Laguna Beach City News City of Laguna Beach, California

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023

The Next Regular Meeting of the Laguna Beach City Council is Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

January 9, 2024 Tentative 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"

Progress Made on City Initiatives and City Council Priorities:

Extending Marine Safety Operations in South Laguna Beach

On March 1, 2023, the City assumed control of the beaches in South Laguna. Marine Safety operations were extended into South Laguna, providing the same level of service as the rest of the City. The additional area required recruiting, hiring, training, and the deployment of more than 60 lifeguards. Public Works & Utilities updated all South Laguna beach signage and provided approximately 150 new trash and recycling receptacles for the public.

Providing Mobile Mental Health Services to the Community

On April 18, 2023, the City Council approved a two-year service agreement with Mind OC (Be Well OC) to provide mobile mental health and substance abuse services to the community. The program launched in Laguna Beach on August 1, 2023, and is available to the public seven days per week between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The City would like to thank Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris for securing $1.5 million of State funding to support operating expenses during the initial two-year trial program.

Police Department Addresses Loud Vehicle Noise in the Community

The Laguna Beach Police Department collaborated with agencies throughout Orange County to host four joint operations addressing the issue of loud exhaust.

Police Department’s Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET) Implemented to Address Quality of Life Issues

Since the inception of the NET in May of 2022, the team has continued to expand and establish itself throughout the community: The traffic team was increased from two motor officers to four motor officers to address ongoing traffic safety issues; seven of the eight full-time positions are filled, and one person is now in the hiring process; the Homeless Liaison Officer was successful reuniting 14 individuals with their homes outside the City through the City-funded Operation Homecoming program; CSO Nicole Rice held many community education programs such as the Road Safety Expo, Citizens Academy, Ice Cream Social, Coffee with a Cop, Pizza with a Park Ranger, and Know-Your-Limits program, and hosted the City’s first annual National Night Out at Main Beach; and the Police Department welcomed K-9 Officer "Bear" (Corporal Priscilla Angeloni was selected as his handler.) The police department now has canine support seven days a week provided by two apprehension K-9s.

Public Safety

Police Department:

Police Department Reorganization & Training

The Police Department's Command staff completed a comprehensive restructuring of the police department to improve communication, decrease the supervisory span of control, increase efficiency, and aid in succession planning to develop future leadership. The department also enhanced training opportunities for staff, with an emphasis on leadership.

Executive Team Promotions

The Police Department promoted three new members to the Executive Team. Mike Peters joined the Laguna Beach Police Department as its newest Captain after serving 26 years at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Sergeants Jesse Schmidt and Jason Farris were both promoted to Lieutenant.

New Axon Body Worn Cameras (BWC) and In-Car Video

The Police Department is upgrading its legacy BWC system to the Axon Body Worn Camera and In-Car Video Platforms. This upgrade will enhance transparency and accountability between police personnel and citizens and document evidence that can be easily retrieved.

Upgraded to Dell Mobile Data Computers (MDC)

LBPD replaced outdated Mobile Data Computers with new Dell computers. The new computers will empower police officers and professional staff to work remotely within the City, promoting greater flexibility and responsiveness.

Equipped with New On-Duty Cell Phones

The Police Department equipped each Laguna Beach Police Department employee with a department-issued cellular phone for on-duty use. This strategic initiative ensures that our personnel have directories, resources, and essential tools that are pre-loaded into the phone at their fingertips.

Launched the New Insight Application

LBPD launched the new Insight mobile application for Police officers, allowing officers to send digital resources directly to residents via the application. Police officers now have immediate access to emergency management resources, public resources, forms, and scheduling information anywhere they have a cellular signal.

Received New Ballistic Helmets

In September, the Laguna Beach Police Department received 60 new ballistic helmets. The helmets replaced aging U.S. Military surplus helmets acquired more than 10-years ago. The helmets provide rifle-grade protection while weighing less and allowing for greater maneuverability, comfort, and safety.

