City Hall Archive

City Manager’s Updates

Ensure Home Address Visibility – Have you recently painted your house? Not trimmed your landscaping for a while? The Fire Department would like to remind residents to ensure that all home addresses are visible from the street so that emergency personnel can find you when you call. Addresses should be at least 4” in height, not covered by landscaping, be of contrasting color to the house, and hopefully illuminated at night. If you have a mailbox, ensure your address is posted on both sides of the box, not just one. Firefighters, police officers, and ambulances may respond from both directions.

New Laguna Beach Police Officer – Officer Britney Priest will be graduating from the Golden West Police Academy on Friday, March 15. Priest demonstrated remarkable leadership throughout her training and was nominated class president by her classmates and academy staff. As class president, she will be one of the keynote speakers during the graduation ceremony. The City is happy to have her as part of the Laguna Beach team.

Anita Street Beach Access Improvements – The City invites the public to participate in a workshop to discuss design features for the upcoming Anita Street Beach Access Improvements. The workshop will be held at 10 a.m. on March 20 at the Anita Street beach access.

Conceptual plans are available on the City’s website at http://lagunabeachcity.net/cityhall/pw/cityprojects/construction_projects_list.htm. For additional information, contact Associate Civil Engineer Tom Sandefur at (949) 497-0792 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Photo by Stacia Stabler

The City will host a workshop on March 20 on Anita Street Beach access improvements

Southern California Gas Company Concrete Repair – On Tuesday, March 19, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., the northbound lane closest to the curb on S Coast Highway will be closed between Laguna Avenue and Ocean Avenue. Southern California Gas Company’s contractor will be reconstructing a concrete sidewalk associated with a previous emergency gas line leak repair near 278 S Coast Highway. Pedestrian access will be maintained during construction.

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

Glenneyre Street Lane Closure – On March 19, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Laguna Beach County Water District will close one lane of the 2400 block of Glenneyre Street for service replacements. Both directions of traffic will be accommodated at all times.

For more information, contact Lisa Dunbar at the Water District at (949) 464-3119 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

2nd Street Tree Well Improvements and Tree Health Enhancements – Beginning on Tuesday, March 12, the Public Works Department will be starting phase II of the project to enhance all the tree wells on 2nd Street between Forest Avenue and Mermaid Street. Concrete and hardscape treatments surrounding the tree roots will be removed and an ADA compliant permeable surfacing will be installed. The work will address girdling of the tree trunks, will enhance the air and water permeability of the tree wells, and will remove potential tripping hazards. The project is expected to be completed by Friday, March 15.

For questions about the project, contact Public Works Deputy Director Dale Schuck at (949) 497-0735.

Community Assistance Grants – The Community Assistance Grant program is available to nonprofit organizations that provide special services to residents of Laguna Beach. The objective of this program is to assist local organizations in funding new projects and/or expanded services within our community.

Additional information can be found at www.lagunabeachcity.net/CAG.

To be considered for a grant, applications must be submitted electronically by Friday, March 22, 2019, at 4:30 p.m.

Contact Adam Gufarotti, Senior Recreation Supervisor, at (949) 497-0304 for more information.

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Submitted photo

The Little Free Library in the TOW neighborhood

Fire Station #3 Receives New Little Free Library – The Little Free Library Foundation has donated a library box under their Impact Giving Program for installation in front of Laguna Beach Fire Station #3. The library will serve firefighters, the school community, and neighbors, with the primary goal of raising awareness about nature, wildlife, and our local environment in a time of increasingly dangerous fires and lengthier fire seasons. As with other Little Free Libraries, the fire station’s library will also be stocked with books to entertain as well as inform.

A Community Celebration/Potluck will be held Wednesday, April 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Fire Station #3, located on the corner of Tree Top Lane and Alta Laguna Boulevard in Top of the World. Please bring your appetite and a dish to share.

Feedback Sought on Wireless Emergency Test – The City of Laguna Beach is requesting feedback from those who received the Wireless Emergency Alert test message on March 6 at 3 p.m. Residents are asked to complete a brief 6-question survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WEATestFeedback3-6-19.

For more information about the Wireless Emergency Alert test or Outdoor Warning System test, 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.

