[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_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":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6635016,"mediaKeyId","3785213-52a90a2ad95e5b2052e99ef7686a610c","parentId",3785213,"title","Laguna Beach council pauses new parklets, orders study of sidewalk‑based outdoor dining and fee updates","audioSeconds",3132,"startMs",6698000,"endMs",9830000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3785213-52a90a2ad95e5b2052e99ef7686a610c&start=6698&end=9830","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3785213-52a90a2ad95e5b2052e99ef7686a610c/thumbnail_6698000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6635016/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Laguna-Beach-council-pauses-new-parklets-orders-study-of-sidewalkbased-outdoor-dining-and-fee-updates","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635016-dce61b93794a9df3c2e2d97e0578708a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120025&Signature=LiDxtadO8KD7w20D4cQfpurcgnSy~RWAPN5kWdW-9njCWsV1B0Ti0XBXX-rkQ8rpF51PZ1PdF01teu1YS2Dxhtp2iakpLOaDkmBmaVr5I399BZi~OLGdaY9o23aXiy7l8QvijAobeeuiZSGHCfE4eHts0DCVr2D3RIIIHv8AgN58xiZau~pyrnTtZ84M2fUgjzi94DBQLQ1kJl-2-HwPkgSa9dt~WFFGzcyuWP1VBly4xoR4PZQRX1ww0CA59KgX~~LyAAOK9jCjDYvK0Etb-i9lL3NLDDeNobcwAW3SVxvsZ4hdPv9sU83BiHs4gZku2B7klkGPZDaFRoHVvQmBvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-12T16:45:16.83Z","article","The Laguna Beach City Council ordered a temporary pause on new parklet applications and directed staff to conduct a feasibility study of sidewalk‑based and bulb‑out solutions for outdoor dining downtown. The action followed more than an hour of public comment from residents and business owners who described the current mix of temporary wooden parklets, private‑lot outdoor dining and ad‑hoc sidewalk encroachments as unevenly used and visually inconsistent.

What the council directed: Staff will: (1) impose a temporary moratorium on new parklet approvals while the study proceeds; (2) prepare a feasibility and design study (proposed consultant work by SWA) that identifies downtown bulb‑out locations, potential sidewalk expansions, tree wells, ADA improvements and locations where permanent, more consistent outdoor dining or streetscape interventions should be prioritized; (3) return with options for a revised fee structure, including updated public‑space market rates and possible in‑lieu fees or permit fees for private‑lot dining areas; and (4) explore near‑term enforcement or fee adjustments that could be applied to existing parklets or private parking‑lot dining to ensure equitable treatment.

Why it matters: The state Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413) requires curb‑space changes near intersections and has reduced some on‑street parking; AB 592 and statewide rollbacks of pandemic temporary use rules also will affect how outdoor dining is regulated locally. Councilmembers cited the opportunity created by state parking‑setback rules to re‑imagine the downtown right‑of‑way for a consistent, higher‑quality streetscape that meets ADA, tree and circulation goals.

Key council choices: Council members sought a proactive, multimodal approach rather than a piecemeal, restaurant‑by‑restaurant solution. Council approved a staff recommendation to continue existing TUPs through the current year while pausing new applications pending the study; the council also asked staff to return quickly with a plan for addressing private‑lot dining that uses leased private parking so that those uses pay a comparable fee to customers who occupy public curbspace.

Next steps and implementation: Staff will return with results of the feasibility study and proposed fee amendments; council asked staff to draft implementation pathways that could be phased into the capital improvement program. A moratorium will be in effect until the council considers the study and staff recommendations; businesses with pending applications or pre‑existing permits will be handled case‑by‑case as the council directed.

