Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap March 24, 2026
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COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
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CONSENT CALENDAR
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PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS (continued)
WELCOME
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Jones
ROLL CALL
Present: Kempf, Rounaghi, Whalen, Jones, Orgill
Participating Remotely: None
Absent: None
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
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City Attorney Megan Garibaldi reported that all Councilmembers were present and there were no public comments prior to the City Council convening into the Closed Session, and that there was no reportable action on any of the items discussed.
ADDITIONS and DELETIONS – None.
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PRESENTATIONS
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1. RECOGNITION OF LIQUE HOSKINS FOR HER GENEROUS GIFT TO SALLY’S FUND Sally's Fund Executive Director Rachael Berger and Mayor Mark Orgill recognized Lique Hoskins for her generous financial contribution to Sally’s Fund.
2. MIKE BEANAN MARINE LIFE PROTECTION (MLPA) PRESENTATION Received a presentation from Reef Check Foundation Southern California Regional Manager Jaclyn Mann.
3. HONORING SARAH LIMONES, 2026 “WOMAN MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN ORANGE COUNTY”
Emergency Operations Coordinator Sarah Limones was recognized as a recipient of the “Women Making a Difference in Orange County” award by Katrina Foley and the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
RECAP
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
City Council Closed Session 4:00 p.m.
Regular City Council Meeting 5:00 p.m.
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
505 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach
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4. PROCLAMATION FOR GOVERNMENT FINANCE PROFESSIONALS WEEK Approved the Proclamation recognizing the last week of March 2026, as Government Finance Professionals Week in the City of Laguna Beach.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
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Ed Steinfeld, Voice of Laguna radio, encouraged the City to utilize all its local media outlets for its messaging.
Merrill Anderson announced that Village Laguna is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and will no longer make political endorsements.
Danny Gray announced the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center’s 5th Annual Make Earth Cool Again Celebration & Film Festival for Earth Month.
Claudia Redfern and Debra Gilbert reported that they each had checks stolen from the USPS mail drop boxes on Ocean Avenue, and requested City assistance in getting the Postal Service to address the issue.
Carolyn Keating expressed disappointment in learning that there are no City plans to provide an alternative for swimmers when the school pool closes on June 6.
Michael Iannotti referenced a petition circulated by Lori Block to make Court 6 at Alta Laguna Park, which is currently being resurfaced, to a multi-use pickleball and tennis court.
Jennifer Zeiter suggested that the City not use staff resources to apply for Tree City and Waterwise certifications, and she recommended that the recently-established Fiscal Sustainability and Structural Efficiency Ad Hoc Committee include fiscally-conservative residents.
Toni Iseman opined on the trolley service in South Laguna, and requested more parking enforcement.
Ann Christoph announced the 80th anniversary of the South Laguna Civic Association.
Billy Fried, KX FM, opined on the RFQ (Request for Qualifications) for Irvine Bowl operations that was recently released.
City Clerk Ann Marie McKay introduced Steven Howell, Founder & CEO of Whatrr, Inc., who explained his product that uses landfill-biodegradable bottles, which biodegrade in less than 5 years, as opposed to 800 years of single-use plastics and 500 years of aluminum and box cartons.
Jerome Pudwill commented on the Concept Review of the proposed Ocean Avenue and Beach Street Streetscape Improvements Project at last week’s Planning Commission meeting.
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MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER **************************************************************** In response to public comment, City Manager Dave Kiff advised that the library renovation is funded with funds restricted for that purpose. City Attorney Megan Garibaldi advised that the verbiage on the agenda regarding nonagendized public comment being limited to subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council is from the Brown Act, and City Clerk Ann Marie McKay advised that she inserted that language for public edification. City Manager Dave Kiff also explained that the item that went before the Planning Commission was a Concept Review, and explained the intent of concept reviews. He also made suggestions for those that will be impacted by the pool closure, and he advised that the request related to the courts at Alta Laguna Park will be considered by the Recreation Committee at its next meeting on April 13.
City Manager Dave Kiff reported that the demolition at the site for the new Fire Station #4 is scheduled to start tomorrow. He also advised that the City is reviewing a paid parking program in South Laguna for Coast Highway and certain numbered residential streets, and commented that additional marked parking may help to avoid incidents like the recent altercation at Thousand Steps.
