From: Jahn Levitt
Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 11:09 AM
To: City Council <[email protected] >; Kiff, Dave CM <[email protected]> Subject: Hillsides
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] In an election year
especially, voters deserve clarity. Are you
protecting our hillsides - or protecting
development interests?
Because once those
hillsides are gone,
they are gone forever.
Our hillsides are not
inventory. They are
not bargaining chips.
They are the defining
feature of Laguna
Beach.
The court recently
ruled that this City violated its own General Plan in approving hillside development.
That ruling was a
clear message: the
rules matter. The
General Plan matters.
The protections we
adopted matter.
And yet instead of
correcting course,
this Council chose to
appeal.
\A/L .. '1
How much taxpayer
money are we now
spending to fight a
decision that simply
says: follow your own
laws?
If the appellate court
upholds the ruling,
will you appeal
again? To the
Supreme Court?How
■
many rounds of litigation are you willing
to fund just to preserve the ability to
push development
further into protected
hillsides?
This is not anti-development. This is
pro-accountability.
Laguna Beach built
its identity on natural
beauty - not on testing the limits of how
much we can carve
into it. The General
Plan is not optional
when it's inconvenient. It is the contract between this Council and the residents.
-----Original Messa~-----
From: Mark Ryan
Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 9:01 AM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: General Plan
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
It's unbelievable that you, who purport to represent us, are appealing the court ruling against the building of a house on an "unbuildable" slope. It opens the door to further ruination, as you must know. Also galling is your claim of "administrative deference". We are not the East Wing of the White House and you are not kings. Please try to have a little more vision about the long term than this.
Mark Ryan
~ ganRd.
~Beach
Sent from my iPhone
-----Original Message-----
From: Cheryl Czyz ~
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 10:18 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Please Drop the Appeal and Respect Our General Plan [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
Dear Mayor Orgill and Laguna Beach Councilmembers I am writing to urge you to drop the current appeal and and respect the court's ruling regarding the hillside development project.
The court has clearly ruled that the City overstepped its authority by approving a project on a hillside too steep to be buildable under the slope/steepness methods outlined in our General Plan. Rather than accepting that ruling, the City is now spending taxpayer dollars to appeal it-and to defend the notion that it can change calculation methods at will. That is not acceptible.
I ask that you stop going against the established precedent, the letter and spirit of our General Plan, and the clearly expressed will of the people, who want our hillsides and canyons protected and our leaders to play by the rules.
In your closed session on Tuesday, I respectfully urge you to drop the appeal, accept the court's decision, and reaffirm your commitment to the General Plan and to genuine public trust.
Thank you for your service and your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Czyz
From: HARVEY RONEY�
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 7:38 PM
To: City Council <City�beachcity.net>
Cc: HARVEY RONEY�
Subject: Discussion of Hillsides and Canyons Building at February 24, 2026 City Council Meeting [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] It is my understanding the City Council will allow a public discussion and then vote in closed session regarding a decision that has previously been made regarding hillside building.
The project in question went to Design Review and failed to be approved. Then the City Council took up the matter and went against Design Review and approved the project in spite of the project being located on a hillside lot that is too steep to be buildable when applying the slope/steepness calculation method which is stated in the General Plan. The City Council's decision was legally challenged and a judgement rendered against the City. Now, as I understand it, the City Council is considering appealing the judges decision.
The obvious questions are:
What special interest does the City Council have in this project? Why is the city considering appealing the judgement and not the property owner? Who is paying the legal fees for the city dragging this process out? Why is the city not following the slope/steepness calculation method outlined in the General Plan? By making an exception of slope/steepness on this or any other property it opens up precedence for all other hillside and canyon property that have been labeled unbuildable ( and they were labeled unbuildable for a reason; presumably to save our hillsides and canyons and all of the precision elements and wildlife supported in them).
I have no idea what is behind the thinking of the City Council on this subject, but from my perspective, a full rethink is in order and ASAP. Maybe on the rethink, you consider the public for whom you are here to serve.
John Roney
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday,
Rena Sukhov
February
~
23, 2026 3:20 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Oppose Appeal - Uphold the General Plan, LCP, and Rule of Law [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council,
I am writing to strongly oppose the City's continued pursuit of this appeal and to urge you to immediately cease efforts that undermine Laguna Beach's General Plan, Local Coastal Program (LCP), and longstanding planning precedent.
The General Plan is not optional guidance. It is the City's constitution for land use. State law is clear: all zoning, ordinances, and project approvals must be consistent with the General Plan. The court has already affirmed that the City overstepped its authority by attempting to apply a slope calculation methodology that conflicts with the plain language and established interpretation of the General Plan.
Continuing to appeal this ruling is not only fiscally irresponsible - it signals a troubling willingness to subordinate the law to convenience.
This pattern is not isolated. In other recent approvals, including ADU-related projects, the City has relied on ordinance exemptions to override required Coastal Act findings and LCP protections - particularly regarding parking, coastal access, neighborhood compatibility, and environmental impacts. Now, it appears the City is attempting to bypass General Plan consistency requirements altogether.
That is deeply concerning.
The California Coastal Act, the certified LCP, and the General Plan were adopted to protect Laguna Beach's hillsides, canyons, coastal access, and environmental character. They reflect the will of the voters and decades of carefully constructed policy. The City does not have discretion to selectively reinterpret or ignore those protections when politically or procedurally convenient.
