Laguna beach city news City of Laguna Beach, California

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024

Join Us This Saturday at Fire Station 1 for the Fire Prevention Week Event 🔥

On Saturday, October 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. the Laguna Beach Fire Department will host an informational exhibit at Fire Station 1. The Fire Department will provide valuable tips on fire prevention, how to keep your home fire-safe, and information on the Firewise Community initiative.

This Week's City Council Action:

City Council Upholds Right-of-Way Policy, Explores New Use Options

On Tuesday, the City Council voted to uphold their existing policy of managing public rights-of-way, which are areas next to private homes reserved for future city use, like road projects. Residents who want to use this land will need to follow the current process of applying for a revocable encroachment permit (REP). An REP is a temporary permit that allows a property owner to use a portion of public land, typically a right-of-way, for private purposes. The City Council also directed staff to explore how the City might offer limited licenses to homeowners for longer-term use or consider giving up parts of the land in specific cases.

City Council Adopts Resolution Supporting Proposition 4 on November 5 General Election Ballot

On Tuesday, the City Council adopted a resolution in support of Proposition 4, a $10 billion bond measure aimed at addressing environmental and public health challenges related to climate change. The measure will provide investments to help California communities better prepare for and recover from extreme climate events, such as wildfires, drought, ane extreme heat, while also ensuring reliable access to clean and safe drinking water. If passed, Proposition 4 would allow the City of Laguna Beach to benefit from direct financial support for climate-related projects and disaster preparedness identified in the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and the City's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.

City Staff Recognized for Milestone Years of Service

On Tuesday, the City Council recognized 23 City staff members who have reached a milestone year of service and employment with the City of Laguna Beach during the third quarter of the 2024 calendar year. Congratulations to all employees recognized! ✨ 🪴

City Council Recognizes National Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week

On Tuesday, the City Council voted to proclaim the week of October 6-12, 2024 as Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week in the City of Laguna Beach to recognize the hard work, commitment, and contributions that the City's code enforcement professionals provide to the community.

The Next Regular Meeting of the City Council is Tuesday, October 24 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.

Check Your Mail: Vote-By-Mail Ballots Are Here!

Vote-by-Mail ballots have been mailed out and you should receive them starting this week. Please visit www.ocvote.gov to confirm your voter registration details, track your ballot, and request a replacement ballot, if needed.

An official ballot drop box in Laguna Beach is at the Laguna Beach Library at 363 Glenneyre St. Ballots and can also be placed in the mail (no postage necessary).

Key Dates for the Upcoming Election:

  • October 21, 2024: Last day to register to vote for the general election.
  • October 26, 2024: Vote Center at the Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Center (380 3rd Street) opens from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • November 2, 2024: Vote Center at Lang Park (21540 Wesley Drive) opens.
For any questions regarding the November 5, 2024 General Election and/or voter registration, please contact the City Clerk's Office at (949) 497-0705.

Mayor Kempf Talks Fire Safety Awareness in Today's Podcast

Mayor Sue Kempf encourages residents to attend the Fire Prevention Week event at Fire Station 1 on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for helpful tips to protect your house from potential wildfires.

Share Your Input on South Coast Highway Parking on October 24

The City of Laguna Beach's Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., to consider a request to demark parking spaces with painted brackets on both sides of South Coast Highway between Wesley Drive and the southerly City limits.

The actual installation of any parking brackets will depend on future approvals by the City Council and Caltrans. The public is invited to attend the meeting and to comment on the proposal. Written comments submitted before the meeting must be received no later than October 22, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

Please send your comments via email to PTCCommittee@lagunabeachcity.net or via Postal Service. If you have any questions regarding this proposal, please contact the PTC Committee Liaison, Josh McDonald, Associate Civil Engineer at (949) 497-0728.

Thank You to All Volunteers Who Participated in the Third Annual Love Laguna Beach!

