In addition, ProQA enhances service delivery and helps reduce the City’s litigation risk by providing consistent, evidence-based pre-arrival medical instructions developed and vetted by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch.
Sole Source Justification
This purchase is proposed as a sole source purchase in accordance with Laguna Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) §2.30.050, which authorize sole source contracting when a product or service is uniquely available from a single provider. ProQA software is the exclusive product of Priority Dispatch Corp., and no other vendors offer equivalent systems that integrate the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch’s (IAED) medical protocols with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) platforms in real time.
Priority Dispatch Corp. is the only provider globally authorized by IAED to deliver the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS), including ProQA software, QA review tools, and training programs. Their system is fully integrated with the City's CAD infrastructure, provides proprietary diagnostic tools (e.g., Agonal Breathing Detector Dx), and supports dispatcher-guided instructions such as CPR, EpiPen administration, and airway management.
The attached Sole Source Letter (Attachment 1) confirms that Priority Dispatch Corp. holds the exclusive rights to distribute and support the ProQA system and that no equivalent alternatives currently exist in the market. As a result, conducting a competitive bidding process would not produce comparable services.
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
The total cost of the ProQA Emergency Medical Dispatch Software is $126,961. Funding is available in the FY 2025–26 CAD/RMS Project Account, and no additional appropriation is required. In accordance with Laguna Beach Municipal Code Section 2.30.070, this procurement is being conducted as a sole source purchase due to the proprietary nature of the ProQA system and the absence of comparable products.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The project has been reviewed in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities). Section 15301 exempts the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private facilities involving negligible or no expansion of use. The proposed action involves the acquisition and implementation of software to improve dispatch operations within the City’s existing Emergency Communications Center. The project does not include construction or physical modifications that would result in environmental impacts.
The proposed purchase of the Emergency Medical Dispatch Software ProQA is exempt from the CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3), the "common sense" provision of CEQA, which applies to projects which may have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment but that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. The proposed action will not result in any new development or physical changes, merely purchases computer software, and thus, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity will have a significant effect on the environment. 2 of 432
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Furthermore, none of the exceptions to the use of categorical exemptions set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply. Therefore, no further environmental review is required.
ATTACHMENTS
1.Priority Dispatch Corp. Sole Source Letter (Pg. 4)
Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Andrew Hill, Battalion Chief Jerry Soto, IT Manager
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1 110 South Regent Street, Suite 500, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 USA | 800-363-9127 (United States/Canada) | 801-363-9127 (International) | prioritydispatch.net
MEMORANDUM OF SOLE SOURCE
EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCH SYSTEMS
09 January 2025
Priority Dispatch Corp. is the only all-purpose and comprehensive EMD systems provider company in the world.
This includes the following exclusive areas within Emergency Medical Dispatch:
1) Only provider of Expert System EMD calltaking software 2) Only provider of fully two-way CAD integrated EMD software system 3) Only provider of Automated Quality Assurance EMD Case Review software 4) Only provider of 24 hour/7day technical support service for EMD-related software 5) Only contracted provider of the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch’s evidenced based protocols that meets or exceeds International Standards
6) Only contracted provider of the International Academy of EMD’s unified protocol (Medical Priority Dispatch System) version 13.3
7) Only contracted provider of Priority Dispatch System cardset trays (springless design for MPDS cards on-line dispatching) ), and Priority Dispatch System protocol tablets 8) Only contracted provider of the International Academy of EMD’s unified protocol (Medical Priority Dispatch System) version 13.3 OMEGA
9) Only contracted provider of the IAEMD’s Principles of Emergency Medical Dispatch, 6th Edition 10) Only provider of Comprehensive Implementation of MPDS Consulting Services (IAEMD Accreditation Eligibility services)
11) Only contracted EMD Instructor Training organization through IAEMD 12) Only contracted EMD-Q Training organization through IAEMD 13) Only contracted Quality Performance Review (QPR) comprehensive quality assurance program 14) Only contracted EMD International EMD Leadership Certification Seminar Training organization through IAEMD
15) Only MPDS web-based continuing education (CDE) program provider 16) Only contracted provider of IAEMD standards and versions update materials 17) Only provider of automated EMD Dispatch Diagnostics (Agonal Breathing Detector Dx, Pulse Check Dx, CPR Compressions Monitor and Metronome, Childbirth Contractions Timer Dx, Stroke Diagnostic Tool Dx, Aspirin Diagnostic and Instruction Tool, Meningitis Diagnostic Tool) 18) Only provider of Academy Analytics™ powered by FirstWatch® Priority Dispatch takes pride in being the sole source for the majority of EMD-related systems and services and is generally acknowledged as both the inventor of the science and the leader in the field of EMD.
If any further information is required, please contact me directly.
Sincerely,
Jeff J. Clawson, M.D.
CEO & Medical Director
Director, Division of Research & Standards
Cc: Office of the President, Vice President, Legal & HR, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Vice President, Protocol, Translation, Curriculum & Instructional Design, Director of Comprehensive Client Implementations Attachment 1
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STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
September 23, 2025
CONSENT
21 SUBJECT: 2024-2025 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY RESPONSE - LONG TERM
SOLUTIONS TO SHORT-TERM RENTAS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the City’s formal responses to the findings and recommendations in the 2024-2025 Orange County Grand Jury Report entitled “Long-Term Solutions to Short-Term Rentals”, as detailed in Attachment 1;
2. Authorize the Mayor to submit the approved responses to the Presiding Judge of the Orange County Superior Court, as required by California Penal Code §933.05; and
3. Find that this action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15378(b)(5) of the CEQA Guidelines, as it involves administrative and organizational activities that do not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
Appropriation: $0 Fund: N/A
Submitted By: . Approved: David A Kiff
Dave Kiff, City Manager Dave Kiff, City Manager
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
This report recommends that the City Council approve the City’s formal responses to the findings and recommendations of the 2024-2025 Orange County Grand Jury Report titled “Long-Term Solutions to Short-Term Rentals.” The Grand Jury report addresses a range of issues related to short-term rental (STR) policies, including code enforcement, tax collection, regulatory updates, and coordination among cities.
The City’s responses affirm many of the findings and detail the steps taken, or planned, to address the Grand Jury’s recommendations. The total financial impact of this action is zero. This action has been reviewed under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has been determined not to be a project under CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5).
DISCUSSION
On May 22, 2025, the Orange County Grand Jury released a report titled “Long-Term Solutions to ShortTerm Rentals,” which includes a series of findings and recommendations related to the regulation, monitoring, and taxation of short-term rental (STR) properties in Orange County. The report addresses several areas of concern, including transient occupancy tax (TOT) collection, code enforcement limitations, STR recordkeeping, permit tracking systems, the role of the California Coastal Commission, and the need for interagency coordination.
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In accordance with California Penal Code §933.05, the City is required to formally respond to the Grand Jury’s findings and recommendations. The City’s draft response (Attachment 1) addresses each finding and recommendation individually. Staff agrees with most of the findings and outlines how the City has already implemented, or intends to implement, several of the recommendations, subject to available resources.
The City requested and received a brief extension to submit its responses due to the timing of prior Council meetings and agenda volume. Council’s consideration and adoption of the draft responses will complete the City’s statutory obligation. Upon approval, the finalized response letter will be transmitted to the Presiding Judge of the Orange County Superior Court on or before the September 24, 2025, deadline.
It is important to note that several of the recommendations, particularly those involving technological upgrades, increased audits, and interjurisdictional coordination, will be implemented contingent upon available staff capacity and budgetary resources. These resource dependencies are noted in the City’s response to ensure transparency and compliance with state law.
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
There is no fiscal impact as a result of this action.
While several of the Grand Jury recommendations may require additional staff resources or investment in technology (e.g., improvements to TOT tracking systems or increased audit capacity), this agenda item pertains solely to submitting the City’s formal response to the 2024–2025 Orange County Grand Jury Report.
Any future actions implementing specific recommendations will be brought forward for Council consideration with accompanying budget analysis as needed.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
This action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), as it involves the administrative activity of responding to a Grand Jury report. The action does not commit the City to a specific project or result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment.
ATTACHMENTS
1. City Response to Grand Jury Report (Pgs. 3-7)
2. 2024-2025 Orange County Grand Jury Report (Pgs. 8-29) Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Dave Kiff, City Manager
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September 23, 2025
Honorable Marie Hernandez, Presiding Judge
Superior Court of California, County of Orange
700 Civic Center Drive Wet
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Re: Response to 2024-25 Orange County Grand Jury Report “Long-Term Solutions to ShortTerm Rentals” Dear Judge Hernandez,
The City of Laguna Beach has reviewed the Orange County Grand Jury Report titled “Long-Term Solutions to Short-Term Lodging.” In accordance with California Penal Code §933.05(a) and (b), the City of Laguna Beach submits the following responses to the findings and recommendations included within the report.
Findings:
F1. Despite the increasing media coverage of Online Booking Agencies (OBAs), STRs are not a new phenomenon in Orange County.
Response: The City of Laguna Beach agrees with the finding. STRs have long existed and Laguna Beach has had regulations in place since 1999.
F2. The steady growth of STR usage in the last decade raises concerns of potential public nuisance.
Response: The City of Laguna Beach agrees with the finding. The City has strengthened its regulatory framework through recent Municipal Code updates, including the proposed addition of Chapter 5.84, which establishes a comprehensive compliance system. This framework includes nuisance response plans, proactive monitoring, technology integration, and coordinated enforcement efforts among Community Development, Code Enforcement, and the Police Department to minimize potential nuisances.
F5. Proactive home inspections of new and renewing STRs, which have been implemented in some Orange County cities, improve code enforcement and STR compliance with city ordinances.
Response: The City of Laguna Beach agrees with the finding. Inspections are required under Laguna Beach’s permitting process, and the new licensing ordinance will enhance this further.
Attachment 1
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F6: Direct remittance of taxes by OBAs does not capture all TOT for an STR because of direct booking practices.
Response: The City of Laguna Beach agrees with the finding. The new ordinance includes enhanced reporting and audit provisions to help address gaps in TOT collection.
F7: Some cities in Orange County have outdated systems for tracking short-term rental TOT making the process less effective and more difficult for staff.
Response: The City of Laguna Beach agrees with the finding. The City recognizes the need to improve financial oversight and has adopted a new ordinance (proposed Chapter 5.84) that requires short-term lodging unit operators to obtain a Short-Term Lodging Unit Certificate. This certificate enhances the City’s ability to track rental activity, verify compliance with Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Tourism Marketing District (TMD) assessments, and enforce reporting obligations more effectively. System improvements are planned as part of the licensing implementation.
F8: In some cases, STRs are improperly recharacterized as long-term rentals to circumvent the collection of TOT and any applicable penalties.
Response: The City of Laguna Beach agrees with the finding. To improve compliance, the City has partnered with Granicus Host Compliance, a third-party monitoring service that tracks online short-term rental listings in real time. The system captures listing metadata, screenshots, and advertisement changes over time, helping to identify rentals that are misrepresented as longterm stays but are operated as short-term rentals. This evidence enables Code Enforcement to take appropriate enforcement actions under the City’s Municipal Code. Since implementation, the City has initiated [insert number] enforcement cases using data provided by Granicus.
F9: Online Booking Agencies in foreign languages are outside the current capabilities of Code Enforcement to monitor and track unpermitted STRs.
Response: The City of Laguna Beach agrees with the finding. Monitoring foreign-language listings presents challenges; however, the City’s partnership with Granicus Host Compliance enhances multilingual monitoring across major STR platforms. Staff continues to explore additional tools to support enforcement.
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F10: Cities that fail to routinely review their STR waiting lists potentially lose TOT revenue and contribute to a greater prevalence of unpermitted STRs.
Response: The City of Laguna Beach agrees with the finding. Under the new Short-Term Lodging ordinance (Chapter 5.84), licenses for short-term lodging units do not renew automatically, and revoked licenses carry a minimum three-year waiting period before reapplication. These provisions help ensure that only active, compliant operators maintain licensing privileges, thereby helping reduce potential revenue loss associated with inactive or underused licenses.
F11: Locations that have hosted major events have reported an outsized increase in demand and pricing of STRs, a situation Orange County is likely to experience with the upcoming 2026 Los Angeles World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Response: The City of Laguna Beach agrees with the finding.
F12: City leaders have no regular communication with each other concerning STR issues, limiting opportunities to develop strategies and expertise to improve service.
Response: The City of Laguna Beach partially agrees with the finding. While there is no formal regional STR coordination body, City staff regularly engages with counterparts in neighboring jurisdictions to share best practices, enforcement strategies, and policy updates. The City supports increased collaboration and is open to participating in broader regional efforts to address STR issues.
Recommendations:
R1. Cities should review and begin to update ordinances to keep up with the rapidly changing nature of court findings and legislation related to STRs, by December 31, 2025, and no less frequently than every three years thereafter. (F4, F12) Response: This recommendation has been implemented. The City has adopted a comprehensive Short-Term Lodging Ordinance (Chapter 5.84) that updates and supplements prior regulations. The ordinance strengthens enforcement, improves transparency, and modernizes the City's oversight of STR operations.
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September 23, 2025
R2: Cities should consider developing a plan for upcoming major events that are expected to create a surge in demand for STRs and its associated Transient Occupancy Tax, by December 31, 2025, and no less frequently than every two years thereafter. (F11) Response: This recommendation will be evaluated. The City is aware of potential regional impacts from upcoming international events and will consider incorporating additional STR monitoring and enforcement planning into broader event-related readiness efforts.
R3: Cities that allow STRs should evaluate the benefit of ordinances facilitating Voluntary Collection Agreements requiring OBAs to submit TOT directly, by June 30, 2026. (F4, F12) Response: This recommendation will be evaluated. The City currently requires all STR operators to register for and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) directly. The City will assess whether entering into Voluntary Collection Agreements with online booking agents (OBAs) could improve compliance and administrative efficiency, while ensuring continued transparency and enforcement capability.
R4: Cities that allow STRs should evaluate the benefit of collecting TOT on a monthly basis by individual property, by June 30, 2026. (F7, F8)
Response: This recommendation will be evaluated. The City will assess the feasibility of implementing monthly TOT collection on a property-specific basis. This evaluation will consider the need for software enhancements, integration with the new licensing system under Chapter 5.84, potential amendments to the Municipal Code, and the allocation of additional staff or resources.
R5: Cities should require STRs to include the number of days rented per month per permit to facilitate short-term rental TOT desk audits by November 30, 2025. (F7, F8) Response: This recommendation will be evaluated.
R6: Cities with a permit waiting list should implement strategies to remove non-revenuegenerating licenses to allow for fair access by December 31, 2025, and annually thereafter. (F7, F10)
Response: This recommendation will be evaluated. Under Chapter 5.84, the City has authority to not renew or revoke active licenses for operators who fail to comply with licensing and operational requirements. Also, revoked licenses carry a minimum waiting period of three 6 6 of 461
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years before reapplication. The City does not yet have a specific mechanism in the code to remove “inactive” or non-revenue-generating licensees from a waiting list solely on the basis of inactivity, but staff will evaluate whether such a provision should be added to improve fairness and revenue oversight.
R7: Cities that allow STRs should consider allocating resources to update their short-term rental TOT tracking systems by September 30, 2026. (F7, F8, F10) Response: The recommendation will be evaluated.
R8: Cities that allow STRs should consider random multi-year audits to confirm TOT by June 30,2026, and annually thereafter. (F6, F7, F8)
Response: This recommendation has been implemented. The City currently conducts annual audits of a sample of short-term lodging operators, typically five per year, to verify compliance with Municipal Code requirements and proper remittance of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). These audits are selected randomly and serve to ensure ongoing compliance and fiscal accountability.
R9: City leaders should have regular discussions with each other to share STR management strategies on a biannual basis commencing no later than January 1, 2026. (F12) Response: This recommendation will be evaluated. The City conducts annual audits of STR operators for TOT compliance and will consider expanding the audit scope as resources allow.
Respectfully
Alex Rounaghi
Mayor
City of Laguna Beach
Cc: Orange County Grand Jury
700 Civic Center West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
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STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
September 23, 2025
CONSENT
22 SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION TO UTILIZE NASPO VALUEPOINT MASTER AGREEMENT NO. 23026 FOR THE PURCHASE OF COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, PERIPHERALS, AND RELATED SERVICES FROM DELL MARKETING L.P.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the use of the NASPO ValuePoint Master Agreement No. 23026, led by the State of Minnesota and adopted by the State of California through its Participating Addendum, for the purchase of computer equipment, peripherals, and related services from Dell Marketing L.P., in an amount not to exceed $300,000 through June 30, 2026;
2. Authorize that the City’s participation under the NASPO ValuePoint Master Agreement No. 23026 be extended through June 30, 2028, if the State of California extends its participation term accordingly;
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute any related purchase orders or documents necessary to implement this procurement, subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
4. Find that the recommended actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3), the "common sense" provision that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment.
Appropriation: $0 Fund: N/A
Submitted By: . Approved: David A Kiff
Jeremy Frimond, Assistant City
Manager
Dave Kiff, City Manager
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
This report recommends authorizing the City to use NASPO ValuePoint Master Agreement No. 23026, led by the State of Minnesota, to purchase computer equipment and services from Dell Marketing L.P., up to a not-to-exceed amount of $300,000 through June 30, 2026.
In order for a local agency to participate under NASPO agreements, its home state must have signed onto the cooperative contract. The State of California has signed onto Master Agreement No. 23026, making this procurement option and associated discounts available to the City of Laguna Beach. The California participating addendum is included as Attachment 1.
The agreement is effective through June 30, 2026, and is subject to extension through June 30, 2028. Staff recommends following the NASPO agreement term. If the $300,000 spending limit is reached before the agreement expires, staff will return to City Council for additional purchase authority. 1 of 478
AUTHORIZATION TO UTILIZE NASPO VALUEPOINT MASTER AGREEMENT NO. 23026
FOR THE PURCHASE OF COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, PERIPHERALS, AND RELATED SERVICES FROM DELL MARKETING L.P.
September 23, 2025
DISCUSSION
Dell Marketing L.P. is one of the City’s primary technology providers, supplying computer hardware, peripherals, and related services. Large software and hardware vendors such as Dell generally do not enter into direct purchasing agreements with smaller agencies, including the City. Staff previously attempted to negotiate a standalone goods agreement with Dell, but Dell was not willing to enter into such an agreement.
To address this, staff recommends utilizing NASPO ValuePoint Master Agreement No. 23026, which was competitively bid by the State of Minnesota and is available to California agencies through the State’s executed participation. This method allows the City to secure competitively bid pricing, standardized terms, and streamlined procurement.
The NASPO agreement is valid through June 30, 2026, with the possibility of extension through June 30, 2028. The City’s authority to make purchases under the agreement would be capped at $300,000. If that limit is reached prior to expiration, staff would return to Council to request additional authorization.
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
The total expenditure under NASPO Agreement No. 23026 shall not exceed $300,000 through June 30, 2026. These purchases will be funded by existing, approved departmental operating budgets. No additional appropriations are required.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed recommended actions are exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3), the "common sense" provision of CEQA, which applies to projects which may have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment but that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. The proposed action will not result in any new development or physical change and it can be seen with certainty that the purchase of computer equipment will not have a significant effect on the environment. Further, none of the exceptions to the listed CEQA exemption apply.
ATTACHMENTS
1. State of California Participating Addendum Number 7-23-70-55-01 (Pgs. 3-17)
2. Link to the NASPO ValuePoint Master Agreement No. 23026 Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Mandy Low, Project Manager Jerry Soto, IT Manager
Jane Abzug, Assistant City Attorney
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STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
September 23, 2025
CONSENT
23 SUBJECT: PURCHASE AGREEMENT TO REPLACE END OF LIFE NETWORK SWITCHES RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to purchase Cisco Network Switches from Presidio in an amount not to exceed $239,945.92; and
2. Determine that the recommended action does not constitute a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Appropriation: $0 Fund: N/A
Submitted By: . Approved: David A Kiff
Jeremy Frimond, Assistant City
Manager
Dave Kiff, City Manager
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
This report recommends that the City Council authorize the purchase of new Cisco network and VoIP switches from Presidio for the Police Department, replacing aging infrastructure that has reached end-oflife. The total cost of the purchase is $239,945.92 and is included in the approved FY 2025-26 IT Division budget. The proposed equipment is consistent with the City's IT standards and will ensure reliable and secure operations for the City's 24/7 public safety systems. The action does not constitute a project under CEQA because it would not result either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
DISCUSSION
The City’s Police Department relies on network switches to connect computers, phones, cameras, and other devices to internal systems and the internet. A network switch is a piece of equipment that acts like a digital traffic controller—it ensures that data gets where it needs to go quickly and securely within a computer network.
The switches supporting the Police Department’s operations are outdated, no longer supported by the manufacturer, and are not capable of meeting the demands of modern applications, video systems, and secure communication protocols. Staff recommends replacing this equipment to ensure operational continuity and to support the Department’s mission-critical systems.
Cisco has been identified as the City's standard for network equipment due to its reliability, compatibility, and cybersecurity features.
On August 7, 2025, the City issued a formal request for bids via Planet Bids. Of the five responses received, two were disqualified for non-responsiveness. Presidio submitted the lowest responsive bid at $239,945.92. 1 of 513
PURCHASE AGREEMENT TO REPLACE END OF LIFE NETWORK SWITCHES September 23, 2025
Vendor Bid Amount
Presidio $239,945.92
GigaKom $249,945.92
ZDass LLC $272,460.98
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
The total cost of this purchase is $239,945.92. Funds for this procurement are included in the FY 2025-26 Information Technology Division budget and no additional appropriation is required.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
This action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq.) (“CEQA”) because it does not qualify as a “project” under CEQA. The State CEQA Guidelines provide that “[a]n activity is not subject to CEQA if … the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378.” (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15060(c).) Here, the action does not qualify as a “project” as defined in State CEQA Guidelines section 15378 for at least two different reasons. First, Section 15378 defines a project as an activity that “has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.” (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15378(a).) Here, the action is to purchase IT equipment for the organization, which will not result in any reasonably foreseeable impacts. Accordingly, the action is not a “project” subject to CEQA. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15060(c).) Second, Section 15378 explicitly excludes from its definition of “project” the following: “organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.” (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15378(b)(5).) The action constitutes an administrative activity that will not result in a physical change in the environment, and it therefore is not subject to CEQA.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Presidio Proposal (Pgs. 3-20)
2. Purchase Agreement for Network Switches (Pgs. 21-35) Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Jerry Soto, IT Manager Mandy Low, Project Manager
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CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
GOODS PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This Goods Purchase Agreement (“Agreement”) #__________ is entered into this 23rd day of September, 2025, by and between the City of Laguna Beach, a public agency organized and operating under the laws of the State of California with its principal place of business at 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California 92651 (“City”), and Presidio Networked Solutions Group, LLC, a limited liability company with its principal place of business at One Penn Plaza, Suite 2501, New York, NY 10119 (“Contractor” or “Presidio”). City and Contractor are sometimes individually referred to as “Party” and collectively as “Parties” in this Agreement.
Section 1. DEFINITIONS. A. “Goods” means all machinery, equipment, supplies, items, parts, materials, labor or other services, including design, engineering and installation services, provided by Contractor as specified in Exhibit “A,” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
B. “Delivery Date(s)” means that date or dates upon which the Goods is to be delivered to City, ready for approval, testing and/or use as specified in Exhibit “B.” Section 2. MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP. When Exhibit “A” specifies machinery, equipment or material by manufacturer, model or trade name, no substitution will be made without City’s written approval. Machinery, equipment or material installed in the Goods without the approval required by this Section 2 will be deemed to be defective material for purposes of Section 4.
Where machinery, equipment or materials are referred to in Exhibit “A” as equal to any particular standard, City will decide the question of equality. When requested by City, Contractor will furnish City with the name of the manufacturer, the performance capabilities and other pertinent information necessary to properly determine the quality and suitability of any machines, equipment and material to be incorporated in the Goods. Material samples will be submitted at City’s request.
Section 3. INSPECTIONS AND TESTS. City shall have the right to inspect and/or test the Goods prior to acceptance. If upon inspection or testing the Goods or any portion thereof are found to be nonconforming, unsatisfactory, defective, of inferior quality or workmanship, or fail to meet any requirements or specifications contained in Exhibit “A,” then without prejudice to any other rights or remedies, City may reject the Goods or exercise any of its rights under Section 4.C.. The inspection, failure to make inspection, acceptance of goods, or payment for goods shall not impair City’s right to reject nonconforming goods, irrespective of City’s failure to notify Contractor of a rejection of nonconforming goods or revocation of acceptance thereof or to specify with particularity any defect in nonconforming goods after rejection or acceptance thereof.
Section 4. WARRANTY. ALL GOODS PROVIDED BY CONTRACTOR ARE PROVIDED “AS IS”, WITH ALL FAULTS. EXCEPT AS
EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT, CONTRACTOR MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT OR ANY WARRANTY ARISING BY USAGE OF TRADE, COURSE OF DEALINGS OR COURSE OF PERFORMANCE. CONTRACTOR DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE SERVICES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE. ANY AND ALL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER (“OEM”) WARRANTIES, CERTIFICATIONS AND GUARANTEES ARE PASSED THROUGH TO THE CITY. CONTRACTOR SERVES AS A SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT BETWEEN THIRD PARTY OEMS AND CITY TO ENFORCE SUCH PASSED THROUGH WARRANTIES. CITY AGREES
THAT ANY GOODS PROVIDED TO CITY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL CARRY THE WARRANTY Attachment 2
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PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER AND CONTRACTOR MAKES NO INDEPENDENT WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO SUCH PRODUCTS.
SERVICES WARRANTY. CONTRACTOR WARRANTS ALL SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED IN A PROFESSIONAL AND WORKMANLIKE MANNER CONSISTENT WITH INDUSTRY STANDARDS.
CONTRACTOR SERVICES ARE WARRANTED FOR THIRTY (30) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF FINAL
DELIVERY OF THE SERVICES, DURING WHICH PERIOD CONTRACTOR SHALL PROMPTLY CORRECT ANY DEFECTIVE WORKMANSHIP AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO CITY AS CITY’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY.
Section 5. PRICES. Unless expressly provided otherwise, all prices and fees specified in Exhibit “A,” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, are firm and shall not be subject to change without the written approval of City.
Contractor shall comply No extra charges of any kind will be allowed unless specifically agreed to in writing by City’s authorized representative. The total price shall include (i) all federal, state and local sales, use, excise, privilege, payroll, occupational and other taxes applicable to the Goods furnished to City hereunder; and (ii) all charges for packing, freight and transportation to destination.
Section 6. CHANGES. City, at any time, by a written order, and without notice to any surety, may make changes in the Goods, including but not limited to, City’s requirements and specifications. If such changes affect the cost of the Goods or time required for its performance, an equitable adjustment will be made in the price or time for performance or both. Any change in the price necessitated by such change will be agreed upon between City and Contractor and such change will be authorized by document executed by the City and accepted by the Contractor.
Section 7. PAYMENTS. A. Terms of payment, are net thirty (30) days, less any applicable retention, after receipt of invoice, or completion of applicable Progress Milestones. Final payment shall be made by City after Contractor has satisfied all contractual requirements. Payment of invoices shall not constitute acceptance of Goods. Payment shall be made in compliance with the Invoice and Payment Instructions attached to Exhibit “C.” B. If Progress Milestones have been specified in Exhibit “B,” then payments for the Goods will be made as the requirements of such Progress Milestones are met. Progress payments for the Goods will be made by City upon proper application by Contractor during the progress of the Goods and according to the terms of payment as specified in Exhibit “B.” Contractor’s progress billing invoice will include progress payments due for the original scope of work and changes. Each “Item for Payment” shown in Exhibit “B” and each change order will be itemized on the invoice. Invoices for cost plus work, whether part of Exhibit “B” or a change order, must have subcontractor and/or supplier invoices attached to Contractor’s invoice. Other format and support documents for invoices will be determined by City in advance of the first invoice cycle.
C. Payments otherwise due may be withheld by City on account of defective Goods not remedied, liens or other claims filed, reasonable evidence indicating probable filing of liens or other claims, failure of Contractor to make payments properly to its subcontractors or for material or labor, the failure of Contractor to perform any of its other obligations under the Agreement, or to protect City against any liability arising out of Contractor’s failure to pay or discharge taxes or other obligations. If the causes for which payment is withheld are removed, the withheld payments will be made promptly. If the said causes are not removed within a reasonable period after written notice, City may remove them at Contractor’s expense.
