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Laguna beach city news City of Laguna Beach, California

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

This Week's City Council Action:

City Council Evaluates Future Homeless Services

On Tuesday, the City Council unanimously voted to extend operations of the Alternative Sleeping Location (ASL) beyond June 30, 2025, while directing staff to evaluate services and potential changes and return to City Council with more information within 60 days. The ASL, a City-owned and funded 30-bed emergency shelter, located at 20652 Laguna Canyon Road, has helped over 200 individuals transition to stable housing since its inception in 2009. Staff will update the City’s homeless needs assessment, research placement criteria, and issue a Request for Information (RFI) to explore operational options. The Council also appointed Mayor Alex Rounaghi and Councilmember Sue Kempf to an ad hoc committee to oversee these efforts. Additionally, staff will extend Friendship Shelter’s contract for up to six months while evaluating long-term solutions. These actions come as the City navigates changing legal precedents, regional policy shifts, and funding challenges in providing homeless services.

City Council Advances Slow Streets Program for Laguna Beach

On Tuesday, the City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance establishing the Slow Streets Program in Laguna Beach. This program will allow certain streets to be designated as "Slow Streets" with limited or no vehicular access to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety. As part of the ordinance, the Council directed staff to draft a resolution designating the lower portion of Forest Avenue as a Slow Street and to apply for a coastal development permit for its closure. The ordinance will return for a second reading and adoption on April 8, 2025. This decision aligns with the City's broader efforts to improve pedestrian spaces and promote safer, more accessible streets.

City Council Approves Transition to In-House City Attorney

The Laguna Beach City Council approved the appointment of Megan Garibaldi as the City Attorney, transitioning from a contracted legal services model to an in-house legal team. In addition to Garibaldi, the City plans to hire support staff to build an internal legal department. This change is expected to enhance collaboration, efficiency, and policy alignment while reducing long-term costs. The Council also approved Garibaldi’s employment agreement, which outlines her salary, benefits, and conditions of employment, along with updates to the City’s management policies and salary schedule. The action is administrative and personnel-related, making it exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Updated E-Bike Rules Aim to Enhance Safety in Laguna Beach

The City Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to regulate e-bikes and other electric transportation devices in Laguna Beach. The revised ordinance includes updated penalty provisions, allowing administrative citations for both minors and their guardians and enabling criminal citations for violations. Additionally, new definitions clarify the terms "motorized bicycle" and "other electric or motorized conveyance." While initial enforcement may generate some revenue, the long-term goal is to improve public safety and encourage compliance with the new regulations.

City Council Approves Grant to Promote Safe Hazardous Waste Disposal

On Tuesday, the City Council accepted a $50,000 state grant to promote responsible household hazardous waste disposal. The funding will be used to launch an education campaign, in partnership with the California Product Stewardship Council, designed to inform residents about the safe and proper disposal of hazardous waste. Educational materials will highlight the importance of source reduction and safe handling of items like propane cylinders and fire extinguishers, reducing potential hazards in the community. To support this effort, the Council also approved a budget appropriation matching the grant revenue, ensuring that the initiative is fully funded.

City Council Proclaims April 15, 2025 as World Arts Day

On Tuesday, the City Council approved a proclamation recognizing April 15, 2025, as World Arts Day, a day that celebrates the universal value of the arts and their ability to foster creativity, dialogue, and cultural exchange. This day emphasizes the importance of supporting artists and arts education to enrich societies and promote understanding across cultures. It also encourages the preservation of artistic traditions while fostering innovation.

City Council Recognizes Senior Public Works Analyst Liz Avila’s Retirement

The City Council congratulates Liz Vazquez-Avila on her well-earned retirement after 19 years of dedicated service to Laguna Beach and an impressive 32-year career in public service. Liz has played a crucial role in managing the City’s Solid Waste Franchise Agreements, securing sustainability-focused contracts, overseeing major transitions, and leading key recycling initiatives that have greatly benefited the community. Her leadership extended beyond waste management, as she spearheaded strategic planning efforts, employee recognition programs, and an impactful internship program while also serving as a staff liaison on important community committees. We thank Liz for her professionalism, dedication, and lasting contributions to Laguna Beach, and we wish her the very best in her retirement.

