Author: LBChat

Pension Costs and Information (2023-2024 Adopted Budget)

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Pension costs are expected to increase by about $670,000 next year. Strategies to address presented to the City Council in February 2023, including the issuance of pension obligation bonds. Additional information about pensions can be found immediately following this letter.

PENSIONS

The City of Laguna Beach has contracted with the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS) for pension benefits since 1945. The City has approximately 298 active and 406 retired employees (members) enrolled in the pension plan. In these plans, members earn service credit towards a lifetime retirement allowance after employment (defined benefit), calculated under a formula that accounts for the employee’s years of credited service, the employee’s “final compensation,” and age at retirement. For example, with 30 years of service, a “3 at 50” safety pension formula provides 90% of final compensation at age 50, and a “2.5 at 55” non-safety pension formula with 30 years of service provides 75% of final compensation at age 55. The CalPERS Board of Administration has absolute authority and fiduciary responsibility to ensure the System’s integrity, the investment of monies, and the overall administration of CalPERS.

An unfunded liability for pension benefits generally exists when the value of all projected benefits payable to members exceeds the projected value of assets available to pay those benefits. The amount can change over time due to changes in benefits, pay levels, demographics, actuarial assumptions, and return on investments. State and local governments, including Laguna Beach, typically reduce their unfunded liability over time as part of their annual required pension contributions.

Risk pooling was implemented by CalPERS effective with June 30, 2003, actuarial valuations to protect small employers (those with less than 100 active members in the plan) against large fluctuations in employer contribution rates caused by unexpected demographic events. Costs are allocated to Pooled plans on the actual increases or decreases to the individual plans. It is the policy of CalPERS to ensure equity within the risk pools by allocating the pool’s experience gains/losses and assumption changes in a manner that treats each employer equitably and maintains benefit security for the members of the System while minimizing substantial variations in employer contributions. If an agency voluntarily or involuntarily terminates its contract with CalPERS, the agency member benefits are adjusted in proportion to the amount the employer can pay, and the plan is moved into a Terminated Agency Pool. This mechanism is designed to protect other agencies by eliminating the unfunded liabilities of employers who cannot, or will not, pay pension obligations.

Several events have contributed to the increase in unfunded liabilities for agencies in the CalPERS system. In 1999, Senate Bill 400 (SB400) passed overwhelmingly permitting more generous pension benefits to employees, both prospectively and retroactively. CalPERS also incurred negative investment returns due to the “dotcom” bubble in 2000 and again in 2008 during the great recession. On December 21, 2016, based on the expectation of lower investment return rates over the next decade, the CalPERS Board voted to lower the discount rate (investment rate of return) from the current 7.5% to 7% over three years. The impact on the City’s budget is an increase in the normal cost by 1% to 3% as a percentage of payroll for the miscellaneous plan and 2% to 5% increase for safety plans. Additionally, the City is expected to experience a 30% to 40% increase in its required unfunded liability payment. These increases are phased in over five years, beginning, and were expected to add approximately $3.0 million to the budget by FY 2024-25.

City Council Actions to Address Pension Costs.

The Unfunded Accrued Liability (UAL) for Laguna Beach as of June 30, 2021 (the most recent information available) for all CalPERS pension plans is $51.2 million. This includes Police Safety of $17.4 million, Fire Safety of $14.4 million, Lifeguard Safety of $1.4 million, and Miscellaneous plan of $18.0 million. The City’s plans are currently 84.1% funded. The City is contractually obligated to enroll all full-time employees in theCalPERS system with few exceptions. If the City Council wanted to offer an alternative pension plan, CalPERS would require the City to terminate its contract at the cost of over $500 million, which is financially prohibitive.

Over the past ten years, the City Council has been proactive in addressing the City’s unfunded pension liability. In 2010, the City Council approved borrowing funds internally to pay off its $10 million CalPERS “Side Fund” for Police, Fire, and Lifeguard safety plans. In 2013, the City Council approved higher employee contributions ranging from 8% to 12% of their salary. In 2014, the City Council approved a strategy to pay approximately $10 million over five years to accelerate the City’s unfunded pension liability payoff. These strategies are expected to save the City $31 million over thirty years and significantly reduce the City’s unfunded liability over time. This is in addition to the State’s pension reform (PEPRA) legislation. CalPERS requires higher contribution rates toward unfunded liability and reduced retirement benefits for new employees intended to completely resolve the CalPERS unfunded liability (including Laguna Beach) in about twenty years.

