Laguna beach city news City of Laguna Beach, California

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024

The Next Regular Meeting of the City Council is Tuesday, May 14 at 5:00 P.M.

May 14: Budget Workshop will take place from 2:00 to 4:00 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.

Public Invited to Attend Grand Opening of New Moss Street Beach Access on May 17

The City of Laguna Beach is excited to invite the community to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Moss Street Beach Access. The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. at the terminus of Moss Street at the beach.

The new Moss Street Beach Access improvements include replacement of the existing stairs with new stairs, walkways, bike racks, and enhanced landscaping. The design incorporates colored concrete steps, board-formed concrete retaining walls, and black anodized aluminum handrails. The muted earth tones assimilate these improvements into the newly vegetated bluff which consists of a mix of native and drought-tolerant plants.

The new stairs have been realigned to create new overlook points which enhance the viewing experience of Moss Point while traveling down the stairs to the beach. The improvements also include a new enclosed lifeguard tower. The tower accommodates a single occupant and will significantly improve working conditions for Marine Safety Department staff assigned to Moss Cove. The construction period lasted approximately eight months with a total construction cost of approximately $1,770,000.

A significant contribution to the funding of the Moss Street Beach Access Improvement was made possible by Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine), who secured $1,225,000 in state funding for the project.
“Thanks to the funding secured by Senator Min, the Moss Street Beach Access has undergone a transformative renovation,” said Laguna Beach Mayor Sue Kempf. “The upgraded features, including redesigned stairs, walkways, and a new lifeguard tower, not only enhance accessibility but also preserve the natural beauty of our coastline. This project underscores the City’s commitment to improving coastal access and environmental stewardship."
“Summer is just around the corner and the grand opening of Moss Street Beach Access could not have come at a better time,” said Senator Dave Min. “I’d like to thank the City of Laguna Beach for partnering with my office to secure $1.2 million in State funds to bring this project to life. Local infrastructure has the ability to transform communities, and both local residents and visitors alike will benefit from this new pathway to the shoreline.”
We invite community members to come out to the ribbon-cutting ceremony and enjoy the new amenities at the Moss Street Beach Access on May 17.

New Video Podcast: Stu New's Fair Game with Tom Johnson & Mayor Sue Kempf

In this week's Fair Game podcast with Tom Johnson, Mayor Sue Kempf encourages residents to apply to serve on the Promenade on Forest focus group. She also invites the community to attend the Laguna Canyon Road Protect & Connect Community workshop next Tuesday and enjoy the Sunset Serenades concert series at Heisler Park every Friday in May.

Sunset Serenades Start Friday Night at Heisler Park!

The Danny Green Trio kicks off the free Sunset Serenades Concert Series at the Heisler Park Amphitheater on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Concert attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets or low-seated beach chairs.

See You There!

Residents: Apply to Serve on the Promenade on Forest Focus Group

Are you a resident who wants to play a key role in shaping the future look and feel of the Promenade on Forest? If so, you are encouraged to apply for a seven-member focus group to collaborate with Mayor Sue Kempf and Councilmember Mark Orgill of the City Council Ad Hoc Committee on the design of the Promenade on Forest.

For the next several months, the seven-member focus group will meet with the Ad Hoc Committee, help establish design goals, review conceptual design options, and recommend a design to the City Council.

If you are interested in serving on the focus group, please submit a letter of interest and resume to llacasella@lagunabeachcity.net by May 17, 2024.

Heritage Month Opening Celebration is Tonight

To kick off Heritage Month, the Heritage Committee invites you to the Opening Night Celebration tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tango Restaurant (305 Forest Ave., Suite 103).

See the Schedule of Events for Heritage Month:

Click HERE for the list of Heritage Month events!

LBUSD Students Participate in "Organics Recycling for Tomorrow" Campaign ♻️

Thank you to all LBUSD students who took part in the "Organics Recycling for Tomorrow" campaign, which celebrated Earth Day by encouraging students to create art and videos promoting food waste recycling and composting, in line with California's Senate Bill 1383.

The Marine Safety Department has contacted the US EPA National Response Center and US Coast Guard regarding reports of tar at Agate and Cress Street Beach.

Tar balls are a natural occurrence along Southern California beaches, with increased frequency during Spring months due to oil seeping from the ocean floor. These oil clumps can stick to beach patrons and are typically found along the high-tide line. To remove oil, wash the affected area with oil-based products.

To report abnormally large amounts of oil or tar on the beach, please contact Marine Safety Dispatch at (949) 494-6571.

Meet Penelope: The Sweetest Pup Around

Meet Penelope, a spayed female 6-month-old fox terrier hound mix who is patiently waiting for her forever home. Penelope thrives in the company of other dogs and would do well with children. If you're looking for a loyal and loving furry friend, Penelope may just be the perfect match for you. Come meet her today and give her the loving home she deserves.

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.

K-9 Cooper Says May is "Building Safety Month"

Building Safety Month recognizes the importance of building safety and construction standards. Please stop by Community Development throughout May to learn how to prepare a building safety plan and ways to bring awareness of building safety in the community.

First Thursdays Art Walk is TONIGHT ✨

First Thursdays Art Walk celebrates the diverse cultural art scene of Laguna Beach and is FREE to the public with participation by 40 galleries! First Thursdays Art Walk is held on the first Thursday of every month from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Laguna Local On-Demand Service extends its hours of service for First Thursdays Art Walk until 9:00 p.m. As a reminder, the Laguna Local On-Demand service does not serve the Canyon area.

Have a Fun-Filled Weekend! ✨

Printed copies of the newsletter are available Fridays at the Community & Susi Q Center. Alternative Language Options Available Upon Request.