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Council reestablishes wildfire mitigation subcommittee and sets 90‑day plan to update 2019 report
Summary
The Laguna Beach City Council on Jan. 28 reestablished a wildfire-mitigation ad hoc committee and directed the group and staff to update the city’s 2019 wildfire plan and return with a prioritized work plan in 90 days.
The Laguna Beach City Council unanimously reestablished a wildfire mitigation and fire-safety ad hoc committee on Jan. 28 and directed the committee to update the 2019 wildfire plan, prioritize actions and return within 90 days with a work plan for council consideration.
Council members Bob Whelan and Council member Kemp (Camfield) were identified as leading the ad hoc committee; city staff will support outreach, neighborhood meetings, education and technical follow-up. City Manager Dave Kiff and Chief King briefed the council on progress since 2019 and on actions already completed, including expanded fuel‑management zones, helicopter filling stations and code updates.
Why it matters: Council members framed wildfire mitigation as an urgent, communitywide priority that requires homeowner participation, additional funding and coordination with utilities and regional partners. Council member Whelan said the city has spent more than $20 million since the 2018 events to harden the city but that more work is needed; he also said undergrounding remaining utility lines may be required to address ignition risk.
Near-term priorities mentioned by staff and council include: more public outreach and evacuation drills, parking and construction limits during red-flag days, neighborhood Firewise engagement and consideration of ordinance, budget or legislative requests to accelerate undergrounding and reduce permitting delays for fuel-management work in the coastal zone.
Council direction: The committee was authorized to pursue legislation and to report back in 90 days; staff will expand outreach and coordinate neighborhood meetings and a public strategic-planning session to collect more ideas and prioritize funding options.
Next steps: The committee will produce updates and maintain communications with the public. Council and staff signaled they will consider funding options, potentially including a future ballot measure, to pay for elevated mitigation work.
