NewLeftHeader

Share this story

Subcommittee shares small-scale project ideas for climate change mitigation

By SARA HALL

At the Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting on Monday (March 20) the climate change subcommittee shared some potential project ideas that stemmed from their 2021-23 workplan. 

The group’s workplan included research on small-scale mitigation/resilience projects such as: Tree canopy promotion, white sidewalks (or “cool streets”), street lights and other public lighting, green roof pilot, light bulb exchange program, syncing traffic lights, plant-based local food promotion, etc. 

The subcommittee recently reviewed the 2021-23 workplan to see what was outstanding and noted that some boxes have been or will be checked off through efforts on the Climate Protection Action Plan, said ESC Vice Chair Judie Mancuso. So, they focused on tackling some of the other items, she noted.

On Monday, the committee members highlighted and asked for feedback about the cool streets and plant-based food promotion ideas. In connection with another workplan project that focuses on environmental regulations and developments for new construction and remodel projects, the subcommittee also invited officials from Southern California Edison to present information on building electrification during the meeting.

They’ve seen some other cities, including Los Angeles and Phoenix, implement the white sidewalks or cool streets idea with some success, Mancuso said. 

Cities with a lot of paved areas, especially black asphalt, create a lot of heat, explained committee member Anne Girtz. That heat, especially in the summer months, doesn’t dissipate easily. The idea is to cover some of the black surfaces with a lighter color so they don’t absorb and retain all that heat. That cools everything off and reduces the need for A/C, she added. 

“This is something that several cities in the West, where there are hotter climates, have done,” Girtz noted. “In Laguna, it’s really not going to have a really big impact on reducing our heat island here in the Downtown area, but I think, what we talked about, is that it’s really a model and it’s really more of a discussion point for people to become more aware about these issues.” 

It’s an easy project for the city to do, Girtz said, and is something visible that will get those conversations started, which will raise awareness and education.

It could be a good project for the city, agreed committee member Steve Chadima. The city could pick a few streets where work is already being planned and look into the potential benefits, he said. 

Committee member Mina Brown suggested testing out the cool streets products on a parking lot that’s adjacent to popular uses (like a school or park) where people are really going to feel the difference.

“Where people are using the outdoors and are really going to feel how much cooler it is,” she said. 

She also suggested looking into “cool roofs” for people who aren’t putting solar panels on their rooftops, but can put something on to make them a lighter color to reflect light and heat. 

Chadima noted a potential wrinkle in the cool rooftops idea though, as he went through something similar when replacing the roof on his own building. They wanted to make it “cool” and found some color options were available, but not white because there have been complaints in the city about the reflecting light bothering neighbors who live on the hills above the white rooftop.

“So there are little asterisks there, but there are still options,” said Chadima, who ultimately got a beige rooftop. “I live on the top floor and it’s a good 10 degrees cooler in there in the summer now because of that roof, so it definitely helps.” 

There are competing interests in regulations at work, he noted, and it can be a challenge, but ultimately worth the effort. 

A few committee members also suggested planting more trees to help increase the urban forest plan.

Subcommittee shares small scale project ideas city street

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Mary Hurlbut

AN ESC subcommittee is studying possible climate change mitigation projects, including implementing “cool streets” and programs to help electrify new homes and remodels

Regarding the plant-based local food promotion project idea, climate change subcommittee member Chadima said they were looking to shine a light on the issue.

Click open story button to continue reading…

Share this story

Council approves parking plan, facility reservation program, release of certain police records

By SARA HALL

City Council this week approved summer parking and transit plans, a facility reservation program for a recently acquired campus in South Laguna, extended the city’s solid waste franchise contract, and, in a split decision, a majority agreed to release police bodycam video and other records related to a traffic stop involving the city manager.

At the Tuesday (March 21) meeting, councilmembers unanimously agreed with staff recommendations for the 2023 summer parking management plan, which included partnerships with the festivals, lease agreements for seasonal lots and an updated trolley program. Council also directed staff to set a reduced rate for weekday parking at Act V. The item also included an update on transit services, including a summary of parking and transit programs from last summer.

The recommendations are consistent with how the summer parking and transit services are typically run, City Manager Shohreh Dupuis noted. 

It’s a pretty thorough report, Mayor Bob Whalen commented. 

Councilmember Mark Orgill said he was very impressed with the presentation to the festivals and encouraged to work with them in the future. 

“It was amazing,” Orgill praised city staff, specifically Director of Transit and Community Services Michael Litschi.

They also authorized the sale of a summer parking passes for festival artists, staff, and the general public and the continuation of the Passport to the Arts parking permit program, which provides discounted parking in Lot 16 (Act V).

Whalen noted that the Act V parking lot is under-utilized. He suggested making it free to park there on weekdays.

“I’d rather have people filling up Act V and taking the trolley in,” Whalen said. “I think that’s worth trying.”

That’s definitely something they can try, Litschi said. It’s typically been $7 for weekdays and $10 for weekends in the past, he added, and a number of passes are also valid there. 

“Some of the lack of demand there is just a rebound from COVID still,” Litschi said. “We’re continuing to see an increase in parking every year.”

