The city of Laguna Beach presents proclamation to Laguna Food Pantry, Second Harvest Food Bank in recognition of Hunger Action Month
Last week, Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill presented a proclamation on behalf of the city of Laguna Beach to Laguna Food Pantry Executive Director Anne Belyea and Melia Cary of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, recognizing September as Hunger Action Month. The proclamation highlights the importance of coming together to ensure our neighbors have access to nutritious groceries.
Hunger Action Month, which takes place every September, is a time to raise awareness about food insecurity and encourage people to take action, whether by donating, volunteering, advocating, or supporting organizations working to ensure everyone has consistent access to the food they need.
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Courtesy of Laguna Food Pantry
(L-R) Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill presenting a proclamation recognizing Hunger Action Month to Anne Belyea, Laguna Food Pantry executive director and Melia Cary of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County
“We’re grateful to the city of Laguna Beach for recognizing Hunger Action Month and for the community’s continued support of the Pantry,” said Anne Belyea, executive director of Laguna Food Pantry. “It takes all of us – donors, volunteers, food partners and community members – to make sure our neighbors have access to the groceries they need.”
While the beginning of October means Hunger Action Month has ended, the need and opportunity to help continue year-round. Laguna Food Pantry thanks everyone who took action this past September and everyone who continues to support our community.
Laguna Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday, 8-10:30 a.m., offering free, fresh, nutritious groceries via a drive-through system. Visit www.lagunafoodpantry.org to learn more, volunteer, or donate. The Pantry currently needs more volunteer drivers to help with grocery rescue. Your support is vital to their mission of ending food insecurity and hunger in our community. They believe no one should go hungry.
Council advances outdoor dining rules, sends parking changes to community review
By SARA HALL
City Council voted 5-0 on September 22 to move forward with proposed changes to the city’s parking requirements, while sending the plan through a series of community workshops for public feedback and possible revisions before it returns to the council.
Councilmembers also directed the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update Ad Hoc Committee to participate in the workshops and develop recommendations for a parking management plan.
At the same time, the council took steps toward making permanent outdoor dining possible for businesses currently operating under temporary approvals. Staff was instructed to work with business owners to obtain the necessary temporary use permits and coastal development permits by January 1, 2027, which would provide an 18-month transition period while the city completes its local approval process for the parking and outdoor dining regulations. The transition would also allow time for the California Coastal Commission to consider certification of the associated Local Coastal Program Amendment.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
The city is considering changes to parking requirements, including those affecting outdoor dining uses
The action also directed staff to prepare a resolution establishing outdoor dining design guidelines and seek preliminary input from the Planning Commission before returning to the council for formal adoption.
Councilmember Alex Rounaghi supported moving forward with the plan. Considering the city’s goal of supporting small businesses and reducing vacancies, the approach makes sense, he said.
“This is a really logical approach that allows us to look at parking in a really modern and realistic way,” Rounaghi said.
Staff’s analysis found that some temporary dining areas may not be able to transition to permanent status under current parking regulations without a variance, explained Principal Planner Wendy Jung. This is due in part to Laguna Beach’s older commercial building stock and the limited ability of many existing properties to provide additional on-site parking.
The consultant team identified blended parking requirements for each of the six districts, ranging from 2.25 to 3 spaces per 1,000 square feet. The parking districts include commercially zoned properties along and adjacent to Coast Highway, including properties that front Glenneyre Street.
The blended rates would provide standards that are streamlined and easy to understand and administer, Jung said. They are also designed to more closely reflect actual parking needs, she added, as the rates reflect observed demand while providing capacity for seasonal peaks and future growth.
Regarding outdoor dining parking, staff recommended an exemption when the outdoor dining area is equal to or less than the size of the indoor dining area, explained Principal Planner Belinda Deines. The exemption would be limited to a maximum of 500 square feet, which is equivalent to the city’s existing parking incentive for sidewalk cafes. The total parking exemption could not exceed five parking spaces, she noted.
“This exemption would alleviate the most significant hurdle for businesses seeking permanent outdoor dining areas,” Deines said.
The change would also require amendments to the zoning code and Local Coastal Program, subject to California Coastal Commission approval.
During public comment, speakers raised concerns about the proposed blended parking rates.
Considering the typical size of retail shops and the possibility that restaurants could add more sit-down space while reducing on-site parking, those additional cars would have to go somewhere else, said Aaron Peluso.
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City calls for entries for the 2026 Holiday Palette programs
It’s time again for the 2026 Holiday Palette competition, and the city is inviting entries to both the adult competition and the children’s competition.
Adults: Open to artists age 18+ who live, work or exhibit in Laguna Beach.
Apply online by October 5, 2026
Honorarium: $700
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Courtesy of city of Laguna Beach
Children’s entries during previous competition
2026 Children’s Holiday Palette Exhibit
Deadline: November 16, 2026
Open to artists age 5-17 who live or attend a school or art program in Laguna Beach.
These Arts Commission programs are funded by the lodging establishments and city of Laguna Beach.
For more information about submissions, click here.
Planning Commission favors Douglas fir for Main Beach boardwalk replacement
By SARA HALL
The Planning Commission this week reviewed plans for the proposed Main Beach boardwalk improvement project, which would replace approximately 1,200 linear feet of aging wood decking.
Commissioners considered the project on Wednesday, Sept. 16, and the consensus was that Douglas fir was the preferred lumber option.
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Courtesy of city of Laguna Beach
The existing boardwalk at Main Beach
The proposed project would replace the aging wood decking while maintaining the existing boardwalk alignment, dimensions, structural configuration and pedestrian function. Over the years, individual deteriorated boards have been replaced as needed, leaving the boardwalk with a mixture of materials, Project Manager Yun-Yun Lee said.
Plans call for replacing approximately 2,045 existing wood decking boards from Marine Safety headquarters to Laguna Avenue (307 S. Coast Highway), along with the associated boardwalk access stairs. The work would remain within the existing boardwalk footprint, alignment and structural configuration.
The boards generally measure 3 inches by 8 inches and are approximately 10-12 feet long. They are individually tapered as necessary to conform to the curved geometry of the existing boardwalk and secured to the underlying framing with countersunk fasteners.
Staff is evaluating several decking materials, including pressure-treated Douglas fir, Ipe (Brazilian hardwood), balata (also known as bulletwood, a tropical hardwood), Accoya (a high-performance modified softwood) and other durable wood or modified-wood alternatives. Staff is assessing each based on durability, appearance, constructability, maintenance requirements, coastal performance, cost and long-term lifecycle cost.
“As long as I’ve been here, for 45 years, the boardwalk has had a particular character: It’s rough, timbery, knotty, kind of rustic,” Commissioner Steven Kellenberg said.
Douglas fir would maintain that tradition, he commented. The hardwood options seemed like a “fundamental change in character.” They are more refined and elegant and do not have the same charm or quality, he said.
Commissioner Ken Sadler said Douglas fir would also be easier to work with because it can be cut and tapered, is lighter than other options and would allow for simpler fastening. It would also be easier and less expensive to replace individual boards when necessary, he added.
Douglas fir is also the material already in place, Sadler noted.
“It’s what the public has gotten, and I have gotten, used to and it has a certain rustic feel to it,” Sadler said.
Commissioner Susan McLintock Whitin was also strongly supportive of the Douglas fir option.
“My first reaction was (that) it’s the obvious thing to do,” to replace it like for like, Whitin said.
It would keep the process simple and efficient, including when dealing with the California Coastal Commission. It is also rougher and more appropriate for a coastal environment, she added.
“Lastly, but every bit as important, to maintain the beachy, funky traditional feeling of the existing Douglas fir boardwalk,” Whitin said. “It’s worked really well for us. It really blends in to the beach.”
Although cost is not specifically under the commission’s purview, several commissioners also agreed that Douglas fir was the more budget-friendly option.
Chair Pro Tem Jorg Dubin was the only commissioner not fully on board with Douglas fir. It has both hard and soft grain, he commented, and the softer material deteriorates faster and becomes uneven.
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Council ratifies local emergency after Hurricane Marie damage as El Niño strengthens
By SARA HALL
City Council unanimously ratified the city’s local emergency proclamation this week in response to coastal erosion and sand loss caused by Hurricane Marie, as officials prepare for the possibility of additional damage from a very strong El Niño forecast for this fall and winter.
Councilmembers voted 5-0 on Monday, Sept. 14 to ratify the proclamation, initially declared by City Manager Dave Kiff, acting as director of emergency services, on September 10.
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Photos courtesy of city of Laguna Beach
Coastal erosion damage at houses along Lagunita Drive
Two oceanfront homes on Ocean Way and four on Lagunita Drive have been yellow-tagged because of compromised seawalls. The tags allow limited entry and the properties are subject to regular reinspections, Kiff explained this week. A wastewater line below one of the Lagunita homes has been secured with sandbags, he confirmed.
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Damage to the Aliso Beach parking lot, looking northwest
The Aliso Beach parking lot also partially failed. The city is analyzing the lot, and one tree had been removed as of Monday, Kiff said. Other trees have been lost at 10th Street beach.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says El Niño is strengthening, with a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event this fall and winter. Its latest seasonal outlook favors above-normal precipitation across the southern half of California, which could increase the risk of additional erosion before sand can return to city beaches.
Ratification of the proclamation could help the city qualify for funding or reimbursement and provide more flexibility in permitting and procurement for remediation work, Kiff explained. It also aligns Laguna Beach with other Orange County coastal cities seeking funding and more streamlined permitting, he added.
The emergency declaration also gives the city flexibility to respond as conditions evolve, including addressing new damage and public safety threats.
Councilmembers also emphasized the need for longer-term planning.
“It’s really important that we be looking at the immediate emergency repairs, how we’re going to get through this season and then long-term planning for what is proving to be a rapidly changing climate,” Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones commented.