Votes and outcome: Council accepted the staff‑recommended study and moratorium and directed staff to return with fee options and design recommendations. A motion to proceed with the study and temporary pause passed by council vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - June 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Laguna Beach will pause approval of new parklets while staff studies a downtown streetscape plan that would use sidewalk expansions and bulb‑outs to create consistent spaces for outdoor dining, landscaping and ADA access.","taxTitle","Laguna Beach, Orange County, California","taxId",56774,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6635020,"Council introduces ordinance adopting CAL FIRE’s 2025 fire‑hazard severity maps; public warned of Zone 0 rules",802,4237000,5039000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3785213-52a90a2ad95e5b2052e99ef7686a610c&start=4237&end=5039","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3785213-52a90a2ad95e5b2052e99ef7686a610c/thumbnail_4237000.jpg","/articles/6635020/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Council-introduces-ordinance-adopting-CAL-FIREs-2025-firehazard-severity-maps-public-warned-of-Zone-0-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635020-78316dfec45f19a30ba2cd23377e9a9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120025&Signature=BfKQCA43N3dHDuFJ~MX4Z6BLsRuegwwdQauUbf4yao5GCDQMr0kRV1VOfJnFi2enF8l5MlG0oduPrxd~xvHi1~o03ml-MBV7Zy3M6VyUi-Px8nIR4gJ2bQt5XRp3dX8JmKiO6OT5rjjgWI8~6xlr7zXKkh-m9clkhv27B1Qn9nQLMJXkek~oBnz1FrHjN2YI-GnAXLgnWm5qJPa5JdjDqzhvxCT5kMmai8Z706olz~AvPrEnBllfDpibIvnjryi-MEhUvsIyIqRHOeux2menLOrPAWWUXAjjhquWFom0GL8BE~EHCq6tuzWMMhFNRmCd63A-bCgIIOq5ywNZvKIGIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Laguna Beach City Council introduced — and directed staff to bring back for adoption on the consent calendar — an ordinance adding the California Department of Forestry (CAL FIRE) 2025 fire hazard severity designations for Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) to the city municipal code. City fire staff told the council the action meets a state legal obligation to adopt the maps within 120 days of CAL FIRE’s formal transmission.

What the maps do: CAL FIRE’s 2025 LRA maps classify portions of the city as moderate, high, or very high wildfire hazard severity based on long‑term fire science: vegetation, slope, ember transport modeling and historic fire behavior. The update reduces very‑high acreage within Laguna Beach slightly versus the previous (2011) maps but establishes previously unclassified moderate and high zones in areas north of downtown, inland downtown blocks and in parts of South Laguna east of Glen Eyrie Street.

Why it matters: Properties located in high and very‑high hazard zones are now subject to state‑mandated building and defensible‑space measures. City staff noted Laguna Beach already requires many ‘‘hardening’’ standards (ember‑resistant venting, ignition‑resistant materials) but emphasized two near‑term consequences residents should know: (1) sellers in high/very‑high zones must complete a brush‑clearance inspection and provide documentation to buyers under AB 38; and (2) California’s forthcoming “Zone 0” rule (requiring removal of combustible materials within five feet of a structure) will impose new obligations on property owners in affected zones when the state finalizes implementing regulations (expected by late 2025).

Council reaction and options: Councilmembers asked whether the city could apply stricter local rules (it can) and whether staff could enforce AB 38 post‑closing if owners do not complete required clearance work (staff said city enforcement is possible through a local ordinance and recommended further study). Fire staff said adoption is required under Government Code section 51179; the ordinance introduction keeps the city compliant and preserves grant funding eligibility.

Next steps: The council introduced and waived the reading of the ordinance at the meeting; the item will return for formal adoption on the consent calendar at a subsequent council meeting. Staff will update the city website with an interactive link to the CAL FIRE map and promised public outreach and a FAQ so property owners can check whether their address falls into the updated designations.

