THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2025
City Council Reinstates Wildfire Mitigation & Fire Safety Ad Hoc Committee
In light of the recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and the increased risk posed by the ongoing wildfire season, the City Council voted to reinstate the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Ad Hoc Committee at its meeting on Tuesday.
What's Been Done So Far:
- ✅ Enhanced emergency alert and notification systems, including an expanded outdoor warning system
- ✅ Implemented updated evacuation plans/Evacuation Time Study
- ✅ Added two helicopter filling stations
- ✅ Installed fire detection lookout cameras in wildland areas
- ✅ Widened Bluebird Canyon Road for improved public infrastructure
- ✅ Maintained and expanded the City’s fuel modification zones
- ✅ Continued efforts to underground utilities in the community
- ✅ Conducted vegetation management to reduce fire risk
- ✅ More emergency generators for City facilities, hardened enclosures
- ✅ Partnered with the Laguna Beach County Water District to improve water supply and volume for fire suppression, as part of ongoing fire safety efforts
- ✅ Increased reservoir capacity (SCWD), more interties connecting water systems
- ✅ Adopted the most protective local building and fire codes in the county, ensuring compliance with California building codes for Very High Fire Severity Zones. Our building division holds one of the highest ISO scores in the state for effective code application and enforcement
"What I've been so impressed with in the last two weeks is the enormous response and ideas from our community regarding fire preparedness", says Councilmember Bob Whalen. "We spent over $25 million since 2018 to make this community safer. We know we have more work to do to continue preserving our homes and promoting fire safety."
Wildfire Mitigation Ad Hoc Committee Next Steps:
- Target the next 90 days with public meetings and welcoming all input and ideas
- Involve key stakeholders, including neighboring cities
- Review past progress
- Learn from 2025's LA County fires
- Communicate
- Prioritize fast efforts including more parking limits during Red Flag days, evacuation preparedness, fuel modification, undergrounding, communications, and coordination with neighboring agencies
The Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Ad Hoc Committee will provide an update to the City Council by April 28, 2025.
Stay Prepared! Download Your Neighborhood Evacuation Map
The City of Laguna Beach is broken down into several Evacuation Management Zones. Each neighborhood evacuation zone has a specific evacuation map. The City recommends you save, print, and become familiar with your evacuation routes.
Join Us to Discuss the Future Plans for the Promenade on Forest at a Special Meeting Tuesday, February 4
Please join us on Tuesday, February 4 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the City Council Chambers for a Joint City Council/Planning Commission Meeting to discuss the Promenade on Forest plans and scope.
At the upcoming City Council meeting, the City’s design consultant, SWA, a local firm, will present the proposed design and seek input from both the City Council and the community. Additionally, the City Council will provide direction to staff regarding the next steps for the project, which may include proceeding with obtaining the necessary entitlements (permits).
For any questions regarding the project, please contact the City’s project manager, Louie Lacasella at llacasella@lagunabeachcity.net.
This Week's City Council Action:
🎥 Watch: Business and Community Survey and Retail Market Summary Study Session
On Tuesday, the City Council received a presentation regarding the Business/Community Survey and Retail Market Summary. The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, working with Kosmont Companies, conducted a business and community survey in July-August 2024 to assess the current retail and services mix, business performances, and economic challenges in the City.
Assemblymember Diane Dixon Provides Legislative Update
City Council Recognizes 20th Anniversary of the Laguna Dance Festival
City Council Recognizes Green Business Network Certifications
City Council Approves Contract Amendment to Solid Waste Franchise Agreement
The City Council Annual Strategic Planning Workshop is Friday, January 31 at 8:30 A.M.
Joint City Council/Planning Commission Special Meeting on Promenade on Forest Tuesday, February 4 from 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
The Next Regular Meeting of the City Council is Tuesday, February 11 at 5:00 P.M.
The "Tentative Agenda" is strictly tentative and there is no guarantee that items listed will be agendized as scheduled due to changing priorities, new information, staff workloads, and other unforeseeable events.
Mayor Rounaghi Talks Upcoming Strategic Planning Session in Today's Podcast 🎙️
In this week's Fair Game podcast with Tom Johnson, Mayor Alex Rounaghi previews the City's upcoming strategic planning session, including priorities like fire mitigation, city infrastructure, and the future of the community pool.
Q: Is there a delay in completing the undergrounding work along State Route 133 between the Tollroads and El Toro Road?
A: Yes, and it’s due in large part to having SCE’s team pulled off the project to respond to the Palisades and Eaton fires. SCE tells us that they expect to have some of the three crews from our region assigned up there return to Orange County within the next two weeks. There are emergency projects that the crews will have to work on first (locally), but after that they will deploy back to the 133 project. We’ll be sure to share more later when we know more.
Laguna Beach Police Department Reduces Crime for Fourth Consecutive Year
The Laguna Beach Police Department (LBPD) is proud to announce a significant achievement in its ongoing efforts to make Laguna Beach the safest coastal community in Orange County. For the fourth consecutive year, the department has successfully reduced crime overall, with a strong 23% decrease in FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Part 1 crimes in 2024 compared to 2023, a 29% reduction compared to 2022, and a 30% reduction compared to 2021.