In 2022, the City Council evaluated the opportunity to issue Pension Obligation Bonds to pay off the City’s unfunded liability. The City Council elected not to pursue this opportunity due to rising interest rates and unfavorable market conditions. There is some concerning news. Recently, CalPERS earned a -6.1% net return on investments for the 12 months ended June 30, 2022. This brings the total fund performance to an average investment return of 6.7% for five years, 7.7% for a 10-year period, and 6.9% for a 20-year period.

City of Laguna Beach Page 12/13 of 276 Adopted Budget.

For more on City Pension Costs, click here

Former City Manager Shohreh Dupuis – Gone But Not Forgotten

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Dupuis leaves behind a trail of city government internal and external controversies. Not to mention reaping a retirement package many taxpayers do not support. Lots of questions still exist. An example is the public attention that continues to appear.

CLB Next City Manager Update. Its been reported that the Council starts City Manager interviews in mid-January.

Stay tuned. The public is watching closely to see if Council members Bob Whalen and Sue Kempf attempt to influence or control other members like they did in 2020.

Local Media Relevent to Shohreh Dupuis:
City of Laguna Beach City Manager Announces retirement
LB Indy – Retirement Details
Voice of OC – Retirement Details

2024 PAC and 501(c)4 Group Campaign Disclosure Forms

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Political Action Committee (PAC’s)

Advocates for Laguna Residents PACS:

Advocates for Laguna Residents PAC (ID # 1455392)

Laguna Residents First PACS:

Laguna Residents First PAC (ID#1421491)

Laguna Residents First (LRF) PACS:

Laguna Residents First (LRF) PAC LB Survey 2024

Laguna Beach Firefighters Association PACS:

Laguna Beach Firefighters Association PAC (ID#1422691)

Laguna Beach Police Employee Association PACS:

Laguna Beach Police Employee Association PAC (ID #1346972)

Village Laguna Inc. PACS:

Village Laguna Inc. PAC Amendment filed April 2, 2024

Village Laguna Inc. PAC Amendment filed April 5, 2024

Village Laguna Inc. PAC (ID#990381)

Village Laguna (Jul 1 – Sept 24 2022) amendment

Village Laguna (Oct 18 – Dec 31, 2020) amendment

Village Laguna (Oct 23 – Dec 31 2022) amendment

Village Laguna (Sept 20 – Oct 17, 2020) amendment

Village Laguna (Sept 25 – Oct 22 2022) amendment

Citizens for Laguna’s Future PACS:

Citizens for Laguna’s Future PAC (ID#1450234)

Laguna Matters PACS:

Laguna Matters PAC (ID#1420991)

LB Taxpayers Association PACS:

LB Taxpayers Association PAC (ID#0352402)

Ballot Measure Committees

The Laguna Alliance / Laguna Beach Company Ballot Measure Committee (ID#145537)
https://www.lagunabeachcity.net/home/showpublisheddocument/16022/638264929573270000
https://www.lagunabeachcity.net/home/showpublisheddocument/14187/638108556478300000

Citizens for Laguna’s Future / Ballot Measure Committee (ID#1450234)
https://www.lagunabeachcity.net/home/showpublisheddocument/17638/638415411478070000

Citizens for Sustainable Laguna Beach / Ballot Measure Committee (ID#1441800)
https://www.lagunabeachcity.net/home/showpublisheddocument/17638/638415411478070000

Residents, local environmental groups band together to halt unauthorized SCE grading

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On Jan. 4, Janine Robinson set out on her daily morning walk in the area around Alta Laguna Park. However, what the Top of the World resident saw carved into the wilderness below was anything but routine.

The SCE grading looking north at Top of the World on Jan. 18. Clara Beard/LB Indy

Several dirt paths, approximately 20 feet wide and estimated to be one to two miles long, had been bulldozed into the city-owned open space creating a prominent blemish across the landscape west of Alta Laguna Boulevard and north of Park Avenue.

The SCE grading looking north at Top of the World on Jan. 18. Clara Beard/LB Indy
Robinson, who immediately contacted the Top of the World Neighborhood Association about her discovery, wasn’t the only citizen with raised eyebrows and questions.

Contractors take steps to mitigate potential erosion before the weekend rainstorm on Jan 18. Clara Beard/LB Indy

“Imagine my reaction when my son came running into the house asking why people in bulldozers were ‘wrecking the ground in our front yard,’” A Park Avenue homeowner wrote in an email to the Indy. “How do you answer such an improbable question?”

