[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6609708,"mediaKeyId","2906702-f6d5c4f5e08f122e829687ee4509bfb9","parentId",2906702,"title","Council approves pilot microgrids for Fire Stations 2 and 3; staff to evaluate smaller battery options for cost savings","audioSeconds",1062,"startMs",17982000,"endMs",19044000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906702-f6d5c4f5e08f122e829687ee4509bfb9&start=17982&end=19044","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906702-f6d5c4f5e08f122e829687ee4509bfb9/thumbnail_17982000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6609708/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Council-approves-pilot-microgrids-for-Fire-Stations-2-and-3-staff-to-evaluate-smaller-battery-options-for-cost-savings","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609708-dc2f2cd8c068baf24dc25c0f96de60ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160272&Signature=LSqk7dlvvuW4ykMvoNtyH2Naf9I7gbxU1yY2wPpVBTadVsV-3AEUMwVNVvAsRK-CMESVNM7s6iLbZnpMnSFerevZIu6f0WkK2jlvHKpXz8YrVB7oBRJ1gRG2g17OxXV32odhVWDco2a-WXg5QcnZFxawCNXMv-i5jRWnTqsFDFARA3aQLwMTozvxgDRywDfsXUweSK5O363XafkpCASjY0SikUoSi5luV02NcBh6nKhV9qJ4SKOOLEu6-zH4s-8BqR3vrvNoOp-Hc9e4aS-4VJMbbNl0Zntm0Zt9gzoH3YGfD0dDrSn8theJsjozE-BG6kEdQ8fuTUu9xP81HQ~Qbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","CityofLagunaBeachCA","date","2025-04-09T05:58:05.283Z","article","The Laguna Beach City Council directed staff to begin microgrid installations at two fire stations and to pursue a procurement approach that purchases photovoltaic (PV) panels while leasing battery storage. Jeremy Fremont, assistant city manager, summarized a multi‑site analysis and recommended a hybrid approach that buys PV arrays and leases batteries because battery technology is evolving rapidly and the lease model reduces municipal capital and disposal burdens.

The council approved moving forward with the purchase of PV and leases for 24‑hour battery capacity at Fire Station 2 and Fire Station 3 as phase one. Staff and consultants explained why most of the modeled scenarios with larger resiliency reservoirs (24, 48, 72 hours) did not recover capital costs within a 25‑year analysis period under current tariffs and battery prices. Consultants noted that tariff structure changes and higher equipment and labor costs tightened anticipated financial returns. Council members emphasized resiliency for critical facilities — especially fire stations and the emergency operations function — and favored beginning with the two fire stations.

Council also asked staff to return with refined financial models that evaluate smaller battery durations (for example, 6–8 hours) for other municipal sites — corporate yard, city hall and the animal shelter — to identify scenarios that produce net operational savings or better cost recovery. Staff noted federal investment tax credits apply to PV purchases (and could be maximized by a targeted implementation schedule) and that leasing batteries preserves flexibility to upgrade storage technology later.

Why this matters

The microgrid pilot advances the city’s resilience planning by ensuring emergency services can operate during extended outages and reduces dependence on aging diesel generators. The council balanced resilience priorities (full operations at fire stations) against budgetary realities and asked for additional analysis to find cost‑effective solutions for non‑critical sites.

