Laguna beach city news City of Laguna Beach, California

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2024

This Week's City Council Action:

City to Enhance Transit Services with $7.2 Million in OCTA Grant

On Tuesday, the City Council authorized the City Manager to accept over $7.2 million in grant funding from the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to expand our off-season trolley services and extend our on-demand transit service out along Laguna Canyon and El Toro roads. The City will match part of the funding to cover these costs. The City Council also approved a contract amendment with LAZ Parking to manage these new services.

Facilities Master Plan Update: Key Findings and Next Steps

On Tuesday, the City Council held a public workshop to provide an update on the Facilities Master Plan (FMP). The workshop focused on the findings from the Facility Condition Assessments (FCAs), the community outreach, and outlines the next steps in the FMP process. The FCAs identified both immediate, mid-term and long-term needs for 18 City-owned facilities over the next 20 years, including Fire Station #1, the Laguna Beach Library, and City Hall. City staff and the consultant, Griffin Structures will return at a future meeting with a scope for initiating "Laguna Beach: Path Forward," a long-term strategy focused on prioritizing infrastructure and stewardship projects aligned with the City's goals.
Click HERE for More Information about the City's Facilities Master Plan

City Council Moves Forward with Aliso Creek Estuary Restoration Environmental Review

On Tuesday, the City Council voted to direct City staff to prepare a scope of work for an Environmental Impact Report to address the potential environmental effects of the proposed Aliso Creek Estuary Restoration, along with a range of project alternatives as required by the California Environmental Quality Act. The restoration project aims to restore the estuary’s ecosystem functions, along with upgrading public spaces, and improving access for pedestrians. The City Council also authorized the Laguna Ocean Foundation to submit a Design Review application for the restoration project and waived the Design Review application fee. City staff will return at a future City Council meeting with a scope of work and potential costs.

The Next Regular Meeting of the City Council is Tuesday, November 12 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 Kempf Outlines Key Facility Priorities in Today's Podcast 🎙️

In this week's Fair Game podcast with Tom Johnson, Mayor Sue Kempf recaps the Facilities Master Plan workshop, identifying three top priorities for city-owned facilities. She also talks about how the City received $7.2 million in grant funding from the Orange County Transportation Authority to expand and enhance the City's public transit services.

Key Dates for the Upcoming 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 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • November 5, 2024: Election Day - Voting Center Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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) or dropped off at any open vote center.

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.

Share Your Input on South Coast Highway Parking Today at 6 PM

The City of Laguna Beach's Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee will hold a public meeting today at 6:00 p.m. at the City Council Chambers 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.

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.

Learn More About Accessory Dwelling Units in Laguna Beach

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a residential unit that can be added to a lot with a single-family or multi-family residence. ADUs can be established from converting existing space or as new construction that is either attached to or detached from the primary residence.

ADUs and JADUs are regulated by state law, the Laguna Beach Municipal Code, and the City's certified Local Coastal Program. To assist property owners and design professionals, the City has developed a flowchart that generally summarizes the application review and approval process and also prepared a list of frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions for ADUs

  1. What is an ADU?
  2. What is a JADU?
  3. How may an ADU be created?
  4. How may a JADU be created?
  5. Is an ADU (or JADU) application subject to a "shot clock"?
  6. What is the process for obtaining a CDP for an ADU?
  7. Will I receive a mailed notice if my neighbor proposes to build an ADU or JADU?
  8. What does “conformity (or consistency) with the certified Local Coastal Program” mean?
Click HERE for More Information on ADUs

Help Shape the Future of Design Review – Share Your Input!

At an October 1, 2024 community workshop, city staff and community members discussed the Community Development process, including city staff’s proposals to attempt to make the Design Review process more efficient - while still preserving Laguna Beach’s design review heritage. We also discussed ways to better protect historic structures.

We’ve prepared a cover memo that explains our proposed changes to Design Review, as well as a “redline” version of the proposed changes. These are attached. We welcome your review and comments on the proposed changes by Thursday, November 14, 2024. This is not your only time to offer your comments, though – the proposed changes will likely next go through a more detailed public process, including at the Design Review Board, the Planning Commission, and ultimately the City Council.

Thank you for your interest in helping improve our processes.

Please provide comments or feedback by clicking the button below.

Click HERE for More Information and to Fill Out the Online Form

Please Join Us! You’re Invited to Attend the Rivian Electric Vehicle Donation Event

The City of Laguna Beach invites you to a special event at Main Beach Park on November 4, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., to celebrate the donation of two Rivian R1S electric SUVs to the City from the California-based automaker. This generous donation initiates the City's transition to zero-emission fleet vehicles, moving away from gas-powered options.

The Rivian R1S electric vehicles will be incorporated into the Marine Safety Department’s fleet for a trial period of three years, allowing the City to assess their performance in critical operational environments, such as beach patrols and emergency response. The donation also includes collaboration with Rivian to outfit the vehicles with emergency response gear and City decals.

If You're Going:

  • What: Rivian Electric Vehicle Donation to City of Laguna Beach
  • When: Monday, November 4, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.
  • Where: Main Beach Park, Laguna Beach
  • (Reception to follow at Rivian, 162 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach)

Tricks, Treats, and Costumes at the 13th Parents Club Annual Halloween Walk! 🎃

A big thank you to everyone who attended the Parents Club's Annual Halloween Walk! Your costumes were frighteningly fabulous, and it was so much fun celebrating the spooky season together.

