business Analytics Tool to Help Local Businesses Gain Deeper Customer Insights
The City’s Economic Development Team is pleased to introduce a new one-on-one service for local businesses. Through this program, City staff will provide access to a data analytics platform and work directly with business owners to extrapolate customer trends. This service is intended to generate actionable insights that can inform decision-making and strengthen marketing strategies.
The platform and staff support will be offered free of charge to existing Laguna Beach businesses as part of the City’s ongoing commitment to economic vitality. City staff will provide individualized assistance to ensure that each business receives tailored analysis aligned with its unique circumstances and goals.
The program gathers aggregated and anonymized data about foot traffic and visitation patterns, such as where visitors are coming from, their likely travel routes, dwell times, and stops made before or after visiting a business. These insights can help businesses refine advertising strategies, optimize storefronts and hours, and improve customer engagement overall.
Business owners interested in receiving the data are encouraged to contact the City’s Economic Development Team. For more information, please contact Louie Lacasella, City Manager’s Office, at llacasella@lagunabeachcity.net
Beautification in Action – Awning Replacement at 888 Glenneyre Street Enhances Local Streetscape
The City’s Commercial District Beautification and Property Maintenance Program continues to make a positive impact throughout the community, with yet another visible enhancement recently completed. This time, the spotlight is on 888 Glenneyre Street, where brand-new awnings have been installed—further advancing the City’s goal of creating attractive and well-maintained commercial areas.
The replacement of the aging awnings at 888 Glenneyre Street may seem like a small change, but it brings a noticeable boost to the building’s overall curb appeal. The new awnings not only refreshes the exterior but also contributes to a more inviting streetscape for both residents and visitors.
This simple yet effective upgrade highlights how minor improvements can significantly enhance the character and charm of our commercial corridors. Projects like these embody the mission of the City’s beautification program, which supports property owners in revitalizing their buildings through maintenance, repairs, and aesthetic updates. The City provides outreach and incentives—including reimbursement of certain City fees—to encourage these efforts.
Like the recent upgrades to Bushard’s Pharmacy at 244 Forest Avenue and 304 Forest Avenue, including paint repairs and a vibrant new mural, the awning replacement at 888 Glenneyre Street shows how property owners across Laguna Beach are investing in their spaces and the community as a whole.
These visible improvements help maintain Laguna Beach’s unique identity while fostering a welcoming environment for residents and visitors. The City remains committed to promoting these collaborative efforts and looks forward to highlighting additional examples of beautification in the weeks ahead.
For more information about the City’s Commercial District Beautification and Property Maintenance Program, please contact Louie Lacasella, 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.
Laguna Beach Goat Update
This morning 2 goat herds finished up on the Fire Road and T.O.W. school. The herd on the Fire Road dropped down into Bluebird Canyon. The herd from T.O.W. School was moved to All View Terrace. The third herd is finishing up behind Thurston School and will be done in that area before school starts. Each of the three herds are being maintained at 200 goats each. If you have any questions let me know.
Goats play a key role in fuel modification by clearing dry brush and reducing wildfire risk in hard-to-reach areas. As a reminder, please do not pet the goats.
Enjoy Live Music at Sunset Serenades in Heisler Park
Enjoy a night of smooth jazz with LP and the Vinyl at Sunset Serenades in Heisler Park, Laguna Beach, on Friday, September 19.
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.