Making it free could possibly overwhelm that lot, he added, and it could make it difficult to convince festival artists and others to pay for a pass for the LCAD lot if they know they can park for free at Act V.

The concern that the parking passes won’t get used if there’s free parking is a good point, Orgill agreed. 

“The paradigm, the fantasy, of remote parking – people don’t use it,” Whalen said. 

Litschi suggested reducing the fee to $5 for weekdays and the usual $10 for weekends. Councilmembers agreed with the idea. 

“If (utilization) doesn’t go up dramatically we ought to be making it free,” Whalen said, and then figure out how to make it work with the artist passes. “But people need to use that lot, it’s really not very far from the festival.”

Council unanimously approved the recommended actions with the modified fees at the Act V lot.

In the same action item, councilmembers authorized the city manager to negotiate and execute, or extend, lease agreements for seasonal public parking lots with Mission Hospital Laguna Beach, Laguna College of Art + Design, Festival of Arts, the property owner at 232 Ocean Ave. and the property owner at 16355 Laguna Canyon Road.

Councilmember Alex Rounaghi commented that the Mission Hospital parking lot is also under-utilized. He suggested enhancing the signage strategy to encourage usage. 

“I just want to make sure we maximize the utilization of that lot,” he said. 

Staff agreed to incorporate a more dynamic sign plan. 

Council approves parking plan facility trolley

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Council approved summer parking and transit plans, including an updated trolley program

The action authorized the operation of summer trolley service on the coastal, canyon and summer breeze routes, and expanded Laguna Local on-demand service hours, between June 30 and September 4. It also amended an agreement with LAZ Parking California for an increased scope of work to operate expanded trolley and on-demand services.

The strategies proposed for this summer’s parking management plan are intended to “help manage seasonal parking demand while enhancing access to the city’s businesses, beaches and special events for residents and visitors.”

The approved recommendations for the summer 2023 PMP include:

–Execute seasonal lease agreements for use of peripheral parking lots, and sell seasonal parking passes for use by festival staff and artists.

–Approve the purchase of new multi-space pay stations to be installed near the Sawdust Festival.

–Set summer parking rates in accordance with the city’s approved Coastal Development Permit.

–Operate trolley service on coastal, canyon and summer breeze routes.

–Continue to operate Laguna Beach Local on demand transit service with expanded hours.

–Continue marketing and outreach programs in coordination with festivals and Visit Laguna Beach.

Click open story button to continue reading…

Share this story

Council agenda includes facility reservation program for South Laguna campus, summer parking management plan, disclosure of records

By SARA HALL

Laguna Beach City Council will consider a variety of interesting items during their meeting next week.

At tonight's meeting (Tuesday, March 21), during regular business, on the consent calendar, and during extraordinary business, council will hear and/or consider: A facility reservation program and license agreement policy and associated fee schedule for the former St. Catherine campus; 2023 summer parking management plan; waiving the exemption under the Public Records Act and authorize the disclosure of certain records; an amendment to the solid waste franchise agreement and a second reading of the bluff overlay district and major remodel ordinance.

Last up during regular business, council will consider approving the interim use facility reservation program and the license agreement policy and associated fee schedule for the Laguna Beach Community and Recreation Center (former home of the St. Catherine of Siena parish school campus) located at 30516 Coast Highway. Council will also consider approving limiting large events with more than 40 participants and other special events to two days or less (per event) and require a temporary use permit for such events.

On January 24, council voted 4-1 in favor of the interim use plan for the property. Councilmember George Weiss dissented, saying that he liked the idea but thought it was premature.

The interim use plan approved in January takes advantage of the available office spaces and recreational areas without making any structural changes on the property, which provides approximately 39,500 square feet of indoor space.

Use of the property will include most available classrooms, opening and emergency operations center and training room, a police department and marine safety substation and relocating fire department administration from city hall to the property’s administrative area.

Recreational programming includes indoor pickleball, youth recreation classes, adult drop-in basketball, cultural arts programming on the stage and wedding ceremonies performed in the chapel. Long-term uses of the property will be considered as part of a comprehensive city facilities master plan.

The action in January also directed staff to develop an interim rental program and fee structure with an agreement that is mindful of any long-term uses prioritized as part of the facilities master plan.

The facility reservation and rental program will provide residents, nonprofit serving Laguna Beach, and other community organizations the opportunity to use the facility in coordination with the city’s recreation programming and other planned civic uses. These organizations can reserve the space in the gymnasium, indoor classrooms and the grass field for sports practices on an hourly basis, Monday through Friday, at a set fee per hour. Weekend rentals may also be available in the future, depending on staff availability and community interest.

Council agenda includes facility reservation program St Catherine play yard

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Mary Hurlbut

A facility reservation program and license agreement policy and associated fee schedule for the former St. Catherine campus is on the council agenda

Staff is proposing the reservation program be managed on a first come, first serve basis that gives priority to: City-sponsored programs and events; Laguna Beach nonprofit organizations; Laguna Beach Unified School District-sponsored programs; local individual groups and residents, and sports clubs and for-profit businesses.

The proposed hourly rates are consistent with what’s currently charged for indoor space at other Laguna Beach facilities and comparable to fees charged by other Orange County cities. 