Contractors take steps to mitigate potential erosion before the weekend rainstorm on Jan 18. Clara Beard/LB Indy
After a week-long flurry of emails and calls back and forth to city and county officials, concerned residents and local environmental groups discovered that not only was Southern California Edison (SCE) responsible for the bulldozed paths, it was doing so without City and Coastal Commission permits.

On Jan. 11, Laguna Beach Interim City Manager Sean Joyce asked SCE to temporarily stop their repairs until the city could learn more about the circumstances.

SCE engineers inspect one of the five electrical poles scheduled for repairs at Top of the World. Submitted photo

“If citizens and environmentalists hadn’t alerted the city as quickly, and the city, namely Sean Joyce and Sue Kempf, hadn’t been so amazingly responsive and got them to stop immediately, they would have kept bulldozing, literally that next day, and could have caused more than double the amount the damage they already did,” Robinson said. “It’s not often the city and environmentalists team up so effectively and successfully and cause an all-powerful utility to stand down—and do the right thing.”

SCE engineers inspect one of the five electrical poles scheduled for repairs at Top of the World. Submitted photo
According to SCE Saddleback District Manager Robert Maystrovich, the public utility company was in the process of necessary repair work in the open space when engineers ran into a series of electrical issues, which, coupled with high winds, created an emergency situation.

“These new circuit loading and reliability risks to critical loads, including City Hall, along with the extreme fire risk caused by the initial weather event, led my team reclassifying this section of work as emergency,” Maystrovich explained in correspondence with Joyce, that he in turn, shared with all concerned parties in an email blast.

“As we shifted into the heavy terrain section, it was determined that the original construction plan to utilize helicopters to remotely fly in construction personnel and material was not viable due to the overgrown native vegetation,” Maystrovich wrote. “As we were without a place to physically and safely land them, this was no longer an option.”

Still, SCE lacked the necessary permits from the City and the Coastal Commission, prompting an emergency meeting with representatives from all three entities on Tuesday, Jan. 16.

“SCE agreed to submit an emergency Coastal Development Permit (CDP) imminently,” interim city manager Sean Joyce wrote in his report update on Jan. 18. “City staff met virtually with Coastal Commission staff this morning to confer about a variety of matters associated with the work performed and planned by SCE associated with its cover conductor project.”

Joyce said SCE has agreed to use helicopters for the pole replacements to avoid any further impacts on the habitat. SCE also hopes to complete its repairs before the threatened coastal California gnatcatcher begins its nesting season on Jan. 31.

SCE reports mitigation and restoration efforts are estimated to take five to 10 years. And with the popularity of Alta Laguna Park and the surrounding trails increasing, residents have expressed concern the bulldozed paths could be mistaken for public trails by visiting hikers, creating erosion.

Laguna Canyon Conservancy President Gayle Waite said she’s learned from meetings with the Southland Region Power in Nature Coalition that electric companies have caused this type of wildland destruction in other parts of California.

“When caught, they (electrical companies) are made to do mitigation, but it is usually too little, too late, and does not seem to stop them from repeating the behavior,” Waite wrote in an email to the Indy. “SCE should be forced to pay a big fine, but then residents and taxpayers will foot the bill and electric rates just go up.”

An SCE spokesperson is scheduled to give a presentation about the pole replacement project and its next steps during the upcoming Laguna Beach City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 5 p.m.

“Laguna Beach city officials and the Coastal Commission should hold SCE senior management accountable since if these repairs were truly emergency ones, how is it possible neither was consulted and made aware of them?” Waite said. “Shouldn’t the city at least been alerted to a potential electrical emergency and have the fire department on notice? The public would like to know.”

LB Indy Letter To The Editor: Laguna’s biggest financial challenge

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By John Thomas
Courtesy of Lagauna Beach Indy – for the original article click here

Considering the Strategic Planning the city is currently doing, the question arises: Is this the year that Laguna Beach confronts and addresses its biggest financial challenge?

A large share of the taxes that residents pay are not used to pay for services or capital improvements that directly benefit residents but are diverted to cover the substantial costs the city incurs due to the high number of visitors to Laguna.

A 2017 report showed that, at that time, revenue the city received that was attributable to tourists was $23 million less than the added costs the city incurred due to those visitors.