Next steps

Staff will prepare a service agreement to start phase‑one procurement for Fire Stations 2 and 3 and will model smaller battery options for additional sites, then return to council with contracts and implementation timelines.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - April 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After staff analysis, the council authorized moving forward with solar PV purchases and leased battery microgrids for Fire Stations 2 and 3 (24‑hour resiliency) and directed staff to return with options to reduce battery size at other sites to improve financial returns.","taxTitle","Laguna Beach, Orange County, California","taxId",56774,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6609713,"Council backs move to revise design review rules, orders staff to seek urgency pathway",3689,13971000,17660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906702-f6d5c4f5e08f122e829687ee4509bfb9&start=13971&end=17660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906702-f6d5c4f5e08f122e829687ee4509bfb9/thumbnail_13971000.jpg","/articles/6609713/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Council-backs-move-to-revise-design-review-rules-orders-staff-to-seek-urgency-pathway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609713-10c30c7b42bf3a852a95b5aa2b65710c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160272&Signature=GqyNWnUOX37OIVWRY8DVhiKYU~3fRGGlDcxQDCaI5oNSdhA7bDY761Oa02ZqhZQ2UMfjTa4bkJx1QKuhM4~nfx5uR49WIMWk4Jvz7p5PR9T6Mi7bq5u2NMdE-w1bUS9lUJsGsrOAwIS8I30mKTmOUsCo3fALMz199CAjvjCBIldGGMPM5mX1Hsb1sY6yEkjVlin7GeHUye6rLAnY9KM7-6RFrCSIKkS5aIFgcjyChYs3xH9MjHkPnhJ5Gj3MAbagQgq8Jv8xFc9MVd~9JLr5HdLMW4FXmdnyqUjAH0G68i~guvGv1aaOVAHQbsa6PgSJ3LcGeicUETlBs1X7ILCoWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","After a multi‑year review, the Laguna Beach City Council directed staff to pursue updates to the municipal code that would streamline and clarify design review triggers, criteria and procedures across residential, commercial and public projects.

Staff presented a package of recommendations that (a) adjusts which triggers require full design‑review board consideration versus administrative review, (b) consolidates and shortens design criteria, (c) creates an objective‑standards pathway for certain building styles and (d) prioritizes a subset of code topics for inclusion in a comprehensive zoning code update. Planning staff said changes aim to reduce redundancies, shorten processing times and bring clarity for applicants while retaining protections for hillside, historic and coastal resources.

Council members expressed support for moving quickly. The council asked staff to consult Coastal Commission staff about the possibility of an urgency ordinance that could implement parts of the package while a longer Local Coastal Program (LCP) amendment is prepared. Staff will take the recommended ordinance amendments to the Planning Commission for review and will return with an implementation schedule and suggested items for an urgency component if coastal staff concurs.

Why this matters

Council and staff framed the change as a response to lengthy permit timelines, growing project backlog and state housing and planning mandates. The package focuses on reducing processing time for smaller projects while preserving design review for larger, sensitive or hillside projects.

Next steps

Staff will refine the ordinance, meet with Coastal Commission staff about urgency provisions and return to the Planning Commission for hearings. Council members asked for an expedited but careful timeline so rules are clear to applicants and project review backlogs can be reduced.","Council asked staff to pursue a package of zoning and design‑review changes to speed project reviews, including exploring an urgency ordinance and sending revisions for Planning Commission and Coastal review.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6609719,"Council adopts Slow Streets ordinance but delays final Forest Avenue ‘Promenade’ designation to May hearing",4880,9245000,14125000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906702-f6d5c4f5e08f122e829687ee4509bfb9&start=9245&end=14125","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906702-f6d5c4f5e08f122e829687ee4509bfb9/thumbnail_9245000.jpg","/articles/6609719/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Council-adopts-Slow-Streets-ordinance-but-delays-final-Forest-Avenue-Promenade-designation-to-May-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609719-c6963bafb616cc65d46967e81cee7686/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160272&Signature=MekvyE8VUZn-pwLphz-VQjhyMtHdxphAy5s1jrh9D~EmKE7943eD53-aq8p-QLEdrSR9LPKY~iVxbB~2fKuVD9cjgv70s0KfM3sRs7RCpqj5zmB6bxCic9Q2AVbjAk5DT-i5cBn3h1U5DzDxC9OAbsNtciXzOG1fKq4jevNqL0hN6QOEquHRfYU6PABV6a4mvOm3Dr3W9Uoz9lMVVjPHlG1ReUqyo~5PMLPtKy9NHNOPwM-~zNQ9kqhwgnxKy1-IHhGnc2H7elb25JxWYaelnvuC-KL33bWJxVJHYPp9D69LFXns3-NXrzZG9mElwY37dpmeZUKqtsMhwewhVQ8V~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Laguna Beach City Council on April 8 adopted an ordinance to create a citywide Slow Streets program and took public testimony about the Promenade on Lower Forest Avenue, but the council elected to delay final designation of Lower Forest as a slow street until a subsequent hearing after the ordinance takes effect.

