Mckay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study.
From: David Browning
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 7:45 AM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study.
l am a resident of North Laguna
I support the recommended actions on the agenda item below Thank you for your careful consideration of responsible change that makes Laguna Beach better while also respecting our legacy of support for the arts.
Agenda Item #24
FURTHER STUDY FOR FESTIVAL OF ARTS SOUND POLICY FOR PROPERTY AT AND AROUND THE IRVINE BOWL AND ESTABLISHMENT OF TICKET ENTRANCE FEE; AND FINDING THE ACTIONS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15306
David Browning
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
----Original Message----
From: Wyatt Peabody
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 7:13 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
Good Evening,
As a sixth-generation Laguna Beach resident—who grew up attending concerts at the Irvine Bowl—I am looking forward to showing my support tomorrow night.
I also live immediately next door to a park in South Laguna, where weddings (and other events) take place throughout the year—so l am sensitive to how live events affect residents. Though I should say that I could easily through a baseball from my window and hit the stage-meaning that I am greatly, immediately, impacted significantly. All of this said, I support weddings and other events next door to my house, because the greater good is more important than my momentary inconvenience.
Restoring the seven-decades-long tradition of live music in the Irvine Bowl is of great importance to the fabric of our unique community.
Thank you,
Wyatt
1 McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl & sound study
-----Original Message---
From: Mark Draper - Spring Creek Investors
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 6:01 PM
To: City Council < [email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl & sound study
Good evening
I would like to voice my support for live music at the Irvine Bowl. I support the sound study and I trust the city will provide responsibly managed concerts at The Bowl.
Thank you
Mark Draper
Santa Cruz street
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine bowl sound concerts
-----Original Message--.-
From: Nadene Wisely
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 5:00 PM
To: City Council ‹City [email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine bowl sound concerts
Hello,
I am unable to make tomorrows city counsel meeting but wanted to send my support for concerts at the Irvine bowl. As a long standing 3rd generation Laguna resident I believe we have a great venue to host these kinds of events and we should make use of the space for this exact thing! Best Regards.
Nadene Wisely
1 McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
-----Original Message----
From: Stever Rapp
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 4:57 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
I am in support of having more concerts at the Irvine Bowl. The City and residents should be proud that we have this place for entertainment and culture.
Live music will always win.
Stever Rapp
1 McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
--Original Message-
From: Lisa MCLAUGHLIN
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 4:47 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I'm a Laguna Beach resident, and I'm writing to ask you to support Agenda Item #24 on Tuesday, September 22.
Last year 1 attended the Jack Johnson benefit concert during the Coast Film and Music Festival, and I also volunteered for the festival. That concert was one of the most meaningful parts of the entire nine days. The crowd was respectful, the Bowl is a genuinely beautiful place to hear live music, and the artists have felt like a perfect fit for this town. So many of them care deeply about the environment and have real roots in this region.
Laguna Beach is such an artistic and creative community, and the Bowl is the perfect venue to bring people of all ages together around live music. Music really does bring people together, and 1 want to see that continue here.
The three night study on October 23rd to 25th is a smart, low risk step. It lets Rincon Consultants measure real sound levels at a real concert, using directional speakers and what was learned last year. It's a short study, not a permanent change to the sound policy, and good data will help everyone find standards that work for concertgoers and neighbors alike.
I also support the $5 entrance fee add on, since the money goes back into the Bowl and city.
Please vote yes on the temporary suspension, the added Rincon scope of work, and the entrance fee.
Thank you for your time,
Sincerely,
Lisa Mclaughlin
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study.
From: Heather Patel
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 4:41 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study.
My name is Heather, I am a new resident to Laguna Beach. We have been here only 5 years, we purchased a home here because of the Arts, the culture, the people, and most importantly the live music. We are of the age now that we are able to celebrate Life in this beautiful community.
Irvine bowl is known for its amazing acoustics And we pride ourselves on being able to offer our friends and family, the opportunity to come and listen at the spectacular events that are offered.
What a disappointment it would be to lose this amazing Venue for the live arts and music.
We need to do what we can and the community and beyond to continue to provide this Space for live music.
Thank you, Heather and Samir Patel
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
From: Diane Armitage
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 4:39 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
Council Members,
I'm writing in support of Item #24 and the proposed three-day Irvine Bowl sound study during the October 23-25 concerts.