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A lifeguard tower sits on exposed rocks after recent storms stripped sand from local beaches
Councilmember Alex Rounaghi said the city also needs a long-term discussion about sand replenishment. He asked whether the local emergency could help support sand replenishment work through a more streamlined California Environmental Quality Act process.
“That’s something that we definitely should be looking at,” Rounaghi said, noting that the city’s response to the current issue could also inform future efforts. “It’s a good way to take advantage of the situation.”
If the work is part of the local emergency and intended to prevent future damage, there is a good argument that it could qualify for an exemption from CEQA, City Attorney Megan Garibaldi responded.
Lifetime resident Aaron Peluso said during public comment that he remembered much more sand and a considerably wider beach when he was growing up. The sand is the city’s “biggest protective asset” against strong storms and the upcoming winter weather, he said.
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Council seeks to expand county’s pesticide-free vegetation management pilot program to local creeks
By SARA HALL
City Council this week unanimously approved taking steps to request that the county expand its pesticide-free vegetation management pilot program to include Aliso Creek and, if possible, Laguna Canyon Creek.
Councilmembers voted 5-0 on Tuesday (Aug. 4) to support expanding the county’s trial program to local water channels and authorize Mayor Mark Orgill and Councilmember Alex Rounaghi to communicate the city’s position before the Orange County Board of Supervisors (BOS) through correspondence, public testimony and discussions with county officials.
If there is a way to eradicate or control invasive species without synthetic herbicide, Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones said she is “all for that.”
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Council this week supported taking steps to request that the county’s pesticide-free vegetation management pilot program include Aliso Creek
“I am really concerned about elimination of invasive species and how we protect habitat from really noxious invasive species, particularly Arundo donax [giant reed], which is a huge problem in our watercourses,” Jones said. “That said, I am really committed to following the science and I’m very interested in seeing how this pilot program works.”
The BOS on June 9 approved a one-year pilot project to be conducted by OC Public Works to evaluate manual and mechanical removal methods of vegetation in the San Juan and Trabuco Creek channels as part of a broader effort to reduce chemical use in Orange County waterways. Aliso Creek was not included.
A proposal for a one-year trial covering all the creeks in Orange County was initially put forward before the BOS, but a majority voted it down, Rounaghi recalled. Part of the reason why San Juan and Trabuco Creek channels were chosen was because of the popular family beach and lagoon at the mouth of the creeks, he explained.
“What we have at Aliso is a very similar set of circumstances,” he said. “The goal here is to enhance this pilot program and see if there’s a better way where…the county can achieve the goals of creeks, but also do it in a way that could minimize the use of herbicides.”
Rounaghi raised the issue of expanding the test run to include Aliso Creek with BOS Vice Chair Katrina Foley, who represents Laguna Beach. She indicated her support for the idea and willingness to bring to the board during the August 11 meeting.
In response to community concerns regarding herbicide use, Foley initiated an effort to evaluate alternative vegetation management methods that reduce reliance on chemical treatments while continuing to meet the county’s flood protection responsibilities.
On Tuesday, resident Nick Aronoff pulled the item from the consent calendar so he could request that Laguna Canyon Creek also be included.
“Adding that to the pilot program could be a big step for us,” Aronoff commented. “(There are) only two creeks in this town, why do one and not the other?”
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Council approves new vendor for mobile parking payment system
By SARA HALL
City Council this week unanimously approved a new vendor for Laguna Beach’s mobile parking payment system, paving the way for technology upgrades that will improve customer experience and better integrate with future parking management tools.
Councilmembers voted 5-0 Tuesday (July 21) to award a five-year contract to IPS Group Inc. to provide the city’s new mobile parking payment system, with the option of five one-year extensions upon mutual agreement. They also approved a 50-cent transaction fee for all mobile parking payments and amended IPS’ parking meter device and repair contract in an amount not to exceed $1 million over the five-year term.
The council previously considered the item July 7 but postponed action to allow additional negotiations.
Councilmember Alex Rounaghi called parking one of the city’s best tools for ensuring visitors help cover the cost of public services. He also recommended staff return with a broader framework for integrating future parking technologies, a direction that was included in the approved motion.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
City Council this week approved a contract for an updated mobile parking payment system with a new vendor
Rounaghi also encouraged the city to continue replacing traditional parking meters with pay stations.
Acting Director of Transit and Community Services Alexis Braun said Laguna Beach has about 1,700 parking meters. Each year, the city replaces approximately 50 to 100 of them by installing about 10 pay stations while developing a longer-term capital improvement plan for broader replacement.
Braun emphasized that Tuesday’s action focused only on the mobile payment system.
As part of the agreement, IPS will buy back up to 1,000 parking meters for $100 each when the city begins its larger replacement project.
Following the July 7 meeting, staff updated the report with additional information about the procurement process, City Manager Dave Kiff said. The revised agreement also requires quarterly meetings with IPS to review emerging technology and system performance.
The current mobile parking payment system was implemented in 2019, according to the staff report. Since then, parking technology has advanced significantly, prompting the city to seek a new system designed to improve customer experience, increase revenue, reduce vendor costs and better integrate with citation software used by the Laguna Beach Police Department.
The upgraded system will include multilingual support, text-to-pay capability, improved integration with police license plate readers, parking zone confirmation, enhanced payment security and updated city-branded signage and marketing materials.
Parking consultant Julie Dixon, president and founder of Dixon Resources Unlimited, said the Laguna Beach Police Department is currently evaluating license plate reader providers. The IPS contract requires compatibility with whichever provider the department ultimately selects.
Dixon said the city’s long-term goal is a parking program that relies primarily on license plate-based technology.
“Ultimately, as the program evolves, everything in the city will, ideally, be virtual or license plate-based,” Dixon said.
She said the system is designed to accommodate new features as technology evolves. While officials have not determined whether digital signs will be installed, the technology will be capable of supporting that feature.
The city will no longer rely on parking space sensors, Dixon said. Instead, occupancy data will come from parking payments combined with license plate reader technology as the system evolves.
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Sara Hall covers City Hall and is a regular contributor to Stu News Laguna.
Planning Commission reviews concept for up to 39 permanent enclosed lifeguard towers
By SARA HALL
The Planning Commission last week reviewed a long-range proposal to install up to 39 permanent enclosed lifeguard towers along the Laguna Beach coastline, replacing the city’s remaining seasonal and temporary stations with standardized structures designed for year-round marine safety operations.
Commissioners received the concept presentation on July 15, including an evaluation of the first five proposed tower locations. The review was informational only; final engineering, environmental review, Coastal Commission permitting and design approvals will occur in later phases.
The proposed program would install enclosed lifeguard towers on permanent caisson foundations to improve durability and operational readiness while providing safer, year-round working conditions for lifeguards. Permanent enclosed towers have already been installed at several city beaches, and officials said expanding the program would standardize lifeguard infrastructure throughout Laguna Beach.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
A lifeguard stands watch from a permanent enclosed tower at Main Beach. The city is considering replacing many of its remaining seasonal and temporary lifeguard stations with permanent enclosed towers as part of a long-range marine safety improvement program.
The presentation outlined the overall program framework. Foundation design, tower placement and construction methods will be refined as each site advances through the design and permitting process.
Last July, the City Council approved a contract with ENGEO to complete geological, geotechnical and wave run-up studies for the project. The firm’s analysis evaluated bluff stability, sand movement, wave run-up, coastal hazards, construction access and other conditions affecting the long-term suitability of each location.
The first five priority sites are Aliso Beach, Picnic Beach, Shaw’s Cove, Table Rock South and Victoria Beach. According to city staff, those locations were selected to evaluate visibility, construction access and coastal constraints before applying lessons learned to future tower locations.
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Courtesy of city of Laguna Beach
A city map shows the proposed locations of up to 39 permanent enclosed lifeguard towers along the Laguna Beach coastline
Public comment reflected differing opinions over whether the city should install a standardized system of permanent towers or continue using a combination of permanent and seasonal facilities.
Resident Nick Aronoff said he supports providing lifeguards with safe working conditions but questioned whether the proposal is appropriately scaled and whether enough information has been presented about costs.
“This is not about protecting lifeguards,” Aronoff said. “I’m 100% in favor of the city providing them with safe and functional working conditions.”
He noted that no cost estimates or maintenance figures were discussed and questioned whether every beach requires the same style of tower.
“Why are we trying to permanently engineer a standardized solution into a coastline that is constantly changing?” he asked, citing seasonal erosion, storm impacts and shifting sand conditions.
Former Laguna Beach lifeguard Dale Ghere, who said he moved to Laguna Beach in 1960 to work as a lifeguard, supported the proposal, noting that many longtime lifeguards have experienced health issues related to prolonged sun exposure.
“The tower is essential to protect the lifeguard,” Ghere said. “An umbrella doesn’t do it.”
He added that permanent towers remain fully equipped and ready for immediate use, while transporting temporary towers can be difficult and hazardous.
Several commissioners also voiced support for the proposal.
Planning Commission Chair Steven Kellenberg said permanent towers would be better equipped to withstand severe winter storms and emphasized that Marine Safety staff are best qualified to determine where lifeguard stations should be located.
“You feel that this is the number of locations you need to do your job,” Kellenberg said. “So I’m completely supportive of that.”
Commissioner Jorg Dubin said lifeguard safety should remain the city’s highest priority, adding that older wooden structures require extensive maintenance and are no longer practical for modern marine safety operations.
Commissioner Ken Sadler, who said discussions about permanent lifeguard towers date back more than 15 years, also favored a uniform design, saying consistency would help beachgoers quickly locate lifeguard stations during emergencies. He added that tower locations should ultimately be based on both marine safety needs and geotechnical recommendations identifying the safest sites.