Community Development staff presented the ordinance establishing Chapter 11.7 — the procedural framework and signage, outreach and permit requirements for temporary or permanent street closures for pedestrian‑oriented uses. Community Development Director Louis Lacosteau told the council the ordinance aligns with the California Vehicle Code provision cited by staff and lays out steps for signage, notification and a public website for the program.

The council then considered a resolution to declare the lower portion of Forest Avenue a slow street as part of the Promenade project. That resolution was linked to the larger coastal permitting and design‑review approvals needed for the Promenade; staff and the city attorney explained the legal rationale for treating the Promenade project as a single project for environmental review to avoid piecemeal approvals.

Public comment was sharply divided. Supporters described the Promenade as a civic gathering space that has already improved the downtown experience during trial closures; Bill Hoffman, a longtime resident, said the pedestrian space “is the only place you can really relax” in town and praised the SWA design. Several business owners and downtown residents called for a citywide vote or a more thorough community survey and urged the council to examine hydrology, potential flood impacts and parking impacts before permanent closure. Other commenters argued the public‑outreach process had been inadequate or that the project was being “railroaded.”

Council action and next steps

The council voted to adopt the Slow Streets ordinance (second reading) and to hold a follow‑up hearing on the Forest Avenue designation after the ordinance becomes effective. The ordinance takes effect 30 days after adoption; council members agreed to schedule council consideration of the Forest Avenue slow‑street designation at a meeting following that date. Staff also noted the coastal development permit related to the promenade would be reviewed through the city’s coastal permit process; that administrative CDP was scheduled for consideration the next day by the Community Development director.

Why this matters

The Slow Streets ordinance creates a consistent, citywide legal path for pedestrian plazas or permanent street closures and sets notice and technical requirements for any street closure. The Promenade discussion touches on infrastructure questions (drainage, flood control), downtown parking, business impacts and whether a permanent closure is appropriate for the city’s central commercial corridor.

What to watch

Staff will post a red‑lined ordinance and related materials and schedule the Forest Avenue designation on the council calendar after the ordinance’s effective date. The community may also follow the administrative coastal development permit process and any appeals that arise from that action.","Council adopted a citywide Slow Streets ordinance but postponed formally designating Lower Forest Avenue as a slow street until after the ordinance’s effective date; a public hearing was set for May 20.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6609723,"Laguna Beach council signals intent to renew tourism marketing district; debate centers on arts funding and governance",3590,5022000,8612000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906702-f6d5c4f5e08f122e829687ee4509bfb9&start=5022&end=8612","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906702-f6d5c4f5e08f122e829687ee4509bfb9/thumbnail_5022000.jpg","/articles/6609723/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Laguna-Beach-council-signals-intent-to-renew-tourism-marketing-district-debate-centers-on-arts-funding-and-governance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609723-6610085c46dfb93bf5cd1804072523fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160272&Signature=eeSqg4QcCqXqNzRTLLmnUFq64viJRd5ny2gMwO7O99sRq8TO6-uDoauTp0hKFwtCDd8AoM6hQjFx1zocZZ0f0hgrBkDq7iLJC0dEgdg-yI1Fw3Kzhs6HJqU9SX~3XEpF7I3wTZERuzJUMEANbBfSTteYtmLayNPlqw-5qHPH99uSkbuNKPINSWdqbcY4Jc4P1X~g3vH2h3pjS1j3s2a38o3GUu212skzpZUcCcQAT-XrQrYXMrPgZEjf65B1EZW4k3Ml~7857LwTut-RicyZ0ky48sik1vPIwvwV2WpayqhAxrQOR7DCD-h3S6CMwdetXlhOOkspITCyWtovn7i6bw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Laguna Beach City Council voted to advance the process to renew the Laguna Beach Tourism Marketing District (TMD), a local assessment that funds Visit Laguna Beach and a range of cultural programs. The renewal would extend the district another 10 years beginning July 1 and would leave the assessment at 2% while authorizing a potential adjustment up to 2.5% subject to further public process.

