LB Beautification Council presents “Beauty & the Beast” on Nov 20

The Laguna Beach Beautification Council (LBBC) will feature Ray Lutz from Citizen’s Oversight in a program titled “Beauty & the Beast,” at Montage Laguna Beach, in room 227, on Wednesday, Nov 20 at 6 p.m.

It will be an informative program, focusing on where nuclear fuel rods are buried along a fault 100 feet from rising tides in thin-wall 5/8” storage casks. Lutz will discuss the important actions the public and officials need to know to ensure health, habitats, and the natural beauty is safe from San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). 

The public is invited to attend to hear and see what Lutz is doing regarding this issue, as well as major safeguards and permanent storage issues. Public concerns and questions are welcome.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

Ray Lutz discusses SONGS safety issues on Nov 20

Ray Lutz has a Master’s Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering and has been active on San Onofre since the emergency shut down on January 31, 2012. He has represented ratepayer interests at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in the San Onofre closure costs and decommissioning proceedings. His organization, Citizens Oversight, sued the CPUC and Southern California Edison (SCE) in Federal Court, which eventually encouraged an improvement in the closure costs by $775 million.

Free parking is available for LBBC members and guests attending the Beautification Program.

Montage Laguna Beach is located at 30801 S Coast Hwy. 

Due to limited seating, reservations are recommended.

RSVP for seating and more details by calling (949) 494-5787.

Frustrated council agrees to city code compliance with FCC cell site rules, residents voice opposition

By BARBARA DIAMOND

The City Council on Tuesday gave feedback on how city staff will proceed with amendments to the city code to improve compliance with the Federal Communications Commission’s rule 18-133 for wireless communication facilities, taking into account any court rulings that overrule or modify the rule.

Staff had requested feedback from the council on recommended changes to the municipal code that respond to the FCC rule passed in 2018, which purported to streamline state and local reviews of wireless communication facility applications and to facilitate the deployment of small wireless facilities.

“We reviewed all the recommendations and made some additions,” said Mayor Pro Tem Steve Dicterow on Thursday. “I added an amendment to the code to state the council policy is to retain as much local control as permitted by law.”

City Manager John Pietig expressed his concern about adding so much to the list that the city would be out of compliance with the FCC rule.

The council was advised in April that the city would either adopt the FCC guideline or default to the government regulation pertaining to the facilities, which are expected to accommodate Fifth Generation wireless infrastructure – commonly called 5G. The city has little say in the matter.

Asked at the April meeting how much discretion the city has, City Attorney Philip Kohn said, “The short answer is very little.”

Staff reiterated its position that the city was not allowed to “unlawfully inhibit deployment of infrastructure necessary to support these new services.”

Local regulations related to radio frequency emission impacts on the environment, human health, and safety concerns cannot be imposed to restrict cell towers, according to City Attorney Travis Van Ligten.

A coalition of 90 local agencies across the country have filed a lawsuit related to the FCC regulation, according to resident Ted Reckas and affirmed by staff.

“I encourage you to not look at this as a forgone conclusion,” said Reckas. 

Councilman Peter Blake, who participated in Tuesday’s meeting by a 5G phone from New York, said, “If all the concerned are right, I am dead.”

Hardly a soul, including council members and 23 of the 24 speakers from the audience, was happy about the usurpation of local control over the installations, which many believe are detrimental to the beauty of the city and most importantly to the health of the public, particularly children.

“I am here to express my strong objection to the rollout of 5G in our community,” said Peter Surprenant, a business owner and parent of three boys who are fifth generation Lagunans.

“People come from all over the world to enjoy our beaches and beauty,” said Surprenant. “If 5G comes to Laguna, we are facing a detrimental impact to our economy. 5G can destroy any kind of momentum we have as a city in creating a quality place [for residents and vacationers] to enjoy.”

There are no 5G installations at this time in Laguna, according to staff.

The majority of the speakers appeared to be more concerned about the impacts on the environment and health than on the economy.