The Next Regular Meeting of the City Council is Tuesday, April 8 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.
Click HERE for the City Council Tentative Agenda

Mayor Alex Rounaghi Talks City Initiatives and Fire Safety in Today's Podcast 🎙️

In this week's Fair Game podcast with Tom Johnson, Mayor Alex Rounaghi highlighted key city initiatives, including historical lessons guiding future policies, regional water and fire safety collaborations, school district partnerships, and Laguna Beach’s commitment to advancing the City's undergrounding efforts.

State Releases Updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps for Laguna Beach

On March 24, 2025, the California Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) issued its 2025 Recommended Local Responsibility Area (LRA) Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for the City of Laguna Beach. This release is part of a statewide effort to enhance public safety and better inform communities of wildfire risk based on the latest science, topography, vegetation, and fire history.

The recent updates include changes to how properties are classified within the various fire zones. The good news: the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone now covers fewer parcels in Laguna Beach, with a reduction of 102 parcels compared to previous maps. Additionally, two new fire zones have been introduced, which include the following for Laguna Beach:

High Hazard: 341 parcels

Moderate Hazard: 201 parcels

While much of Laguna Beach (4,897 parcels) remain in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, it's our goal to continue our efforts to mitigate that risk.
The FHSZ maps identify areas of Moderate, High, and Very High fire hazard and are a critical tool in California’s wildfire preparedness and land-use planning strategy. Developed through robust fire science and risk analysis, these maps help guide building standards, defensible space requirements, and emergency response planning.

In accordance with Assembly Bill 211, local governments are required to adopt these maps by ordinance and designate the severity zones within their jurisdiction. Senate Bill 63 further mandates that local agencies make these maps publicly accessible within 30 days of their transmittal. Under California Government Code Section 51179 (b)(3), cities and counties may not decrease the level of hazard designated by the OSFM. However, local jurisdictions are permitted to increase the level or expand the area of designated Fire Hazard Severity Zones based on local knowledge or conditions.

The 2025 Recommended FHSZ maps for Laguna Beach are now available for public review and comment. The City of Laguna Beach must adopt the maps by ordinance within 120 days of their release to remain in compliance with state law. For questions about the FHSZ maps or the adoption process, please contact: Fire Marshal Robert Montaghami at rmontaghami@lagunabeachcity.net or please call (949) 497-0352.

Click HERE to View the 2025 Recommended Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map

Watch 🎥: Alert & Warning & Evacuations Town Hall Meeting

On Thursday, March 20, the Laguna Beach Fire and Police Departments held a town hall meeting to discuss Alert & Warning and Evacuations in Laguna Beach. Sign up for Nixle by texting 92651 to 888-777 and register for AlertOC by visiting www.alertoc.org.
Click HERE to View Your Neighborhood Evacuation Maps & Routes

Join Us on April 3 to Share Your Input on the Design of New South Laguna Fire Station!

You are invited to attend an outreach meeting for the proposed Fire Station 4 on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at 31796 Coast Highway (proposed site). This meeting is a key opportunity for community members to provide input and learn more about the project’s current design and future direction.

Meeting Details:

  • 📅 When: April 3, 2025, at 5:30 PM
  • 📍 Where: 31796 Coast Highway (Proposed Site)
  • 👥 Who: Open to all public
The meeting will provide an open forum for residents to ask questions, share comments, and discuss concerns about the proposed fire station. Stations will be set up on-site to display the current design, potential inspiration photos, and possible building materials for consideration. City staff and project representatives will be available to discuss the plans and gather feedback to help refine the design.

Your input is valuable, and we encourage all residents to participate. If you’re unable to attend, please send your feedback to City Engineer Thomas Perez at tperez@lagunabeachcity.net after the meeting.

Toxic Algae Bloom Affecting Local Marine Life: Do Not Approach Sick Animals

Laguna Beach is currently facing a toxic algae bloom affecting our local waters. This bloom, which produces Domoic Acid, has impacted beaches from Malibu to San Clemente, including Laguna Beach. Domoic acid poisoning can affect both humans and animals, and it is particularly harmful if shellfish or fish are consumed.

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is responding to a high number of marine mammals affected by this toxicity, and unfortunately, the number of animals being rescued is far higher than usual. PMMC is prioritizing live animals, but they are unable to immediately remove all dead animals from the beaches.