Frankly, I find it difficult to understand why gathering three nights of real-world sound data should be controversial.
We're not being asked to approve year-round concerts at the Irvine Bowl. We're not being asked to eliminate reasonable sound standards or disregard the people who live nearby. We're just being asked to study what actually happens.
As a longtime Laguna Beach resident, I certainly believe the concerns of Irvine Bowl neighbors deserve consideration. But I also believe the rest of the community deserves an opportunity to find out whether this extraordinary Laguna Beach venue can accommodate occasional live music responsibly.
Technology changes. Sound-management techniques have definitely improved. I don't think anyone here is asking for a remake of the Dead's Wall of Sound. And the City's own acoustical consultant will be there to measure the results. Isn't that precisely what a study is for? Laguna has spent decades celebrating its identity as an arts community. Live music belongs in that conversation, too. Three carefully managed nights give us an opportunity to collect actual information and make future decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions.
Please allow the study to proceed.
Warmly,
Diane Armitage
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
From: Marrie Stone
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 4:39 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Cc: Ben Warner
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
Dear Council Members,
I'm writing to include my voice in the chorus of Laguna Beach residents committed to bringing more music to Laguna's hidden treasure — the Irvine Bowl. As a 28-year resident, I've been fortunate to attend concerts featuring Kenny Loggins, the Beach Boys, Nancy Wilson and others. The intimate setting combined with the unparalleled acoustics makes concerts there a joy. I know the City puts careful effort into noise abatement, making these events tolerable for nearby residents, and heavy restrictions on how many concerts can be hosted.
I hope they continue to put their best efforts towards staging future events, including those hosted by the Coast Film & Music Festival. That organization has gone far to enhance the culture of our town.
In doing so, I hope we move together in a spirit of cooperation and community building. The one thing that continues to have me disheartened about our town is some residents' and organizations' tendencies to name blame, finger point, and set up us-versus-them dichotomies which are often both unnecessary and unproductive. Hopefully we can resolve issues in a positive and "Laguna Like a Local" spirit. We're all damn lucky to live here. I hope our residents can remember that. Even when they disagree.
Thank you for your consideration and all the hard work you do for our town.
With gratitude,
Marrie
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
From: Summer Meek
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 4:32 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council,
I am writing in support of the proposed Irvine Bowl sound study and the temporary three-day suspension of the current sound policy for the October concerts.
I am a lifelong Laguna Beach local and a longtime business owner in our community. Laguna was built on a foundation of art, culture, and creativity, and I believe continuing to support thoughtful cultural offerings is important to the future of our town.
Live music at the Irvine Bowl is an opportunity to bring people together white also supporting our local businesses, restaurants, shops, and the broader artistic infrastructure that has always been such an important part of Laguna Beach. These kinds of events also attract visitors who come to Laguna for more than the beach. They come to participate in the cultural life of our community.
I also appreciate that this proposal is a study rather than a permanent policy change. Gathering real-world sound data while exploring ways to reduce the impact on surrounding neighbors and the environment feels like a thoughtful way to determine what may be possible going forward.
I hope you will support the three-day study and the continued exploration of a responsibly managed future for live music at the Irvine Bowl.
Warmly,
Summer Meek
Laguna Beach resident and business owner
MicKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Irvine Bowl
-----Original Message-...
From: Laura Sewell
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 4:20 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Irvine Bowl
Hello,
I'm Laura Sewell, a resident of Laguna Beach. I'm writing to support the concerts at the Irvine Bowl. It is such a special space. We are in the Pageant of the Masters, and it's such a beautiful venue to sit empty so many nights off season. Laguna as a community comes together with music and art, and concerts are such a key part of that.
Please allow the concerts to go on!!
Laura Sewell
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine bowl sound study
From: wendy campbell
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 4:18 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]
Subject: Support for Irvine bowl sound study
Hi Council members,
I am in support of live music in the bowl. It is such a special venue and it is a shame to see it unused for most of the year. Please support the study and a responsibly managed future for concerts at the Bowl.
Thank you,
Wendy Campbell
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
From: Kevin Harrison
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 4:13 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
I've had this conversation concerning putting on more concerts at the Irvine Bowl with numerous Laguna Beach residents and friends. Not a single person i've talked to is against having more concerts. We call ourselves an Artist's community, well music should be supported just as much as painting, sculpture, and dance.
