STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
August 4, 2026
CONSENT
16 SUBJECT: DEDICATION OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
CENTER AS THE MATT LAWSON EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the naming and dedication of the City of Laguna Beach Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as the ”Matt Lawson Emergency Operations Center”;
2. Adopt the Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH DEDICATING THE CITY'S EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER AS THE "MATT LAWSON EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER”; and
3. Find that the proposed action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 because it is an organizational and administrative activity that will not result in a direct or indirect physical change to the environment.
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) serves as the City's central facility for coordinating emergency response, disaster management, and continuity of government operations during emergencies. Staff recommends dedicating the facility as the Matt Lawson Emergency Operations Center in recognition of Mr.
Lawson's longstanding leadership and volunteer service in advancing emergency preparedness and public safety in Laguna Beach.
Matt Lawson has provided years of service to the City and community through his leadership on the Emergency Disaster Preparedness Committee (EDPC), volunteer work with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and advocacy for emergency preparedness initiatives. His contributions have strengthened collaboration among City staff, volunteers, and the community while enhancing the City's emergency preparedness capabilities.
The proposed dedication has been processed in accordance with the City's Administrative Policy No. 5.32, Naming and Renaming Public Property, and has completed the required administrative review. The proposal is scheduled for consideration by the EDPC prior to the City Council meeting. Consistent with the policy, the City Council is the final decision-making authority for naming City owned facilities.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the dedication of the Emergency Operations Center as the Matt Lawson Emergency Operations Center, adopt the accompanying resolution, and determine that the proposed action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 because it is an organizational and administrative activity that will not result in a direct or indirect physical change to the environment.
DISCUSSION
Dedication of the City of Laguna Beach Emergency Operations Center as the Matt Lawson Emergency Operations Center
August 4, 2026
The Emergency Operations Center serves as the City's central coordination facility for emergency response and disaster management. As Laguna Beach continues to enhance its emergency preparedness capabilities, the dedication of the EOC provides an opportunity to recognize an individual whose leadership and volunteer service have had a lasting impact on the City's resilience.
Matt Lawson has devoted countless hours to supporting emergency preparedness initiatives through his leadership on the EDPC, volunteer service with CERT, and ongoing advocacy for public safety. His commitment has strengthened collaboration between City staff, volunteers, and the community while advancing preparedness efforts throughout Laguna Beach.
Naming Process and Policy Compliance
The City's Administrative Policy No. 5.32, Naming and Renaming Public Property (Attachment 2), establishes the process for naming City owned property and facilities. The policy provides that naming proposals are submitted to the City Manager with supporting information describing the basis for the request. The proposal is then reviewed by the City Manager and appropriate department heads to evaluate feasibility, operational considerations, and consistency with the policy before being referred to the appropriate advisory committee for evaluation and recommendation. The proposal is then presented to the City Council, which retains the sole authority to approve or deny the naming request after considering the committee's recommendation and public input.
Staff has completed the required administrative review of the proposal and determined that naming the Emergency Operations Center in honor of Matt Lawson is consistent with Administrative Policy No. 5.32, which authorizes recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to the Laguna Beach community. The proposal is scheduled for consideration by the Emergency Disaster Preparedness Committee (EDPC) on August 3, 2026. Staff will provide a supplemental memorandum prior to the City Council meeting summarizing the EDPC's recommendation and any public comments received.
Should the City Council wish to proceed, it would complete the final step in the naming process by approving the dedication of the facility as the Matt Lawson Emergency Operations Center. Following Council approval, staff will coordinate implementation of the dedication, including installation of a commemorative plaque in accordance with Administrative Policy No. 5.32.
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
Approval of the proposed dedication will have no fiscal impact. Any costs associated with the installation of commemorative signage or recognition materials will be absorbed within the Fire Department's existing operating budget.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 because it is an administrative and ceremonial action that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment.
ATTACHMENTS
Dedication of the City of Laguna Beach Emergency Operations Center as the Matt Lawson Emergency Operations Center
August 4, 2026
1. Resolution approving the dedication of the City of Laguna Beach EOC in honor of Matt Lawson
2. Administrative Policy 5.32 Name and Renaming of City Facilities Submitted By:
. Approved: .David A Kiff
Niko King, Fire Chief Dave Kiff, City Manager
Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Kirsten Gallacher, Senior Administrative
Analyst
Sarah Limones, Emergency Operations Coordinator