Lagadelic festival organizer asks council to ease police staffing requirement

Jay Cagher, the event director for the Lagadelic Music Festival, told the council the organizers received 17 conditions for this year’s permit and asked for relief from a condition that requires two Laguna Beach police officers on site for the entire duration of the festival. Cagher said organizers budgeted under expectations set earlier in the permit process and that last year’s event required only officer walkthroughs rather than two officers assigned full time.

Community Development Project Manager Matt Schneider said the city issued a temporary use permit and that special event permits include standard hard costs such as police protection. He said staff followed the evolving special event permit framework and does not have authority to waive the cost without council action.

Laguna Beach Captain Derinski (police) described public‑safety reasons for the officer condition — alcohol service (beer, wine and liquor) combined with an outdoor crowd draws mixed ages and can increase traffic, alcohol‑related incidents, and noise challenges. He said on‑site officers can respond to enforcement needs, coordinate with promoters and manage volume and safety issues before they escalate.

Council did not take immediate action to change the condition during the meeting; staff and event organizers indicated they would continue one‑on‑one discussions to find alternatives consistent with public safety needs.