Enhanced the False Alarm and Permitting System

The Police Department implemented the Alarm Program System (APS) in March 2023 to assume responsibility for alarm permitting and false alarm billing that had previously been handled in-house. APS enables residents and businesses to conveniently apply for and pay their alarm fees online and by mail. The new system has resulted in better customer service and improved compliance.

Adopted Title 6 Municipal Code Updates

The City Council adopted an ordinance that significantly changed Title 6 of the Municipal Code related to animals. The changes included adopting an objective standard defining nuisance dog barking, providing due process for determining whether a dog is vicious and a public safety nuisance, and prohibiting a person from dragging a leashed dog while riding a bike.

Launched 'Pets for Veterans' No-Cost Pet Adoption Program

The Animal Shelter launched a new no-cost Pets for Veterans adoption program in November 2023 to incentivize the adoption of pets by active-duty military and retired veterans of Orange County. The program will help place pets in new homes with the families of military members and retired veterans.

Laguna Beach Police / Water District Joint Wellness Center (Gym)

Established a joint wellness center for Laguna Beach Police and Laguna Beach County Water District employees in June 2023. The new center was created through the generosity of the Laguna Beach Police and Community Foundation non-profit organization.

Fallen Officer Jon Coutchie Bridge Dedication

Senator Janet Nguyen sponsored legislation to dedicate the Aliso Creek Bridge as the Officer Jon Coutchie Memorial Bridge. On September 21, 2023, the 10-year anniversary of Officer Coutchie’s End of Watch, a formal dedication ceremony was held, attended by his family, friends, public officials, City staff, and law enforcement officers throughout the County.

Fire Department:

Fee Collections for Fire Life Safety

On July 1, the Fire Department began invoicing and collecting fees for fire life safety inspections, permits, and plan checks as part of the Citywide adopted fee schedule. The revenue generated will help offset the cost of providing this service to the City.

Completed Fuel Management Zones

The Fire Department completed work on the Fuel Management Zones (FMZs) prior to the fire season and made progress on the application for the four remaining zones being established. The Department has submitted an application to receive funding from a FEMA/Cal OES grant to offset maintenance costs on FMZs 16 and 19. The grant award-winning agency will be announced in January 2024.

Secured EOC Equipment Grant

The Fire Department secured a grant for $14,700 to purchase new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) equipment from the California Office of Emergency Services. The Department also received reimbursement funds in the amount of $293,982 from the 2021 Oil Spill Incident impacting the City.

Marine Safety Department:

Purchased and Deployed Equipment in South Laguna

The Marine Safety Department purchased and deployed new lifeguard towers, chairs, communications equipment, lifeguard rescue vehicles, and integrated a rescue watercraft into in South Laguna operations. The new equipment allowed Marine Safety staff to provide lifeguard services, ensuring the public's safety on the newly acquired South Laguna beaches.

Developed On-Demand Tryouts

Developed an on-demand tryout program for Seasonal Ocean Lifeguards. The on-demand tryouts are now available by appointment at Main Beach seven days per week. More tryout opportunities provided flexibility for potential candidates, and helped fill the Ocean Lifeguard positions at South Laguna Beaches.

Holdover of Marine Safety Staff Due to Conditions

Several South Laguna Beaches experienced late crowds, heavy surf conditions, or other situations that required lifeguards to be held over from their normal schedule. These situations typically occurred at 9th, 10th, and Table Rock beaches. An overtime staffing schedule was initiated to keep lifeguards protecting the public during more heavily populated conditions.

City Manager's Office:

City Aided 292 Individuals in Homeless Shelter Program

The City contracts with Friendship Shelter to operate its low barrier emergency shelter. In 2023, the shelter aided 292 individuals; 204 individuals were served through the drop-in day program, and 102 were accommodated through the overnight enrollment program. Approximately 31% of the enrolled participants (26 people) successfully secured housing in 2023.