If Santa Barbara can have weekly concerts at their bowl in the middle of a residential neighborhood, I don't see why we cant have a dozen concerts in this very removed and secluded bowl that was originally built for this.
KEVIN HARRISON
Flora St.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
From: Carly
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 4:01 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to express my strong support for live music and cultural events in our community, and to respectfully request your advocacy to ensure the future of live events at the Bowl.
Live music at the Bowl plays a vital role in our cultural landscape by fostering community connections, supporting the local economy, and inspiring joy - we all need a little joy.
To ensure these events continue while thoughtfully balancing the needs of local residents, I urge you to approve the upcoming study. This study is an essential step toward establishing a framework for future concerts at the venue.
Thank you for your time, leadership, and ongoing commitment to our community.
Sincerely,
Carly 2 %
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Study
---Original Message-
From: Stefan Lessard
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 3:54 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Study
> Dear Members of the City Council,
>
> I am writing to express my strong support for Agenda Item #24, the proposed three-day sound study for concerts at the Irvine Bowl on October 23-25, 2026. In particular, I support the Council voting to temporarily suspend the restrictive Festival of Arts sound policy for the October 23-25 concerts. >
> I have been a proud Laguna Beach resident for 20 years. Last year's Jack Johnson concert at the Bowl was genuinely inspiring to experience. It was one of the first times in a long while that I felt real, current culture happening right here in our town, and it made me proud to call Laguna Beach home. >
> I understand the importance of respecting our neighbors near the Bowl and the wildlife in the surrounding canyons, and I appreciate that this proposal is a carefully limited, three-day study rather than a permanent policy change. Using directional speakers and the lessons learned from last year's show, this study is a responsible way to gather real data before making any lasting decisions.
> I ask the Council to support this study and to help shape a thoughtful, well-managed future for concerts at the Irvine Bowl. Live music like this matters deeply to our community, and I hope future generations of Laguna residents get to experience it too.
>
> Thank you for your time and consideration.
>
> Sincerely,
> Stefan Lessard
> Rim Rock Canyon Rd
> Laguna Beach, CA. 92651
Sent from my iPhone
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
From: Denise Campanelli
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 3:33 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
Dear City Councilmembers,
I'm writing as a Laguna Beach resident to express my support for the Irvine Bowl Sound Study and for exploring more ways to utilize the Bowl as a concert and live-music venue.
I understand that a few nearby residents have concerns about sound levels, and I hope the study can help identify practical ways to address those concerns. At the same time, I think it's important that the Council hear from the majority of Laguna Beach residents who are excited about having more opportunities to enjoy concerts and live entertainment at the Bowl.
The Bowl is a unique community asset, and I would love to see it used thoughtfully and responsibly for concerts.
Thank you for considering the broader community perspective as you evaluate the study and its findings.
Sincerely,
Denise Campanelli
Laguna Beach Resident
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support the Sound Study / Support Concerts in the Bowl From: Robin Rounaghi
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 3:28 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support the Sound Study / Support Concerts in the Bowl Dear City Council,
Thank you for your service and dedication to our town.
I'm grateful that you, as a Council, have taken steps to allow our whole community to enjoy music in the Irvine Bowl year round. The Jack Johnson Concert was such a wonderful memory for friends, family, and for our community. Everyone I talk to wants more of this.
Of course, in order for the concerts to succeed in the long term, and for your prior steps to be meaningful, the sound policy must reasonably reflect the use of the Irvine Bowl as a concert venue.
It "sounds" like the current sound policy does not practically allow for concert use and needs to be updated. If more time and data is needed to thoughtfully (but efficiently) strike the right balance between the community enjoying the Bowl, nearby animals, and the reasonable concerns of neighbors, then additional study makes sense. This allows the concerts to go forward and also makes it more likely that the solutions and investment in the solutions will serve everyone for the long term. (It would be a shame to waste money on a short term temporary fix that didn't last.) I support the (Coast Film Festival) team in charge of these concerts and their efforts to listen to all stakeholders. There are enough complications in the early stages of an endeavor like this - let's try to make this part easy.
With this study, I hope City staff and all involved will obtain the information needed to craft and pass a concert friendly sound ordinance that requires reasonable (but not unrealistically burdensome) efforts to mitigate the negative impact to nearby animals and humans.