The slope calculation method in question is universally accepted and was upheld by the court. Attempting to invent or selectively apply an alternative methodology in order to approve otherwise non-compliant development is, quite plainly, an abuse of discretion. It sets a dangerous precedent that weakens every environmental and hillside protection in the City.
Using taxpayer dollars to continue this appeal only compounds the problem. At a time when resources should be directed toward infrastructure, fire safety, coastal protection, and responsible planning, pursuing litigation to expand Council authority beyond the limits of the General Plan is indefensible.
Laguna Beach residents expect their elected officials to:
- Follow the General Plan as written
- Respect the Coastal Act and LCP
- Honor established precedent
- Protect our hillsides, canyons, and coastal character - Exercise fiscal responsibility
- Govern within the rule of law
This appeal is unnecessary, divisive, and contrary to the public interest. The court has already provided clear direction. The responsible course of action is to withdraw the appeal and recommit to lawful, transparent, and consistent planning practices.
Please stop this overreach. Uphold the General Plan. Respect the court's ruling. Protect Laguna Beach as you have been elected to do.
Sincerely,
Rena Sukhov
lllll!IJiejo Street
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
-----Original Message-----
From
Sent:
:
Monday,
PAMELAADAMS
February
~
23, 2026 2:56 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>; McKay, Ann Marie CC <[email protected]>
Subject: LB City Council Meeting with Legal Counsel regarding 1-b. 2.24.26 [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
Please insert into 1 b City Council appeal decision with Legal Counsel. --ela Adams
February 23, 2026
Laguna Beach City Council
City of Laguna Beach
505 Forest Avenue
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
RE: LB City Council Meeting with Legal Counsel- 1 b. City of Laguna Beach v. Laguna Beach Coalition for Environment Protection, CA Court of Appeal Dear Mayor Orgill and Council Members:
I am opposed to Laguna Beach City's appeal of the court's decision. Using taxpayers' dollars to set a precedent to null ify Policy 14-B is unconscionable.
The point of our General Plan is to maintain a balanced city program, focusing on preserving our open spaces & protecting environmentally sensitive areas, while regulating the density of hillside development. Meaning zero density for residential units on slopes exceeding 45%. This is also to constrain city employees to adhere to using the formula set forth in the General Plan. Please do not pursue the appeal.
Thank you for your time & consideration.
Pamela Adams
From: WM
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 2:59 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Request to drop appeal against LBCEP
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear City Council Members,
As a Laguna resident directly affected by the limited evacuation routes during the July 7, 2025 Rancho Fire, I am deeply concerned by the City's appeal against LBCEP and the apparent willingness to override General Plan protections regarding development on slopes greater than 45 degrees.
It is well established that increasing density on steep slopes-when properly and mathematically calculatedcan significantly heighten fire risk, restrict emergency access, and endanger residents in already densely populated neighborhoods. Our family's recent evacuation experience underscored how critical safe access and egress truly are.
Recent fires, including the Palisades Fire, should serve as a clear warning. We cannot afford to approve projects that may further compromise public safety, particularly when they conflict with the General Plan.
I respectfully urge you to withdraw the appeal and place adherence to the General Plan regarding building on slopes greater than 45 degrees and community safety above additional development.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Wendy Malaspina
From: Mary Locatelli -
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 1:46 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: City of Laguna Beach v. Laguna Beach Coalition for Environmental Protection [NOTICE: This message originated out side of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links o~ QP...filJ. attachments unlfilYQ.!:!. are sure the content is safe.] Dear Councilmembers:
Please consider the attached letter in your deliberations on this issue.
Many thanks,
Mary Locatelli
To: Members of City Council February 24, 2026
Re: City of Laguna Beach v. Laguna Beach Coalition for Environmental Protection Dear Councilmembers:
I'm writing in regard to the legal case City of Laguna Beach v. Laguna Beach Coalition for Environmental Protection. I'm no legal expert and would not profess to know all t he legal nuances of this case, but I do have a fair amount of experience in pattern recognition and am starting to see a concerning pattern regarding actions taken by the City that may not adhere to the Citis various governing rules and regulations. There was the initial misinterpretation of the City's flood regulations in determining what was required with respect to a hydrology study for the Promenade. There is an ongoing $149 million dispute regarding City actions that occurred in advising whether the City considered specific lots to be buildable in connection with a property purchase. And there is the above referenced case where, in the opinion of the Court, the City erred in interpreting its own governing documents (not to mention it may have been less than truthful in the facts used to support its decision).
I can think of at least two reasons for what sometimes may be considered an unusual interpretation of City governing documents (there may be more). One is that staff is perhaps unwittingly encouraged by Council and/or City management (something in risk management that is referred to as the tone at the top) "to get things done." Another is that staff does not have the knowledge or training necessary to properly interpret the City governing documentsespecially where there may be conflicts.
On a macro level, Council and management are responsible for setting the proper tone. Getting things done is important, but bending the rules to do so is not acceptable-and at the top, it should be clear that it will not be accepted. To ensure staff fully understands the governing documents, the legal department could sponsor a series of training sessions on the City's key documents and what staff should do when apparent conflicts are identified. Perhaps a requirement for pre-legal review of decisions that involve a regulatory interpretation when rules are in conflict would make sense.