The proposed hourly rates are: 

–Local nonprofits (including LBUSD events) will be charged $42 for classrooms, $25 for the field, $55 for half the gym and $85 for the full gym.

–Local individual groups will be charged $62 for classrooms, $40 for the field, $75 for half the gym and $115 for the full gym.

–Businesses will be charged $88 for classrooms, $50 for the field, $115 for half the gym and $150 for the full gym.

According to the staff report, city employees will have complete authority over the facility, equipment, participants and activities, including the authority to request changes to an activity. An additional fee of $25 per hour will be charged if additional city staff is required for the activity.

Vehicles must be parked within the existing capacity of the property and coordinated with other city activities. All equipment is removed at the end of event and all trash is placed in appropriate containers as designated by city staff.

Fee-based classes or programs (other than recreation programs), receptions, fundraising events, in events for sales purposes cannot participate in this program. 

The proposed license agreement program is provided to govern the use of approximately six general purpose classrooms that will be available for weekly or monthly rentals under a license agreement program, Organizations will be able to utilize the space for short-term, non-recreational use, like meetings or training programs.

Click open story button to continue reading…

Share this story

Commission OKs Mozambique plans for rooftop ADA bathroom, relocation of bar for ocean views

By SARA HALL

The Planning Commission this week approved remodel plans for Mozambique, including adding an ADA accessible bathroom on the rooftop level and relocating the bar so guests have ocean views. 

Commissioners voted 4-0 (Commissioner Steve Kellenberg was absent) in favor of a conditional use permit and design review for interior and exterior modifications to the restaurant located at 1710 and 1740 South Coast Highway and 245 Agate Street.

Modifications include a new window system at the existing second floor patio area and installation of sound attenuation measures, an interior remodel to relocate bar and change floor plan and seating layout, emergency exiting deck pathway and door improvements, addition of an accessible restroom on the roof deck (65 square feet), roof material change, solatubes, rooftop mechanical equipment and associated screening, and to change the previously approved location for off-site parking. The action also included cleaning up some of the outdated language in the previously approved CUP conditions. 

The additions are minor and the most notable changes are inside and help with the overall flow, said Commissioner Susan McLintock Whitin.

“It’s about time to renovate the interior here. You need to do this kind of work every 10 years or so just to keep your building functioning,” Whitin said. “It does need an upgrade and I think it’s going to be, really, a nice entertainment space and it will complement what’s already been done up on the roof deck.”

The ADA bathroom on the third floor is a “great addition” not just for people in wheelchairs but just for everyone else who’s out enjoying the roof deck, she added. 

And the pathway and door improvements make a lot of sense, Whitin said, not just for emergency exiting for but just for general circulation on the third floor.

It’s definitely an improvement, agreed Commission Chair Jorg Dubin. 

“The flow is going to be better. The bar area will be better for not only patrons, but the musicians. And the addition of the rooftop bathroom is a good idea for the obvious reasons, including people who have difficulty with stairs,” he said. 

Commission OKs Mozambique plans for rooftop recent exterior

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Mary Hurlbut

The Planning Commission this week approved exterior and interior modifications for Mozambique

The three properties are under common ownership and have a combined area of approximately 22,500 square feet, The site was originally established in 1961 as a restaurant. On Jan. 12, 2005, the Planning Commission approved a CUP which permitted the establishment of a new restaurant (Mozambique) with alcoholic beverage service, live entertainment and valet parking. 

A key part of the plans is the addition of an accessible restroom at the rooftop deck.

The new 65 square-foot accessible restroom is not considered an intensification of use requiring additional parking because the applicant is also proposing to remove an equivalent amount of existing restaurant gross floor area at the first floor to offset the proposed restroom, explained Principal Planner Wendy Jung.

The roof deck bathroom was brought forward because guests who use the elevator to get to the top level, including people in wheelchairs or who have a difficult time with their mobility, currently have to go all the way back down to use the bathroom, added architect for the project Marshall Ininns.

They also plan to remove the upstairs office and move it downstairs, which will create a hall for easy access to the downstairs bathrooms so people don’t have to go through the crowded bar area, Ininns said.

Click open story button to continue reading…

Share this story

Council approves bluff overlay district, clarifies definition of major remodel

By SARA HALL

City Council last week approved a bluff overlay district aimed at clarifying oceanfront development regulations.

Councilmembers voted 4-1 on March 7 in support of an ordinance that amends portions of the Laguna Beach municipal code relating to the regulation of oceanfront development with the establishment of a bluff overlay district. The action also defined methodologies for calculating major remodels. Councilmember George Weiss was the dissenting vote.

Most of last week’s discussion centered on the new bluff overlay district, which will enact new oceanfront development standards that are responsive to the constraints of the city’s unique coastal landforms and site-specific conditions. 

This will create a system to help accomplish things that can’t currently be accomplished with the California Coastal Commission’s interpretation of the city’s code and the application of the CCC definitions, said Mayor Bob Whalen.

“(Without this), eventually what’s going to happen with all these properties is they’re never going to be able to do much to them, they’re going to start decaying and not be renovated and upgraded,” he said. 

They’ve been hearing concerns for years about the confusion on these issues, Mayor Pro Tem Sue Kempf noted. 