My best,
Robin
McKay. Ann Marie CC
Subject: Irvine bowl sound study
-----Original Message----
From: Andrea Adelson
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 3:19 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Irvine bowl sound study
Hi Council Members:
As a resident and live-music fan, I hope you can support studying the sound profile of the upcoming concerts.
The beautiful Irvine Bowl remains an underutilized public space, which could host concerts for most of the year's non-summer months. The community clearly supports music of every genre.
Let objective data (and presumably finely tuned amplification) guide future decision making about a larger concert schedule.
Thank you for considering my opinion.
Andrea Adelson
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
From: Krista Shaw
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 2:51 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
Dear Council Members,
I understand that you have a meeting tomorrow, September 22, 2026 regarding the future of live music at the Irvine Bowl.
Life in Laguna Beach is about arts and culture, including live music. We of course enjoy the summer festivals at the Irb]vine Bowl but i strongly feel that adding live music to the venue would be a huge benefit to our City and its residents as well as tourists.
Please accept this letter as our support for the study and live music concerts at this very special and under utilized venue.
Thank you for your attention and consideration.
Sincerely,
Krista and Rovert Shaw
Carmelita St, Laguna Beach
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
From: ed
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 3:10 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
Members of the City Council
City of Laguna Beach
505 Forest Avenue
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Re: Support for the October 23-25 Irvine Bowl Sound Study Dear Council members,
I'm writing to ask for your support at the September 22 meeting for the temporary suspension of the Festival of Arts sound policy October 23-25. Allowing the planned three nights of concerts at the Irvine Bowl to further study the impacts of live music at the venue will go a long way to creating practical standards for future shows, white respecting the nearby residents and natural surroundings of this important venue.
Laguna Beach is an artist community with a deep cultural heritage and connection. It is a big part of why so many of us live here and why visitors come. Live music is one of the most direct ways a community gathers, and it's where local musicians, families, and neighbors meet. As someone who has lived and worked in Laguna Beach for almost 30 years, I've seen how much a shared night of music can do for a town's identity, its local businesses, and its sense of itself.
We are fortunate to have this beautiful outdoor amphitheater in Laguna Beach, but unfortunate it is so underutilized by our residents. I respect The Pageant of the Masters as an important part of our history, but it is not something that all residents feel a part of and does not bring all of us together. The Bowl sits largely quiet outside the Paegent summer season, and the current sound policy makes amplified concerts effectively impossible. I'd like to see it serve residents more often, with music our community can enjoy.
I urge you to approve the temporary suspension, to support the study, and to help shape a responsibly managed future for concerts at the Irvine Bowl. Thank you for your service to our community and for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Ed Applebaum
Regatta Rd
1 McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
From: Kelle Huston
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 3:09 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
Hi there,
Please accept this email in support of the Irvine Bowl Sound Study.
We feel that quality music events further enhance our unique artistic community of Laguna Beach.
Many thanks!
Kelle Huston
Mckay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Study
----Original Message--
From: Jaclyn Lessard
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 2:53 PM
To: City Council < [email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Study
Dear Members of the City Council,
I am writing to express my strong support for Agenda Item #24, the proposed three-day sound study for concerts at the Irvine Bowl on October 23-25, 2026. In particular, I support the Council voting to temporarily suspend the restrictive Festival of Arts sound policy for the October 23-25 concerts.
I have been a proud Laguna Beach resident for 20 years. Last year's Jack Johnson concert at the Bowl was genuinely inspiring to experience. It was one of the first times in a long while that I felt real, current culture happening right here in our town, and it made me proud to call Laguna Beach home.
I understand the importance of respecting our neighbors near the Bowl and the wildlife in the surrounding canyons, and l appreciate that this proposal is a carefully limited, three-day study rather than a permanent policy change. Using directional speakers and the lessons learned from last year's show, this study is a responsible way to gather real data before making any lasting decisions.
I ask the Council to support this study and to help shape a thoughtful, well-managed future for concerts at the Irvine Bowl. Live music like this matters deeply to our community, and I hope future generations of Laguna residents get to experience it too.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jaclyn Lessard
Rim Rock Canyon Rd
Laguna Beach, CA. 92651
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
From: cary
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 2:21 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
Dear City Council Members,
I strongly urge approval of the Irvine Bowl Sound Study so that we can have concerts in the future at one of the most beautiful venues in Orange County. The sound study will allow experts to come up with a plan to mitigate issues for neighbors and enact a plan for future uses at the Irvine Bowl.