On a micro level, the City should cut its losses and drop this appeal. My understanding is that the City will not be joined in the appeal either by the owner or the developer, which probably means they do not have a high degree of confidence that they would win on appeal. With the Court ruling against further development and the owner and developer refusing to appeal, it would seem the City has strong defenses against any claim that this is a taking. Given the current state of City finances, is this how the City wants to spend money? Or instead, might it be a good place to start reining in expenses?
With Regards,
Mary Locatelli
-----Original Message-----
From: Cheryl Czyz~
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 1 :42 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Please Drop the Appeal and Respect Our General Plan [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
Dear Mayor Jones and Laguna Beach Councilmembers, I am writing to urge you to drop the current appeals and respect the court's ruling regarding the hillside development project.
The court has clearly ruled that the City has overstepped its authority by approving a project on a hillside too steep to be buildable under the scope/steepness method outlined in our General Plan. Rather than accepting that ruling, the City is now spending taxpayer dollars to appeal it and to defend the notion that it can change calculation methods at will. That is not acceptible.
I ask that you stop going against the established precedent, the letter and spirit of our General Plan, and the clearly expressed will of the people, who want our hillsides and canyons protected and our leaders to play by the rules.
In your closed session on Tuesday, I respectfully urge you to drop the appeal, accept the court's decision, and reaffirm your commitment to the General Plan and to genuine public trust.
Thank you for your service and to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Czyz
Sent
From
:
:
Monday
rheitel ~
, February 23, 2026 1:32 PM
To: City Counci l <[email protected]>
Subject: Do not appeal the decision by the court to protect our slopes [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] I urge the city council to abandon its appeal efforts in the decision by the court to protect our general plan. It is not up to you to go against the will of the voters. -Stop going against the letter and the spirit of our General Plan. - Stop going against the will of the people of Laguna Beach, who want our hillsides and canyons protected and want our leaders to play by the rules
- Stop the appeal
Best regards,
Bob and Myrna Heitel
.North Encino
- ·
S1 0
-----Original Message-----
F
Sent:
rom:
Monday,
Janet Bescoby
February
.-
23, 2026 1 :21 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Cc: McKay, Ann Marie CC <[email protected]>
Subject: Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1) - STOP THE REPEAL
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
Please do not appeal a court decision that the City has overstepped its authority by approving a project on a hillside that has been deemed too steep to build on within the current General Plan. Do not use our taxpayer money in this fashion, which could potentially set a dangerous precedent in allowing other unbuildable lots to be approved for construction. Fire evacuation is already a challenge and stuffing more homes onto steep and narrow streets will exacerbate that problem.
Many thanks,
Janet Bescoby and Ren Wicks
llllllsan Remo Drive
Laguna Beach, CA
-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Holmes.-.
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 1 :38 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Protect Laguna's iconic hillsides and uphold our General Plan [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
Dear esteemed council members, city staff and relevant committees We are writing about the meeting to be held tomorrow, Tuesday February 24, 2026, in which you'll decide whether to spend our taxpayer dollars to appeal the lawsuit won by Laguna Beach Coalition for Environmental Protection (LBCEP) regarding building on a hillside defined as too steep too be developed in the Laguna Beach General Plan.
We are appalled that the council would attempt continuing this legal fight when it's clearly in conflict with out own City ordinances. (How and why an initial approval was given at all is very disturbing but another matter for discussion.)
Laguna Beach residents overwhelmingly support conserving what is left of our undeveloped hillsides and canyons as defined in the General Plan. Please stop trying to tie yourselves in legal pretzel knots to give building permits to those who would try to get around our local laws. This is bad policy and even worse precedent.
Please vote no on this project, protect our hillsides, adhere to the General Plan, and drop the proposed legal appeal.
Sincerely,
1111111!1:;enter
Paul Holmes & Kiku Terasaki
--
Street
-----Original Message-----
From: Elaine Williams
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 11 :48 AM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Hillside Building
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
PLEASE PLEASE DONT ALLOW THIS CATASTROPHIC OUTCOME TO HAPPEN.
Elaine Williams
Sent from my iPhone
From: Darrylin Girvin -
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 11:36 AM
To: City Counci l <[email protected]>
Subject: appeal by LBCEP
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Council members,
I'm writing on your appeal of LBCEP lawsuit which the Courts found valid of you the City and City Council of violating our General Plan.
The City seems hellbent on destroying our Hillsides and Canyons with unfettered development.
You should be following the mathematical steepness, which prohibits building on slopes more than 45% and respect the vision as stated in the General Plan.
Darrylin Girvin
LB resident
From: Glenna Matthews ~
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 11:06 AM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Protecting our hillsides
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Please follow the guidelines in the General Plan with respect to developing steep slopes. In the terrible event of a big fire, hilldweilers already have an enormous challenge in trying to evacuate. Don't make the problem worse!
Glenna Matthews
IIIIIIIJuanita Way
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday,
annie kurzontkowski
February 23,
~
2026 10: 16 AM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Please follow General Plan
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
Dear Council Members and chosen city caretakers!
We have been part of the Laguna Beach community since the 1980s when my aunt moved here from back east. My husband and I married here in 1993. Our children have enjoyed main beach and our sweet village growing up. And now we live just up from Mountain Beach. This place has long been near and dear to all our hearts.
You have much power and much responsibility.
We strongly urge you to:
Follow the General Plan
Protect our hillsides and canyons from unfettered development DROP YOUR APPEAL Please keep Laguna Beach protected and beautiful and special.
We implore you.