“This does clear up a lot of ambiguity,” she said. 

It’s a complex and challenging issue, Councilmember Alex Rounaghi added, and staff did good job figuring it out. This applies the standards in an individualized and scientifically sound way.

“(This) moves us from an arbitrary approach to a scientific evidence-based approach that’s consistent with the historical development patterns of the city,” Rounaghi said.

There was a lot of discussion about whether or not to require an initial study under the California Environmental Quality Act.

The ordinance is a policy decision, but they are also “enabling some physical change to the environment that we’re not currently allowing,” Whalen said, and they need to carefully consider whether or not an initial study should be required.

“I’m in favor of what we’re doing,” he said. “I like the fact that we are going to allow people to do this, but is it having some impact on the environment that maybe needs to be mitigated?” 

The outstanding question is about the CEQA and the initial study, Rounaghi agreed. 

He’s suggested a possible checklist of criteria of what’s being looked at when implementing CEQA and how to make the determination to do an initial study. It would be helpful in the long term to have a clear understanding it would happen, he noted, because if an initial study is not done then it’s unknown if there’s an environmental impact.

“We live in the state of California where we have CEQA with all of its absurdities,” Rounaghi said. “I don’t know how we can…not do an initial study because you don’t know what you don’t know.”

Kempf agreed with the idea of a list of criteria. It should “hit the big ones” that would trigger an initial study, like a biological report or structural issues.

Community Development Director Marc Wiener suggested keeping it as is for the time being and staff will return with some alternative language for council to consider. 

Council approves bluff overlay district coastal homes

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Council approved a bluff overlay district aimed at clarifying oceanfront development regulations

Overall, a majority of councilmembers agreed that the proposed program was well done, although Weiss explained his dissenting vote was because it still needed work.

“I still think it needs some tweaking,” Weiss said. “This is huge in terms of what we’re doing, in developing the coastline, and it shouldn’t be done quickly.”

He questioned what problem the ordinance is trying to solve and why it was brought forward.

Problems primarily occur when oceanfront properties want to make improvements and they’re finding out their property is non-conforming, Wiener noted, and that’s largely due to unclear regulations. This also leads to a number of appeals to the CCC, he added. 

“There were a number of reasons that we needed to address this and we think it provides clarity to the standards,” Wiener said.

Weiss also raised concern that some homes were already built out to the fullest extent, noting that some are right on the beach or a cliff, and that this would allow them to be developed more than they were previously allowed. 

There is flexibility in the application of it and there are several special findings required, Wiener responded. 

“It doesn’t cover properties that are on sand or on the beach, those are nonconforming,” he explained. “When it comes to building along the edge of a cliff, they would have to match whatever the existing pattern of development is, they wouldn’t be allowed to go out any further.” 

They’ve been working with the California Coastal Commission staff throughout the process, Wiener said, and rewrote the ordinance based on the CCC staff feedback.

What council approved last week is also being reviewed by CCC. City staff anticipates some modifications from the state agency, but feels that it’s a really good start to the process, Wiener said.

Click open story button to continue reading…

Share this story

Council OKs “Trail to the Sea” route feasibility study, MOU to utilize funds for project

By SARA HALL

City Council this week unanimously approved a long-discussed coastal trail that connects Aliso Canyon, Woods Canyon and Aliso Beach.

Councilmembers voted 5-0 on Tuesday (March 7) in support of a memorandum of understanding with the California Coastal Commission for the administration of mitigation funds for the planning, permitting and construction of a public trail at 31106 Coast Highway. 

The item also directed the city manager to enter into a service agreement with the Laguna Canyon Foundation in an amount not-to-exceed $30,000 to study the feasibility of potential trail alignments. The action appropriated funds from the trail deposit account for the agreement with the foundation.

The CCC approved a coastal development permit on Jan. 8, 2015, authorizing the expansion and remodel of The Ranch at Laguna Beach resort and golf course facility at 31106 Coast Highway. The commission adopted revised findings in support of the approval on April 15 of that same year and one of the conditions imposed on the project was a fee of $250,000 for the purpose of planning and permitting a public trail that would connect Aliso and Woods Canyon Wilderness Park to Aliso Beach, including identification of a trail alignment.

The city accepted the funds on Sept. 22, 2015 and established the trail deposit account. 

This week’s action utilized those funds to initiate the trail project. Any remaining funds would be used for construction and maintenance costs. No additional funds are required from the city to complete the trail.

Mayor Bob Whalen also added language to the motion for approval stating that “nothing in this MOU shall require, or be construed as requiring, the city to expend any funds on the development of the Trail to the Sea segment other than the funds on deposit in the account.”

If, for some reason, the CCC doesn’t not want to include the language in the agreement, Whalen emphasized that it needs to be confirmed in writing that the city is not obligated to spend more than $250,000.

“I just want to be really clear that we’re not committing ourselves to anything beyond the $250,000,” he said. “We may in the future, of course, you know it’s something we may want to do, I just don’t want to do it through this agreement because this is just hiring a consultant.” 

Whether more funding will be needed or not is dependent on the alignment ultimately selected, explained LCF Executive Director Hallie Jones said. A short and simple option will likely be covered by those funds, but something more complex with more of an environmental impact might require some alternative funding.

