THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020
Laguna Beach Fire Crews Deployed to Help Fight Wildfires Around State
Governor Declares Statewide Emergency Due to Fires, Extreme Weather Conditions
Hundreds of wildfires fueled by strong winds, dry conditions and lightning strikes have burned more than 300,000 acres across California. Currently there are over 30 working wildland fires throughout the state with over 100 remote fires that are actively burning and being monitored.
This week Governor Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency to help ensure the availability of vital resources to combat fires burning across the state, which have been exacerbated by the effects of the historic West Coast heatwave and sustained high winds.
Laguna Beach Firefighters are assisting with this endeavor with both our Cal OES Fire Engine #313 in Monterey County at the Carmel Vegetation Fire, and wildland Fire Engine #302 at the Holser Fire near Lake Piru. This afternoon, the Laguna Beach crew that was at Lake Piru left that fire and is en route to help fight the Carmel Vegetation Fire.
"I am proud of our firefighters for assisting where they can, and I hope for a safe and quick return for our team," said Laguna Beach City Manager John Pietig.
Our State Mutual Aid system is very responsive and dynamic, but only works because of the commitment from cities like ours, that participate when help is needed. As we respond to help those in need, the City of Laguna Beach will receive help if and when we need it.
Fire Season: Know Your Laguna Beach Neighborhood Evacuation Route
It's fire season. As we've seen this week, when the heat rises and vegetation dries, fire can ignite rapidly.
The City of Laguna Beach is broken down into 22 different Evacuation Management Zones. Each zone has a specific evacuation map.
The City recommends you download and print your evacuation map, and become familiar with your evacuation routes!
Find your evacuation map at the link below.
Your Energy Conservation Efforts Helped Prevent Power Outages During Heatwave
In an effort to prevent or limit power outages during this week's heatwave, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) issued a statewide Flex Alert earlier this week, which expired on Wednesday.
CAISO said consumer conservation efforts helped avert rotating power outages and thanks customers for their conservation of power in the afternoon and evenings during persistent high temperatures.
How to Stay Informed About Flex Alerts and Possible Power Outages:
- CAISO: For more information on CAISO, click HERE and subscribe to CAISO Alerts HERE.
- SCE: For more information on SCE Outages click HERE or customers can also contact SCE at 1-800-611-1911 to find out whether your neighborhood is part of a current controlled outage.
- SDG&E: For information on SDG&E Outages click HERE. SDG&E customers can see whether they may be affected by a controlled outage at sdge.com/myaccount.
Laguna Beach is Currently in First Place for Nation's Most "Waterwise City!"
Take the Pledge to Keep Us at the Top!
The 9th Annual National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation is taking place now through August 31 - and the City of Laguna Beach is currently #1 in our population category! Take the Waterwise Pledge to keep us at the top!
To participate, Laguna Beach residents can go to mywaterpledge.com, and make a series of online pledges to conserve water on behalf of Laguna Beach.
Temporary Use Permit Program Extended and Fees Waived Through April 2021
To support Laguna Beach business owners pursuing outdoor dining, signage, and the outdoor display of merchandise, the Laguna Beach City Council has streamlined the City’s Temporary Use Permit (TUP) process.
This program is only available to businesses that currently operate from a fixed location within the City. The program is extended and the City will waive all Temporary Use Permit fees through April, 2021.
County of Orange Expands "Back2Business Initiative" to Include Outdoor Space Planning
The County of Orange is launching the Back2Business Initiative: Outdoor Edition, an expansion of the original Back2Business Initiative program, to help local small businesses impacted by COVID-19 safely reopen by meeting local, state and federal social distancing guidelines.
The Back2Business Initiative: Outdoor Edition will provide up to 800 Orange County small businesses with access to free floor plan software to quickly create, configure, or update their indoor and outdoor spaces.
Eligible businesses interested in participating can sign up and access the software at https://bit.ly/ocfloorplans.
Local Restaurants Can Apply for #SafeDineOC Grants for Reopening Safely
The County of Orange is supporting local restaurants that are reopening safely through its new #SafeDineOC Grant Program.
Local restaurants can apply for a $1,000 grant to receive reimbursement for masks, employee training, site reconfiguration, cleaning supplies, and more.
Laguna Beach "Band on the Bus" Neighborhood Music Program Starts Sunday
With the social gathering restrictions of COVID-19 preventing residents from enjoying the annual Music in the Park summer concert series, the new "Band on the Bus" neighborhood music program from the City of Laguna Beach Arts Commission brings music to neighborhoods to keep the summer music spirit.
On Sunday, August 23 and Sunday, August 30, 2020, between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., the “Band on the Bus” will bring live music to Laguna Beach neighborhoods via the City’s Trolley.
“We know people have been missing live music performances, so we are very excited to take this awesome opportunity to bring art and entertainment directly to their doors,” said Pat Kollenda, Vice-Chair of the Laguna Beach Arts Commission.
For more information, please email mmcgregor@lagunabeachcity.net
Orange County COVID-19 Resources:
- Free testing in OC: How to access
- Where to get tested in OC: Find a testing site near you
- OC Testing Sites: Appointment & walk-in resources.
- COVID-19 Hotline: For general questions & information call: (714)-834-2000.