Community Development Department:

Fully Staffed Department

The Community Development Department filled several vacant positions, including Assistant Director. The Community Development Department is now fully staffed and prepared to provide a wide range of services to our residents.

City of Laguna Beach Awarded $200,000 Grant

The City was awarded a $200,000 competitive grant from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) via its Sustainable Communities Program (SCP) to support the City’s Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) Update, which includes an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). This project is identified in the City’s Housing Element and is a City Council priority project.

City-Owned Parcels to be Rezoned as Open-Space

The City Council approved a change of land use designations of 26 City-owned parcels from Residential/Hillside Protection to Permanent Open Space. These City-owned parcels were purchased via Proposition 12 funding; the re-zone ensures that they will be maintained as undeveloped open space.

Extended the Outdoor Dining Program

In accordance with the recent passage of Assembly Bill 1217, City Council extended the Outdoor Dining and Parklet program to January 1, 2026. Participating restaurants will have their temporary use permits extended by the Planning Commission to coincide with the additional two years granted by the City Council.

Extended the Promenade on Forest Program

The Planning Commission approved a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) and a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) through January 31, 2027 to extend the temporary closure of a portion of Forest Avenue and allow temporary use of a public street as a pedestrian plaza (“Promenade on Forest Program”). Meanwhile, staff will proceed with the design, entitlement, and permitting to convert the Promenade on Forest Program to a permanent pedestrian plaza.

Streamlined Ordinance Implementation

The Community Development Department implemented amendments to the Municipal Code to streamline the entitlement process by exempting certain projects from design review and expanding the scope of projects that can be considered at an administrative hearing. Staff is working on the next phase of streamlining.

Adopted SB 9 /ADU Ordinance

The City Council adopted separate ordinances in response to recent changes in State law, allowing for more local control over lot splits and construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Staff is preparing an update to the ADU Ordinance to comply with State law while also allowing for additional control over coastal development permits and potential impacts to public views.

Completed Significant Permits

Planning entitlements were approved for the new Laguna College of Art and Design student center. Building permits were issued for renovations of the Surf and Sand Hotel and Pacific Marine Mammal Center. The South Coast Theater (Rivian) is completed. Coast Liquor is near completion.

Public Works & Utilities Department:

Completed Utility Underground Projects

In 2023, the Public Works & Utilities Department completed Diamond Street Underground Utility Assessment District 2013-02, conducted balloting to form the Woods Cove Underground Utility Assessment District 2014-02, which resulted in voter approval of the proposed district, and began construction of underground infrastructure for Park Avenue Underground Utility District 2021-02.

Facilities & Capital Improvements

In 2023, the Public Works & Utilities Department installed a natural gas emergency generator in an underground vault to ensure continuous operation of the Irvine Cove wastewater lift station to prevent potential spills on the beach, preserve ocean views, and provide environmental protection of ocean habitat, constructed a retaining wall and widened Bluebird Canyon Drive to improve evacuation access, constructed a consolidated trash enclosure to reduce bin clutter along Forest Alley, renovated the Police Department armory, installed new fencing and landscaping for the dog play area at Moulton Meadows Park, renovated median landscaping along Laguna Canyon Road, and cleaned and maintained over 100 miles of sewer pipelines to minimize service disruptions and address wastewater system deficiencies.

Received APWA Award for Irvine Cove Emergency Backup Generator Project

The Public Works & Utilities Department was awarded the American Public Works Association (APWA) Drainage, Water, Wastewater Project of the Year for the Irvine Cove Emergency Backup Generator project.

Merged the Water Quality Department to Public Works & Utilities Department

To better align the City’s workforce infrastructure and resources, the Water Quality Department, which includes the Wastewater Division, was merged into a division within the Public Works Department. Wastewater Division position titles and descriptions were updated to better align the job responsibilities of the division and certification requirements.