Councilmember Alex Rounaghi suggested staff concurrently look into possible grant funding, or at least include it as part of the discussion during the process, so it can be considered by council when they discuss the trail alignment options. 

Unknown

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Jon Barber

A trail in Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

Much of the discussion on Tuesday focused on trail specifics (paved or natural, pedestrian walking versus hiking, etc.) and which of the potential trail alignments would be the most appropriate, although staff and some councilmembers emphasized that this week’s action only kicks off the planning process and that the LCF feasibility study will return to council with more details when they make their final determination. 

“Tonight we’re hiring the consultant, so let’s not design the trail,” Whalen said. 

All they’re doing is exploring the feasibility of different routes and looking at all the options on the table, Rounaghi agreed. There’s been a lot of confusion on the matter, but this is just kicking off the process, they aren’t choosing a trail yet, he emphasized. 

“All we’re doing is approving the MOU so we can expend the funds and then we’ll move forward with this project,” he said. “I’m very excited to see what it’ll turn into, but I don’t really know what it’ll turn into because we’re just doing the feasibility (study)…I’m excited to see how this plays out.”

The item before the council this week does not involve selecting a trial alignment, explained Planning Manager Amber Dobson, it’s just focused on entering into the MOU, the use of the funds and the agreement for the feasibility assessment.

Responding to some comments about the specific type of trail it will be and whether it will accommodate road bikes versus mountain bikes, or pedestrian walking versus hiking, Dobson explained that the language of the MOU calls it a pedestrian and bicycle trail, but doesn’t distinguish between the specifics.

“I don’t believe that there’s a distinction between hiking and pedestrian, I think that those generally mean the same thing,” she said. 

Dobson shared an aerial image highlighting two potential trail alignments, but emphasized that other options may be included in the feasibility study. 

The two options shown on the map are connections from the Aswut Trail, one proposed to exit onto Ocean Vista Drive and the second crosses city property and exits into a parking lot behind The Ranch. A third alignment not shown on the map tracks down the western slope of Aliso Canyon. 

The language in the MOU also suggests a trail alignment more conducive of bicycling through The Ranch would be evaluated.

CCC staff indicated potential constraints with one alignment that exits on Ocean Vista Drive, Dobson noted. 

There was some concern that one trail alignment being considered would go through the golf course, despite that option previously being deemed infeasible. 

Click open story button to continue reading…

Share this story

Council agenda includes bluff overlay district, trail to the sea, mobile mental health services 

By SARA HALL

Laguna Beach City Council will consider a variety of interesting items during their meeting tonight.

At tonight's meeting (Tuesday, March 7), during regular business, on the consent calendar, and during extraordinary business, council will hear and/or consider: establishment of a Bluff Overlay District and methodologies for calculating major remodels; action to kick off construction of a public trail connecting Aliso Canyon to Aliso Beach; an agreement with Be Well Orange County to provide mobile mental health services; traffic safety and street lighting assessments; a contract for the Forest Alley trash enclosure project and a proclamation recognizing the 2022 Laguna Beach High School varsity football team for their championship season.

First up during regular business, council will consider an ordinance that amends portions of the Laguna Beach Municipal Code relating to the regulation of oceanfront development with the establishment of a Bluff Overlay District and methodologies for calculating major remodels. 

According to the staff report, the new bluff overlay district will enact new oceanfront development standards that are responsive to the constraints of the city’s unique coastal landforms and clarifies the methodology for calculating major remodels. The city’s coastal geology is largely erosion-resistant exposed bedrock, meaning that the erosion rate is less than 0.2 feet per year. Properties may be added to the district for the purpose of receiving a site specific blufftop set back determination, if the property complies with several standards, one of which is that it be subject to a low and stable rate of coastal erosion.

“The 25-foot bluff top setback is one of the most important development standards that the city currently applies to oceanfront development projects,” the staff report explains. “How the bluff edge is plotted across a site will strongly influence the footprint, size and configuration of a proposed project.” 

These factors are complicated by natural erosion processes and prior grading and development activity along the city’s bluff slopes. This has led to substantial issue determinations for some projects appealed to the California Coastal Commission.

“This requirement is also a blunt tool that does not consider historical development patterns or the highly irregular nature of the city’s oceanfront lots,” the staff report reads. “Because much of the city’s coastline is erosion resistant and improved with nonconforming structures, staff believes there is an opportunity to regulate future oceanfront development in a manner that acknowledges historical development patterns, while remaining protective of a site’s coastal resources.”

If a lot is found to have a low rate of coastal erosion it may be eligible to be added to the bluff overlay district for the purpose of granting a site-specific blufftop setback or encroachment. The decision would be subject to findings to establish that the reduced setback, or encroachment, conforms to the existing pattern of development, would not be threatened by geologic hazards and would continue to protect the on-site coastal resources.

“Staff believes that these provisions would allow for reasonable property improvement and reduce the potential for substantial issue findings for appealed projects,” the report reads. 

Regarding the changes to major remodel classification, the current lack of a certified methodology carries some risk that the CCC could find substantial issue on appeal of certain projects. A certified definition of “major remodel” would provide greater certainty in outcomes.