Thank you all for your service to our community!
Best Regards, Cary Redfearn
Mckay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study.
From: sarah campbell besso
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 2:43 PM
To: City Council < [email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study.
Big supporter here for Music in the Bowl.
Sarah Campbell Besso
Park Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
good for youth in our town.
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
From: Caroline Rustigian
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 12:14 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
Here's a revised version:
The Irvine Bowl Amphitheater is one of the best things Laguna Beach has going for it, and the City Council should be doing everything possible to support the study to keep it active for live concerts. Shows like Concerts in the Canyon bring people into town who eat at our restaurants, stay in our hotels, and shop locally - on top of just being good for our community.
If we want to keep hosting the kind of talent our local promoters are able to bring in, it's time to take a hard look at the current sound decibel restrictions. Today's sound systems can deliver a full, rich concert experience while still being managed responsibly - but overly strict limits make it harder for CFMF and other local organizers to put on the shows this town deserves. In my opinion, a reasonable increase in allowable decibel levels would let Laguna Beach keep offering great live music without losing what makes this community special.
Caroline Rustigian
Thalia St.
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Music in the Bowl
From: Michelle Veyna
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 1:29 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Music in the Bowl
Dear City Council Members,
We strongly support the music in the bowl proposal. It would add so much to our community. It is a shame that this beautiful facility sits empty most of the year when it is the most perfect venue to host outdoor concerts.
I find it really difficult to side with a neighbors that oppose the sound of music wafting through the canyon on a few chosen occasions throughout the year.
We live in an artist community. Why wouldn't we utilize this beautiful venue to bring special artists and events for everyone to enjoy?
Thank you,
Michelle & Art Veyna
580
McKay. Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
From: Carey Shyres
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 1:46 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
Please support live music and culture events at FOA and around Laguna. Please support the study and a responsibly managed future for concerts at the Bowl.
It is important to be open and grow with new idea and events. --
Best,
Carey Shyres
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
From: matthew wheaton
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 1:47 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council,
I'm writing to urge you to approve Agenda Item #24 in full at tomorrow's meeting: the temporary suspension of the Festival of Arts sound policy for October 23 through 25, the added scope of work for Rincon Consultants, and the $5 ticket entrance fee.
I am a lifelong resident of Laguna Beach, and I go to a lot of live music across Southern California. The Irvine Bowl is one of the best places to hear a concert anywhere in the region. It would be a real loss to keep a venue like that underused because of a sound policy written before anyone tested what modern directional speaker systems can do.
That's what makes this item so reasonable. Nobody is asking for a permanent change. The request is three nights of carefully produced shows with a qualified acoustical consultant measuring what actually happens.
So far the debate has been driven mostly by predictions about what might be heard in the canyon. Real measurements will either confirm those concerns or put them to rest, and either way the Council gets to make its next decision based on facts. For roughly $12,000, that's money well spent.
I respect that neighbors around the Bowl have a genuine stake in this. As a veterinarian, I also take the concern for canyon wildlife seriously, and that's one more reason to measure instead of guess. The organizers have clearly listened. They've changed the production based on last year's Jack Johnson shows, and the new entrance fee puts money straight back into the venue. That's what a responsible partner looks like.
Concerts at the Bowl bring visitors who fill Laguna's restaurants, hotels, and shops, and they help keep Laguna's identity as an arts town alive for a new generation. Please give this study a chance and let the data guide what comes next.
Thank you for your time and your service to the community.
Sincerely,
Matthew Wheaton, D.V.M.
Laguna Beach Native
1 McKay. Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
From: Elaine Brashier
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 1:51 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
Dear Mayor and City Council Members~
I am writing to express my support for live music, arts, and cultural programming in Laguna Beach. These experiences are an important part of what makes our community special: they bring residents together, enrich our quality of life, support local businesses, and help preserve the creative spirit that defines Laguna Beach.
The Bowl has long been a valued cultural asset, and I believe it is important that the City thoughtfully plan for its future. I respectfully ask the Council to support the proposed study so decisions about concerts and programming can be based on clear information, community input, and a realistic understanding of impacts and opportunities.
