Laguna Beach City Council Minutes
REGULAR BUSINESS
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25. WILDFIRE MITIGATION AND FIRE SAFETY REPORT 2025 UPDATE AND
APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS
26. Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Matt Lawson and Aaron Peluso stated that they endorsed any steps to make Laguna Beach a safer community from wildfires.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Approve the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Repmi 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).
DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING AN APPLICATION FOR A
COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO RENEW A FIVE-YEAR PARKING RATE
STRUCTURE
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Aaron Peluso, Drake Smith, and Ann Christoph weighed in on the item and they offered suggestions.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Authorize staff to process CDP applications 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).
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7 September 23, 2025
Attachment 2