Council agenda includes bluff overlay district Aliso trail

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Dianne Russell

A trail in Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

Also tonight, council will consider a memorandum of understanding with the CCC for the administration of mitigation funds for the planning, permitting and construction of a public trail at 31106 Coast Highway. The coastal trail will connect Aliso Canyon, Woods Canyon and Aliso Beach.

If approved, the item also directs the city manager to enter into a service agreement with the Laguna Canyon Foundation in an amount not-to-exceed $30,000 to study the feasibility of the trail. The action will also appropriate the funds from the trail deposit account for the agreement with the foundation.

The CCC approved a coastal development permit on Jan. 8, 2015, authorizing the expansion and remodel of the former 64-room Aliso Creek Inn hotel, restaurant, banquet and golf course facility at 31106 Coast Highway (now the Ranch at Laguna Beach). The Commission adopted revised findings in support of the approval on April 15 that same year and one of the conditions imposed on the project was a fee of $250,000 for the purpose of planning and permitting a public trail that would connect Aliso and Woods Canyon Wilderness Park to Aliso Beach, including identification of a trail alignment.

The city accepted the funds on Sept. 22, 2015 and established the trail deposit account. Next week’s action if approved will utilize those funds to initiate the trail project. Any remaining funds would be used for construction and maintenance costs. No additional funds are required from the city to complete the trail.

Also on the agenda during regular business, council will consider an agreement with Be Well Orange County to provide mobile mental health services to the community for fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25. The item also includes transferring $250,000 from the homeless services budget to fund mental health programs.

If approved, the action also directs staff to return one year after implementation to report on the program’s implementation and identify long-term funding opportunities.

The action is part of the council’s previously identified priority of community mental health programs.

Click open story button to continue reading…

Share this story

Council agenda includes bluff overlay district, trail to the sea, mobile mental health services 

By SARA HALL

Laguna Beach City Council will consider a variety of interesting items during their meeting next week.

At the Tuesday (March 7) meeting, during regular business, on the consent calendar, and during extraordinary business, council will hear and/or consider: establishment of a Bluff Overlay District and methodologies for calculating major remodels; action to kick off construction of a public trail connecting Aliso Canyon to Aliso Beach; an agreement with Be Well Orange County to provide mobile mental health services; traffic safety and street lighting assessments; a contract for the Forest Alley trash enclosure project and a proclamation recognizing the 2022 Laguna Beach High School varsity football team for their championship season.

First up during regular business, council will consider an ordinance that amends portions of the Laguna Beach Municipal Code relating to the regulation of oceanfront development with the establishment of a Bluff Overlay District and methodologies for calculating major remodels. 

According to the staff report, the new bluff overlay district will enact new oceanfront development standards that are responsive to the constraints of the city’s unique coastal landforms and clarifies the methodology for calculating major remodels. The city’s coastal geology is largely erosion-resistant exposed bedrock, meaning that the erosion rate is less than 0.2 feet per year. Properties may be added to the district for the purpose of receiving a site specific blufftop set back determination, if the property complies with several standards, one of which is that it be subject to a low and stable rate of coastal erosion.

“The 25-foot bluff top setback is one of the most important development standards that the city currently applies to oceanfront development projects,” the staff report explains. “How the bluff edge is plotted across a site will strongly influence the footprint, size and configuration of a proposed project.” 

These factors are complicated by natural erosion processes and prior grading and development activity along the city’s bluff slopes. This has led to substantial issue determinations for some projects appealed to the California Coastal Commission.

“This requirement is also a blunt tool that does not consider historical development patterns or the highly irregular nature of the city’s oceanfront lots,” the staff report reads. “Because much of the city’s coastline is erosion resistant and improved with nonconforming structures, staff believes there is an opportunity to regulate future oceanfront development in a manner that acknowledges historical development patterns, while remaining protective of a site’s coastal resources.”

If a lot is found to have a low rate of coastal erosion it may be eligible to be added to the bluff overlay district for the purpose of granting a site-specific blufftop setback or encroachment. The decision would be subject to findings to establish that the reduced setback, or encroachment, conforms to the existing pattern of development, would not be threatened by geologic hazards and would continue to protect the on-site coastal resources.

“Staff believes that these provisions would allow for reasonable property improvement and reduce the potential for substantial issue findings for appealed projects,” the report reads. 

Regarding the changes to major remodel classification, the current lack of a certified methodology carries some risk that the CCC could find substantial issue on appeal of certain projects. A certified definition of “major remodel” would provide greater certainty in outcomes.

Council agenda includes bluff overlay district Aliso trail

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Dianne Russell

A trail in Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

Also on Tuesday, council will consider a memorandum of understanding with the CCC for the administration of mitigation funds for the planning, permitting and construction of a public trail at 31106 Coast Highway. The coastal trail will connect Aliso Canyon, Woods Canyon and Aliso Beach.

If approved, the item also directs the city manager to enter into a service agreement with the Laguna Canyon Foundation in an amount not-to-exceed $30,000 to study the feasibility of the trail. The action will also appropriate the funds from the trail deposit account for the agreement with the foundation.