Councilmember Sue Kempf commented on the Patriot’s Day Parade, requested that the City consider increases in fines for drinking, smoking, etc., and she explained the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) that was issued for Irvine Bowl operations.
Councilmember Alex Rounaghi also commented on the Patriot’s Day Parade, and requested that staff continue to pursue action to address traffic light timing.
Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones reported on 5 Gyres microplastics work, and various events and meetings she attended.
Mayor Mark Orgill reported on various meetings with members of the public and events he attended.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to approve items 1 – 10, 12, 13, 16, and 17.
5. MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting for the City Council of March 10, 2026.
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6. APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS
Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
7. APPROVAL OF WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM ENTERPRISE (WISE) AGREEMENT (a) Approved the Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise (WISE) agreement (#26-45) with the County of Orange for municipal solid waste disposal rates and services; (b) Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement on behalf of the City and make minor, non-substantive modifications as necessary on behalf of the City; (c) Declined to enter into the proposed Organics Services Agreement (OSA) at this time and direct staff to continue utilizing the City’s existing organic waste processing facilities pursuant to the City’s Franchise Agreement; and
(d) Found that approval of and entering into the WISE agreement is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061 (b)(3) and 15308. Or in the alternative that the proposed action is not a “project” under CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378.
8. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2026 INVESTMENT POLICY
Adopted Resolution #26.016 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE 2026 INVESTMENT POLICY.” Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap March 24, 2026
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9. RESOLUTION TO SET A PUBLIC HEARING DATE FOR THE ANNUAL SIDEWALK AND INTERSECTION
VISIBILITY NUISANCE ABATEMENT PROGRAM
(a) Adopted Resolution #26.017 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING AND DETERMINING THAT VEGETATION OR
WEEDS UPON THE STREETS, SIDEWALKS, PARKWAYS AND PRIVATE PROPERTY IN THE CITY
OF LAGUNA BEACH ARE A PUBLIC NUISANCE, AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO MAIL
NOTICES TO DESTROY AND REMOVE SAID VEGETATION OR WEEDS AS REQUIRED BY LAW,
AND FIXING THE TIME FOR HEARING OBJECTIONS AND PROTESTS, AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT,” which will set a public hearing date of May 12, 2026, for the Annual Sidewalk and Intersection Visibility Nuisance Abatement Program; and
(b) Determined that the Annual Sidewalk and Intersection Visibility Nuisance Abatement Program is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) of the State CEQA Guidelines, and that none of the exceptions set forth in Section 15300.2 apply.
10. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF LAGUNA BEACH TO SET A PUBLIC HEARING DATE FOR
THE ANNUAL WEED ABATEMENT PROGRAM
(a) Adopted Resolution #26.018 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING AND DETERMINING THAT WEEDS, RUBBISH, AND
REFUSE UPON THE STREETS, SIDEWALKS, PARKWAYS AND PRIVATE PROPERTY IN THE CITY
OF LAGUNA BEACH ARE A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO MAIL
NOTICES TO DESTROY AND REMOVE SAID WEEDS, RUBBISH AND REFUSE, AS REQUIRED BY LAW, AND FIXING THE TIME FOR HEARING OBJECTIONS AND PROTESTS,” which will set a hearing date of May 12, 2026, for the annual Weed Abatement Program; and (b) Found that this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15304 and are further statutorily exempt as none of the exceptions to the exemptions set forth under State CEQA Guidelines § 15300.2 apply.
11. LEASE AGREEMENT WITH ANNELIESE PRESCHOOL, INC. FOR PORTION OF THE PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER 988-01-95 CONSISTING SPECIFICALLY OF THE BUILDING LOCATED AT 21542 WESLEY DRIVE AND THE SMALL MULTIPURPOSE ROOM AND COMMON AREAS LOCATED AT 21540 WESLEY DRIVE CONSISTING OF RESTROOMS,
PLAYGROUND, AND PARKING SPACES
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
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(a) Authorize the City Manager to execute lease agreement #26-46 with Anneliese Preschool, Inc., in a form approved by the City Attorney, for a one-year term at the rate of $10,635 per month;
(b) Direct staff to obtain an appraisal to determine market rate; and (c) Find the action is not a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under Public Resources Code Section 21065.