Finalized the New Solid Waste Collection Franchise Agreement

The City awarded the Franchise Agreement for Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Services to CR&R to commence on July 1, 2024, and continue for eight years. Transitional bi-weekly meetings with CR&R began on July 12, 2023.

Secured the Urban Forestry & Roadway Safety Grants

In September 2023, the Public Works and Utilities Department was awarded a $100,000 match free grant by the US Department of Agriculture. This grant will lead to the upgrade of citywide digital urban forestry management tools, including Tree Canopy Analysis, Updated Tree Asset Inventory, and Tree Planting Site Analysis. The Public Works & Utilities Department was also awarded $200,000 Safe Streets and Roads for All grant from U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Office of Safety for the development of a comprehensive safety action plan.

Removed Arundo Donax at Aliso Beach

In August 2023, the Public Works and Utilities Department began performing quarterly Arundo (Arundo donax) grass removal projects at Aliso Creek. To date, these ongoing efforts have resulted in removal of nearly 9 tons of the highly invasive species.

5th Consecutive Tree City USA Recognition

The City was recognized as a Tree City USA Community for the fifth consecutive year by the Arbor Day Foundation. The City hosted a public Arbor Day celebration with a tree planting ceremony at Moulton Meadows Park on March 9, 2023, which was proclaimed Arbor Day in Laguna Beach by the City Council. The City has planted 42 trees and improved or repaired 33 tree wells.

Installed New Decals on City Fleet Vehicles

In 2023, the The Fleet Maintenance Division installed decals of the City’s newly adopted PRIDE slogan on all City vehicles. The Fleet Maintenance Division also made 13 new City vehicles ready for service.

Purchased a New Beach Cleaner for Main Beach and Aliso Beach

In May 2023, the City purchased a new beach-cleaning machine dedicated for use at Main Beach and Aliso Beach.

Street Sweeping in 2023

In 2023, the Public Works and Utilities Department swept 14,500 curb miles throughout the City.

Completed the Weed Abatement Project in Downtown and City Parks

In July 2023, the Public Works & Utilities Department was provided $50,000 to oversee a specialized crew to remove weeds in Downtown and the City Parks. The project was overseen by Maintenance Supervisor Wayne Chintala.

Completed Enhancements to Laguna Beach Community & Recreation Center

The Facility maintenance team completed numerous projects to prepare the CRC for use by City departments. The work included installing new paint, flooring, HVAC repairs, and elevator restoration.

Completed Annual Nuisance Abatement Program

During July 2023, the City requested 95 property owners trim their overgrown vegetation as part of the annual Sidewalk and Intersection Visibility Nuisance Abatement Program.

Installed Chevron Alignment Signs on Laguna Canyon Road

The Street Maintenance Division and Engineering Division worked together to install new chevron alignment signs on Laguna Canyon Road. No traffic collisions have occurred along this portion of roadway since the signs were installed.

Prepared for Storm/Emergency Response

The Public Works & Utilities Department prepared for and responded to five significant emergency events, including major storms, wind events, and Public Safety Power Shutoffs.

Installed Traffic Calming along Temple Hills Drive and Bluebird Canyon Drive

The Public Works & Utility Department conducted speed surveys and installed traffic calming measures along Temple Hills Drive and Bluebird Canyon Drive to address neighborhood concerns about excessive motorists’ speed.

Successful Recycling Events

In 2023, more than 400 residents safely disposed of approximately four tons of hazardous waste in the City’s annual Paint, E-Waste, and Universal Waste Drop-off event and approximately six tons of paper by participating in the City’s Annual Document Shredding Event. Approximately 300 residents also took home 25 tons of compost at two Compost Giveaway events. Four composting workshops were offered this year.