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Sara Hall covers City Hall and is a regular contributor to Stu News Laguna.
Council approves $6.7M funding commitment for affordable housing project at church property
By SARA HALL
City Council this week unanimously approved a funding commitment of approximately $6.7 million for an affordable housing project planned at the Neighborhood Congregational Church (NCC) property.
Councilmembers voted 4-0 during a special meeting on Wednesday (July 15) to approve the funding strategy for the development slated for the church property at 340 St. Ann’s Drive. Councilmember Alex Rounaghi was absent; he previously recused himself from discussions because of his prior employment with Related California.
The total city contribution will come from several different buckets, staff said, including restricted funds, fee waivers and deferrals.
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Rendering by KTGY Architects/Courtesy of NCC and Related California
A rendering of the view from Glenneyre Street of the proposed NCC and Related California affordable housing project
Related California, through NCC Laguna Beach Housing Partners, L.P., is proposing a three-story, 29-unit, 100% affordable housing development with a 41-space parking garage. Plans call for the demolition of the existing parsonage building and surface parking lot, but not the parish hall or church sanctuary. Montessori School will continue to operate.
“When I look at it, big picture-wise…the headline will be $6.7 million of assistance,” said Councilmember Bob Whalen. “That’s a big-sounding number.”
Still, considering all factors – including a landowner willing to commit the property and a developer that adjusted the plans in response to neighborhood concerns – Whalen said the project is worthy of support.
“I think we’ve got a pretty unique opportunity here, an excellent project, one that’s deserving of our support,” Whalen said.
He noted that $2.5 million of that number is the state grant.
“That’s grant money that we can only spend on housing and I think this project is an excellent candidate to receive that,” Whalen said. “We don’t have a lot of projects walking through the door. I mean, this is the only one that I can see on the horizon between now and the end of the next housing element.”
The deal also includes six public parking spaces, Whalen pointed out. He also highlighted the fee waivers, which is a notable non-cash piece of the total funding strategy.
Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones said the project helps the city meet state housing obligations while creating opportunities for people who contribute to Laguna Beach’s community fabric to continue living in town.
“It is the city’s legal and deeply moral obligation to contribute our resources to affordable housing and I think that this is the right way to do it,” Jones said.
She also shared a concern about the long-term preservation of the sanctuary.
The NCC project was first mentioned in May 2024 and plans have since been revised and scaled down several times following community input.
The project itself was approved by the Planning Commission on June 3; Tuesday’s council action focused only on the city’s financial contribution, staff emphasized.
The recommended $6.7 million city contribution will be structured as a 58-year residual receipts loan with 3% simple interest. The funding commitment remains contingent on the developer receiving an allocation of 9% low-income housing tax credits, securing remaining project financing and meeting all conditions outlined in the proposed funding commitment agreement.
Nearly 20 people spoke during public comment, most in support of the project.
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Council delays mobile parking app contract, seeks stronger technology policy
By SARA HALL
The Laguna Beach City Council last week delayed approval of a new $2 million contract for the city’s mobile parking payment system, opting instead to negotiate additional improvements before moving forward.
Councilmembers voted unanimously on July 7 to continue the item until July 21.
The proposed agreement would award a five-year, $2 million contract to IPS Group, Inc. to provide a new mobile parking payment system, including parking meter devices and repair services. Councilmember Sue Kempf pulled the item from the consent calendar for discussion.
Kempf said she supports the proposed contract but believes the city has an opportunity to negotiate terms that better align with priorities outlined in the city’s parking management plan.
“We want to negotiate with them,” Kempf said, adding that the city should create a dedicated technology policy to better address rapidly evolving technology.
Rather than conducting a lengthy procurement process every time technology evolves, the city should establish a framework that allows it to evaluate and adopt new technology more efficiently, she said.
Councilmember Alex Rounaghi agreed, suggesting the item be continued so councilmembers and staff could explore additional options with the vendor.
“There are a lot of great priorities in the parking management plan,” Rounaghi said. “The idea is that we could better implement those through this contract.”
He said the goal is to better align the vendor’s incentives with the city’s parking goals while improving efficiency, reducing costs and enhancing the parking experience.
Rounaghi also noted that investing in new parking infrastructure under a five-year agreement could limit the city’s negotiating leverage when the contract expires. Exploring a longer-term agreement, he said, could benefit both the city and the vendor.
“We just think that there’s a win-win opportunity here,” he said.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
The city is negotiating a contract for an updated mobile parking payment system with a new vendor
Councilmember Bob Whalen raised a separate concern about the staff report, noting it did not include a comparison of IPS Group’s proposal with the other finalists.
Seven companies submitted proposals, with five advancing to interviews.
Given the size of the proposed contract, Whalen said future staff reports should include a comparison of costs and other evaluation factors for competing bids.
The city’s mobile parking payment system collects parking fees at on-street meters and city parking lots through pay stations and a mobile app.
According to the staff report, the current system was implemented in 2019. Since then, parking technology has advanced significantly, prompting the city to seek a modernized system that improves customer experience, increases revenue, reduces vendor costs and better integrates with the Police Department’s citation software.
Proposed enhancements include multilingual app support, text-to-pay capability, improved integration with license plate reader technology, easier navigation to available parking, confirmation that users have selected the correct parking zone, enhanced payment security, updated city-branded signage and expanded public outreach and marketing materials.
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Sara Hall covers City Hall and is a regular contributor to Stu News Laguna.
City of LB Recreation Department screens Movies in the Park for an evening of fun
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Courtesy of city of Laguna Beach
Bring some popcorn and sodas, then grab a seat to enjoy Movies in the Park at Heisler Park on Thursday, July 16 from 8-10 p.m. when “Zootopia 2” screens. This is a movie for all ages. On August 20, “Grease” (for ages 11 and up) plays from 7:30-10 p.m., and on September 26, enjoy “Top Gun” (for ages 11 and up) from 6:45-10 p.m.
Council forms committee to tackle funding request for affordable housing project proposed at local church property
By SARA HALL
City Council last week established an ad hoc committee to work on a funding request for the planned affordable housing project at the Neighborhood Congregational Church (NCC) property.
They voted 4-0 (Councilmember Alex Rounaghi recused himself due to to his prior employment at Related California) on Tuesday (June 23) and selected Councilmembers Sue Kempf and Bob Whalen for the committee.
Kempf confirmed that she has seen the pro forma documents related to the project.
“Without saying a lot about it, it needs some work,” she commented.
Whalen has worked on a few affordable housing projects over the years, he noted.
“They’re complicated,” he said.
Mayor Mark Orgill has also looked at some of the financials related to the project and said there were a number of aspects he wasn’t aware of or had any knowledge on.
“It’d be great to have some eyes on it with somebody with some experience,” Orgill said.
The group is set to return with recommendations regarding the funding request as early as July 7.
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Rendering by KTGY Architects/Courtesy of NCC and Related California
A rendering of the view from Glenneyre Street of the proposed NCC and Related California affordable housing project
Proposed for the NCC property at 340 St. Ann’s Drive is a three-story, 29-unit, 100% affordable housing development by Related California. Plans call for the demolition of the existing parsonage building and surface parking lot, but not the parish hall or church sanctuary. Montessori School will continue to operate.
Related California has requested city participation in the financing of the proposed project, explained Assistant City Manager Jeremy Frimond. There are a few deal points subject to negotiation, he said. The appointed councilmembers would assist staff with those negotiable areas in leading those efforts, he added.
The developer asked that the city reach a decision before July 21, which is the deadline for submission of its application for low-income housing tax credits.
Staff has identified several areas requiring additional information and analysis, including:
–A project pro forma and long-term financial projections.
–Clarification regarding the specific project components for which city funding would be used.
–Identification of all proposed funding sources and financing assumptions.
–Evaluation of the relationship between available city housing funds and proposed project costs.
–Analysis of long-term operational and financial sustainability.
–Assessment of risks and obligations associated with any city financial participation.
The Laguna Beach Local Housing Trust Fund was established in 2024 and successfully secured a $2.5 million grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development, which requires a dollar-for-dollar local match.
The NCC project was first mentioned in May 2024 in response to a notice of funding availability from various sources for affordable housing projects. At that time, Related California proposed a mixed-use project with 72 units.
Revised plans were submitted to the city in March 2025, putting forward a two-story building with 44 residential units, a spiritual center (but Montessori School eliminated) and a different architectural style.
The latest plans describe the project as a three-story, 30,690-square-foot multi-family residential building that is 100% affordable, with 28 residential units (plus one resident manager unit) and a parking garage with 41 spaces. The church and school are to be maintained as is on the site, staff confirmed.
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Council approves 2026-27 budget, proceeds with affordable housing fund, AI document review program, defers mounted police unit
By SARA HALL
City Council on Tuesday (June 23) voted 5-0 to approve the fiscal year 2026-27 budget.
Councilmembers also gave direction on other considerations, including affordable housing funding options, artificial intelligence document review software, Main Beach boardwalk and police mounted unit.
Total FY 2026-27 estimated revenues are $166.2 million and total estimated expenditures are $170.4 million. The general fund remains balanced with a 20% contingency reserve of $19 million.
Although early projections anticipated it, the city does not have a deficit, City Manager Dave Kiff confirmed. They are transferring some general fund-like dollars back from non-restricted, specially-designated funds and assigning some of the capital improvement funds to one-time items.
There are “tight years” ahead, Kiff said, as Public Employees’ Retirement System costs are peaking and hotel closures knock down local revenue.
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Photo by Mary Hurlbut
City Council this week approved the upcoming 2026-27 budget and provided direction on various items, including the housing fund and high-tech document review software
Councilmember Sue Kempf said the subcommittee reviewed AI software which completed zoning plan checks on multiple projects. Instead of a tedious staff process, the program highlighted insufficient data or problem areas, Kempf explained. It can also be used to help generate staff reports.
