See Alex Rounaghi November 2026 Official Ballot Statement here
Form 460 Campaign Funding Disclosure Statements:
Form 460 – Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025
Form 460 – July 1 – Sept. 21, 2024
Media and other Candidate information:
Past Campaign Information
Form 460 Campaign Funding Disclosure Statements:
City Council Candidates:
1) Alex Rounaghi – EMAIL XXX – Campaign Website XXX. Turned in nomination papers: XXX (Candidate Statement & Signatures verified by the ROV)
Check out Candidate Community Related Articles and Opinions: Alex Rounaghi
5) Bob Whalen – bwhalen@lagunabeachcity.net – http://www.bobwhalenforlbcouncil.com. Turned in nomination papers: AUGUST 6, 2020 (Candidate Statement & Signatures verified by the ROV)
Check out Candidate Community Related Articles and Opinions: Bob Whalen
City Clerk Candidates:
1) Ann Marie McKay – http://mckay4cityclerk.com. Turned in nomination papers: July 30, 2020 (Candidate Statement & Signatures verified by the ROV)
Check out Candidate Community Related Articles and Opinions: Ann Marie McKay
2) Mariann Tracy – https://marianntracy.com. Turned in nomination papers: AUGUST 5, 2020 (Candidate Statement & Signatures verified by the ROV)
Check out Candidate Community Related Articles and Opinions: Mariann Tracy
Media and General Public Candidate Related Articles and Opinions for the November 3, 2020 Election Below: As Available…
Letter to the Editor – LTE-Dicterow
Letter to the Editor – LTE-Weiss-Flores
Citywide PAC Campaign Contributions Spending 2020 Election:
Laguna Residents First – 460 Jan 1 – June 30 2020 – redacted – Click here
Liberate Laguna – 460 Jan 1 – June 30, 2020 – Click here
Village Laguna (PAC):
Village Laguna – 460 Jan 1 – June 30, 2020 redacted – Click here
Village Laguna PAC Form 496 Oct. 2 2020 (Flores) – Click here
Village Laguna PAC 496 Oct. 2 2020 (Weiss) – Click here
Laguna Beach Police Employee Association (PAC):
Laguna Beach Police Employee – 460 Jan 1 – June 30, 2020 – Click here
LB Police Assoc. From 496 Oct.5, 2020 (Dicterrow) – Click here
LB Police Assoc. Form 496 Oct 6 (Whalen) – Click here
Laguna Beach Fire Fighters Association (PAC):
Laguna Beach Firefighters Association – 460 Jan 1 – June 30 2020 – Click here
Laguna Public Recreational Facilities Conservancy (LPRFC) (PAC):
LPRFC City Candidate Endorsement – Click here
By Miranda Ceja,
Patch Staff
With the presidential preference primary happening March 5th, most Golden State residents already have their mail-in ballots in hand.
With the presidential preference primary happening March 5th, most Golden State residents already have their mail-in ballots in hand.
LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The 2024 presidential primary election season in California is officially underway, but the real excitement in California comes in the form of down-ballot races, including the race for congressional districts across Orange County.
The election is March 5; most residents already have their mail-in ballots in hand.
With presidential frontrunners former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden expected to win their nominations handily, all eyes in California are on the hotly contested primary race for the seat vacated by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein as well as a slew of local races.
Locally, Orange County voters will decide who they want to represent them in the state assembly and their respective congressional districts.
Here’s a run-down on the races for the 2024 primary election season in Orange County.
Read the full article on The Patch website – Here
1) Judie Mancuso – Campaign Website.
Check out Candidate Community Related Articles and Opinions: Judie Mancuso
2) Hallie Jones – Campaign Website coming soon.
Check out Candidate Community Related Articles and Opinions: Hallie Jones
City Clerk Ann-Marie McKay Campaign Candidate Intension 501 statements
Treasurer Laura Parisi Campaign Candidate Intension 501 statements
Media and General Public Candidate Related Articles and Opinions for the November 5, 2024 Election Below: As Available…
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)
Laguna Beach Police Employee Association Political Action Committee Form 410
Laguna Beach Police Employee Association Political Action Committee Form 410 (Amended)
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
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
State of California: https://www.sos.
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,” 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
State of California: https://www.sos.
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
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.
Meet Sam Goldstein, Co-founder of Liberate Laguna, Laguna Beach owner of Mozambique Restaurant and concert venue, owner of the Heisler Building housing his other restaurant and concert venue, Skyloft, and co-founder of Laguna Beach Live!.