Lauren Bell pointed out that the intent of the city code is to protect the safety and welfare of residents and visitors.

“Therefore, you [council] have a moral obligation to honestly consider our grievances and where these cell sites should be located,” said Bell, one of three women who shared reading from a prepared statement. 

Kristina Krich, who was next up, said site selection must be updated to protect residents and homeowners, as well as people sensitive to electromagnetic and radio frequency electromagnetic radiation. 

Shannon O’Neil completed the document, which included adoption of the farthest distance apart for poles unless it could be proved that they must be closer in order to work, which would require affirmation by independent contractors.

O’Neil’s portion of the document also included a limit on the maximum power that should be allowed, limitation of operations to daytime, a requirement to conform to city ordinances, and that towers must be approved on a site-by-site basis. 

Top of the World Elementary School student Nate Joakim told the council he didn’t want 5G near his school.

“Kids’ brains are not completely used, which allows more rays to get to the brains,” Joakim said. “5G is too new to know what can happen.”

Bob Jastad was the lone speaker from the audience who supported 5G.

“I believe in this technology,” said Jastad. “The benefits will prove themselves. It would be worth it to have a 5G workshop.”

Following comments from the public, the council reviewed all city staff recommendations, but made no motion on the item. 

Staff recommendations included offering incentives for facility locations to be shared and updating rules for facilities that use the public right of way. 

Further feedback:

--When beneficial, offer an administrative use permit process for co-locations on future facilities

--Mayor Bob Whalen added that staff should consider noise, fire safety risks/very high fire hazard zones, mandatory radiofrequency testing, provide appropriate warning signs, zones, American Disabilities Act, Fair Housing, limited-access streets, and the distance of the installations from neighborhoods, schools, parks, and medical facilities

--Develop aggressive spacing requirements between facilities

The revised code will be returned to the council for approval.

The City, LBPD and LBUSD add second SRO to Laguna Beach schools 

By SUZIE HARRISON

In continuing collaborative work with the Laguna Beach Police Department, the Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education took action Tuesday to approve an updated Memorandum of Understanding between LBPD and LBUSD to provide a second assigned School Resource Officer (SRO).

The city and the school district split the $200,000 cost of the additional SRO and the $70,000 appropriated by the city for the purchase of car for the officer, as approved by a district agreement with LBUSD.

According to LBUSD Board President Jan Vickers, “Following the City Council approving an additional SRO for LBUSD the Board of Education voted in favor as well. Noting the many roles and interactions of our current SRO Corporal Ashton and that meeting the needs at four schools was challenging the addition of a second SRO for the two elementary schools will provide more of the relational and educational components of the position. This will also enhance school safety as many parents and staff expressed a need for more presence on campus.

“The Board of Education recognizes the increased collaboration with the LBPD, LBFD, and the city provides more support for students in many capacities and enhances district safety,” Vickers continued.

A presentation by LBPD Captain Jeff Calvert at Tuesday’s board meeting emphasized the workload covers four areas: intervention, classroom, safety, and events.

Capt Calvert said, “The addition of our first School Resource Officer (SRO) in September 2018 was a long-awaited milestone to improve the safety of our kids, and to build stronger relationships and communication between the Police Department, students, parents, and the LBUSD School District.”

City Manager John Pietig, LBUSD Superintendent Jason Viloria, LBPD Chief Laura Farinella, and the Laguna Beach City Council all agreed with the PTA and parents that a second SRO would enhance the existing program and provide better coverage over all four LBUSD campuses.

“The position has evolved into so much more because of SRO Corporal Cornelius Ashton’s passion and commitment to not only mentoring the kids, but ensuring they have a safe learning environment, and engaging them when they are struggling with social-emotional issues. He has truly become a part of the fabric of the LBUSD family,” stated Capt Calvert.

The role of the SRO is aligned with the district’s focus on educating the whole child, in addition to the support provided by counselors, student support specialists, psychologists, and other school staff. 