Citywide Track & Field Meet – The City of Laguna Beach will host the annual Boys & Girls Track Meet on Friday, March 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Laguna Beach High School. All children born in or after the year 2004 that reside in Laguna Beach or attend school within the Laguna Beach Unified School District boundaries are invited to attend. Register online by Thursday, March 28, at https://secure.rec1.com/CA/city-of-laguna-beach/catalog/index?search=track+meet.

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program – Residents of Laguna Beach and Laguna Woods can purchase low-cost vouchers to have their dog or cat spayed or neutered at three veterinary hospitals located in Laguna Beach from April 1 to April 30. The voucher cost is $15 to $40 for neuters and $25 to $75 for spays. The cost is based on the weight of the pet. Residents can purchase the low-cost spay/neuter vouchers at the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter until March 31. There is a maximum of two vouchers per household.

For additional information, you may contact the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter at (949) 497-3552.

Junior Lifeguards – Registration for the 2019 Junior Lifeguard program is now open to Laguna Beach residents. Participants must pass the required swim test or have participated in the 2018 program to be eligible to register. The next swim tests will be held this Friday, March 15, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 16, from 1 to 3 p.m. Not sure if your child is ready for the swim test? Try out a JG Clinic on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. All swim tests and clinics take place at the Laguna Beach High School and Community Pool, located at 670 Park Ave. For additional information about the Junior Lifeguard program, visit http://bit.ly/2RAlQcl or call (949) 497-0788.

Free Paint/E-Waste Drop-off and Shredding Event on Saturday March 16 –

Residents and businesses are invited to participate in the annual free drop-off event to dispose of unwanted paint, batteries, CFL bulbs, and E-Waste on Saturday, March 16, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the City Maintenance Facilities, 1900 Laguna Canyon Rd. Free shredding service will also be available on site. The City and Waste Management sponsor this service.

For more information, including a detailed list of acceptable E-Waste items, visit www.lagunabeachcity.net/recycling or contact Liz Avila at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Parking and Trolley at ACT V on March 16 – On Saturday, March 16, ACT V (Lot 16) is closed for parking and trolley service until 1 p.m. due to the Free paint/E-Waste Drop-Off and Shredding Event.

For more information on parking options, go to www.lagunabeachcity.net/parking or call (949) 497-0766.

City Council approves Community Development Action Plan

At its regular meeting on Tuesday, the City Council approved the Community Development Department’s Action Plan. Highlights of the plan include improvements to customer service, beginning the process to revise the Municipal Code to streamline development approval procedures, enhanced training, and targeted staff additions to improve project turnaround time.

“We’ve been working on this for a while now. We talked to residents, architects, and counter customers to develop our list of proposed service improvements. We are excited to begin implementing them,” said Greg Pfost, Director of Community Development.

The first streamlining initiative from the Action Plan went into effect last month with the formation of the City’s interdepartmental Development Management Team. Members of the team represent different City departments and now review development plans simultaneously, saving time and reducing conflicting direction.

Other components of the adopted Action Plan include improvements to counter services, revisions to the website, public workshops, and optimizing department software. The plan’s initiatives fall into five categories: customer service improvements; completing key projects that are in process; streamlining the City’s discretionary review processes; adding new staffing; and continual monitoring and performance improvement.

Community Development staff formulated the Action Plan after listening to concerns voiced at recent public meetings, on customer surveys, and in discussions with architects and design professionals.

For the ongoing collection of customer feedback, the department has created a new, electronic Customer Service Questionnaire. It is available on the City’s website, on a kiosk in City Hall’s lobby, and will be sent to the department’s customers. A link to the questionnaire and information about it can be found at www.lagunabeachcity.net/questionnaire.

The Community Development Department will report back to City Council this coming summer regarding progress on Action Plan implementation.

For more information, or to view a copy of the Community Development Action Plan, contact Assistant Director of Community Development Jim Pechous at (949) 497-0320 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

City Manager’s Updates

Patriots Day Parade – This year’s Patriots Day Parade was canceled due to steady rain and safety concerns for parade participants. Unfortunately, due to the complex scheduling required for the 92 parade entries, the Parade Committee is not able to reschedule the parade and will instead focus its efforts on planning next year’s parade, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 7, 2020.