A responsibly managed future for concerts at the Bowl should balance vibrant cultural programming with careful attention to neighborhood concerns, traffic and parking, sound management, public safety, environmental considerations, and the overall character of Laguna Beach. A comprehensive study is a constructive step toward finding that balance rather than limiting the conversation before the facts and options are fully evaluated.
Please support the study and help ensure that Laguna Beach can continue to welcome live music and cultural events in a way that is thoughtful, sustainable, and respectful of the entire community.
Thank you for your service to Laguna Beach and for considering my perspective.
Sincerely,
Elaine Brashier
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: My support for the Irvine Bowl Sound Study
—--Original Message----
From: Heidi Draper
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 1:54 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: My support for the Irvine Bowl Sound Study
Good afternoon
I'm out of town and unable to attend the chamber meeting tomorrow night regarding the sound study and further research planned regarding live music events at the bowl.
I would like the council to know that I wholeheartedly support any and all efforts that allow Coast Film & Music Festivals (and all other) live events to proceed this October 2026, and well into the future.
The city of laguna beach has historically always been a vibrant arts and cultural hub. It is well past time that we allow more events of this nature at the Irvine bowl - which was granted to our city for these exact purposes decades ago.
Please continue your sound study and do all you can to allow live music events to continue in our beautiful town.
With thanks,
Heidi Draper
McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
From: Rich German
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 1:55 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
Hi I am writing to share my support for a 3-day study for concerts at the Irvine Bowl. It is a wonderful venue and live concerts there are a fabulous addition to the entertainment and culture of our city. I would love to see ongoing events at the bowl, in addition to the pageant, and feel they can be done in cooperation with residents in earshot of the bowl and with respect to wildlife.
Thank you,
Rich German
1 McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study.
From: Stacey Solis Van Wyk
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 1:58 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study.
To the City Council of Laguna Beach,
We absolutely support the proposed Sound Study regarding music at the Irvine Bowl! We love the idea that the location will be used for live music and the joy and fun that brings to our community. We have lived in Laguna for almost 30 years and have seen a lot of its character and funky vibe been worn down by bureaucracy and regulations. Music brings people together and also brings back a bit more of the "cool" factor to our town! Please take this into consideration when voting to suspend the sound policy for the weekend of Oct 23-25 so the Rincon consultants can find more ways to produce great concerts with little effect on the surrounding neighborhood.
Thanks o much for you time,
Dirk and Stacey Van Wyk
Fairview St
Laguna beach, CA 92651
1 McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
From: Coby Naess
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 2:04 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Cc: Janelle Naess
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
Good afternoon, City Council,
This email is in support of the upcoming, and potential future, live music in the Irvine Bowl. We understand there is a council meeting Tuesday 6pm and this is on the agenda. My wife and I cannot be there to extend our support, thus please let this email act as our support.
We live in the North Laguna tree street neighborhood, and we welcome the sounds of live music to echo our neighborhood. The sound will be monitored and carefully executed, at great lengths, thus we know it will not be a nuisance, rather something to look forward to.
We plan to attend these events as well.
Thanks.
Coby and Janelle Naess
Holly Street
1 McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for the Irvine Bowl Sound Study
From: craig brashier
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 2:05 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for the Irvine Bowl Sound Study
Dear Council Members:
I am writing to express my support for live music, arts, and cultural programming at the Irvine Bowl in Laguna Beach These experiences are an important part of what makes our community special: they bring residents together, enrich our quality of life, support local businesses, and help preserve the creative spirit that defines Laguna Beach.
I respectfully ask the Council to support the proposed study at the irvine Bowl and waive the current restrictions for the upcoming events so decisions about concerts and programming can be based on clear information, community input, and a realistic understanding of impacts and opportunities.
Thank you for your service to Laguna Beach and for considering my perspective.
Sincerely,
Craig Brashier
1 Mckay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
From: Jan Schrieber
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 2:10 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Irvine Bowl Sound Study
hello LB city council,
as a long-time Laguna Beach resident, I'd like to voice my support for live music at the Irvine Bowl.
Having live music and these cultural experiences are what make our city the special place that we all love.
Please support the study and a responsibly managed future for concerts at the Bowl.
Jan Schrieber
Browncroft