On October 5, the third annual Love Laguna Beach volunteer day took place, uniting residents, businesses, local government, and non-profits. The day began with a morning Kick-Off Event from 8:00-9:00 a.m., offering coffee and refreshments to the volunteers. Afterward, project leaders rallied the participants for a spirited send-off. Numerous community service projects were then launched throughout Laguna Beach, running from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event offered people of all ages an opportunity to contribute and strengthen their connection to the city.

Taste of Laguna Celebrates Food and Music Under the Stars ✨

The Taste of Laguna Food & Music Festival took place on October 3, featuring over 30 restaurants and award-winning chefs from across Orange County. Attendees indulged in a variety of signature dishes while enjoying an open-air setting complete with live entertainment. The evening featured a live performance by The Mighty Untouchables, setting the tone for a fun night under the stars. This annual event has become a must-attend for food lovers and music fans alike. The combination of local cuisine and lively music made for an unforgettable night in Laguna Beach.

New Temporary Art Mural "Protect, Don't Pollute" Unveiled at the Stage on Forest

On October 3, the Laguna Beach Arts Commission held the dedication of "Protect, Don't Pollute", a new temporary art installation at the Stage on Forest Avenue by local artist Amy Rose Hammond. Stop by Friday through Sunday evenings to listen to live music performances! 🎶
Join us on October 13, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., as the Arts Commission presents a free dance performance "The Art of Play" choreographed by Jodie Gates with dancers Isabella Caso and Juan Miguel Posada. The event will be held in front of the mural Super Natural Bloom by DABSMYLA at Alta Laguna Park. This program is funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.

Save the Date: Temporary Art Sculptures "Ocean Ions" Coming to Laguna Beach

From Thursday, November 7 to Sunday, November 10, 2024, temporary art sculptures titled "Ocean Ions" by Christian Sampson will be displayed on Main Beach and throughout Heisler Park as part of the Laguna Art Museum's 2024 Art in Nature public art project. The sculptures will be installed and removed daily.

On Saturday, November 9, 2024, on Main Beach the Voltive Collective Dance Company will perform as part of the exhibition from 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Laguna Beach Goat Update

The Laguna Beach goats have completed their work on the Fire Road and have been moved to the Ceanothus area in South Laguna. The 200-strong herd is expected to remain there for about 10 days before moving to the Nestal area at Top of the World, where they will work for two weeks. After that, they will head to Hidden Valley for final cleanup before leaving Laguna Beach.

As a reminder, please do not come in contact or pet the goats.

Laguna Beach Day Worker Center: Skilled Workers Ready for Hire Online!

The Laguna Beach Day Worker Center's website now features an online form to streamline the process of hiring skilled workers for a variety of tasks, from landscaping to home maintenance.

Their experienced staff ensures that each job assignment is matched with the appropriate skills, fostering trust and efficiency. By utilizing their services, you’re not only receiving high-quality labor but also supporting community growth and collaboration.

Contact Information:

  • Address: 1700 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA
  • Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
  • Phone: (949) 510-9675

Adopt Mamacita: A Loving Beagle-Chihuahua Mix Ready for Her Forever Home! 🐶

Meet Mamacita, a 4-year-old spayed Beagle-Chihuahua mix with a playful and friendly personality. She loves to engage with people and would thrive in a family setting, especially with children. If you're looking for an energetic and loving companion, Mamacita could be the perfect fit!

Caltrans Paving Project on Coast Highway Continues Through Early November

Caltrans continues its pavement rehabilitation project on Coast Highway (SR-1) in Laguna Beach, from Ledroit Street to Ruby Street through early November. Night operations will begin on Monday, October 14 with lane closures in both directions for pavement grinding and asphalt overlay. Drivers should expect traffic delays and noise disruptions during the project, which aims to enhance road safety and driving conditions.

Please obey all posted signs and traffic instructions for the safety of all workers and motorists. Electronic changeable message signs will notify drivers of the closures. The work schedule is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials, and/or construction-related issues.

For more information and updates, contact the District 12 Public Information Office via email at D12PIO@dot.ca.gov.

Have a Wonder-Fall Weekend! 🍂

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