Celebrate Fourth Of July Responsibly In Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Heavy crowds are expected over the Fourth of July holiday long weekend. The City of Laguna Beach requests the public’s cooperation to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for residents and visitors.

The City fireworks show will originate from Monument Point at Heisler Park, causing the Monument Point area to be closed all day on Thursday, July 4th, according to the Laguna Beach city manager's office.

Additionally, at approximately 5 p.m., the area of Heisler Park from Myrtle Street to the Rockpile Beach stairs at Jasmine Street will be closed to the public to allow for fireworks preparation. The City fireworks show will begin at approximately 9 p.m.

City trolleys will operate under a modified schedule, the Coastal Route will run from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Canyon Route from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

No neighborhood services. The normal trolley schedule will resume on Friday, July 5th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The City encourages visitors to utilize the exterior parking lots (Lot 15 (Mission Hospital), 16 (Act-V), and 17 (LCAD)) and take the trolley into town.

Public safety officer Jordan Villwock shared the rules and regulations of enjoying your Fourth of July holiday.

"All are expected to observe all City park and beach ordinances," he said. These include:

• No alcohol on the beaches.
• No smoking in public places.
• No drone use over City beaches, Heisler Park, Main Beach Park, Treasure Island Park, or Crescent
• Bay Park without a valid Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA.
• No tents, canopies, or portable barbeques are allowed in City beaches or parks.
• No fireworks of any kind are allowed in Laguna Beach.
• No dogs are allowed on City beaches from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer season,which extends from June 15 through September 10.
• All OC Park trails will be closed at sunset.
• The Laguna Beach Police, Fire, and Marine Safety Departments will be strictly enforcing all of the ordinances.

After the fireworks...

Drivers can expect heavy traffic as many visitors will be leaving the city via Laguna Canyon Road and Coast Highway, Villwock said.

"Members of the Police Department will be conducting increased traffic control to facilitate the flow of vehicles out of town," he told Patch.

As part of this effort, the center lane of Laguna Canyon Road, between Canyon Acres and El Toro Road, will be reversed to add an additional northbound traffic lane.

Remember to connect with the City of Laguna Beach on Nixle for traffic and emergency updates by texting our zip code (92651) to 888-777 as well as following the Laguna Beach Police Department on Twitter.

The cooperation of all residents and visitors is greatly appreciated, Villwock said. The City of Laguna Beach wants to wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day.