Diane Kurzontkowski & family
llllshadow Lane
Laguna Beach
From: Mary Furman -
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 8:14 AM
To: City Counci l <[email protected]>
Subject: Drop the appeal!
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Laguna Beach City Council
Our General Plan is the "blueprint" for development in Laguna Beach, inspired by our community's priorities and vision. It lays out specific protections for our hillsides and canyons. In particular, it prohibits building on slopes of more than 45%.
When city leaders approved a project in an area explicitly identified in the General Plan as unbuildable due to its steepness, the LBCEP sued, and WON: the court determined that the city was indeed violating its General Plan in approving the project.
Residents like me urge your action:
Follow the General Plan
• Protect our hillsides and canyons from unfettered development • Drop the appeal
Warm regards,
~an
--Coast
~
HighwayCA 92651
From: Don Lloyd
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 7:41 AM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Please invoke common sense physics towards the application of home building and to keep what precious little open space we have left here in Laguna and stop pursuing this matter now and in the future.Thank you all [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] From: valerie miller
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 6:14 AM
To: City Counci l <[email protected]>
Subject: Development of Lagunas hillsides and canyon
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Sirs,
My family and I are 3 generation residents of Laguna canyon and we are very concerned about development of the hillsides . There have been historical mudslides in our area and due to climate change there is real danger in the canyon.
Please take the decisions of the courts seriously , for our safety as well as maintaining the character of Laguna ..
Thank you, Valerie Miller, 1285 Roosevelt Lane, Laguna Beach Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
From: KELLY VISZOLAYSent: Monday, February 23, 2026 5:57 AM To: Cit Council <Cit Council@la unabeachcity.net>
Cc:
Subject: Our Beautiful Laguna
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] NO 3 story buildings in downtown Laguna. NO tearing down of existing structures on Forest Ave.
DO not over develop our beautiful canyon an hillsides.
Kelly Viszolay
Laguna Beach
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Sent:
From:
Monday,
Ario Tamaddoni
February
~
23, 2026 1:05 AM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: PROTECT LAGUNA BEACH'S HILLSIDES
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Please
PROTECT LAGUNA BEACH'S HILLSIDES AND UPHOLD THE GENERAL PLAN
Thank you
From: Carey Strombotne -
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 7:16 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Appeal to General Plan
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Mayor Orgill and City Council Members:
I am writing to urge you to drop the appeal against LBCEP and respect the existing general plan.
Using taxpayer dollars to fund this appeal violating our general plan seems disingenuous to citizens of Laguna Beach. If the city continues with this appeal, and somehow wins it, it will negatively affect residents by opening up the possibility to building on hillside lots that should remain unbuildable. It will also send a clear message to taxpayers that this council will allow builders and/or architects unprecedented access to building on our hillsides.
The court has decided to maintain the Laguna Beach General Plan. Again, I urge this council to stop wasting taxpayer dollars and drop this appeal.
Sincerely,
Carey Strombotne
Laguna Beach, CA
From: Lisa Schain.-.
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 6:32 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: General Plan for Laguna Hillside
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear City Council,
I am a Laguna Beach resident and I urge you to please follow the city's General Plan and protect our hillsides and canyons from development.
Please drop your appeal!
Regards,
lisa
From: Amy Jackson
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 6:24 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>; Kiff, Dave CM <[email protected]> Subject: Uphold Our General Plan and Protect Laguna Beach [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Mayor and Councilmernbers,
I write to you regarding the Conference with Legal Counsel on the existing litigation.
As a longtime resident, it is deeply troubling to see the City continue down a path that appears inconsistent with both the letter and spirit of Laguna Beach's General Plan.
The court has already determined that the City exceeded its authority by approving a hillside project that does not comply with the slope/steepness methodology clearly set forth in the General Plan. It is difficult to understand why the City would now choose to appeal that decision- using public funds to defend a position that seems contrary to what Laguna Beach has long stood for: thoughtful planning, environmental stewardship, and adherence to established rules.
Our community has consistently expressed its desire to protect our hillsides and canyons from overdevelopment. The General Plan reflects that collective vision. When the City appears to shift calculation methods or reinterpret standards to justify a particular outcome, it undermines public trust and the very framework designed to safeguard our town.
I respectfully urge you, in your upcoming closed session, to discontinue the appeal, accept the court's ruling, and reaffirm your commitment to the General Plan. Please be true to the residents you represent. Protect Laguna Beach from unchecked and out-ofscale development, and honor the principles that have preserved the character and natural beauty of our community for generations.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Amy Jackson
Laguna Beach Resident
-----Original Message-----
From: adam schwerner ._,.
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 6:06 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Yvonne Park and Ryad Aouad
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
City Council members,
Thank you for intelligently and steadfastly arguing that the slope of the land that the owners above referenced want to develop is buildable based on facts. Thank you for arguing against the NIMBYism that has smothered this city for too long. Thank you for holding up against the onslaught of endless criticism, vitriol and acerbic denouncement that will come your way on Tuesday.
As always, thank you for your forbearance.
Best,
Adam Schwerner
-----Or· - inal Messa e-----
From:
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026
.-
2:59 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Preservation of LB hillsides
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
Dear City Council Members,
As a taxpayer, please follow or existing general plan that prohibits development on slopes greater than 45%.
Sincerely,
Barbara Garcia
Sent from my iPhone
From: cshields
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 2:09 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Overstepping and illegal power grabbing by city council [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] - Stop going against precedent
- Stop going against the letter and the spirit of our General Plan
- Stop going against the will of the people of Laguna Beach, who want our hillsides and canyons protected and want
our leaders to play by the rules
- Stop the appeal
Stop the power control and stop your illegal activity.