“When you think about how big our staff reports are and how much time they take, that could be a significant savings,” she said.
They also want to ensure they have an AI policy in place, added Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, who also sat on the subcommittee.
“AI creates an unprecedented opportunity. With that being said, the goal is to really center this around the human experience in our departments,” he commented. “The goal here is not to just make things more AI-like, but rather to empower the individuals in our organization to really do work more efficiently.”
Ultimately, the council agreed to appropriate the suggested $150,000 and directed staff to start the process of procuring a vendor for the software.
The idea is to establish a four-member mounted enforcement unit was also discussed on Tuesday.
The horses would be purchased for the city (with specific ownership to be determined) using donated funds from the Laguna Beach Police and Community Foundation to cover all program costs for two years.
There was some concern about how the horses would be utilized and if the program would have to be scaled back or ended if it can’t be maintained in the future.
LBPD Traffic Sergeant Tom Spratt explained that horses can get around in unusual spaces and are a lot quicker than an officer on foot. They can also provide a better viewpoint and help with community engagement.
“There’s not a whole lot of people who can outrun a horse, but there are a lot of guys out there who can outrun me,” Spratt commented. “It’s just another tool that we can use. It’s not high technology – it’s actually taking a step back a couple of hundred years – but sometimes that’s a necessary evolution that we do.”
He also noted their ability to do search and rescue or seek out illegal campsites in the canyon.
Councilmember Bob Whalen reiterated the concerns and added that how it was brought forward felt unusual.
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City of Laguna Beach and Visit Laguna Beach partner to launch Clean Laguna Campaign
The city of Laguna Beach and Visit Laguna Beach have partnered to launch the “Clean Laguna” campaign just in time for what promises to be an extraordinarily busy summer season. This city-led initiative is designed to encourage residents and visitors to “Laguna Like a Local.” Rooted in Laguna Beach’s stewardship platform and its focus on Environment, Culture and Heritage, the campaign aims to help protect the character, beauty and authenticity of the city during their heaviest visitation months.
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Photos courtesy of Visit Laguna Beach
Two of the new trash bin wraps installed over Memorial Day weekend
The launch debuted over Memorial Day weekend with the installation of 72 high-visibility trash bin wraps and vibrant banners greeting visitors from each direction of entry into the city, and will also include a collaborative effort with local businesses pledging to do their part. In the future, the city will also be partnering with Laguna College of Art + Design (LCAD) artists for a mural installation blending Laguna Beach artistry with the Clean Laguna strategy.
According to the Keep America Beautiful National Litter Study, only 31% of Americans recall seeing litter prevention messaging in public spaces, reinforcing the importance of visible and consistent reminders. Featuring 12 distinct messages and eye-catching graphics, the Clean Laguna campaign is designed to capture attention while encouraging simple actions that help protect Laguna Beach’s beaches, neighborhoods, parks, trails and coastline.
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The trash bins feature 12 distinct messages and eye-catching graphics
“Grounded in the mantra ‘Laguna Like a Local,’ we’re framing cleanliness as a shared value that honors our community,” said Joanna Bear, president & CEO for Visit Laguna Beach. “These are simple, positive reminders that are designed to inspire small actions that add up to make a difference in protecting Laguna.”
The Clean Laguna campaign is part of a broader seasonal effort by the city to prepare for increased summer visitation. Additional measures include expanded trolley service, increased enforcement and park ranger staffing, added support for tidepool education efforts and enhanced public safety resources throughout the summer months.
“No ‘one thing’ is going to make the difference,” said Mark Orgill, Laguna Beach mayor, “but by continuing to stack one effort on top of the other, we know we can reach the turning point we’re looking for.”
Council denies Egan Homestead project, recognizes cottage as historic resource
By SARA HALL
A majority of City Council this week denied the proposed project for the 119-year-old Egan Homestead and declared the house to be a “historic resource.”
Councilmembers voted 3-2 (with Alex Rounaghi and Sue Kempf dissenting) on Tuesday (May 26) to support an appeal and overturn a previous Design Review Board approval of the property, located at 31526 Valido Road. The item was pulled from the consent calendar by a member of the public.
The DRB action would have allowed for a new single-family dwelling, attached two-car garage, elevated decks, grading, landscaping and demolition of the existing dwelling.
Neighbors and local groups filed two separate appeals stating various contentions, including that the property contains a historic resource.
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Photo from CRMLS/Courtesy of city of Laguna Beach and Historic Resources Group
The current conditions of the historic Egan Homestead (facing northeast)
Council considered the appeals on May 12 and a majority concluded there was substantial evidence in the record supporting the finding that the structure is a discretionary historic resource under the California Environmental Quality Act. They directed staff to draft a resolution overturning the DRB approval.
Council’s action was based on the finding that the homestead is a historic resource under CEQA, but they did not reach any other basis to deny the project, Assistant City Attorney Jane Abzug explained.
During public comment, Ann Christoph said she reviewed the resolution and believes that it does not accurately reflect the motion made at the May 12 meeting, she said.
“To me, the resolution should reflect that the council denied it, that it was found to be a historic resource and, if any of these other additional alternatives or changes or environmental review is to be done, that would be done in the future under a separate project,” Christoph said.
It was also “very light” on referencing the public participation and consultants who provided reasons that the homestead is historic, she added.
In reviewing the public comments the city received, the city attorney’s office made a brief presentation with some proposed changes to the resolution.
The modifications include correcting typos, removing a repeated line explaining the purpose of the assessment and a clarification that an additional environmental review based on the project as it exists or project revisions to comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards treatment of historic properties be conducted.
Also added was a line noting that city consultant Historic Resources Group’s report found the property significant under the specific criteria for the National Register of Historic Places.
The revised version also explains that while a discretionary historical resource is not officially listed on a historic register, it is considered significant enough by the city to warrant protection based on its historical, architectural, or cultural value.
Councilmember Bob Whalen noted that he may not have articulated his motion correctly at the earlier meeting, but it was meant to find the homestead as a historic resource and deny the project. Although they didn’t address the merits of the project at the time, so now the action focuses on the CEQA aspects.
Following council direction, it was a denial of the use of the CEQA exemption as opposed to the denial of the overall project, Abzug explained.
“Ultimately, it’s really putting an applicant in the same position of studying the additional options and alternatives now or reapplying to the city. But the applicant still has the right to explore whether alternatives are available under CEQA,” Abzug said.
Abzug noted that the modified resolution states that council did not reach the merits of the first appeal’s contentions, and therefore the final decision on that appeal remains pending during the additional environmental review or project revisions. Council retains jurisdiction of this project, including project revisions, she added.
“Ultimately, this allows the applicant to come back to the City Council as opposed to going through all the steps before the Design Review Board,” she explained.
In a May 22 letter to council, attorney Richard McDonald with Stoner Carlson LLP, representing the property owner, said councilmembers “ignored the overwhelming evidence” and “cherry picked the information” at their earlier meeting.
“The property owners – who have never consented to having their property designated as historical as required under the city’s code –
thus strongly object to the proposed resolution for the denial of their application,” McDonald wrote.
~~~~~~~~
Sara Hall covers City Hall and is a regular contributor to Stu News Laguna.
City pauses action on proposal to increase sound limit for Irvine Bowl
By SARA HALL
Following numerous public comments, city staff last week decided to pause action on a proposal to allow for an increase in the sound limit at the neighborhood sound boundary at and around the Irvine Bowl.
At the May 6 Administrative Community Development Director meeting, staff decided to continue a request for a coastal development permit for a change to the intensity of use of land as it relates to an update of the Irvine Bowl sound policy until the June 3 meeting.
Staff requested a continuance in order to allow staff time to review and address the comments received from the public on this project, said Senior Planner Shaveta Sharma. They will be preparing an updated staff report, she added.
Continuance was largely in response to a lot of comments that came in during the last 24 hours, explained Community Development Director Matt Schneider.
“I won’t be able to analyze all the facts that are presented to me today, so it’s really better to pause,” to be able to review all of the information before rendering a decision, he commented.
Due to the request for a continuance, Schneider said they would not review the merits of the project until the future meeting. Members of the public are welcome to provide written comments if they are unable to attend the June meeting, he noted.
Click on photo for a larger image
Courtesy of city of Laguna Beach
The city is working on a proposal to increase the sound limit for the Irvine Bowl
The city and Festival of Arts Laguna Beach previously entered into a lease agreement for certain city-owned property, including the Irvine Bowl, which is primarily used for the Festival and the Pageant of the Masters.
The Irvine Bowl Policy Committee prescribes policies for use of the facility, including the current sound policy, which was approved in 2023.
The policy states that sound will be monitored by the Festival/Pageant throughout events with amplified sound. Amplified sound also isn’t allowed before or after a certain time of day, as outlined in the policy. Sound equipment will be set up in a way to maximize guests’ enjoyment and minimize sound migration outside the event location. It also requires that sound level shall not exceed 70 decibels at the “neighborhood sound boundary.”
According to staff, other organizations have requested to use the Irvine Bowl for concerts during the off-season, but have concerns that the sound policy is too restrictive at 70 dBA.
Last year, the Irvine Bowl Policy Committee considered, but disagreed, on an amendment to the sound policy to create exceptions for events that meet certain conditions. In the event of disagreement on the committee, the council has the final authority. Council agreed to hire a consultant, Rincon Consultants, Inc., to study sound at and around the Irvine Bowl before enacting any revisions.
City Council voted unanimously on July 8 to further study a sound policy for the Irvine Bowl.
The item also included a recommendation to suspend the policy for three days in November to allow Rincon the opportunity to measure and analyze sound from a real-life concert.
