Laguna Beach Firefighters Honor Those Killed in Arizona

Laguna Beach City Manager John Pietig's weekly update:

Honoring the Arizona Wildland Firefighters - Laguna Beach Firefighters have been wearing mourning bands as a sign of respect for the 19 Wildland Firefighters that were killed in the line of duty on Sunday, June 30.  In addition, Laguna Beach Firefighter/Paramedic David Lopez, who plays the bagpipe, performed at the Memorial Service on Tuesday in Prescott, AZ, with other firefighters from Orange County.  David is part of the volunteer Orange County Fire Pipes and Drums band that performs at events throughout the nation.

Free Trolley Parking In North Laguna - Coming into town from the north but worried about finding a parking space?  Park for free at the Boat Canyon (“Pavilions”) parking lot and take the trolley!  Approximately 50 free parking spaces in the rear of the parking lot (600 North Coast Highway) are available daily from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.   The parking lot is staffed during operating hours by a City attendant.  Temporary signage along southbound Coast Highway directs drivers to the free parking area.  If you have any questions, please contact the Community Services Department at (949) 497-0303.

Residential Shopper Permits Reminder - The City’s residential Shopper’s permits are not valid at the on-street parking meters located on Laguna Canyon Road north of Forest Avenue, nor at the parking meters located on the Frontage Road, during the summer festival season.  They are also not valid in the Lumberyard or Forest/Laguna Canyon city parking lots anytime of the year.  They are valid in the ACT V city parking lot during the summer festival season, and at the parking meters adjacent to the dog park anytime of the year. If a vehicle is parked at an on-street parking meter on Laguna Canyon Road north of Forest Avenue, or on the Frontage Road, during the summer festival season, the driver must pay the parking meter even if the vehicle has a shoppers permit (except for the meters adjacent to the dog park).  To help minimize the number of parking citations issued for this violation, please be aware of this policy and help inform other residents that live in town.

Arts Commission - On May 21, 2013 the City Council increased the Arts Commission from seven to nine members and directed the Commission to select one member for a one year term. At its meeting on Monday, Arts Commissioner Suzi Chauvel volunteered to fulfill a one year term.

Marine Safety Department - Beginning July 15, Jeremy Frimond will replacing Calla Allison as the City’s Marine Protection Officer.  Jeremy’s knowledge of Laguna’s coastline and extensive experience working with communities in South Africa in the field of marine and environment protection made him stand out in a very competitive recruitment. Close to 100 applications were received for this position. Jeremy most recently managed a great white shark research and conservation program. Jeremy has been a part-time City ocean lifeguard from 2005 to 2012 and is a graduate of the University of California Santa Barbara where he received a Bachelor of Science in Zoology.

Mutual Aid Response to San Diego County - Four Laguna Beach Firefighters responded as part of a strike team into San Diego County on Monday to assist in what is known as the “Chariot Fire.”  The cause of the fire is under investigation, but serves as a reminder to Laguna Beach residents to update their disaster kits and to have a plan in place if called to evacuate.

Planning Commission - This week the Planning Commission appointed Rob Zur Schmiede as Chairperson and Ann Johnson as Chair Pro Tem.