12. APPROVAL OF SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH HI-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE, LLC FOR POLICE
VEHICLE OUTFITTING AND CONVERSION SERVICES
(a) Authorized the City Manager to execute three-year contract #26-47 with a not-to-exceed amount of $120,000 per year with Hi-Standard Automotive, LLC., for police vehicle outfitting and conversion services; and
(b) Found that this action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
13. APPROVAL OF AMENDED AND RESTATED NPDES STORMWATER PERMIT IMPLEMENTATION
AGREEMENT
(a) Approved the Amended and Restated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Permit Implementation Agreement ("Agreement") #26-48 between the County of Orange, Orange County Flood Control District, and participating Orange County cities (collectively called Permittees);
(b) Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Agreement and any related documents necessary to implement the terms of the Agreement, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
(c) Found that the proposed action is not a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378 (b). Or, in the alternative, find that the proposed action is exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
14. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE A DEFERMENT LOAN TO STEVE BRUCE LIUZZI
AND CAREN MARY LIUZZI REVOCABLE FAMILY TRUST FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE CITY'S
UNDERGROUND UTILITY ASSESSMENT DEFERMENT LOAN PROGRAM FOR UNDERGROUND UTILITY ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 (WEST STREET)
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by a member of the public, Jennifer Zieter.
Moved by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Authorize the City Manager to approve the deferment loan (agreement #26-44) to Steve Bruce Liuzzi and Caren Mary Liuzzi Revocable Family Trust in an amount not to exceed $73,746.61; and
(b) Find the item is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378.
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15. 2025 HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT AND 2025 HOMELESS SHELTER
INSPECTION REPORT
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Receive and accept the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report and Homeless Shelter Inspection Report, and authorize staff to submit such reports to the California Department of Housing and Community Development; and
(b) Find that the recommended action is not a project within the meaning of the State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b) or, alternatively, is exempt under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
16. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION TO THE ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION
AUTHORITY FOR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDS
(a) Adopted Resolution #26.019 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF ALL APPLICATIONS WITH THE ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FOR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDS,” authorizing the City Manager to file an application and claim with the Orange County Transportation Authority for $1,480,411.10 from the Local Transportation Fund, and to file amendments as necessary due to budget adjustments or any changes in the City’s apportionment of Local Transportation Funds; and
(b) Found said action not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act.
17. RESOLUTION AMENDING THE APPENDIX OF DESIGNATED EMPLOYEES WITH FILING
RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE CITY'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE (a) Adopted Resolution #26.020 titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA AMENDING THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE APPENDIX OF DESIGNATED EMPLOYEES” to update designated employee titles and positions of City personnel; and
(b) Found that the proposed action does not constitute a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(2) & (5) because the action involves administrative organizational activities that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable physical change in the environment.
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REGULAR BUSINESS
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18. RECOMMENDATION FOR PUBLIC TREE REMOVALS AND REPLACEMENT TREE PLANTINGS Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, seconded by Mayor Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Uphold removal of the Torrey pine tree located at the Festival of Arts property and authorize planting an in-kind Torrey pine replacement tree at an alternate location within the same site, and direct staff to follow the public notification process for an additional alternative replacement tree in that space;
(b) Uphold removal of two Ficus trees located along Short Street adjacent to 585 Legion Street and authorize planting of two alternative replacement trees at same location, using the public notification process;
(c) Determine that the recommended actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) according to State CEQA Guidelines section 15304 (Class 4) categorical exemption; and
(d) Direct staff to file and post a Notice of Exemption within five days of this approval.
Moved by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 4/0 (Mayor Mark Orgill abstained due to the proximity of his residence to the location) to:
(a) Uphold removal of the Carob tree located at 264 Legion Street and authorize planting a western Redbud replacement tree within the landscaped area of the Catalina roundabout; (b) Direct staff to follow the public notification process to identify an additional location for planting a replacement shade tree in the neighborhood;
(c) Determine that the recommended actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) according to State CEQA Guidelines section 15304 (Class 4) categorical exemption; and
(d) Direct staff to file and post a Notice of Exemption within five days of this approval.
Agenda Item #19 was heard after Agenda Item #20.
19. TREE APPROACH(ES) - 2026
Following the staff presentation and public comment, the City Council provided the following direction:
(a) Regarding the pruning approach, the City Council reached general consensus to continue the current biannual pruning schedule (all public trees pruned over a 24-month cycle), but directed staff toward a more "thoughtful" and aggressive approach, particularly for eucalyptus trees blocking views. The City Council supported more meaningful crown and height reduction (not just thinning/lacing) where views are impacted, while still protecting tree health.