An April 21 report prepared by Rincon summarized the existing noise regulatory requirements and proposed revisions. With that information, city staff prepared a draft updated sound policy that increases the sound limit from 70 dBA to 75 dBA (one-hour average) at the neighborhood sound boundary at and around the Irvine Bowl.
According to the staff report, the higher limit aligns with industry standards and would allow for successful events while maintaining acceptable indoor noise levels for residents.
Additional recommendations include requiring third-party sound monitoring, strengthening enforcement through fines, maintaining existing hour restrictions, and improving communication and enforcement tools for nearby residents.
Although public comments, both written and in-person at the meeting, raised several concerns with the proposed change.
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Council OKs letter supporting existing MPA boundary, asks for opportunities to improve ocean health
By SARA HALL
City Council this week agreed to send a letter to the state in support of maintaining the existing Laguna Beach Marine Protected Area boundary, but asked for more opportunities for ocean health improvements.
A petition to expand the southern boundary of the local no-take MPA was recently submitted by the Laguna Bluebelt Coalition.
The city’s Environmental Sustainability Committee reviewed the issue and recommended council support the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (DFW) recommendation to deny the petition and maintain the existing MPA boundaries.
Councilmembers voted 5-0 on Tuesday (May 12) to direct the mayor to send a letter stating that the council agrees with the DFW and ESC recommendation because “the science isn’t there,” but added that the city is always willing to collaborate on opportunities to improve ocean health and to partner on additional scientific studies to understand why this kelp isn’t thriving.
The Fish and Game Commission is the final decision-maker and is scheduled to meet on Tuesday (May 19).
Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones said the data isn’t there to prompt a boundary change.
“That’s a really hard, hard place for me to be at because my heart is with the side of conservation,” she said.
The science that DFW is putting out there is solid, she said, and she trusts it. Jones also suggested working with local experts on kelp reforestation projects within this area.
Councilmember Bob Whalen agreed that there’s not enough evidence to determine that fishing is causing the loss of kelp.
“I don’t think the scientific evidence is there right now to conclude that the boundary should be moved,” he said.
They need to pursue more analysis and research, Whalen added. They need to better understand what’s going on out there and find out how to improve the situation.
Photo by ponkyjoe/Courtesy of DFW
Brown seaweed in Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve MPA
The city should also engage with the DFW’s kelp restoration and management plan, which is in development.
“I think we need to understand it and see whether there’s factors that we can create here locally that might help restore some of that,” Whalen said.
Whalen pointed out that the DFW report states that a “boundary change could be reconsidered if there were significant ecological benefits to (the) MPA network.”
“However, ending fishing activity alone (by extending the Laguna Beach No-take SMCA boundary) is unlikely to result in meaningful and sustained kelp recovery and/or protection without a clear understanding of the site-specific ecological drivers of kelp loss,” the report reads.
ESC found that there is insufficient scientific basis for a permanent boundary change, a lack of analysis of the socioeconomic impact and uncertainty regarding environmental conditions. They also noted the importance of community-based stewardship and incorporating the knowledge of local stakeholders, including multigenerational fishing communities, into future MPA planning efforts.
City staff note that the proposal would extend no-take protections south to the city’s southern boundary, shift the boundary with the Dana Point MPA and apply one consistent no fishing rule across all Laguna Beach waters.
Petition proponents state that the change would make rules easier to understand and enforce, provide additional protection for kelp habitat and reduce risks to marine life, including whales. They also note that the move would reflect that the city now has jurisdiction over South Laguna beaches.
About 50 people spoke during public comment, including many local fishers and conservationists.
Mike Beanan with the Laguna Bluebelt Coalition said there’s data that challenges some of the assumptions made by the DFW. They have also denied many other MPA-related petitions, he noted.
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Council to consider MPA boundary petition position, trolley services, fare for Laguna Local transit, residential project appeals, efficiency ordinance
By SARA HALL
City Council has a packed agenda for the today’s (May 12) regular meeting and Wednesday’s (May 13) special meeting.
During regular business, council will consider the city’s position on the Laguna Beach Marine Protected Area boundary petition.
The petition was submitted by the Laguna Beach Bluebelt Coalition to modify the southern boundary of the Laguna Beach no-take MPA.
According to the staff report, the Environmental Sustainability Committee is recommending that the council support California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s recommendation to deny the petition and maintain the existing MPA boundaries.
Staff note that the proposal would extend no-take protections south to the city’s southern boundary, shift the boundary with the Dana Point MPA and apply one consistent no fishing rule across all Laguna Beach waters.
The Fish and Game Commission is scheduled to consider the petition on May 19.
Also during regular business, council will consider a contract service agreement for trolley and on-demand transit services and options to reduce off-season service costs and implementation of on-demand passenger fares.
Click on photo for a larger image
Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Council will consider a contract for trolley services and a potential fare for the Laguna Local
If approved, the action will authorize the city manager to execute a five-year professional services agreement with LAZ Parking California, LLC, for the services starting on July 1 and going through June 30, 2031, in an amount not to exceed $19.1 million.
Council will also consider reductions to certain off-season trolley and on-demand transit services and a potential implementation of up to a $5 per passenger fare for Laguna Local on-demand transit services.
Prior to the regular meeting, council will hold a budget meeting workshop.
Council is also holding a special meeting on Wednesday (May 13) with three public hearings for appeals.
First up is the Egan homestead appeal of the Design Review Board approval and coastal development permit for a project at 31526 Valido Road. The permit and DRB approval allow for a new single-family dwelling, attached two-car garage, elevated decks, grading, landscaping and demolition of the existing dwelling.
There is also an appeal of the denial of a CDP for a project at 238 Chiquita St. Property owner Jonathan Lukoff applied for the permit for a detached ADU with excess building site coverage.
The third and final hearing on Wednesday(May 13) is an appeal of DRB approval, CDP and a variance for the demolition of existing structures and construction of a new single-family residence with a two-car garage at 31985 and 31987 Coast Highway.
Today (May 12), council will hold public hearings regarding the annual sidewalk and intersection visibility nuisance abatement program and the annual weed abatement program.
The nuisance assessment was completed in March and 99 obstructions were identified. Property owners were notified and 35 still need to comply with abatement.
As part of the weed abatement program, also in March, the city clerk notified 368 property owners to abate the problem or be subject to abatement by city-contracted hand crews. Property owners were provided with a deadline of May 12.
Council will also hold a public hearing for the first reading of a proposed design review efficiency ordinance.
If approved, the action will also direct staff to present an urgency version of the DR efficiency ordinance at the May 26 council meeting.
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Council to consider MPA boundary petition position, trolley services, fare for Laguna Local transit, residential project appeals, efficiency ordinance
By SARA HALL
City Council has a packed agenda for the Tuesday (May 12) regular meeting and a Wednesday (May 13) special meeting.
During regular business, council will consider the city’s position on the Laguna Beach Marine Protected Area boundary petition.
The petition was submitted by the Laguna Beach Bluebelt Coalition to modify the southern boundary of the Laguna Beach no-take MPA.
According to the staff report, the Environmental Sustainability Committee is recommending that the council support California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s recommendation to deny the petition and maintain the existing MPA boundaries.
Staff note that the proposal would extend no-take protections south to the city’s southern boundary, shift the boundary with the Dana Point MPA and apply one consistent no fishing rule across all Laguna Beach waters.
The Fish and Game Commission is scheduled to consider the petition on May 19.
Also during regular business, council will consider a contract service agreement for trolley and on-demand transit services and options to reduce off-season service costs and implementation of on-demand passenger fares.
Click on photo for a larger image
Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Council will consider a contract for trolley services and a potential fare for the Laguna Local
If approved, the action will authorize the city manager to execute a five-year professional services agreement with LAZ Parking California, LLC, for the services starting on July 1 and going through June 30, 2031, in an amount not to exceed $19.1 million.
Council will also consider reductions to certain off-season trolley and on-demand transit services and a potential implementation of up to a $5 per passenger fare for Laguna Local on-demand transit services.
Prior to the regular meeting, council will hold a budget meeting workshop.
Council is also holding a special meeting on Wednesday (May 13) with three public hearings for appeals.
First up is the Egan homestead appeal of the Design Review Board approval and coastal development permit for a project at 31526 Valido Road. The permit and DRB approval allow for a new single-family dwelling, attached two-car garage, elevated decks, grading, landscaping and demolition of the existing dwelling.
There is also an appeal of the denial of a CDP for a project at 238 Chiquita St. Property owner Jonathan Lukoff applied for the permit for a detached ADU with excess building site coverage.
The third and final hearing on Wednesday is an appeal of DRB approval, CDP and a variance for the demolition of existing structures and construction of a new single-family residence with a two-car garage at 31985 and 31987 Coast Highway.
On Tuesday, council will hold public hearings regarding the annual sidewalk and intersection visibility nuisance abatement program and the annual weed abatement program.
The nuisance assessment was completed in March and 99 obstructions were identified. Property owners were notified and 35 still need to comply with abatement.
As part of the weed abatement program, also in March, the city clerk notified 368 property owners to abate the problem or be subject to abatement by city-contracted hand crews. Property owners were provided with a deadline of May 12.
Council will also hold a public hearing for the first reading of a proposed design review efficiency ordinance.
If approved, the action will also direct staff to present an urgency version of the DR efficiency ordinance at the May 26 council meeting.
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Council hears report on trees removed from Promenade
By SARA HALL
City Council heard a report on Tuesday (April 28) explaining the removal of several trees from the Forest Avenue Promenade earlier this month that caused upset in the community.
City Manager Dave Kiff explained that removing the nine eucalyptus trees on April 20 followed a tree failure in March, discovery of previously unknown conditions impacting the remaining trees’ health, two independent arborist reports and a clear determination that these trees posed an immediate risk of serious injury or death to workers, residents and visitors.