D. Payment of the final Progress Milestone payment or any retention will be made by City upon:
1. Submission of an invoice for satisfactory completion of the requirements of a Progress Milestone as defined in Exhibit “B” and in the amount associated with the Progress Milestone;
2. Written acceptance of the Goods by City;
3. Delivery of all drawings and specifications, if required by City; 22 22 of 513
4. Delivery of executed full releases of any and all liens arising out of this Agreement; and
5. Delivery of an affidavit listing all persons who might otherwise be entitled to file, claim, or maintain a lien of any kind or character, and containing an averment that all of the said persons have been paid in full.
If any person refuses to furnish an actual release or receipt in full, Contractor may furnish a bond satisfactory to City to indemnify City against any claim or lien at no cost to City.
E. Acceptance by Contractor of payment of the final Progress Milestone payment pursuant to Section
7.D will constitute a waiver, release and discharge of any and all claims and demands of any kind or character which Contractor then has, or can subsequently acquire against City, its successors and assigns, for or on account of any matter or thing arising out of, or in any manner connected with, the performance of this Agreement. However, payment for the final Progress Milestone by City will not constitute a waiver, release or discharge of any claims or demands which City then has, or can subsequently acquire, against Contractor, its successors and assigns, for or on account of any matter or thing arising out of, or in any manner connected with, the performance of this Agreement.
Section 8. TAXES. A. Contractor agrees to timely pay all sales and use tax (including any value added or gross receipts tax imposed similar to a sales and use tax) imposed by any federal, state or local taxing authority on the ultimate purchase price of the Goods provided under this Agreement.
B. Contractor will withhold, and require its subcontractors, where applicable, to withhold all required taxes and contributions of any federal, state or local taxing authority which is measured by wages, salaries or other remuneration of its employees or the employees of its subcontractors. Contractor will deposit, or cause to be deposited, in a timely manner with the appropriate taxing authorities all amounts required to be withheld.
C. All other taxes, however denominated or measured, imposed upon the price of the Goods provided hereunder, will be the responsibility of Contractor. In addition, all taxes assessed by any taxing jurisdiction based on Contractor property used or consumed in the provision of the Goods such as and including ad valorem, use, personal property and inventory taxes will be the responsibility of Contractor.
D. Contractor will, upon written request, submit to City written evidence of any filings or payments of all taxes required to be paid by Contractor hereunder.
Section 9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. Contractor enters into this Agreement as an independent contractor and not as an employee of City.
Contractor shall have no power or authority by this Agreement to bind City in any respect. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to be inconsistent with this relationship or status. All employees, agents, contractors or subcontractors hired or retained by the Contractor are employees, agents, contractors or subcontractors of the Contractor and not of City. City shall not be obligated in any way to pay any wage claims or other claims made against Contractor by any such employees, agents, contractors or subcontractors or any other person resulting from performance of this Agreement.
Section 10. SUBCONTRACTS. Unless otherwise specified, Contractor must obtain City’s written permission before subcontracting any portion of the Goods. Except for the insurance requirements in Section 12.A, all subcontracts and orders for the purchase or rental of supplies, materials or equipment, or any other part of the Goods, will require that the subcontractor be bound by and subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Agreement. No subcontract or order will relieve Contractor from its obligations to City, including, but not limited to Contractor’s insurance and indemnification obligations. No subcontract or order will bind City.
Section 11. TITLE AND RISK OF LOSS. Unless otherwise agreed, City will have title to, and risk of loss of, all completed and partially completed portions of the Goods upon delivery, as well as materials delivered to and stored on City property which are 23 23 of 513
intended to become a part of the Goods. However, Contractor will be liable for any loss or damage to the Goods and/or the materials caused by Contractor or its subcontractors, their agents or employees, and Contractor will replace or repair said Goods or materials at its own cost to the complete satisfaction of City. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the City has paid Contractor for all or a portion of the Goods which remains in the possession of Contractor, then City shall have title to, and the right to take possession of, such Goods at any time following payment therefor. Risk of loss for any Goods which remains in the possession of Contractor shall remain with Contractor until such Goods has been delivered or City has taken possession thereof. Contractor will have risk of loss or damage to Contractor’s property used in the construction of the Goods but which does not become a part of the Goods.
Section 12. INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY A. Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees, volunteers and agents free and harmless from any and all third-party claims, demands, causes of action, costs, expenses, liability, loss, damage or injury, in law or equity, to property or persons, including wrongful death, resulting from the negligence or willful misconduct of Contractor, its officials, officers, employees, agents, subcontractors and subconsultants arising out of or in connection with the Goods or the performance of this Agreement, including without limitation the payment of all reasonable attorneys’ fees and other related costs and expenses except such loss or damage which was caused by the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City. Contractor’s obligations in this section shall subject to the following conditions: (i) City promptly notifies Contractor of any third-party claim hereunder; (ii) City provides reasonable cooperation in the defense of any claim hereunder and (iii) City takes all reasonable measures to mitigate the damages.
TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE FOR ANY
INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR
DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, DATA, OR USE, INCURRED BY EITHER PARTY OR ANY
THIRD PARTY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION IN CONTRACT, TORT, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE (ANY
LEGAL THEORY), EVEN IF THE OTHER PARTY OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW AND EXCEPT IN THE EVENT OF CONTRACTOR’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, CONTRACTOR’S ENTIRE LIABILITY EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR
DAMAGES FROM ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, NONPERFORMANCE
OR MISREPRESENTATION, AND REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTIONS, SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE
AMOUNT WHICH HAS BEEN ACTUALLY PAID TO CONTRACTOR BY CITY HEREUNDER IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE DATE OF THE CLAIM.
B. Contractor’s defense obligation for any and all such aforesaid suits, actions or other legal proceedings of every kind that may be brought or instituted against the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, or volunteers shall be at Contractor’s own cost, expense, and risk. Contractor shall pay and satisfy any judgment, award, or decree that may be rendered against City or its officials, officers, employees, agents, or volunteers, in any such suit, action, or other legal proceeding. Contractor shall reimburse City and its officials, officers, employees, agents, and/or volunteers, for any and all legal expenses and costs incurred by each of them in connection therewith or in enforcing the indemnity herein provided.
C. Contractor’s obligation to indemnify shall not be restricted to insurance proceeds, if any, received by the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents or volunteers.
Section 13. INSURANCE. A. General. Contractor shall take out and maintain:
1. Commercial General Liability Insurance, of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence/ $2,000,000 aggregate for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage, at least as broad as Insurance Services Office Commercial General Liability most recent Occurrence Form CG 00 01;
2. Automobile Liability Insurance for bodily injury and property damage including coverage for owned, non-owned and hired vehicles, of at least $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property 24 24 of 513
damage, at least as broad as most recent Insurance Services Office Form Number CA 00 01 covering automobile liability, Code 1 (any auto);
3. Workers’ Compensation in compliance with applicable statutory requirements and Employer's Liability Coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence; and
4. If Contractor is also the manufacturer of any equipment included in the Goods, Contractor shall carry Product Liability and/or Errors and Omissions Insurance which covers said equipment with limits of not less than $1,000,000.
B. Additional Insured; Primary; Waiver of Subrogation; No Limitation on Coverage. The policies required under this Section shall give City, its officials, officers, employees, agents or volunteers additional insured status. Such policies shall contain a provision stating that Contractor’s policy is primary insurance and that any insurance, self-insurance or other coverage maintained by the City or any additional insureds shall not be called upon to contribute to any loss, and shall contain or be endorsed with a waiver of subrogation in favor of the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers. The limits set forth herein shall apply separately to each insured against whom claims are made or suits are brought, except with respect to the limits of liability.
Requirements of specific coverage or limits contained in this section are not intended as a limitation on coverage, limits, or other requirement, or a waiver of any coverage normally provided by any insurance. Any available coverage shall be provided to the parties required to be named as additional insured pursuant to this Agreement.
C. Insurance Carrier. All insurance required under this Section is to be placed with insurers with a current A.M. Best’s rating no less than A-:VII, licensed to do business in California, and satisfactory to the City.
D. Evidence of Insurance. Contractor shall furnish City with original certificates of insurance and endorsements effecting coverage required by the Agreement. The certificates and endorsements for each insurance policy shall be signed by a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf, and shall be on forms supplied or approved by the City. All certificates and endorsements must be received and approved by the City before delivery commences. The City reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, at any time.
E. Subcontractors. All subcontractors shall meet the requirements of this Section before commencing work. In addition, Contractor shall include all subcontractors as insureds under its policies or shall furnish separate certificates and endorsements for each subcontractor. All coverages for subcontractors shall be subject to all of the requirements stated herein.
F. Freight. Contractor shall ensure that third party shippers contracted by Contractor have adequate insurance coverage for the shipped Goods.
Section 14. LIENS. A. Contractor, subcontractors and suppliers will not make, file or maintain a mechanic’s or other lien or claim of any kind or character against the Goods, for or on account of any labor, materials, fixtures, tools, machinery, equipment, or any other things furnished, or any other work done or performance given under, arising out of, or in any manner connected with the Agreement (such liens or claims referred to as “Claims”); and Contractor, subcontractor and suppliers expressly waive and relinquish any and all rights which they now have, or may subsequently acquire, to file or maintain any Claim and Contractor, subcontractor and suppliers agree that this provision waiving the right of Claims will be an independent covenant.
B. Contractor will save and hold City harmless from and against any and all Claims that may be filed by a subcontractor, supplier or any other person or entity and Contractor will, at its own expense, defend any and all actions based upon such Claims and will pay all charges of attorneys and all costs and other expenses arising from such Claims.
Section 15. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT BY CITY. A. Should Contractor at any time refuse or fail to deliver the Goods with promptness and diligence, or to perform any of its other obligations under the Agreement, City may terminate Contractor’s right to proceed with the delivery of the Goods by written notice to Contractor
25. In such event City may obtain the Goods by whatever 25 of 513
method it may deem expedient, including the hiring of another contractor or other contractors and, for that purpose, may take possession of all materials, machinery, equipment, tools and appliances and exercise all rights, options and privileges of Contractor. In such case Contractor will not be entitled to receive any further payments until the Goods are delivered. If City’s cost of obtaining the Goods, including compensation for additional managerial and administrative services, will exceed the unpaid balance of the Agreement, Contractor will be liable for and will pay the difference to City.
B. City may, for its own convenience, terminate Contractor’s right to proceed with the delivery of any portion or all of the Goods by written notice to Contractor. Such termination will be effective in the manner specified in such notice, will be without prejudice to any claims which City may have against Contractor, and will not affect the obligations and duties of Contractor under the Agreement with respect to portions of the Goods not terminated.
C. On receipt of notice under Section 15.B, Contractor will, with respect to the portion of the Goods terminated, unless the notice states otherwise,
1. Immediately discontinue such portion of the Goods and the placing of orders for materials, facilities, and supplies in connection with the Goods,
2. Unless otherwise directed by City, make every reasonable effort to procure cancellation of all existing orders or contracts upon terms satisfactory to City; and
3. Deliver only such portions of the Goods which City deems necessary to preserve and protect those portions of the Goods already in progress and to protect material, plant and equipment at the Goods site or in transit to the Goods site.
D. In the event of any early termination of this Agreement or any statement of work, City shall pay Contractor all sums due Contractor hereunder and under any outstanding statement of work prior to such termination, including without limitation: (a) all amounts that have been previously invoiced; (b) all fees for Services performed up to the date of termination that have not previously been invoiced (it being understood and agreed that, if Services are being charged on a flat fee basis, Contractor will be entitled to a pro rata portion of the flat fee based on the portion of the Services completed) and all pre-approved expenses incurred in the provision of such Services which have not yet been reimbursed; (c) all hardware and/or software products ordered, and (d) all amounts that Contractor may have paid or be required to pay to original equipment manufacturers, subcontractors or other third party vendors for Services performed through the effective date of termination and any early termination penalties incurred by Contractor to such third parties as a result thereof.
Section 16. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. A. Delivery of Notices. All notices permitted or required under this Agreement shall be given to the respective parties at the following address or at such other address as the respective parties may provide in writing for this purpose:
CITY:
City of Laguna Beach
505 Forest Avenue
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Attn: Jerry Soto, IT Department
CONTRACTOR:
Presidio
5000 Hopyard Road, Suite 188
Pleasonton, CA 95488
Chris Sanchez, Sales
CC: [email protected]
Such notice shall be deemed made when personally delivered or when mailed, forty-eight (48) hours after 26 26 of 513
deposit in the U.S. Mail, first class postage prepaid and addressed to the party at its applicable address. Actual notice shall be deemed adequate notice on the date actual notice occurred, regardless of the method of service.
B. Assignment or Transfer. Contractor shall not assign or transfer any interest in this Agreement whether by assignment or novation, without the prior written consent of the City, which will not be unreasonably withheld. Provided, however, that claims for money due or to become due Contractor from the City under this Agreement may be assigned to a financial institution or to a trustee in bankruptcy, without such approval. Notice of any assignment or transfer, whether voluntary or involuntary, shall be furnished promptly to the City.
C. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding on the successors and assigns of the Parties.
D. Amendment; Modification. No supplement, modification, or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing and signed by both Parties.
E. Waiver. No waiver of any default shall constitute a waiver of any other default or breach, whether of the same or other covenant or condition. No waiver, benefit, privilege, or service voluntarily given or performed by a Party shall give the other Party any contractual rights by custom, estoppel or otherwise.
F. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. Venue shall be in Orange County.
G. Interpretation. Since the Parties or their agents have participated fully in the preparation of this Agreement, the language of this Agreement shall be construed simply, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against any Party.
H. No Third Party Beneficiaries. There are no intended third party beneficiaries of any right or obligation assumed by the Parties.
I. Authority to Enter Agreement. Each Party warrants that the individuals who have signed this Agreement have the legal power, right and authority to make this Agreement and bind each respective Party.
J. Invalidity; Severability. If any portion of this Agreement is declared invalid, illegal, or otherwise unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
K. Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original.
L. City’s Right to Employ Other Contractors. City reserves its right to employ other contractors in connection with the Goods.
M. Labor Code Compliance. Contractor is aware of the requirements of California Labor Code Sections 1720 et seq. and 1770 et seq. (“Prevailing Wage Laws”), which require the payment of prevailing wage rates and the performance of other requirements on certain "public works" and "maintenance" projects. If any work performed by Contractor under this Agreement is being performed as part of an applicable "public works" or "maintenance" project, as defined by the Prevailing Wage Laws, and if the total compensation is $1,000 or more, Contractor agrees to fully comply with such Prevailing Wage Laws. Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold City, its officials, officers, employees and agents free and harmless from any claims, liabilities, costs, penalties or interest arising out of any failure or alleged failure to comply with the Prevailing Wage Laws. Any stop orders issued by the Department of Industrial Relations against Contractor or any subcontractor that affect Contractor’s performance of any part of this Agreement, including any delay, shall be Contractor’s sole responsibility and Contractor shall indemnify City from liability arising out of the same. It shall be mandatory upon the Contractor and all subcontractors to comply with all California Labor Code provisions, which include but are not limited to prevailing wages (Labor Code Sections 1771, 1774 and 1775), employment of apprentices (Labor Code Section 1777.5), certified payroll records (Labor Code Sections 1771.4 and 1776), hours of labor (Labor Code Sections 1813 and 1815), contractor registration (Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1) and debarment of contractors and subcontractors (Labor Code Sections 1777.1). The requirement to submit certified payroll records directly to the Labor Commissioner under Labor Code section 1771.4 and to be registered with the Department of Industrial 27 27 of 513
Relations shall not apply to work performed on a public works project that is exempt pursuant to the small project exemption specified in Labor Code Sections 1771.4, 1725.5 and 1771.1.
N. Installation. If the Contractor is responsible for providing installation services, finished installation work and/or equipment shall be subject to final inspection and acceptance or rejection by the City. Damage to City or public facilities or private property caused by the Contractor or by its subcontractors during delivery or installation shall be repaired and/or replaced in kind at no cost to the City. The delivery and installation site shall be kept clean and free of hazards at all times during delivery and installation. After installation is completed at the site, as applicable, Contractor shall clean the surrounding area to the condition prior to delivery and installation.
O. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties relative to the Goods specified herein. There are no understandings, agreements, conditions, representations, warranties or promises with respect to this Agreement, except those contained in or referred to in the writing. [SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
28 28 of 513
SIGNATURE PAGE FOR GOODS PURCHASE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
AND PRESIDIO NETWORKED SOLUTIONS GROUP, LLC
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
Approved By:
Dave Kiff
City Manager
Date
Attested By:
City Clerk
Approved As To Form:
City Attorney
PRESIDIO
Signature
Name
Title
Date
29 29 of 513
EXHIBIT “A”
GOODS SPECIFICATIONS AND COST
# Part # Description List Price Unit Price Qty Discount Tax Ext List Price Ext Price 1 LC2-SM-1M-ENC LC-LC 1M 9/125 OS1
SINGLE-MODE DUPLEX
$31.99 $15.61 10 51.21% $12.10 $319.90 $156.10
2 LC2-SM-3M-ENC LC-LC 3M 9/125 OS1
SINGLE-MODE DUPLEX
$33.99 $16.77 10 50.67% $13.00 $339.90 $167.70
3 LC2-SM-5M-ENC LC-LC 5M 9/125 OS1
SINGLE-MODE DUPLEX
$36.99 $17.89 10 51.64% $13.86 $369.90 $178.90
4 LC2-SM-7M-ENC LC-LC 7M 9/125 OS1
SINGLE-MODE DUPLEX
$38.99 $19.21 10 50.74% $14.89 $389.90 $192.10
5 PS-SVC-MN-TM Professional Services -
Modern Networks - Time &
Materials
Task: - $0.00 $215.38 40.0000 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $8,615.20 Cisco
C9300X-48HX-A
6 C9300X-48HX-A Catalyst 9300 48-port
mGig UPoE+, Network
Advantage
$17,660.36 $7,505.65 9 57.50% $5,235.18 $158,943.24 $67,550.85 7 C9300-NW-A-48 C9300 Network
Advantage, 48-port license
$0.00 $0.00 9 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
8 PWR-C1-1100WAC-P 1100W AC 80+ platinum
Config 1 Power Supply
$0.00 $0.00 9 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
9 CAB-TA-NA North America AC Type A
Power Cable
$0.00 $0.00 9 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
10 TE-C9K-SW TE agent for IOSXE on
C9K
$0.00 $0.00 9 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
11 C9300-DNA-A-48 C9300 DNA Advantage,
48-Port Term Licenses
$0.00 $0.00 9 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
12 C9300-DNA-A-48-3Y C9300 DNA Advantage,
48-Port, 3 Year Term
License
$4,459.48 $2,475.01 9 44.50% $0.00 $40,135.32 $22,275.09 13 TE-EMBEDDED-T Cisco ThousandEyes
Enterprise Agent IBN
Embedded
$0.00 $0.00 9 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
14 TE-EMBEDDED-T-3Y ThousandEyes -
Enterprise Agents
$0.00 $0.00 9 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
30 30 of 513
15 D-DNAS-EXT-S-T Cisco DNA Spaces Extend
Term License for Catalyst
Switches
$0.00 $0.00 9 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
16 D-DNAS-EXT-S-3Y Cisco DNA Spaces Extend
for Catalyst Switching -
3Year
$0.00 $0.00 9 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
17 NETWORK-PNP-LIC Network Plug-n-Play
Connect for zero-touch
device deployment
$0.00 $0.00 9 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
18 SC9300UK9-1712 Cisco Catalyst 9300 XE
17.12 UNIVERSAL
$0.00 $0.00 9 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
19 C9300-SPS-NONE No Secondary Power
Supply Selected
$0.00 $0.00 9 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
20 C9300-SSD-NONE No SSD Card Selected $0.00 $0.00 9 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 21 C9K-ACC-RBFT RUBBER FEET FOR
TABLE TOP SETUP 9200
and 93xx
$0.00 $0.00 9 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
22 C9K-ACC-SCR-4 12-24 and 10-32
SCREWS FOR RACK
INSTALLATION, QTY 4
$0.00 $0.00 9 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
23 CAB-GUIDE-1RU 1RU CABLE
MANAGEMENT GUIDES
9200 and 9300
$0.00 $0.00 9 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
24 CAB-SPWR-150CM Catalyst Stack Power
Cable 150 CM - Upgrade
$118.29 $65.65 9 44.50% $45.79 $1,064.61 $590.85
25 C9300X-NM-BLANK Catalyst 9300 Network
Module Blank Module
$0.00 $0.00 9 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
26 C9300X-NM-NONE Catalyst 9300 No-Network
Module Selection
$0.00 $0.00 9 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
27 STACK-T1-3M 3M Type 1 Stacking Cable $354.87 $196.95 9 44.50% $137.37 $3,193.83 $1,772.55 28 CON-SNTP-C9300XY4 SNTC-24X7X4 Catalyst
9300 48-port mGig
UPoE+, Networ
$5,520.00 $4,250.40 9
for 36 mo(s)
23.00% $0.00 $49,680.00 $38,253.60
C9300X-48HX-A
Total: $130,442.94
29 C9300X-48HX-A Catalyst 9300 48-port
mGig UPoE+, Network
Advantage
$17,660.36 $7,505.65 4 57.50% $2,326.75 $70,641.44 $30,022.60 30 C9300-DNA-A-48 C9300 DNA Advantage,
48-Port Term Licenses
$0.00 $0.00 4 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
31 C9300-DNA-A-48-3Y C9300 DNA Advantage,
48-Port, 3 Year Term
License
$4,459.48 $2,475.01 4 44.50% $0.00 $17,837.92 $9,900.04 32 TE-EMBEDDED-T Cisco ThousandEyes
Enterprise Agent IBN
Embedded
$0.00 $0.00 4 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
33 TE-EMBEDDED-T-3Y ThousandEyes -
Enterprise Agents
$0.00 $0.00 4 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
34 D-DNAS-EXT-S-T Cisco DNA Spaces Extend
Term License for Catalyst
Switches
$0.00 $0.00 4 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
35 D-DNAS-EXT-S-3Y Cisco DNA Spaces Extend
for Catalyst Switching -
3Year
$0.00 $0.00 4 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
36 C9300-NW-A-48 C9300 Network
Advantage, 48-port license
$0.00 $0.00 4 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
37 PWR-C1-1100WAC-P 1100W AC 80+ platinum
Config 1 Power Supply
$0.00 $0.00 4 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
38 CAB-TA-NA North America AC Type A
Power Cable
$0.00 $0.00 4 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
39 TE-C9K-SW TE agent for IOSXE on
C9K
$0.00 $0.00 4 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
31 31 of 513
40 NETWORK-PNP-LIC Network Plug-n-Play
Connect for zero-touch
device deployment
$0.00 $0.00 4 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
41 SC9300UK9-1712 Cisco Catalyst 9300 XE
17.12 UNIVERSAL
$0.00 $0.00 4 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
42 C9300-SPS-NONE No Secondary Power
Supply Selected
$0.00 $0.00 4 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
43 C9300-SSD-NONE No SSD Card Selected $0.00 $0.00 4 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 44 C9K-ACC-RBFT RUBBER FEET FOR
TABLE TOP SETUP 9200
and 93xx
$0.00 $0.00 4 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
45 C9K-ACC-SCR-4 12-24 and 10-32
SCREWS FOR RACK
INSTALLATION, QTY 4
$0.00 $0.00 4 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
46 CAB-GUIDE-1RU 1RU CABLE
MANAGEMENT GUIDES
9200 and 9300
$0.00 $0.00 4 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
47 CAB-SPWR-150CM Catalyst Stack Power
Cable 150 CM - Upgrade
$118.29 $65.65 4 44.50% $20.36 $473.16 $262.60
48 C9300X-NM-BLANK Catalyst 9300 Network
Module Blank Module
$0.00 $0.00 4 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
49 C9300X-NM-NONE Catalyst 9300 No-Network
Module Selection
$0.00 $0.00 4 0.00% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
50 STACK-T1-1M 1M Type 1 Stacking Cable $236.58 $131.30 4 44.50% $40.70 $946.32 $525.20 51 CON-SNTP-C9300XY4 SNTC-24X7X4 Catalyst
9300 48-port mGig
UPoE+, Networ
$5,520.00 $4,250.40 4
for 36 mo(s)
23.00% $0.00 $22,080.00 $17,001.60
Total: $57,712.04
C9300X-NM-8Y=
52 C9300X-NM-8Y= Catalyst 9300 8 x
10G/25G Network Module
SFP+/SFP28
$3,016.36 $1,674.08 8 44.50% $1,037.93 $24,130.88 $13,392.64 Total: $13,392.64
SFP-10G-SR-S=
53 SFP-10G-SR-S= 10GBASE-SR SFP
Module, Enterprise-Class
$860.98 $279.82 8 67.50% $173.49 $6,887.84 $2,238.56
Total: $2,238.56
SFP-10G-T-X=
54 SFP-10G-T-X= 10GBASE-T SFP+
transceiver module for
Category 6A cables
$828.02 $293.95 4 64.50% $91.13 $3,312.08 $1,175.80
Total: $1,175.80
SFP-10G-AOC10M=
55 SFP-10G-AOC10M= 10GBASE Active Optical
SFP+ Cable, 10M
$347.57 $192.90 14 44.50% $209.30 $4,865.98 $2,700.60
Total: $2,700.60
SFP-10G-AOC5M=
56 SFP-10G-AOC5M= 10GBASE Active Optical
SFP+ Cable, 5M
$340.51 $188.98 14 44.50% $205.04 $4,767.14 $2,645.72
Total: $2,645.72
SFP-10G-LR-S=
57 SFP-10G-LR-S= 10GBASE-LR SFP
Module, Enterprise-Class
$2,458.75 $799.09 8 67.50% $495.43 $19,670.00 $6,392.72 Total: $6,392.72
GLC-TE=
58 GLC-TE= 1000BASE-T SFP
transceiver module for
Category 5 copper wire
$557.02 $214.45 14 61.50% $232.68 $7,798.28 $3,002.30
Total: $3,002.30
32 32 of 513
Total (Cisco) :$436,428.04 $219,703.32
***Any Tax & Freight Charges will be added/amended at time of billing. Sales tax and shipping are estimates and subject to change. VAT Disbursement and International duties are estimates. Clients will be billed back the actuals that are received in. Total List Price: $437,847.64 Sub Total: $229,013.32
Estimated Tax: $10,305.00
Grand Total: $239,318.32
THIS QUOTE IS GOVERNED BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF NAPSO VALUEPOINT CISCO CONTRACT AR3227 CALIFORNIA 7-20-70-47-01 QUOTE IS VALID FOR 30 DAYS FROM DATE SHOWN ABOVE.
PURSUANT TO THIS CONTRACT YOUR PO MUST REFLECT THE FOLLOWING CONTRACT:
NAPSO VALUEPOINT CISCO CONTRACT AR3227 CALIFORNIA 7-20-70-47-01 Tax ID# 76-0515249; Size Business: Large; CAGE Code: 639L4; DUNS#11-436-9671 Credit: Net 45 days (all credit terms subject to prior Presidio credit department approval) Delivery: FOB Terms Destination
33 33 of 513
EXHIBIT “B”
DELIVERY SCHEDULE
The goods will be estimated to arrive on November 30th, 2025. 34 34 of 513
EXHIBIT “C”
INVOICE AND PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS
I. INVOICE INSTRUCTIONS
A. Contractor’s name and address
B. Contractor’s remittance address if different from above C. Name of City Department
D. City Department’s Contract Number and/or Purchase Order (PO) Number must be referenced on all invoices
E. Order or Service Date
F. Product or Service Description
G. Contractor’s Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Employer’s Identification Number (EIN)
H. Total Amount Due (indicate if tax is included)
Contractor must provide an invoice on Contractor’s letterhead for goods delivered and/or services rendered. In the case of goods, Contractor must leave an invoice with each delivery.
Each invoice must have a number and must include the following information:
The responsibility for providing an acceptable invoice to City for payment rests with Contractor.
Incomplete or incorrect invoices are not acceptable and will be returned to Contractor for correction. City’s Project Manager, or designee, is responsible for approval of invoices and subsequent submittal of invoices to the City’s Accounts Payable/Finance Department.
II. PAYMENT TERMS
Invoices must be submitted to the user department to the ship-to address, unless otherwise directed in the Contract and/or PO. Contractor must reference Contract Number on invoice.
Payment will be Net Thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of an invoice in a format acceptable to the City of Laguna Beach and verified and approved by the department and subject to routine processing requirements.
Billing shall cover services not previously invoiced. Contractor must reimburse the City for any monies paid to Contractor for services not provided or when services do not meet the Contract requirements.
Payments made by City shall not preclude the right of City from thereafter disputing any items or services involved or billed under this Contract and shall not be constructed as acceptance of any part of the services.
III. ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER (EFT)
The City of Laguna Beach offers the option of receiving payment directly to their bank account via an Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) process in lieu of a check payment. Payment made via EFT will also receive an Electronic Remittance Advice with the payment details via e-mail. An email address will need to be provided to the City via an EFT Authorization Form. To request a form, please contact the City Department or the Finance Office. 35 35 of 513
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
September 23, 2025
BUSINESS
24 SUBJECT: CLARIFICATION OF FUEL MODIFICATION PROGRAM AND EMERGENT
INVASIVE SPECIES PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Allow for the management of species identified on the California Native Plant Society’s Emergent Invasive Species List for Orange County under the City’s Early Detection and Rapid Response program, with a preference for mechanical and manual removal first, but permitting targeted herbicide use if mechanical methods fail to achieve eradication; and
2. Extend the provisions of the adopted Fuel Modification Treatment Protocol addendum, including restrictions, and public notice requirements, to any herbicide use conducted as part of the Emergent Invasive Species Management program.
Appropriation: $0 Fund: N/A
Submitted By: Approved: David A Kiff
Jeremy Frimond, Assistant City
Manager
Dave Kiff, City Manager
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
At its August 12, 2025 meeting, the City Council approved a multi-year contract with Natures Image, Inc. for fuel modification services through December 31, 2028. The contract provides for a program that does not use herbicides for fuel modification work, limiting treatment within fuel modification zones to mechanical and manual removal methods. This agenda item for September 23, 2025 does not revisit the Council’s approval of that contract. The contract is underway today.
Separately, the City participates in a regional program led by the California Native Plant Society to eradicate emergent invasive plant species (EIPS) that occur in small populations but pose a significant risk to biodiversity. Staff recommends continuing participation in this program, with manual and mechanical removal as the preferred methods. If those methods are not sufficient, the City would retain the option to use herbicides consistent with the adopted treatment protocol addendum, with glyphosate reserved as a last resort. For scale, the EIPS program covers approximately one-third (1/3rd) of an acre across the City’s approximate 4,000 acres of managed wildland habitat.
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CLARIFICATION OF FUEL MODIFICATION SERVICES CONTRACT AND EMERGENT
INVASIVE SPECIES PROTOCOL
September 23, 2025
DISCUSSION
At its August 12, 2025 meeting, the City Council considered a proposed contract award for Fuel Modification Services and an addendum to the City’s certified Fuel Modification Treatment Protocol related to herbicide use. Following discussion, the Council voted 5-0 to authorize execution of Contract No. 25-71 with Natures Image, Inc. through December 31, 2028, for a fuel modification program that does not allow herbicide use as a treatment option for maintenance or new development. Fuel modification treatment will therefore be limited to mechanical or manual removal methods.
Separate from the City’s Fuel Modification Program, Laguna Beach participates in a regional effort led by the California Native Plant Society to eliminate emergent invasive plant species (EIPS). This program targets a defined list of nonnative species in Orange County that have very small populations but a high potential to cause significant environmental damage and biodiversity loss (Attachment 4, web link).
Because these populations remain limited, eradication is still feasible.
Emergent invasive plant species may colonize inside or outside of a fuel modification zone. Staff recommends that the City continue to treat these species when located on any City-owned property, consistent with the revised treatment protocol, anywhere in the wildland habitat, including fuel modification zones.
At the August 12 meeting, staff recommended prioritizing manual and mechanical removal methods even for EIPS. If those methods are not sufficient to contain the species, staff further recommended a protocol that retained the ability to use herbicide as a later/last resort to eliminate targeted species while populations remain manageable.
To aid in public understanding, staff prepared two flow charts illustrating the process for emergent invasive species: (1) Treatment Approach Flow Chart (Attachment 1), and (2) EIPS Species Management Flowchart (Attachment 2). The treatment approach is also summarized below.
Program Area: The emergent invasive species program in Laguna Beach covers approximately one-third of an acre, distributed across the City’s wildland habitat.
Treatment Approach: Emergent Invasive Plant Species removal would not be conducted by the City’s fuel modification contractor, Natures Image, even if included in a fuel modification zone.
The City follows a stepwise approach when addressing emergent invasive species:
Step 1 – Manual or Mechanical Removal
• Initial management relies on hand pulling, mowing, or other feasible treatment options such as covering the area with tarps to exclude sunlight.
• If the population continues to expand, or if eradication cannot be achieved with manual or mechanical methods alone, staff may escalate to herbicide application. 2 of 534
CLARIFICATION OF FUEL MODIFICATION SERVICES CONTRACT AND EMERGENT
INVASIVE SPECIES PROTOCOL
September 23, 2025
Step 2 – Targeted Herbicide Application
Herbicide use follows the City’s Herbicide Treatment Protocol Addendum (Attachment 3) and progresses through three stages:
Stage 1 Non-Proposition 65 herbicides, EPA Level III herbicides, or organic herbicides.
Stage 2 Proposition 65 and/or EPA Level II herbicides.
Stage 3 EPA Level I herbicides, including glyphosate. Glyphosate is reserved as a last resort and applied only when other treatments (including Level II and III herbicides) have proven ineffective.
Escalation Criteria
• Escalation to the next stage occurs if the previous method does not achieve effective containment or eradication, as demonstrated by monitoring results showing continued spread or regrowth. • Staff will also consider site-specific conditions, potential environmental impacts, and best management practices before advancing to the next stage.
Evaluation of Success in Containing Emergent Invasive Species The management of emergent invasive species is measured over defined time periods. Once a population is identified, either the number of plants is counted or the percent coverage within a specified area is calculated. The target species is then treated through mechanical or chemical means. Follow-up evaluations determine whether regrowth occurs and whether the number of plants or coverage has increased or decreased.
If coverage decreases, additional rounds of the same treatment method are applied. If coverage increases, management escalates to the next treatment phase as outlined in the program flow chart, which includes the use of specific herbicides. Glyphosate is reserved as the final treatment option, applied only after all preceding steps have proven ineffective.
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
The recommended action has no financial impact to the budget.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
This addendum narrows the scope of authorized treatment practices, the City has determined that this amendment does not trigger recertification under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or require a new CDP.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Treatment Approach Flow Chart (Pg. 5)
2. EIPS Species Management Flowchart (Pg. 6)
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CLARIFICATION OF FUEL MODIFICATION SERVICES CONTRACT AND EMERGENT
INVASIVE SPECIES PROTOCOL
September 23, 2025
3. Adopted Treatment Protocol Addendum (Pgs. 7-21)
4. Invasive Species List - https://chapters.cnps.org/oc/2024/12/23/2025-oc-emergent-invasive-plant-list/ Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Jeremy Frimond, Assistant City Manager
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Is the land owned
by the City? No Action Required. City may notify property owner if EIPs listed species Does it involve the
eradication of an Emergent
Invasive Species?
Attempt mechanical removal first, then herbicide per
Treatment Protocol and Invasive Species Management
Flowchart (fuel mod contractor, Natures Image, is not
involved in this process)
Are Fire Safety
Standards Being
Met?
Use non-herbicide
protocols per Natures
Image Contract
(mechanical, manual
Removal)
It’s subject to Public
Works Usual nonglyphosate
maintenance
Is it regular
maintenance of a
fuel mod zone?
Staff will return to Council to
consider adjustments to
maintenance protocols and
contract
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Treatment Approach Flow Chart
Attachment 1
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EIPS Species Management Flowchart
Is the species an
EDRR Species1?
● Proceed with manual/mechanical treatment
● Monitor to ensure fire safety and
environmental goals are achieved
NO
Have manual or mechanical treatment
options been tested?
YES
Are treatments achieving 100%
control of the Species?
● Complete manual/mechanical control trials,
consider the ecology of the species and
treatment delay costs/risks2, 3
● Consult with UC Agriculture and Natural
Resources (UCANR)
● EDRR treatment goal is 100% control
● If manual/mechanical treatment trials are
determined to be too high risk, proceed to
targeted herbicide application
Are manual/mechanical treatments achieving
100% control of the species?
Targeted herbicide application
YES
No
Requirements prior to herbicide use
● Public notifications
● Property owner permission
● Pest Control Advisor recommendation
● Annual Pesticide Handler Training for all
applicators
● Work must be supervised by a Licensed
Qualified Applicator (QAL)
● No rain forecasted within 24 hours
● Wind may not exceed 10 MPH
● Herbicide shall not be used within 100 feet of
schools or childcare facilities4
● Herbicide shall not be used within 50 feet of
parks, public streets, waterways or trails4
Can all requirements be met?
YES
No
Proceed with non-Prop 65, EPA Level III
herbicides or organic herbicides3
If control is less than 100% for EDRR Species continue to next step
YES
Proceed with Prop 65 and/or EPA Level II
herbicides3
If control is less than 100% for EDRR Species) continue to next step
Proceed with EPA Level I herbicides
May only be used if all other options proved
ineffective
1 Early-Detection-Rapid-Response (EDRR) Species as defined by the current Orange County Chapter of California Native Plant Society Emergent Invasive Plants list
2 Manual/mechanical treatment may be deemed infeasible due to limited site access, worker safety, or prohibitive costs 3 It is permissible to bypass treatment option steps if they have been clearly documented as ineffective by credible sources (e.g. OC Parks, UCANR, NCC) 4 Approval from CIty Council, following a public meeting, must be granted prior to any herbicide use within an exclusion zone PLEASE REFER TO ‘ADDENDUM TO THE LAGUNA BEACH FUEL MODIFICATION TREATMENT PROTOCOL’ FOR COMPLETE GUIDELINES.
ALL LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS MUST BE STRICTLY ADHERED TO.
NO
NO
YES
Attachment 2
6 6 of 534
Addendum to The Laguna Beach
Fuel Modification Treatment Protocol:
Targeted Herbicide Application Limited to Orange County California Native Plant Society Emergent Invasive Plant Species Background
On August 12, 2025, the City Council awarded a new fuel modification contract through 2028.
Under this contract, herbicides will not be used for routine maintenance or for the creation of new zones. Instead, the City will continue using only mechanical and manual methods such as mowing, trimming, or hand-pulling plants.
Separately, Laguna Beach also participates in the California Native Plant Society’s Emergent Invasive Plant Species Program, which is a regional effort to eliminate certain invasive plants before they become established. Although this program is not part of the City’s fuel modification work, the treatment protocol outlined in the City’s addendum would apply citywide and not only within Fuel Modification Zones. In those cases, herbicide would be used only as a last resort if mechanical removal does not work, and it would be applied in a highly targeted and carefully regulated manner as outlined in this addendum.
Control Mandates
1. Reduction of Fire Behavior Potential
Fuel modification treatment shall achieve an average 75% reduction in potential wildfire fireline intensity, as measured by flame length and rate of spread. In general, a 50% reduction in fuel loading and continuity will meet this objective (see Fuel Modification Impacts to Potential Fire Behavior – A Case Study for the City of Laguna Beach, Rohde, 2017; Catastrophic Wildfire Assessment – City of Laguna Beach, Franklin, 2013). Fuel treatments must disrupt the continuity and trajectory of wildfire spread.
2. Habitat Protection via Targeted Invasive Species Control The program shall also protect native habitat by removing invasive plant species listed on the Orange County California Native Plant Society’s EIPS list. These species have the potential to displace native vegetation, alter soil conditions, elevate fire risk, and/or degrade habitat quality.
Primary treatment shall rely on manual or mechanical removal. Herbicide may be used only when alternative methods fail to achieve 100% control. When used, herbicide must be species-specific, narrowly applied, and carefully managed to avoid harm to native species or ecological functions.
Invasive species removal shall align with long-term habitat recovery objectives, including passive recolonization or active restoration as necessary. Adaptive management and monitoring will guide treatment efficacy and future maintenance decisions to ensure the program benefits high- and very-high-value habitat areas.
Attachment 3
7 7 of 534
Standards for Targeted Herbicide Application
Herbicide shall only be used to control plant species listed on the EIPS list. Targeted application methods are limited to:
• Targeted foliar application using backpack sprayers with focused nozzles on individual plants or dense patches.
• Cut-stump treatment, where herbicide is applied directly to the freshly cut surfaces of shrubs or trees.
• Wick or dauber application, in which herbicide is directly wiped onto plant tissue.
Herbicide must only be used for the complete eradication of EIPS-listed species. The EIPS list, incorporated by reference in Appendix 1, is subject to change based on evolving science, regional monitoring, or regulatory guidance.
All applications must comply with the following:
• A licensed Pest Control Advisor (PCA) must issue a written recommendation prior to application.
• A Qualified Applicator (QAL), certified by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, must supervise the application.
• All personnel engaged in herbicide application or handling are required to complete Pesticide Handler SafetyTraining as mandated by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation annually.
• Only products registered for use in California may be applied, and only in accordance with EPA labeling, site-specific recommendations, and applicable laws.
Application records must include the chemical used, concentration, method of application, total area treated, weather conditions, and any observed impacts to non-target species. These records shall be included in the City’s annual fuel modification report and submitted to regulatory agencies, as required.
Herbicide Exclusionary Zones
The City of Laguna Beach shall establish and enforce exclusionary zones within fuel modification areas where herbicide prohibited unless authorized under the Exceptions to Exclusionary Zones provision. The following zones shall apply:
1. Trails
A minimum buffer of 30 feet shall be maintained between any herbicide application within a fuel modification zone and the edge of any publicly accessible and legally designated hiking or recreational trail.
2. Schools and Childcare Facilities
8 8 of 534
A minimum buffer of 100 feet shall be maintained between any herbicide application within a fuel modification zone and the property line of any public or private school or licensed childcare facility.
3. Parks
A minimum buffer of 50 feet shall be maintained between any herbicide application within a fuel modification zone and the boundary of any public park.
4. Streetways
A minimum buffer of 50 feet shall be maintained between any herbicide application within a fuel modification zone and the edge of any public street or right-of-way.
5. Waterway and Streams
A minimum buffer of 50 feet shall be maintained between any herbicide application within a fuel modification zone and the edge of any waterway or stream.
Vegetation management within these areas shall be limited to non-chemical methods, including but not limited to manual removal, mechanical treatment, and grazing.
Contractors and licensed applicators shall be informed of these exclusionary zones prior to initiating work.
Exceptions to Exclusionary Zones
While mechanical treatment will remain the primary method for addressing EIPS-listed species, certain plants may require targeted herbicide application for eradication. In most cases, the Orange County California Native Plant Society provides a treatment protocol to contain newly introduced species. Upon identification of an EIPS-listed species within an exclusionary zone, staff will present a treatment plan for the affected area to the City Council at a publicly noticed meeting and seek authorization to proceed if herbicide is recommended.
Private Property Opt-Out Procedure
Private property owners within or adjacent to a Fuel Modification Zone may formally request exclusion from herbicide application on their property. The City shall honor such requests provided the property owner submits a written opt-out request prior to scheduled treatment.
If the property owner does not maintain invasive species to the City's performance standard, the City reserves the right to initiate weed abatement notice which is subject to regulatory requirements outlined in the Laguna Beach Municipal Code.
Weather Restrictions
Herbicide shall not be applied under the following conditions:
• Wind speeds exceed 10 miles per hour;
9 9 of 534
• Rainfall is occurring or greater than ½ inch is forecast with a probability exceeding 30 percent chance within 72 hours;
• Soil saturation or runoff conditions exist that could result in surface water transport of the compound.
Public Notice Requirements
Prior to herbicide application, the City shall:
• Post notice on-site at least one week in advance;
• Notify adjacent properties by posting, door hanger, or mailed notice at least one week in advance.
Each notice shall include:
• Proposed date and time of application;
• Name and type of herbicide;
• Brief statement of purpose;
• Contact information for the City representative overseeing the application.
Documentation and Reporting
Each herbicide application shall be recorded in a treatment log, including:
• Date, time, and location;
• Name and concentration of herbicide;
• Name and license number of the applicator;
• Application method;
• Weather conditions;
• Observations on effectiveness and off-target impacts.
These records shall be submitted as part of the City’s annual fuel modification report to regulatory agencies, as required.
10 10 of 534
Appendix 1 –
Orange County California Native Plant Society Emergent Invasive Plant Species List Low score = greater invasive threat
This is current as of August 12, 2025, and is subject to change. A current list will be posted on the City’s website as changes occur.
Scientific Name Common Name Score
Brassica fruticulosa Mediterranean cabbage 1.21
Galenia pubescens Coastal galenia 1.31
Cenchrus longispinus Mat sandbur 1.64
Osteospermum
calendulaceum
Stinking Roger 1.64
Cenchrus echinatus Southern sandbur 1.71
Elymus ponticus Tall wheat grass 1.79
Volutaria tubuliflora North African knapweed 1.86
Chrysanthemoides
monilifera
Bitou bush 2.00
Hypericum canariense Canary Island St. John's wort 2.36 Senecio angustifolius Bitterbos 2.36
Centaurea diluta Spotted knapweed 2.50
Parthenium hysterophorus Santa Maria feverfew 2.57
Dipogon lignosus Okie bean 2.64
Centaurea solstitialis Yellow starthistle 2.71
Rubus armeniacus Himalayan blackberry 3.00
Euphorbia terracina Geralton carnation weed 3.07
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Treatment Protocols for Fuel Modification Zones
Subject to Coastal Development Permitting
May
1 The intent of this protocol is to define City procedures for achieving compliance with the California Coastal Act, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), regulation of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other agencies regarding fuel modification in zones requiring a Coastal Development Permit.
Fuel Modification Zones (FMZ’s) are managed by the City of Laguna Beach under two different approaches;
a. Public Nuisance Abatement sites – Those legacy sites which have a history of long-term grazing disturbance. These sites and their associated management by goat grazing predate the adoption of the Coastal Act and has been judged by the State Attorney General as exempt from the act as a pre-existing condition. This generally refers to sites grazed by goats in FMZ’s 1-10.
b. Coastal Development Permit sites- Those sites subject to the Coastal Act for which a Coastal Development Permit must be obtained for fuel modification. This treatment protocol guides fuel modification for these sites, which includes all zones currently maintained under Coastal Development Permits (FMZ’s 10-15, 23, 24, and 27), and all program expansion sites planned for future development.
Reduction of Fire Behavior Potential
The objective of any fuel modification treatment shall be to achieve at least an average 75% reduction in potential wildfire fire line intensity (energy release), as measured by flame length and rate of spread. In general, a 50% reduction of fuel loading and continuity, accomplished by the parameters of this protocol will achieve such a reduction. (Fuel Modification Impacts to Potential Fire Behavior- A Case Study for the City of Laguna Beach, Rohde, 2017, and Catastrophic Wildfire Assessment- City of Laguna Beach, Franklin, 2013). Fuels reduction shall be managed to accomplish reduction in fuels continuity and disrupt potential wildfire trajectory and intensity.
Treatment Area Determination:
Fuel Modification treatments will generally be limited to those areas that are within 100 feet of developed properties or structures. Treatments outside of these areas will be limited to removal of targeted invasives, general non-natives weeds control, or tree thinning and dead branch removal. Fuel modification outside of the 100-foot zone shall be conducted with intent to minimize impacts to adjacent intact habitats, serve as partial on-site mitigation for fuel modification impacts when required, or for prevention of fire branding over the fuel break.
Exceptions to the 100-foot clearance may include when topographic conditions may 12 12 of 534
Treatment Protocols for Fuel Modification Zones
Subject to Coastal Development Permitting
May
2 accentuate wildfire behavior such as in steep gullies which may “chimney” or accentuate fire effects towards development. Other cases may include where islands of native vegetation are retained as buffers for sensitive species within the fuel modification zone and allow fuel continuity to exist that would allow wildfire to transition readily through the zone. In these or similar conditions, the fuel modification width may be extended to 150-feet when required to mitigate expected fire behavior on structures above the site. Disruption of fuel continuity will be accomplished to limit fire movement within or through the Fuel Modification Zone and reduce crown fire spread.
The primary methods for vegetation management shall consist of grazing or hand crew modification. Other methods including mechanical mastication, prescribed burning, mass herbicide use, crushing, chaining, or other means of mechanical conversion have been generally eliminated from consideration for environmental or geological risk, topographic limitations for heavy equipment use, concern for contamination of water courses, lack of ability to manage fire or smoke impacts from prescribed fire, or social/political concerns.
Geotechnical Findings:
Proposed FMZ’s shall be evaluated by a qualified geologist for geologic stability and flood/debris movement potential. Treatment within areas determined to be geologically unstable in the geotechnical report may be modified, treated, or eliminated. Unstable sites may include historic landslide or debris flow areas, unstable soil or rock structure, or similar sites.
Archeological/Paleontological Findings:
Proposed FMZ’s shall be evaluated for archeological and paleontological resources in accordance with CEQA requirements. Such evaluation requires solicitation of tribal interests, survey of data sources for known resources, and site survey. Areas determined to have a presence of identified archaeological and/or paleontological resources may require fuels treatment to be modified or eliminated and shall require consultation with a certified archeologist/paleontologist.
Sensitive Species Protection:
For all Coastal Development Permit FMZ’s, a qualified biologist shall inspect proposed fuel modification sites for the presence of sensitive species prior to the initiation of work. If the presence of sensitive species is identified, a biologically trained environmental monitor shall be present at all times while work is conducted in the immediate vicinity of identified habitat to ensure no accidental takings occur, and sensitive species are protected. Crews conducting 13 13 of 534
Treatment Protocols for Fuel Modification Zones
Subject to Coastal Development Permitting
May
3 fuel modification work shall receive instruction and training in sensitive species management and avoidance prior to initiation of work.
Sensitive species include those identified in the California Endangered Species Act (CESA), the Native Plant Protection Act (NPPA), the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Natural Community Conservation Planning Act (NCCPA), California Penal Code Section 384a, or by Federal designation in the Endangered Species Act (F-ESA). Sensitive species shall not be disturbed by fuel modification activities.
Sensitive plant species of principal concern in Laguna Beach include:
1. Big-leaved Crownbeard (Verbesina dissita)
2. Intermediate Mariposa Lilly (Calochortus weedii var. intermedius)
3. Many-Stemmed Dudleya (Dudleya multicaulis)
4. Fish’s Milkwort (Polygala cornuta var. fishae)
5. Cliff Spurge (Euphorbia misera)
6. Catalina Mariposa Lily (Calochortus catalinae)
7. Coulter’s Matillija Poppy (Romneya coulteri)
8. Western Dichondra (Dichondraoccidentalis)
9. Laguna Beach Life-forever (Dudleya stolonifera)
10. Many-stemmed Dudleya (Dudleya multicaulus)
Whenever listed sensitive plant species are identified, they will be protected by establishing a flagged, 15-foot buffer around all specimens of the sensitive species, inside of which no material shall be initially removed. Such presence and limits shall be effectively communicated to project contractors. Based upon the species identified, its ecology and phenology, hand removal of non-native vegetation within the 15 foot buffer may be initiated at the direction of the biological monitor, if it is determined to be ecologically beneficial for the identified species.
For Big-Leaved Crownbeard (Verbesina dissita), the potential shading/nurse plant benefit of non-native shrubs would be considered before removing non- native shrubs with such a determination to be made by the biological monitor.
Nesting Birds
To avoid impacts to nesting and migratory birds, including the Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica), removal of vegetation should occur outside of nesting season (January 1 to August 31 in upland habitats) as much as is practicable. If work is conducted during nesting season, a qualified biologist will conduct a Nesting Bird Survey in the work area within 48 hours of the commencement of work. If any are found, a buffer zone will be flagged around the 14 14 of 534
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4 nesting site(s) in compliance with the biologist’s recommendations before work commences.
Contractor personnel will be directed to check all vegetation for nests before cutting and to cease work in the area immediately if one is found, until a qualified biologist can assess it. If work ceases for more than two days, another nesting bird survey will be required before work can re-commence.
Grazing Treatment Protocols:
Goats will be used to implement grazed fuel modification treatment in areas of Low to Moderate Habitat Value as defined in the Laguna Beach Biological Resources Inventory, (Marsh et. al 1983, `see Appendix). To determine habitat value for this purpose, Laguna Beach City GIS maps based on the above-referenced document will be initially referenced and modified as necessary based on site visits by a qualified biologist to reflect current conditions.
Grazing sites will generally be dominated by herbaceous and woody herbaceous plant species.
a. No more than 75 goats will be permitted per acre.
b. Goats shall remain in secure enclosures at all times. c. Sensitive plant species shall be protected from trampling or consumption by establishing the secure enclosures a minimum distance of at least 15 feet between sensitive plants and the limits of grazing.
d. Grazing animals shall be moved periodically to ensure enough vegetative cover remains to promote erosion control, inhibit dust, and preserve view aesthetics. e. Goat grazing shall be preferred for removal of nonnatives, or native herbaceous species. f. Up to 80% of the native and 100% of the non-native species in this cover type may be removed in such areas. An average minimum of 4 inches height of intact grass shall be retained onsite as an erosion control measure
g. Goat grazing shall be limited to sites which are of low to moderate habitat value h. Goat grazed fuel breaks should generally be limited to 100-foot width. Penned areas may be extended to a maximum 150 feet when physical obstructions such as rock outcrops, cliffs, water courses etc. prevent reasonable establishment of pens at 100- foot width.
i. Goats shall be used for brush reduction only and shall be immediately removed when the brush clearance has been accomplished.
j. A targeted invasive control plan will be implemented in all future goat-grazed areas to prevent invasive species from propagating and impacting adjacent intact habitat. k. Where practicable and environmentally appropriate, goat grazing may be used as the maintenance method for areas which required initial clearance by hand crews.
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5 Hand Crew Treatment Protocols:
Hand crews will be used to implement fuel modification in areas of High or Very High Habitat Value as defined in the Laguna Beach Biological Resources Inventory, (Marsh et. al 1983, see Appendix). To determine habitat value for this purpose, Laguna Beach City GIS maps based on the above-referenced document will be initially referenced and modified as necessary based on site visits by a qualified biologist to reflect current conditions. In general, hand treated sites will be dominated by woody herbaceous or shrub species.
The initial phase of vegetation removal shall include the following steps:
a. Fuel Modification will be conducted by hand crews with chainsaws, brush-cutters, and other hand tools.
b. Hand crew fuel modification shall be the preferred method for fuel modification in high or very high value habitat
c. Fuel Modification shall generally be limited to a width of 100 feet. d. Crews will cut down all non-native vegetation (including unmaintained ornamental vegetation) and dead/dying native vegetation and carefully remove dead branches from trees and large shrubs. As noted above, an exception may be made where non-native shrubs are providing shading/nurse plant benefits for Big-Leaved Crownbeard, as determined by the environmental monitor.
e. Special care will be exercised to distinguish dormant native vegetation from dead/dying native vegetation.
f. Tree-form shrubs (e.g. Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina), Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia)) that are over 6 feet tall will be carefully pruned of their lower branches to increase the Crown Base Height to 50% of the plant height. For example, a 10-foot- tall plant would have its lower branches removed to a height of 5 feet. Branches will be pruned to within 1 inch or less of the branch crown. Southern Maritime Chaparral shrub species shall be left fully intact except as noted below, and not pruned unless all other hierarchy opportunities have been exhausted. Pruning methods shall be determined by environmental monitors based upon needs of specific species to maximize probability of survival.
g. For large tree species within FMZ’s, non-native trees (Pinus, Eucalyptus, Washingtonia, et. al.) shall be considered for removal on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration their potential ignitability, potential to spread fire from or across the FMZ, and property/tree ownership.
h. Native large trees (Quercus, Platanus, et. al.) shall be pruned of dead components, and lower small branches removed to a height of 8 feet or one half their height, whichever is less, so as to disrupt “fuel ladder” potential. Dead and down tree components on the 16 16 of 534
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6 ground below large trees shall be removed. No more than three trees may be retained in a single grouping or cluster of trees. A minimum distance of 20 feet shall be maintained between mature tree canopies.
i. Remaining shrub clusters shall not exceed 400 square feet, except in the presence of sensitive species. Spacing between shrub clusters shall generally be at least 6 feet width.
Other Treatment Methods
Prescribed fire use shall be limited to pile burning only when air quality and fire behavior limitations may be met. Broadcast use of fire will not generally be utilized due to the presence of heavy, old age class fuels with a high dead-to-live ratio, lending to difficulty of control, air quality concerns, and risks to developed properties of escape.
Fuels clearance by mechanical heavy equipment and related methods such as chaining will generally not be used for landscape-scale treatments within the City due to terrain and slope restrictions on heavy equipment, concerns for geologic slope stability, and the broad presence of high value habitat and sensitive species. Where these concerns may be eliminated, heavy equipment use may be considered. Mowing is currently authorized for FMZ’s 26 and 26 (Irvine Cove and Emerald Bay) and is performed by the Home Owners Association on those sites Fuels Removal
Where there is still over 50% vegetative cover after removal of non-natives and invasive plants, removal of healthy live vegetation in accordance with the hierarchical list below may occur, beginning with the first species listed, then in descending order through the list until 50% vegetative cover has been attained. The environmental monitor shall provide guidance as necessary in addition to this hierarchy to ensure plant diversity is maintained onsite.