Goldstein Samuel – 497 Aug 11 2020 – redacted – Click here
Goldstein Samuel – 497 Aug 31 2020 – redacted – Click here
Goldstein Samuel – 497 Sept 17 2020 – redacted – Click here
Goldstein Samuel – 497 Sept 18 2020 – redacted – Click here
Goldstein Samuel – 497 Sept 23 2020 – Click here
View the Laguna Beach Police Report for MariAnn Tracy here
Candidate Website here
Form 460 Campaign Funding Disclosure Statements:
Tracy Mariann – 460 April 29 – July 23, 2020 redacted
View the Laguna Beach Police Report for Larry Nokes here
Candidate Website here
Form 460 Campaign Funding Disclosure Statements:
Larry Nokes – 410 statement – April 27, 2020
Nokes Larry – 460 June 25 – Sept 15 2020 redacted
Media and other Candidate information:
View the Laguna Beach Police Report for Ruben Flores here
Candidate Website here
Form 460 Campaign Funding Disclosure Statements:
Flores Ruben – 460 Jan 1 – Sept 1 2020 redacted
Media and other Candidate information:
View the Laguna Beach Police Report for Steve Dicterow here
Form 460 Campaign Funding Disclosure Statements:
Dicterow Steve – 460 July 1 – Sept 19 2020 redacted
Media and other Candidate information:
Letters To The Editor – Steve Dicterow – Click here
Dicterow Taps His Home For Cash – read here
Mayor Dicterow’s Bankruptcy – read here
Resident Files Two Sworn Complaints With Fppc* See April 24, 2017 Update! – read here
Favoritism At City Hall For Hedge and View Claims – read here
Citywide PAC Campaign Contributions Spending 2020 Election:
Laguna Residents First – 460 Jan 1 – June 30 2020 – redacted – Click here
Laguna Residents First – 460 July 1 – Sept 19 2020 – redacted – Click here
Liberate Laguna – 460 Jan 1 – June 30, 2020 – Click here
Liberate Laguna PAC 460 Form (July 1 – Sept 19 2020) – Click here
Liberate Laguna – 496 Sept 8 2020 – redacted – Click here
Liberate Laguna – 496 Sept 11 2020 – redacted – Click here
Liberate Laguna – 496 Sept 14 2020 (Tracy Flyer) – Click here
Liberate Laguna – 496 Sept 14 2020 (Whalen Flyer) – Click here
Liberate Laguna PAC 496 Sept 14 2020 (Nokes) – Click here
Liberate Laguna – 496 Sept 23 2020 (Nokes) redacted – Click here
Liberate Laguna – 496 Sept 23 2020 redacted – Click here
Liberate Laguna – 496 Oct 1 2020 redacted – Click here
Liberate Laguna PAC Form 496 Oct 5 (Dicterow) – Click here
Liberate Laguna PAC Form 496 Oct. 5, 2020 (Nokes) – Click here
Village Laguna (PAC):
Village Laguna – 460 Jan 1 – June 30, 2020 redacted – Click here
VL 460 Form (Jul-Sept 2020) – Click here
Village LagunaPAC Form 496 Sept 30 2020 (Weiss) mailing – Click here
Village Laguna PAC Form 496 Sept 30 2020 (Weiss) – Click here
Village Laguna PAC Form 496 Sept 30 2020 (Nokes) – Click here
Village Laguna PAC Form 496 Sept 30 2020 (Flores) – Click here
Village Laguna PAC Form 496 Sept 30 2020 (Flores) – Click here
Village Laguna PAC Form 496 Sept 28 2020 (Weiss) – Click here
Village Laguna PAC Form 496 Sept 28 2020 (Flores) – Click here
Village Laguna PAC Form 496 Oct. 2 2020 (Flores) – Click here
Village Laguna PAC 496 Oct. 2 2020 (Weiss) – Click here
Village Laguna PAC Form 496 Oct. 5 2020 (Flores) – Click here
Village Laguna PAC Form 496 Oct 5 2020 (Weiss) – Click here
Village Laguna PAC Form 497 Oct 5 2020 – Click here
Village Laguna PAC Form 496 Oct. 7 2020 (Weiss) mailer amendment – Click here
Village Laguna PAC Form 496 Oct. 7 2020 (Flores) mailer amendment – Click here
Village Laguna Form 496 Oct. 9, 2020 (Flores) -Click here
Village Laguna Form 496 Oct. 9, 2020 (Weiss) – Click here
Laguna Beach Police Employee Association (PAC):
Laguna Beach Police Employee – 460 Jan 1 – June 30, 2020 – Click here
LB Police Assoc. From 496 Oct.5, 2020 (Dicterrow) – Click here
LB Police Assoc. Form 496 Oct 6 (Whalen) – Click here
Laguna Beach Fire Fighters Association (PAC):
Laguna Beach Firefighters Association – 460 Jan 1 – June 30 2020 – Click here
Laguna Public Recreational Facilities Conservancy (LPRFC) (PAC):
LPRFC City Candidate Endorsement – Click here
1) Steve Dicterow – sdicterow1121@yahoo.com – No Campaign Website. Turned in nomination papers: AUGUST 7, 2020 (Candidate Statement & Signatures verified by the ROV)
Check out Candidate Community Related Articles and Opinions: Steve Dicterow