In the end, it came down to safety, Kiff said. He choked up recalling a story of a young woman who died after a eucalyptus tree fell on her vehicle in Newport Beach in 2011, when Kiff was city manager of the neighboring town.
“I’m just asking for understanding of my belief that this was a reasonable and responsible thing to do. We’re profoundly sorry about having to make this decision, but with all of our sadness, we still think it was the right one to make,” Kiff concluded.
Ultimately, considering the arborist report findings, there was no other choice, said Councilmember Alex Rounaghi.
“None of us wanted to be in this situation,” Rounaghi said. “It’s a tragic thing when you have to cut down trees like that, that play such an important role in the fabric of our community.”
Following up on several comments from public speakers, Councilmember Bob Whalen suggested more discussion regarding the selection of trees. They should get some more input on that, he said.
“We need to be really certain that the trees that we’re going to install really work for this soil condition and this location,” Whalen said.
They should study the tree species further and gather local knowledge, agreed Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones.
Looking at native tree species is a good idea, Jones added. She echoed some other comments about considering coastal live oaks rather than southern live oaks. She would also like to consider a sycamore, Jones added.
They have an opportunity to plant some notable trees that will be important features in town for decades, Jones commented.
“My favorite quote is ‘The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you never expect to sit.’ And that’s what we’re doing,” Jones said.
There was also consensus that the information should have gotten out to the public quicker.
Initially, five eucalyptus trees were planned to be removed because they were unstable, Kiff explained. Some curbs and gutters were removed in advance of hardscape work as “tree preservation zones” (TPZ) were set up.
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Courtesy of city of Laguna Beach
A tree that fell at the Promenade site in March
Overnight between March 21 and 22, a large eucalyptus tree fell into the project area. There was no known outside cause and nobody was injured.
Dudek, the consulting arborist already working with the city on the project, looked into why the tree failed. They found a lack of suitable root structure, a buried root collar, fungus and dead roots and root damage from an older sidewalk repair job.
“After that, we were obviously concerned,” Kiff said.
Staff directed the arborist to study 11 other similarly situated trees. The soil was then sent out for analysis. The arborist found similar problems to the tree that fell and concluded that nine should be removed.
Staff then asked another arborist to review the Dudek reports. They were also tasked with conducting a level two assessment of the subject trees. They concluded that the Dudek findings and recommendations were sound and reasonable.
At that time, the city had gathered substantial evidence that the condition of these particular trees could cause serious harm to persons and property, said City Attorney Megan Garibaldi.
After the removals, staff looked at the plan for the Promenade again. The goal has always been to have more trees at completion than when the project started, Kiff said. The new total should result in 33 trees when the Promenade is done.
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Rendering courtesy of city of Laguna Beach
An updated rendering of the Promenade on Forest showing what the space is anticipated to look like after five years of tree growth
The new plantings won’t be over sidewalks or known cement, Kiff said. There will be irrigation to each tree, completely different root barriers and many will be set in tree grates. There will also be “Silva cells” in the Promenade substructure, which provide a flexible, modular soil containment system.
More than two dozen people spoke during public comment, most understanding of the decision but frustrated with the lack of communication or upset that so many were removed. Several speakers noted that it was a tough decision, but it was the responsible one. Public safety is the priority and taking quick action was appropriate, some agreed.
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Council agenda includes report on trees removed from Promenade, temporary bike pump track, study session on development in fire hazard zone
By SARA HALL
City Council has an interesting agenda today (Tuesday, April 28).
During regular business, council will receive a report on the April 20 removal of nine trees from the Forest Avenue Promenade.
“This was not a routine decision, nor one made without considerable evidence and significant consideration,” the staff report notes.
According to staff, the removal of the eucalyptus trees followed a tree failure in March, discovery of previously unknown conditions impacting the remaining trees’ health and root structure, two independent arborist reports and a clear determination that these trees posed an immediate risk of serious injury or death to workers, residents and visitors.
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Courtesy of city of Laguna Beach
A tree that fell at the Promenade site in March
“This report explains what we found, why we acted when we did and what comes next for the Promenade,” the report reads.
The staff report also notes that the Promenade project will include the replacement of each of the nine trees. Eight older trees should remain in place. There are expected to be up to 33 trees in the Promenade when complete, depending on stock availability. In anticipation, the city has had nursery stock growing for nearly a year to populate the Promenade.
On the consent calendar (passed without discussion, unless an item is pulled by a councilmember or member of the public), council will consider a temporary bike pump track at the Laguna Beach Community and Recreation Center.
If approved, the action will authorize the city manager to participate in the temporary pump track program in summer 2026 for a period of approximately two weeks at the LBCRC, to be located on a portion of the grass area near the lower parking lot. The cost is not to exceed $16,000 (anticipated to be funded through existing recreation division budget appropriations).
Click on photo for a larger image
Map rendering courtesy of city of Laguna Beach
A map rendering of the location for a proposed temporary bike pump track at the LB Community and Recreation Center
According to the staff report, the temporary installation would allow the city to evaluate community interest, usage patterns and operational considerations prior to making any long-term capital investment in a permanent pump track facility.
Last July, council unanimously approved a feasibility study for the county-owned land adjacent to Moulton Meadows Park and a preliminary analysis about a pump track on city land.
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Council agenda includes report on trees removed from Promenade, temporary bike pump track, study session on development in fire hazard zone
By SARA HALL
City Council has an interesting agenda on Tuesday (April 28).
During regular business, council will receive a report on the April 20 removal of nine trees from the Forest Avenue Promenade.
“This was not a routine decision, nor one made without considerable evidence and significant consideration,” the staff report notes.
According to staff, the removal of the eucalyptus trees followed a tree failure in March, discovery of previously unknown conditions impacting the remaining trees’ health and root structure, two independent arborist reports and a clear determination that these trees posed an immediate risk of serious injury or death to workers, residents and visitors.
Click on photo for a larger image
Courtesy of city of Laguna Beach
A tree that fell at the Promenade site in March
“This report explains what we found, why we acted when we did and what comes next for the Promenade,” the report reads.
The staff report also notes that the Promenade project will include the replacement of each of the nine trees. Eight older trees should remain in place. There are expected to be up to 33 trees in the Promenade when complete, depending on stock availability. In anticipation, the city has had nursery stock growing for nearly a year to populate the Promenade.
On the consent calendar (passed without discussion, unless an item is pulled by a councilmember or member of the public), council will consider a temporary bike pump track at the Laguna Beach Community and Recreation Center.
If approved, the action will authorize the city manager to participate in the temporary pump track program in summer 2026 for a period of approximately two weeks at the LBCRC, to be located on a portion of the grass area near the lower parking lot. The cost is not to exceed $16,000 (anticipated to be funded through existing recreation division budget appropriations).
Click on photo for a larger image
Map rendering courtesy of city of Laguna Beach
A map rendering of the location for a proposed temporary bike pump track at the LB Community and Recreation Center
According to the staff report, the temporary installation would allow the city to evaluate community interest, usage patterns and operational considerations prior to making any long-term capital investment in a permanent pump track facility.
Last July, council unanimously approved a feasibility study for the county-owned land adjacent to Moulton Meadows Park and a preliminary analysis about a pump track on city land.
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Split council OKs limited locations for beach pop-up canopies, concurs on surfing areas, special events policy
By SARA HALL
City Council was split this week between allowing pop-up canopies on a limited portion of two beaches and a complete ban. They agreed on the other staff recommendations related to surfing and skim board areas and a special event permit policy.
Councilmembers voted 3-2 (with Alex Rounaghi and Sue Kempf dissenting) on Tuesday (April 14) in favor of allowing pop-up canopies (like E-Z UPs) on Main Beach behind the lifeguard tower line of sight, but nowhere else except for a section of sand just south of Lost Pier at Aliso Beach (near the fire rings). They may be allowed if permitted for a special event or through the joint use agreement with the school district. Umbrellas will still be allowed. The action also approved allowing canopies 8-by-8 feet at beach-adjacent parks and 10-by-10 feet at all other parks.
Council voted 5-0 on the balance of the recommended action, which included clarification to the surfing and skim boarding areas and the special events policy.
Click on photo for a larger image
Photo by Mary Hurlbut
City Council this week discussed surfing and skim boarding areas and special events (pictured: Alex Yokley competing in the women’s pro division at the Victoria Skimboard Contest 2025)
Kempf didn’t want to vote in opposition of the entire package, she said, just against the “misguided plan” for the canopies.
Allowing them in certain areas will create confusion and crowding in those spaces. People will head to the beach with their gear, try to put up a canopy before being told where to go and ultimately there won’t be enough room, she commented.
Rounaghi questioned how the city would enforce allowing pop-ups only in certain areas of Main Beach, as suggested.
“Would there be a line in the sand?” he asked. “I could see on a crowded beach day, it gets so chaotic and the lifeguards are already having to do so many different things.”
He also wondered what people will do once the designated area fills up. A pop-up could be placed in the appropriate section and others would soon migrate over to the restricted area, he said.
“I see the enforcement issues as challenging,” he said. “We should just have a full-on ban.”
They could use the towers as the boundary, answered Marine Safety Chief Kai Bond. The lifeguard towers line up fairly straight across Main Beach, he noted, and the pop-ups could be behind the towers.
“So it would not visually obstruct our view of the water,” Bond said.
With any rule change, enforcement will be a challenge, he noted.
There would be signage on the towers and they could notify people as they are being set up, Bond explained. They will also put out an educational social media campaign to inform people.
“People travel from all over the world to visit here with an expectation of using the beach,” he said. “The original catalyst for us going into this was to preserve line of sight. I think this accomplishes both goals.”
Pop-up shade coverings for tournaments or other events are permitted through the special event permit process, Acting Director of Transit and Community Services Alexis Braun confirmed, answering a councilmember question.
