THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025
This Week's City Council Action:
City Council Approves Next Steps for Electric Fleet Transition
City Council Establishes Direction and Timeline on Key Initiatives
The Next Regular Meeting of the City Council is Tuesday, February 25 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 Alex Rounaghi Provides Update on Electric Fleet Transition in Today's Podcast 🎙️
In this week's Fair Game podcast with Tom Johnson, Mayor Alex Rounaghi discusses community feedback on the Promenade on Forest conceptual designs and an update on the City's Fleet Electrification and Electric Vehicle Charging Implementation Plan.
Laguna Beach Fire Joins Multi-City Response Team for Rain Event
LBPD to Honor Fallen Officer Gordon French Today at 5 PM
Please join us today at 5:00 p.m. in front of the Laguna Beach Police Officer Memorial, “Eternal Legacy” to recognize fallen Officer Gordon French and his life of service. We will have a small ceremony, brief flag dedication, and moment of silence.
In honor and remembrance of Officer Gordon French’s sacrifice, his name is forever engraved on the Laguna Beach Police Department’s Memorial, Eternal Legacy, the Orange County Peace Officers’ Memorial in Tustin, the California Peace Officers’ Memorial in Sacramento, and the National Peace Officers’ Memorial in Washington, DC.
We will forever remember Gordon French’s sacrifice to our community. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
There's Still Time to Apply to Be An Ocean Lifeguard!
The next scheduled tryout to become an Ocean Lifeguard for the City of Laguna Beach is on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Please follow the steps below to complete your Ocean Lifeguard application:
- Complete and submit the Seasonal Ocean Lifeguard application
- Print and complete the Physical Testing & Training waiver
- Complete a Physical test on Saturday, February 22 at the Main Beach Lifeguard Tower
Meet Polo: A Friendly Pup Looking for a Forever Home 🐶
Meet Polo, a 1-year-old neutered male tan Chihuahua who’s as friendly and affectionate as they come. Polo is playful and the perfect little companion ready to bring joy and love into his forever home.
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.
Join Us: FREE Public Panel on Affordable Housing on February 20
The City of Laguna Beach's Housing and Human Services Committee will host a free public panel on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Community and Susi Q Center. Three affordable housing experts will share insights on funding, operations, and management of affordable housing programs, focusing on general information rather than specific projects.
For more information, please contact bmcmurray@lagunabeachcity.net.
Planning Commission to Review Updated Promenade on Forest Design
On Wednesday, February 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the City Council Chambers, the Planning Commission will hold a meeting with the Promenade on Forest Ad Hoc Committee to consider the updated design of the Forest at Laguna Beach.
The conceptual design, now called Forest at Laguna Beach, draws inspiration from Laguna Beach’s rich character and history, seeking to create a place for all - incorporating Laguna Beach's unique qualities while allowing for artistic expression and the community's growth and evolution.
Forest at Laguna Beach Proposed Key Features:
- Removal of existing curb and gutter
- Landscaped gardens
- Designated areas for temporary performances
- Wider storefront walkways
- New Trees
- Ground-mounted "sleeve system" to allow for flexible program opportunities
City Plans Sewer Pipeline Upgrade – Public Input Needed
The City is a planning a critical project to replace the aging North Coast Interceptor (NCI) Reach 5 sewer pipeline. This pipeline serves as a crucial system that carries wastewater from both Laguna Beach and the Emerald Bay Community Services District to the South Orange County Wastewater Authority (SOCWA) treatment plant in Aliso Canyon.
An Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration for this project has been prepared and is open for public review from January 30, 2025, to February 28, 2025. We encourage all residents to review the report and provide feedback as part of the public consultation process.
If you have comments or feedback, please email Ulises Escalona at uescalona@lagunabeachcity.net by February 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
City Opens Applications for Mills Act Program
The City’s Mills Act Program is a self-directed, economic incentive program for owners of locally designated historic registered properties. A Mills Act Contract is a 10-year contract between the owner of a City-designated landmark property and the City of Laguna Beach.
The purpose of a Mills Act Contract is to provide property tax relief for an owner in return for the long-term maintenance and preservation of the property’s historic features and character. In order for your property to be considered for a Mills Act contract under the City’s program, it must be a designated City of Laguna Beach Historic Registered property and satisfy the Mills Act program requirements.
Applications are available on the City's website. Deadline to submit is Monday, March 10, 2025. To learn more about the program, please contact Louie Lacasella at llacasella@lagunabeachcity.net or (949) 497-0736.
Have a Wonderful Weekend! 🌊
Printed copies of the newsletter are available Fridays at the Community & Susi Q Center. Alternative Language Options Available Upon Request.