Plant Hierarchy
1. Coastal Goldenbush (Isocoma Menziesii)
2. Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis)
3. California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum)
4. Black Sage (Salvia mellifera)
5. California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica)
6. Monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus)
7. Giant Wildrye (Leymus condensatus)
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7 8. Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina),
9. Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia),
10. Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia
Stumps will be cut to within 4” or less of the ground. Thinning of healthy, live vegetation will be done in a dispersed manner to avoid creating large new openings. All healthy specimens of Southern Maritime Chaparral species including Bush Rue (Cneoridium dumosum), Spiny Redberry (Rhamnus crocea) and Bigpod Lilac (Ceanothus megacarpus) will be retained.
Treatment of Water Courses
Pampas Grass and other invasive plant removal and herbicide treatment will be the primary vegetation management within a 25-foot buffer on either side of any “blue-line” ephemeral drainages or stream courses (as listed by USGCS map or City Website) that cross the treatment areas. For long drainages which may form a corridor through which fire may be ushered into residences at the head of drainages, additional site-specific steps may be implemented to establish breaks in fuel continuity within these corridors on a site-specific basis consistent with best environmental practice.
Herbicide Use
Herbicides may be used for spot treatment of invasive species when identified as appropriate by the site biologist. Herbicides shall be specific to the intended use and be used is such a manner as to not pose excessive risk to nearby sensitive species or water courses. Herbicides shall not be used on a landscape scale to defoliate large expanses of fuels.
Erosion Control
The preponderance of roots of perennial plants will be left in place to minimize erosion. Mulch and other erosion control measures (such as straw wattles and/or jute netting) will be installed as necessary for additional protection without being obtrusive, as recommended in site geotechnical reports. Haul paths will be minimized and rehabilitated with mulch or other methods as deemed appropriate by the project biologist. Areas of relatively low slope (i.e., below 33% or 1:3 grade) will be mulched to an adequate depth to minimize weed propagation and ongoing maintenance needs.
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8 Disposal of Cut Materials
All dead and cut material will be disposed of properly. All non-native material will be removed from the site, placed in a truck or dumpster, and hauled to a green waste recycler. City contractors will generally be conditioned within their contracts to pay all dump fees related to disposal. Native material will be chipped and used as mulch on-site in areas of moderate slope to reduce erosion and weed propagation. Native material unable to be reused on site will be hauled to a green waste recycler, though efforts will be made to reuse as much native material on site as possible.
Native vegetation under 3 inches in diameter, live or dead, may be processed with hand tools on site and spread in place as mulch as an alternative to hauling and chipping, if it is cut into pieces not exceeding 12 inches, lays flat on the ground, does not cover remaining native plant species and total mulch depth does not exceed 12 inches. All coarse non-native material (e.g., woody debris, Pampas Grass leaves), live or dead, must be removed from the site, including any material dumped in the Project Area by residents or others. Fine material treated with herbicide (e.g., non-native grasses and annual weeds) may be left on site.
Periodic Maintenance
Fuel modification zones are subject to multiple treatments each year to maintain prescribed conditions. The number of annual treatments shall be determined by annual growth, seasonal conditions, and related factors and may be conducted as often as necessary to maintain fire prevention benefits.
Compliance with Policy
Fuel Modification Zones as managed by this protocol are compliant with City of Laguna Beach land use policy found within the General Plan Land Use Element and Open Space Conservation Element, Local Coastal Plan, and fire and building code, except where FMZ development is specifically exempted. City Fuel Modification Zones subject to nuisance abatement declaration are exempt from these processes. FMZ’s managed by either nuisance abatement of Coastal Act permitting are authorized under the authority of the City’s General Plan Safety Element.
Development of all new Fuel Modification Zones shall be submitted for review under the California Environmental Quality Act and California Coastal Act, as required. Specifically, this protocol ensures compliance with the following City General Plan requirements:
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9 a. Local Coastal Plan 25.41.007-008
b. Land Use Element 5.2, 7.3-4, 7.6, 9.8, 10.6
c. Open Space Conservation Element 4I, 7A, 7G, 7K, 8A, 8C 8N, 8G, 8H, 10C, 10E, 8E
Additional Mitigations
Additional site mitigations may be applied when recommended or required by environmental permitting agencies for application to a specific FMZ.
Trash and Litter Found On-site
Litter or rubbish found within Project Areas will be removed and hauled to a landfill.
Site Monitoring and Documentation
An annual monitoring report shall be prepared by the City detailing the following:
1. Dates and locations of vegetation treatment or modification
2. Treatment methods utilized by site
3. Number of acres managed
4. Photos of treatment sites, pre- and post- treatment
5. Description of any violations or failure to meet conditions of the Coastal Development Permit
HABITAT CLASSIFICATION
The following definitions are utilized in the classification of habitat types within the City of Laguna Beach: (Excerpt from: Laguna Beach Biological Resources Inventory, Marsh et. al 1983 pp. 35-36)
Biological Value Mapping is based on the parameters of habitat integrity and extent, faunal use, and presence of endangered, rare, or locally unique biota. From these, a ranking system was developed of low, medium, high, and very high value habitat. These habitats are classified as follows:
LOW VALUE HABITAT:
Disturbed, impacted sites, often dominated by ruderals, annual plants, and escaped horticulturals. Such areas are usually highly fragmented by, or are contiguous to urban 20 20 of 534
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10 development. These sites are biologically simplified and are of low faunal carrying capacity.
Low value habitats do not possess biological constraints to urban development, but may, if developed, be areas where spillover impact adversely affects contiguous higher value settings
MODERATE VALUE HABITAT:
These sites may contain either native vegetation of a specific community type, or ornamental species in a setting providing horizontal and vertical structural diversity. The sites are usually, however, limited in area extent, being contiguous to urban development. Thus, their faunal carrying capacity, and often, the native floral species diversity, is lower than “high value” habitats described below.
HIGH VALUE HABITAT:
These are extensive areas dominated by indigenous plant communities which possess good species diversity. They are often, but not always, linked to extensive open space areas, within or outside of the city, by wild fauna transversable open space corridors. Their faunal carrying capacity is good to excellent, many areas are utilized as bedding and foraging sites by mule deer or possess large resident populations of avifauna or native small animals.
VERY-HIGH VALUE HABITAT:
These include the habitats of endangered, rare, or locally unique native plant species (including disjunct and outpost populations). Also included are areas of southern oak Woodland and natural (not irrigation augmented) springs and seeps. Among the very-high value habitats inventoried are areas of significant rock outcrop exposures, because of the assemblages of sensitive plant species which often occupy such setting 6/3/20
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STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
September 23, 2025
BUSINESS
25 SUBJECT: WILDFIRE MITIGATION AND FIRE SAFETY REPORT 2025 UPDATE AND
APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Report 2025 Update;
2. Approve the creation of the Community Preparedness Educator part-time position to support these efforts;
3. Approve an appropriation of $1,574,000 from the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Fund to implement the 2025 Update; and
4. Find that the recommended actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15060(c)(3); or, in the alternative, that it is not a “project” under CEQA Guidelines, Section 15378(b).
Appropriation: $1,574,000 Fund: Wildfire Mitigation & Fire Safety Submitted By: Niko King Approved: David A Kiff
Niko King, Fire Chief Dave Kiff, City Manager
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
This report recommends that the City Council approve the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Report 2025 Update and authorize the creation of a part-time Community Preparedness Educator position to expand public outreach and preparedness programs. The estimated cost for implementation is $2,474,000. Of this amount, $900,000 is already included in the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Adopted Budget for wildfire mitigation and special programs, and an additional $1,574,000 appropriation is requested from the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Fund.
The proposed actions have been reviewed under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and determined not to be a “project” as defined by CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 and are therefore not subject to environmental review.
DISCUSSION
On January 28, 2025, the City Council approved the re-establishment of the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Ad Hoc Committee with the appointment of Council members Kempf and Whalen to serve on the committee. The committee was directed to return to City Council with an updated action plan to address wildfire mitigation and fire safety within 90 days. The committee met twice monthly from January – April with key staff and external partners to identify action items. The committee meetings resulted in recommendations included in the report on fuel modification improvements; increasing use of public safety 1 of 104
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technology; improving evacuation planning; testing and improving alert and warning capabilities; infrastructure improvements, including the undergrounding of utility lines and improving water systems; and increasing community preparedness and public education.
The 2025 updated report was presented to City Council on May 6, 2025 to approve in concept. City Council approved the report in concept and directed staff to return with cost components refined and funding sources identified. The Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Ad Hoc Committee then met in June and July, which included an additional meeting after the Rancho Fire to include after action items and lessons learned from the response. The report now includes cost estimates, funding sources, and funding terms.
The report also includes an action item to create a part-time Community Preparedness Educator position to educate the public on emergency preparedness, fire safety, neighborhood/FireWise preparedness, and home hardening inspections. The position will work to expand the CERT program by offering more academies and providing continuous training to engage and retain volunteers.
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
The Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Adopted Budget includes $900,000 in funding for special programs. Staff is requesting the City Council approve an appropriation of $1,574,000 from the Wildfire Mitigation and Safety Fund (#141) to fund the $2,474,000 in expenditures identified in Attachment 1. If approved, the Wildfire Mitigation and Safety Fund’s fund balance available to fund future projects (including utility undergrounding projects) will be $2,195,600.
Table 1 – Funding Summary
Description Amount
Total cost of Program Update $2,474,000
Existing Budgeted Funds ($900,000)
Additional Appropriation Request $1,574,000
Funding Source Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Fund (#141) Remaining Fund Balance (post approval) $2,195,600
The total includes an estimated $60,000 annually to fund a new part-time Community Preparedness Educator position. This position will be responsible for public education, CERT program expansion, and home hardening outreach. The balance of the proposed expenditures includes vegetation management, infrastructure upgrades, evacuation planning tools, and emergency alert improvements as detailed in Attachment 1.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
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The recommended action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) (“commons sense“) as it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that approving the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Report (2025 Update), creating a part-time educator position and related budgetary appropriations may have a significant effect on the environment. Further none of the exceptions to the CEQA exemption apply. In the alternative, the proposed action is not defined as a “project“ pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15378(b) as an administrative activity for personnelrelation action and policy and procedure making.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Report 2025 Update (Pgs. 4-104) Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Sarah Limones, Emergency Operations
Coordinator
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Wildfire Mitigation
and Fire Safety Report
2025 Update
City of Laguna Beach 505 Forest Avenue Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (949) 497-3311 Attachment 1
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Dear Community Members,
The community of Laguna Beach is known for our breathtaking coastline, coastal hills, village atmosphere, and arts and cultural heritage. However, the natural beauty that makes Laguna Beach such a special place also presents one of our greatest challenges - the risk of wildfire.
Nearly all of Laguna Beach falls within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone as designated by CalFire. Our steep canyons, coastal hillsides, and thousands of acres of open space, combined with dry conditions and powerful Santa Ana winds, make our community especially vulnerable to wildfires. We have seen firsthand how quickly fire can threaten lives, homes, and businesses, as witnessed in the devastating 1993 Laguna Fire and more recently in 2022, with the Coastal Fire and Emerald Fire.
We note that following the City Council adoption of the 2019 Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Report (“2019 Report”), the City of Laguna Beach has spent approximately $25 million to complete and implement 24 of the 2019 Report’s recommended action items, which has significantly improved public safety. An additional 16 action items from the 2019 Report are currently in progress.
In response to the massive wildfires that devastated our neighbors in Los Angeles County in January 2025, the City Council reestablished the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Ad Hoc Committee and asked the two of us to serve as the members of the Subcommittee as we did in 2019. Over the last three months, the Ad Hoc Committee has collaborated with City Staff and several outside agencies to review the status of the action items recommended in the 2019 Report and to identify additional measures that could further reduce wildfire risks. The attached report (“2025 Update”) is an update to the 2019 Report.
Key new initiatives recommended in this update include:
• Additional improvements to and hardening of public infrastructure • Expanded undergrounding along key evacuation routes
• Enhanced community preparedness for evacuation
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• Expanded fuel modification on public lands
• Home hardening and vegetation management by residents on private property The update primarily focuses on action items that the City, our Water Districts and electric utility companies can implement; however, the Ad Hoc Committee strongly believes that one of the most important steps to improving wildfire safety in the city is for the owners of private property to reduce fire risks on their property. This can best be accomplished by properly maintaining vegetation and trees on private property and by taking steps to make residences more fire resistant through home hardening. The City stands ready to assist our residents by identifying the best practices for home hardening and the necessary protocols for vegetation management.
Wildfire threat is a reality for Laguna Beach, but through prevention, preparedness, and community action, we can reduce the risk and safeguard our city. As we continue to strengthen our wildfire mitigation efforts, we encourage you to prepare by taking several simple but important steps: Assemble and maintain a disaster preparedness go-bag, register for our alert systems such as AlertOC and Nixle, familiarize yourself with evacuation routes (including a practice run or two) and contact our staff at the Laguna Beach Fire Department for a free fire inspection of your property.
For more information, please visit our website at lagunabeachcity.net/GetPrepared for preparedness guides and resources.
Thank you for being a part of this effort. Together, we can protect our beautiful hometown for generations to come.
Very truly yours,
Bob Whalen Sue Kempf
Councilmember Councilmember
Bob Whalen Sue Kempf
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Prepared By:
Ad Hoc Committee Members -
Bob Whalen, Councilmember
Sue Kempf, Councilmember
In collaboration with -
Dave Kiff, City Manager
Gavin Curran, Assistant City Manager
Jeremy Frimond, Assistant City Manager
Niko King, Fire Chief
Andrew Hill, Acting Deputy Fire Chief
Jeff Calvert, Police Chief
Michael Peters, Police Captain
Sarah Limones, Emergency Operations Coordinator
Mark McAvoy, Director of Public Works
Tom Perez, City Engineer
Michelle Bannigan, Finance Director
Shannon Espinoza, Finance Manager
Shelly Bennecke, Chair - Emergency Disaster Preparedness Committee Rick Shintaku, South Coast Water District
Keith Van Der Maaten, Laguna Beach County Water District Susan Thomas, Board Member - Emerald Bay Services District Mike Dunbar, General Manager - Emerald Bay Services District Jordan Villwock, Consultant
505 Forest Avenue
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 497-3311
lagunabeachcity.net
Wildfire Mitigation
and Fire Safety Report
2025 Update
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary ................................................................................................... 1 Summary of Risk Factors ........................................................................................... 3 Update to the Fire Hazard Severity Zones by CalFire ..................................................... 4 Existing Programs and Resources to Mitigate Risks ..................................................... 6 Coordination With Other Agencies ............................................................................. 8 Additional Mitigation Measures to be Considered ...................................................... 11 Recommended Action Items – 2025 .......................................................................... 14 Section 1: Status of 2019 Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Report Action Items ..... 28 2019 Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Report Action Items - Status as of Sept 2025 ... 29 Section 2: Evacuation and Alert & Warning .............................................................. 35 Evacuation Planning ................................................................................................ 35 Alert and Warning Systems ....................................................................................... 44 Evacuations and Alert & Warning – Recommended Action Items ................................. 45 Section 3: Fuel Modification ................................................................................... 47 Fuel Modification Expansion Strategy Under Governor’s Executive Order ..................... 50 Fuel Modification Schedule for 2025 ......................................................................... 51 Fuel Modification – Recommended Action Items ........................................................ 53 Section 4: Infrastructure ........................................................................................ 55 Electrical System ..................................................................................................... 55 Undergrounding ....................................................................................................... 57 Southern California Edison Circuits .......................................................................... 59 San Diego Gas and Electric Circuits .......................................................................... 64 Water Systems ........................................................................................................ 65 Public Safety Radio Facilities Circuits ........................................................................ 65 Telecommunications Facilities ................................................................................. 66 Infrastructure – Recommended Action Items ............................................................. 71 Section 5: Public Safety Technology ....................................................................... 77 Public Safety Technology – Recommended Action Items ............................................. 79 Section 6: Community Preparedness ...................................................................... 82 Community Preparedness – Recommended Action Items ........................................... 86 Section 7: Funding ................................................................................................. 90 Funding Strategies ................................................................................................... 90 Funding Strategies for Possible Action Items Categorized as “Short-Term” ................... 91 Conceptual Funding Strategies for Action Items Categorized as “Medium-Term”........... 91 Conceptual Funding Strategies for Action Items Categorized as “Long-Term”................ 92 Financial Impacts of Previous Disasters .................................................................... 92 10 10 of 104
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Summary of Risk Factors
The City of Laguna Beach is a well-known coastal community with a population of just over 23,000 residents that is surrounded by over 16,000 acres of open space. The 2025 CalFire Fire Hazard Severity Zone map places nearly the entire city within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, the highest risk designation possible. The city’s topography is made up of coastal cliffs and hilly terrain that contains significant vegetation making wildfires the city’s largest public safety threat.
Laguna Beach is no stranger to wildfire. The city’s most devastating wildfire occurred on October 27, 1993, when a Santa Ana wind-driven wildfire, known as the Laguna Fire, consumed over 14,000 acres and forced the evacuation of the entire city. In total, the Laguna Fire destroyed 441 homes and structures in less than 24 hours.
In the last ten years, the city has experienced five wildfires:
1. Canyon Fire - July 3, 2015, on Laguna Canyon Road and Canyon Acres
2. Aliso Fire – June 2, 2018, in Aliso Woods Canyon Park
3. Emerald Fire – February 10, 2022, in Emerald Canyon above Emerald Bay
4. Coastal Fire – May 12, 2022, in South Laguna behind Aliso Creek
5. Rancho Fire – July 7, 2025, in open space near Arch Beach Heights Each of these wildfires forced immediate evacuations and burned vegetation in the city’s open space while the Coastal Fire also destroyed homes in neighboring Laguna Niguel.
The wildfire risks from the natural environment in Laguna Beach are compounded by certain constraints and limitations in the city which include the following:
1. Limited Evacuation Routes: There are only three evacuation routes out of the city: North Coast Highway, South Coast Highway, and Laguna Canyon Road.
2. Overhead Electrical Utilities: Overhead electrical lines present at least two significant threats to public safety. First, these lines can ignite wildfires. Downed or sparking power lines have caused wildfires in the city and in many major wildfires in the state. Second, these lines, if downed during an emergency, can block key evacuation routes and impede access by first responders. While the City and residents continue to underground electrical utilities, specific evacuation routes such as Laguna Canyon Road, which is also surrounded by open space, remain above-ground. 13 13 of 104
3. Neighborhoods with Impaired Access: Many streets are narrow, others are dead-end, and certain areas are interior box canyons and only have one way in and out. These areas create challenges both for evacuation (egress) and access by first responders (ingress).
4. Older Structures/Buildings: As significant number of structures in Laguna Beach were built prior to 2008, when new building standards took effect to increase building safety in the wildland-urban interface. Therefore, Laguna Beach has a predominance of structures/buildings lacking fire resistive characteristics. While the City’s building codes are now as advanced as possible and many homes are built to the highest codes, these do not apply retroactively.
5. Visitor Impact: Laguna Beach has a daytime population of over 28,000 and receives between six and seven million visitors per year, which complicates evacuation efforts and requires planning to consider a much larger volume of evacuees than just residents.
Many visitors will be unfamiliar with the City’s evacuation plans and the available alert and warning systems.
Update to the Fire Hazard Severity Zones by CalFire
On March 24, 2025, the California Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) issued its 2025 Recommended Local Responsibility Area (LRA) Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for the City of Laguna Beach. The 2025 maps updated the previous version of the maps from 2011. The FHSZ maps identify areas of Moderate, High, and Very High fire hazard and are a critical tool in California’s wildfire preparedness and land-use planning strategy. Developed through robust fire science and risk analysis, these maps help guide building standards, defensible space requirements, and emergency response planning. The 2025 FHSZ maps for Laguna Beach are available at lagunabeachcity.net/FHSZMap.
When comparing the 2025 map with the 2011 maps, the city has an increased area within the Very High, High, and Moderate severity zones. More information on the maps and an interactive tool to compare the 2011 and 2025 maps can be found on CalFire’s website:
osfm.fire.ca.gov/FHSZ. The 2025 map of the city is below. 14 14 of 104
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Existing Programs and Resources to Mitigate Risks
To reduce the threat of wildfire, in July of 2019, the City of Laguna Beach approved its inaugural Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Report (“2019 Report”) which included 29 short term (1-2 years) recommendations, 6 medium term (3-5 years) recommendations, and 7 long term (5+ years) recommendations. The City has completed 24 recommendations and 16 are in progress. To date the City has invested approximately $25 million to implement the recommendations and enhance the safety of the community since the 2019 Report. A complete list of implemented recommendations can be found in Section 1.
Some of the City’s completed and ongoing actions from the 2019 Report are summarized below:
1. Fuel Modification: The City has a well-established fuel modification program in place to help create defensible space at the wildland-urban interface. This perimeter helps protect structures, lives, and property. There are 27 fuel modification zones (FMZs”) which cover about 480 acres. TheCity continues to implement the fuel break program using goat grazing and hand crews to create a strip of land with reduced vegetation around most exterior parts of the city, and some interior canyons. Generally, this program creates a fuel break of about 100 feet between structures and vegetation in the open space. The City also implements a weed abatement program to address invasive weeds and grasses on properties throughout the city. The program reduces the potential fire ignition source with approximately 400 properties in the program.
LBFD reviews plans and conducts inspections
for new construction and remodels of multifamily, commercial and industrial occupancies for compliance with all applicable state, federal
and municipal codes. This includes fuel
modification in landscapes and fire / life safety
in multi-family and commercial buildings. Maps
of the fuel modification zones are available on
the City website and may be found at
lagunabeachcity.net/FirePrevention.
2. Evacuation and Alert & Warning: The City has an established Evacuation Plan and an Alert and Warning Plan that is highlighted by the city-wide Outdoor Warning System Goat grazing behind City Hall
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(OWS) which are speakers that are strategically placed throughout the city. The OWS has redundant alerting through solar power and satellite activation capabilities.
Additionally, in 2021 an Evacuation Time Study was completed which provided projected evacuation times based on multiple different scenarios, including wildfire.
The city has 22 pre-established evacuation management zones with public-facing evacuation maps. The City also created an interactive evacuation mapping system using GIS so that the public can see what zones are under evacuation orders or warnings in real-time. Maps of the evacuation zones are available on the City website at lagunabeachcity.net/Evacuation.
3. Public Safety Resources: The City of Laguna Beach has its own Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works Department, Marine Safety Department, and a fulltime Emergency Operations Coordinator that are valuable assets during any emergency, particularly wildfire. These local resources are augmented by mutual aid agreements with surrounding agencies and provide access to specialty equipment such as firefighting aircraft and heavy equipment. The City maintains contracts with landscape contractors and arborists for tree removal and heavy equipment which can provide additional resources during an emergency. Additionally, the City has an executed Memorandum of Agreement with surrounding cities for emergency management resources including back up Emergency Operations Center capabilities.
4. Utility Undergrounding: Since 2019, the City has created six underground utility districts using local funds, California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) Rule 20A credits, and property owner self-assessments. Construction has been completed on three of the districts resulting in approximately 2,500 feet of overhead lines being undergrounded and 20 poles removed. Coast Highway, Laguna Canyon Road, Park Avenue, and Bluebird Canyon Drive were specifically identified in the 2019 Report as key evacuation routes. The poles and wires along Park Avenue have been removed, and the poles and wires along Bluebird Canyon Drive are scheduled to be removed by Summer 2025. The lines along Coast Highway are planned to be placed underground by SCE as part of the CPUC Rule 20A program. The City and CalTrans are continuing work on Laguna Canyon Road in two components: overhead lines recently have been taken down between El Toro Road and State Route 73, and the “Protect and Connect” project between El Toro Road and Canyon Acres is working 17 17 of 104
to underground the remaining 2.5 miles of overhead utilities along this critical evacuation route.
Coordination with Other Agencies
In 2019 the City included both the Laguna Beach County Water District and the South Coast Water District in the creation of the 2019 Report which included recommended improvements by each water district to its system. In crafting the 2025 Update, the Ad Hoc Committee has again involved the water districts and invited the Emerald Bay Service District and the Emerald Bay Community Association to participate in the preparation of the report. Below is a summary of past and planned actions by these agencies to improve wildfire resilience.
1. Laguna Beach County Water District: The Laguna Beach County Water District (LBCWD) continues to enhance wildfire resilience and emergency readiness. Since 1993, the District has added two reservoirs with 8 million gallons of additional storage, upgraded its technology for remote operations, and enhanced emergency response with portable pumps and generators. The District has installed two helicopter refilling facilities along the ridgelines of the City that enhance aerial firefighting operations. In partnership with the Orange County Fire Authority, the City of Laguna Beach, and the University of California, San Diego, two artificial intelligence (AI) fire detection cameras have been installed at the District’s Ridge Reservoir site with plans to expand camera coverage.
LBCWD is planning additional projects to improve water system performance and reliability during emergencies including: the installation of a third helicopter refilling station; additional AI cameras at the District’s Rimrock, Jahraus, Sweany, and El Morro Reservoir sites; diversifying water supply through a new well for increased groundwater; participating in the South Coast Water District planned desalination plant at Doheny Beach; boosting backup power; evaluating subgrade hydrants and the need for additional hydrants in certain locations; and supporting Emerald Bay’s hydrant expansion.
2. South Coast Water District: South Coast Water District (SCWD) has been actively implementing and planning various infrastructure projects that will help improve water reliability and resilience. Construction on SCWD’s Potable Water Reservoir 2B Replacement Project (Reservoir 2B Project) recommended in the 2019 Report was completed in May 2025. Reservoir 2B is located off Ceanothus Drive, in a hilly 18 18 of 104
wildland-urban interface above the South Laguna Beach residential neighborhood and is a critical water storage facility that not only serves local customers with continued potable water supplies but also supports maintaining critical water pressure in the event of local wildfires. The Reservoir 2B Project has doubled previous water storage capacity by demolishing an existing 100,000-gallon potable water reservoir built in the 1940s and replacing it with two (2) 100,000-gallon reservoirs.
SCWD will also begin construction later this year to upsize existing 6-inch and 8-inch diameter potable water pipelines in Sunset Avenue above Mission Hospital (Mission Hospital Pipeline Project). This Pipeline Project will provide increased hydraulic capabilities within SCWD’s distribution system to maximize available storage capacity in the 490 Pressure Zone, support wildfire mitigation efforts, and increase availability of water supplies and system pressure resulting from the Reservoir 2B Project. The Project will also improve fire flow capacity within the adjacent areas and provide up to 4,000 gallons per minute (GPM) of fire flow at 20 pounds per square inch (PSI)residual for institutional and commercial properties in compliance with SCWD’s Infrastructure Master Plan.
SCWD recently issued a Notice to Proceed to a joint venture team to begin Phase 1 design services for the Doheny Ocean Desalination Project. Once completed, this Project will produce up to 5 million gallons per day of new local drinking water supply for the region, reduce reliance on imported water supplies, and substantially enhance reliability and quality of water supply to the SCWD service area and Laguna Beach. SCWD has also implemented reliability enhancements at various pump stations, including the purchase of portable generators and installation of quick connects, along with ongoing implementation of fire hardening projects at various District facilities, including pump stations, lift stations, and SCWD’s headquarters on West Street in Laguna Beach.
3. Emerald Bay Service District (EBSD) and Emerald Bay Community Association (EBCA): Although Emerald Bay is unincorporated County territory, its geographic proximity, history of wildfires, and the inevitability of the City’s fire and police response being first on scene to a wildfire that threatens Emerald Bay, it is important that the City works closely with EBSD and EBCA on mitigation and preparedness. The 19 19 of 104
EBSD and EBCA have completed the following efforts to better mitigate and prepare for wildfires:
Wildfire Preparation Town Hall
• January 17, 2025, held a community town hall with presentations by the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). (recorded and sent to entire community) • Homeowners were encouraged to take advantage of complementary wildfire assessment of individual homes by OCFA.