Since then, the city budget and visitors have grown, so the shortage is likely much greater today.

City leaders and staff have acknowledged this problem, and despite some early efforts, there has been little progress made by residents and visitors in reducing this large subsidy.

Now is the time to act. The City Council could put a measure on the November 2024 ballot to narrow the gap between revenue and visitor costs. The number of ambitious and costly items currently under discussion by the City Council makes it even more important to reduce the visitor subsidy. The aggregate cost of some of these items could exceed hundreds of millions of dollars. Without correcting the drain on city revenue due to visitor costs, it will be financially challenging for the city to proceed with even the most important projects.

Three of the best possibilities for generating meaningful amounts of revenue for the city are:

An adjustment in the business license fee structure that increases city revenue from the most tourist-focused businesses.
Revising the current hotel tax to be on par with one-third of Orange County hotels.
Expanding pay parking for nonresidents to areas within walking distance of the beaches while allowing residents to continue to park for free in residential neighborhoods.
Alternatives would be to either raise taxes on residents, lower the level of city services provided by the city government or borrow a lot of money.

The solution with the biggest potential revenue impact could be a revised business license fee focused on tourist-focused businesses. Though only a small percentage of visitors stay in Laguna hotels and pay hotel tax, approximately 70% of visitors to Laguna spend on food and beverages in town. This means that Laguna’s tourist-focused restaurants are a key point of contact with visitors, and these businesses are an opportunity to create a collection mechanism for visitor revenue to cover visitor costs. These bars and restaurants could be the stars in this effort, Laguna’s toll booth. A business license fee based on 1% of the gross revenue of these restaurants could currently generate over $4 million per year for the city government, and a very high proportion of this revenue would come from the visitors patronizing these restaurants. With time, a visitor-targeted business license fee could slowly increase from one percent to a maximum of 5% over five years and could eventually cover perhaps 60% of the current imbalance.

The revised fees could be designed to have little or no change for primarily resident-serving businesses. And fees for smaller businesses could be much lower than for the larger tourist-focused businesses. As is, our business license fees are among the lowest in California, so there is substantial room to adjust this fee without being out of line.

A second way to generate revenue from visitors is to expand pay parking for nonresidents to areas throughout the city within walking distance of the beaches while allowing residents to continue to park for free in residential neighborhoods.

The third way could be to update Laguna’s current 12% hotel tax to match the third of the hotel rooms in Orange County that charge 15%. As a top Orange County visitor destination, it seems only fair that Laguna’s total hotel tax should align with other top Orange County tourist destinations.

Combining the redesigned business license fee with an increased hotel tax and expanded paid parking areas could, in time, cover more than 75% of the overall shortage, thereby reducing the subsidy of residents to visitors, leaving more city revenue available to serve residents, and freeing up funds for the many projects on the city council priority list.

This is an election year. Now is the time for the City Council to act to close this huge financial gap and reduce the subsidy of visitors by residents. A solution will likely require a ballot measure. And a plan and ballot measure will take time to develop. Now is the time to get started, and the City Council needs to take action to do that.

John is a long-time Laguna Beach resident, business owner, former chair of the Laguna Beach Audit Review & Measure LL Oversight Committee, board member of the South Laguna Civic Association, and member of the South Laguna Water/Sewer Advisory Committee.

City Government

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The City of Laguna Beach (CLB) is a general law city. This means the city operates
under the laws of the State of California and has a Council-Manager form of
government.

Elected’s – The Council consists of five members elected by the public and a Mayor
selected to serve annually by the Council. Council sets policy and directs the City
Manager. Municipal governing elections are held in November of even-numbered years.
Follow the upcoming Election 2024

Appointed’s – Part of the Council legislative power includes appointing citizens to
boards and commissions that serve as advisory bodies. Some like the Planning
Commission and Design Review Board also have overarching decision-making and
approval authorities. B&C Link.

City News – CLB issues a regular city newsletter. The City Manager’s Office issues a
weekly “The Week that Was” city business report available to the Council and the
public. City Council member George Weiss issues recaps of items covered at City
Council meetings.

Guest Opinions: Roger Bütow

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Roger Bütow

Roger “Gonzo” Bütow is a prolific, often transgressive, journalist and a 52-year resident of Laguna Beach. He’s co-founder and Executive Director of the unincorporated association known as Clean Water Now. A retired general contractor, since 2010, he’s been a professional land use and regulatory compliance consultant, plus provided environmental and construction advisory services. His contact information can be found at: www.clean-water-now.org.