Among the department’s notable accomplishments, auto thefts decreased by 40%, from 35 incidents in 2023 to just 21 in 2024. Larceny offenses also declined, with 173 reported thefts—a 23% decrease from the previous year, resulting in 52 fewer theft victims in Laguna Beach. Furthermore, commercial and residential burglaries decreased by 28%, from 46 in 2023 to 33 in 2024.
When it comes to violent crime, 2024 robbery incidents decreased by three when compared to 2023, while aggravated assaults increased by four, with a quarter of all aggravated assault cases related to domestic violence. Of the nine reported robberies, four involved firearms, and five occurred through force or fear.
A major step toward enhancing crime reporting occurred on January 1, 2025, when the LBPD transitioned to the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) from the UCR system. NIBRS, the modern standard for crime data reporting, allows for more detailed and comprehensive reporting of criminal incidents, including up to 10 offenses within a single event, in contrast to the UCR system, which only reports the primary and most serious offense.
“The significant reduction in crime over the past four years is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team and the strong partnership we’ve built with the community,” said Chief Jeff Calvert. “Transitioning to NIBRS marks a pivotal step forward, enabling us to gain deeper insights into crime patterns and better allocate resources. This advancement will further strengthen our ability to provide exceptional policing and continue making our community even safer.”
Special Enforcement Team Seizes Illegal Drugs at Cinder Box Smoke Shop
On Monday, January 27, 2025, Special Enforcement Team members and Laguna Beach Police Detectives executed a search warrant at the Cinder Box Smoke Shop located at 640 S. Coast Highway.
In early 2025, a citizen complaint prompted the newly established Special Enforcement Team (SET) to investigate suspected illegal sales of psilocybin mushrooms and cannabis at the Cinder Box Smoke Shop. Following the complaint, the Special Enforcement Team initiated an investigation.
In response to the evidence gathered, the SET, in collaboration with the Detective Bureau, executed a search warrant at the location. During the operation, officers detained and identified suspects involved in the illegal sale of drugs.
The investigation is ongoing, and charges related to the illegal sale of controlled substances are pending. The Special Enforcement Team will continue to work closely with local authorities to combat illicit drug sales in our ongoing effort to maintain the safety and well-being of our community.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity or illegal drug sales to the Laguna Beach Police Department. Please contact Lieutenant J. Schmidt at (949) 464-6653 for further information.
Laguna Beach Firefighters Quickly Put Out Trash Fire Caused by Discarded E-Bike
On Wednesday, January 29, the Laguna Beach Fire Department responded to a trash container fire in the Alta Laguna parking lot, where a recycling truck's contents caught on fire.
Never throw ebikes (electric bikes) in the trash; you should always recycle them properly - especially the lithium-ion battery, as throwing them in the trash can cause fires. Many bike shops will recycle and dispose of e-bike batteries safely for you.
Kelly is Ready to Steal Your Heart! 🐶
Meet Kelly, a sweet and spayed 4-year-old brindle French bulldog ready for her forever home! Friendly, well-behaved, and a lover of walks, Kelly would make the perfect companion for anyone seeking a loyal and lovable pup.
The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter adoption procedures are designed to make sure that both the potential family and the animal adopted are in the very best situation possible. The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter is located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Road. For any questions, please call (949) 497-3552.
Apply Now to Serve on the Environmental Sustainability Committee
Interested in having a positive impact on Laguna Beach’s most treasured asset, its environment? Apply to serve on the City’s Environmental Sustainability Committee!
We have implemented a rolling deadline to submit an application to serve on the Environmental Sustainability Committee. Laguna Beach residents interested in applying may obtain an application from the City Clerk’s office or online from the City’s website.
Questions may be directed to the City Clerk’s office at (949) 497-0705.
Reminder: Energov Virtual Training Friday at 1:30 P.M.
The City recently launched Energov, the new online Public Permit Portal. Applicants for Building or Zoning permits are now be able to submit their application and plans online from the convenience of their home or office.
The City is hosting a Zoom meeting for the public on January 31 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to provide a demonstration on user setup, answer questions, and listen to feedback.
Due Monday: Applications for Cultural Arts Funding 🎨
The City of Laguna Beach is accepting applications from non-profit organizations with experience and primary focus of presenting arts programming. The purpose of this funding is to create quality cultural art experiences that benefit guests that stay overnight at Laguna Beach hotels while improving the experience for residents.
Funded arts programs must be presented in Laguna Beach. The funds available support art projects that promote tourism and related events. The deadline to submit an application is Monday, February 2, 2025. This program is funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.
LCAD Presents "Adventures from the Wild"
Laguna College of Art + Design’s (LCAD) BFA Game Art program presents Adventures from the Wild, an exhibition featuring work from Game Art alumni, running from February 6 to February 23, 2025.
The reception will be held on February 6, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., celebrating the innovative contributions of alumni to the field of game art.
Have a Fantastic Weekend! 🌊
Printed copies of the newsletter are available Fridays at the Community & Susi Q Center. Alternative Language Options Available Upon Request.