Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Laguna Beach board hears heated debate over moving high‑school commencement to the Irvine Bowl
Summary
Dozens of parents, alumni and students told the Laguna Beach Unified School District Board they want graduation returned to the Irvine Bowl for its tradition and atmosphere; school leaders said site administrators have typically decided venues and asked the board to let principals weigh student survey results and logistics. The board did not vote; it discussed returning the item for a possible Feb. 26 decision.
Dozens of parents, students and alumni filled the district meeting to press the board to reconsider where Laguna Beach High School holds commencement ceremonies, with many calling for a return to the historic Irvine Bowl and others urging a continuation of ceremonies on Geyer Field at the high school.
The discussion centered on competing priorities: alumni and community members said the Irvine Bowl produces a unique, multigenerational experience, while school leaders and some families emphasized access, seating, and student‑centered logistics at the high‑school field.
"The Bowl was definitely a lot more of a kind of spiritual, almost ... event," said Cruz Siebel, a student speaker who said family members found the Irvine Bowl setting more dramatic and memorable. Other public commenters cited a petition and social‑media polling they said support moving commencement…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