LBUSD Superintendent Jason Viloria said, “We appreciate our ongoing partnership with the City of Laguna Beach and the Laguna Beach Police Department. An additional SRO will enhance the additional safety improvements we have added as a result of the OCIAC recommendations, provide valuable training and education to students on safety-related topics and will be an additional resource for students and staff.

“It’s the goal of LBUSD and LBPD to have Corp Ashton work with Laguna Beach High School and Thurston Middle School while the new SRO will be in charge of El Morro and Top of the World elementary schools.

Capt Calvert said, “I’m pleased to see the PTA and parents recognize the value of the SRO program within our schools, and passionately advocate for an additional position. It’s a reflection of all the hard work and energy between the City and School District in supporting the program.”

With a ratio of two SROs per 1.522 students, Laguna Beach will continue to have lowest ratio of nearby and larger districts. Irvine’s ratio is 12 officers to 2.917 students. Newport Beach has three officers per 7.150 students.

Capt Calvert said, “LBPD is excited about the opportunity and we look forward to selecting the next Officer to take on this important responsibility.”

City Manager’s Updates

Veterans Day Transit Service – Laguna Beach Transit will be modifying service on Monday, Nov 11 in observation of Veteran’s Day. Only the Coastal Services will be running from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day with no neighborhood services.

This will affect Top of the World, Bluebird Canyon, Arch Beach Heights, North, and South Laguna neighborhoods. Regular service will resume on Tuesday, Nov 12. For more information, visit www.lagunabeachcity.net/trolley. 

Holiday Street Sweeping Schedule – On Monday, Nov 11, only non-residential areas will be swept. Residential street sweeping will not occur, and parking restrictions will not be enforced.

Laguna Canyon Channel Repairs – Between November 12 and November 22, the Orange County Flood Control District (OCFCD) will be making temporary repairs by installing a brace to Laguna Canyon Channel next to Forest Avenue. 

The majority of the work will be done within the channel and in the adjacent City parking lot (Lot 12). A portion of the parking lot will need to be closed to accommodate the work. Minor traffic impacts to Forest Avenue may occur intermittently. 

For questions, contact Project Director Thomas Perez at (949) 464-6688.

E-Waste and Paper Shredding Event on November 16 – Residents and businesses are invited to celebrate America Recycles Day by participating in the annual free E-Waste drop-off and Paper Shredding event on Saturday, Nov 16, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.  The event will be held at the City Maintenance Facilities, 1900 Laguna Canyon Rod.

For more information, including a detailed list of acceptable E-Waste items, visit the City’s website at www.lagunabeachcity.net/recycling or contact Senior Public Works Analyst/Solid Waste Program Coordinator Liz Avila at (949) 497-0344 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

SCE Pole Replacement – On Tuesday, Nov 12, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Southern California Edison (SCE) will be replacing a utility pole located at 1233 Gaviota Drive. A portion of Gaviota Drive will be closed between Brooks Street and Cress Street. Residents and commercial customers are advised to remove their vehicles from the affected portion of the street during the work hours. 

For questions or concerns, contact SCE’s Customer Service number at (800) 655-4555.

Southern California Gas Company Concrete Repairs on Coast Highway – Southern California Gas Company (SCG) will be working in two areas of town next week. 

For questions or concerns, contact SCG’s project coordinator Jorge Hernandez at (714) 989-5147.

--31831 Coast Hwy – On Wednesday, Nov 13, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., the southbound lane closest to the curb on Coast Highway will be closed between Seacliff Drive and Circle Drive. SCG’s contractor will be performing asphalt repairs associated with previous gas line work.

--2425 South Coast Hwy- On Thursday, Nov 14, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., the southbound lane closest to the curb on South Coast Highway will be closed between Moss Street and Rockledge Road. SCG’s contractor will be performing asphalt repairs associated with previous gas line work.

