Laguna Beach officials said the city will deploy a surge presence of rangers, Police Department staff and lifeguards for the July 4 weekend and will prosecute illegal fireworks use.

“The officials will be deployed. So we have the rangers. We have and the Police Department,” Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgel said. He added that tide-pool docents will not be scheduled for the July 4 event and that the Fire Department has special procedures for the holiday.

Mayor Alex Wenagi emphasized the fire risk posed by illegal fireworks in Laguna Beach’s dense, hillside environment and said enforcement will be active. “We will enforce and prosecute anyone who breaks a law with fireworks,” Wenagi said. He urged residents to refrain from illegal fireworks because of the catastrophic fire risk.

Lifeguards were singled out as a group that will be especially busy because beaches attract more swimmers and risky behavior during holiday weekends. Orgel said roads into town, including Glenaire and Catalina, can become gridlocked, and that trolley and parking strategies have had some success but can be improved. He cited data provided by Michael Litchi showing growing summer visitation patterns and noted that metrics vary by dataset and season.

City officials encouraged residents to plan for parking constraints, protect pets from noise and to use legal, sanctioned fireworks displays rather than personal fireworks. “I would just recommend that people find ways to try to keep their animals from getting overly excited and refrain from illegal fireworks,” Orgel said.

Ending: City leaders said they are coordinating staffing for traffic, public safety and lifeguard coverage for the holiday weekend and will pursue enforcement actions against illegal fireworks; residents should consult city communications for specific patrol and parking guidance.