Wildfire Task Force
• Formed Joint EBSD and EBCA Wildfire Task Force after the Palisades fire to explore ways to harden the community from wildland fires. • Retained consultant to advise a committee on prioritizing actions. The consultant recommended:
o Creating a Community Wildfire Prevention Plan
o Greater fuel management
o EBCA and homeowner structure hardening efforts
o Expand community notification system
o Refine evacuation plan
Community Wildfire Protection Plan
• Retained Dudek to prepare a report on Fire Modeling
Fuel Modification Actions
• Retained contractor to aggressively modify any fuel on EBCA property • Continuing fuel modification 170 feet beyond community boundary • Working with California State Parks and OC Parks to expand fuel modification beyond 170 feet
• Working with Irvine Cove to expand fuel modification beyond both boundaries Community Notification System
• Installation of an emergency siren to notify entire community • Since Emerald Fire in February 2022, EBSD has been working to install a siren at the Sweany Reservoir in cooperation with LBCWD
• Met with Assembly Member Dixon to request assistance
20 20 of 104
• Developing campaign to encourage homeowners to harden homes via intra community messaging system
• Plan to provide access to siren to City of Laguna Beach emergency personnel Community Emergency Response Team
• CERT was formed in approximately 1994
• Active CERT conducts community wide drills two times each year and radio drills for leaders monthly
• CERT will be engaged to encourage home hardening and refine evacuation plans
• Plan to work with City of Laguna Beach Community Emergency Coordinator to familiarize EBCA staff and CERT with City operations
Water Supply and Accessibility
• Evaluating installation of additional hydrants near “gateway properties” • Evaluating additional water lines for firefighting
Additional Mitigation Measures to be Considered
Since the original Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Report was approved in 2019, there have been several large wildfires in communities similar to Laguna Beach that face ingress and egress challenges like those faced by the City. Below is a partial list of recent wildfires that remind us of the potential for destruction of property and loss of life that is possible in Laguna Beach. Both the City and our residents have a collective responsibility to further reduce the probability of wildfire loss in our community.
Date Fire Name County Cause Acres Deaths Structures Lost Aug 2020 North Complex Butte Lightning Activity 318,935 15 2,352 Aug 2023 Lahaina Maui Electrical Lines 2,170 102 2,200
Jan 2025 Palisades Los Angeles Human Activity 23,713 11 6,000+ Jan 2025 Eaton Los Angeles Electrical Lines 14,117 16 7,000+ These wildfires transitioned into areas of dense structures due to key vulnerabilities that enabled devastating fire behavior. Common factors included widespread pre-2008 construction which lacks modern fire-resistant standards as found in the California Building Code, lack of home hardening measures to retrofit these vulnerable structures; delays in 21 21 of 104
statewide adoption of ember resistant zone “Zone 0”, (the first five feet surrounding each structure should be cleared of anything not resistant to fire) and the need for more stringent and focused fire prevention measures in vulnerable neighborhoods particularly at points where wildfire pathways enter communities.
These factors have, again and again, contributed to vegetative wildfires penetrating communities, igniting structures, and transitioning into a wind driven structure to structure conflagration, which can overwhelm available firefighting resources.
On January 12, 2025, Laguna Beach Mayor Alex Rounaghi, Laguna Beach Fire Chief Niko King, and Laguna Beach City Manager Dave Kiff toured areas of the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. This tour, led by Laguna Beach Fire Department personnel who provided mutual aid for the incident, provided valuable insight into how vulnerable Laguna Beach is to a similar devastating wildfire event given our similarities to Palisades in terrain, vegetation, age of the housing stock commercial buildings and limited evacuation routes. During the Palisades Fire, residents experienced traffic congestion, communication gaps, and resource allocation challenges.
Like Laguna Beach, Palisades experiences high wind conditions, has heavy vegetation and has limited evacuation routes and impaired access areas. The events that occurred during the wildfire that destroyed major parts of the Palisades community could occur at any time in Laguna Beach under certain weather conditions.
In response to the unprecedented wildfires that occurred in January 2025 in Southern California, the City Council at its January 28, 2025 meeting, reestablished the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Ad Hoc Committee comprised of Councilmember Sue Kempf and Councilmember Bob Whalen. The Ad Hoc Committee was directed to work with the City Manager, key staff members, and relevant external entities to undertake the following tasks:
1. Update the 2019 Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Report
2. Review the Current Evacuation Zones, Routes, and Procedures
3. Prioritize Undergrounding Projects for Critical Utility Lines
4. Assess the Capacity and Reliability of Existing Water Supply
5. Expand and Improve Fuel Modification and Vegetation Management
6. Promote Home Hardening and Defensible Space
7. Enhance Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety through Artificial Intelligence
8. Update City Policies, Ordinances, and Practices to Enhance Wildfire Safety
9. Develop Funding Strategies to Implement Recommended Actions 22 22 of 104
To complete these tasks, the Ad Hoc Committee met twice a month from January - April 2025. The Ad Hoc Committee worked to evaluate and, where feasible, include suggestions from the public. Public input was received throughout the process. The Laguna Beach Fire Department and Laguna Beach Police Department held two town hall meetings: a virtual meeting on the topics of Home Hardening and Firewise Communities and an in-person meeting on Evacuations and Alert & Warning. Both were recorded and posted to the City’s website.
This report includes an updated chart of recommended action items related to the following categories:
• Evacuation and Alert & Warning,
• Fuel Modification
• Infrastructure
• Public Safety Technology
• Community Preparedness.
The 2025 Update contains a funding section to capture possible funding sources and timeframes for funding: short, medium, and long term. There is also a section with the status of the 2019 Report’s recommended action items.
23 23 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
Short Term Projects
1 Evacuation
Update the Emergency
Operations Plan
including the City's
Evacuation Annex
Hire a planning consultant to update the citywide Emergency Operations Plan to incorporate lessons learned from past incidents, mitigation efforts, and technological improvements that have occurred since it was last updated. Revise the Evacuation Annex to include the Marine Safety Department for evacuations onto the beach; Animal Control for the evacuation of animals; and Transportation and Community Services for the evacuation of seniors and others needing assistance.
Short $100,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire / Police /
Marine Safety
/ Transit &
Community
Services
2 Evacuation Evaluate evacuation
route signage plan
Evaluate whether an effective evacuation route signage plan could be installed to assist visitors and residents unfamiliar with certain parts of the city.
Short $0 Public Works
/ Police / Fire
3 Evacuation
Establish a list of
residents who may
need assistance with
evacuations
There are numerous residents who may be unable to self-evacuate and will require assistance. The City should work to create a list of those residents, determine what the City is able to provide the residents, and determine how the list will be maintained.
Short $0
Fire / Police /
Transit &
Community
Services
4 Evacuation Stage bull dozers on
Red Flag Days
Determine the feasibility of staging bull dozers on Red Flag Days to clear evacuation routes. Short $0 Public Works
5 Evacuation
Mutual Aid
Coordination and
Planning
Continue to coordinate with Orange County Sheriff’s Department (Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, and OCSD Mutual Aid Bureau), Irvine, and Newport Beach mutual aid for traffic control and evacuations. Add mutual aid procedures to the update of the City's evacuation plan. Conduct a tabletop exercise on evacuations.
Short -
ongoing $0 Police
6 Alert &
Warning
Test the City-wide
Outdoor Warning
System
Conduct semi-annual or quarterly testing of the Outdoor Warning System
Short -
ongoing $0 Fire
24 24 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
7 Alert &
Warning
Evaluate the reach of
the Outdoor Warning
System
Evaluate coverage of the Outdoor Warning System and expand the system with the addition of more speakers, if needed, to ensure alerts can be heard by all areas of the City.
Short $200,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Possibly Fire
8 Fuel
Modification
Expand weed
abatement program to
enforce property
maintenance ordinance
Expand the City's current weed abatement program by hiring more personnel to conduct inspections. Short $200,000
General
Fund –
Funded
FY26
Fire
9 Fuel
Modification
Expand Fuel
Modification Zones
Create a plan to conduct deadwood maintenance on areas adjacent to fuel modification zones and other areas that need vegetation management.
Short $50,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire
10 Fuel
Modification
Streamline the Coastal
Development Permit
Process
Obtain a multi-year, multi-phase, "blanket" permit for the creation of fuel modification zones. Short/Medium $30,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Community
Development
11 Fuel
Modification
Streamline the
California
Environmental Quality
Act Process
Streamlined California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) permitting would allow for faster expansion of fuel modification zones and ease the maintenance requirements.
Short/Medium $0 Community
Development
12 Fuel
Modification
Seek to maximize brush
clearance around
critical infrastructure.
Ensure defensible space of 50 - 100 feet around critical infrastructure including communications equipment and cell towers.
Determine if this clearance qualifies for the Governor's emergency proclamation on March 1, 2025 to waive CEQA and California Coastal Act.
Short $0 Fire
13 Fuel
Modification
Expand Fuel
Modification Zones
Apply to establish new and expand existing fuel modification zones up to 300 feet under the Governor’s Executive Order for Wildfire Prevention Projects.
Short TBD
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire
25 25 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
14 Fuel
Modification
Maintain the Fuel
Modification Zones Maintain the Fuel Modification Zones. Short - Ongoing $770,000 General
Fund –
Funded
FY26
Fire
15 Public Safety
Technology
Install a traffic signal
priority system
Install a remote-controlled traffic signal system (Opticom) that prioritizes emergency vehicle access on Coast Highway and Laguna Canyon Road. This system is designed to expedite evacuation during emergencies, such as Fire and Police Code 3 responses, while also supporting low-priority transit vehicles. Coordination with Caltrans is necessary for permitting and operational cooperation. This ensures that traffic lights prioritize emergency vehicles, reducing their delays and lowering the risk of intersection collisions. Similar systems are already operational in Dana Point and Newport Beach, though not specifically configured for evacuation purposes.
Short $350,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Police
16 Public Safety
Technology
Drone as First
Responder
Determine the feasibility of a drone as first responder that could be launched when AI sensors receive a fire notification. Short $375,000 $375,000
from
Wildfire
Safety
Fund,
$125,000
TBD
Possibly Police
17 Public Safety
Technology
Explore a neighboring
City partnership to
share public safety
technology
Determine the feasibility of sharing a Real Time Information Center to monitor AI Cameras, make emergency notifications, launch drone as first responder, and control traffic signals.
Short $0 Police
26 26 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
18 Public Safety
Technology
Work with CalFire Chief
of Intelligence on pre
and post fire analysis
Work with CalFire Chief of Intelligence on pre and post fire analysis that can be incorporated into mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. Determine feasibility of a system like Technosylvana that CalFire uses for AI predictive analytics on historical fire patterns, weather patterns, and vegetation types to provide context and a potential roadmap for how fires can spread.
Short $70,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire
19 Public Safety
Technology
Determine possible use
of Fusis system for
wildfires
Determine the possibility and effectiveness of utilizing the Fusis system to assist in wildfire preparedness, response, and/or recovery.
Fusis integrates camera feeds, both public and private cameras with permission from the camera owner, into a unified and AI powered system for public safety personnel to utilize.
Short $0 Police
20 Public Safety
Technology
Explore new technology
for wildfire suppression
Explore new suppression technology for open space areas where interrupting the spread of fire would be most impactful to property and life conservation.
Short TBD
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire
21 Public Safety
Technology
Explore the use of new
technology and
applications to track
evacuations
Explore the feasibility of using new technology and applications to track evacuations and more quickly and accurately share evacuation information with the Emergency Operations Center and Incident Command Post.
Short TBD
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Police
22 Public Safety
Technology
Explore the use of new
technology and
applications to track
evacuations
Explore the feasibility of using new technology and applications to track evacuations and more quickly and accurately share evacuation information with the Emergency Operations Center and Incident Command Post.
Short TBD
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Police
23 Public Safety
Technology
Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) Dispatch
Console
Update current dispatch console in City Hall EOC to include PD and FD radios for better situational awareness and dispatch redundancy.
After-action item from Rancho Fire.
Short $175,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Police
27 27 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
24 Public Safety
Technology
Create Dispatch
Redundancy
Install standalone dispatch console at the CRC to serve as the dispatch station in the new EOC and provide redundant dispatch capabilities.
Short $424,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Police
25 Public Safety
Technology
Field Response
Resource Management
Solution
Purchase Tablet Command and iPads for incident management tracking in the field and situational awareness in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
Short $105,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire
26 Public Safety
Technology
Field Response Cellular
Coverage and
Connectivity
Purchase StarLink for Primary Fire Units to ensure cell coverage and network connectivity for first responders, public works, and mutual aid in the field.
Short $10,000 +
annual fee
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire
27 Public Safety
Technology
Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) IT
equipment and cabling
Purchase IT equipment and cabling in new Emergency Operations Center. Short $180,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire
28 Community
Preparedness
Community
Preparedness Educator
Hire a Community Preparedness Educator to educate the public on emergency preparedness, fire safety, neighborhood/FireWise preparedness, and home hardening inspections. The Public Educator can work to expand the CERT program by offering more academies and providing continuous training to engage and retain volunteers.
Short PT: $70,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire
29 Community
Preparedness
Expand the Red Flag
Restriction Program
Prohibit on-street construction during Red Flag days to ensure roadways are clear and equipment does not start a fire.
Short -
ongoing $0
Fire / Public
Works /
Police
30 Community
Preparedness
Expand the Red Flag
Parking Restriction
Program
Expand the Red Flag Parking Program into additional neighborhoods.
Start with the neighborhoods that are identified in the Evacuation Time Study as having impaired access.
Short $30,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire / Public
Works /
Police
31 Community
Preparedness Evacuation Drills
Identify ways to encourage neighborhood evacuation drills utilizing public education, possible incentives from the City, and having the drills coincide with scheduled tests of the emergency alert systems.
Short $5,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire / Police
32 Community
Preparedness
Door-to-door
Community
Conduct a door-to-door community preparedness campaign utilizing CERT volunteers and interested City Council members. Campaign Short $0 Fire 28 28 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
Preparedness
Campaign
can be used to distribute zone specific evacuation maps, assist residents in signing up for alert and warning, and providing education on home hardening.
33 Community
Preparedness
Engage with the Real
Estate Community on
Preparedness for New
Residents
Work with the local real estate community to provide new residents with information on evacuation zones, how to sign up for alert and warning, home hardening, and other preparedness skills.
Short -
ongoing TBD
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire / Police
34 Community
Preparedness School Preparedness Continue to coordinate with Laguna Beach USD and other schools foremergency preparedness and evacuations.
Short -
ongoing $0 Fire / Police
35 Community
Preparedness FireWise Program
Educate the public on the FireWise Program to increase participation by more neighborhoods. Having more FireWise neighborhoods would result in self-regulation of vegetation management and self-sufficient neighborhood emergency planning. Being a FireWise Community may also help in lowering insurance rates or qualifying for insurance.
Short -
ongoing $0 Fire
36 Community
Preparedness
FireRisk Reduction
Communities
Educate the public on the FireRisk Reduction Communities to increase participation by more neighborhoods to potentially help lower insurance rates or qualify for insurance.
Short -
ongoing $0 Fire
37 Community
Preparedness PSPS Education Collaborate with SCE and SDG&E to educate the public on PSPS, outage preparedness and SCE/SDG&E resources available.
Short -
ongoing $0 Fire
38 Community
Preparedness Evacuation Zone Maps
Update the public-facing evacuation zone maps to align with common evacuation terminology and incorporate lessons learned from evacuations since the 2019 iteration of the maps.
Short $15,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire / Police
39 Community
Preparedness
All Hazard
Preparedness Guide
Update the all-hazard emergency preparedness guide and distribute it to the public. Short $15,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire
29 29 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
40 Community
Preparedness
Annual Insurance
Townhall
Host an annual insurance town hall with the CA Department of Insurance for residents. The most recent Insurance Town Hall was held on September 18, 2025. Hold the next town hall in September 2026.
Short -
ongoing $0
Fire / City
Manager's
Office
41 Community
Preparedness
LBPD and LBFD
partnership with
SCWD, LBCWD, and
LBUSD
Continue to grow cooperative working relationship between LBPD/LBFD, SCWD and LBCWD for emergency preparedness,
response, and recovery. LBFD should continue to conduct wildfire inspections of water properties annually and upon request; both water districts should have a seat in the City’s EOC; water districts and school districts should be included in emergency exercises and drills; etc.
Short $0
Fire / Police /
SCWD /
LBCWD
42 Community
Preparedness
City should continue
partnership with
Emerald Bay Service
District
The City should continue to build a cooperative relationship with Emerald Bay Service District (EBSD) and include a representative from EBSD in the EOC.
Short $0 Fire
43 Community
Preparedness
Provide the public with
up-to-date information
on home hardening
laws and vetted
vendors by CalFire
Ensure the public is informed of updates to laws as they pertain to home hardening i.e. Zone 0 laws. Share with the public the State Fire Marshal’s list of Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Products for Home Hardening.
Short -
ongoing $0 Fire
44 Community
Preparedness
Community Wildfire
Protection Plan (CWPP)
Hire a consultant to lead development, facilitate public workshops, administer online surveys, and provide content and format the CWPP. Finalizing the CWPP assists with eligibility in becoming a CalFire designated Fire Risk Reduction Community.
Short $100,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire
45 Infrastructure
Investigate fire resistive
improvements to
emergency radio
facilities
Conduct an analysis of the fire hardening/structural improvements to the Moorhead Radio Repeater to improve the survivability of the radio equipment and a similar study for the radio equipment at Fire Station #3 and recommend necessary upgrades/improvements.
Short TBD Fire
30 30 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
46 Infrastructure
Add sprinkler system to
areas of high fire risk
determined by AI
software
Utilizing AI technology and satellite imagery, determine which areas would benefit from added moisture. Determine if feasible to add sprinkler systems to increase moisture of the vegetation to slow down or decrease the chance of fire spread.
Short $70,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire
47 Infrastructure Improving Cell
Coverage Review possible LBMC changes as suggested by cell phone carriers.
Short (by
September
2025)
$0 City Attorney
48 Infrastructure Improving Cell
Coverage
Review possible Macro Sites to improve reliability (macros have battery or generator backup)
Short (by
September
2025)
$0
City
Manager’s
Office
49 Infrastructure Improving Cell
Coverage
Review site opportunities and coverage maps via semi-annual meetings with Verizon, ATT - do this 2x a year
Short -
ongoing $0
City
Manager's
Office
50 Infrastructure Reducing Scope of
PSPS
Review hardening efforts and circuit division via semi-annual meetings with SCE, SDG&E - do this 2x a year
Short -
ongoing $0
City
Manager's
Office
51 Infrastructure Reducing Scope of
PSPS
Continue efforts to underground/harden transmission lines in critical open space areas
Short -
ongoing $0
Public Works,
with SCE and
SDGE
52 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
Coast Highway
between Agate Street
and Arch Street
Coast Highway is a primary evacuation route. Coast Highway Utility Underground District 2019‐1 was formed on April 16, 2019 as a Rule 20A project using Rule 20A credits for funding. Continue coordination with SCE and Caltrans to construct the project.
Short $3.7 million Rule 20A
Credits Public Works
53 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
Coast Highway
remaining overhead
facilities
Coast Highway is a primary evacuation route. Coast Highway Utility Underground District 2020-2 was formed on September 22, 2020 as a Rule 20A project using Rule 20A credits for funding. Continue coordination with SCE and Caltrans to construct the project.
Short $3.6 million Rule 20A
Credits Public Works
31 31 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
54 Infrastructure Repair gate at Balboa
Fire Road Repair Balboa Fire Road gate after Rancho Fire. Short $15,000 Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Public Works
/ Fire
Wildfire Safety Fund: $2,389,000
Already Funded: $970,000
Rule 20A Credits: $7,300,000
Grand Total: $10,659,000
Medium Term Projects
55 Fuel
Modification
Complete the Fuel
Modification Zones in
the remainder of the
City
Utilize the completed study in 2019 to complete the remaining onethird of the defensible space breaks around the City. Medium $2,000,000 Already Funded Fire
56 Community
Preparedness
Investigate grant
opportunities to
improve the wildfire
resistance of existing
residences
Investigate grant opportunities that will encourage and support residents in making improvements to harden their homes and mitigate wildfire risks.
Medium TBD Possibly Fire
57 Infrastructure
Install an additional fire
heli-hydrant filling
station
Explore installing a third location. Perform an assessment/study on needs/options and then work with LBFD and OCFA on feasibility of an additional location. If feasible and needed within the District’s service area, complete construction of the new additional helihydrant filling station.
Medium TBD
Laguna Beach
County Water
District / Fire
32 32 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
58 Infrastructure
Determine feasibility of
creating new roads or
leveraging existing trails
for evacuations.
There are currently areas within and adjacent to the city that can be assessed for feasibility to utilize in an evacuation or for resources to have a road to access harder to reach neighborhoods.
Medium $100,000 TBD Yes Public Works
59 Infrastructure Evaluate additional
reservoir feasibility
Evaluate the addition of a reservoir at Moulton Meadows concurrently with the pipeline evaluations to improve system performance and water supply reliability under both normal and emergency situations.
Medium Non-City
Funded
Laguna Beach
County Water
District
60 Infrastructure
Add pipelines and
pumps that go direct to
the wildland urban
interface areas
Evaluate adding direct pipelines (and pumping facilities) from our water supply transmission main in the Canyon to the Jahraus Reservoir (Top of the World) and from the water supply transmission main in Coast Highway to our Sweany and/or Zitnik reservoirs to increase system performance and water supply reliability under both normal and emergency situations (i.e. Seismic, Wildfire, Power loss, etc.). Determine feasibility of other system piping projects to improve system performance and reliability
Medium Non-City
Funded
Laguna Beach
County Water
District
61 Infrastructure
Utilize Title 22 Recycled
Water for firefighting
efforts
Determine feasibility of using Title 22 recycled water from Coastal Treatment Plant. Research what will be needed i.e. storage and hydrants specifically for recycled water
Medium Non-City
Funded South Coast Water District
62 Infrastructure
Collaborate with
utilities to support
legislation that includes
undergrounding and
grid resiliency
Provide support for legislation and collaborate with utility partners to push forward legislation that expedites the process to underground and increase grid resilience.
Medium $100,000 TBD
City
Manager's
Office
63 Infrastructure Undergrounding:
Crestview Underground Crestview overhead lines. Medium $1.4 million TBD No Public Works 33 33 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
64 Infrastructure Install new gate at
Balboa Fire Road
Install a new gate at the Balboa Fire Road with remote operating or keypad capability. Medium $85,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Public Works
/ Fire
65 Infrastructure Add additional fire
hydrant
Add additional fire hydrant near the intersection of Rancho Laguna and Morningside. Medium Non-City Funded TBD
Laguna Beach
County Water
District / Fire
Wildfire Safety Fund: $85,000
Already Funded: $2,000,000
Funding Source TBD: $1,600,000
Grand Total: $3,685,000
Long Term Projects
66 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
Top of the World to Alta
Laguna Blvd
Underground Top of the World to Alta Laguna overhead lines. Long TBD No Public Works 67 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
SOCWA Coastal
Treatment Plant to
Laguna Niguel
Underground area from SOCWA Coastal Treatment Plan to Laguna Niguel. This area is where the Coastal Fire occurred in May 2022. Long TBD No Public Works 34 34 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
68 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
Laguna Canyon Road
between the electrical
substation westerly of
Canyon Acres to El Toro
Road
Laguna Canyon Road is a primary route for evacuation and emergency/mutual aid resources to access the City. The poles and wires are adjacent to 16,000 acres of open space creating a fire risk from failures due to wind or vehicle impact. Pole or wire failures from a wildfire could also block emergency access. In addition, the failure of communication wires could disrupt emergency communications through loss of fiber optic cable damage. Undergrounding the utilities may require significant road improvements to accommodate the underground facilities. The conceptual cost estimate is approximately $60 million for undergrounding and $60 million for roadway improvements. Grant funds are being pursued to cover the costs of the project. On January 9, 2024, City Council initiated the relinquishment process to take ownership of the roadway.
Long $60 million TBD Yes Public Works
69 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
Glenneyre Street
between Laguna
Avenue and Thalia
Street, and between
Calliope Street and
Agate Street
Glenneyre Street is a high-volume roadway that serves as a secondary emergency access and evacuation route parallelling Coast Highway and serves a significant portion of the City. Poles and wires blocking the road could significantly delay emergency access or evacuation.
Long TBD No Public Works
70 Infrastructure Undergrounding:
Neighborhoods
Work with neighborhoods to develop plans and incentives to underground utilities through assessment districts and other methods.
Long TBD No Public Works
71 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
Monterey Drive,
Hawthorne to Linden
Street
This section of Monterey Drive was identified in the 2019 Report as a key evacuation route that should be prioritized as an undergrounding project when funding becomes available.
Long TBD No Public Works
35 35 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
72 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
Thalia Street, Temple
Terrace to 350 feet
southwest of Glenneyre
Street
This section of Thalia Street was identified in the 2019 Report as a key evacuation route that should be prioritized as an undergrounding project when funding becomes available.
Long TBD No Public Works
73 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
Monterey
Street/Virginia Way,
West Street to 5th
Avenue
This section of Monterey Street/Virginia Way was identified in the 2019 Report as a key evacuation route that should be prioritized as an undergrounding project when funding becomes available. West Street Assessment District 2021-1 will go to vote this summer. If successful, the project will underground Monterey Street from West Street to Eagle Rock Way.
Long TBD No Public Works
74 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
Temple Hills Drive,
northeast and
southwest of San Remo
Drive
This section of Temple Hills Drive was identified in the 2019 Report as a key evacuation route that should be prioritized as an undergrounding project when funding becomes available.
Long TBD No Public Works
75 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
Virginia Way, 7th Avenue
to 9th Avenue
This section of Virginia Way was identified in the 2019 Report as a key evacuation route that should be prioritized as an undergrounding project when funding becomes available.
Long TBD No Public Works
76 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
San Joaquin Street,
Hillcrest Drive to alley
100 feet northeast of N.
Coast Highway
This section of Joaquin Street was identified in the 2019 Report as a key evacuation route that should be prioritized as an undergrounding project when funding becomes available.
Long TBD No Public Works
Funding Source TBD: $60,000,000
Grand Total: $60,000,000
36 36 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
Total for All Action Items (Short, Medium, Long Term)
Wildfire Safety Fund: $2,474,000
Already Funded: $2,970,000
Rule 20A Credits: $7,300,000
Funding Source TBD: $61,600,000
Grand Total: $74,344,000
37 37 of 104
Section 1: Status of 2019
Wildfire Mitigation and Fire
Safety Report Action Items
For many years, the City of Laguna Beach has taken steps to reduce the threat of wildfire within the community. However, following the 2018 Paradise Fire in Northern California which devastated the Paradise community, the City Council in Laguna Beach prioritized wildfire mitigation and fire safety locally, and completed the first Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Report which was formally approved in 2019.
The 2019 Report contained multiple action items to consider for mitigating the threat of wildfire. The City is pleased to report that 24 recommendations have been completed/ongoing and 16 are in progress. The chart outlines the status of the action items as of September 2025.
38 38 of 104
Column ID Category Opportunity Status Disposition as of April 2025 1 1 Notification Conduct a neighborhood outreach program Completed/Ongoing Public safety departments continually pursue opportunities to educate the public.
2 2 Notification Install a City-wide Outdoor Warning System Completed/Ongoing Initial sites identified in 2019 report installed. Two
additional sites in Bluebird Canyon installed after
completion of the initial sites. One additional site at Canyon Acres was proposed but not approved by PC.
Potential expansion included in the 2025 update.
3 3 Notification Conduct outreach to art venues for evacuation Completed/Ongoing Outreach scheduled annually in April/May for the art
festivals/venues which will be done at the same as
their annual fire inspection.
4 4 Notification Develop an interactive evacuation map using GPS Completed Type "evacuation" into the search bar on the City's
website to view neighborhood evacuation maps and
routes.
5 5 Evacuation Prepare an evacuation modeling study Completed The City Council received a presentation about the
results of the Evacuation Time Study at its August 24,
2021 meeting.
6 6 Evacuation Install evacuation route signage In Progress Included in the 2025 update to continue working on. 7 7 Evacuation Install a traffic signal priority system In Progress In 2019, the 0pticom equipment didn't have the
capability to integrate effectively with the Cal Trans
equipment. We recently met with them at the IACP
(International Association of Chiefs of Police)
conference, and they have since enhanced their
capabilities. PD will be exploring this possibility again in 2025.
8 8 Evacuation Permanently stage evacuation traffic control devices On Hold
This has been discussed with adjacent cities and
deemed not practical. An updated evacuation traffic
control plan will be developed in 2025.
39 39 of 104
Column ID Category Opportunity Status Disposition as of April 2025 9 9 Evacuation Coordinate Mutual Aid for Traffic Control in Dana Point and Newport Beach Completed
Staff scheduled a joint agency meeting with Dana
Point and Newport Beach to discuss procedure in
June 2021.
10 10 Fuel Modification Streamline the Coastal Development Permit Process In Progress
Staff met with Coastal Commission staff in January
2025 to discuss incorporating a fuel modification
program into the City's Local Coastal Program and
the subsequent benefits and implications for doing
so. The results will be shared with the City Council to determine next steps.
11 11 Fuel Modification Streamline the CEQA Process In Progress Have not previously received support from
Sacramento to eliminate CEQA from the fuel
modification program but legislation has been
introduced and is being supported by the City. This
opportunity may be revised based on discussions
with the Coastal Commission regarding the LCP
amendment. The report identified this as short term.