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), subtle features 

Visit Laguna Beach?  Actually, Please Don’t! Two part series in The Patch. Click here: Part 1
Part 2 

Laguna Beach City Council: Where Eight Years Is More Than Enough!

Laguna Beach’s Forest Avenue Promenade: A Tragedy in Progress

City of Laguna Beach: Is “Don’t Test, Don’t Tell” Enviro-Stewardship?

Laguna Beach Council: Speculative Gambling vs. Investing In Our Future

*The views and opinions of any guest columnist is the sole responsibility of that guest columnist and the columnist or city residents cannot hold LBCHAT or its publisher liable for the views, information or opinions expressed in this section. All items submitted by the public must be approved by LBCHAT’s Publisher prior to publishing on this site.

Hallie Jones

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Hallie Jones’ Campaign Website

 

 

 

 

See Hallie Jones’ November 2024 Official Ballot Statement here

2024 Council Candidate Form 410
2024 Candidate 501 Intention Statement for Hallie Jones
2024 Council Candidate Form 410 (Qualified)
2024 Form 410 July 31, 2024

Form 460 Campaign Funding Disclosure Statements:
Form 460 – Jan – June 2024
Form 460 – July 1 – Sept. 21 2024

Media and other Candidate information:

Hallie Jones, Judie Mancuso enter race for Laguna Beach City Council – Daily Pilot Interview
Crystal Cove Conservancy Announces Hallie Jones as Executive VP and Chief Program Officer – Article courtasy of the LB Indy from August 2023. – View here

Other affiliated organizations: All Kids Bike

LBCHAT! New Guest Opinions

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NEW this year!

LBCHAT welcomes Laguna residents who have city related knowledge, experiences and areas of expertise to share publicly. If there’s a community topic that interests you and you think other locals would be interested and should be aware of – please share it with us.

Our goal at LBCHAT is to help educate and inform Laguna Beach locals, especially voters, on the workings of our city government and issues concerning to residents. City facts and data sharing is important to us.

Guest columns should be no longer then 1,000 words and include information references and data sources to support any/all claims. Guest columns will include a content disclaimer stating: The views and opinions of any guest columnist is the sole responsibility of that guest columnist and the columnist or city residents cannot hold LBCHAT or its publisher liable for the views, information or opinions expressed in this section. All items submitted by the public must be approved by LBCHAT’s Publisher prior to publishing on this site.

Please submit your guest column articles to: contact us

We look forward to being enlightened by the information and perspectives you share. This is your community and you can make it better.

Thank you. LBCHAT

Hotel Laguna – Community Gem

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Needless to say, Laguna’s historic landmark gem the Hotel Laguna has been the center of attention locally, regionally and nationally. Sadly, not all good news. The hotel is the subject of illegal construction, unsupervised permit work by city staff resulting in five stop work orders, an investor group take-over involving the police and armed security guards and the decision to shut down the hotel by former Laguna Beach City Manager, Shohreh Dupuis. City documents and local media coverage (below) offers some insight into the ownerships and legal issues surrounding the hotel as well as the City decisions to shut down the Hotel Laguna and the 14 West Hotel in Laguna Beach.

Documents include Mohammad (Mo) Honarker/Laguna Beach Company. inc. and the MOM Group currently operating and managing the Hotel Laguna per a court approval and several other properties formerly operated and managed by Mo Honarker. Here’s one legal court document on the dispute. https://issuu.com/savelaguna/docs/30-2023-01323759-cu-or-njc. Word has it that additional court documents may be available in the first quarter of 2024. Stay tuned!

Here’s an interesting guest letter to the Indy Editor from the MOM Group explaining their position. https://www.lagunabeachindy.com/the-emperor-has-no-clothes/

In case you missed the news, here’s some local coverage by the LB Indy.

Letter: Hotel Laguna Investor Group To Host Town Hall Meeting

Civil Disputes at Hotel Laguna and 14 West Prompt Forced Closure by City 

Hotel Laguna and 14 West Reopen After Court Issues Honarkar Temporary Restraining Order 

Who Owns Hotel Laguna?