From: kimoka
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 1:32 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Stay to the general plan ...
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Please stop the power gab to develop hillsides greater than 45 degrees. STOP using our money against us. I can't wait for elections in November to vote against the members of the council that are for this insane developers dream ... Thanks you. Jim Stiso, So. Laguna.
From: howard burns
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 1:23 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Please
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Please stop the appeal and
please protect the hillsides and canyons
of Our city.
Thank you.
Patricia Bums
From: Paige Lyall _
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 1:20 PM
To: City Counci l <[email protected]>
Subject: Protect Laguna Beach hillsides!
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] I strongly urge the City Counsil to protect our hillsides in Laguna Beach against development that doesn't meet the established General Plan!
The General Plan is very specific in the guidelines which strictly prohibits development on a hillside greater than 45%!! To use OUR money to pursue an appeal that a court ruled against the City's approval of the subject lot is outrageous! You work for the Laguna Beach residents that are totally against this development.
Stop the banned hillside development and listen to the residents.
Regards,
Paige Lyall
• Baja Street
From: Dee Challis
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 1:09 PM
To: City Counci l <[email protected]>
Subject: Please: drop the appeal
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] From a concerned citizen:
Please don't allow building homes on Laguna's steep slopes. Please do not go forward with an appeal of the judge's decision.
One has only to drive up Summit Drive to see how a canyon can be spoiled.
Diane Challis
1390 s coast hwy
Laguna Beach
Sent:
From:
Sunday,
Sheri Matigian
February
~
22, 2026 1:03 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>; George Weiss Subject: Re: General Plan/Hillside Calculation
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Members of the City Council,
I am writing to express serious concern regarding recent actions that conflict with the City's General Plan. As you know, the General Plan is the controlling document for land-use decisions in our community. The City Council does not have the authority to override or disregard it, nor to take actions that are inconsistent with its adopted policies.
The Court has now ruled against the City on this matter, reaffirming that decisions made in violation of the General Plan are unlawful. This ruling makes it clear that the City cannot impose policies or directives that contradict the governing framework approved by both state law and the residents of this community.
Given this outcome, it is essential that the Council recognize its legal limits. Continuing to pursue actions that the Court has already deemed improper would not only undermine public trust but also expose taxpayers to unnecessary financial risk. The City Council does not have the right to spend public funds attempting to enforce decisions that exceed its legal authority or impose its will on the residents of this city.
Sheri Matigian
From: Catherine Jurca .-.
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 11:42 AM
To: City Counci l <[email protected]>
Subject: Closed Session Item lb - City of Laguna Beach v. LBCEP [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Mayor Orgill and City Council members:
I urge you to abandon the appeal of the Superior Court decision in City of Laguna Beach v. Laguna Beach Coalition for Environmental Protection. I don't understand why the City is trying to make development on steep hillsides less restrictive, given the numerous safety and environmental issues such development pose.
I read Judge Claster's ruling on this case when it was issued. His interpretation of the law was persuasive, as was his analysis of the defects of the City's position. The Open Space and Conservation Element gives a clear definition and metric for determining slope. Later amendment to the zoning code does not trump this GP policy/constraint. The salient legal case is Lesher Communications, Inc. v City of Walnut Creek.
It seems obvious that a successful appeal would invite other owners of unbuildable lots to demand a similar flexibility in slope calculation.
Some appeals make sense, some do not. Please let this one go. Laguna residents are protective of hillsides, worried about environmental impacts, and obsessed with wildfire risk.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Cathy
From: Mary Franz
Sent: Saturday, February 21, 2026 2:42 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Hillside development and LBCEP
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Mayor Orgill and Council Members~
Joy Berry's letter to the editor in the 2/20/26 Laguna Beach Indy was an alarming read. This is the first I learned of the council's efforts to waive the city's General Plan with intentions to permit hillside development on parcels that have been determined unbuildable. As I understand it, these plans were disallowed in a determination by the Laguna Beach Coalition for Environmental Protection (LBCEP). For a city that strives to protect the environment and inhabitant's safety, I think the appeal is misguided and strongly request that this appeal be abandoned.
It would be helpful for me to understand the council's thinking on this matter. Would someone please inform me, or direct me to documentation that explains these matters.
While I welcome change in Laguna Beach, I do not wish to lesson our greenbelt or otherwise undeveloped/unbuildable land.
Thank you for your service and consideration.
~Mary Franz
a:erritos Dr, LB
From: J Thomas Fagan -
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2026 5:00 PM
To: City Counci l <[email protected]>
Subject: Slope steepness appeal
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] City Council Members,
Drop their appeal against LBCEP, follow mathematical principles in measuring steepness, which prohibits building on slopes of more than 45% and respect the vision laid out in the General Plan
Follow your own rules, otherwise, refund the taxpayers the money you wasted generating the General Plan.
Tom Fagan
Sent:
From:
Friday,
Marsha
February
Bianchi --
20, 2026 4:48 PM
To: City Council <City~hcity.net>
Cc: Marsha Bianchi ~
Subject: NO OVER BUILDING IN OUR THE OPEN SPACES
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Please stop any future building on environmentally sensitive hillsides. This town is already overcrowded. Enough is enough.