2) Ruben Flores – https://rubenflorescitycouncil.com. Turned in nomination papers: AUGUST 7, 2020 (Candidate Statement & Signatures verified by the ROV)
Check out Candidate Community Related Articles and Opinions: Ruben Flores
3) Larry Nokes – https://larrynokesforcouncil.com. Turned in nomination papers: AUGUST 4, 2020 (Candidate Statement & Signatures verified by the ROV)
Check out Candidate Community Related Articles and Opinions: Larry Nokes
4) George Weiss – https://www.georgeweiss4citycouncil.org. Turned in nomination papers: AUGUST 2020 (Candidate Statement & Signatures verified by the ROV)
Check out Candidate Community Related Articles and Opinions: George Weiss
5) Bob Whalen – bwhalen@lagunabeachcity.net – http://www.bobwhalenforlbcouncil.com. Turned in nomination papers: AUGUST 6, 2020 (Candidate Statement & Signatures verified by the ROV)
Check out Candidate Community Related Articles and Opinions: Bob Whalen
City Clerk Candidates:
1) Ann Marie McKay – http://mckay4cityclerk.com. Turned in nomination papers: July 30, 2020 (Candidate Statement & Signatures verified by the ROV)
Check out Candidate Community Related Articles and Opinions: Ann Marie McKay
2) Mariann Tracy – https://marianntracy.com. Turned in nomination papers: AUGUST 5, 2020 (Candidate Statement & Signatures verified by the ROV)
Check out Candidate Community Related Articles and Opinions: Mariann Tracy
Media and General Public Candidate Related Articles and Opinions for the November 3, 2020 Election Below: As Available…
Letter to the Editor – LTE-Dicterow
Letter to the Editor – LTE-Weiss-Flores
I’ve been attending City Council meetings regularly for several years. I like civic engagement and hope that my singular focus on spending-issues has made positive contributions to our collective wallet. In the past, no matter the issue, no matter how contentious, there was always a level of decorum and civility that was impressive. I had the sense that everyone would have their say without fear of derision, ridicule or bullying. All of that changed on December 4, 2018 with the swearing-in of Peter Blake.
Now, council meetings are raucous and uncivil. Speakers have to expect disrespect from the dais if they dare comment on one of Mr. Blake’s many hot-button issues. If you are a member of Village Laguna, you have come to expect bullying, and diminishment as a member of a non-representative, stuck-in-the-past, overly powerful & busybody organization that is holding Laguna Beach back. I honestly admire the many VL folks (typically mature people) who never-the-less are compelled to speak their truth to power in the face of such behavior.
For all of the potential positive contributions that Mr. Blake could offer the city, I feel he limits his effectiveness because of his disrespectful and bullying nature. Unfortunately, I think he sees this as part of his appeal…his “brand” if you will.
I’ll probably be on the receiving end of Mr. Blake’s wrath for posting this. I’ve been on the receiving-end before, so it won’t come as a surprise. {Update: 31Aug19 – wrath received! :)}
(For those who want to verify that I have not in any way manipulated the video, the 1st clip is taken from the City Council meeting on 9July2019. The comments occurred at around 4:37 (4hours and 37 minutes). Item 18 was added to the agenda by Mr. Blake, and dealt with the possible “abandonment” of the walkways in Temple Hills. According to my records, 31 people spoke on the issue. 14: pro-abandonment, 15: anti-abandonment and 1 inconclusive. If you have the patience to listen to the City presentation on the topic, and all 31 speakers, you’ll witness other disrespectful behavior from Mr. Blake. The second clip is from Council meeting on 6Aug19, concerning item #13, changes to the DRB process. The last clip shows Blake cheer leading for an exceptional “retention raise” for our 3-yr Assist City Mgr, of $25,000/yr. My estimates of her total remuneration with this increase is $330,000/yr).
9July19 Council meeting – Constituents are Liars – https://youtu.be/VMe3g0sn7jI
6Aug19 Council meeting – denigrating VL – https://youtu.be/17aa_E-PuA8
23July19 Council meeting – “agent of change” – https://youtu.be/qllgdrYMemc