Laguna Beach News | April 7, 2023

https://www.lagunabeachindy.com/laguna-beachnews-may-5-2023/

Coastal Commission widens scope of Hotel Laguna beach club probe

Coastal Commission probes “members only” signs on the sand at Hotel Laguna

On a brighter note, hotel managers MOM are hosting and featuring local artists at their ARTSTART event in the Rose Garden at 5:00 p.m. during Laguna’s First Thursday Artswalk. Drop by for a glass of wine and tasty appetizers. https://www.lagunabeachindy.com/hotel-laguna-launches-art-start-for-art-walk/

Fire Mitigation Plan

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CLB adopted a Fire Mitigation Plan in 2019. The plan includes fire safety measures, emergency preparedness and city evacuation information.

Fire Safety Report 2019 –
https://www.lagunabeachcity.net/home/showpublisheddocument/10278/637762039613770000

BE PREPARED! Here’s what you can do.

While the City works tirelessly to prepare for emergencies, we rely on residents, businesses, and visitors to be ready no matter what happens. Whether flood, fire, earthquake, or tsunami, these resources can help.

Sign up for emergency alerts. Alert and Warning System
Check out our disaster preparedness guide.
Purchase an emergency backpack or create an emergency kit and family emergency plan
Know what hazards we face in Laguna Beach and how to prepare for each one. Prepare for an Emergency
Plan now for an evacuation. Evacuation Routes
Family, friends, and neighbors with disabilities, access, or functional needs may need a little extra help preparing for an emergency. This link from FEMA can help. FEMA Ready.gov
Join the Laguna Beach Community Emergency Response Team. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Review your insurance coverage. Go to OC Public Works and Floodsmart National Flood Insurance Program for more information.
ACT RESPONSIBLY! Property Owners and Real Estate Professionals should be aware and comply with the CLB Defensible Space Ordinance. See: https://www.lagunabeachcity.net/government/departments/fire/fire-prevention/wildfire-mitigation-vegetation-management/defensible-space

City Resources:

Department of Emergency Services
https://www.lagunabeachcity.net/live-here/emergency-management/plans-policies-reports

Fire Mitigation – Vegetation Management
https://www.lagunabeachcity.net/government/departments/fire/fire-prevention/wildfire-mitigation-vegetation-management

CLB Fire Chief Niko King.
https://www.lagunabeachindy.com/laguna-beach-pins-badge-on-new-fire-chief/

The PATCH: https://patch.com/california/lagunabeach/new-defensible-space-requirements-laguna-beach-homes

Laguna Beach Spills More Sewage Into Ocean Than Anywhere Else in OC!

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Article in the Voice of OC

If this 2023 top poo-luters recognition doesn’t uncover the watered down
priority and negligence of our aging sewer infrastructure system by public
officials what does? LB property and business owners should be outraged.
Ask yourselves and your city officials:

WHY have Bob Whalen and Sue Kempf the Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem
position-swapping duo for a decade not prioritized this infrastructure
problem? Especially since they have served as our water representatives
for years. They get paid extra to attend water agency meetings and protect
our community and coastal environment.

And WHY have they focused on catering to investors/developers,
proposing multi-million dollar parking structures at resident taxpayers
expense and buying expensive private properties (St. Catherines School
$23 M and Ti Amo Restaurant for $2.7 M) that we clearly didn’t want or
need?

Wasn’t this hefty $1.5 M Fine by the State Water Agency in 2021 for a raw
sewage spill into the ocean enough to wake them up?

Other News Stories on Local Oil Spills:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/press_room/press_releases/2021/pr06092021_r9_lagu
na_beach_enforcement_06052021.pdf https://
The Patch:

Water Expert Roger Butow Guest Opinions:
The Patch – Laguna Beach 95,000 Gallon Sewer Spill How You Can Help
The Patch – Laguna Beach’s Bob Whalen Lost Clueless Over Chronic Sewage Spills
The Mirror – Laguna Beach reopens after almost 100,000 gallons of sewage leaked into water

Judie Mancuso Guest Opinions:
Letter: Laguna’s ocean water quality is a public priority

YOU COUNT. YOU IMPACT. VOTE!

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Message to City of Laguna Beach VOTERS:

YOU hold the power to having the community and quality of life you want. Voting for representatives that align with your vision and values is critical. So is holding officials accountable for the issues and priorities considered important to you and your family.

Too often residents are finding that candidates say what Voters want to hear when vying for an elected position. And organized candidate panel discussions are often politically biased and don’t begin to help voters uncover a candidates depth of knowledge, professionalism or actual qualifications necessary to lead a city effectively and in the public’s best interest. It’s up to you to carefully vett those asking for your vote.