With all of these fun trick-or-treats, the Laguna Beach Police Department wants to remind you this Halloween of the following safety tips:
  1. Wear something reflective, bring a flashlight, or wear a glow stick while walking at night
  2. Always accompany children while trick-or-treating
  3. Don’t eat candy until it has been inspected
  4. Always use cross walks and look both ways before crossing the street
  5. Avoid distractions and put electronic devices away
  6. If driving a vehicle, slow down in residential areas and be aware of your surroundings
  7. Try to avoid wearing masks that can obstruct your view, choose face paint instead
If you See something, Say something. Call 911 for an emergency. Call (949) 497- 0701 for a non-emergency. Stay safe and have fun this Halloween"

See More Photos from the Parents Club's Annual Halloween Walk 👻

The City's fifth annual pumpkin carving contest is open to all who live, work, attend school, or exhibit in Laguna Beach. Pre-registration required by Monday, October 28 at 5:00 p.m. Click HERE to sign up and for more details!
Join us for a morning of fun on October 31! Preschool-aged kids are invited to the Community & Susi Q Center to celebrate Halloween. Costumes are encouraged but not required. For more information, call (949) 646-6645.

LB Firefighters Quickly Contain Laguna Canyon House Fire; Family Dog Rescued

On October 20, 2024, at 6:29 a.m., The Laguna Beach Fire Department communications center received multiple reports of a structure fire at 17 Castle Rock Road in Laguna Canyon. Laguna Beach Fire Department personnel, along with the Orange County Fire Authority and Laguna Beach Police, quickly arrived at the scene to find a single-family home fully engulfed in flames.

Upon arrival, the homeowner informed first responders that all occupants had safely evacuated, but the family dog was still inside. Firefighters immediately entered the burning home, successfully rescuing the family's small dog and reuniting it safely with its grateful owners. Despite the challenging terrain and location, fire crews managed to contain and extinguish the house fire in about two hours.

In addition to the primary residence, a neighboring home also sustained damage from the fire. The Laguna Beach Building Department promptly inspected both properties to assess structural safety. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Laguna Beach Fire Department's Fire Investigations Unit.

Thank you to our brave firefighters who not only protected nearby homes but also prevented the fire from spreading to surrounding vegetation.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Fire Investigator Brent Buccola at bbuccola@lagunabeachcity.net. For additional questions, contact Administrative Fire Captain John Kuzmic (949) 320-3300.

Helpful Tips to Becoming a Firewise Community

Click HERE for Tips on Becoming a Firewise Community

The Firewise USA® program, led by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), offers a structured approach for communities to enhance their wildfire resilience in California.

Achieving Firewise USA® recognition is a collaborative and ongoing process. Each step is designed to empower residents and stakeholders to work together to enhance their local area’s wildfire resilience.
  1. Form a Core Group
  2. Develop a Wildfire Risk Assessment Plan
  3. Create and Maintain a Wildfire Action Plan
  4. Engage the Community
  5. Apply for Recognition
Click HERE for More Information on Becoming a Firewise Community

Stay Fire-Safe: Regulations for Outdoor Fire Devices

To ensure a fire-safe community, it’s crucial to understand the regulations surrounding outdoor fire devices.
  • According to the California Fire Code, all outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and barbecues must be fueled by natural gas or LP gas only.
  • Permanent structures must maintain a 10-foot distance from combustible materials, while fire pits should be at least 20 feet away.
  • Remember, these devices cannot be used for disposing of trash or combustible items and should be maintained in proper condition for their intended use.
  • Importantly, outdoor fireplaces must have an approved spark arrestor, and decorative open flames like tiki torches are prohibited.
  • Only city-designated portable propane fire pits are allowed at Aliso Beach.

Together, we can enhance fire safety in our community.

Colorado is Looking for a Forever Home

Meet Colorado! This sweet 6-year-old Beagle mix has a calm, gentle nature and is looking for a quiet home where he can feel safe and loved. Could you be the one to give Colorado the peaceful forever home he deserves?

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!
The Arts Commission has selected four original designs to be hand-painted onto 3'x4' wood palettes and displayed from light poles outside City Hall this holiday season. Congratulations to Rachid Belmourida, Emily Bertucci, Lovisa Kjerrgren, and Sofia Pfanner on having their designs selected. This program is funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.

Juried Fine Art Exhibition on Display at City Hall 🖼️

The annual Juried Fine Art exhibition is on display at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, through November 14, 2024. The exhibit features 46 original artworks created by Orange County artists. The public is invited to attend the awards announcement reception on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Click HERE to view the 2024 Juried Fine Art Exhibition catalogue.

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.
Click HERE to Learn More About Volunteering at the Art In Nature Event!

Meet Arty 🎨: New AI Chatbot on City's Website

The City of Laguna Beach introduces "Arty," a new AI chatbot designed to assist residents and visitors with quick and easy access to city information and services. Available 24/7, Arty can help with questions on city events, permits, and more, offering an efficient way to stay connected with the community. Try chatting with Arty today on the City’s website for instant support!
Trick or treat! Do you know which cart your candy wrappers should be placed in? The black lid landfill cart! Candy wrappers, along with other non-recyclable materials, will then be disposed of properly. @crrinc #halloween #trickortreat

Enjoy Your Weekend Ahead! 🌴

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.