City Government

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

Roger Bütow

LBCHAT! New Guest Opinions

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

Treasurer Candidates

City Clerk Candidates

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

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

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

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

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
—-
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

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

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

Updated – Council Moves To Censure Councilman Peter Blake

Updated – 08/11/21

Yet another Laguna Beach resident publicly expresses her concern about her interactions with City Councilman Peter Blake and his uncivil behavior.



Resident Peter Blake was elected to the LB City Council in the November 2018 election. He took office in January, 2019. Since that time, friction began to develop between Councilman Blake and LB constituents over his verbal outbursts including professional and personal insults and overall aggressive behavior towards residents when they spoke publicly during city council meetings. The city council, city manager and the city attorney began to receive numerous complaints from residents who expressed fear of being verbally attacked by Councilmember Blake during meetings and shared their feelings that our Council Chambers now felt like a hostile government environment. Some residents stated that they felt as though they were also being insulted and harassed by Councilman Blake in emails from their communications sent directly to other council members.

After months of public turmoil, in September 2019, it became necessary for the LB City Council to create and adopt the City Decorum & Civility Policy. Councilman Blake voted for the D&C Policy but since has refused to abide by it and any other governmental conduct order including Roberts Rules of Order relevant to public official conduct.

Blake has rejected all attempts to address the issue and offer city council members and residents relief from such unruly official behavior has prompted an official censure action based upon the guidelines of City Decorum Policy by newly elected City Councilmember George Weiss. This censure resolution will be heard on March 9, 2021.

Note: The March 9, 2021 agenda item, meeting video footage, all constituent written censure related communications and attachments and the final City Council votes and decision will be added to this site following the meeting.

View Censure item #18 video here.

Media coverage on call for Censure of CC Peter Blake

LA TIMES

VOICE OF OC

STUNEWS

DAILY PILOT

OC REGISTER

VOICE OF OC 

LB INDY

STU NEWS

STU NEWS

One example of the disrespect Peter Blake shows for Laguna’s elected officials and residents taken from one of the the above interviews states,

“I’m the only one in a spineless group of council people that stands up and fights back. And yes, I have fought back. And yes, I have at times been brash and I’m proud of it. I have no issues with it whatsoever,” Blake said. “The silent majority in this community, they support me.”

The public pushback about Peter Blake’s behavior has been ongoing for well over two years. Volumes of local public outcry at city council meetings, in local print media and social media platforms exists from various resources such as The Laguna Beach Indy, Stunews, LB/SL Nextdoor, YouTubea, FB and individual private accounts. Other sources will be added to this site as they become available.

LB resident Michael Morris is often a target of Councilman Peter Blake because of his high-level involvement in Laguna Beach civics and his outspoken position on Blake’s behavior. Mr. Morris regularly offers input to the city council on finance and other important issues and is well respected by the community. Mr. Morris is also a founder of Laguna Resident First (LRF), a political action committee formed to give residents a voice regarding major developments and other city impact issues. Video footage on multiple examples of Blake’s in sessions conduct to residents can be viewed here

View an open letter to City Council from Resident Lorene Laguna with video footage of Councilmember Peter Blake’s comments during a council session here

Peter Blake “Mr. Monster” city council vides footage can be viewed here

Here is just a sampling of CC Peter Blake public newspaper exchanges with constituents who have spoken out about his intimidating and behavior.
2019-2021

We are finding that what Laguna Beach constituents are going through with a public official who is a self-proclaimed bully may not be unique. But how it gets handled and resolved is.

What are your thoughts about elected’s behavior? Should they be allowed to degrade voters they have differences with in public and private? Please share your experiences with us.

Opportunity for Public Input Regarding New City Manager at Three Upcoming Listening Sessions

LAGUNA BEACH, CA – As the City of Laguna Beach undertakes its search for a new City Manager, the City Council wants to ensure the public has an opportunity to provide feedback about the most important qualities potential candidates should possess.