Councilmember Bob Whalen took a different viewpoint and supported the staff recommendation to allow them, but only in designated areas down by Lost Pier at Aliso Beach and behind the lifeguard towers at Main Beach. Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones agreed with the idea.
Mayor Mark Orgill was in between the two sides of the issue.
“I’m Mark in the Middle,” he joked.
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Council agenda includes special event policy, ambulance program review, study session on community development fees
By SARA HALL
City Council has an interesting agenda for today’s (Tuesday, April 14) meeting.
During regular business, council will consider an ordinance amending city code and adopting a resolution establishing locations where special events are allowed and the rules and regulations governing special events.
The proposed special event permit policy establishes designated event locations, defines event classifications based on size, outlines application requirements and implements a tiered fee structure to ensure cost recovery.
According to the staff report, the ordinance also includes updates to regulations related to shade coverings on beaches and parks, and clarifies swimming and surfing designations, including operational provisions at Aliso Beach. Staff has also proposed an alternative for council to consider solely regarding allowing some canopies (of a defined size) at two beaches, and behind the lifeguard tower line of sight.
Click on photo for a larger image
Courtesy of city of Laguna Beach
City Council will hear a report on the LBFD ambulance program
Also during regular business today (Tuesday, April 14), council will consider a report on the ambulance program performance, rate increase and ambulance purchase.
According to the staff report, while the Laguna Beach Fire Department ambulance transport program remains operationally effective, rising costs associated with medical supplies, fuel, maintenance and equipment have created a need to adjust ambulance service rates to better align with current expenditures.
Staff is also recommending the city purchase an additional ambulance. The total cost is approximately $314,988, financed over seven years with estimated annual payments of $55,000.
On the consent calendar (passed without discussion, unless an item is pulled by a councilmember or member of the public), council will consider: 2026 summer parking management plan and transit services update; an ordinance regarding the city’s financial guidelines and budgeting procedures and a resolution related to the budget change request policy; an ordinance prohibiting the sale and use of glue traps in Laguna Beach and a workplan to evaluate joining the Orange County Power Authority.
Earlier in the day, council will hold a study session on proposed community development department fees.
According to the staff report, during the council’s annual strategic planning workshop on January 30, councilmembers discussed whether the department’s fees (specifically for planning and zoning fees) should be set at 100% full cost recovery in fiscal year 2026-27.
Staff has recomputed the full cost of each fee after applying an annual increase using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Staff plans to incorporate the feedback obtained from this study session and bring back the full proposed master fee schedule to the council for review and adoption at a public hearing planned for April 28, with an effective date of July 1.
On the agenda during regular business, council will also consider resolutions and appropriations related to the sale of bonds for the underground utility assessment district of Fairview/La Brea.
Staff is recommending council approve the purchase of public offering municipal serial bonds at a 25-year term with an estimated true interest cost of 5.01%.
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Council agenda includes special event policy, ambulance program review, study session on community development fees
By SARA HALL
City Council has an interesting agenda for the Tuesday (April 14) meeting.
During regular business, council will consider an ordinance amending city code and adopting a resolution establishing locations where special events are allowed and the rules and regulations governing special events.
The proposed special event permit policy establishes designated event locations, defines event classifications based on size, outlines application requirements and implements a tiered fee structure to ensure cost recovery.
According to the staff report, the ordinance also includes updates to regulations related to shade coverings on beaches and parks, and clarifies swimming and surfing designations, including operational provisions at Aliso Beach. Staff has also proposed an alternative for council to consider solely regarding allowing some canopies (of a defined size) at two beaches, and behind the lifeguard tower line of sight.
Click on photo for a larger image
Courtesy of city of Laguna Beach
City Council will hear a report on the LBFD ambulance program
Also during regular business on Tuesday, council will consider a report on the ambulance program performance, rate increase and ambulance purchase.
According to the staff report, while the Laguna Beach Fire Department ambulance transport program remains operationally effective, rising costs associated with medical supplies, fuel, maintenance and equipment have created a need to adjust ambulance service rates to better align with current expenditures.
Staff is also recommending the city purchase an additional ambulance. The total cost is approximately $314,988, financed over seven years with estimated annual payments of $55,000.
On the consent calendar (passed without discussion, unless an item is pulled by a councilmember or member of the public), council will consider: 2026 summer parking management plan and transit services update; an ordinance regarding the city’s financial guidelines and budgeting procedures and a resolution related to the budget change request policy; an ordinance prohibiting the sale and use of glue traps in Laguna Beach and a workplan to evaluate joining the Orange County Power Authority.
Earlier in the day, council will hold a study session on proposed community development department fees.
According to the staff report, during the council’s annual strategic planning workshop on January 30, councilmembers discussed whether the department’s fees (specifically for planning and zoning fees) should be set at 100% full cost recovery in fiscal year 2026-27.
Staff has recomputed the full cost of each fee after applying an annual increase using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Staff plans to incorporate the feedback obtained from this study session and bring back the full proposed master fee schedule to the council for review and adoption at a public hearing planned for April 28, with an effective date of July 1.
On the agenda during regular business, council will also consider resolutions and appropriations related to the sale of bonds for the underground utility assessment district of Fairview/La Brea.
Staff is recommending council approve the purchase of public offering municipal serial bonds at a 25-year term with an estimated true interest cost of 5.01%.
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Council upholds tree removals, directs staff on replacement and additional plantings
By SARA HALL
City Council this week unanimously upheld several public tree removal recommendations, emphasizing the public safety risk of potential failure if they were to stay, and directed staff on replacement and additional tree plantings.
On Tuesday (March 24), councilmembers voted 5-0 to: remove two Ficus trees located along Short Street, adjacent to 585 Legion St., and authorize planting of two replacement trees of alternative species to be determined at the same location; and remove the Torrey pine tree located at the Festival of Arts property and authorize planting an in-kind Torrey pine replacement tree at an alternate location and an alternative species in the same location (potentially a Carob).
In another action, councilmembers voted 4-0 (Mayor Mark Orgill recused himself as his residence is located within 500 feet) to remove the Carob tree located at 264 Legion St. and authorize planting a redbud replacement tree within the landscaped area of the Catalina roundabout and go through the tree planting process (with public input) to identify an alternative location for a shade tree (possibly a Carob).
He’s not excited about removing trees, Orgill commented during the first half of the discussion, but this is part of a bigger dialogue regarding safety, sidewalks, root management and replacement alternatives.
“I don’t think anybody up here is in favor of just removing trees for no apparent reason. It’s just that I think that we have to look at these safety issues quite seriously,” Orgill said. “When you’re on this side of the dais and you have to consider somebody (possibly) getting hurt, you think really hard about this stuff.”
Each tree has been evaluated by the city arborist and determined to pose structural risks, infrastructure conflicts, or irreversible health decline.
Notices of the proposed removals and replacements plantings were issued on February 10 and public comments were addressed, staff reported. Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones requested that the item be agendized for discussion and additional public awareness.
Jones clarified that she didn’t call up the item because she disagrees with the arborist’s recommendations, but these are notable trees worth a public discussion.
“Trees are important to this community and I think that the removal of trees, like these trees, deserves a public conversation,” Jones said.
Click on photo for a larger image
Photos courtesy of city of Laguna Beach
The Ficus trees on Short Street are approved for removal
After seeing the Ficus trees on Short Street in person, Orgill noticed that the roots are going underneath the nearby house and lifting up the floors. The city, as the property owner of where the roots originate from, is responsible for any damage incurred.
“If you were to cut the roots at the property line, it wouldn’t leave very many roots left on those trees and it would create an unstable condition,” Orgill said.
When roots are severed, the closer to the trunk of the tree the more detrimental effect it has on tree health and stability, City Arborist Matthew Barker agreed.
The removal of the Ficus trees is not related to health concerns, but rather conflicts with public and private improvements, Deputy Director for Public Works and Utilities Reza Jafari pointed out.
Root cutting at the property line would only solve half the problems identified, he added, as issues with the public property, like appropriate ADA compliant sidewalks, would still be present.
The Ficus trees need to come out, although he’s “not thrilled” with the staff suggesting replacement Queen Palm trees, added Councilmember Bob Whalen. He doesn’t think the palms are the right fit, although they are identified in the city’s Landscape and Scenic Highways Resource Document (LSHRD) for this specific location. He also worried about the potential fire hazard.
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Council agenda covers tree removals, replacements, approach to tree planting, lot line adjustment for LCAD
By SARA HALL
City Council has several interesting items on the agenda for today’s meeting (Tuesday, March 24).
During regular business, council will consider recommendations for public tree removals and replacement tree plantings.
Staff is recommending to: Uphold removal of the Torrey pine tree located at the Festival of Arts property and authorize planting an in-kind Torrey pine replacement tree at an alternate location within the same site; uphold removal of the Carob tree located at 264 Legion St. and authorize planting a Redbud replacement tree within the landscaped area of the Catalina roundabout; and uphold removal of two Ficus trees located along Short Street adjacent to 585 Legion St. and authorize planting of two Queen palm replacement trees at same location.
Each tree has been evaluated by the city arborist and determined to pose structural risks, infrastructure conflicts, or irreversible health decline.
Also during regular business, council will receive a presentation from staff regarding various alternatives for trees and provide further direction.
Building from discussions in 2025, staff is asking the council to discuss and provide direction regarding the city’s approach to tree planting, removal, and maintenance.
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Renderings by LPA/Courtesy of LCAD and city of Laguna Beach
Renderings of the original (top) and revised (bottom) view of main entry of the planned new LCAD student center
During public hearings for non-appeals, the council will consider a coastal development permit and lot line adjustment to merge two lots at 2825 and 2851 Laguna Canyon Road.
The properties are developed with facilities for Laguna College of Art + Design and an ancillary surface parking lot.