Completed Repairs & Restoration Projects Throughout the City

In 2023, the Public Works & Utilities Department completed approximately 1,600 service requests repairing public facilities in 2023; repaired or installed guard railings along Cliff Drive, Agate Street, and Acacia Drive; coordinated restoration of the roadway, slope, and private property damaged because of flow from a ruptured water pipe on Sunset Avenue; and coordinated the resurfacing of Coast Highway north of Ledroit Street and south of Seventh Avenue with Caltrans. In October 2023, the Public Works and Utilities Department replaced lighting fixtures with energy efficient LED light fixtures at the Hagen Place Parking Structure (Lot 14). The City and the Water District also worked collaboratively to repair a non-functioning decorative fountain in the exterior seating area at the Community and Susi Q Center.

Transit, Parking, & Community Services:

Expanded the On-Demand Local Transit Service

Laguna Local on-demand microtransit service expanded in January 2023 to serve more neighborhoods in North and South Laguna. The service had 63,000 boardings, a 91% satisfaction rating and an average wait time of just 8.4 minutes.

Increased Trolley and Winter Fantasy Ridership

There were more than 612,000 boardings on the City’s free trolley services in 2023. Special event trolley services to the summer art festivals and Sawdust Winter Fantasy were expanded.

Provided Funding for Senior Transportation

The City provided more than $140,000 of City and grant funding to Sally’s Fund to support senior transportation services, including the purchase of new hybrid-electric vehicles.

Completed the Parking and Transportation Demand Management Report

The Transit & Community Services Department completed a comprehensive report assessing the City’s parking needs and developed proposed short and long-term solutions to increase parking capacity, improve use of existing parking facilities, and reduce neighborhood impacts.

Significant Enhancements to Mobile Parking Transactions

There were 218,000 Frog mobile parking transactions in 2023, an increase of 56% over the prior year; improvements were made to the Laguna Beach Parking app and a new one-time payment option was introduced.

Parking Technology Improvements

The Department installed six new pay stations in Aliso Beach parking lots and replaced single-space parking meters on Laguna Canyon Road and Frontage Road with new multi-space pay stations featuring “pay by plate” technology.

Continued Programs for Community

The Recreation Division provided recreation programs to more than 8,500 community members. Opened and expanded recreation programming at the new Laguna Beach Community and Recreation Center. Awarded $250,000 in Community Assistance Grants, and processed over $1.9 million of revenue transactions.

Held Numerous Outdoor Special Events

The Transit & Community Services Department hosted special events including Patriots’ Day Parade, City Youth Track Meet, Brooks St. Surf Contest, college, professional, and local beach volleyball tournaments, an outdoor family movie night, July 4 fireworks show, World Kindness Day, LOVE Laguna, preschool Halloween event, and Hospitality Night.

New Programming at the Laguna Beach Community & Recreation Center

The new Community and Recreation Center opened to the public with volleyball, basketball, futsal, and pickleball programs at the gymnasium weekly as well as pre-school classes, summer camps, and skateboard classes. Three permanent pickleball courts were added at Alta Laguna Park, resulting in a total of six pickleball courts at that facility.

Completed the Fleet Electrification and Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Master Plan

The Transit & Community Services Department completed a comprehensive plan that analyzed the feasibility and cost of transitioning the City’s municipal fleet to electric vehicles and installing additional public electric vehicle charging stations. An implementation plan is expected to be finalized in 2024.

Finance & Technology Services:

Notable Financial Services Completed in 2023

In 2023, the Finance Division processed more than 15,600 vendor invoices resulting in more than 14,500 vendor warrants and 1,100 vendor ACH payments, completed and submitted 7 annual compliance reports to state and federal agencies and participated in 5 audits conducted by independent third-party auditors as a requirement for funding received by the City, prepared over 1,600 journal entries during the calendar year and as a component of the fiscal year-end close, processed more than 35,000 timesheets and issued over 10,600 paychecks to City employees, and administered a City-wide budget of approximately $130M and processed 40 budget amendments.

