MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2020
How to Participate in Tuesday's Laguna Beach City Council Meeting
The public will not be permitted to physically attend the upcoming Laguna Beach City Council meeting, but you are invited to observe and participate from home by one of the following methods:
1. You may submit comments on any agenda item or on any item not on the agenda in writing via email to cityclerk@lagunabeachcity.net (there is an interactive public communications form on the front page of the City’s website). Please complete the form and email the completed form to the City Clerk. You may continue to provide written comments up to 12:00 p.m. on April 28, 2020 (the day of the meeting). Please note that while these comments will be provided to the City Council on 3 p.m. on April 28, 2020, the Council members may not have sufficient time to review them prior to the meeting.
2. You may view the meeting live on Cox cable channel 852 and online on the City of Laguna Beach website: www.lagunabeachcity.net.
3. You may listen to the meeting LIVE on KX FM Radio, 104.7.
4. You may listen and comment over the phone or computer during designated public comment periods by following the steps below:
• Call (669) 900-9128, and wait for instructions. The Webinar id is 92092181384#.
• Let us know you want to comment on an item that is being discussed by pressing *9 on your phone.
• When you hear "your phone is unmuted," please proceed with your comment. The time for comments may be limited, so prepare your remarks accordingly.
• You can also click on the link below from your computer or smart phone to participate via zoom: https://zoom.us/j/92092181384
If you are not able to use this Webinar system, you may submit comments via email during the meeting to cityclerk@lagunabeachcity.net.
Police Department Increases Enforcement Related to Speed and Loud Exhaust Violations
Less traffic, great weather, beautiful views and drivers wanting to get out if their homes led to heightened enforcement of speeding and enforcement of loud exhaust vehicles over the weekend in Laguna Beach.
So far in the month of April, 248 speeding citations, and 8 loud exhaust citations have been written. 67 of those speeding citations and 3 loud exhaust tickets were written just in the last week alone. Over the weekend, the Police Department also issued 164 parking citations.
Speeding citations coincide with many instances of loud exhaust violations. Loud exhaust violations alone needs a decibel reader to verify of the violation.
Community education on loud exhaust and speeding enforcement is regularly placed on City electronic message boards, and via all social media platforms.
Upgraded Safety Measures Contribute to Reopened Farmer's Market Success
After hearing how safety modifications have been made to the Laguna Beach Farmer's Market, including reducing the market's size by half, the Laguna Beach City Council voted to reopen the Farmer's Market last week.
When the market reopened on Saturday it was met with positive comments by the community.
"I attended this morning and it was well done," said a Laguna Beach Canyon Acres resident on Nextdoor. "Everyone was wearing masks, traffic was diverted to one way and all the booths were taped off, so you had to tell the person what you wanted vs. touching it. All in all a good experience and felt safer than a grocery store! Well done!"
State of California COVID-19 guidelines allow for the continued operation of certified farmers markets throughout the state of California.
Those guidelines include discontinuing samples, encouraging pre-bagging to expedite purchasing and spacing booths and patrons in accordance with state social distancing measures.
The Laguna Beach Farmer's Market will open again on Saturday, May 2 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon in lot 11 of the Village Entrance located at the corner of Forest Avenue and Broadway.
Orange County Health Officer:
"If You're Getting in Your Car to Recreate, You're Going Too Far"
Today, Dr. Nichole Quick, Orange County Health Officer, relayed this message to the public regarding California's Stay at Home Order:
"We expect all residents to listen to the Governor’s order and the state health officer’s order. Physical distancing is essential when outside your home. We encourage residents to recreate in their own neighborhoods and remind them that under the governor’s order, mass gatherings are not allowed."
"It’s OK to go out you’re your family unit to enjoy sunshine but minimize potential risk. Social distance from others. If you need a car to reach your recreation site, you’re going too far."
- Dr. Nichole Quick, Orange County Health Officer
All Laguna Beach City Beaches, Trailheads and Adjacent Beach Parks Remain Closed to the Public.
Governor Announces 'Social Bridging Project' for Older Californians
Governor Gavin Newsom has rolled out a series of programs aimed at older Californians. The Social Bridging Project will mobilize 1,000 callers to check in on older Californians.
The State is also launching a program for restaurants to deliver home meals for seniors (income restrictions apply), and Friendship Line California, 1-888-670-1360, is expanding to support lonely and isolated older Californians across the state.
DMV Deadlines Extended, Grocery Store Bag Fees Waived
Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order addressing a variety of issues in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor has granted a 60-day extension for customers on several Department of Motor Vehicles deadlines, including for recently expired drivers’ licenses and identification cards, to reflect public compliance with the COVID-19 stay at home order. The action also suspends late fees from being applied to expired vehicle registrations.
The order will also temporarily allow retailers, particularly grocery stores, to provide bags to consumers without charge, and to pause redemption of beverage containers in-store to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Free Small Business Webinars Offered by SBA
The Small Business Administration will host daily webinars this week for small business owners to learn more about the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), EIDL Advance, and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP/P3).
Small businesses should prepare to apply once both programs are re-opened. The webinars are scheduled for 2:00 pm (PST) for small business owners. Your questions will be answered directly by SBA staff. Registration is required in advance.
