THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2025
City Enhances Beach Safety with Lifeguard Tower Delivery and Debris Removal
Mayor Alex Rounaghi Highlights Lifeguard Safety During Ride Aboard Wave Watch
Councilmember Sue Kempf Joins LBPD and Community for Beach Cleanup
Councilmember Sue Kempf and the Laguna Beach Police Department joined the community at Aliso Beach on July 26 for a successful cleanup effort that removed 75 pounds of trash and encouraged beachgoers to take responsibility for keeping the coast clean.
Thanks for Keeping Our Beaches Clean!
Marine Protection Officer Wickham Educates Junior Lifeguards on Laguna’s Marine Protected Area
Mayor Alex Rounaghi Takes Victory in Demolition Derby Supporting CHOC 🏆
Mayor Alex Rounaghi represented the City of Laguna Beach this week at the Motor Home Madness Demolition Derby at the OC Fair, racing around the figure-8 track against the mayors of Newport Beach and Costa Mesa—and proudly bringing home the win for Laguna Beach!
But the fun isn’t over yet. Tonight, Laguna Beach Fire Chief Niko King—the 2024 defending champion—and Police Chief Jeff Calvert will compete in the public safety round of the derby, joining other first responders from across Orange County. Let’s show our support as they aim for another victory in service of an incredible cause. Police Lieutenant Jason Farris and Firefighter Scott Saunders will also be participating in the Figure 8 track.
Mayor Alex Rounaghi Recaps Demolition Derby Win Supporting CHOC 🎙️
In this week's Fair Game podcast with Tom Johnson, Mayor Alex Rounaghi recaps his victory in the Motor Home Madness Demolition Derby in support of the Children's Hospital of Orange County.
Meet Latte: A Gentle Soul Ready to Be Your Companion 🐶
Meet Latte, a sweet and gentle 10-year-old neutered male Lhasa Apso who’s friendly, quiet, and well-behaved. He’ll make a wonderful companion for a calm and loving home.
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.
City Hosts Retail Public Workshop
Yesterday, the City of Laguna Beach hosted a well-attended Retail Public Workshop in the City Council Chambers as part of the City’s ongoing Economic Development efforts. The workshop featured members of the City’s Economic Development Team and The Retail Coach, the City’s new retail recruitment partner, and included a productive and engaging discussion with the community.
The City sincerely appreciates the feedback shared by residents, business owners, and property owners who participated. The input is playing a key role in shaping the City’s strategy for business retention, attraction, and expansion. Attendees offered valuable ideas about the types of resident-serving businesses they would like to see in Laguna Beach, as well as suggestions for reducing retail "leakage"—the need to shop outside the city for goods and services.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend and share your voice. Your involvement is essential in helping Laguna Beach support a vibrant, balanced, local economy. In the coming weeks, the City will publish a public survey to gather additional input from residents on the types of retail they would like to see in the community.
For more information or to stay involved, please contact Louie Lacasella, City Manager’s Office at llacasella@lagunabeachcity.net
City Seeking Applications for Founding Board of Community Land Trust
The City of Laguna Beach is accepting applications for the Founding Board of the new Laguna Beach Community Land Trust, a nonprofit organization focused on creating long-term affordable housing and land access for community benefit, including artist housing, senior housing, and workforce housing. The Land Trust, which aims to promote permanent affordability and public good, may acquire its first property within six months of forming.
The five to seven board members, appointed by the City Council’s Community Land Trust Ad Hoc Committee, will serve two-year terms and help establish the nonprofit’s governance, outreach, and early strategy. Applicants with backgrounds in affordable housing, real estate, nonprofit governance, or related fields are encouraged to apply.
How To Apply:
Applications are due by Monday, August 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Click HERE for the online application. This is an important opportunity for members of the founding board to shape the direction, structure, and capacity of a mission-driven organization at its inception.
For questions, please contact Senior Management Analyst Louie Lacasella at (949) 497-0736 or by email at llacasella@lagunabeachcity.net.
Rocky Dawuni To Perform at Music in the Park 🎶
Music in the Park continues this Sunday with Rocky Dawuni, a three-time GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, and activist. Known for his signature “Afro Roots” sound, Rocky blends influences from Africa, the Caribbean, and the U.S. to create uplifting music that transcends borders.
Don’t Miss the Iconic Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach
Experience one of the most unique productions in the world at the Pageant of the Masters, where real people bring famous works of art to life in stunning detail. Held nightly in Laguna Beach’s outdoor amphitheater, this unforgettable show features live narration, a professional orchestra, and breathtaking stagecraft.
Kick Back and Enjoy the Weekend! 🏖️
Printed copies of the newsletter are available Fridays at the Community & Susi Q Center. Alternative Language Options Available Upon Request.