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(b) Regarding tree species selection within the Landscape and Scenic Highways Resource Document (LSHRD), there was general agreement to continue drawing from the broad mix in the LSHRD, as biodiversity improves resilience. However, the City Council asked staff to develop an Urban Forest Master Plan (using an existing grant) that would provide clearer goals, public input, and a strategic framework for species selection, including some preference for larger, shade-bearing trees where site conditions allow. Fire safety was added as a criterion for tree selection. Staff was asked to report back with a timeline for the Urban Forest Master Plan.
(c) Regarding ADA / trip and fall liability, the City Council reached consensus to be aggressive about addressing ADA-non-compliant sidewalks. Where trees are causing significant infrastructure damage, removal should be on the table. However, the City Council also supported creative solutions (e.g., grates, pavement modifications) to preserve trees where possible. The approach should prioritize the worst problem areas first, using a phased tree replacement strategy so canopy is maintained over time rather than lost all at once. (d) Regarding the eucalyptus trees at the Montage, the City Council directed staff to engage the Montage with a more directive approach to pruning, using thoughtful height and crown reduction (not just lacing) to restore public and private views, consistent with the Treasure Island Specific Plan's emphasis on view preservation. The City Council suggested using the Glenneyre Street parking structure eucalyptus trees as a visual reference for the desired outcome, and to apply the Specific Plan language as the basis for the request. (e) Regarding “Category 3” trees (privately-maintained trees in the public right-of-way), the City Council directed staff to handle these trees on a case-by-case basis, similar to how the Legion Street carob tree for Agenda Item #18 was handled. A full city takeover of all Category 3 trees was deemed financially infeasible. Staff should remain aware of the issue and step in selectively when circumstances warrant.
(f) Regarding eucalyptus trees in Bluebird Canyon, the City Council gave direction that staff should evaluate trees there for both health and consequence of failure on evacuation routes, coordinate with public safety departments, and bring back a recommendation to the City Council (including a replacement plan) before any removals are made. The City Council acknowledged the unique box-canyon fire risk as warranting a targeted approach distinct from the rest of the city.
PUBLIC HEARINGS –-NON-APPEALS
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Agenda Item #20 was heard before Agenda Item #19.
20. 2825 AND 2851 LAGUNA CANYON ROAD: PUBLIC HEARING FOR LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT 2026- 0043 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2026-0477 TO MERGE TWO LOTS, AND FINDING
NO SUBSEQUENT ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FOR THE PROJECT IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 1516 Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap March 24, 2026
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unanimously 5/0 to adopt Resolution #26.021 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT 2026-0043 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2026-0477 TO MERGE TWO LOTS LOCATED AT 2825 AND 2851 LAGUNA CANYON ROAD, AND FINDING NO SUBSEQUENT ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FOR
THE PROJECT IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15162,” approving Lot Line Adjustment 2026-0043 and Coastal Development Permit 2026-0477 to merge two lots located at 2825 and 2851 Laguna Canyon Road, and finding no subsequent environmental review for the Project is required due to the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration adopted by the Planning Commission on September 20, 2023, pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15162.
PUBLIC HEARINGS –-APPEALS
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A. 511 BROOKS STREET: APPEAL OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR’S DESIGNEE APPROVAL OF HEDGE HEIGHT CLAIM 25-1254 FOR HEDGE HEIGHT VIOLATIONS IN THE R-1,
RESIDENTIAL LOW-DENSITY ZONE, AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15304 (CLASS 4)
Moved by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 4/0 to:
(a) Open the public hearing, take public testimony, and continue the public hearing to the April 28, 2026, City Council Meeting; and
(b) Find that the action to continue the public hearing is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption.
COUNCILMEMBER ITEM(S) – None.
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In accordance with Resolution #24.011, Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones and Mayor Mark Orgill supported Councilmember Bob Whalen’s request to agendize a discussion on the Laguna Bluebelt Coalition’s petition to expand the Marine Protection Area, before the state's mid-May deadline for submitting a response to the state’s recommended denial.
ADJOURNMENT AT 9:40 P.M., TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026,
TO THE CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION AT 4:00 P.M. AND REGULAR MEETING AT 5:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026