[{"_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",6657942,"mediaKeyId","5062057-29c3235d5edd075adf26894c2d741be4","parentId",5062057,"title","Laguna Beach weighs modest fixes against aspirational library expansion as county funding window approaches","audioSeconds",1236,"startMs",3366000,"endMs",4602000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5062057-29c3235d5edd075adf26894c2d741be4&start=3366&end=4602","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5062057-29c3235d5edd075adf26894c2d741be4/thumbnail_3366000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6657942/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Laguna-Beach-weighs-modest-fixes-against-aspirational-library-expansion-as-county-funding-window-approaches","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657942-04e62337737d04e3fe10159d147b99ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184308&Signature=kujP74Vk-Mt7QICrfyXq23f6wxBgeZyCWSh-tf~pPhrCJhl5TnkT6UIQFp76yXauMBXEiplUTMmT1Nf1a~kcrJM7uCpg2kv9HGitiVqjVxxNsVbomVCanWK46aOAgwqBlbV8r8akeuRtx6OqqtrvVEpP4paTsk999WOmuXKSklWnxGbiTinCnVmgKTI8ERrPPaUYuFXfoqo6jfPsPZUmX7OZVPHnuhBD72qzOkQisvB6jgbDXg6TjTGsEslwzf-duSVVoFdElSOuROtOtSu8RIuC6wA88SfxKJ~KTSWs3KgjRBMqT9FkwEJMywAhBR0B-VR6oIrIw098BJMldrCeDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-25T11:43:14Z","article","Laguna Beach council members and consultants discussed two library options during the facilities master plan workshop: a limited repair/upgrade within the currently available county transition funds and a larger, aspirational renovation and modest expansion.

Consultant Charlie Williams described the lower-cost approach as focused on “infrastructure” repairs — mechanical systems, restroom rework and interior finishes — within a roughly $4–$5 million range (the presentation referenced available county transition funds in that order of magnitude). Williams said that at that price point “there’s very limited amounts of things that you can do” and that larger changes would require additional funds.

The aspirational alternative would expand the library from its existing footprint (about 11,000 square feet) toward approximately 15,000 square feet, reconfigure children’s, teen and program spaces, restore historic features (skylights and entry details) and strengthen the building systems. Williams gave a preliminary budget estimate for that option in the $20–$25 million range.

Council reaction and funding strategy

Council members generally favored the aspirational approach and asked staff to pursue partnerships and other funding sources rather than simply committing the available county funds to a limited renovation. Council members asked staff to explore contributions from the school district, private fundraising, naming opportunities and additional county support.

Public comment echoed the funding and scope questions. Mary Locatelli asked for clarification of large numbers presented during the meeting: “I thought I heard early on there was a $400,000,000 number about for capital improvements and then a $300,000,000 number related to repairs and maintenance over 20 years. And I just I don't know how those two are related and whether they're additive or they're somehow you mix those together.” Staff clarified the maintenance figure of about $314 million over 20 years and the separate planning envelope for full portfolio options between about $186–$440 million.

Next steps

Council asked staff to push back respectfully with the county about timing for deploying the transition funds while the city develops an aspirational concept and pursues partnerships. Staff said they would return with a refined approach that preserves the building’s historic character, seeks additional funds, and identifies investment priorities that can be phased in with minimal waste of the county allocation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Facilities Master Plan Study Session - June 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Laguna Beach considered two library approaches — a limited, county-funded infrastructure fix and a larger renovation plus modest expansion — and council signaled support for pursuing an aspirational plan paired with outside funding.","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},6657948,"Council directs further analysis on relocating Fire Station 1; concerns raised about parking and EOC capacity",504,2218000,2722000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5062057-29c3235d5edd075adf26894c2d741be4&start=2218&end=2722","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5062057-29c3235d5edd075adf26894c2d741be4/thumbnail_2218000.jpg","/articles/6657948/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Council-directs-further-analysis-on-relocating-Fire-Station-1-concerns-raised-about-parking-and-EOC-capacity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657948-ff984111a770f3259ebad270223c8246/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184308&Signature=JCgpqHtf6CFvtQXyUlQJlnoO5gK8D~YqManW~3fdlofSEKjBwvlrBnM3Xow~SYIZe37EOR2bfOIzoHkEVwxS6ii4gIIZp9Q2OyYRDTuNy2uCMdNj1T-kMXwcOCCmfyQGUWcLYI1Iges2DK6ASmtIfNlGVqeO-7vdJ7NViXqgEc-oYlRxFyBQC~u-NHlmW~tKBLmgHkbIedtH2TnBGCnKtOoPWAXY2kLY~HtaWhz8HuMMlD3YB7GqZF-sgIT~aXa8JTn~PxP134FEwXw4nODc-iPMGgWaV-yuExft68Zz4FnSVAO5xKWZRkRKzYMA8~4mKH7G5lqQmD-ZmgOzazkluA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City consultants presented test-fit options for relocating Fire Station 1 to the village parking lot adjacent to the farmer’s market and discussed trade-offs including loss of roughly 30 parking spaces, circulation for modern apparatus and the inclusion of an Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