The 2019 theme “Everyday Heroes,” Honored Patriot Arnold Silverman, Chairman Ed Hanke, Grand Marshal Barbara Diamond, Citizen of the Year Sande St. John, Artist of the Year Roxanna Ward, and Athlete of the Year Jade Howson will now be honored in the 2020 parade.

Community Development Customer Service Questionnaire – The Community Development Department has launched a questionnaire to collect customer feedback. The questionnaire is available on the City’s website and a kiosk in City Hall’s lobby. It will also be sent to customers who visit the Community Development counter as well as architects, designers, residents, and neighbors who participate in the Design Review or Planning Commission process.

Residents can fill out the questionnaire and learn more about the Community Development’s Customer Service initiative at www.lagunabeachcity.net/questionnaire.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Today’s Arbor Day Celebration will start at 3 p.m. at Main Beach

Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, March 8 – The City’s second Arbor Day and first year Tree City USA Celebration will be held at Main Beach Park (cobblestone area) today (Friday, March 8) from 3 to 5 p.m.

The tree planting ceremony will start at 4 p.m. To kick off the event, the City Council proclaimed March 8 as Arbor Day in Laguna Beach to coincide with the annual State of California recognition of California Arbor Week at its February 19 meeting.

This fun event will feature activities and crafts for kids, live music, tree experts, garden clubs and organizations, and giveaways. This will be a fun educational event for the whole family.

Visit the City’s website at www.lagunabeachcity.net for more information or contact Liz Avila, Senior Public Works Analyst/Solid Waste Program Coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (949) 497-0344.

City Hall Restroom Renovations – Construction is wrapping up, and the newly remodeled restrooms on the first floor of City Hall are scheduled to reopen to the public on March 11.

Free Paint/E-Waste Drop-off and Shredding Event on Saturday, March 16 –

For more information, including a detailed list of acceptable E-Waste items, visit www.lagunabeachcity.net/recyclingor contact Liz Avila at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Parking and Trolley at ACT V on March 16 – On Saturday, March 16, ACT V (Lot 16) is closed for parking and trolley service until 1 p.m. due to the Free Paint/E-Waste Drop-Off and Shredding Event.

For more information on parking options, visit www.lagunabeachcity.net/parkingor call (949) 497-0766.

Lane Closure at Forest Avenue and Laguna Canyon Road – On March 20, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., Laguna Beach County Water District will close the outgoing merge lane from Forest Avenue onto Laguna Canyon Road to work on a water line. Outgoing traffic will be detoured to Ocean Avenue, Beach Street, and Broadway.

For more information, contact Lisa Dunbar at (949) 464-3119.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Firefighters to participate in race to raise money for LLS

Laguna Firefighters Climb for Cancer – Four members of Laguna Beach Fire Department are volunteering to participate in an “on-air stair climb,” raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Firefighters Forrestt Lazicki, Brandon Hawkins, Brent Buccola, and Engineer David Lopez will be donning full firefighting protective gear including air packs, and will climb 788 feet (1,400 steps, 69 stories) in a race that is designed to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society (LLS). The LLS Firefighter Stair climb is the world’s largest on-air stair climb competition.

Junior Lifeguards – Registration for the 2019 Junior Lifeguard program is now open to Laguna Beach residents and non-residents. Participants must pass the required swim test or have participated in the 2018 program to be eligible to register. Upcoming swim tests will be held this Friday, March 8, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. All swim tests take place at the Laguna Beach High School and Community Pool, located at 670 Park Ave.

Additional information about the program, including a list of swim test dates, is available at http://bit.ly/2RAlQcl or call (949) 497-0788 for questions.

Summer Camp and Spring Recreation Activities Registration – Registration for spring 2019 recreation activities and youth summer camps is now open.

To register and see the list of programs available, visit https://secure.rec1.com/CA/city-of-laguna-beach/catalog/index.

City Council accepting applications to fill one seat on Heritage Committee

The Laguna Beach City Council is now accepting applications to fill a seat on the Heritage Committee. Interviews and appointments will be conducted on Tuesday, March 19 at 6 p.m., by the City Council in the City Council Chambers.

All applicants will be interviewed. Applicants may be contacted by City Council members prior to the interviews and appointments so please be prepared to make a brief statement about your desire to serve on a committee.