The council’s action tonight was procedural: staff recommended adopting a resolution of intention to renew and place the matter on the public calendar for a formal hearing. Gavin Curran, the assistant city manager, summarized the proposed reallocation of funds under the new management plan, which creates a new “destination development” category intended to fund stewardship, signage, artist housing and cultural programs. Under the proposed allocation, destination development would receive about 25% of the budget; marketing and sales would be reduced from 35% to 25%; and arts entities including Laguna Playhouse and the Arts Commission would receive adjusted shares.

Public commenters urged differing priorities. Donna Ballard, chair of the Arts Commission, thanked hoteliers and urged continued grant support for artists; she provided a breakdown of how the Arts Commission’s funds were distributed in 2024 and emphasized that 86% of the commission’s special program budget went directly to artists. Several arts organizations attending the meeting — Laguna Dance, the Coast Film & Music Festival and others — asked council to preserve or increase cultural arts grants rather than reduce them to create the destination development pool. Arts leaders said grants underwrite performances that attract visitors and help local nonprofits survive.

Other speakers, including longtime residents and planning critics, urged caution about a 10‑year renewal and the governance structure. Several speakers argued the district had grown too large, that Visit Laguna’s board should include more resident and business representation, or that a shorter renewal term would permit more frequent accountability checks. Speakers asked for clearer measurement and accountability on stewardship goals, and for an advisory role for city representatives.

Council action and direction

The council voted to proceed with the resolution of intention and instructed staff to return with a red‑line version of the management plan that incorporates public feedback. The council asked staff and Visit Laguna Beach to consider governance adjustments — including resident representation on boards or advisory committees — and to prepare revised language for the May public meeting and the June final hearing. Council members also flagged the need for clearer performance metrics and annual or biennial check‑ins to evaluate whether tourism funds support stewardship objectives and the arts.

Why this matters

The TMD collects an assessment paid by lodging establishments (in addition to city transient occupancy tax collections) and directs those funds toward marketing, cultural programming and tourism infrastructure. Changes to distribution percentages and governance determine the near‑term funding available for the city’s arts organizations, the Playhouse, museum and new stewardship initiatives aimed at reducing tourism impacts.

Next steps

Staff will prepare a red‑lined management plan for council review informed by town‑hall and public comments. The city will hold a public meeting on May 6 and a formal hearing in June where affected businesses can file objections. Council members also directed staff to bring back options for board composition and performance measures before final adoption.","Council set a path to renew the Laguna Beach Tourism Marketing District for another 10 years, keeping the assessment at 2% with potential to raise to 2.5% under conditions. Council asked staff to return with red‑lined changes and further governance options after public input.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6609728,"Laguna Beach residents press council on 340 Saint Anne’s project and Neighborhood Congregational Church plans as item 14 pulled",2272,1702000,3974000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906702-f6d5c4f5e08f122e829687ee4509bfb9&start=1702&end=3974","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906702-f6d5c4f5e08f122e829687ee4509bfb9/thumbnail_1702000.jpg","/articles/6609728/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Laguna-Beach-residents-press-council-on-340-Saint-Annes-project-and-Neighborhood-Congregational-Church-plans-as-item-14-pulled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609728-a6f1ceb0efb838a30cf177a8a57aaec0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160272&Signature=hQjuxCQpeR8ntWrxBt6b84M7y44C8nAwZKRy5es0rEtu8AZzw2yiY1-PHkoXFEnOLh0EiZjyj4XJh8rolbsrKNqwqBWOHwJP7hxH14A2TuUrxOD~kPfb1JTXJliD0J5qRXaGFcwjoXtoliUvOFS4qELGMgfaxMUKjWCF8fT7Ehumz8OnRtUQZq40Bh4tetSZivaz--MojLL3Q~4vCjy2GGVveY3NA0GMg7FCHKM7nUWHHUizSj~~~lyQRGFBCpYpNDI0RPBWvSBzEQ2AUVLZR-7dZOExG-Cf5zb4uLaIfQ4~BgecFcOzhwXxgOzRmC3YLJ-MfYiDq0wCah8sbNs1Lw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Laguna Beach City Council removed agenda item 14 from tonight’s meeting and heard a long public comment period focused on two separate but related housing proposals in town.

