Laguna beach city news City of Laguna Beach, California

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

Q: Is the City trying to do anything to improve the Community Development process?

A: Yes! The City Manager and the new Director of Community Development are working on improving the processes in Community Development to better serve the community. The planned improvements include:

• Hiring of additional staff resources to address the application backlog.
• Updating Energov technology to make it possible to apply for a solar permit via the Community Development website in late September with remaining digital permitting and public facing updates coming in late fall 2024.
• Creating a priority list of long-term planning projects so that higher level staff can set those aside and assist in addressing the application backlog.
• Working on streamlining the Zoning Code and a longer-term update to the Zoning Code to move more things to administrative and other low-level review.

Have a question for Ask the City? Please email it to socialmedia@lagunabeachcity.net.

An Update on a Recent Video Involving a Park Ranger at Main Beach

On Monday, August 5, 2024, Laguna Beach dispatch was informed of an individual known to the PD who was involved in a demonstration on Main Beach. The subject was in possession of a flagpole, in violation of Municipal Code 8.50.010, which prohibits possession of poles, sticks or similar items during a demonstration or rally on public property.

In 2017, an ordinance was passed after a violent rally at Main Beach, which made it illegal to carry metal pipes and other items at a rally or political assembly on a City beach or park. In 2020, additional protests occurred on Main Beach where multiple wooden poles and sticks were being carried by protestors. To address the safety concerns of first responders and the public, the ordinance was amended by a unanimous vote by the City Council to the following (in part):

No person, while attending or participating in any demonstration, rally, protest or other public assembly on any city beach, in any city park, on any public street or sidewalk, on any public property, or in any city facility shall carry or possess any of the following items or articles: metal pipes, baseball or softball bats, lengths of lumber or wood (any size); poles, …or any other item or article that is generally considered a weapon or reasonably capable of being used as a weapon. Signs and flags must be held by hand and may not be affixed to any pole, stick or similar object.

Regarding the incident on Monday, the individual was provided a printed copy of the ordinance, he was also provided multiple verbal warnings, and different law enforcement personnel explained his options (specifically to hold the flags by hand and dispose of the poles). The subject refused to comply with the ordinance, even if he was issued a citation. The arrest was a result of the individual’s actions. He was arrested without incident and the flags were returned to him upon his release after booking.

The Laguna Beach Police Department remains a-political and takes the responsibility of protecting one’s First Amendment Right. While we will not infringe on someone’s message, the law does not permit individuals with sticks, poles and other prohibited items to engage in certain activities for the safety of everyone involved.

Ultimate '80s Band "Betamaxx" Performing at Music in the Park on Sunday 🎶

Formed in 2009, Betamaxx has been captivating audiences all over Southern California with their authentic ‘80s live music experience. Packed with ultra-high energy, Betamaxx delivers a non-stop, nostalgia-filled rock concert that keeps the dance floor packed from beginning to end.

The FREE Music in the Park concert kicks off at 5:00 p.m. this Sunday at Bluebird Park! Attendees can start setting up after 3:00 p.m. Please note, dogs are not allowed, smoking is banned, and merchandise sales are prohibited. Guests 21 and older can enjoy alcohol with a full meal.