One selected applicant will serve a two-year term on the Heritage Committee with the term beginning April 1 and going through March 31, 2021.

The Heritage Committee is currently a five-member body that acts in an advisory capacity to the Design Review Board, Planning Commission, and City Council on matters pertaining to historic preservation such as the review of modifications to a historic structure, placement of a structure on the Historic Register, and creation of a special designation plaque program. Meetings are generally held on the third Monday of the month.

Laguna Beach residents who are interested in serving on the Heritage Committee may obtain an application from the City Clerk’s office or online from the City’s website at www.lagunabeachcity.net and file by Tuesday, March 5 at 5 p.m.

Questions may be directed to the City Clerk’s office at (949) 497-0705. Applications will not be accepted after the March 5 deadline.

The City Council Chambers is located at 505 Forest Ave.

City Manager’s Updates

Laguna Canyon Channel Repair – On February 14, a portion of the flood control channel wall collapsed between Laguna Canyon Road and the Frontage Road south of Woodland Drive. The County of Orange has conducted temporary repairs, and the channel and adjacent improvements are now protected.

For more information, contact City Engineer Mark Trestik at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or (949) 497-0300.

Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, March 8 – The City’s second Arbor Day and first year Tree City USA Celebration will be held at Main Beach Park (cobblestone area) on Friday, March 8, from 3 to 5 p.m. The tree planting ceremony will start at 4:30 p.m. To kick off the event, City Council proclaimed March 8 as Arbor Day in Laguna Beach to coincide with the annual State of California recognition of California Arbor Week at its February 19 meeting. This fun event will feature activities and crafts for kids, live music, tree experts, garden clubs and organizations, and giveaways. This will be a fun educational event for the whole family.

Visit the City’s website at www.lagunabeachcity.netfor more information or contact Liz Avila, Senior Public Works Analyst/Solid Waste Program Coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or (949) 497-0344.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Laguna’s Arbor Day and Tree City USA Celebration will be held on March 8 at Main Beach

Public Workshop for Coast Highway Proposed Utility Undergrounding District – On Wednesday, Feb 27, from 6 to 7 p.m., a public workshop for a proposed utility undergrounding district on Coast Highway will be held in the Community Room at the Susi Q Community Center. The workshop will provide an introductory overview of the proposed undergrounding district that covers a portion of Coast Highway between 1740 and 2425 S Coast Hwy. This project will be funded by California Public Utilities Commission Rule 20A credits and constructed by Southern California Edison.

For more information, contact Project Manager Pierre Sawaya at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or (949) 497-0751.

Laguna Canyon Road Lane Closure – The Laguna Beach County Water District will be working on Laguna Canyon Road near the Big Bend on February 25-27. Between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., northbound/outbound traffic will be diverted to the center lane. For more information, contact Lisa Dunbar at (949) 464-3119.

City Manage’s Updates

Laguna Beach Named Tree City USA – the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized the City of Laguna Beach as a first year Tree City USA Community for 2018. The City achieved this recognition by meeting the required core standards of sound Urban Forestry Management: maintaining a tree board or department/division responsible for tree care, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

The Arbor Day Foundation in partnership sponsors the Tree City USA program with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Laguna has been recognized as a Tree City USA

Holiday Street Sweeping Schedule – On Monday, Feb 18, street sweeping and parking enforcement will only occur in commercial areas.

For more information, contact Senior Fleet Maintenance Supervisor Austin Comp at (949) 464-6637.

Holiday Transit Service – On Monday, Feb 18, the City will be providing regular neighborhood trolley services in the Top of the World, Bluebird Canyon, Arch Beach Heights, and North and South Laguna neighborhoods from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.lagunabeachcity.net/trolley.

City Committee Opening – The City Council is accepting applications to fill one seat on the Heritage Committee. Interviews and appointments will be conducted on Tuesday, March 19 at 6 p.m. by the City Council in the City Council Chambers, 505 Forest Ave.

Laguna Beach residents who are interested in serving on the Heritage Committee should obtain an application from the City Clerk’s office or online at www.lagunabeachcity.net and file by Tuesday, March 5 at 5 p.m.

Questions may be directed to the City Clerk’s office at (949) 497-0705. Applications will not be accepted after the March 5 deadline.