Upgraded City Computer Software and Facility Security Systems

In 2023, the Information Technology division upgraded the City’s network infrastructure which included replacing 14 network switches at 7 locations and updated the central firewalls for City Hall, enhanced the City’s cybersecurity with the development of Multi-Factor Authentication, continued cybersecurity training, and the creation of a City-wide Incident Response Plan established to detect, respond to, and limit the consequences of a malicious cyber-attack, deployed over 216 computer devices (laptops, tablets, and phones) City-wide, 23 mobile data computers for Safety vehicles, and 4 new CCTV cameras at the Montage, Marine Safety HQ, and the Surf and Sand Hotel, and implemented Police Department advanced security door access control system.

Human Resources & Risk Management:

Increased Employee Recruitment & Retention

In 2023, the Human Resources & Risk Management Department reviewed over 7,400 applications for open recruitments throughout the City and onboarded 166 part time employees and 61 full-time employees, implemented Job Elephant as a strategic resource for recruiters, optimizing job advertisements by selecting platforms tailored to specific job types, and revamped the candidate background and onboarding process by integrating an online background platform via Sterling and implementing a paperless I-9 verification process through NeoGov Onboard.

Expanded Employee Development & Engagement

In 2023, the Human Resources & Risk Management Department expanded employee training opportunities to offer more than 25 different in-person, onsite sessions, hosted several employee engagement events including an enhanced employee picnic at Aliso Beach, five summer events celebrating newly adopted City Values and four Fun Friday theme days for employees, and provided upgraded City-branded giveaways to employees to reflect our commitment to building the Laguna Beach workplace brand and investing in our employees.

Adopted City Core Values and Enhanced Employee Benefits and Wellness

The Human Resources & Risk Management Division created and adopted Citywide Vision, Mission and Values, hosted the second annual Employee Benefits and Wellness Fair, created and implemented the Human Resources & Risk Management SharePoint page, consolidating essential resources such as policies, benefit information, employee event details, and supervisor resources, established a partnership with FunEx, an employee benefits program offering exclusive access to a diverse range of discounted activities, providing savings on popular attractions such as amusement parks, water parks, movies, zoos, and museums, and introduced Pet Insurance and Legal Shield Insurance as new employee benefits.

New Alternative Dispute Resolution Program for Firefighters

Reached an agreement with the Laguna Beach Firefighters’ Association Local 3684 (LBFA) on the terms of a workers’ compensation Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program. An ADR program allows for workers’ compensation claims to be processed with greater expedience and equity, benefiting the employee’s return to work process and reducing the City’s overall workers’ compensation liability costs.

Cultural Arts:

Held 250 FREE Live Music Events and Concerts

In 2023, the Cultural Arts Division engaged thousands of attendees of 250 live music performances, presented special performances by Pacific Opera Company, Circus Bella, and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, engaged more than 500 artists to present live music, visual and performing arts events, and distributed “Artist Innovation Grants” to individual artists.

New Public Art Installations

In 2023, the Cultural Arts Division installed five temporary sculptures outside City Hall and on Laguna Frontage Road, installed a temporary mural at Alta Laguna Park, installed one permanent mural on the bridge near the Sawdust Art Festival, and maintained and restored public art pieces in the City collection.

Communications:

City Council Meetings Streamed Via YouTube

The Communications Division implemented a YouTube live stream option for City Council meetings that began with the November 7, 2023, City Council meeting. The YouTube live stream option is one of City Council’s priorities in the City’s Communications Plan.

Published 51 Community Newsletters

In 2023, Communications produced content to publish 51 weekly community newsletters sent to Laguna Beach residents and businesses via Nixle and email.

Produced 264 Minutes of Podcasting

Produced 21 Episodes of the Laguna Beach City Chats Podcast with a total of 264 minutes of content.

122 Photo Submissions in Photo Contest

The Communications Division launched the City’s Photo Contest in October 2023 and received 122 submissions from 45 participants.

We Look Forward to Serving You in 2024!