The PMMC urges the public to stay away from sick or injured marine mammals and to refrain from approaching them, as they may be highly unpredictable due to neurological imbalances caused by the toxin.

Stay back at least 50 yards, as these animals as they can be dangerous and bite if approached, especially during or following a seizure. While it is difficult to see a seizing dolphin stranding ashore, please never push them back in the water.

Please do not approach these animals and contact Marine Safety immediately for assistance at (949) 497-0310.
For more details and to RSVP for an event, please visit the City's website or contact Jennifer Savage, Senior Management Analyst at (949) 715-1141 or jsavage@lagunabeachcity.net.

Join Us Today at 6 PM to Learn More About the Citywide Safety Action Plan

The City of Laguna Beach Parking, Traffic and Circulation (PTC) Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., to hear a presentation for the Citywide Safety Action Plan. The public is invited to attend the meeting and to comment on the plan.

Written comments submitted prior to the meeting must be received no later than March 25, 2025, 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 item, please contact the PTC Committee Liaison, Josh McDonald, Associate Civil Engineer at (949) 497-0728.

Click HERE for More Information on the City's Website

Apply Now for the Parking, Traffic, & Circulation Committee

Due to an unscheduled vacancy, the City of Laguna Beach is accepting applications to the Parking, Traffic, & Circulation (PTC) Committee.

Deadline to submit an application to serve on the Parking, Traffic, & Circulation Committee is 4:00 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2025.

Laguna Beach residents interested in applying may obtain an application from the City Clerk’s office or online from the City’s website.

Questions may be directed to the City Clerk’s office at (949) 497-0705. Applications will not be accepted after 4:00 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2025, for this appointment.

LBPD Swears In New Team Members 🚔

The Laguna Beach Police Department recently held an informal swearing-in ceremony for its newest team members: Dispatcher Dominguez, Park Ranger Rose, Park Ranger Ramirez & Park Ranger McLaughlin. Welcome to the team!

Calvary Chapel Youth Group Visits Firefighters 🚒

On Tuesday, March 22, members of the Calvary Chapel Pacific Hills youth group had the opportunity to tour Fire Station 1 and learn more about our local firefighters.

Thanks for stopping by!

Marine Safety Completes Advanced Open Water SBUCA Diver Certification

Marine Safety staff recently completed the Advanced Open Water SCUBA Diver certification; a course led by the department’s four certified dive instructors. Eleven team members successfully earned their certification, enhancing their skills in SCUBA search, rescue, and recovery. These advanced capabilities play a vital role in Marine Safety’s mission to protect the community and respond effectively to underwater emergencies.

Adopt Daphne: A Sweet and Energetic Pup! 🐶

Adopt Daphne! This lovable 7-month-old German Shepherd is friendly, full of potential, and looking for a home with room to grow—ideally with a 6-foot fenced yard and someone ready to train her!

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!
Join the Arts Commission in dedicating the new temporary installation, "Marine Harmony" by Sara Dehghan, at the performance deck on the Promenade, located at the corner of Forest Avenue and Glenneyre Street. The event will be followed by a live music performance by Upstream. Funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.

Sawdust Art Festival's New Spring Fling Art Show

The Sawdust Art Festival will host the new Spring Fling Art Show April 4-6, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., officially marking the start of the festival’s 59th season. The three-day immersive experience will bring together 130+ artists exhibiting their original art, along with a slate of new immersive and collaborative experiences for visitors to enjoy.

A diverse array of art forms, including glassblowing, ceramics, painting, textiles, and jewelry, will be on display and available for purchase. Visitors also can enjoy live entertainment across three stages, watch live demos, take free art classes, and enjoy a variety of specialty food and drink offerings.
Click HERE to Purchase Tickets Online!

View the Art That’s Small at City Hall Exhibition!

The 23rd annual "Art That's Small at City Hall" exhibition, presented by the City of Laguna Beach Arts Commission, runs from March 9 to April 18, 2025, at City Hall. Showcasing 59 small-scale artworks across various media, this juried exhibit highlights the creativity of Orange County artists.

The public is invited to the awards reception on April 3 at 6:00 p.m., following the dedication of Marine Harmony by Sara Dehghan and a live performance by Upstream at 5:30 p.m. This program is funded by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach.

Make the Most of Your 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.
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