In September 2023, the Planning Commission approved plans to demolish an existing and currently unoccupied light industrial building at the rear of the site, construct a new student center building (the “innovation center”) that will extend across the shared property line between the two parcels, and construct site improvements including parking lot and landscaping modifications.
A new plan for plants and colors for a proposed project at the local art school was approved by the commission in November 2023.
The commission’s previous conditioned approval of the project was initially appealed, but – following discussions with the appellant and community and environmental groups – the revised plans prompted the appeal to be withdrawn.
Building and grading permits have not yet been issued for the new innovation center. Certain trees have been removed in accordance with the approved landscape plan and under the observation of an arborist and biologist.
On the consent calendar (passed without discussion, unless an item is pulled by a councilmember or member of the public), council will consider: Waste infrastructure system enterprise agreement with the county of Orange for municipal solid waste disposal rates and services; a lease agreement with Anneliese Preschool, Inc., at the rate of $10,635 per month for a portion of the properties located at 21542 and 21540 Wesley Drive; a three-year, $120,000 service agreement with Hi-Standard Automotive, LLC, for police vehicle outfitting and conversion services, and the 2025 housing element annual progress report and homeless shelter inspection report.
Earlier in the day, council will hold a study session on the city’s financial guidelines and budgeting procedures and proposed new policy on budget change requests.
According to the staff report, the most significant changes being proposed include modifying the city’s budgetary control level from the “fund” level to the “department level” and to remove the requirement for the council to approve the creation and elimination of funds in the city’s finance system.
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Council agenda covers tree removals, replacements, approach to tree planting, lot line adjustment for LCAD
By SARA HALL
City Council has several interesting items on the agenda for Tuesday (March 24).
During regular business, council will consider recommendations for public tree removals and replacement tree plantings.
Staff is recommending to: Uphold removal of the Torrey pine tree located at the Festival of Arts property and authorize planting an in-kind Torrey pine replacement tree at an alternate location within the same site; uphold removal of the Carob tree located at 264 Legion St. and authorize planting a Redbud replacement tree within the landscaped area of the Catalina roundabout; and uphold removal of two Ficus trees located along Short Street adjacent to 585 Legion St. and authorize planting of two Queen palm replacement trees at same location.
Each tree has been evaluated by the city arborist and determined to pose structural risks, infrastructure conflicts, or irreversible health decline.
Also during regular business, council will receive a presentation from staff regarding various alternatives for trees and provide further direction.
Building from discussions in 2025, staff is asking the council to discuss and provide direction regarding the city’s approach to tree planting, removal, and maintenance.
Click on photo for a larger image
Renderings by LPA/Courtesy of LCAD and city of Laguna Beach
Renderings of the original (top) and revised (bottom) view of main entry of the planned new LCAD student center
During public hearings for non-appeals, the council will consider a coastal development permit and lot line adjustment to merge two lots at 2825 and 2851 Laguna Canyon Road.
The properties are developed with facilities for Laguna College of Art + Design and an ancillary surface parking lot.
In September 2023, the Planning Commission approved plans to demolish an existing and currently unoccupied light industrial building at the rear of the site, construct a new student center building (the “innovation center”) that will extend across the shared property line between the two parcels, and construct site improvements including parking lot and landscaping modifications.
A new plan for plants and colors for a proposed project at the local art school was approved by the commission in November 2023.
The commission’s previous conditioned approval of the project was initially appealed, but – following discussions with the appellant and community and environmental groups – the revised plans prompted the appeal to be withdrawn.
Building and grading permits have not yet been issued for the new innovation center. Certain trees have been removed in accordance with the approved landscape plan and under the observation of an arborist and biologist.
On the consent calendar (passed without discussion, unless an item is pulled by a councilmember or member of the public), council will consider: Waste infrastructure system enterprise agreement with the county of Orange for municipal solid waste disposal rates and services; a lease agreement with Anneliese Preschool, Inc., at the rate of $10,635 per month for a portion of the properties located at 21542 and 21540 Wesley Drive; a three-year, $120,000 service agreement with Hi-Standard Automotive, LLC, for police vehicle outfitting and conversion services, and the 2025 housing element annual progress report and homeless shelter inspection report.
Earlier in the day, council will hold a study session on the city’s financial guidelines and budgeting procedures and proposed new policy on budget change requests.
According to the staff report, the most significant changes being proposed include modifying the city’s budgetary control level from the “fund” level to the “department level” and to remove the requirement for the council to approve the creation and elimination of funds in the city’s finance system.
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Council moves forward with hospital action plan in response to possible ER closure
By SARA HALL
City Council this week unanimously agreed to move forward with a Mission Hospital strategy framework for the city to approach the possible closure of the emergency room and larger site changes at Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach.
Councilmembers voted 4-0 (Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones was absent) on Tuesday (March 10) to adopt the action plan, which focuses on gathering data, including community input and evaluating all options. The action also directed the city manager and ad hoc committee to work with the city clerk on timing for a community advisory committee, members of which will be interviewed and selected by the full council.
“We’ve got a good framework outlined here,” Councilmember Bob Whalen said.
A key focus of the effort is determining what the community wants and then striving for that, he added.
Having a hospital in town is important, Councilmember Alex Rounaghi said, agreeing with several public speakers.
As a community, they need to articulate what the city’s position is about any next steps, he added. They should look at what tools they have at their disposal since the city is not the operator of the hospital, but the entity that oversees the land use, Rounaghi explained.
Rounaghi noted the importance of understanding the specific goals and ideas of the community.
“Ideally, once we articulate that vision, we have all the brainpower in this community that can mobilize to help us effectuate that,” Rounaghi said.
He also agreed with a speaker that they should question any assumptions and rely on a data-driven approach in order to understand the impacts.
Click on photo for a larger image
Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach
A key issue for the community and the city is the potential loss of the 24/7 emergency room. The ER received about 17,000 visits in 2025.
The argument that a number of people who go to the ER could actually be treated at an urgent care facility is problematic, Rounaghi said. It’s still a significant number of people and most people go to the ER thinking they have a serious emergency and not knowing whether or not it could be handled at urgent care.
Providence representatives have indicated that significant seismic upgrades may be required to maintain the existing facility beyond the statewide 2030 hospital seismic compliance deadline.
As a result, Providence has discussed potential changes to the hospital campus, including possibly getting rid of the emergency room and moving toward a model focused on urgent care and expanded outpatient medical services, that could be provided in a new medical center building that would replace the older hospital building.
Rounaghi and Whalen serve on the council’s ad hoc committee that has been looking into the issue. They, along with City Manager Dave Kiff, have been working with Providence Mission Hospital Chief Executive Seth Teigen over the past months as Mission has released information regarding a significant reuse of the hospital site due in part to the 2030 seismic safety deadline. According to reports from hospital officials, the repair of Mission Laguna Beach to meet new seismic standards is estimated at more than $350 million.
Kiff explained that the action plan outlines several potential strategies for the city, including improving community communication, gathering additional data on emergency medical services, exploring legal and policy options related to hospital closures and evaluating long-term land-use considerations for the hospital site.
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Council to review hospital action plan, amended policies, parking reduction for hotel project, expanded design of library improvements
By SARA HALL
Today’s (Tuesday, March 10) City Council meeting has several interesting items on the agenda.
During regular business, council will consider a Mission Hospital action plan framework for the city to approach the possible closure of the emergency room and larger site changes at Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach.
Click on photo for a larger image
Photo by Mary Hurlbut
Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach
Providence representatives have indicated that significant seismic upgrades may be required to maintain the existing facility beyond the statewide 2030 hospital seismic compliance deadline. As a result, Providence has discussed potential changes to the hospital campus, including a possible transition away from a full-service emergency department toward a model focused on urgent care and expanded outpatient medical services, according to the staff report.
The proposed action plan outlines several potential strategies for the city, including improving community communication, gathering additional data on emergency medical services, exploring legal and policy options related to hospital closures and evaluating long-term land-use considerations for the hospital site.
Also during regular business today, council will consider a resolution adopting an amended and restated policy and procedures manual, including related to: Disruption, council appeals and council meeting organization, remote attendance and other minor administrative changes. The action also includes selecting dates for appeals days for 2026.
According to the staff report, the primary purpose of these revisions is to comply with Senate Bill 707, which requires certain city councils to provide two-way remote public participation at meetings and to adopt a policy addressing disruptions to telephonic or internet service used for that participation. SB 707 requires the policies take effect on July 1.
In further consideration of the potential for disruptions (like the “Zoom bombing” that happened at the Feb. 13, 2024, meeting) that are not addressed as part of the disruption policy, additional council policy revisions are proposed to mitigate the risk of such disruption while ensuring continued public participation, efficiencies and productivity of completing business during meetings.
A proposed appeals policy creates a structured process for scheduling appeals to the City Council through special council meetings dedicated to appeals.
Click on photo for a larger image
Courtesy of city of Laguna Beach
Woods Cove Inn, viewed from across South Coast Highway
Also today, council will hold a public hearing for permits for a parking requirement reduction for an expansion project for Woods Cove Inn, located at 2020 S. Coast Highway.
If approved, the permits would allow for the reduction of the site’s off-street parking requirement by four spaces, based on the implementation of a transportation demand management plan in accordance with city code, to facilitate the expansion of the existing hotel.
On January 21, the Planning Commission supported the request to increase the number of units from 22 to 25 and make exterior modifications, including paint that was already applied without the proper authorization (due to a city staff mistake).
They also made a recommendation of approval to City Council regarding the request to reduce the number of required off-street parking spaces. According to city code, council is the final decision-maker on the issue.
On today’s consent calendar (passed without discussion, unless an item is pulled by a councilmember or member of the public), council will consider a $451,597 task order amendment for design of the Laguna Beach library improvements.
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