STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
October 13, 2026
CONSENT
5 SUBJECT: DEDICATION OF THE CITY’S 1931 SEAGRAVE FIRE ENGINE TO RETIRED FIRE CAPTAIN EUGENE “DIZ” D’ISABELLA
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt the Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DEDICATING THE CITY’S 1931 SEAGRAVE FIRE ENGINE TO RETIRED FIRE CAPTAIN EUGENE ‘DIZ’ D’ISABELLA”; and
2. Find that the recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), because the dedication and naming of the 1931 Seagrave constitute an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
The City of Laguna Beach owns a 1931 Seagrave fire engine that holds historic significance as the Laguna Beach Fire Department's first factory-built fire apparatus. The Seagrave remains an important part of the Department's history and is undergoing restoration to preserve the apparatus for future generations.
Staff recommends dedicating the 1931 Seagrave in honor of retired Fire Captain Eugene "Diz" D'Isabella, whose 38-year career with the Laguna Beach Fire Department was marked by dedicated public service, leadership, and a longstanding personal connection to the historic apparatus. Captain D'Isabella took particular pride in the Seagrave and played an important role in its preservation.
The proposed Resolution would formally dedicate the apparatus as the "Captain Eugene 'Diz' D'Isabella Seagrave" in recognition of Captain D'Isabella's service to the Department and community and his contributions to preserving this important piece of Laguna Beach Fire Department history.
DISCUSSION
Captain Eugene “Diz” D’Isabella dedicated 38 years of service to the Laguna Beach Fire Department. He first joined the Department in 1956 and began his full-time career as an engineer on July 12, 1964. Over the course of his career, Captain D’Isabella served under eight Fire Chiefs and earned the respect of his colleagues through his competence, fairness, leadership, and commitment to public service.
Captain D’Isabella’s contributions extended beyond his day-to-day responsibilities with the Department.
Among his acts of service, he provided life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to former Fire Chief Ron Adams.
Captain D’Isabella was also committed to strengthening the relationship between the Fire Department and the Laguna Beach community. In partnership with the Laguna Beach Assistance League, he co-organized the “Care Bears” program to provide comfort to children experiencing traumatic incidents. The program continues to serve the community today.
DEDICATION OF THE CITY’S 1931 SEAGRAVE FIRE ENGINE TO RETIRED FIRE CAPTAIN EUGENE “DIZ” D’ISABELLA
October 13, 2026
Restoration of the 1931 Seagrave
The City’s 1931 Seagrave holds a unique place in Laguna Beach Fire Department history as the Department’s first factory-built fire apparatus. A complete restoration of the Seagrave is underway to ensure the historic engine can continue to be maintained and displayed for future generations.
The restoration reflects a shared commitment by the City and community to the Seagrave. Funding includes a contribution of City funds, with the remaining costs supported through contributions from the Laguna Beach Firefighters’ Association, residents of Irvine Cove, the Click Family Foundation, the Quilter Family, and Anita May. Restoration efforts are anticipated to be completed in early 2027.
Proposed Dedication
Captain D’Isabella developed a particular connection to the 1931 Seagrave during his career and took special pride in the historic engine. Recognizing its significance to the Department, he helped ensure that the apparatus was carefully maintained and preserved.
The proposed dedication recognizes this longstanding connection while providing a lasting tribute to Captain D’Isabella’s 38 years of service to the Laguna Beach Fire Department and the community. Naming the apparatus the “Captain Eugene ‘Diz’ D’Isabella Seagrave” would honor both his distinguished career and his personal commitment to the historic engine.
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 apparatus the “Captain Eugene ‘Diz’ D’Isabella Seagrave” is consistent with Administrative Policy No.
5.32, which authorizes recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to the Laguna Beach community.
On October 3, 2026, the Emergency Disaster Preparedness Committee (EDPC) reviewed the proposed dedication and recommended approval of naming the apparatus the “Captain Eugene ‘Diz’ D’Isabella Seagrave.”
City Council consideration represents the final step in the naming process. Should the City Council approve the proposed dedication, staff will coordinate implementation, including installation of a commemorative plaque in accordance with Administrative Policy No. 5.32.
DEDICATION OF THE CITY’S 1931 SEAGRAVE FIRE ENGINE TO RETIRED FIRE CAPTAIN EUGENE “DIZ” D’ISABELLA
October 13, 2026
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action. Costs associated with the ongoing restoration of the 1931 Seagrave are separate from the proposed dedication and are being funded through a combination of City and community contributions.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), because the dedication and naming of the 1931 Seagrave constitute an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution approving the dedication of the City of Laguna Beach’s 1931 Seagrave Fire Engine to Eugene “Diz” D’Isabella
Submitted By:
. Approved: .David A Kiff
Niko King, Fire Chief Dave Kiff, City Manager
Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Andrew Hill, Deputy Fire Chief Kirsten Gallacher, Senior Administrative Analyst