Marsha Bianchi
Victoria Beach Resident
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conguer
From: Karen~
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2026 4:02 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Request to Withdraw Appeal - Protect Laguna's Hillsides and Conserve Public Resources (Case No. G065514) [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links o~ QP...filJ. attachments unlfilYQ!:!. are sure the content is safe.] Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council:
I am writing to respectfully urge the City Council to withdraw the City's appeal in City of Laguna Beach v. Laguna Beach Coalition for Environmental Protection (Case No. G065514) and to refocus the City's efforts on protecting Laguna Beach's hillsides and conserving public resources.
This case raises an issue that goes well beyond a single residence. It concerns whether the City will uphold the long-standing community commitment to preserving steep canyons and environmentally sensitive terrain. Withdrawing the appeal would support the Council's publicly expressed core priorities, including environmental stewardship, protection of community character and neighborhoods, wildfire and infrastructure risk reduction, transparent and defensible decisionmaking, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
For decades, Laguna Beach has made deliberate policy choices to limit development in its steep hillside areas. The General Plan reflects that history and community vision. In particular, Policy 14-B prohibits hillside development on slopes of 45 percent or greater.
The trial court has already determined that the City abused its discretion by approving a project inconsistent with this policy and ordered the approvals set aside.
At this point, the City is using taxpayer funds to appeal a decision that enforces the City's own General Plan of protecting our canyons and hillsides.
Continuing the appeal creates several concerns:
Unnecessary Public Expense
Appellate litigation requires substantial staff time and legal resources. These funds could be directed toward priority community needs rather than prolonged litigation over a single project.
Risky Precedent
The City's appeal seeks judicial support for broader discretion in how steepness and buildability are interpreted. If successful, this could weaken the clarity and reliability of hillside protections and invite additional development pressure in areas the community has historically sought to preserve.
Erosion of Long-Standing Policy
Laguna Beach's canyon and hillside protections were adopted to protect public safety, environmental resources, infrastructure capacity, and community character. Continuing to challenge a court decision enforcing those protections risks undermining decades of planning policy and community trust.
This matter is ultimately about whether the General Plan will function as a clear and reliable framework for decision-making, or whether its core protections will be subject to case-by-case reinterpretation.
More fundamentally, the question for the community is this: why is the City spending taxpayer funds to pursue litigation that could weaken its own General Plan protections for Laguna Beach's hillsides and canyons?
For these reasons, I respectfully urge the City Council to:
• Withdraw the appeal in Case No. G065514
• Conserve taxpayer resources
• Reaffirm the City's commitment to its long-standing hillside and canyon protections • Maintain the integrity and reliability of the General Plan Laguna Beach's identity and resilience are closely tied to the preservation of its steep hillsides and open canyons. Withdrawing the appeal would demonstrate fiscal responsibility and a continued commitment to the community's long-established planning priorities.
Thank you for your consideration and for your continued service to the community.
Respectfully,
Karen Martin
Wave street, 40 year resident
From: Susan Skinner
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2026 1:52 PM
To: City Counci l <[email protected]>
Subject: Please drop lawsuit regarding building on Laguna hillsides [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Laguna Beach City Council:
I never thought I would be saying this, but please drop your lawsuit to build on Laguna Beach hillsides and follow Laguna's General Plan.
The General Plan is effectively the constitution of the city and definitively dictates what the city can and cannot do. There is no discretionary ability to legally override the General Plan and yet that is what the city is paying an estimated 1200.00 per hour to try and do. This is a total waste of taxpayer money as well as subverting the will of the people. Do you really think that your voters are wishing for more development in inaccessible areas? I'm guessing no.
From my perspective, this type of action on the part of the city is exactly why we need term limits in Laguna. When councilpersons act against the best interests of their voters, it is time to move on.
Please drop out of this lawsuit and let the lower court ruling stand.
Thank you,
Susan Skinner
-Table Rock Dr.-
From: Susan Hanst ed
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2026 9:10 PM
To: City Counci l <[email protected]>
Subject: UPHOLD OUR GENERAL PLAN
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] City Council please protect our iconic hillsides and uphold our General Plan
Though the Laguna Beach General Plan prohibits building on steep hillsides and canyons, city leaders approved a plan to build a home in an area designated as unsuitable for building.
The Laguna Beach Coalition for Environmental Protection (LBCEP) filed a lawsuit to stop the project, as it would set a precedent opening up all of our canyons and hillsides to development.
The court ruled in favor of LBCEP, agreeing that the city was indeed violating its General Plan.
• Follow the General Plan
• Protect our hillsides and canyons from unfettered
development
• Drop the appeal
My concern is if the city wins the appeal, Laguna's beautiful canyons and hillsides could be open to development, at
discretion, despite geological risks (landslides and mudslides) and the damage to the environmental character of our town. information at !beep.com
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Susan Hansted
Laguna Beach resident
-----Original Messa e-----
From:
Sent: urs ay, e ruary 19, 2026 4:51 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Follow the Rules You Made
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
DearCouncilMembeIB,
The City has a General Plan and codes which designate the way and how the City functions. We have these protections for a number of reasons and public safety is foremost. These are carefully prepared and discussed before adoption. Changes go through an equally rigorous process before they are implemented. They are never changed on a whim.
Why on earth was a building permit issued for a property deemed unsuitable for building? And, why is the City even considering appealing the Court ruling citing and upholding the adopted City Code? Errors can happen, of course. When they do, however, the City must move to immediately correct and remedy the situation.