Provenance (high‑level): Staff presentation and council Q&A occurred during the meeting’s Item 17; council voted to introduce the ordinance and send it to consent for formal adoption following required public notice. No immediate enforcement changes were adopted at the meeting.","Laguna Beach introduced an ordinance to adopt CAL FIRE’s 2025 fire‑hazard severity zone maps for Local Responsibility Areas, a state‑required step that updates which properties are considered moderate, high or very high wildfire risk.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6635022,"Laguna Beach students urge council to keep female school resource officer amid rotation policy",2222,610000,2832000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3785213-52a90a2ad95e5b2052e99ef7686a610c&start=610&end=2832","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3785213-52a90a2ad95e5b2052e99ef7686a610c/thumbnail_610000.jpg","/articles/6635022/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Laguna-Beach-students-urge-council-to-keep-female-school-resource-officer-amid-rotation-policy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635022-9f3284da8de82b0cb6fc189415502dd2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120025&Signature=Ch-mrbo8uQSrV46~~WLYESRTCaZoK6LZxUPO7CJYpZzrq-3HI11Ni3Mch~EVyJCUeKMncBaVaWiKJxu0~lTsj2dSG2t0~BXDo4qKZf0KtdQJrMF6udgy5SLmBZsLW1Plk-w8F6VXgTvhI3OidXewUyyi8LvTLV7TLO4z7ST7FN0Fcgw5LvC8kN11Xoi8oWCscssY9j1-XczxuxSsZhPUmCwUmMPppouGKG8B-Px38vQLjF3EWVZsNXTyu80-9LXgTsL39yvPxsbvQW0Kk9QGGlI1DsdIrWIk6E0xYMvulwV2BYbvMVGHKHh5CUC7uyIbQDa53STFzZQP2lGFD6Q5xA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hundreds of students, parents and school staff pressed the Laguna Beach City Council to preserve a female school resource officer (SRO) at Laguna Beach High School during a two-hour public-comment block. Students said the planned four‑year rotation that will move Officer Ashley Crotine out of the campus risks silencing victims of sexual harassment and assault who are more likely to report to women.

The appeals came during the meeting’s public comment period, where students and educators described personal experiences and presented survey results estimating how many female students would feel uncomfortable reporting to a male officer. “You cannot preach student safety and strip us of the one person who makes us feel safe,” student Ruby Sampson told the council. Several other students and staff offered specific examples of situations in which Officer Crotine’s presence increased reporting and supported students through trauma.

Why it matters: Councilmembers and staff said the SRO assignment lies at the intersection of personnel policy and district decisions, but they also acknowledged the public‑safety and equity concerns raised by students. The issue highlights limits of city authority over school‑district staffing while raising questions about whether personnel rotation rules should be amended to allow continuity in critical support roles.

What speakers pressed for: Speakers asked the council to (a) intervene with LBUSD and the Laguna Beach Police Department to keep a female SRO on campus; (b) revisit policies requiring automatic four‑year rotations for specialized assignments; and (c) pursue options to ensure at least one female SRO is assigned to high‑school campuses given the prevalence of reports of sexual harassment and assault.

City response and next steps: City Manager and staff said the item was not on the evening’s agenda but that city staff and police leadership were already in conversations with the district and would continue to discuss alternatives including additional SRO positions, expanded gender‑inclusive assignment policies, or other arrangements that maintain student safety and the district’s personnel procedures. The city manager invited interested parties to continue the conversation with staff and the police chief; no formal action, ordinance or vote was taken by the council on staffing changes.

What didn’t happen: The council did not adopt a city policy that would override the district’s personnel rotation rules and made no binding order restricting the district’s or police department’s ability to rotate personnel. Councilmembers repeatedly cautioned that the district controls school staffing and that the city’s role would be to coordinate and recommend policy changes, not to unilaterally reassign officers.

Community reaction and context: Testimony came primarily from Laguna Beach High School students, teachers and PTA members who described Officer Crotine as a trusted counselor and advocate. Speakers cited national data about under‑reporting of sexual assault and said representation affects reporting rates. Multiple parents and community members urged the council to change rotation policy or request a district exception for SRO assignments.