Charlie Williams of LPA Design Studios described an option with a two-story fire station with approximately 11,600 square feet of program space and noted a potential third level to accommodate an EOC. “If you've got a concern about mass and scale as it relates to the existing city hall...you could also reconsider doing something here that would introduce a pretty significant seismic retrofit to accommodate that,” Williams said. He added that modern fire apparatus require broad circulation and that a pull-through configuration increases site footprint and cost.

Consultants and staff identified seismic nonconformance at the existing station as a primary driver for relocation. Williams explained that “this existing facility doesn't meet current seismic requirements,” and retrofitting it for continued fire-service use would be costly and could affect the building’s historic character.

Council concerns and direction

Council members raised three recurring concerns: (1) where the station should be located to meet standards-of-coverage response goals; (2) the effect of relocating the station on downtown parking; and (3) whether the new facility should include an integrated EOC or whether the CRC should remain the city’s EOC.

City Manager Dave Kiff said staff can accelerate analysis of alternative locations and return to council: “I think we can turn that around pretty quickly.” Council members asked staff to look beyond city‑owned parcels and include privately owned sites such as the Christmas tree lot, and to produce a comparative analysis of response-time impacts, turnaround/circulation requirements, entitlement and purchase costs, and parking trade-offs.

Operational continuity and shared facilities

Council and consultants discussed options for temporarily housing fire services during construction and whether police and fire functions could be consolidated on a single site. The consultants said shared-use approaches (for example, a community room that converts to an EOC) can work in some jurisdictions but noted such conversions are less effective when office space is in continuous use.

Next steps

Staff and consultants were directed to (a) evaluate alternative locations (public and private) to meet standards of coverage, (b) quantify parking loss and mitigation (including potential parking structure options), (c) estimate costs for retrofit versus replacement and inclusion of an EOC, and (d) return with a timeline and options at the next meetings so the council can decide a path forward.","Laguna Beach council and consultants discussed test-fit designs to relocate Fire Station 1, seismic risks at the existing station and options for an on-site Emergency Operations Center; staff was asked to evaluate other publicly and privately owned sites and return quickly with alternatives.",{"_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},6657953,"Laguna Beach presents $186–$440 million facilities master plan, prioritizes public safety and near-term projects",3183,1199000,4382000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5062057-29c3235d5edd075adf26894c2d741be4&start=1199&end=4382","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5062057-29c3235d5edd075adf26894c2d741be4/thumbnail_1199000.jpg","/articles/6657953/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Laguna-Beach-presents-186440-million-facilities-master-plan-prioritizes-public-safety-and-near-term-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657953-c736c3d6517407ab3d1f2b2e456e3f44/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184308&Signature=E95mLjpTeX6pav1uBIJgKcrsiDRRAEk0uIYPr8B4h5MspdkeIgrtiKzmRk-oYOdWCcT1ebwQSGVUeUU~2apCLAhLjlkPJJ-LOLbVMew32iUc~bNleGSuQFuDOpbMAAXcH1qIFv6OvSBkaObv87IP6JvX7yUoBOm2IGNUcPldZE-489liEUNf4OlLLb3jy27BppcVkFd1eqESMVobgi~gRW4erUC4ASMJAMPce45dxHzIgIAz4spVVsFr1uCCMIFHqayO5JXrVXSqly-iTl3hD8yVtz9lFExEyPCqLGJ0md~0VPgssIvwkM0hskRmj~8S4KcuO2mJg4euhOg3bzoGdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Laguna Beach city staff and consultants presented a facilities master plan at a special City Council meeting that organizes 26 city facilities into three priority tiers and outlines near-, mid- and long-term investment strategies.