Please stop the this nonsense right now. There is enough dysfunction in our city government as it is.
Thank you.
Louise 8. Thornton
Laguna Resident
From: Yvonne Armstrong
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2026 4:28 PM
To: City Counci l <[email protected]>
Subject: Drop Appeal
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear leaders,
Please drop your appeal against LBCEP and preserve our hillsides against development where it was already determined that no building should take place. We want the General plan to be followed by the city. This is an open door for more building to be done on unbuildable lots. This is a great fire risk and will ruin the integrity of Laguna.
Thank you!
Yvonne Armstrong
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
From: Kathy
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2026 4:19 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Follow Laguna Beach's General Plan
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear City Council,
Please Follow the General Plan
Protect our hillsides and canyons from unfettered development. We are already too crowded!!!
Drop the appeal!!!
Please spend less money.
Please listen to the residents.
Do something to protect the residents from tourists stealing residents stuff on the beach while they are surfing.
Thank you
The Tanaka Family
From: merrill anderson -
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2026 2:06 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Protecting our unbuildable slopes
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] The General Plan re building on slopes over 45% grade our clear, justified and appropriate. The fact that our city would join with a developer to violate this provision is obscene. The city was sued and lost. The developer dropped out of the lawsuit.
The city should do so as well, and stop wasting tax payers money to appeal a ruling that Laguna residents agree with.
Best regards,
Merrill
Merrill Anderson, Ph.D.
IIIIHigh Drive
Laguna Beach, CA. 92651
Se
Fro
n
m
t:
:
Thursday
mary fegraus.com
, February
~
19, 2026 12:34 PM
To: City Counci l <[email protected]>
Cc: Kiff, Dave CM <[email protected]>
Subject: Change in General Plan regarding slope restrictions [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Mayor Orgill and Members of the City Council,
I received an email today from Village Laguna that has left me astounded. It explained the city's actions regarding our General Plan and slope protections. How could the city appeal the appellate court ruling the enforces the 45% slope protections.
Our upper Bluebird Canyon neighborhood watched as the council approved the development of two lots in upper BB after Design Review denial of the projects. It was a sad moment to watch our Neighborhood Compatibility and other local documents and the concerns of the residents be ignored by the council.
This appeal is even more threatening to our hillside community. Our history has been of preserving our hillsides, it is part of our culture. Please cancel the appeal and represent the residents.
Thank you for your commitment to our unique community.
Mary Fegraus
-Morningside Drive
From: Carter Bolick.-.
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2026 12:33 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Stop Trying to Destroy What Makes Laguna Gorgeous [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear City Council,
I am a resident of Laguna Canyon Road and deeply appreciate its natural beauty and the unique blend of mixed-use residences, artists, and light industrial spaces. However, I am concerned that the Laguna City government may compromise what makes our community special, potentially turning it into just another indistinguishable spot in Orange County, where increasing wealth leads to grand, ostentatious developments and the visual charm becomes uniform and uninspired.
I question the motivations of certain council members and the sense of entitlement among longstanding family names who seem to believe they can act as they wish. Along with many other local residents, I strongly oppose building and developing on the canyon hillsides and urge adherence to the General Plan. Please withdraw your appeal and act in the best interest of Laguna Beach, rather than catering to a select few wealthy individuals.
Sincerely,
Carter Bolick
From: Gerson Seise -
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 202611:12 AM
To: City Counci l <[email protected]>
Subject: Protect our canyons and hillsides!!!
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Happy Thursday, I hope you are well!
I do not approve of building on our hillsides or canyons. It will take away the charm of the town and cause more issues. I remember the landslides in the last 90's/early 2000's when my grandparents lived here. Now my parents and I reside in town. Thank you for taking our perspective into consideration.
Take care,
Gerson Seise REALTOR®
I
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Thursday
Jean Vivrette
, February
~
19, 2026 10:33 AM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Protect our hillsides and canyons
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
Please put Laguna and residents first.
People move here because of how special the city is. If we break the rules for 1, 2 or even 10 people.
What is next????? A great loss ...... .
Reconsider, please!!!
Jean Vivrette
Dartmoor St
From: Diane Dowall
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2026 10:31 AM
To: City Counci l <[email protected]>
Subject: Hillside development
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Please drop the appeal against LBCEP, follow mathematical principles in measuring steepness, which prohibits building on slopes of more than 45% and respect the vision laid out in the General Plan
-----Original Message-----
From: Neil Fitzpatrick ~
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2026 10:02 AM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: General Plan Court Ruling
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
Please uphold the city's general plan. Drop the appeal of the recent court ruling . ....
Sent:
From:
Thursday,
Christopher
February
Reed ~
19, 2026 9:33 AM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: LBCEP appela
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Council:
Please drop the appeal against LBCEP. It would open a way for the destruction of the very thing that makes Laguna Beach so unique and beautiful.
Thank you
Chris Reed
lllllf;atalina St
Sent:
From:
Thur
Boris
sday
Suk
,
hov
February
~
19, 2026 7:52 AM
To: City Counci l <[email protected]>
Subject: General Plan
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] It's an alarming issue that this City Council is again considering passing an illegal move and violate court order to develop areas deemed unfit for development? Also using our local increased taxes for every single illegal move that the councils is engaged in? It's time to look at the city's budget before deciding whether the next move that the planning department and city council and just increase revenues on our residents.
