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Laguna Beach planning staff liaison to change; commission set to meet Oct. 15
Summary
The Laguna Beach Planning Commission was told Sept. 17 that Anthony, the commission's staff liaison and acting deputy director for the planning division, will transition out of his liaison duties and that Samantha Buyer, a principal planner and acting planning manager, will step in.
The Laguna Beach Planning Commission was told Sept. 17 that Anthony, the commission's staff liaison and acting deputy director for the planning division, will transition out of his liaison duties and that Samantha Buyer, a principal planner and acting planning manager, will step in as the commission's new staff liaison.
Commissioners were also told that no items are scheduled for the commission's Oct. 1 meeting and that the next regular meeting is set for Oct. 15, 2025. The commission approved the consent calendar and later adjourned to that Oct. 15 meeting.
Anthony said, "I will be transitioning out of my role as the staff liaison to the planning commission," and described that his new responsibilities will include working more closely on city council matters and overseeing day-to-day operations in the planning division. He asked commissioners to contact Samantha Buyer and project planners in advance of meetings if they anticipate questions that require institutional knowledge or extra staff research so staff can prepare answers for the hearing.
Samantha Buyer, introduced by staff and welcomed by commissioners, said, "I definitely appreciate the warm welcome," and that she looks forward to supporting the commission and planning staff.
Commissioners and staff described the broader planning leadership team. Matt (community development director) was identified as having accepted the permanent director position. Bill Rodriguez was named as the planning manager overseeing the design review board. Staff said the city plans to add a deputy director to oversee the building division and identified a code enforcement supervisor on the team.
The commission voted to approve the consent calendar by roll call (yes: Commissioner Sadler; yes: Commissioner Whiting; yes: Commissioner Dubin; yes: Chair Kellenberg). Later, the commission adopted a motion to adjourn to its Oct. 15, 2025 meeting by the same roll call votes and left no outstanding calendar items for Oct. 1.
The change in liaison and the reminder to contact staff before hearings reflects staff concern about preserving institutional knowledge as personnel roles shift; commissioners were told staff will continue to attend meetings and that transitions are expected to be managed through the end of the year.
Votes at a glance: Consent calendar — motion to approve moved by Commissioner Sadler; second not specified; vote 4-0, approved. Adjourn to Oct. 15, 2025 — motion to adjourn moved by Commissioner Sadler; second not specified; vote 4-0, approved.