The plan, presented by Dustin Alamo of Grip and Structures and Charlie Williams of LPA Design Studios and introduced by Gavin Curran, the assistant city manager, groups projects into: Group 1 (high-impact, near-term projects), Group 2 (strategic modernization) and Group 3 (long-range transformational projects). “This effort is more than just building. It's about aligning community services with real needs both today and into the future,” Alamo said.

Why it matters: the assessment flagged aging systems, seismic vulnerabilities and space shortfalls across the city’s portfolio. The consultants estimated about $314,000,000 in maintenance needs over 20 years and presented a broad cost envelope for all options between roughly $186,000,000 and $440,000,000 depending on renovation versus new construction.

Key findings and priorities

- Inventory: 26 facilities classified across six categories (civic/admin, library, public safety, parks & recreation, leased cultural venues and parking). Public safety buildings performed relatively well but still show critical seismic and water risks.

- Space shortfalls: the combined evaluated shortfall totaled about 62,000 square feet; the police department was cited as operating at roughly half the space it needs and the fire department was described as short by about 10,000 square feet.

- Cost ranges: the police department rebuild could range from $27 million to $71 million depending on scope; consultants provided a total planning range of $186–$440 million for the portfolio. Group 1 — which includes a replacement of Fire Station 1, library improvements, Forum Theatre accessibility upgrades, Lang Park light renovations and a reimagined Community Recreation Center (CRC) with potential housing — was estimated at $52–$80 million.

Public input and next steps

Consultants said the plan was shaped by stakeholder meetings, pop-up events and a town hall. They reported consistent community emphasis on public safety, library retention in its current location (with improved parking and space), and improved CRC and Susie Q amenities. “This is a conversation starter, not a conclusion,” Alamo said, asking the council for guidance on priorities and outreach.

Council direction focused on moving Group 1 items into further design and funding analysis, identifying parking impacts if Fire Station 1 is relocated, and pursuing funding partnerships for larger projects. Staff said they will incorporate council feedback and align priority projects with funding strategies and scopes for implementation planning.

The presentation materials and next-step schedule will return to council at upcoming meetings for more detailed scoping and community engagement.","City staff and consultants presented a facilities master plan that ranks 26 city properties into three priority groups, estimates 20-year maintenance at about $314 million and outlines Group 1 near-term projects totaling $52–$80 million.",{"_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},6657933,"Laguna Beach to pursue Forum Theatre ADA upgrades; broader arts venue improvements to be discussed with Festival of Arts",1304,3158000,4462000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5062057-29c3235d5edd075adf26894c2d741be4&start=3158&end=4462","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5062057-29c3235d5edd075adf26894c2d741be4/thumbnail_3158000.jpg","/articles/6657933/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Laguna-Beach-to-pursue-Forum-Theatre-ADA-upgrades-broader-arts-venue-improvements-to-be-discussed-with-Festival-of-Arts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657933-9ba41de1c050ea610f9bd6cd10525537/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184308&Signature=T6RQFwRLBC81VYLktNoXWRYRQgySebQQ8gUMnCuUQ3ERh9c~NErOgDtBIS6Jxp6pWt3uLHAN5mG6bNWpN~EqSr9VER8UBfvpiaZqh87TcLFkFYsNwXFwL7dEp8zlLC8DLazXWZMJ2~nFvODsPT5acrpPItHDWcZ-FRt1oBVllc-ixSYsF1equstvRBxf2s2-kH-gqj7uISVwU4HASKL-xNozqeRZ05~cKNFhPzlBlLGTxRqrIU8PiedTx8Nq0RWGdtkZ~ycb4k6VPa0aSPUmSl1YINTGle923g-Kd4cnwquYBEObn4llTEsGW7gqXSv8EOV72-1VAvQldhdUBundTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members and public commenters urged immediate accessibility upgrades at the Forum Theatre and discussed broader improvements to support more performance and rehearsal space in Laguna Beach.

Public and consultant views

Public commenter Morris Skindarian said he had been working with the Forum Theatre on rehabilitation and ADA upgrades and urged the city to address accessibility and back-of-house needs to increase use: “ADA upgrades to the front, which also gives you access to the upper level dining area…there's some stage remodeling that needs to occur with some bathrooms and so forth,” he said.

Consultants proposed modest, accessibility-focused interventions — elevators, ramps and stair improvements — and estimated a cost in the $3–$4 million range to improve accessibility between the Forum and Irvine Bowl back-of-house connections. Staff emphasized that accessibility work should be paired with negotiated access policies so city funds improve shared public access rather than entrench restrictive use practices.