The CCC approved a coastal development permit on Jan. 8, 2015, authorizing the expansion and remodel of the former 64-room Aliso Creek Inn hotel, restaurant, banquet and golf course facility at 31106 Coast Highway (now the Ranch at Laguna Beach). The Commission adopted revised findings in support of the approval on April 15 that same year and one of the conditions imposed on the project was a fee of $250,000 for the purpose of planning and permitting a public trail that would connect Aliso and Woods Canyon Wilderness Park to Aliso Beach, including identification of a trail alignment.

The city accepted the funds on Sept. 22, 2015 and established the trail deposit account. Next week’s action if approved will utilize those funds to initiate the trail project. Any remaining funds would be used for construction and maintenance costs. No additional funds are required from the city to complete the trail.

Also on the agenda during regular business, council will consider an agreement with Be Well Orange County to provide mobile mental health services to the community for fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25. The item also includes transferring $250,000 from the homeless services budget to fund mental health programs.

If approved, the action also directs staff to return one year after implementation to report on the program’s implementation and identify long-term funding opportunities.

The action is part of the council’s previously identified priority of community mental health programs.

Click open story button to continue reading…

Share this story

Committee covers environmental workplans, includes research on possible pesticide ban

By SARA HALL

At the Monday (Feb. 27) meeting, the Environmental Sustainability Committee went over updates and workplan audits for each of their subcommittees, including researching and making a recommendation to the City Council regarding a possible a local ban of pesticides.

During the wildlife protection subcommittee workplan audit, committee member Mina Brown noted their efforts to identify opportunities for the city to protect wildlife through policies and programs, and present these opportunities to the city council. Near-term activities include expanding city efforts to prevent wildlife deaths from pesticides, providing community education on wildlife-friendly landscaping practices, and promoting the creation of habitat from public and private properties.

They’ve had an opportunity to pursue the promotion of native plants and creating native habitats, which ties into the wildlife-friendly landscaping practices, so that’s been the bulk of their work in recent months, she pointed out. They’ve connected with the water district to help promote native plants as part of the spring water efficiency public outreach, Brown said. They’ve also asked the city to indicate that California native trees are the preference as replacements in the city’s tree removal and planting policy.

They’ve done some preliminary work on the pesticide issue, Brown added. 

Within the general activities of their workplan is an item to research and make recommendations to the City Council on a local ban of pesticides and herbicides utilizing the local coastal program. It’s a bit complicated, Brown commented. 

The reason that they have to go through the LCP to ban pesticides, including herbicides, is because cities are pre-empted from banning them on their own, Brown explained. However, the state has the power to do so and since the California Coastal Commission is the agency in charge of Laguna Beach’s local coastal program that’s how they would establish a ban, she said. The City of Malibu has done something similar, she pointed out, but they are still in the process of implementing their ban and codifying it.

“We’re kind of watching to see what happens with them,” Brown said. 

The city’s “Give a Hoot” campaign on social media started to raise awareness about the dangers of rodenticides, which was one of the key components of the pesticide ban that they’re considering, Brown said. The city has already banned the anticoagulant rodenticides in its own use, she added. 

“We are proud of that, but that was prior to this workplan so we have a lot to do,” she said. 

Committee covers environmental workplans hand crew

Click on photo for a larger image

File photo

A crew works in a fuel modification zone to clear brush by hand

There’s been concern raised recently about the use of an herbicide in the city’s fuel management zones, Brown noted. 

The goats thin the vegetation in certain FMZ areas, but in some areas with critical habitat a human hand crew is necessary, she said. The city fire department partners with Laguna Canyon Foundation on the program.

“It’s all about managing the amount of fuel that a wildfire would have,” Brown said. 

Removing invasive plants is and should be a priority for the city, Brown emphasized. 

“It’s a situation of trade-offs here, how best to manage these invasive plants in these areas that are sensitive,” Brown said. 

Local resident Ginger Wallace spoke about the importance of stopping the use of glyphosate (an herbicide that controls broadleaf weeds and grasses) on the hillsides in South Laguna.

“I think it’s critical. South Laguna’s hillsides are an endangered plant community of southern maritime chaparral,” Wallace said. 

The goats weren’t used in South Laguna because of this valuable habitat, she said, so hand crews were brought in. It cost more money, but it needed to be done, Wallace added. 

Considering they were aware of the importance of the plants and the additional money that was spent on a human crew, she was shocked to see workers spraying all over the hillside. They told her they were using Round Up and Liberate herbicides. There was no biologist with them. They were basically “cruising everywhere applying this,” chemical, she said. The crew also applied in an area where a creek flows during heavy rainstorm, she added.

“Not that I want it applied at all, but it looked as though it was not being applied correctly,” Wallace said. “It was startling to see this, but it also reminded me that glyphosate is also very difficult to use because it’s so dangerous it has to be applied so specifically.”

It should be applied on the plant, but she saw the crew putting it on the dirt around the plant. 

“Which means that other plants around there are being killed as well,” Wallace said.

Another local resident Ramin Pejan agreed. He also witnessed the herbicide being sprayed on the hillside.

“It was being applied quite indiscriminately at a landscape scale,” Pejan said. 