Don’t fall into the automatic incumbent voting trap!  It’s no secret that LB stakeholders concerns about officials financial decision-making and special-interest bias and favoritism has grown over the last decade. The community division, discourse and mistrust between city officials and the public is at an all-time high. We simply must ask ourselves WHY.

LBCHAT traced the public division and mistrust back to the 2018 City Council Election. In 2018, the town of Laguna Beach became a political battleground between a new developer/investor Political Action Committee (PAC) called Liberate Laguna and Village Laguna and resident-centric PAC that had existed since the 1970’s.  The Liberate Laguna PAC was open about their intent to challenge VL’s existence and focus on installing candidates sympathetic to their development intentions. They were successful in getting two pro-development Council members elected.  Council Member Sue Kempf served in 2018 and was re-elected to serve in 2022. Council Member Peter Blake served one term and was overwhelmingly rejected by voters in 2022. Two new Council Members, Mark Orgill and Alex Rounaghi were elected.  Five-Term Council Member Toni Iseman did not run.

Over the last several years our small coastal city has been inundated with over a dozen special-interest Political Action Committees (PAC’s). The 2022 campaign funding for candidates and a ballot measure was in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Much of the campaign funding came from out-of-towner’s. This is an impactful change on our city leadership and government environment.  It’s extremely important to do your due-diligence by following the money to see who is behind political candidates and who may expect a payback by those they help get elected.

In 2024, voters will elect two Council representatives. We currently have no confirmation as to whether Three-Term Council Member Bob Whalen (2012-2024) and One-Term Council Member George Weiss (2018-2024) are running for re-election.  As Council Candidates are confirmed, they will be featured under “Meet The Candidates” (below) which will include mandatory candidate disclosure information and other professional and personal public information to assist voters in assessing their character, qualifications, expertise, accomplishments and public service track records.

Exercise your right to vote!  “Never Doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”  Margaret Mead

Voter Resources:  

State of California: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place

Candidates 2024

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City of Laguna Beach Candidates

Candidates’ information and statements Here
PACs and Local Organizations Campaign Support Here

The election is November 5th, 2024. LBCHAT intends to compile and publish all local and state public documents related to the personal and professional backgrounds on every candidate running for a Laguna Beach Public Office position every campaign year.

Sources will include campaign disclosure statements, financial campaign contribution reports, websites/podcasts, news and social media coverage and personal, professional and criminal background information as supported by the California Public Records Act Code# 6253 (CPRA). We also welcome public information and legal document submittals from the public for publishing consideration. The more we know about our candidates, the better decisions we make when casting our votes.

Thank you for being an educated and informed voter. Our city’s health and future depends on it! LBCHAT

City Council Candidates

Judie Mancuso
Hallie Jones
Bob Whalen
George Weiss

Treasurer Candidates

Laura Parisi

City Clerk Candidates

Ann-Marie McKay

LAGUNABEACHCHAT.COM : CHAT stands for City Hall Accountability and Transparency. Our Mission: Laguna Beach CHAT desires to advance accountability and transparency. We serve residents by providing them with an open and honest platform to gain knowledge about City officials, functions and decisions that impact our quality of life and our local community.

City of Laguna Beach Investment Policy

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It is the policy of the City to invest public funds based on compliance with state law and prudent investment practices. The primary goal of the City’s Investment Policy
is to invest in a manner that will provide the maximum security of the principal invested
with a secondary emphasis on providing adequate liquidity and finally to achieve a rate
of return within the parameters of prudent risk management while conforming to all
state statutes and local regulations governing the investment of public funds.

To view more the full document click here

District Attorney Brown Act Documents

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Provided below are all the District Attorney’s Documents pertaining to the Brown Act Violation against the Laguna Beach City Council in 2021. Click on each document to review.

9-21-21 Letter From OC District Attorney to City Attorney re-alleged Brown Act Violation – View here

10-14-21 Letter from DA’s office regarding alleged Brown Act Violation – View here

Letter from OC District Attorney to City Councilman Weiss regarding Brown Act Violation – View here

Email from Laguna Beach City Attorney to OC District Attorney regarding the Brown Act Violation – View here

Supplemental Letter to DA’s office from LB District Attorney re-alleged Brown Act Violation – View here

Have Your Voice in Major Redevelopment in Laguna Beach

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Insist on having a voice in Major Redevelopment in Laguna Beach.
Click Here to Pre-Register now for the ballot initiative

Help Save Laguna Now. Here’s How:

Join the circle of Laguna Residents to defend the livability and unique character of Laguna Beach by supporting these measures:

  • Retain existing commercial parking requirements instead of reducing
    them
  • Maintain current height limits for commercial buildings
  • Keep congestion and parking from overflowing into neighborhoods
  • Prevent the combining of small storefronts into large malls and hotels
  • Encourage progress and improvement without relaxing standards

Redevelopment proposals can bring more visitors, increase traffic congestion, and drive parking overflow into adjacent neighborhoods.