It should be regarded as a long-term opportunity.
12 12 Fuel Modification Maintain existing fuel modification zones Completed The City has met its fire safety objectives by
implementing 27 fuel modification zones covering
approximately 480 acres. The City is piloting a
mechanical only treatment protocol and will report
back to the City Council in 2026 as to its
environmental and fire safety efficacy. The
mechanical treatment option is meeting the fire
safety objectives of the fuel modification program.
The environmental objectives require more time for
observation.
40 40 of 104
Column ID Category Opportunity Status Disposition as of April 2025 13 13 Fuel Modification Complete the fuel modification at Laguna Canyon & Canyon Acres Completed
FMA 23 and 24 have been implemented and are
being maintained within the treatment protocol
parameters.
14 14 Fuel Modification
Residential Program for fuel mod including: (a)
inspection of permit requirements (b)
enforcement of City codes
In Progress
The City Council adopted Ordinance 1664 at its
October 5, 2021 meeting which implemented
residential defensible space guidelines and
requirements.
15 15 Fuel Modification Vegetation management in Bluebird Canyon Completed 18 trees in the horseshoe area were trimmed in 2021.
The area is maintained on an ongoing basis. FMZ 17
(upper Bluebird) and FMZ 18 (South Bluebird)
received Federal authorization to be implemented,
and it is anticipated that these zones will be
implemented in 2025. There is an opportunity to
explore additional fire safety opportunities in the
Bluebird horseshoe area.
16 16 Infrastructure Install two fire detection cameras Completed Fire detection cameras are installed in the City's open space.
17 17 Infrastructure Install two helicopter fire hydrant filling stations In Progress One location is installed along the Fire Road and a
second in North Laguna. Staff are exploring a third
location near Alta Laguna.
18 18 Infrastructure Underground - Coast Hwy between Agate and Arch Street In Progress City approval completed. Awaiting permitting process between Caltrans and Edison. 19 19 Infrastructure Plan a temporary safe refuge and egress route for Bluebird Canyon Completed
The roadway at lower Bluebird Canyon adjacent to
the horseshoe has been widened to improve egress
in an emergency.
20 20 Infrastructure Underground - Coast Hwy remaining overhead electrical lines In Progress City approval completed. Awaiting permitting process between Caltrans and Edison. 21 21 Infrastructure Adopt the revised 2019 CA Building Code Section 7A Completed
41 41 of 104
Column ID Category Opportunity Status Disposition as of April 2025 22 22 Infrastructure Improve the fire resistivity of water pumps and generator enclosures Completed
Implemented a program to actively manage
landscaping on all Water District properties (fuel
modification); Built defensible space and enclosed
any exposed pumps/generators.
23 23 Infrastructure Install an emergency generator at Pump Station 3 SCWD Completed
24 24 Infrastructure Create fuel mod zones around telecomm/radio facilities at Moorhead and Ridge Reservoir sites Completed/Ongoing FMZ 14 Moorhead implemented and maintained by Laguna Beach County Water District. 25 25 Infrastructure Improve emergency radio reception at Moorhead Reservoir site Completed Radio repeater installed at the Animal Shelter to increase coverage in the Canyon. 26 26 Infrastructure Investigate fire resistive improvements to emergency radio facilities In Progress
Moorhead completed. A vulnerability assessment of
Fire Station 3 was completed. Improvements to this
location are still pending and not planned.
27 27 Infrastructure Identify an alternate Emergency Operations Center location Completed
A Memorandum of Agreement has been approved by
the cities of Irvine, Newport Beach, and Laguna
Beach which allows for the sharing of emergency
management personnel, alternate EOCs, Community
Centers for shelters, and the ability to alert and warn into each other's jurisdictions. This agreement was
approved by City Council on October 29, 2019 and
updated on December 20, 2023 to include the
University of California at Irvine.
28 28 Infrastructure Underground - Bluebird Canyon Drive from Cress/Bluebird to Rancho Laguna Road Completed Poles will be removed in the summer of 2025. 29 29 Infrastructure Underground - Park Ave between Wendt Terrace to 500 feet easterly of St. Anns Drive Completed Completed in February 2025. 30 32 Fuel Mod Complete the fuel modification zones on Park Ave Completed Park Avenue (FMZ 22) has received permits, been
implemented, and is maintained annually as part of
the City's fuel mod program.
42 42 of 104
Column ID Category Opportunity Status Disposition as of April 2025 31 33 Fuel Mod Maintain existing fuel modification zones completed between years 2023-2030 In Progress Zones are maintained per the City's treatment protocols. 32 34 Fuel Mod Complete the fuel modification zones in the remainder of the City. In Progress
• Permitting phase, including environmental
analysis, for FMZ 16 (Hobo Canyon) and FMZ 19
(Diamond) underway.
• FMZs 17 and 18 (N. & S. Bluebird) will be
implemented in 2025.
33 35 Infrastructure Investigate incentives to improve the wildfire resistance of existing residences In Progress
The Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
contemplates incentives and recommendations. This
includes Firewise Program. Ultimately future actions
will likely be considered based on insurance
requirements
34 36 Resources Develop a plan to augment current procedures for non-safety employees on Red Flag Days Completed
The City has completed development of a Red Flag
Plan & Checklist which includes additional staffing
levels and action items for all departments (including
non-public safety departments) during declared Red
Flag events.
35 37 Fuel Mod
Consider alternative staffing models to reduce
fuel management zones construction /
maintenance costs (i.e. hand crews)
Completed Currently, contractual services meet the program’s objectives and is a more cost-effective option.
36 40 Infrastructure
Underground - Laguna Canyon Road between the
electrical substation westerly of Canyon Acres to
El Toro Road
In Progress The ad hoc committee continues to work with Edison, and other regional agencies to secure funding.
37 41 Fuel Mod Maintain the fuel management zones completed after year 2030
This will be programmed into the annual City budget
each year.
38 42 Infrastructure Increase the capacity of water reservoirs 2B and 3B SCWD Completed SCWD’s Reservoir 2B in South Laguna has been replaced to double capacity. 3B is no longer needed. 43 43 of 104
Column ID Category Opportunity Status Disposition as of April 2025 39 43 Infrastructure Maintain or improve water system interconnections (with IRWD and MNWD) In Progress LBCWD intertie with El Toro Water District is
complete; all SCWD interties are complete. Interties
with MNWD are being discussed.
40 44 Infrastructure
Underground - Glenneyre Street between Laguna
Avenue and Thalia Street, between Calliope Street
and Arch Street
In Progress
Woods Cove utility underground district remove
overhead line from Agate to Arch. No project is
currently underway outside of this area.
41 45 Infrastructure
Create a fuel modification zone to improve the
survivability of communication cables along
Laguna Canyon Road
Completed
FMZ 24 (Laguna Canyon) was created and
implemented into the City’s Fuel Modification
Program to help improve
survivability of communication cables along LCR.
42 46 Infrastructure Underground - Neighborhoods In Progress Included in the 2025 Update to continue working on. 44 44 of 104
Section 2: Evacuation and
Alert & Warning
The City of Laguna Beach is recognized as a leader in evacuation planning and alert & warning systems. However, these life-saving functions are only effective if the public is aware of them and understands how to respond. Advancements in modern technology have significantly enhanced the efficiency of emergency alerts and evacuation planning, to provide timely and accurate information to residents during critical situations.
Evacuation Planning
Laguna Beach has a comprehensive Evacuation Plan designed to guide the evacuation and relocation of affected populations, typically involving 50 or more individuals. The plan includes detailed checklists applicable to various evacuation scenarios across multiple hazard events. These checklists are utilized by the City’s Police, Fire, Marine Safety and Public Works Departments to implement evacuation warnings and orders.
The city is divided into 22 Evacuation Management Zones (EMZs), which enable tiered evacuations based on impacted areas. Each EMZ has an individual map outlining:
• The number of properties within the zone
• Critical infrastructure
• Designated evacuation routes
This structured approach is intended to allow for more efficient and organized evacuations.
The Evacuation Plan has been successfully implemented by City staff in response to several emergencies, including the 2018 Aliso Fire, 2019 Winter Storms, 2022 Emerald Fire, 2022 Coastal Fire, and 2025 Rancho Fire.
In July 2021, the City published a comprehensive Evacuation Time Study. To complete the study, an engineering firm, along with City staff, conducted site visits to Laguna Beach to gather roadway data; drive access impaired neighborhoods and streets; and to conduct 45 45 of 104
surveys to obtain demographic information as it relates to evacuations like travel patterns, car ownership, and household size. The study concluded that the entire city takes 4 hours and 20 minutes, on average under normal roadway conditions (no roadways hazards like stalled vehicles, trees/debris and/or power lines blocking the road, thick smoke limiting sight distance, etc.), to evacuate the entire city with no roadway closures. Some of the other notable findings are:
46 46 of 104
If a wildfire renders SR-133 (Laguna Canyon Rd) unavailable, the time to evacuate the entire City increases by as much as 40 minutes. See Table J-5.
If a wildfire renders SR-133 and SR-73 unavailable, the time to evacuate the entire City increases by as much as 1 hour and 20 minutes. See Table J-7.
47 47 of 104
If a wildfire renders SR-1 (Pacific Coast Highway) northbound and SR-133 unavailable, the time to evacuate the entire City increases by as much as 4 hours. See Table J-9.
If a wildfire renders SR-1 southbound and SR-133 unavailable, the time to evacuate the entire City increases by as much as 3 hours and 45 minutes. See Table J-11.
48 48 of 104
The Study analyzed whether allowing all lanes of traffic to flow in the outbound direction (contraflow) would improve evacuation timelines. The benefit gained by implementing contraflow (20 minutes or less) does not outweigh the danger and effort required to implement it. See Table J-12. Implementing contraflow is dangerous – potential for head-on collisions – and resource intensive – requires extensive equipment and personnel to block all roadways that could potentially turn into oncoming traffic. 49 49 of 104
A sensitivity study was performed to determine the impact of an additional 400 housing units being built along SR-1 in Laguna Beach. The increased number of evacuating vehicles from these additional housing units increases congestion and delays along SR-1 thereby increasing the 90th and 100th percentile ETE by 25 minutes and 40 minutes, respectively. See Tables J-13 and J-14. 50 50 of 104
Three neighborhoods were deemed to be access impaired: Canyon Acres Drive, Bluebird Canyon, and Diamond Street & Crestview Drive, as shown in Figure 8-3. These neighborhoods share several characteristics in common: they are surrounded by wooded areas (fuel consisting of tall trees that can burn easily), ingress/egress routes are very narrow at sections (often only the width of a single car), and ingress/egress routes follow a winding path with hairpin turns in some sections.
51 51 of 104
According to the 2023 Community Risk Assessment, relative to Orange County as a whole, the population in Laguna Beach is older, with a median age of 51 instead of 37 years old in Orange County. In addition to having a higher median age, Laguna Beach has a higher percentage of the population over 65. Two groups identified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Urban Fire Safety Report as "at risk" populations include adults over 65 and persons with disabilities. According to the Risk Assessment, there are about 1,833 households in the city that identified someone in their household as having a disability and 405 households without vehicles. “At risk” populations and those without vehicles may require additional time and assistance when evacuating, creating further evacuation challenges with limited resources.
As discussed in Section 6 of this report, the effectiveness of the City’s evacuation plan is dependent in large part on community preparedness
52 52 of 104
53 53 of 104
Alert & Warning Systems
Laguna Beach is the only city in Orange County, and one of the few in the entire state, to have a city-wide Outdoor Warning System (OWS). This advanced system is satellite-activated and can function on solar power for several hours in the event of a power outage. The OWS can be triggered locally or remotely, ensuring critical emergency alerts reach the community even when cell towers are down.
In addition to OWS, the City utilizes AlertOC, Nixle, and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) which provide residents with real-time emergency notifications via text, phone calls, and emails. The OWS serves as an added layer of notification, especially for individuals who may not have access to mobile alerts. Additionally, the City can request that the County activate the Emergency Alert System (EAS), which broadcasts emergency alerts and warning messages to the public via cable, satellite and broadcast television and AM, FM and satellite radio.
While all alert systems have limitations, the City continuously looks for ways to enhance emergency alerts. Laguna Beach strives to remain at the forefront of community safety, ensuring residents are well-informed and prepared for any emergency.
The Ad Hoc Committee recommends that the City implement a regular testing schedule for the OWS and upgrade the system to fill any gaps in coverage in the city; that the City work aggressively with the telecommunications carriers to fill gaps in cellphone coverage in the city; and that the City work with SCE and SDGE to limit the impact of Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPSs) on alerting the public.
Additional recommended action items related to evacuations and alert and warning systems are listed in the table below.
One of the Outdoor Warning System loudspeakers strategically placed throughout the City. 54 54 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
1 Evacuation
Update the
Emergency
Operations Plan
including the City's
Evacuation Annex
Hire a planning consultant to update the citywide Emergency Operations Plan to incorporate lessons learned from past incidents, mitigation efforts, and technological improvements that have occurred since it was last updated. Revise the Evacuation Annex to include the Marine Safety Department for evacuations onto the beach; Animal Control for the evacuation of animals; and Transportation and Community Services for the evacuation of seniors and others needing assistance.
Short $100,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire / Police /
Marine Safety
/ Transit &
Community
Services
2 Evacuation Evaluate evacuation
route signage plan
Evaluate whether an effective evacuation route signage plan could be installed to assist visitors and residents unfamiliar with certain parts of the city.
Short $0 Public Works
/ Police / Fire
3 Evacuation
Establish a list of
residents who may
need assistance with
evacuations
There are numerous residents who may be unable to self-evacuate and will require assistance. The City should work to create a list of those residents, determine what the City is able to provide the residents, and determine how the list will be maintained.
Short $0
Fire / Police /
Transit &
Community
Services
4 Evacuation Stage bull dozers on
Red Flag Days
Determine the feasibility of staging bull dozers on Red Flag Days to clear evacuation routes. Short $0 Public Works
5 Evacuation
Mutual Aid
Coordination and
Planning
Continue to coordinate with Orange County Sheriff’s Department (Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, and OCSD Mutual Aid Bureau), Irvine, and Newport Beach mutual aid for traffic control and evacuations. Add mutual aid procedures to the update of the City's evacuation plan. Conduct a tabletop exercise on evacuations.
Short -
ongoing $0 Police
6 Alert &
Warning
Test the City-wide
Outdoor Warning
System
Conduct semi-annual or quarterly testing of the Outdoor Warning System
Short -
ongoing $0 Fire
55 55 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
7 Alert &
Warning
Evaluate the reach of
the Outdoor Warning
System
Evaluate coverage of the Outdoor Warning System and expand the system with the addition of more speakers, if needed, to ensure alerts can be heard by all areas of the City.
Short $200,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Possibly Fire
56 56 of 104
Section 3: Fuel Modification
Fuel modification is a critical wildfire mitigation strategy that reduces the amount of vegetation available for combustion, thereby decreasing the size and intensity of wildfires in treated areas. This process also reduces ember showers, which are a leading cause of home ignitions during wildfires.
The City of Laguna Beach includes approximately 480 acres to mitigate the City's high fire risk. The City’s 27 Fuel Modification Zones (FMZs) create defensible space around homes, structures, critical infrastructure, and evacuation routes within the city's wildland-urban interface. By reducing thermal output from wildfires, FMZs enhance the effectiveness of structural defense efforts and improve evacuation safety.
The City's 27 FMZs are maintained through three primary systems:
1. Coastal Development Permit (CDP) Areas – These zones are maintained according to strict environmental regulations set by the CDP and the City's Fuel Modification Treatment Protocol. Fuel reduction in these areas is accomplished through either goat grazing or hand-crew removal of hazardous vegetation.
2. Public Nuisance Abatement Law Areas – These zones, historically managed through goat grazing, receive environmental oversight but are typically located in less critical habitats.
3. Privately Maintained Areas – Two zones in North Laguna Beach are managed by the Irvine Cove and Emerald Bay local homeowners’ associations. In addition, the Emerald Bay Services District performs fuel modification surrounding Emerald Bay which is immediately adjacent to city properties in Irvine Cove and North Laguna.
As a result of these efforts, two-thirds of the city benefits from defensible space, with 481.59 acres receiving regular fuel modification treatment. Expanding and maintaining these efforts is essential for reducing the city’s wildfire vulnerability and enhancing overall community safety.
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Goat Grazing Zones
FMZ Area Name Acres
FMZ 1 Dartmoor 31.2
FMZ 2 Skyline-Alta Laguna - (City Hall to Bermuda) 60.2 FMZ 2 Skyline-Alta Laguna - (Bermuda to Alta Laguna)
FMZ 3 Hidden Valley/Pacific 43
FMZ 4 Bluebird Canyon 40
FMZ 5 Nestall - Top of the World 30.5
FMZ 6 Fire Road 37.8
FMZ 7 Ceanothus 10.3
FMZ 8 Three Arch Bay 15.9
FMZ 9 Del Mar 7.5
FMZ 10
(West)
Barracuda - West/Nyes 4.5
Total 280.9
58 58 of 104
Hand Crew Zones
FMZ Area Name Acres
FMZ10 (East) Barracuda - East 3.76
FMZ 11 Driftwood 2.6
FMZ 12 Arch Beach Heights View Park 1.4
FMZ 13 Oro Canyon 6.7
FMZ 14 LBCWD Responsibility 3.63
FMZ 15 Nyes & Oro Canyons 24.1
FMZ 16 Hobo Canyon – In Permitting Process 18.8
FMZ 17 Upper Bluebird 8.6
FMZ 18 South Bluebird 8.7
FMZ 19 Diamond Canyon – In Permitting Process 26.9
FMZ 20 Sunset 7.02
FMZ 21 South Laguna 12.25
FMZ 22 Park Ave 7.16
FMZ 23 Canyon Acres 13.6
FMZ 24 Laguna Canyon 29
FMZ 25 Irvine Cove - HOA 7.57
FMZ 26 Emerald Bay - HOA 17.4
FMZ 27 City Corporate Yard 1.5
Total 200.69
Grand Total of all Fuel Mod Zones 481.59
59 59 of 104
Fuel Modification Expansion Strategy Under Governor’s Executive Order In 2025, Governor Newsom issued an Executive Order allowing qualified public safety agencies to apply for temporary suspension of certain state regulations—such as CEQA and the Coastal Act—for critical wildfire prevention projects. This order presents a unique and time-sensitive opportunity for the City of Laguna Beach to more rapidly expand its fuel modification efforts in areas at risk of wildfire.
Following a comprehensive review of the Executive Order, staff identified an opportunity to expand existing Fuel Modification Zones (FMZs) up to 300 feet, significantly strengthening the City’s defensible space and wildfire risk reduction strategies. FMZs serve as critical buffers between wildland vegetation and developed areas, reducing the intensity and spread of wildfire near homes and infrastructure.
To maximize the impact of this initiative if it is approved by the state under the Executive Order, the City will identify and retain a qualified contractor to conduct fire behavior predictive analysis. This data will guide the prioritization and phased implementation of the 300-foot FMZ expansion, ensuring that resources are focused where they will have the greatest benefit to public safety.
The City is pursuing a phased approach:
• Apply for expansion of all existing FMZs under the Executive Order to secure the necessary permits before the December 2025 deadline.
• Use predictive fire modeling to identify the highest-priority areas for implementation. • Advance FMZs 16 and 19 into the application process as early candidates for expansion under the order.
This strategic approach allows Laguna Beach to take full advantage of the temporary regulatory flexibility while maintaining environmental responsibility and aligning with the Statewide Fuels Reduction Environmental Protection Plan. 60 60 of 104
Fuel Modification Schedule for 2025
The tables below summarize the 2025 schedule for Fuel Modification Zones that are cleared through goat grazing and hand crews. The schedule is posted on the City’s website and subject to change based on environmental conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.
Goat Grazing
FMZ Area Name Schedule
FMZ 1 Dartmoor August 2025
FMZ 2 Skyline-Alta Laguna - (City Hall to Bermuda) June – July 2025 FMZ 2 Skyline-Alta Laguna - (Bermuda to Alta Laguna) September 2025 FMZ 3 Hidden Valley/Pacific August – September 2025
FMZ 4 Bluebird Canyon August – September 2025
FMZ 5 Nestall - Top of the World July 2025
FMZ 6 Fire Road July 2025
FMZ 7 Ceanothus To Be Determined
FMZ 8 Three Arch Bay May 2025
FMZ 9 Del Mar June – July 2025
FMZ 10 (West) Barracuda - West/Nyes To Be Determined
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Hand Crews
FMZ Area Name First Pass Second Pass Third Pass
(As Needed)
FMZ 10 (East) Barracuda - East April 2025 July 2025
FMZ 11 Driftwood March 2025 June 2025 Sept 2025
FMZ 12 Arch Beach Heights View Park Jan 2025 June 2025
FMZ 13 Oro Canyon Jan 2025 June 2025
FMZ 14 LBCWD Responsibility N/A N/A N/A
FMZ 15 Nyes & Oro Canyons April 2025 July-Aug 2025
FMZ 16 Hobo Canyon - Permitting
FMZ 17 Upper Bluebird -Initial
Treatment
Sept-Oct
2025
FMZ 18
South Bluebird -Initial
Treatment
Feb - March
2025 August 2025
FMZ 19 Diamond Canyon - Permitting
FMZ 20 Sunset May 2025 August 2025
FMZ 21 South Laguna May 2025 August 2025
FMZ 22 Park Ave March 2025 June 2025 Sept 2025
FMZ 23 Canyon Acres March 2025 June 2025
FMZ 24 Laguna Canyon
March -
April 2025
June - July
2025
FMZ 25 Irvine Cove - HOA N/A N/A N/A
FMZ 26 Emerald Bay - HOA N/A N/A N/A
FMZ 27 City Corporate Yard March 2025 June 2025
Additional recommended actions related to fuel modification are listed in the table below. 62 62 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
8 Fuel
Modification
Expand weed abatement
program to enforce
property maintenance
ordinance
Expand the City's current weed abatement program by hiring more personnel to conduct inspections. Short $200,000
General
Fund –
Funded
FY26
Fire
9 Fuel
Modification
Expand Fuel
Modification Zones
Create a plan to conduct deadwood maintenance on areas adjacent to fuel modification zones and other areas that need vegetation management.
Short $50,000 Wildfire
Safety Fund Fire
10 Fuel
Modification
Streamline the Coastal
Development Permit
Process
Obtain a multi-year, multi-phase, "blanket" permit for the creation of fuel modification zones. Short/Medium $30,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Community
Development
11 Fuel
Modification
Streamline the
California Environmental
Quality Act Process
Streamlined California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) permitting would allow for faster expansion of fuel modification zones and ease the maintenance requirements.
Short/Medium $0 Community
Development
12 Fuel
Modification
Seek to maximize brush
clearance around
critical infrastructure.
Ensure defensible space of 50 - 100 feet around critical infrastructure including communications equipment and cell towers. Determine if this clearance qualifies for the Governor's emergency proclamation on March 1, 2025 to waive CEQA and California Coastal Act.
Short $0 Fire
13 Fuel
Modification
Expand Fuel
Modification Zones
Apply to establish new and expand existing fuel modification zones up to 300 feet under the Governor’s Executive Order for Wildfire Prevention Projects.
Short TBD
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire
14 Fuel
Modification
Maintain the Fuel
Modification Zones Maintain the Fuel Modification Zones. Short - Ongoing $770,000 General
Fund –
Funded
FY26
Fire
63 63 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
55 Fuel
Modification
Complete the Fuel
Modification Zones in
the remainder of the City
Utilize the completed study in 2019 to complete the remaining onethird of the defensible space breaks around the City. Medium $2,000,000 Already Funded Fire
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Section 4: Infrastructure
A city’s infrastructure plays a critical role in determining community risk and resilience during a wildfire. Key infrastructure components—including electrical systems, water systems, public safety radio facilities, and telecommunications—must be carefully managed to reduce fire hazards and ensure an effective emergency response. The City of Laguna Beach is served by two electricity providers and two water districts, each with unique challenges that impact fire safety and evacuation efforts.
Electrical System
Laguna Beach’s electricity is provided by Southern California Edison (SCE) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). Approximately 11,000 properties north of Aliso Beach are served by SCE, while 2,000 properties south of Aliso Beach receive power from SDG&E.
Overhead power lines are a well-documented ignition source for wildfires. On April 3, 2025, CalFire published the table on the next page of the Top 20 Most Destructive California Wildfires with 8 out of the 20 starting from electrical equipment or powerlines. SCE has recently disclosed that its transmission lines may have been an ignition source for the Eaton Fire which, per CalFire, destroyed 9,414 structures, damaged 1,074 structures, and resulted in 18 civilian fatalities and 9 firefighter injuries in Altadena in January 2025. 65 65 of 104
66 66 of 104
SCE and SDG&E’s service territories cover vast regions, including much of Southern California, where extreme weather events—particularly Santa Ana winds—can exacerbate wildfire risks. To mitigate these dangers, utility companies have implemented Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPSs) during severe weather conditions. In January 2025, Laguna Beach experienced its first PSPS, revealing additional hazards such as disruptions to cellular networks, which creates issues for emergency alerting capabilities. It also became an issue for residents who rely on power for medical equipment. The unknown duration of power loss during a PSPS creates another layer of difficulty.
Undergrounding
Converting overhead electrical lines to underground systems can significantly reduce wildfire risk, improve evacuation safety, and enhance emergency access. Laguna Beach has witnessed multiple wildfires caused by above-ground electrical infrastructure, including the 2012 vegetation fire near Ruby’s Diner, the July 3, 2015 wildfire at Laguna Canyon and Canyon Acres Drive, the 2022 Emerald Fire, and the 2022 Coastal Fire.
Given this fire history, the City’s goal should be to minimize the wildfire risk from aboveground electrical infrastructure by undergrounding all remaining distribution lines in the city and, where feasible, transmission lines and with respect to any lines not underground, ensuring that they are hardened with the latest technology and infrastructure upgrades to reduce wildfire risk to the greatest extent possible. Steps to achieve this goal include:
1. Working with the utility companies to have them underground as much of the remaining above ground infrastructure through their Targeted Undergrounding Programs (TUG).
2. Developing a City program to facilitate the undergrounding of the remaining above ground infrastructure that the utility companies will not be undergrounding. This may include a streamlined assessment district program with enhanced City financial participation and direct City funding for undergrounding along key evacuation routes and access impaired zones.
3. Working with the utility companies to ensure that all required inspections of and hardening of the above-ground infrastructure is completed in a timely manner.
Priority areas for undergrounding should include:
1. Electrical utilities along key evacuation routes to ensure safe and unobstructed passage.
2. Electrical utilities in areas with impaired access and egress to improve emergency response capabilities.
67 67 of 104
3. Electrical utilities adjacent to open space to reduce fire ignition risks.
SCE and SDGE have made progress in undergrounding utilities and overall grid resiliency.
The City continues to support their efforts by supporting legislative efforts to speed up the process, provide financial assistance to pay for portions of the undergrounding projects, coordinating with outside agencies and jurisdictions, and continuing to press the issue until the city reaches 100% of all utility lines underground.
The maps below show the status of the electrical systems in Laguna Beach and the planned work for undergrounding and improving grid resiliency, including target deadlines. The timeframes can change based on factors like permitting, construction challenges, and feasibility.
68 68 of 104
Approximate location -
Pacific Coast Highway to Aliso Canyon
Road/Aliso Water District Road
Distribution Line
69 69 of 104
Transmission Line
Distribution Line
Approximate locations -
Laguna Canyon Road: Woodland Drive to
Laguna College of Art & Design
Laguna Canyon Road: Castle Rock Road to
Laguna Beach Dog Park
70 70 of 104
Approximate location – Emerald Bay to Windsor Place
Distribution Line
71 71 of 104
*No scheduled undergrounding projects
72 72 of 104
Approximate locations -
El Toro Road: 73 Toll Road to Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Canyon Road: El Toro Road to Sun Valley Drive
Laguna Canyon Road: 405 Freeway to Lake Forest Drive
Distribution Line
73 73 of 104
San Diego Gas and Electric does not have any undergrounding projects planned within the City of Laguna Beach. SDG&E is seeking California Public Utility Commission approval for additional funding for undergrounding beginning in 2027. The City will work with SDG&E to allocate funding for undergrounding projects in the city. 74 74 of 104
Water System
Laguna Beach is served by two water districts: the Laguna Beach County Water District (LBCWD) and the South Coast Water District (SCWD), separated approximately by Nyes Place. These districts currently rely on water sourced from groundwater, the Colorado River, and the State Water Project. Additionally, both districts maintain interconnections with neighboring districts to increase water flow during emergencies and are working on additional water sourced from ocean desalination.