The argument in favor of using the herbicide is based on outdated science, said Pejan, an environmental lawyer. Regarding the safety of the chemicals used, there’s some really disturbing recent research that can easily be found online, particularly about glyphosate. For example, a comprehensive review of the published literature on glyphosate conducted a few years ago found that glyphosate persists in soil and water longer than what was previously thought, he said. 

There’s a lot more that needs to be learned about the science of this chemical, he noted, there’s still a lot of uncertainty about its potential impacts. In this instance, it’s better to be safe than sorry, Pejan added. 

Click open story button to continue reading…

Share this story

City of Laguna Beach assumed control of South Laguna beaches as of March 1

As of March 1, the City of Laguna Beach assumed ownership of all South Laguna beaches and coastal properties from the County of Orange. As part of the transfer agreement, the county is providing the city with a one-time sum of $22 million to offset the added cost of providing services and beach maintenance.

“Assuming control of the South Laguna beaches culminates two years of work by the city and county to make this happen,” said Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen. “I want to thank the county for working in partnership with us and to commend our city staff for their extraordinary effort to bring this to fruition. This transfer will benefit both beachgoers and our residents of South Laguna with an increased level of service.”

City of Laguna Beach group with truck

Click on photo for a larger image 

Photos courtesy of City of Laguna Beach

(L-R) Assistant City Manager/CFO Gavin Curran; Director of Public Works Mark McAvoy; Police Chief Jeff Calvert; Mayor Bob Whalen; City Manager Shohreh Dupuis; Marine Safety Chief Kevin Snow and Fire Chief Niko King

The city began providing all services to South Laguna beaches on March 1 and will begin enforcing all Municipal Codes while maintaining current curfew hours. Beginning March 1, Marine Safety staffing included a patrol unit in South Laguna, a lifeguard at Aliso Beach and up to three additional lifeguard towers (staffing levels can vary based on beach, ocean and weather conditions.) As part of the city’s Neighborhood Enhancement Team (N.E.T. Team), Police Department Park Rangers will provide more consistent enforcement citywide and attention to quality-of-life issues and crime at all beaches and parks. The Public Works Department will take over maintenance of South Laguna beaches and beach-adjacent facilities from Aliso Creek to the southern city limits. This includes providing custodial services to public restrooms, emptying trash cans, providing litter control, sweeping parking lots, graffiti removal and other public services. 

“This change in service provides consistent operations throughout the city, streamlines communication between public safety entities, and delivers efficient response to emergency and non-emergency incidents,” said Laguna Beach City Manager Shohreh Dupuis. “This is an opportunity to provide a consistent and high-level of service to residents and visitors throughout all beaches in the City of Laguna Beach.”

City of Laguna Beach Bob and Shohreh

Click on photo for a larger image 

Mayor Bob Whalen and City Manager Shohreh Dupuis

As of March 1, City Municipal Codes for beaches and parks applied to all South Laguna beaches, with the following exceptions:

–Leashed dogs are allowed on South Laguna beaches at all times (except from June 15 to September 10, dogs prohibited between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.). Dogs are never allowed on Thousand Steps Beach and have historically always been prohibited there.

–South Laguna Beaches will maintain hours as previously determined by the county: Aliso Beach through Totuava Beach is closed from 10 p.m.-6 a.m. and Thousand Steps Beach is closed from 9 p.m.-6 a.m.

–For the summer of 2023, no changes have been made to the existing designated skim boarding areas at South Laguna beaches.

In preparation for summer operations, the Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department is recruiting additional lifeguards, expanding training operations, adding supervisory oversight to South Laguna beaches and purchasing additional equipment. The City of Laguna Beach will provide activities and events such as skimboard contests and lessons, seal and sea lion releases, photography and film permits and other city recreation programs. Laguna Beach residents are invited to attend an informational and listening session meeting on March 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Senior Center.

City of Laguna Beach Calvert foursome

Click on photo for a larger image 

(L-R) Police Chief Jeff Calvert, Mayor Bob Whalen, Marine Safety Chief Kevin Snow and Fire Chief Niko King

“We are looking forward to providing safety, prevention, education and enforcement at South Laguna beaches, and ask the public to be patient with us as we take on this significant responsibility,” said Laguna Beach Marine Safety Chief Kevin Snow.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Seasonal Ocean Lifeguard for the City of Laguna Beach, please apply online here.

For more information, contact the Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department at 949.494.6571.

Shaena Stabler, President & CEO - Shaena@StuNewsLaguna.com

Lana Johnson, Editor - Lana@StuNewsLaguna.com

Tom Johnson, Publisher - Tom@StuNewsLaguna.com

Dianne Russell is our Associate Editor.

Michael Sterling is our Webmaster & Designer.

Mary Hurlbut and Scott Brashier are our photographers.

Alexis Amaradio, Dennis McTighe, Marrie Stone, Sara Hall, Suzie Harrison and Theresa Keegan are our writers and/or columnists.

In Memoriam - Stu Saffer and Barbara Diamond.

Email: Editor@StuNewsLaguna.com with news releases, letters, etc.

949.212.1499

Email: Shaena@StuNewsLaguna.com for questions about advertising

949.315.0259

*The content and ads in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the publisher.

© 2023 2S Publishing, LLC - All Rights Reserved.