Council direction

Council members supported using available funds to complete ADA compliance as a near-term step and directed the Irvine Bowl policy committee to work with the Festival of Arts on scope and access conditions. Staff said the ADA improvements are a near-term item with funding available for accessibility work; longer-range interior or acoustic upgrades would require additional funding and agreement with the festival.

Next steps

The council asked the Irvine Bowl committee and festival leadership to develop an approach that (1) pursues the immediate ADA improvements, (2) defines access and rental policies tied to city funding, and (3) shapes a longer-term strategy for interior and acoustical improvements should the festival and community seek expanded investment.","Council supported using available funds to address ADA accessibility at the Forum Theatre and asked the Irvine Bowl policy committee to coordinate with the Festival of Arts about expanded improvements and access policies.",{"_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},6657938,"Council directs deeper analysis of Community Recreation Center options, including housing and revenue scenarios",153,3801000,3954000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5062057-29c3235d5edd075adf26894c2d741be4&start=3801&end=3954","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5062057-29c3235d5edd075adf26894c2d741be4/thumbnail_3801000.jpg","/articles/6657938/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Council-directs-deeper-analysis-of-Community-Recreation-Center-options-including-housing-and-revenue-scenarios","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657938-3548e8d577894b58ed9ffd8938467b26/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184309&Signature=cauVbHLOyBjSHgDl0GjZJG7CRpTzQKFUFV7tBKAoYronvNCAUYcsibzpki5BnIVvaOstDhjkLKfNhJrYjdy-BF4AESyOwn25NkpbCZ768Yte5VE09DmdTFE1K9QrdWDSxIIN8TEzzRjsVxSk6GbcnsPj16V5~7iyJxGfcYuNFlx2cUufLNKR9AlRwCdJuIW2TdKAjQGjaIEZK5oMukZUYXpawL0iUXGBa1KcjFyely9TvKH9udc2xteYHHOML3hDYK69vLNiQKVP2BwuRf85-2c7UTG-9sLn~Cz2FzfFRnWMtge9vcPCW0IJtzpttKtNEA1TVoAXzaumBLWyzWrhaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Consultants proposed a hybrid option for the Community Recreation Center (CRC) intended to preserve the gym and field while adding residential development to generate revenue for broader facilities investments.

Presentation and rationale

Charlie Williams described a design that would retain an at-grade field over a parking deck (approximately 70 stalls in conceptual layout) and provide a residential development that could yield roughly 35,000 square feet of housing in the concept presented. “We've designed it right now in a way that it could perhaps leverage the existing footprints that's there and build onto that,” Williams said.

Supporters and concerns

Council members and public commenters said the CRC presents opportunities and risks. Supporters noted revenue potential, additional property tax and the chance to fund Lane Park and other capital needs. Neighbors and CRC users expressed concerns about traffic, view impacts and preserving recreation access. Mike Sadler, representing an advocacy group connected to the CRC, asked that designs “minimiz[e] the traffic” and urged continued community involvement in concept refinement.

Entitlement, valuation and next steps

Council asked staff to prepare a focused follow-up that includes: high-level market/value estimates for the CRC site, a comparison of options ranging from sale/ground lease to a city-held, revenue-generating model, and Lane Park trade-offs (including the $12–$13 million light Lang Park relocation test fit and subterranean parking alternatives). To refine financial assumptions council requested staff engage a real‑estate/valuation expert to provide residual land/value scenarios under different entitlement assumptions and return with pro forma-level estimates.

Staff recommended a dedicated study session on CRC and Lane Park that would bring back conceptual costs, entitlement considerations (including hillside protection zone constraints), and parking solutions. The council agreed to that approach and asked staff to include community-development and housing-policy input so projections reflect realistic entitlement outcomes.","Consultants presented a hybrid CRC concept that would preserve the gym/field and add residential units above a parking deck to generate revenue; the council asked staff for a focused study session on CRC and Lane Park options with high-level pro formas and entitlement scenarios.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Laguna Beach weighs modest fixes against aspirational library expansion as county funding window approaches

Council directs further analysis on relocating Fire Station 1; concerns raised about parking and EOC capacity

Laguna Beach presents $186–$440 million facilities master plan, prioritizes public safety and near-term projects

Laguna Beach to pursue Forum Theatre ADA upgrades; broader arts venue improvements to be discussed with Festival of Arts

Council directs deeper analysis of Community Recreation Center options, including housing and revenue scenarios