Officer Mike Short is being honored – Mike Short is being honored as the 2018 Police Officer of the Year at the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge. Officer Short is a 14-year member of the department and was selected by his peers for this distinction. Mike Short started his career as a summer Beach Patrol Officer in 2005 before moving through the organization as a records specialist, police officer, field-training officer and founding member of the C.S.I. and drone teams.

Most recently, he has assumed the responsibilities of the Police Department hiring and training office. Mike will be acknowledged for all his hard work and dedication at the Annual Firefighters and Law Enforcement Appreciation Awards Dinner at the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge on Saturday, February 16 at 6 p.m.

Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Rolfe is being honored – Matt Rolfe is being honored as the 2018 Firefighter of the Year at the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge. FF/PM Rolfe is a 9-year member of the Fire Department and was selected by his peers for this distinction.

Matt Rolfe started his career as a Reserve Firefighter in 2010 before moving through the organization as a sworn Firefighter and Firefighter Paramedic. Matt is the leading IT technician for the Department’s new Electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) program and solely provides this all-important training for the Fire Department members.

He is an active member of the Social Media team and a specialized member of the Laguna Beach Honor Guard Pipes and Drums. Matt will be acknowledged for all his hard work and dedication at the Annual Firefighters and Law Enforcement Appreciation Awards Dinner at the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge on Saturday, February 16 at 6 p.m.

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Submitted photo

Firefighter Paramedic Matt Rolfe is Laguna’s 2018 Firefighter of the Year

Southern California Gas Company Concrete Repair – On Tuesday, Feb 19, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Southern California Gas Company’s contractor will be reconstructing a concrete sidewalk associated with a previous emergency gas line leak repair near 2425 S Coast Hwy.

The southbound lane closest to the curb on S Coast Hwy will be closed for approximately 500 feet north of the S Coast Hwy/Upland Rd intersection.

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

Third Street Hill Tree Trimming – On Wednesday, Feb 20, the City trees on Third Street hill will be trimmed. To accommodate the work, Third Street will be closed in both directions between Mermaid Street and Park Avenue from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For questions, call Deputy Director of Public Works Dale Schuck at (949) 497-0735.

Friday Flicks at the Forum – On March 1, Friday Flicks continues with The Gospel According to André (2017) at the Forum Theater, located at Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Rd. The film is an emotional and intimate portrait of influential fashionista André Leon Talley and is rated PG-13. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the film screening starts at 7 p.m.

This event is free and is funded by Laguna Beach residents Mark Porterfield and Steve Chadima. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Police Explorer Graduation – On Monday, Feb 18, three Laguna Beach Police Department Explorers will be graduating from the Orange County Explorer Academy. The academy is a 5-day, intense training program, which includes drills, physical fitness, and academic training on topics such as K-9 teams, bomb squad, air support, DUI Investigation, gang enforcement, criminal law, and SWAT.

Congratulations to Police Explorers Marianne Chehayeb, Sirene Chehayeb, and Emily Lopez for their achievement.

Free Weekend Parking and Trolley at ACT V (Lot 16) – Park for free on the weekends at ACT V (Lot 16) and take the trolley to Downtown, the beach, and the Farmers’ Market.

There are limited stops on this route, which includes the ACT V parking lot, Beach Street and Forest Ave. Service will run every 20 minutes. For more information, visit www.lagunabeachcity.net/parking or call (949) 497-0766.

Council fills seats on seven committees, one to go

By BARBARA DIAMOND

The City followed up its joint meeting on Tuesday with the Design Review Board with interviews and appointments to seven committees, including the Design Review Board.

Incumbent Deborah Neev, who also sits on the Laguna Beach County Water District Commission, Laguna Beach Seniors President Kristine Thalman and Leadership Laguna graduate Louis Weil were appointed to two-year terms beginning April 1.

The unanimous selection of the trio negated the rumor around town that the selection was pre-determined, Councilman Peter Blake said on Thursday.

“I was unaware of who applied until I saw the paperwork (applications) or how any other council members were going to vote,” said Mayor Pro Tem Steve Dicterow. “I was stunned by the unanimous vote.”

Before interviews began, the council voted to appoint applicants for three of the committees because their number equaled the open seats.

