State Of The City: Laguna Beach Community Safety, Projects & More

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Increased resident safety, infrastructure improvements and business development headlined this year’s annual State of the City Address at the Montage on May 10th , 2018. The event is hosted by the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce.

“The City has really stepped up in terms of Police, Fire and Marine Safety,” said Laguna Beach Mayor Kelly Boyd. “We are at the highest staffing level of safety personnel that we have ever had, and that is something we can all be proud of.”

At the luncheon Laguna Beach Police Chief Laura Farinella said the increase in public safety is partially due to the addition of Beach Patrol and Outreach Officers. Citations for beach-related violations have increased nearly 500% with the additional patrols.

“We have seen a decrease in thefts on the beach and a decrease of community concerns, especially in South Laguna,” Farinella said. “By partnering with residents and adding these officers we have made a significant impact on beach-related crimes and nuisance.”

Community safety, especially fire safety, was at the forefront of the State of the City Address. Facts were presented regarding the City’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone risks as they correlate to Utility Undergrounding. It was noted that existing City funds alone cannot cover costs of undergrounding the City’s key evacuation routes, estimated at up to $135 million dollars and that more discussions to determine a direction are planned for May 22, 2018, during the City Council meeting that evening.

Upcoming large-scale projects, including the Village Entrance Plan, were also touted and leaders announced an upcoming groundbreaking for the project in September of 2018. Recently completed Beach access improvement projects at Thalia Street and soon-to- open Agate Street show the City is investing resources into lasting infrastructure for residents and visitors.

“These projects take a while to conceptualize and plan and we are so glad to design and build them for the community,” said Shohreh Dupuis, Assistant City Manager and Director of Public Works.

A handful of innovative new City projects to increase pedestrian safety were announced, like proposed pedestrian “scramble” crosswalks at Forest Avenue and Laguna Avenue and upcoming safety improvements to six intersections on Coast Highway. Dupuis said more frequent cleaning of sidewalks, public restrooms and beaches show the City prioritizes pedestrian safety and also takes pride in the appearance of the City.

Economic Development, including business retention, expansion and attraction were discussed as well as ways to enhance the customer experience at local businesses. Downtown beautification efforts and continued initiatives like Small Business Saturday continue to strengthen and vitalize the business community.

Laguna Beach Mayor Kelly Boyd received a surprise tribute for his 16 years of public service at the luncheon.

“We want to recognize Kelly Boyd for his lifetime of public service to the City of Laguna Beach,” said City Manager John Pietig. “He is a part of the fabric of this town, and his contributions on the City Council over the years have been important to making our City what it is today.”

Boyd has announced he will retire from public office this year after 16 cumulative years on the Council. He considers the creation of the View Preservation Ordinance and addressing the City’s homeless issues as some of his most significant accomplishments and hopes the current momentum of good work in Laguna Beach will continue.

“Our Disaster Contingency Fund and General Fund are both strong,” Boyd said. “That is very important to our community.”

Photo: Melinda Brower