Evacuation Time Survey and Outreach Event – In July, the Laguna Beach City Council unanimously approved a Fire Mitigation and Safety Subcommittee Report and approved moving forward with its recommended action items.

One of these recommendations was to conduct a comprehensive evacuation time estimate study. The City awarded the contract to KLD Engineering, a firm that specializes in evacuation time estimates including those communities with wildfire risk. 

The City invites the public to take an online survey created by KLD Engineering that will help capture specific information from our community needed for the study. 

The survey can be found at www.lagunabeachsurvey.kld.engineering. Additionally, KLD will be at various locations around town through November 16 if you would like to take the survey in-person. The public is also invited to attend the City’s next Evacuation Outreach event on Sunday, Nov 10, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Fire Station 4, located at 31646 2nd Avenue. 

Download your neighborhood specific evacuation map at www.lagunabeachcity.net/evacuation. For more information on where you can take the evacuation time survey in person, contact Jordan Villwock, Emergency Operations Coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (949) 497-0389.

Emergency Kit Backpacks Available for Purchase – A Laguna Beach-specific Emergency Kit Backpack is now available to residents and business owners for purchase. Each red backpack features an official City of Laguna Beach Seal, light sticks, a 4-in-1 gas and water shut off tool, bio-hazard bags, nitrile gloves, N95 mask, 54-piece first aid kit, duct tape, emergency poncho, solar blanket, AM/FM radio with flashlight and cell phone charger, and a personal hygiene kit. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

Emergency Kit Backpacks are available for purchase 

Additionally, it contains emergency plan guides and disaster-specific information. You can now purchase a Laguna Beach-specific Emergency Kit Backpack for $50 on the City’s website at https://bit.ly/2DlnFGy. No profits are being made from the sale of this backpack.

12th Annual National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Month –

During the month of November, this event brings awareness to the Laguna Beach community about people who are hungry and homeless in our community, our county, and our nation. 

The purpose of Laguna Beach’s Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month is to enhance community awareness of the issue in our society, our own hungry and homeless in Laguna Beach, and the community organizations that assist with these concerns in Laguna Beach and Orange County. 

To learn more about Laguna Beach’s Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Month and ways to get involved, the community is encouraged to visit www.lagunahungryandhomeless.org. 

LBPD Holiday Food Basket Program – Last year the Laguna Beach Police Department, Laguna Beach Unified School District, and the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach teamed up to collect food donations to help families in need during the holidays. With the help of the community the teams collectively were able to donate 38 meals to Laguna Beach families during the holiday season. Thank you to everyone who participated. 

For the Thanksgiving holiday, the teams will again be accepting donations from November 5 - November 21. Non-perishable food items, canned goods, apple cider juice, and grocery store gift cards are accepted at the Laguna Beach Police Department. 

For questions about the program, or how you can contribute, contact Community Services Officer Natasha Hernandez at (949) 497-0382 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..   

Laguna Beach Police Department Awarded Traffic Education and Enforcement Grant – The Laguna Beach Police Department received a $104,975 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long enforcement and education program. The money will fund various activities intended to reduce deaths and injuries on California roads. 

The funding from the OTS will be used for numerous programs, including but not limited to DUI/driver’s license checkpoints, patrols specifically looking for suspected alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers, creating “Hot Sheets” identifying repeat DUI offenders, and officer training to identify suspected impaired drivers and conduct sobriety tests. Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

City Manager’s Updates

New Laguna Beach Trolley App – A brand-new trolley app is now available for download via the Apple and Android app stores. The “Laguna Beach Trolley App” will have many new and improved features and will provide more accurate predictive arrival, schedules, smoother tracking of the city’s vehicles, and posted detours and delays. An online web-based version of the app is also available at the City’s website and at the following link: http://lagunabeachtransit.doublemap.com/map/.

If you have any questions about how to download and use this app, please contact Paula Faust, Deputy Director of Parking and Transit Services, at (949) 497-0303.