Laguna Beach City news City of Laguna Beach, California

THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2024

JOIN US: Arbor Day Celebration is TODAY from 3 - 5 P.M. at Boat Canyon Park!

Please join us in celebrating Arbor Day today from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Boat Canyon Park (555 Hillcrest Dr)! Activities include tree planting, meet-and-greets with garden groups and tree enthusiasts, special message from Mayor Sue Kempf, and tree information from our City Arborist Matthew Barker.

Public Art Dedication Also TODAY at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall!

The City of Laguna Beach Arts Commission invites you to the public art dedication of "DREAM BIG" by Elizabeth Laul Healey today at 5:00 p.m. on the front lawn of City Hall (505 Forest Ave). Funded by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach.

Last Thursday's City Council Action:

City Council Recognizes February 2024 as American Heart Month

Last Thursday, the City Council adopted a proclamation recognizing Heartfelt's contribution to the community and declaring February 2024 as American Heart Month. American Hearth Month raises awareness about hearth health and promotes cardiovascular wellness across the United States. Heartfelt is a Laguna Beach nonprofit organization that has dedicated to the advancement of cardiovascular health initiatives, promoting invaluable support, resources, and advocacy to residents.

City Council Votes to Remove Tree and Plant Three Trees to Replace It

Last Thursday, the City Council voted to remove a lemon-scented gum tree at 387 El Camino Del Mar and plant three trees to replace it. City Staff recommended that the tree be removed after a Level III Risk Assessment by a third-party certified arborist determined the tree to be unstable. The City Council determined that the removal of the tree is exempt from CEQA and directed staff to file and post a Notice of Exemption that is consistent with the CEQA finding within five days of the City Council's approval to remove the tree.

City Council Approves Consultant Services Agreement for Facilities Master Plan

Last Thursday, the City Council gave the go-ahead for the City to partner with Griffin Structures, Inc. to create a Facilities Master Plan (FMP). This plan will look at the current state of City facilities, predict future space requirements, pinpoint any service gaps, and lay out a detailed plan to upgrade and optimize City facilities. The City Council's ad hoc committee will also establish a method for involving the community in this process, allowing the public to learn about the FMP's findings, discuss priorities, and identify opportunities.

City Council Introduces Tenancy Termination Notice Ordinance

Last Thursday, the City Council introduced an ordinace requiring local noticing and reporting requirements for tenancy terminations, to supplement the State of California's newly revised tenant protection laws. The goal is to help the City keep track of eviction notices, improve community awareness, and ensure landlords and tenants are well-informed and can respond appropriately to these situations.

The Next Regular Meeting of the City Council is Tuesday, March 12 at 5:00 P.M.

Click HERE for the March 12 City Council Meeting Agenda
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"

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 talks about the Promenade on Forest design project, previews next week's City Council meeting, and talks about today's Arbor Day celebration and the "DREAM BIG" Public Art dedication.
Last Thursday, the Laguna Beach Fire Department held a swearing-in ceremony at Fire Station 2 to welcome eleven new Ambulance Operators. After completing an intensive one-week academy, these new Ambulance Operators are fully prepared to serve the community. Congratulations and welcome to the team! 🚑

Sweet Pup "Ariel" Wants to be Part of Your World!

Ariel is a two-year-old spayed female black and tan Doberman. She is quiet and gentle, but also playful and affectionate when she becomes comfortable around others. She is missing a leg, but that does not stop her from walking with ease.
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!

Share Your Thoughts on the Future of the Laguna Beach Community Pool: Take the Survey!

On Tuesday, March 12, the City Council will review alternatives for a future community pool facility. The City would like feedback from the community regarding future aquatics programming.

Click HERE to Take the Laguna Beach Community Pool Survey
Options under consideration include joint use of a 50-meter pool planned by the Laguna Beach Unified School District at the existing site across from Laguna Beach High School, or construction of a new 25-meter pool at an alternate, undetermined location that would be built, operated and maintained by the City.

Non-Profits: Apply Now for 2024 Community Assistance Grants!

The Community Assistance Grant Application period is open until March 21, 2024.

Each year, the City of Laguna Beach provides Community Assistance Grants to local non-profit organizations that provide special services to residents.

The objective of this program is to assist local organizations in funding new projects or expanded services within the community. Grant awards are decided by the City Council.

Click HERE for More Information and to Apply Online!

First Thursdays Art Walk TONIGHT from 6-9 PM!

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.

Click HERE for the Full List of Galleries!
The Laguna Local On-Demand Service will extend its hours of service on Thursday, March 7 for First Thursdays Art Walk until 9:00 p.m.

Have 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.