What to watch: Council and staff said they will continue discussions with LBUSD and police leadership, report back to the public on options for preserving female SRO continuity, and consider whether a city‑level policy or memorandum of understanding with the district could address the students’ concerns.","Hundreds of students, parents and school staff urged the Laguna Beach City Council to preserve a female school resource officer at Laguna Beach High School, saying a routine four‑year rotation that would move Officer Ashley Crotine off campus threatens reporting and trust for female students.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6635006,"Council continues appeal on two‑story accessory dwelling unit on Louise Street for further coastal‑impact and feasibility analysis",3681,11522000,15203000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3785213-52a90a2ad95e5b2052e99ef7686a610c&start=11522&end=15203","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3785213-52a90a2ad95e5b2052e99ef7686a610c/thumbnail_11522000.jpg","/articles/6635006/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Council-continues-appeal-on-twostory-accessory-dwelling-unit-on-Louise-Street-for-further-coastalimpact-and-feasibility-analysis","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635006-be731e027f44837267928db45d5d9c28/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120025&Signature=TJM7aI0yOLP7EsiuABVk3mDOwqD5QUpOL~63VDhlOpbLAlZWWFrFIz1Y3fsDv2cuKu0~wjG0NeuVL2NM7~Nv~JhRYb5hvK-4owGUXt8cMQo2GqFuqk9nb57n11xWI8tMbJXKNHB9uLuqc6oDqb4aB8KYgIzpP~I9Kyph4fA1BE~8ybKPFm9FIxxTw0IFJHbS9E1omiAj~p2bOk0Hr48YmpQ3sDWMTFY564hDvDvKTP4nf1QW1VRuAV4MvN-lN1VsLp8dIPKjm2FI-yCol-Ay-GhkbDatCIueucBsC6KaX~4LAYtCmg4IUFHgQM6veYz3zF4QojuMrLLG3LlUoLJwtw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Laguna Beach City Council continued a resident appeal of a community‑development director decision that approved an 810‑square‑foot, two‑story accessory dwelling unit (ADU) above an existing one‑story single‑family residence at 1673 Louise Street. Appellants argued the ADU would obstruct a publicly accessible view of the protected ridgeline and Crystal Cove/lagoon area; the applicant and their architect said the project complies with building standards, falls well under the LCP maximum height and size for ADUs and qualifies as a guaranteed allowance under the city’s LCP ADU provisions.

Why council continued the hearing: Councilmembers asked staff and the city attorney to provide additional, focused analysis before taking a final vote. Staff will examine (a) whether the city’s certified local coastal program (LCP) protects views from the cul‑de‑sac location in question and, if so, whether the proposed ADU would constitute an “adverse impact” to coastal scenic resources; (b) feasibility analysis to determine whether an equivalent single‑story ADU footprint could be built on the lower level (grade) without defeating state ADU constraints and without violating lot coverage, setbacks or other zoning limits; and (c) potential legal risk and compliance implications, including interaction with state ADU law and the city’s LCP.

Public testimony and legal issues: Dozens of residents, visual‑arts leaders and long‑time property owners testified. Supporters of the appeal argued the visual quality of the ridgeline and views from neighborhood public spaces are protected by the Coastal Act and the city’s LCP; opponents emphasized the ADU fits within the size and height allowances, argued the potential view loss is minor and stressed the statewide housing goals that enable ADU construction.

Council action and schedule: The council voted to continue the appeal to the July 8 meeting to allow staff and the city attorney to prepare a legal memo and a feasibility analysis of alternative one‑story options and to identify any risk of noncompliance with state ADU law. One councilmember recused from the matter; the continuance motion passed 4–0. The public hearing remains open and no final project approval or denial was issued.

