Under New Management: City Takes Control Of South Laguna Beaches

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — South Laguna beaches are under new management, after the city assumed ownership of all south beaches and coastal properties from the County of Orange March 1.

“Assuming control of the South Laguna beaches culminates two years of work by the City and County to make this happen,” Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen said in a statement. “I want to thank the County for working in partnership with us and to commend our City staff for their extraordinary effort to bring this to fruition. This transfer will benefit both beachgoers and our residents of South Laguna with an increased level of service.”

Whalen said the transfer will benefit both beachgoers and Laguna Beach residents with an increased level of service at all South Laguna beaches.

As of March 1, the city is operating all services to South Laguna beaches by enforcing city municipal code while maintaining current curfew hours, the city said.

In addition, the city's Public Works Department will take over maintenance of South Laguna beaches and beach-adjacent facilities from Aliso Creek to southern City limits.

As of March 1, 2023, City Municipal Codes for beaches and parks apply to all South Laguna beaches, with the following exceptions:

• Dogs on Beach - Leashed dogs are allowed on South Laguna beaches at all times (except from June 15 to September 10, dogs prohibited between 9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.). Dogs are never allowed on Thousand Steps Beach and have historically always been prohibited there.
• Hours - South Laguna Beaches will maintain hours as previously determined by the County: Aliso Beach through Totuava Beach is closed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and Thousand Steps Beach is closed from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
• Skim boarding - For the summer of 2023, no changes have been made to the existing designated skim boarding areas at South Laguna beaches.

To prepare for a busy summer, the Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department is hiring extra lifeguards, expanding training operations, adding supervisory oversight to South Laguna beaches, and buying additional equipment.

The city plans to offer activities at the beaches, including skimboard contests and lessons, seal and sea lion releases, photography and film permits and other city recreation programs.

Laguna Beach residents are invited to attend an informational and listening session meeting about the city's southern beaches March 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Senior Center.

Residents are encouraged to bring their opinions and feedback about South Laguna beaches.