Who benefits? Commercial property developers increase the value of
their properties – leaving residents with a less functional, more congested
town. Instead of nurturing our unique local businesses, the proposed changes
will set the scene for more mall-like stores, bars, and restaurants.

Let’s work together to make sure that Laguna Residents get a meaningful say in the development of our town.

A Message from Councilman Weiss

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Councilman Weiss and Isman censured for disclosing closed sessions items to public –
Story in the LB Indy here
Story in the Voice of OC here
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For more News and updates from Councilmember Weiss can be found regularly on his website at https://www.georgeweisscitycouncil.org/. Check back weekly.

Hello Fellow Residents,

The March 9th City Council Meeting considered a full agenda of items affecting residents. Here’s a summary; For more details these items go to my homepage:

Laguna Beach Neighborhood And Environmental Protection Plan Passes 5-0
This wide-ranging piece of legislation provides solid programs for improving the quality of life for residents and the community.

Proclamation Recognizes Arnold Hanno’s 99th Birthday;
Mr. Hanno sponsored one of the first ballot initiatives in California history.

Laguna Canyon Foundation Request For Naming Rights Agreement Passes 5-0
To acknowledge a one million dollar donation, the Council voted unanimously to approve naming the Laguna Canyon Foundation headquarters site “The Michael and Tricia Berns Preserve.”

Trolley Service To Return, 2021 Summer Parking Management Plan Passes 5-0
Good news: The trolleys are likely to be back in operation along Coast Highway and into Laguna Canyon Road starting on June 25.

City Council Censures Peter Blake – Vote 4-0
The City Council voted 4-0 (Councilman Blake abstaining) to censure Mr. Blake for violations of the City’s Rules of Decorum and Civility.

Thanks and feel free to email me or call me to discuss anything that migjt be on your mind,

George
949-295-0832

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Hello Fellow Residents,

I am posting legislation being considered and decisions made by City Council on my new website. www.georgeweisscitycouncil.org

It’s worth taking a look at for a quick recap of some of the key issues currently being discussed at City Council meetings and for my position on those topics. It also has some quick links to City Government website pages and a current events story on the proposed Rivian Theater.

Open Letter On Councilmember Blake’s Conduct To Residents

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Dear City Council,
RE: City Council Agenda Item #18; March 9, 2021

VIEW VIDEO EVIDENCE; SEE ATTACHED
I support Agenda Item #18 to vote in favor of the censorship of Council member Peter Blake to enforce civility policy adopted in 2019. The City Council & City Manager must enforce a reasonable Code of Conduct to restore a professional tone of respect & civility in Laguna Beach City Council chambers. The continued reprehensible conduct and vile outbursts by Council Member Peter Blake often heard interrupting speakers has become intolerable & wholly disrespectful conduct directed toward members of the public. View video below.

It is important to revisit to witness the attitude & reaction by Peter Blake after he listened to his own recorded voicemail. Note that Peter Blake begins to interrupt speaker and then smiles & laughs, appearing to take great pleasure and pride after hearing his infamous vile profanity & threats made directly by Council Member Peter Blake that was left on the voicemail of resident after he took office.

As a matter of public record, the threatening comment & vile profanity left on the voicemail recording was played to City Council during Public Comment in LB City Council chambers.

Unfortunately, Mr Blake does not appear the least bit ashamed of his conduct. Blake appears to have become emboldened over time and his conduct has become increasingly worse for the public to endure.

Mr Peter Blake has demonstrated on multiple occasions that he lacks the character and is unfit to serve in public office. Peter Blake has regularly bullied & intimidated women who speak to oppose his views. Members of the public, especially women, fear being threatened, denigrated and ridiculed by City Council member Peter Blake.

Please restore civility to City Council Chambers and censor the disrespectful language by enforcing the LB Code of Conduct during Public Meetings.

Lorene Laguna