The public is invited to attend three virtual Listening Sessions on March 6, March 11, and March 16, facilitated by the City’s executive search firm Bob Murray and Associates. The firm’s Executive Vice President, Gary Phillips, will host the sessions via Zoom at the dates, times and Zoom links below. For additional information on all available options to participate in the upcoming Zoom webinar Listening Sessions, Click HERE.

View City Manager’s Press Release here

Saturday, March 6: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://lagunabeachcity.zoom.us/j/97545461467

Or join by Telephone:

Dial (US): +1 669 900 9128
Webinar ID: 975 4546 1467

Thursday, March 11: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://lagunabeachcity.zoom.us/j/94968456127

Or join by Telephone:

Dial (US): +1 669 900 9128
Webinar ID: 949 6845 6127

Tuesday, March 16: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://lagunabeachcity.zoom.us/j/95174625549

Or join by Telephone:

Dial (US): +1 669 900 9128
Webinar ID: 951 7462 5549

Online Public Survey Available

Additionally, an online public survey regarding the City Manager recruitment is now available at the following link: http://bit.ly/LagunaBeachCMSurvey2021

A report containing all the comments and feedback received will be compiled by the recruiter and provided to the Laguna Beach City Council. The City Council has sole responsibility of appointing a City Manager, and anticipates to select a candidate for City Manager in May. The City Manager serves as the chief executive for the City of Laguna Beach.

Measure P Rejected By Voters, What’s Next?

Courtesy of Stu News
Story by Barbara Diamond

Actual article in the Stu News found here

Measure P was “shellacked,” as former President Obama described Democratic losses in the 2014 midterm election.

The hotly debated measure, if passed, would have increased the Laguna Beach sales tax from 7.75 to 8.75 percent to fund undergrounding utilities on key evacuation routes and related fire safety projects. The loss was a bitter pill for Councilman Bob Whalen, who wholeheartedly supported the measure and took the blame at Tuesday’s Council meeting for its defeat.

“With the election over, it’s appropriate for me to make some comments on Measure P,” said Whalen. “What we presented to the voters as a fire safety measure clearly did not resonate with them.

“As the primary person behind Measure P, I have to, and do, take responsibility for the outcome. We must respect the will of the voters and their message was clear on this measure.”

However, Whalen opined that the defeat leaves Laguna with a major problem: vulnerability to fire in general and specifically from by fires caused by overhead utilities.

“I find a bitter irony in the fact that two days after our voters rejected Measure P, the most destructive fire in California history, apparently caused once again by overhead utility lines, wiped out an entire town, destroying over 7,000 homes and businesses and to date (November 13) claiming 42 lives.”

The total number of lives lost is now 56 (with almost 300 still missing) as of Thursday.

Edison also has reported an incident with one of its lines just minutes before the Woolsey fire ignited, Whalen said.

Councilman Bob Whalen is committed to developing a robust fire safety plan for Laguna despite Measure P being voted down

“This follows on the heels of Southern California Edison admitting a couple of weeks ago that its equipment was responsible for the start of the 2017 Thompson Fire in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, still the second largest fire in state history,” said Whalen.

Whalen said he is committed to developing a robust fire safety plan for Laguna that can be implemented in the near term to expedite utility undergrounding and other fire safety measures.

“We, as a community, must develop a sense of urgency around fire safety,” said Whalen. “To be complacent at this time is to ignore the reality that confronts us.

“Governor Brown, in addressing the Paradise disaster, said the risk of fire in our state has grown exponentially and will require major adaptations costing in the millions to keep communities fire safe.”

Whalen will be proposing steps he believes the City must take to elevate fire safety to the highest priority in policy discussions and financial planning, including reprioritizing some existing revenues and expenditures and looking for ways to generate new revenues.

“I look forward to working with my fellow Council members, our City staff and the public in this effort,” Whalen said.

He also expressed his gratitude to the City staff for their work in preparing Measure P for the ballot and the Council for agreeing to put it on the ballot.