Both districts are evaluating possible improvements to their systems to enhance water supply to fight a wildfire. Both districts rely on a gravity-fed system from hillside reservoirs to maintain pressure throughout the city. LBCWD stores approximately 35 million gallons of water within Laguna Beach. SCWD maintains over 29 million gallons within its service area and an additional 29 million gallons in emergency storage outside its service area.
LBCWD will be investigating ways to enhance its ability to pump water directly into its top reservoirs to maintain pressure in a wildfire event and will be investigating the feasibility of adding another reservoir in the Moulton Meadows area.
SCWD has recently completed its Reservoir 2B project in South Laguna doubling the storage capacity to 200,000 gallons. SCWD will also be exploring ways to utilize its recycled water system located at the Coastal Treatment Plant to increase water supply in a wildfire event.
Since 2019, both districts have hardened portions of their systems to reduce the impact on operations caused by a wildfire. These steps have included increased vegetation management around key facilities and expanding backup generator systems. The districts will continue to add to resiliency by actively managing vegetation on water district properties through landscape maintenance contracts and by working with the City Fire Department to conduct wildfire inspections of water district properties annually.
Public Safety Radio Facilities
Reliable radio communication is essential for Laguna Beach’s Police, Fire, Marine Safety, and Public Works Departments, especially during wildfires. However, the city’s topography creates coverage gaps in several areas. Nearly all radio transmissions are relayed through the repeater located at Moorhead Reservoir, northwest of the Festival of Arts. This facility, situated in a Very High Fire Severity Zone as determined by Cal Fire, is surrounded by open space and remains vulnerable to wildfire damage. Strengthening this critical communication hub should be a priority.
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Telecommunications Facilities
Wireless communication is frequently compromised during wildfire events. For example, during the 2018 Camp Fire which destroyed Paradise, California, widespread telecommunications failures occurred, severely hampering evacuation efforts and emergency coordination.
The telecommunications infrastructure serving Laguna Beach is largely situated in open space areas, making it susceptible to fire damage. Most electronic equipment is housed in masonry or metal enclosures, often without additional fire-resistant features to protect antennas and wiring. This includes key telecommunications facilities, referred to as “macro sites,” which provide service coverage for large portions of the city. The City should continue to conduct fuel modification around the property lines of the critical infrastructure while the property owners should maintain fuel modification within the property line of where the infrastructure is housed. Inspections of the areas around the infrastructure should be done annually to ensure quality control and no gaps in fuel modification efforts. Strengthening fire protection measures for these facilities is crucial to maintaining emergency communications during disasters.
Following public input that noted significant concerns
about lost cellular coverage during the January 2025 Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events, City staff interacted with carriers ATT and Verizon as a part of this 2025
update. The carriers were forthcoming and candid about
service strengths and constraints. Here is what City staff heard and learned:
• Cellular phone service sites include either:
o Macro sites – tall (50’ to 200’) and large, these
are referred to as full cell sites, which have
either a battery backup system (see Figure 1
as an example), a generator, or stand-by
electrical systems that allow a generator to
be quickly brought on-line.
o DAS (Distributed Antenna Sites) – individual
sites that are part of a network of multiple
antennas strategically placed throughout an
Battery Backup for a Macro Site
76 76 of 104
area to provide strong coverage. Often used in a large building with high cellular demand.
o SCL (Small Cell Sites) – antennas on a pole, with no generator or batteries. Lower capacity than a DAS site within a DAS network. • Some of the cellular service backbone in Laguna Beach does not have battery backup to supply auxiliary power in the event of a PSPS. Cellular companies state that California State law does NOT require each of their facilities to have backup power when site constraints (such as the type of antenna, physical space limitations, code limitations and placement concerns of the local government and neighbors) preclude the installation of a “macro” site (where battery or generator backup exists). In other words, those areas supported by DAS and SCL sites will generally not have any backup in the event power goes down, taking the cellular service down with it.
When a carrier identifies an area with less-than-optimal coverage, it typically follows this process to improve service quality and enhance coverage:
• Conducts detailed site surveys to understand the specific coverage gaps and the factors causing them. This involves assessing signal strength, identifying physical obstructions, and evaluating the demand for service in the area. • May upgrade existing cell towers with advanced technology, such as adding new antennas, increasing the number of sectors, or implementing newer technologies like 5G to enhance capacity and coverage.
• Perform “continuous network optimization” that ensures that the network operates efficiently. This includes adjusting antenna orientations, optimizing power levels, and implementing advanced software features to enhance overall network performance. • Collaborates with local governments, businesses, and other stakeholders to site new infrastructure to improve coverage.
Staff expressed to ATT and Verizon representatives the City’s interest in improving coverage as well as being open to more sites that could serve as macro sites in Laguna Beach, acknowledging that doing so will require additional neighborhood support and communications. On March 5, 2025, Verizon General Counsel Jesús G. Román sent Mayor Rounaghi a letter (March 5, 2025) suggesting how our codes and process could be more helpful in improving “readiness and resiliency” and that “it is critical to ensure network connectivity and to add resiliency for emergencies, like wildfires…”. 77 77 of 104
Among other things, the letter expressed Verizon’s concerns about the City’s then and current…:
…regulations that effectively restrict large parts of the City as off-limits for telecommunications facilities. Section 11.06.200 (regarding facility location restrictions and setbacks from certain zones and uses), Section 25.55.008(A) (regarding restricting wireless facilities in the OS/C zone, and “strongly discourag[ing]” such facilities in residential zones or adjacent to schools), Section
25.55.008(B) (height restrictions), and the City’s Guidelines for Site Selection and Visual Impact and Screening of Telecommunications Facilities (redlined), Site Selection Criteria (location preferences).
Application of the location restrictions, setbacks and strong preferences will make large swaths or areas of the City off limits to wireless sites, which will create many significant gaps in Verizon’s network coverage and capacity. The limitations will therefore result in a prohibition, or an effective prohibition, of wireless services in violation of the 1996 Telecommunications Act (TCA), 47 U.S.C. Section 332(c)(7)(B)(i)(II).
We asked these questions of staff representatives to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Erin Rodriguez of the CPUC responded on April 16, 2025 as follows:
• Cell Backup. Question: What does State law and/or the CPUC require regarding battery backup for cell sites? Because cell companies have noted that there are exceptions to this requirement, please explain how and why exceptions to this occur (cell companies mention physical space limitations, as well as neighborhood opposition and the use of plug-ins for generators as an alternative set up to battery backups).
Response: State law (PU Code § 776.2) requires mobile telephony service providers to maintain at least 72 hours of backup power at cell sites in Tier 2 and Tier 3 High Fire-Threat Districts, unless they can demonstrate that doing so is “factually infeasible.” The CPUC implemented this requirement through D.21-06- 034.
Exceptions to the 72-hour requirement may be granted when providers face legitimate constraints, such as:
• Physical limitations (e.g., insufficient space for equipment), • Permitting or zoning barriers, often related to neighborhood opposition, or 78 78 of 104
• Alternative mitigation measures, such as quick-connect plug-ins for portable generators that can be deployed rapidly in emergencies.
Providers seeking exceptions must submit documentation and justification to the CPUC. The CPUC reviews these requests on a case-by-case basis and can reject insufficient or unsubstantiated claims of infeasibility. • Utility Line Hardening. Questions: What are the steps that utilities take to harden a transmission or distribution system (besides undergrounding). Are there levels of hardening - minimal, moderate, max?
Response: Utilities take a tiered approach to hardening electric infrastructure, especially in high fire-risk areas. Measures typically fall into three general levels:
• Minimal: Installing covered conductors to prevent arcing and contact with vegetation; replacing fuses and fast-acting reclosers.
• Moderate: Pole replacements, increased conductor spacing, stronger hardware, and some remote switching.
• Maximum: Full system rebuilds with covered conductor, undergrounding (where feasible), strategic deployment of sectionalizers and switches, and installation of advanced sensors and grid automation.
The CPUC requires utilities to identify and prioritize line segments for hardening based on risk assessment, customer impact, and cost-effectiveness, as part of their Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMPs).
• Utility Circuits for PSPSs. Question: Is there an effort underway by the CPUC to break larger circuits down into smaller ones, and if so, what is the timing for that? Response: The CPUC encourages utilities to take steps that can reduce the size and scope of Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events, including efforts to segment circuits so that smaller portions of a line can be de-energized rather than an entire circuit.
These efforts vary by utility and are subject to feasibility, cost, and system constraints, but may include:
• Installing sectionalizing devices and automated switches, • Enhancing situational awareness and weather monitoring, 79 79 of 104
• Collaborating with communities and local governments on local priorities.
The CPUC reviews these activities through utilities’ Wildfire Mitigation Plans and PSPS post-event reports. While specific timelines differ across service territories, utilities are expected to make continuous progress in reducing PSPS impacts where possible.
Additional recommended actions related to infrastructure are listed in the table below. 80 80 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
45 Infrastructure
Investigate fire resistive
improvements to
emergency radio
facilities
Conduct an analysis of the fire hardening/structural improvements to the Moorhead Radio Repeater to improve the survivability of the radio equipment and a similar study for the radio equipment at Fire Station #3 and recommend necessary upgrades/improvements.
Short TBD Fire
46 Infrastructure
Add sprinkler system to
areas of high fire risk
determined by AI
software
Utilizing AI technology and satellite imagery, determine which areas would benefit from added moisture. Determine if feasible to add sprinkler systems to increase moisture of the vegetation to slow down or decrease the chance of fire spread.
Short $70,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire
47 Infrastructure Improving Cell Coverage Review possible LBMC changes as suggested by cell phone carriers.
Short (by
September
2025)
$0 City Attorney
48 Infrastructure Improving Cell Coverage Review possible Macro Sites to improve reliability (macros have battery or generator backup)
Short (by
September
2025)
$0
City
Manager’s
Office
49 Infrastructure Improving Cell Coverage Review site opportunities and coverage maps via semi-annual meetings with Verizon, ATT - do this 2x a year
Short -
ongoing $0
City
Manager's
Office
50 Infrastructure Reducing Scope of PSPS Review hardening efforts and circuit division via semi-annual meetings with SCE, SDG&E - do this 2x a year
Short -
ongoing $0
City
Manager's
Office
51 Infrastructure Reducing Scope of PSPS Continue efforts to underground/harden transmission lines in critical open space areas
Short -
ongoing $0
Public Works,
with SCE and
SDGE
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Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
52 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
Coast Highway between
Agate Street and Arch
Street
Coast Highway is a primary evacuation route. Coast Highway Utility Underground District 2019‐1 was formed on April 16, 2019 as a Rule 20A project using Rule 20A credits for funding. Continue coordination with SCE and Caltrans to construct the project.
Short $3.7 million Rule 20A
Credits Public Works
53 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
Coast Highway
remaining overhead
facilities
Coast Highway is a primary evacuation route. Coast Highway Utility Underground District 2020-2 was formed on September 22, 2020 as a Rule 20A project using Rule 20A credits for funding. Continue coordination with SCE and Caltrans to construct the project.
Short $3.6 million Rule 20A
Credits Public Works
54 Infrastructure Repair gate at Balboa
Fire Road Repair Balboa Fire Road gate after Rancho Fire. Short $15,000 Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Public Works
/ Fire
57 Infrastructure
Install an additional fire
heli-hydrant filling
station
Explore installing a third location. Perform an assessment/study on needs/options and then work with LBFD and OCFA on feasibility of an additional location. If feasible and needed within the District’s service area, complete construction of the new additional helihydrant filling station.
Medium TBD
Laguna Beach
County Water
District / Fire
58 Infrastructure
Determine feasibility of
creating new roads or
leveraging existing trails
for evacuations.
There are currently areas within and adjacent to the city that can be assessed for feasibility to utilize in an evacuation or for resources to have a road to access harder to reach neighborhoods.
Medium $100,000 TBD Yes Public Works
59 Infrastructure Evaluate additional
reservoir feasibility
Evaluate the addition of a reservoir at Moulton Meadows concurrently with the pipeline evaluations to improve system performance and water supply reliability under both normal and emergency situations.
Medium Non-City
Funded
Laguna Beach
County Water
District
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Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
60 Infrastructure
Add pipelines and
pumps that go direct to
the wildland urban
interface areas
Evaluate adding direct pipelines (and pumping facilities) from our water supply transmission main in the Canyon to the Jahraus Reservoir (Top of the World) and from the water supply transmission main in Coast Highway to our Sweany and/or Zitnik reservoirs to increase system performance and water supply reliability under both normal and emergency situations (i.e. Seismic, Wildfire, Power loss, etc.). Determine feasibility of other system piping projects to improve system performance and reliability
Medium Non-City
Funded
Laguna Beach
County Water
District
61 Infrastructure
Utilize Title 22 Recycled
Water for firefighting
efforts
Determine feasibility of using Title 22 recycled water from Coastal Treatment Plant. Research what will be needed i.e. storage and hydrants specifically for recycled water
Medium Non-City
Funded South Coast Water District
62 Infrastructure
Collaborate with utilities
to support legislation
that includes
undergrounding and grid
resiliency
Provide support for legislation and collaborate with utility partners to push forward legislation that expedites the process to underground and increase grid resilience.
Medium $100,000 TBD
City
Manager's
Office
63 Infrastructure Undergrounding:
Crestview Underground Crestview overhead lines. Medium $1.4 million TBD No Public Works 64 Infrastructure Install new gate at
Balboa Fire Road
Install a new gate at the Balboa Fire Road with remote operating or keypad capability. Medium $85,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Public Works
/ Fire
65 Infrastructure Add additional fire
hydrant
Add additional fire hydrant near the intersection of Rancho Laguna and Morningside. Medium Non-City Funded TBD
Laguna Beach
County Water
District / Fire
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Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
66 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
Top of the World to Alta
Laguna Blvd
Underground Top of the World to Alta Laguna overhead lines. Long TBD No Public Works 67 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
SOCWA Coastal
Treatment Plant to
Laguna Niguel
Underground area from SOCWA Coastal Treatment Plan to Laguna Niguel. This area is where the Coastal Fire occurred in May 2022. Long TBD No Public Works 68 Infrastructure
Undergrounding: Laguna
Canyon Road between
the electrical substation
westerly of Canyon
Acres to El Toro Road
Laguna Canyon Road is a primary route for evacuation and emergency/mutual aid resources to access the City. The poles and wires are adjacent to 16,000 acres of open space creating a fire risk from failures due to wind or vehicle impact. Pole or wire failures from a wildfire could also block emergency access. In addition, the failure of communication wires could disrupt emergency
communications through loss of fiber optic cable damage.
Undergrounding the utilities may require significant road improvements to accommodate the underground facilities. The conceptual cost estimate is approximately $60 million for undergrounding and $60 million for roadway improvements. Grant funds are being pursued to cover the costs of the project. On January 9, 2024, City Council initiated the relinquishment process to take ownership of the roadway.
Long $60 million TBD Yes Public Works
69 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
Glenneyre Street
between Laguna Avenue
and Thalia Street, and
Glenneyre Street is a high-volume roadway that serves as a secondary emergency access and evacuation route parallelling Coast Highway and serves a significant portion of the City. Poles and wires blocking the road could significantly delay emergency access or evacuation.
Long TBD No Public Works
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Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
between Calliope Street
and Agate Street
70 Infrastructure Undergrounding:
Neighborhoods
Work with neighborhoods to develop plans and incentives to underground utilities through assessment districts and other methods.
Long TBD No Public Works
71 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
Monterey Drive,
Hawthorne to Linden
Street
This section of Monterey Drive was identified in the 2019 Report as a key evacuation route that should be prioritized as an
undergrounding project when funding becomes available.
Long TBD No Public Works
72 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
Thalia Street, Temple
Terrace to 350 feet
southwest of Glenneyre
Street
This section of Thalia Street was identified in the 2019 Report as a key evacuation route that should be prioritized as an
undergrounding project when funding becomes available.
Long TBD No Public Works
73 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
Monterey Street/Virginia
Way, West Street to 5th
Avenue
This section of Monterey Street/Virginia Way was identified in the 2019 Report as a key evacuation route that should be prioritized as an undergrounding project when funding becomes available. West Street Assessment District 2021-1 will go to vote this summer. If successful, the project will underground Monterey Street from West Street to Eagle Rock Way.
Long TBD No Public Works
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Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
74 Infrastructure
Undergrounding: Temple
Hills Drive, northeast
and southwest of San
Remo Drive
This section of Temple Hills Drive was identified in the 2019 Report as a key evacuation route that should be prioritized as an undergrounding project when funding becomes available.
Long TBD No Public Works
75 Infrastructure
Undergrounding: Virginia
Way, 7th Avenue to 9th
Avenue
This section of Virginia Way was identified in the 2019 Report as a key evacuation route that should be prioritized as an
undergrounding project when funding becomes available.
Long TBD No Public Works
76 Infrastructure
Undergrounding:
San Joaquin Street,
Hillcrest Drive to alley
100 feet northeast of N.
Coast Highway
This section of Joaquin Street was identified in the 2019 Report as a key evacuation route that should be prioritized as an
undergrounding project when funding becomes available.
Long TBD No Public Works
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Section 5: Public Safety Technology
The City of Laguna Beach has long been recognized as a leader in leveraging innovative technology to enhance public safety. One of the latest advancements underway is the implementation of a next-generation computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, which will utilize real-time GPS data to identify and deploy the nearest available emergency unit, improving response times and operational efficiency.
Since the release of the 2019 Report, technological advancements have continued to create new opportunities for strengthening the City’s fire prevention and emergency response efforts. In 2025, Laguna Beach installed two artificial intelligence (AI) camera systems as part of the AlertCalifornia program led by UC San Diego. These AI-enhanced cameras monitor open space areas and provide early smoke and flame detection, real-time visual feeds, and automated alerts to emergency responders—tools that significantly improve situational awareness and wildfire response capabilities.
Looking ahead, the City plans to implement AI-based fire predictive analytics to model wildland fire behavior. This technology will help prioritize fuel modification projects and guide resource deployment in high-risk areas. In addition, the City will evaluate emerging wildland fire suppression technologies that can improve firefighting effectiveness and safety in challenging terrain. The City will also investigate new technology and applications to assist law enforcement in tracking evacuations, which allows the evacuation information to be more quickly and accurately shared with the Incident Command Post and Emergency Operations Center.
Along with the City’s commitment to advancing field response technology, Laguna Beach is investing in its first standalone Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This facility will offer the space and technological infrastructure needed to bring together City staff and external partners in managing incidents of any scale. The EOC will integrate data from new technology platforms to establish a common operating picture, which will enhance resource allocation, policy-making, and public communication during emergencies. It will also serve 87 87 of 104
as the central hub for tracking resources and expenditures, supporting potential reimbursement from FEMA and CalOES following disasters.
The new EOC will also allow for redundant dispatch capabilities within City limits—a function not currently available but essential for resilient emergency response. The need for a dedicated EOC has been underscored by Laguna Beach’s frequency of hazard events, including two recent EOC activations in July 2025 for the Rancho Fire and Tsunami.
The City is also committed to strengthening regional partnerships, particularly with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) to advance our response capabilities. Laguna Beach will continue to focus on enhancing resource sharing, adopting shared technologies, and aligning response strategies to improve overall regional readiness and coordination during wildfire events and other large-scale emergencies.
Additional recommended actions related to public safety technology are in the table below. 88 88 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
15 Public Safety
Technology
Install a traffic signal
priority system
Install a remote-controlled traffic signal system (Opticom) that prioritizes emergency vehicle access on Coast Highway and Laguna Canyon Road. This system is designed to expedite evacuation during emergencies, such as Fire and Police Code 3 responses, while also supporting low-priority transit vehicles. Coordination with Caltrans is necessary for permitting and operational cooperation. This ensures that traffic lights prioritize emergency vehicles, reducing their delays and lowering the risk of intersection collisions. Similar systems are already operational in Dana Point and Newport Beach, though not specifically configured for evacuation purposes.
Short $350,000 Wildfire
Safety Fund Police
16 Public Safety
Technology
Drone as First
Responder
Determine the feasibility of a drone as first responder that could be launched when AI sensors receive a fire notification. Short $375,000 $375,000
from
Wildfire
Safety
Fund,
$125,000
TBD
Possibly Police
17 Public Safety
Technology
Explore a neighboring
City partnership to share
public safety technology
Determine the feasibility of sharing a Real Time Information Center to monitor AI Cameras, make emergency notifications, launch drone as first responder, and control traffic signals.
Short $0 Police
89 89 of 104
Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
18 Public Safety
Technology
Work with CalFire Chief
of Intelligence on pre
and post fire analysis
Work with CalFire Chief of Intelligence on pre and post fire analysis that can be incorporated into mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. Determine feasibility of a system like Technosylvana that CalFire uses for AI predictive analytics on historical fire patterns, weather patterns, and vegetation types to provide context and a potential roadmap for how fires can spread.
Short $70,000 Wildfire
Safety Fund Fire
19 Public Safety
Technology
Determine possible use
of Fusis system for
wildfires
Determine the possibility and effectiveness of utilizing the Fusis system to assist in wildfire preparedness, response, and/or recovery.
Fusis integrates camera feeds, both public and private cameras with permission from the camera owner, into a unified and AI powered system for public safety personnel to utilize.
Short $0 Police
20 Public Safety
Technology
Explore new technology
for wildfire suppression
Explore new suppression technology for open space areas where interrupting the spread of fire would be most impactful to property and life conservation.
Short TBD Wildfire
Safety Fund Fire
21 Public Safety
Technology
Explore the use of new
technology and
applications to track
evacuations
Explore the feasibility of using new technology and applications to track evacuations and more quickly and accurately share evacuation information with the Emergency Operations Center and Incident Command Post.
Short TBD Wildfire
Safety Fund Police
22 Public Safety
Technology
Explore the use of new
technology and
applications to track
evacuations
Explore the feasibility of using new technology and applications to track evacuations and more quickly and accurately share evacuation information with the Emergency Operations Center and Incident Command Post.
Short TBD Wildfire
Safety Fund Police
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Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
23 Public Safety
Technology
Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) Dispatch
Console
Update current dispatch console in City Hall EOC to include PD and FD radios for better situational awareness and dispatch redundancy.
After-action item from Rancho Fire.
Short $175,000 Wildfire
Safety Fund Police
24 Public Safety
Technology
Create Dispatch
Redundancy
Install standalone dispatch console at the CRC to serve as the dispatch station in the new EOC and provide redundant dispatch capabilities.
Short $424,000 Wildfire
Safety Fund Police
25 Public Safety
Technology
Field Response
Resource Management
Solution
Purchase Tablet Command and iPads for incident management tracking in the field and situational awareness in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
Short $105,000 Wildfire
Safety Fund Fire
26 Public Safety
Technology
Field Response Cellular
Coverage and
Connectivity
Purchase StarLink for Primary Fire Units to ensure cell coverage and network connectivity for first responders, public works, and mutual aid in the field.
Short $10,000 +
annual fee
Wildfire
Safety Fund Fire
27 Public Safety
Technology
Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) IT
equipment and cabling
Purchase IT equipment and cabling in new Emergency Operations Center. Short $180,000 Wildfire Safety Fund Fire
91 91 of 104
Section 6: Community
Preparedness
Community preparedness is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, particularly during high-risk disasters such as wildfires. In the event of a wildfire, residents must be well-informed on how to receive emergency alerts, identify evacuation routes, locate emergency shelters, and reunite with loved ones. The City of Laguna Beach has been proactive in disaster readiness through the creation and sustainment of the Emergency Disaster Preparedness Committee (EDPC) and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program.
The EDPC is a 7-member committee made up of residents who advise City Council on how the community can best prepare for an emergency or disaster. The committee utilizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Lifelines concept as the framework for their workplan that is
approved by City Council. The EDPC is
involved in the city’s emergency
planning efforts by sitting on working
groups and ad hoc committees related
to preparedness. They also review
emergency plans and programs to
provide feedback before going to City
Council for approval, which most
recently includes the Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan, Red Flag Parking
Restriction Program expansion, and
the Safety Element.
Current and former EDPC Members and the
Acting Deputy Fire Chief
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In addition to EDPC, the city has regularly offered the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program for over a decade. With hundreds of graduates, the program has made significant strides in strengthening community resilience. However, further enhancements and expansions in preparedness efforts remain necessary.
To elevate community preparedness, the City should consider initiatives such as assisting neighborhoods in becoming certified FireWise Communities; developing a plan to assist those with disabilities or access and functional needs and those with limited mobility in their evacuation planning; conducting periodic tests of the Outdoor Warning System; and finding new and innovative ways to reach more residents and visitors with preparedness information. Additionally, establishing a home hardening inspection program could provide homeowners with recommendations and guidance on fortifying their properties against wildfire threats. To encourage participation, the program should explore offering incentives for residents who implement home hardening measures.
Over the past decade, the Red Flag Parking Restriction Program has played a critical role in wildfire preparedness, initially introduced as a pilot program for the Diamond/Crestview neighborhood – a community of approximately 100 homes with only one access route. This program required an in-depth study of on-street parking to determine which spaces should CERT volunteers deployed as Fire Watch during a Red Flag event 93 93 of 104
be restricted on Red Flag days to ensure smooth evacuation and emergency access. The City should consider expanding the program to additional neighborhoods and streets identified as being “access impaired” in the 2021 Evacuation Time Study to ensure residents can safely evacuate and first responders can enter these areas without issue. On average, the City of Laguna Beach has 3-5 Red Flag Events per year.
Furthermore, restricting outdoor construction during Red Flag Events should be considered to eliminate the potential for heavy equipment to unintentionally ignite a wildfire, which, per CalFire, is the cause of the Airport Fire in 2024 that burned over 23,000 acres in Orange and Riverside counties resulting in over 190 damaged or destroyed structures. Not having construction apparatus on the streets also improves mobility for both evacuees and emergency responders.
Beyond evacuation and home hardening strategies, emergency preparedness efforts should focus on updating neighborhood evacuation zone maps; revising the all-hazards emergency preparedness guide; collaborating with power companies to enhance public education on PSPSs; and continuing to hold town hall meetings on topics like insurance. Establishing a dedicated Community Preparedness Educator position to support the Emergency Operations Coordinator could also lead to the successful implementation of these expanded initiatives.
Additionally, strengthening the CERT program would further expand the number of disasterprepared residents. CERT volunteers can assist in expanding the preparedness programs in CERT volunteer educating the public on emergency
preparedness at a community event.
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the City and be utilized to assist with preparedness initiatives like door-to-door preparedness campaigns and community preparedness presentations.
By continuously refining and expanding emergency preparedness initiatives, Laguna Beach can build a more resilient community, ensuring that residents are informed and wellequipped to respond swiftly and effectively during a wildfire event.
Additional recommended actions related to community preparedness are set forth in the table below.
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Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
28 Community
Preparedness
Community
Preparedness
Educator
Hire a Community Preparedness Educator to educate the public on emergency preparedness, fire safety, neighborhood/FireWise preparedness, and home hardening inspections. The Public Educator can work to expand the CERT program by offering more academies and providing continuous training to engage and retain volunteers.
Short PT: $70,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire
29 Community
Preparedness
Expand the Red Flag
Restriction Program
Prohibit on-street construction during Red Flag days to ensure roadways are clear and equipment does not start a fire.
Short -
ongoing $0
Fire / Public
Works /
Police
30 Community
Preparedness
Expand the Red Flag
Parking Restriction
Program
Expand the Red Flag Parking Program into additional neighborhoods.
Start with the neighborhoods that are identified in the Evacuation Time Study as having impaired access.
Short $30,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire / Public
Works /
Police
31 Community
Preparedness Evacuation Drills
Identify ways to encourage neighborhood evacuation drills utilizing public education, possible incentives from the City, and having the drills coincide with scheduled tests of the emergency alert systems.
Short $5,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire / Police
32 Community
Preparedness
Door-to-door
Community
Preparedness
Campaign
Conduct a door-to-door community preparedness campaign utilizing CERT volunteers and interested City Council members. Campaign can be used to distribute zone specific evacuation maps, assist residents in signing up for alert and warning, and providing education on home hardening.
Short $0 Fire
33 Community
Preparedness
Engage with the Real
Estate Community
on Preparedness for
New Residents
Work with the local real estate community to provide new residents with information on evacuation zones, how to sign up for alert and warning, home hardening, and other preparedness skills.
Short -
ongoing TBD
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire / Police
34 Community
Preparedness School Preparedness Continue to coordinate with Laguna Beach USD and other schools foremergency preparedness and evacuations.
Short -
ongoing $0 Fire / Police
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Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
35 Community
Preparedness FireWise Program
Educate the public on the FireWise Program to increase participation by more neighborhoods. Having more FireWise neighborhoods would result in self-regulation of vegetation management and self-sufficient neighborhood emergency planning. Being a FireWise Community may also help in lowering insurance rates or qualifying for insurance.
