Laguna Beach mayor says wildfire mitigation ad hoc will report on updated evacuation planning

Mayor Alex Winoghe said Laguna Beach put an update from its wildfire mitigation ad hoc committee on the tentative agenda for an upcoming council meeting and that the committee will present recommendations about highest‑value wildfire preparedness steps.

Winoghe said committee members Bob Whalen and Soukam reviewed extensive public input, including emails from residents, and will prioritize measures that provide the best value. He said an evacuation drill is a “noteworthy idea” under consideration and that staff and the ad hoc committee will recommend next steps for implementation.

Winoghe emphasized Laguna Beach’s limited ingress and egress as a local vulnerability and said planning should focus on practical, high-priority items that improve community safety. He did not provide a timetable, identified resources required, or specify whether any recommended measures would require council approval, funding allocations, or interagency coordination during the interview.