The Laguna Niguel Beacon January 2025 | Issue 05

.

Laguna Niguel City Center Project Update!

The City is excited to announce that the Laguna Niguel City Center project is moving forward! The construction drawing phase of this project has begun by the developers, Laguna Niguel Town Center Partners, LLC. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Summer 2026. Stay tuned for additional updates as more project details become available. Learn more at cityoflagunaniguel.org/citycenter.

.

Wildfire Preparedness in the City of Laguna Niguel

The City of Laguna Niguel is deeply committed to fire safety and protecting the community through proactive measures that reduce fire risk and enhance emergency preparedness. By combining strategic vegetation management, strong partnerships with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and neighboring jurisdictions, and robust community education programs, the City takes a comprehensive approach to wildfire prevention and safety.

In this edition of the Laguna Niguel Beacon, we highlight the many ways the City works year-round to ensure the safety of residents. From innovative programs like goat grazing, to coordinated emergency training and crisis communication strategies, the City’s efforts demonstrate a strong dedication to creating a fire-resilient community.

Together, as a community, we ensure Laguna Niguel remains a safe and secure place to call home. Read on to learn more about these initiatives and how residents can contribute to wildfire preparedness.

Water Reliability During Emergencies

The City’s water service is provided by Moulton Niguel Water District, which plays a vital role in local emergency preparedness efforts. To learn more about how Moulton Niguel Water District prepares for fire emergencies and ensures water reliability during critical situations, please visit bit.ly/ln-mnwd-preparedness.

Facebook & Instagram Account: @MNWDWater
Facebook & Instagram Account: @MNWDWater

.

Fire Risk Mitigation Though Comprehensive Vegetation Management

The City collaborates with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and other state and local agencies to actively manage vegetation, weeds, and brush in City-owned open spaces. This includes:

  • Conducting regular weed abatement and brush management on City properties through contracted professionals to meet OCFA standards.
  • Collaborating with private property owners, homeowner associations (HOAs), and community partners to address fire risk on privately owned properties. City staff inspect properties, issue public notices, and engage in education and enforcement to ensure compliance with OCFA requirements.
  • Facilitating a Voluntary Abatement Program, which supports property owners in removing weeds and combustible materials from their land.
  • Partnering with neighboring jurisdictions, such as the County of Orange and the City of San Juan Capistrano, to mitigate fire risk in interconnected open spaces.
Photo Courtesy of Sage Environmental Group

Since 2020, the City has also utilized goats as part of its annual weed abatement program. These efforts, alongside traditional power equipment, ensure that weeds in open spaces and difficult terrain are trimmed to below six inches, significantly reducing fire hazards.

Year-Round Collaboration and Continuous Training

To further strengthen emergency preparedness, the City works closely with OCFA and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD), hosting joint emergency training exercises throughout the year. OCFA and OCSD leadership provide presentations and updates to the City Council and community on a quarterly basis. The most recent OCFA presentation was shared during the January 21st City Council Meeting and is available for viewing by clicking here or visiting the City’s YouTube Channel.

Additionally, the City provides emergency management training for City staff and safety partners at its Emergency Operations Center to ensure our team is prepared for wildfires or other emergencies.

Community Partnerships and Education

The City maintains very strong and active communication with over 120 Homeowner Associations located in Laguna Niguel to promote home-hardening programs and wildfire mitigation programs. These efforts include participation in OCFA’s Ready-Set-Go Program and the Cal-Fire Firewise Program, which offer valuable resources for residents to prepare their homes and families for wildfire risks. Presentations have been provided both in person and online to dozens of interested residents. Additionally, valuable resources are continuously shared with community members through the City’s quarterly HOA E-Newsletter. Residents can sign up by visiting cityoflagunaniguel.org/hoa.

Emergency Communication

The City has an Emergency Communications Policy that allows staff to be prepared to disseminate important/critical information and/or alerts, which may be released through social media, Nixle, the City website, mobile app, and/or AlertOC. Consider registering today!

  • Register for Nixle - Text 92677 to 888-777
  • Sign up for AlertOC - Visit www.AlertOC.org
  • City's Mobile App - Search for Laguna Niguel
Follow the City's official social media channels linked below.

Credits:

Created with images by Claudio Divizia - "water texture background" • leungchopan - "Using mobile phone"