Speakers at the microphone urged greater review of plans for a proposed project at 340 Saint Anne’s Drive and pressed the Neighborhood Congregational Church (NCC) project to preserve existing historic church buildings while allowing affordable housing development.

Supporters and opponents offered conflicting views about how much work is needed before the council or staff take action. Several residents asked the city to require a full on‑site staking (survey layout) for the 340 Saint Anne’s proposal so neighbors can understand exact massing and roofline changes, rather than a perimeter stake or drone imagery. Bruce Dwyer, who said he has lived on St. Anne’s Drive for 38 years, told council that “when a project with a footprint of two hotel lagunas arrives in the neighborhood, a full vetting should be mandatory,” and asked for third‑party staking before any city funds or zoning exceptions are granted.

Similarly, dozens of residents and church members addressed a separate proposal by Neighborhood Congregational Church (NCC) to build affordable housing on its property and to replace some existing facilities with a new spiritual center. Many public speakers, including Village Laguna and longtime congregants, warned that the project as conceived would remove buildings identified by local preservation advocates as historic. Anne Kane and others argued for adaptive reuse that would keep the sanctuary and fellowship halls while still adding housing; Kathy Yerka and other speakers pointed to preservation‑oriented alternatives that they said could yield 36 units in two‑story buildings without demolition.

Susan Cross, president of the Neighborhood Congregational Church board, responded at the podium, saying the congregation had pursued a multi‑year process and that the church’s buildings were increasingly expensive to maintain. Cross told council, “We are very much trying to preserve parts of them that can make their memory live on. But memories don’t pay the bills,” and said the church board had voted unanimously to proceed with the current development path and would not request public funds for the proposed spiritual center portion of the plan.

Other speakers spoke in favor of adding affordable housing in town, saying local workers need housing near their jobs; Julia Cox Krueger described friends paying more than $2,200 for studios and urged council to “work collaboratively with those who are helping to make more affordable housing possible.”

Council action and next steps

Before public comment the city manager announced that agenda item 14 (the item involving the Urban Community Land Trust) would be pulled and not heard tonight; the council did not take action on it. Several speakers asked the council to require further technical work (staking, hydrology and design alternatives) before the city considers funding, zoning exceptions or approvals.

Why this matters

The two projects discussed touch on competing priorities in Laguna Beach: the shortage of workforce and affordable units, and the community’s long record of preserving distinctive historic and architectural resources. Council members and staff will weigh technical site controls (staking, slope and hydrology analyses), design alternatives that could retain historic fabric, and whether any city funding requests should be evaluated against broader affordable‑housing needs.

What’s next

Item 14 was formally pulled from tonight’s agenda and will be returned only after staff or applicants provide additional materials. Residents and proponents should watch future agendas and the city project pages for rescheduling and for any posted supplemental materials that the council will use to consider the proposals.","Numerous residents urged the City Council to require full staking, protect historic church buildings and ensure thorough review of a proposed 36‑unit affordable housing project and related proposals. Council staff pulled item 14 (Urban Community Land Trust) from tonight’s agenda and will not hear it tonight.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves pilot microgrids for Fire Stations 2 and 3; staff to evaluate smaller battery options for cost savings

Council backs move to revise design review rules, orders staff to seek urgency pathway

Council adopts Slow Streets ordinance but delays final Forest Avenue ‘Promenade’ designation to May hearing

Laguna Beach council signals intent to renew tourism marketing district; debate centers on arts funding and governance

Laguna Beach residents press council on 340 Saint Anne’s project and Neighborhood Congregational Church plans as item 14 pulled