Laguna Beach residents protest undergrounding assessment costs at city council meeting

In the heart of Laguna Beach, the City Council meeting on May 6, 2025, unfolded with residents voicing their frustrations over the contentious undergrounding project on West Street. The atmosphere was charged as community members expressed their concerns about the financial burdens and perceived injustices tied to the assessment district.

One resident, who has been protesting the undergrounding for over four years, highlighted the inequity faced by homeowners on Eagle Rock. Despite being adjacent to the undergrounding project, they are being assessed hefty fees—upwards of $30,000—without receiving the benefits of having their power lines buried. This sentiment echoed throughout the meeting, as many residents felt misled about the costs and implications of the project when they initially signed petitions years ago.

Another speaker, Jamie Hendrickson, raised concerns about a local restaurant's trash management affecting her quality of life, illustrating the diverse range of issues residents are grappling with. Meanwhile, Greg Viviani warned that new medians constructed by Caltrans could hinder emergency response times, particularly during peak tourist seasons, raising alarms about public safety.

As the discussions continued, Justin, a father of an autistic child, shared a personal story about the dangers posed by overhead power lines, which motivated him to support the undergrounding project despite the high costs. He urged the council to consider alternative funding solutions to alleviate the financial strain on residents.

Betsy Klein and Sharon Lyons, both vocal opponents of the undergrounding project, criticized the lack of transparency and the significant increase in costs compared to initial estimates. They argued that the methodology used to assess fees was flawed and unfair, particularly for those who would not benefit from the project.

The meeting concluded with a palpable sense of urgency among residents, many of whom are preparing to vote against the project in an upcoming special election. The council faces mounting pressure to address these concerns and find a resolution that balances safety, aesthetics, and financial fairness for the community. As Laguna Beach navigates these challenges, the voices of its residents remain a powerful force in shaping the future of their neighborhood.