Resident since 1971 and never witnessed major increased tax burden on all of our residents? Sent from the all new AOL 8P.R for iOS
-----Original Message-----
From: Nicholas Newell-=-
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 8:29 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Hillside protection
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
Please. No more development of laguna's hillsides, nature reserve, canyons. It's already lost so much of its simple organic charm.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Newell, MD and family - Lifelong Laguna Beach resident.
From: Matt Karam -
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 7:14 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Request for Immediate Withdrawal of Appeal and Compliance with Laguna Beach General Plan [NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] To the Honorable Members of the Laguna Beach City Council, I write to formally express serious concern regarding the City's decision to approve residential development within an area designated as unsuitable for building under the Laguna Beach General Plan, and to subsequently pursue an appeal after the court determined that such approval violated that Plan.
The General Plan exists as the City's controlling policy framework governing land use, environmental protection, and public safety. Its restrictions on development within steep hillsides and canyon areas are neither discretionary nor symbolic. They reflect established geological realities, long-term environmental stewardship obligations, and the City's duty to protect residents from foreseeable hazards, including landslides, erosion, and destabilization of sensitive terrain.
The court has already determined that the City's approval of this project was inconsistent with its own governing policies. Continuing to appeal that ruling raises serious concerns regarding adherence to the rule of law, fiscal responsibility, and the integrity of the City's planning framework.
The expenditure of taxpayer funds to challenge enforcement of the City's own General Plan is particularly troubling, as it places public resources in service of undermining the very protections those resources are meant to uphold.
The broader implications of this appeal are substantial. If the City succeeds in overturning the court's decision, the practical effect may be to weaken or nullify existing hillside and canyon protections, opening environmentally sensitive and geologically vulnerable areas throughout Laguna Beach to discretionary development. Such an outcome would fundamentally alter the character of the community, expose residents and infrastructure to avoidable risk, and erode longstanding environmental safeguards.
Accordingly, I respectfully but firmly request that the City Council take the following actions:
1. Comply fully with the Laguna Beach General Plan as written and enforced by the court.
2. Affirm the City's commitment to protecting hillsides and canyons from development in areas deemed unsuitable for building.
3. Immediately withdraw the pending appeal and cease the use of public funds to challenge enforcement of established planning protections.
Public trust in municipal governance depends upon consistent adherence to adopted policies, responsible stewardship of environmental resources, and prudent use of taxpayer funds. The present course of action undermines each of these principles.
I urge the Council to reconsider its position and act in accordance with the City's legal obligations, environmental responsibilities, and long-term public interest. 35 years in Laguna Beach, CA.
Respectfully submitted,
Matthew Karam
South Laguna, CA
(my precise address, surely can be looked up by the City Council, but it is redacted from this email purposefully in fear of privacy/security concerns, retaliation both direct and in-direct, discriminatory treatment by the City Council, the Desi n Review Board and the City of Laguna Beach associated committees, for future interactions).
Sincerely,
Matthew Karam
~ image
-----Original Messa- -----
From: Jahn Levitt
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 6:49 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Drop your appeal
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
Don't use tax payer dollars for an abhorrent plan.
Jahn M. Levitt Sent from my iPhone
From: Dana Lombardi -
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 6:12 PM
To: City Counci l <[email protected]>
Subject: Uphold the Gen Plan
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Council members,
I urge you to respect the general plan and not build on protected canyon lands. Our open spaces make Laguna special. Our local ecology relies on what precious spaces they have left, and we are surely inviting future catastrophe by approving a build on unsuitable land. Please make the right decision for our future community, and respect the court ruling to protect the general plan.
Sincerely,
Dana Lombardi
From: Chip Lydick.-.
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 5:41 PM
To: City Counci l <[email protected]>
Subject: Follow General Plan
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] City Council,
What is wrong with this? Why would you want to develop hillsides that should not be developed? You do this one project, developers from all over will come and destroy our city and that way it looks.
Please drop the appeal. They won. That's it. Stop wasting our taxpayer money on this.
Thank you.
~Lydick
- Coronado Dr
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Wednesday
Charlie Zender
, February
.-
18, 2026 5:38 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Building on steep hillsides
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.]
Dear City Council,
I urge you to drop the City's appeal against the Laguna Beach Coalition for Environmental Protection (LBCEP) and to follow established mathematical principles in measuring steepness.
Do not allow building on slopes of more than 45%.
Finally, please respect the vision laid out in the General Plan.
Charlie
Charlie Zender, Dept. of Earth System Science University of California, Irvine From: Tonja Lohrman~
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 6:21 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Please drop your appeal
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Hi,
We own multiple homes in Laguna beach and a business.
Please -
• Follow the General Plan
• Protect our hillsides and canyons from unfettered development • Drop their appeal
Sincerely
From: Marion Staggs
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 5:51 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Cc: Kiff, Dave CM <[email protected]>
Subject: UPHOLD THE LBCEP
[NOTICE: This message originated outside of City of Laguna Beach -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.] Dear Council Members:
I oppose your appeal of the denied plan by LBCEP to build on a steep irregular plot of land in our city.
This will open a potential precedent in overdevelopment of Laguna's hillsides, diminishing vegetation, risking erosion from rain runoff and detracting from the beauty we love about the terrain.
You do NOT have administrative deference to decide.
We as citizens and residents and the LBCEP do.
I call upon you to act as responsible and protective leaders and drop this appeal Marion Staggs
-Scenic Drive South Laguna