John D. Goodkin, David Hand and incumbents Evan Pinto, Walter Bell and Anna Cathleen Greiner were appointed to the Recreation Committee.

View Restoration Committee incumbents Rebecca Carson, Ruben Flores and Ara Hovanesian were re-appointed.

Michael Morris was the lone applicant to represent the city on the County Mosquito & Vector Control District and was appointed.

Appointments to the three open seats on the Heritage Committee were complicated by two of the applicants refusing to sign Form 700, which discloses financial information.

Applicants Mike Boone and Clark Collins had refused to sign the form, but Collins later agreed to complete the application.

He and incumbent Linda Morgenlander were appointed.

March 5 is the deadline to apply for the third seat. Appointment will be made at the March 19 council meeting.

The Environmental Sustainability Committee was expanded from five to seven appointments at the suggestion of Councilwoman Toni Iseman and seconded by Dicterow.

Incumbent Mike Beanan volunteered for the one-year term. Felix Desroches, Julianna Essens, Alan Flatt, Anna Marie Girtz, Judie Mancuso and Emerich Hlava were appointed, but one of them will be appointed to a one-year term, while the rest will begin two-year terms on April 1.

Carolyn Aufhammer, Byron Nelson, Hamid “Tony” Rahimian and incumbent Lawrence Esten were appointed to the Parking, Traffic and Circulation Committee.

Glenn Gray will join the Measure LL Oversight Committee.

City Manager’s Updates

Free Parking and Trolley at ACT V (Lot 16) Starting this Weekend – Starting Saturday, Feb 9, park for free at ACT V (Lot 16) and take the trolley downtown, to the beach, or to the Farmers’ Market. There are limited stops on this route, which includes the ACT V parking lot, Beach Street, and Forest Avenue. Service will run every 20 minutes.

For more information, visit www.lagunabeachcity.net/parking or call (949) 497-0766.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Take the trolley downtown, to the beach, or to the Farmers’ Market on Saturdays

Junior Lifeguards – Registration for the 2019 Summer Junior Lifeguard program is now open to Laguna Beach residents at a discounted rate. Participants must pass the required swim test or have participated in the 2018 program to be eligible to register.

The first swim tests of this year will be held on Friday, Feb 8, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Feb 9, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. All swim tests take place at the Laguna Beach High School and Community Pool, located at 670 Park Ave.

Additional information about the program, including a list of swim test dates, is available at http://bit.ly/2RAlQcl, or call (949) 497-0788 with questions.

Banner Competition – The Arts Commission is accepting designs for the annual summer banner competition. The competition is open to Orange County resident’s ages 18 or older. The lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach fund this program.

For full competition guidelines, visit www.lagunabeachcity.net/cityhall/art/opportunities/default.htm.

Art That’s Small at City Hall – The Laguna Beach Arts Commission invites artists to participate in its annual exhibition, “Art That’s Small at City Hall.” Entries 12” or smaller will be accepted from residents of Orange County ages 18 or older. Artwork must be delivered to City Hall, 505 Forest Ave, on Saturday, March 9, between 9 and 11 a.m.

For more information or to pre-register, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SCE Pole Replacement by Helicopter – On Thursday, Feb 14, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Southern California Edison (SCE) will be replacing a pole located in the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. The pole is located approximately 2,500 feet southeast of Moulton Meadows Park. A helicopter will be used in the morning hours to remove and replace the pole.

The landing zone and staging area for the helicopter will occur within the wilderness park approximately 2,100 feet north of Moulton Meadows Park and adjacent to the emergency fire access road. The emergency fire access road will remain unobstructed during the work.

For questions or concerns, contact SCE Production Specialist Robert Watters at (949) 458-4417.

Community Services Office Improvements – On Friday, Feb 15, work will begin for the conversion of temporary office space to two permanent offices at the Laguna Beach Community & Susi Q Center. Impacts to facility users will be minimized to the greatest extent possible. Three metered parking spaces on Third Street will be reserved for contractor use during construction. The work is expected to be completed by the end of March.

For additional information, contact Tri Nguyen at (949) 497-0741 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

City Manager’s Updates

Upcoming Storms – The City of Laguna Beach is expected to be impacted by a series of storms from Thursday, Jan 31 through Monday, Feb 4, bringing intermittent periods of heavy rain and potential localized flooding. The most significant part of the storm is predicted late Friday evening and continuing through Saturday.