Short -
ongoing $0 Fire
36 Community
Preparedness
FireRisk Reduction
Communities
Educate the public on the FireRisk Reduction Communities to increase participation by more neighborhoods to potentially help lower insurance rates or qualify for insurance.
Short -
ongoing $0 Fire
37 Community
Preparedness PSPS Education Collaborate with SCE and SDG&E to educate the public on PSPS, outage preparedness and SCE/SDG&E resources available.
Short -
ongoing $0 Fire
38 Community
Preparedness
Evacuation Zone
Maps
Update the public-facing evacuation zone maps to align with common evacuation terminology and incorporate lessons learned from evacuations since the 2019 iteration of the maps.
Short $15,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire / Police
39 Community
Preparedness
All Hazard
Preparedness Guide
Update the all-hazard emergency preparedness guide and distribute it to the public. Short $15,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
Fire
40 Community
Preparedness
Annual Insurance
Townhall
Host an annual insurance town hall with the CA Department of Insurance for residents. The most recent Insurance Town Hall was held on September 18, 2025. Hold the next town hall in September 2026.
Short -
ongoing $0
Fire / City
Manager's
Office
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Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
41 Community
Preparedness
LBPD and LBFD
partnership with
SCWD, LBCWD, and
LBUSD
Continue to grow cooperative working relationship between LBPD/LBFD, SCWD and LBCWD for emergency preparedness,
response, and recovery. LBFD should continue to conduct wildfire inspections of water properties annually and upon request; both water districts should have a seat in the City’s EOC; water districts and school districts should be included in emergency exercises and drills; etc.
Short $0
Fire / Police /
SCWD /
LBCWD
42 Community
Preparedness
City should continue
partnership with
Emerald Bay Service
District
The City should continue to build a cooperative relationship with Emerald Bay Service District (EBSD) and include a representative from EBSD in the EOC.
Short $0 Fire
43 Community
Preparedness
Provide the public
with up-to-date
information on home
hardening laws and
vetted vendors by
CalFire
Ensure the public is informed of updates to laws as they pertain to home hardening i.e. Zone 0 laws. Share with the public the State Fire Marshal’s list of Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Products for Home Hardening.
Short -
ongoing $0 Fire
44 Community
Preparedness
Community Wildfire
Protection Plan
(CWPP)
Hire a consultant to lead development, facilitate public workshops, administer online surveys, and provide content and format the CWPP.
Finalizing the CWPP assists with eligibility in becoming a CalFire designated Fire Risk Reduction Community.
Short $100,000
Wildfire
Safety
Fund
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Column Category Opportunity Action Term Cost
Estimate Funding Grant Eligible
Responsible
Department
56 Community
Preparedness
Investigate grant
opportunities to
improve the wildfire
resistance of existing
residences
Investigate grant opportunities that will encourage and support residents in making improvements to harden their homes and mitigate wildfire risks.
Medium TBD Possibly Fire
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Section 7: Funding
Funding Strategies
This section provides the financial plan and funding strategies needed to address the costs associated with the possible action items identified for the Short, Medium, and Long-Term categories.
The placement in these categories considers both the time necessary to plan and prepare for each opportunity and the time necessary to develop and implement a financial strategy to fund them. Descriptions of the proposed or potential funding sources are:
Short-Term (1-2 years): Existing one-time and ongoing revenues and reprioritization of current appropriations Medium-Term (3-5 years): Increases in existing revenues sources, such as parking fees; grant programs with matching funds from existing Capital Improvement Funds; available funding from Street Lighting and Utility Funds, Measure LL Fund, or other existing City Funds; and other external sources. Long-Term (+5 years): Possible voter-approved tax increases; grant programs; the creation of new assessment districts; and other internal or external sources Each improvement may be assigned to a funding category that includes:
• Wildfire Safety Fund: Programs or project costs that will be funded by the Wildfire Safety Fund out of approximately $4 million allocated in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget. These are mainly short-term projects.
• Rule 20A Credits: Programs or projects funded by utilities to convert overhead electric facilities to underground.
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• Already Funded: Programs or projects that are already accounted for or in the upcoming two-year budget
• Grant-Eligible: Programs or projects could meet eligibility requirements to be funded by a future grant program. This is speculative and depends on the future availability of grant funds
• Non-City Funded: Programs or projects that may be included in the future capital improvement program of an external partner i.e. water districts • Funding Source TBD: Program or project costs have not been identified so a funding source is TBD. Or a program or project cost has been identified, but the funding source has not yet been finalized.
Funding Strategies for Possible Action Items Categorized as “Short-Term” Even as the Fiscal Year 2025-26 City Budget is constrained due to a possible recession including a flattening of hotel bed tax revenue and sales tax revenue, the City Manager presented a budget that includes up to $4 million in funds for Wildfire Safety, given the essential nature of this work to the community’s long-term survival. The source of this $4 million includes the Street Lighting Fund, residual amounts in a capital improvement project associated with FMZ maintenance, and more.
We are not optimistic that many grants will be available for short-term efforts, in large part due to the Federal government’s move to end, reduce or claw back the BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) grant program. This program was essential in helping communities like ours spend modest amounts of resources to avoid catastrophic costs in life and dollars, yet FEMA now characterizes it as “wasteful and politicized.” Conceptual Funding Strategies for Action Items Categorized as “Medium-Term” This category of funds includes sources like the Street Lighting Fund, resident-driven assessment districts, utilities’ targeted undergrounding programs, and State and local grant funds that may be available in the coming years. The most reliable sources of funds will be the local ones that are based in part on local property taxes and local hotel bed taxes.
It's possible that a change in Congress or a change in approach in the executive branch may bring back federal sources of funds, but that is far from certain through at least 2028.
The City will be studying the mechanism and need for a revenue measure on the November 2026 ballot, one that could affect local sales tax, local hotel bed taxes, a vacancy tax, or some other revenue measure relating to commercial business operations. To have these taxes considered by local voters, the City would have to place a measure or measures on 101
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the November 2026 general election ballot and would describe whether the revenue was intended to be used for a special, designated purpose (which requires 2/3rds voter approval) or a general tax for general government purposes (which requires majority voter approval).
Conceptual Funding Strategies for Action Items Categorized as “Long-Term” Longer term sources include all the measures identified in the medium-term section, plus possibly the consideration of the formation of a larger assessment district to underground remaining areas of the city. It may also be more likely that following 2028, more federal dollars may be on the table to support other iterations of BRIC, climate change adaptation, and other disaster-related prevention and preparedness programs.
Financial Impacts from Previous Disasters
Disasters have a substantial adverse impact on local governments. Being financially prepared and proactive in identifying opportunities to prevent or limit the impacts of a disaster will help minimize the adverse financial impacts of disasters and restore more quickly the short and long-term financial position of the City when a disaster occurs.
Below are financial statistics from previous disasters that impacted Laguna Beach. • October 1993 fire destroyed 441 structures. According to an LA Times article at the time, in the aftermath of the October 1993 Fire, insurance claims for Laguna Beach were expected to reach $435 million in damages. This total did not include damage to public property or the cost of fighting the fire.
• On June 1, 2005, the Bluebird Canyon Landslide destroyed a 500-foot section of Flamingo Road, two large water mains and numerous sewer mains and storm drains. The repairs took three years to complete with a final cost of $36 million.
During this time, residents of Laguna Beach approved a ½ sales tax increase that contributed funding to the repair and to the Disaster Contingency Fund. The Disaster Contingency Fund has a balance of over $6 million set aside for future emergencies.
• On December 22, 2010, the City experienced torrential rains damaging public and private properties throughout the City forcing the temporary closure of numerous streets. Laguna Canyon Road was closed for several days during the clean-up effort, the channel at Beach Street overflowed and many downtown businesses and City facilities were flooded. The City’s cost related to the cleanup and recovery was approximately $6.7 million.
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• From January 19 – 23, 2017, the City was hit by a series of 3 winter storms that resulted in damage throughout the city. Damage included downed trees and debris that blocked roadways and sidewalks impeding emergency vehicles; hillside sluffing resulting in damage to a retaining wall at City Hall; down power poles and lines resulting in power outages; damage to construction shoring; damage to tennis courts, play structure, and fencing at Lang Park; damage to SOCWA’s road leading to critical infrastructure; yellow tagging of a residence due to mudslides; multiple beach closures due to surf and rain erosion; and damage to Main Beach Boardwalk. The Emergency Operations Center was activated, CERT volunteers were deployed, and ultimately the city sought reimbursement from CalOES and FEMA for the cost of emergency response and recovery which was over $250,000.
• From February 13 – 15, 2019, the City was hit by the “Mid-February 2019 Storms” resulting in damage throughout the city including down trees and debris blocking roadways; significant damage to the north City Hall wall from flooding; damage to the creek rip-rap; damage to storm drains needing emergency repairs; and damage to fencing around storm drains. The City also spent staff time and money on emergency protective measures like sandbags, geo-tech experts, and activation of the Emergency Operations Center. The response costs and damage from the storm totaled approximately $229,000.
• March 2020 was the start of the multi-year global COVID-19 Pandemic. The City implemented public health orders and safety measures to maintain public safety while also ensuring the continuation of government services and the local economy. The City’s costs related to the COVID-19 Pandemic were approximately $1 million.
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STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
September 23, 2025
BUSINESS
26 SUBJECT: DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING AN APPLICATION
FOR A COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO RENEW A FIVE-YEAR
PARKING RATE STRUCTURE
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize staff to process a CDP application regarding modifications to the City parking rate structure and other parking program components;
2. Authorize staff to coordinate with Caltrans to obtain an encroachment permit for parking feasibility in South Laguna Beach; and
3. Find this action is not a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065 and CEQA guidelines section 15378(b)(5), or, in the alternative, exempt from the CEQA pursuant to CEQA guidelines section 15061 (b)(3).
Appropriation: $0 Fund: N/A
Submitted By: Alexis Braun Approved:
Alexis Braun, Acting Director of
Transit and Community Services
Dave Kiff, City Manager
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
Over the past decade, the City has advanced a comprehensive Parking Management Program to balance coastal access, reduce congestion and support residents, visitors, and businesses. These strategies include adding 400 peripheral parking spaces, expanding free trolley service and microtransit service, and implementing real-time parking apps and marketing programs to encourage use of alternative transportation and carpooling.
In 2021, the City Council approved a Costal Development Permit (CDP) establishing a phased parking rate structure for 2021-25. While this program has improved circulation, parking demand continues to exceed the City’s 85% occupancy target during peak summer weekends and on warm non-summer days.
To continue managing demand, staff recommends that the City Council authorize submission of a new CDP application for 2026–2030. The proposed structure builds on the prior program, with incremental annual rate increases in the downtown, festival, and non-downtown areas, while maintaining affordable or free peripheral parking options. Council approval will enable staff to advance the application to the Planning Commission, coordinate with Caltrans on South Laguna encroachment permits, and reinvest parking revenues into mobility programs that enhance public access to Laguna Beach’s coastal resources.
This report proposes a multi-year, multi-phase parking rate structure for City Council review and approval in order to manage the City's parking demand. The 2021 approved parking rate structure included a citywide, immediate increase of $1 for all meters and lots during the non-summer months in year one, and 1 of 110
DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING AN APPLICATION FOR A
COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO RENEW A FIVE-YEAR PARKING RATE
STRUCTURE
September 23, 2025
then up to 10% increase every year for five years during the summer and festival season months.
Resolution 20-7564 through a Costal Development Permit (CDP) 19-5154 established a five-year multiphase parking rate structure all public parking meters and lots located citywide for summer and non-summer months from 2021-2025. The City would like to model the same multi-phase parking rate structure for 2026-2030.
Following City Council’s approval and direction of the proposed rate structure, staff will present the parking rate structure to the Planning Commission for issuance of a Coastal Development Permit.
DISCUSSION.
Parking Management Program Achievements
Over the past decade, the City has accomplished a series of strategies to expand parking capacity, improve mobility, and reduce congestion. The accomplishments include:
• Creation of 400 additional peripheral parking spaces during the summer season, with low-cost or free options;
• Operation of a free citywide trolley with hundreds of thousands of annual boardings, using alternative-fuel vehicles to connect parking lots to more than 30 beaches within the City; • Introduction of Laguna Local, on on-demand microtransit service with over 150 stops in the City; • A free parking app providing real-time parking availability to motorists and mobile payment options, which helps to improve traffic circulation and reduce congestion; • Updated parking wayfinding signage to make public parking lots easier to locate; • A free trolley tracker app that provides up-to-the-minute updates on trolley arrival and departure times, as well as maps and service alerts;
• Marketing and education programs to encourage use of alternative transportation, including City trolleys, OCTA bus routes, carpooling, and rideshare services; • Adjusted rates seasonally by lowering hourly parking during non-summer months and increasing rates in the Downtown and Festival areas during summer months to maintain parking occupancy below the 85% target at peak times; and
• A tiered parking rate structure designed to provide paid parking at various price points, including free or reduced priced parking in peripheral lots with connectivity to free citywide trolley services. 2 of 110
DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING AN APPLICATION FOR A
COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO RENEW A FIVE-YEAR PARKING RATE
STRUCTURE
September 23, 2025
2021-2025 Parking Rate Structure
In 2021, the City Council approved a Coastal Development Permit establishing a phased parking rate program for 2021-2025. The program included an immediate $1 citywide increase for all meters and lots during the non-summer months, followed by up to 10% increase for the summer and festival season months.
The rate structure was designed to reduce peak congestion, maintain parking occupancy below the City’s 85% target, and reinvest parking revenues into Transit improvements. 2021-2025 Parking Rates
Year Downtown Summer
Rate
All Day Lots 10,
11, 12 Summer
Non-Downtown Rate
Summer
Citywide
Average Rate
Off-Season
2021 $4.50 $15 Weekdays
$20 Weekends
$2.50 $2.50
2022 $4.95 $16.50 Weekdays
$22 Weekends
$2.75 $2.50
2023 $5.45 $17 Weekdays
$24 Weekends
$3.00 $2.50
2024 $5.90 $20 Weekdays
$25 Weekends
$3.30 $2.50
2025 $6.45 $22 Weekdays
$27 Weekends
$3.60 $2.50
Peripheral Parking Options
To complement the downtown and festival rate program, the City continues to offer peripheral lots for a low cost or free parking with convenient transit connections to help decrease traffic congestion. • ACT V Parking Lot (Lot 16 – 1900 Laguna Canyon Road) $10/day on weekends and holidays and $5/day on weekdays. FREE to Shopper Permit holders during Festival Season and Festival Permit Holders. FREE during the off-season on weekends.
• Mission Hospital (31872 Coast Hwy.): FREE parking from late June to Labor Day available all day on Saturday/Sunday and after 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. FREE during the off-season on weekends. • Summer Breeze (16355 Laguna Canyon Road, Irvine (Laguna Canyon & Pasteur): FREE parking from Memorial Day to Labor Day with free trolley service from 10 miles inland to festivals and downtown and for one month in the winter for Sawdust’s Winter Festival. • Sea Cove Lot 20 (31681 Coast Hwy)- Year-round FREE parking with a three-hour limit. 3 of 110
DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING AN APPLICATION FOR A
COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO RENEW A FIVE-YEAR PARKING RATE
STRUCTURE
September 23, 2025
Proposed 2026-2030 Parking Rate Structure
To continue managing demand, staff proposes extending the phased parking rate program another five years, through 2030. The updated structure is modeled after the 2021 program, with incremental annual increases in the Downtown, Festival, and non-downtown areas, while maintaining affordable off-season and peripheral options.
2026-2030 Proposed Parking Rates
Year Downtown Summer
Rate
All Day Lots 10,
11, 12 Summer
Non-Downtown Rate
Summer
Citywide
Average Rate
Off-Season
2026 $7.00 $23 Weekdays
$28 Weekends
$3.95 $3.50
2027 $7.70 $26 Weekdays
$31 Weekends
$4.35 $3.50
2028 $8.45 $28 Weekdays
$34 Weekends
$4.80 $3.50
2029 $9.30 $30 Weekdays
$37 Weekends
$5.30 $3.50
2030 $10.20 $32 Weekdays
$41 Weekends
$5.85 $3.50
On August 27, 2025, the City hosted a neighborhood Town Hall to discuss the proposed five-year CDP.
Topics included:
• Proposed parking rates
• Transportation analysis
• Rate variations (free, low, medium, etc.)
• Hourly and flat/day pass options
• Senior and income-restricted rate structures or beach parking permit • Existing free parking options
• South Laguna paid parking
• Aliso Beach Parking Lot configuration
The City offers the following discounted parking passes for both residents and non-residents:
• Shoppers Permit
School District Permit
Non-Resident Senior/Veteran’s Permit
Laguna Beach Businesses/Employee Pass
Summer Festival Parking Permit
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DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING AN APPLICATION FOR A
COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO RENEW A FIVE-YEAR PARKING RATE
STRUCTURE
September 23, 2025
In collaboration with the California Coastal Commission, the City may consider a low-cost parking option, or an annual or seasonal beach parking pass free of charge to qualified applicants. The goal would be to expand inclusive coastal access to the City’s public beach and coastal parks by allowing parking in the City’s public parking lots. Applications could be submitted in person or online, based on participation in State or Federal assistance programs.
CDP and South Laguna Parking Discussion
At the August 27, 2025, Town Hall, about 40-50 area residents attended, an apparent majority from South Laguna (even though the Town Hall’s intent was to reflect parking rates across Laguna Beach). Generally, residents seemed to support implementing paid parking in South Laguna on Coast Highway and into aspects of adjacent neighborhoods – though there was more conversation and possible disagreement about the extent to which paid parking and parking “Ts” would be feasible into South Laguna’s narrow streets.
Staff also presented a new plan (referred to as Alternative #4) for the reconstruction of the Aliso Beach Parking lot. As Council will recall, the Council discussed the parking lot revisions at a Study Session on April 8, 2025. At the time, residents and Council members offered questions about three alternatives’ fiscal projections, impacts to views, impacts to the beach when tides are high and sand space is limited, and more.
The April discussion led staff to revise and present Alternative #4, which attempted to consolidate some of the comments and still increase (modestly) parking spaces.
The Town Hall comments about the Aliso Beach parking lot designs were generally not in favor of a significant redesign, with most people asserting that the parking lot should stay “as is.” Questions still came up about our fiscal projections – members of the audience argued that we should not use a general “average revenue per space” factor for the beach parking lot, and instead assume that the parking lot would remain under existing capacity for all but (say) 20 high-use days a year. Only the incremental revenue from those high-use days should factor into our fiscal assumptions, speakers noted.
As a result, this item does not include the Aliso Beach Parking Lot for discussion. Staff wants to discuss this further at a future date.
Regarding only the new 5-year rate approach, and based in part on the Town Hall’s feedback, staff recommends:
• Installing pay stations on the coastal side of South Coast Highway with a four-hour limit to encourage turnover and improve coastal access.
• Obtaining a Caltrans encroachment permit prior to implementation. • Properly marking and officially designating legal parking spaces before introducing paid parking to ensure enforceability.
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DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING AN APPLICATION FOR A
COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO RENEW A FIVE-YEAR PARKING RATE
STRUCTURE
September 23, 2025
• Continuing the City’s active negotiations for a lease agreement Laguna Terrace to create an additional 47 paid public parking spaces at a vacant lot on Coast Highway close to the Montage to provide additional parking to help alleviate neighborhood congestion. • Going through the formal public process (including Planning Commission) to further inform and take public input on the locations, rates, and time limits for residential areas close to Coast Highway.
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
Revenue generated from parking is used to support the transportation program and various city projects.
The parking rate increase is expected to generate $500,000-$1 million annually.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The recommended action consists of organizational or administrative activities of the City that will not result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment and therefore does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act. (Public Resources Code Section 21065; 14 CCR Section 15378(b)(5).) Any future decision on a CDP (and other entitlements) will require its own independent environmental review. In the alternative, the recommended action is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. Here, the recommended action meets the exemption because this action is just direction to staff to submit applications for future entitlements from the City and Caltrans. These processes will undergo their own respective environmental review as required by law.
ATTACHMENTS
None
Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Alexis Braun, Acting Director of Transit and
Community Services
Nabila Guzman, Senior Administrative Analyst
Matthew Schneider, Director of Community
Development
Patrick Donegan, Assistant City Attorney
Gavin Curran, Assistant City Manager
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STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
September 23, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING
NOT-APPEAL
27 SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING AND BALLOTING FOR PROPOSED UNDERGROUND UTILITY ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 (WEST STREET)
NOTE: Past practice has been to have the Council bring this item to an earlier part of the Regular Meeting so that staff (and observers) can tally the ballots in time for a public report towards the latter part of the same meeting. This may occur on September 23, depending on Council direction. Persons interested in the vote, or who intend to submit their ballots to the City on or before the Public Hearing on September 23rd, should be prepared to drop ballots off not later than 5:00 p.m. in case this item is brought up soon after the meeting starts.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive and file the proposed Undergrounding Utility Assessment District 2021-1 report;
2. Open the public hearing for public comments;
3. Call for submittal of any final ballots, and close the public hearing;
4. Direct staff to proceed with tallying ballots in City Hall, Conference Room A, and invite the public to observe the tallying process;
5. Postpone the item until the ballot tally is complete and then resume the meeting on the item, asking staff to report the ballot results;
6. Review the balloting results, and if the majority of weighted ballots are in favor of the proposed assessment district, then:
a. Adopt the attached Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING THE RESULTS OF
THE ASSESSMENT BALLOTING PROCEEDING, CONFIRMING ASSESSMENTS IN UNDERGROUND UTILITY ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2021-1, ORDERING THE
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE, TOGETHER WITH
APPURTENANCES, APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S REPORT, AND DESIGNATING
THE FINANCE DIRECTOR OR THE CITY TREASURER TO COLLECT AND RECEIVE MONEY”;
b. Adopt the attached Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENTS IN UNDERGROUND UTILITY
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2021-1 SUBJECT TO RECEIPT OF BOND PROCEEDS
AND FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT,” awarding a construction contract to Hot Line Construction in the amount not to exceed $3,393,491;
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c. Contribute $707,536 for the General Benefit cost, and appropriate $578,200 from the Street Lighting and Utility Fund and $129,336 from the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Fund prior to bonds being sold;
d. Contribute $707,536 as an additional City contribution and appropriate that same amount from the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Fund prior to bonds being sold; e. Authorize the City Manager to approve project-related expenses and construction change orders for unforeseen circumstances for an amount not to exceed $339,350.
7. Determine that the action is exempt from the California Environmental Act pursuant to CEQA guidelines sections 15301(b), 15302(c) & (d), and 15303(d); in the alternative, determine the action is not a project as it is the creation of a government funding mechanism or other government fiscal activities (Public Resources Code Section 21065; CEQA Guidelines, section 15378(b)(4)), and further that this action implements the March 20, 2024 Planning Commission action, wherein the City previously conducted environmental review for the proposed undergrounding project and determined that the project was exempt and there are no changes to the project, no changed circumstances, and no new information that could not previously have been known, that would trigger the need for subsequent CEQA review.
OR
8. If there is not a majority of weighted ballots in favor of the proposed assessment district, then declare the proposed Underground Utility Assessment District 2021-1 (West Street) abandoned for lack of majority support.
Appropriation: $1,415,072
($578,200 + $836,872)
Fund: Street-Lighting and Utility Fund
Wildfire Mitigation & Fire Safety Fund
Submitted By: Mark McAvoy Approved: David A Kiff
Mark McAvoy, Director of Public
Works & Utilities
Dave Kiff, City Manager
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
The purpose of the public hearing is to determine whether the proposed Underground Utility Assessment District 2021-1 (West Street) shall be either formed or abandoned.
This report outlines the final steps in the Proposition 218 process for the proposed Underground Utility Assessment District 2021-1 (West Street), which would underground existing overhead utility lines in the West Street neighborhood. Property owners received ballots in July 2025. Any ballots not yet submitted may be delivered to the City Clerk during the public hearing. The public hearing also provides interested persons the opportunity to comment on the proposed district and assessments. At the close of the hearing, the City Clerk will tally all submitted ballots.
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If a majority of the weighted ballots are in favor, staff recommends the City Council adopt two resolutions:
(1) confirming the assessments, ordering the improvements, and approving the final Engineer’s Report; and (2) awarding a construction contract to Hot Line Construction for $3,393,491, subject to receipt of bond proceeds. The project would be funded by property owner assessments, a General Benefit contribution of $707,536, and a separate and additional City contribution of $707,536, both funded through contributions from the Street Lighting and Utility Fund and the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Fund.
Based on prior experience with other underground utility assessment districts, staff recommends that any resulting bonds be issued through a public offering with a 25-year term, which is consistent with recent undergrounding projects in Diamond Street and Woods Cove.
Alternative: If a majority of weighted ballots are opposed, the City Council must declare the proposed district abandoned.
DISCUSSION
Background
On May 20, 2025, the City Council declared its intent to form the proposed assessment district for the undergrounding of existing overhead utility lines for portions of the West Street neighborhood. At the same time, the City Council approved the Preliminary Engineer’s Report for the proposed assessments and set a public hearing for September 23, 2025, to tally the cast assessment ballots.
On July 22, 2025, a Public Meeting was held to hear public comments on the project, provide an update on revised project costs, and present options on purchase methods of municipal bonds. Following that meeting, the Assessment Engineer mailed the Notice of Assessment and Assessment Ballot to each of the affected property owners in the proposed district, informing them of their assessment amount; the time and place for this Public Hearing for the tallying of the assessments; and how, when, and to whom the ballots should be returned. In accordance with Proposition 218, the ballots remain sealed until the Public Hearing is closed and staff is thereafter directed to tally the ballots.
The public hearing provides interested persons the opportunity to comment on the project and on the proposed assessments. At the conclusion of the public hearing, any ballots not yet submitted to the City Clerk will be collected and all ballots will thereafter be tallied. Members of the public may observe the tallying process following the conclusion of the Public Hearing. If the majority of weighted ballots are in favor of the proposed assessment district, then the City Council may proceed with the formation of the district. If there is a weighted majority in opposition, then the City Council cannot proceed with the proposed district and shall declare it abandoned for lack of majority support. The process for conducting the public hearing and taking final action is outlined below.
Process
In compliance with the provisions of Proposition 218 (The Right to Vote on Taxes Act), notices and official assessment ballots were mailed to the property owners of the assessable parcels (as shown on Attachment 3 of 26
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1, District Boundary Map) within the proposed district. The notice advised property owners of the proposed assessment amounts (as documented in Attachment 1, Assessment Roll) and of the date, time, and location for the public hearing. If, at the conclusion of the public hearing, it is determined that a majority of the assessment ballots returned, as weighted by the assessment amounts, are in favor of the district, the City Council may approve a resolution to confirm the assessments for the district (Attachment 2), and also approve a resolution awarding a construction contract for the work contingent on the sale of bonds and receiving the bond proceeds (Attachment 3). However, if the majority of the assessment ballots, as weighted by the assessment amounts, are in opposition to the project, then the City Council will be precluded from proceeding with the proposed district formation. Property owners have until the close of the public hearing to submit their ballots.
Construction Contract
If balloting is in favor of the assessment district, then a construction contract can be awarded, contingent on the sale of bonds and the receipt of bond proceeds. On October 18, 2024, construction bids were received from five bidders as follows:
Bidder Bid Amount
Hot Line Construction, Inc. $3,393,491
Asplundh Construction, LLC $3,693,040
Doty Bros. Equipment Co. $4,078,274
Pro Energy Services Group, LLC $5,730,730
Outsource Utility Contractor, LLC $8,982,224
The low bidder, Hot Line Construction, is properly licensed and qualified to perform the work. Hot Line Construction has performed similar utility undergrounding work in the City for Crestview Drive Underground Utility Assessment District 2014-1, Diamond Street Undergrounding Utility Assessment District 2013-2, and the in-progress Woods Cove Underground Utility Assessment District 2014-2. If the assessment district proceeds, then it is recommended that the City Council adopt the resolution awarding a contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Hot Line Construction, based on their original bid in the amount of $3,393,491. It is also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to approve projectrelated expenses and construction change orders for unforeseen circumstances in the amount not to exceed $339,350. Construction costs will be funded by assessments levied on the properties within the assessment district, from a General Benefit contribution of $707,536, and a separate contribution of $707,536 provided by the City.
Legal Process
The City Attorney has reviewed the attached resolutions. If the majority of weighted ballots are in favor of the proposed assessment district, the City Council may adopt the following resolutions:
• A Resolution of the City Council confirming assessments in Underground Utility Assessment District 2021-1 (West Street), ordering the proposed improvements to be made, and designating the Assistant City Manager or the City Treasurer to collect and receive money. 4 of 26
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