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Laguna Beach council to form ad-hoc process to pick an official city flag after public testimony

Laguna Beach City Council · November 19, 2025

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Summary

After public testimony and competing views over a long-used "Cooper" flag, council directed an ad-hoc process (mayor and a council member working with the Arts Commission) to propose a community-engagement plan and return a recommendation ahead of the city's 100th anniversary.

The Laguna Beach City Council on Nov. 18 declined to immediately adopt a single design as the city's official flag and instead directed an ad-hoc process to propose how the city will select an official banner ahead of its centennial.

The matter began with staff and the city manager presenting historical material and options, including the Cooper flag (a locally designed flag that its creator, Chad Cooper, said has circulated in thousands of Laguna homes and has been donated for civic events). Cooper addressed the council and described the evolution and adoption of his design by many residents.

Public speakers were divided: some urged immediate adoption of the Cooper design; others — including arts-commission and former-council representatives — urged a broader community process such as an LCAD student competition or arts-commission review to ensure a selection represents Laguna's history and character. Mayor Ranaghi proposed an ad-hoc committee to work with the Arts Commission and community stakeholders to develop a recommended process; the committee will be chaired by the mayor and a council member (identified in the meeting as Council member Cam Fork) and return with a timeline and engagement plan.

Council members said the approach aims to include Cooper's design among options while ensuring transparent public input before formal adoption. The council made no policy change to seals or logos; the action focuses on procedure to select an official city flag for consideration before the city's centennial.

What happens next: The mayor and designated council member will work with staff and the Arts Commission to draft a community-engagement process and bring it back to council for approval.