1 Irvine Bowl Policy Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Council Chambers
505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
3 p.m.
- Meeting Recap –
Present: Irvine Bowl Policy Committee Members: Mayor Alex Rounaghi, Council Member Sue Kempf, Festival of Arts President David Perry, Festival of Arts Vice President Wayne Baglin.
Staff: Jane Abzug, Deputy City Attorney, Siân Poeschl, Cultural Arts Manager, Christine Georgantas, Festival of Arts Exhibits and Events Director.
1) Call to order by Mayor Rounaghi.
2) Items for Discussion and Action:
A. Irvine Bowl Policy Committee Sound Policy Amendment; CEQA Guidelines Section 15323 (Class 23) Exemption.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Irvine Bowl Policy Committee take the following actions:
1) Approve an amendment to the “Sound Policy” to create an exception for events that meet certain conditions (i.e., “minor events”); and
2) Find the actions exempt from California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15323 (Class 23).
A motion was made to move the recommended action but amend the existing sound policy to read as follows:
• Paragraph 2: Sound equipment will be set up in a way to maximize guests’ enjoyment and minimize sound migration outside the event location. Sound level shall not exceed 75 decibels at the “Neighborhood Sound Boundary.” See diagram below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this sound limitation shall not apply to events at the Irvine Bowl.
• Paragraph 5: No amplified sound is permitted at the Festival of Arts of Terra Laguna Beach before 9 AM OR after 10 PM (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and 9 PM (Monday – Thursday) with the exception of the following: (1) the Pageant of the Masters performances; (2) qualifying events at the Irvine Bowl as defined in Paragraph 2 in this Sound Policy which shall end at 10:30pm.
The motion was made by Mayor Alex Rounaghi and seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf. Mayor Rounaghi and Councilmember Kempf voted “yes.” Board member David Perry and Board member Wayne Baglin voted “no.” Motion: Mayor Rounaghi: Second: Council Member Kempf.
Vote 2-2
Yes: Rounaghi and Kempf.
Noes: Perry and Baglin.
Item 2B: KXFM/ Laguna Radio Event; CEQA Guidelines Section 15323 (Class 23) Exemption (Item 2B) 2 RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Irvine Bowl Policy Committee take the following actions:
1) Approve the KXFM Laguna Radio Event Project on October 25 and 26, 2025; and 2) Find the action exempt from California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15323 (Class 23).
Mayor Alex Rounaghi made a motion to approve the recommended action but approve the application as requested, subject to the applicable Sound Policy. Councilmember Sue Kempf second the motion.
Mayor Alex Rounaghi, Councilmember Sue Kempf, and Board member David Perry, and Board member Wayne Baglin voted “yes.”
Motion: Mayor Rounaghi, Second: Council Member Kempf.
Vote 4-0
Yes: Rounaghi, Kempf, Perry and Baglin.
Noes: None.
Item 2C: Coast Film and Music Festival; CEQA Guidelines Section 15323 (Class 23) Exemption (Item 2C) RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Irvine Bowl Policy Committee take the following actions:
1) Approve the Coast Film and Music Festival Project on November 7, 8, and 9, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; and 2) Find the action exempt from California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15323 (Class 23).
Festival Member Wayne Baglin made a motion to approve the recommended action but approve the application as requested, subject to the applicable Sound Policy. Councilmember Sue Kempf second the motion.
Mayor Alex Rounaghi, Councilmember Sue Kempf, Board member David Perry, and Board member Wayne Baglin voted “yes.”
Motion: Festival Member Baglin, Second: Council Member Kempf.
Vote 4-0
Yes: Rounaghi, Kempf, Perry and Baglin.
Noes: None.
Item 3: Policy Regarding Management and Custody of Structures and Buildings on Festival of Arts Grounds This item was continued to July 17, 2025.
4) Public Comment
None
5) Adjournment at 4:55 p.m.
cc. City Manager
City Clerk
Assistant City Attorney
Director of Community Development