Jennifer Zeiter, founder of Stop Taxing Our Property, which opposed Measure P, recommends that the City go back to the table with Edison and ask what the City can do to extend the undergrounding already planned by Caltrans for Laguna Canyon.

“The Council subcommittee of Whalen and [Rob] Zur Schmiede got impatient with the slow progress of discussions with SCE and sponsored that damn ordinance that any new construction or repairs had to be undergrounded,” said Zeiter. “The City got sued and we lost.”

Zeiter does support the City’s policy of buying Rule 20 credits, which cities that do not feel or have the need for underground, are willing to sell to Laguna Beach at half price.

“We are proud of defeating Measure P, not because we oppose undergrounding, but because it was a badly flawed tax measure,” said Zeiter, who twice debated Whalen during the campaign, once at a forum and once at a Laguna Canyon Conservancy dinner meeting.

“And they outspent us seven to one.”

Laguna Beach City Manager Recruitment 2021

This year, the City of Laguna Beach will hire a new city manager to replace City Manager John Pietig slated to retire in June of 2021. Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal city with a great reputation and is considered to be a highly sought after place of employment. The City should be able to attract the highest qualified candidates.

The City Council chooses the city manager. After receiving public input regarding the qualities desired for this critical position and considering new management, they agreed to hold an open executive search. The issue became somewhat controversial among city leaders and constituents. This was resolved on Saturday, January 30, 2020 when the City Council voted 4-1 to hire Bob Murray & Associates to conduct an executive search and include constituents input in the process.

Interesting to note that City Councilman Peter Blake publicly opposed the public’s request to do an outside search, voted no on the open recruitment, and stated he wanted to hire internally and had selected Assistant City Manager, Shoreh Dupuis. In interviews, CC Blake expressed his bias and favoritism of Ms. Dupuis. In fact, in a STUNEWS story, he stated that he felt that if she didn’t get the job, she would leave our city. He used this same threatening approach in 2019 to secure ACM Dupuis a $25,000 salary increase for “future” work. Residents objecting to the salary increase requested proof that a position had been offered to Ms. Dupuis at the time but none was ever provided. It was disappointing to hear since Ms. Dupuis is paid a top salary and benefit package and taxpayers subsidized her Laguna Beach Beach $1.6 M home when she was hired in 2016 with primarily government public works and some transit related experience. In various polls on social media, residents support open recruitment for the replacement of the top-notch city manager rather than promoting from within.

Local Media Coverage:

Laguna Beach City Council under pressure to open recruitment for next city manager – LB Indy

Laguna Beach City Manager John Pietig Announces Retirement – LB Indy

Letters To The Editor: City Manager Recruitment – Stu News

Find more letters in Stu News Archives here

Letter: Why Are City Employees Leaving Laguna Beach? LB Indy

Letter: Is Our City Tuned into its Employees? LB Indy

Opportunity for Public Input on city manager position press release – LB Patch.com

City Welcomes New Police Chief

A message from the new LBPD Chief Robert Thompson:

On behalf of my family and myself, I want to thank the people of Laguna Beach for
a warm welcome. As a frequent visitor to the city, we have been amazed at the
kindness of the people we’ve met, the spectacular beach and dining. It was this
experience as visitors which led us to embracing the exciting opportunity to join the
team as a member of the police department. Laguna Beach is a special place, a
place people choose to be, and one we are humbled to be a small part of.

I remain committed to helping provide accurate and timely information, being
accessible to the community, and listening and learning as policing in America
evolves in this new era. The men and women of the Laguna Beach Police
Department and dedicated and committed to the safety and welfare of all residents
and guests. With the support of the community, I am confident we are wellpositioned
to continue to provide the service the people of Laguna Beach deserve
and expect.

Thank you all for the kindness you’ve shown my family as we settle in Orange
County, and I look forward to serving this outstanding community.

Looking for the latest data on Crime and Safety in Laguna Beach – Click Here

To Learn more on the city’s new Police Chief’s background view the article in Public CEO here.