Out of an abundance of caution, downtown and canyon residents and business owners are encouraged to put their floodgates into place Friday night at the close of business as a precautionary measure to protect their property and inventory.

As a reminder, the City of Laguna Beach is providing free pre-filled sandbags to residents and business owners from two locations (Act V parking lot – 1900 Laguna Canyon Rd and Aliso Beach East parking lot – 31118 Coast Hwy). These sandbags are not for contractors.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Heavy rain is expected to impact Laguna Beach this weekend

Public Workshop for Laguna Canyon Channel Rehabilitation – At 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb 13, the Public Works Department will be hosting a public workshop to discuss proposed rehabilitation and improvements to the Laguna Canyon Channel in the downtown area that is being designed for construction in the Spring of 2020. The workshop will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers located at 505 Forest Ave.

For more information, contact City Engineer Mark Trestik at (949) 497-0300 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Parents’ Night Out (PNO) – Parents call it a break from the kids; kids call it a break from their parents. The City of Laguna Beach is hosting its quarterly Parents’ Night Out on Friday, Feb 8, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Community & Susi Q Center, 380 Third St. Children will have a blast enjoying games, movies, Valentine’s Day arts & crafts and dinner. Pre-registration is required 48 hours in advance.

To register, call (949) 464-6645 or visit www.lagunabeachcity.net (click “recreation classes”).

Council hosts joint meeting with school district officials

By BARBARA DIAMOND

Representatives of the city and the school district met January 22 to discuss mutual interests.

The council got down off the dais to meet on the same level with district officials to jointly discuss the cooperative police involvement with students, participation of students, the expansion of adult education programs and the city’s activities to promote World Kindness.

Corporal Cornelius Ashton updated the officials on his role as the School Resource Officer, a relatively new designation. Ashton was appointed last fall to the position, which he said allows the police department to participate in the areas of student safety, education and intervention.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Corporal Cornelius Ashton

“I was nervous the first day of school,” Ashton admitted. “But when I walked through that door, I was embraced by parents, teachers and staff.”

He has since made 54 presentations, student mental health being one of the most important, he said.

Ashton spends most of his time at Laguna Beach High School, but he also visits the other city schools, dealing with a student population of 3,000.

“His genuine interest comes through all the time,” said board chair Jan Vickers.

District Superintendent Jason Viloria reported that in addition to Ashton’s position, the district recently hired a Student Services Director, Social Emotional Support, and two specialists.

Adult Education

The school district and the city agreed in principal on a proposed joint venture to expand the Adult Education program

Assistant Supervisor Jeffrey Dixon reported that the district had received a $90,000 state grant, $30,000 of which was used to staff evening classes – mostly English as a Second Language.

Expansion could include holding weekend classes at the Susi Q and Community Center on Third Street, posited Assistant City Manager Christa Johnson.

“We are very excited about this,” said Johnson.

The partnership requires approvals of the consortium.

Mayor Bob Whalen cautioned that the participation should be approved before the city got too involved.

If the proposal comes to fruition, the city would spread the word by fliers and the quarterly brochure mailed to all residences.

Classes would be free, a major selling point with the council.

Kindness

Mayor Pro Tem Steve Dicterow reported on the city’s World Kindness activities, in which he encouraged the district to participate with the city.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of City of Laguna Beach

Mayor Pro Tem Steve Dicterow on World Kindness Day

He supports the development of a program that would involve student liaisons to city committees.

Vickers said the board would support Dicterow’s proposal. Board member Dee Perry suggested a leadership program for students, starting with middle school.

Miscellaneous Comments

Whalen, who has a particular interest in the arts, asked about the shape of the school’s collection.

“The collection is insured, but it is costly to maintain,” said Viloria. “We have contacted the Laguna Art Museum to determine if it has any interest in borrowing district art.”

Whalen suggested applying for a cultural arts grant to reduce maintenance costs.

“It might be beneficial for (City Cultural Arts Manager Sian Poeschl) to talk to the district about local art and history,” said Whalen. Iseman suggested that students be urged to learn about Laguna’s “vibrant” history. Perry agreed it was important.

Vickers said students could start interviewing locals to gather oral histories.

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