What to watch: Staff will return with (1) analysis of coastal view policy and whether the LCP’s scenic‑resource language is triggered by this vantage point; (2) technical feasibility on whether the applicant can achieve comparable ADU area on the ground level without violating setbacks, lot coverage, or building standards; and (3) legal guidance on the city’s options given the state ADU statute and related case law.","After public testimony that the proposed two‑story ADU would obstruct a public view of the ridge and extensive debate about how the local coastal program (LCP) treats scenic views, the council continued the appeal and directed staff to provide additional legal and feasibility analysis on whether the ADU would adversely impact coastal visual rec",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6635008,"Council approves 10‑year renewal of Laguna Beach Tourism Marketing District after adding oversight and minor edits",796,10243000,11039000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3785213-52a90a2ad95e5b2052e99ef7686a610c&start=10243&end=11039","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3785213-52a90a2ad95e5b2052e99ef7686a610c/thumbnail_10243000.jpg","/articles/6635008/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Council-approves-10year-renewal-of-Laguna-Beach-Tourism-Marketing-District-after-adding-oversight-and-minor-edits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635008-90821d0d4dbb5cf0c81486fcb5ec899f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120025&Signature=nIffQxzWAtZcl3x3OEZZVTuuAqVxPJf8I7kw~kIJYrHC5s~Z4YMPhc~6-52a9xLCoqmzvji5bi5wm0ClNwYUkChuiZBHiwpYxHGF~qSg3x~Xz~CFFTgkY5Q669j7R46VIRA0HZiEZyRkH1XdODRg8ftQAh2v0OMZ38xkF8lHIf5FedIEFPdl12QJXVK0PdD7ryNAjTDMwtQ7E5DVGtXrDFeqZb8QDjKa7uhv8f9Fd~AfadcAd~TMPdh7yDduU2~4ydi5oCF1ooNIB0CdFWO88bVjaD-OxwWFHzpgknv3SSi0j5~wgRP1Cbsq8drf7eVV~Ly5RGnKsbPPFOAKOTt7ew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Laguna Beach City Council voted to approve a 10‑year renewal of the city’s Tourism Marketing District (TMD), commonly called Visit Laguna, and the management plan that governs assessment revenues and program allocations. The board‑sponsored renewal passed after the council negotiated edits aimed at increasing transparency and local oversight.

Key changes the council adopted: Council members and staff negotiated specific changes before approval: (1) clarified that any increase in the transient‑occupancy assessment (the TMD rate) beyond 2 percent requires city‑council approval; (2) added a new governance commitment that a portion of Visit Laguna’s board seats will be designated by the city (council asked staff to return with precise bylaw language to guarantee city representation); (3) created a cultural and environmental stewardship funding category and added language allowing a designated reserve to be held for stewardship projects; and (4) required biannual performance reviews and an annual report that the stewardship committee would help prepare.

Why it matters: The TMD provides multi‑million dollar support for Visit Laguna’s marketing and for arts, cultural and environmental stewardship programs in the city. During the meeting, hotels and Visit Laguna leaders stressed stable long‑term funding is needed for multi‑year projects such as artist housing and cultural infrastructure. Opponents urged much shorter terms, argued the organization’s prior marketing emphasized beaches and day‑trippers, and recommended stronger teeth to enforce environmental messaging.

Council debate and changes: Public comments included multiple arts institutions thanking the city for TMD funds used for museum, college and theater programming; other public comments demanded shorter contract terms and stronger commitments on environmental communications. The council added a requirement for expanded city representation on Visit Laguna’s board and directed staff to refine allocation, oversight and reserve language in the final agreement. Councilmembers also required staff to return with clarifying contract language on reporting and performance metrics.

Formal action and vote: The council adopted the management plan and approved an amendment to the city’s agreement with Visit Laguna specifying the stewardship category and a baseline city contribution (initial $500,000 payment, with a $260,000 contribution in the first full year described in the ordinance), and a process for annual adjustments tied to revenue growth. The measure passed 5–0.

What’s next: Staff will finalize the written agreement and bylaws changes required to guarantee city representation on the Visit Laguna board, produce the annual/biannual reporting templates, and implement an outreach plan on the stewardship program. Council members asked for additional specificity about audit and oversight language to be included in the final contract returned to council for the ministerial approval steps.","After lengthy public comment and edits requested by council, Laguna Beach approved a 10‑year renewal of its Tourism Marketing District (Visit Laguna) — including a $500,000 baseline contribution to a cultural/environmental stewardship fund — but added new oversight language, an annual/biannual performance reporting structure and council‑appointed","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Laguna Beach council pauses new parklets, orders study of sidewalk‑based outdoor dining and fee updates

Council introduces ordinance adopting CAL FIRE’s 2025 fire‑hazard severity maps; public warned of Zone 0 rules

Laguna Beach students urge council to keep female school resource officer amid rotation policy

Council continues appeal on two‑story accessory dwelling unit on Louise Street for further coastal‑impact and feasibility analysis

Council approves 10‑year renewal of Laguna Beach Tourism Marketing District after adding oversight and minor edits