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Laguna beach city news

City of Laguna Beach, California

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026

The Next Regular Meeting of the City Council is Tuesday, April 14 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.

Mayor’s Podcast Episode 5: Update on Promenade Construction

Calling All Poets: Submit Your Entry for the 28th Annual John Gardiner Poetry Contest!

The 28th Annual John Gardiner Poetry Contest has begun! Entries will be accepted through April 30. 

 

Submit one unpublished poem with the theme: Unexpected Encounters The poem must be no more than 25 lines of text with a limit of 230 words. Submit your poem within the body of an email to the Laguna Beach Library at ocpl.lagunabeach@occr.ocgov.com. Include the following information: Name, Phone Number and Grade Level or “Adult”. No attachments, please. Entrants’ identities will not be revealed to contest judges. Prizes up to $150 Gift Certificates will be awarded in five age categories.  The community is invited to attend the Reading of the Winning poems at the Laguna Beach Library on June 6.

Submit Your Qualifications to Showcase Your Art at the New Fire Station

The City of Laguna Beach Arts Commission is seeking qualification materials from individual artists and artist teams with proven experience in designing, creating, and installing site-responsive public art. Selected artists will be considered for an installation at a new City Fire Station (Fire Station #4), with construction anticipated to be completed in 2028.

Deadline to apply: May 31, 2026

Sign Up for Spring & Summer Recreation Programs!

April Library Events & Classes!

The Police Department Celebrated a Milestone at Their Recent Badge Pinning Ceremony!

The Laguna Beach Police Department honored Kristen Berry and Zach Martinez, retiring after 30+ years of incredible service. Their leadership, mentorship, and care have shaped the department's culture and inspired generations. They will be missed!

The Police Department also welcomed the newsest memebers of its team: Police Officers: Alex Amenta (from New York PD), Ryan Christensen (academy graduate) Park Ranger: James Rose Parking Services Officers: Abby Escobar, Crystal Hope, Andrew Huela Jailers: Guillermo Barillas, Juan Guerrero, Brandon Muong

Thank you to Mayor Orgill and Councilmembers Kempf, Jones, and Whalen for their support and attendance.

Meet Canti & Chappy!

Canti & Chappy are a bonded pair of chihuahuas rescued from Orange County Animal Shelter who are ready to find a loving home together. Canti is a 3-year-old neutered male brown and white chihuahua, and Chappy is an 8-year-old neutered male tan and white chihuahua. These two lovely gents enjoy spending their days cuddled up next to each other and occasionally chewing on a bone. They would do best in a quiet home, preferably with no children and no cats, where they can relax and keep each other company. Because they are a bonded pair, they must be adopted together. Come meet Canti & Chappy and see if they’re the perfect duo for you!

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.

New Business Spotlight: Nalu Poke

The City is pleased to announce the recent opening of Naul Poke, located at 248 S Coast Hwy. Nalu Poke serves customizable poke bowls made with premium ingredients and island-inspired flavor. Build your bowl your way with rice or salad bases, proteins, vibrant toppings, and house sauces influenced by Hawaiian, Korean, and Japanese flavors. The City welcomes Nalu Poke and encourages residents to learn more by stopping by their new location or visiting their website.

For assistance with opening, expanding, or relocating your business in Laguna Beach or for more information on the City’s economic development initiatives, please contact Louie Lacasella in the City Manager’s Office at llacasella@lagunabeachcity.net.

Join us TONIGHT for the Art That's Small Reception

Thursday, April 2, 2026

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Laguna Beach City Hall, 505 Forest Ave

The public is invited to attend the reception for the 24th annual Art That's Small at City Hall exhibition. Enjoy live music, meet the artists, and find out the winners of the top honors and City Hall Choice awards.

Artwork: Main, Unhinged by Cassie Jones

Sunset Serenades Returns!

Artwork by Kimberly Duran

The public is invited to enjoy free Sunset Serenades concerts at the Heisler Park Amphitheater on Fridays in May and June. Performances begin at 6:30 p.m. and continue to sunset. Guests are encouraged to bring low-seating beach chairs or blankets. Alcohol is permitted for those 21 or older when accompanied by a full meal.

Fridays, May 1 - June 12, 2026 6:30 p.m. - Sunset Heisler Park Amphitheater, Cliff Drive

Discover Public Art in Laguna Beach Through This Interactive Brochure!

This brochure offers an insight into the 83 pieces of public art in Laguna Beach and the artists who have created these original, site specific art works that both enrich and exemplify the City’s roots as an artist colony.

Have a Wonderful Weekend! 🌴

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