San Clemente
GOVERNMENT
Two Separate Orange County Apartment Sales Total $21MM
Two separate transactions in Laguna Beach and Newport Beach totaling over $21 million have set a new benchmark for apartment prices in Orange County. The sales — which closed in June 2024, according to the Orange County Business Journal — demonstrate the robust demand and premium pricing for coastal properties in the region.
Commission approves plans for Japanese shiatsu massage salon
This week, the Laguna Beach Planning Commission unanimously approved plans for an authentic Japanese shiatsu massage salon. Commissioners voted 4-0 (Susan McLintock Whitin was absent) on Wednesday (July 17) in favor of a conditional use permit for the establishment at 168 Mountain Road. The business will specialize in shiatsu, a form of Japanese bodywork that uses the hands, fingers, palms and feet to apply direct pressure on various points of the body.
Remembering Elisabeth Brown, a visionary in Orange County land conservation
Elisabeth ‘Liz’ Brown, biologist and inspirational Orange County advocate for open space and wildlife habitat protection, died peacefully on July 6 at the age of 81. A beloved figure in the Southern California environmental community, she served as president of Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. from 1985 to 2019. During that time, she played invaluable roles in collaborative efforts and legal battles protecting wilderness around Laguna Beach, establishing organizations to manage those lands, and creating programs for public access.
Letter: Support our City Treasurer
Calling all residents. In a little over a year, the City Council is set to significantly degrade the opportunity for the residents to attract a top-quality treasurer to look out for their interests. Over the past year, the City Council has been working on a plan to downgrade the City’s Treasurer position. All without asking your opinion.
Committee reviews draft Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
The Environmental Sustainability Committee reviewed more than a dozen strategies identified in the draft Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and provided feedback to city staff this week. ESC members discussed the draft CAAP document on Monday (July 15) and examined the strategies aimed at reducing the city’s greenhouse gas emissions...
Local Government Public Servant and Leader Bob Hall Passes
Bob Hall, 64, a beloved husband, father and California City leader sadly left our world on July 12, 2024, after his short battle with cancer. Bob was known for his collaborative leadership style over the past twenty years for the cities of Huntington Beach (Assistant City Manager 2005-2013), Fountain Valley (City Manager 2013-2017), Stanton (2018) and Laguna Niguel (2019). Bob quarterbacked Fountain Valley’s Fiscal Sustainability Plan (Measure HH), which will provide the necessary funds to cover the long-term financial needs in Fountain Valley through 2037. Bob prioritized being “business friendly” and providing unparalleled levels of customer service in every city he served.
Letter: Thank you, Ketta Brown
Regarding the proposed plan for affordable housing on the Neighborhood Church property I want to thank Ketta Brown for her column (Be careful what you wish for) urging us all consider that the plan has yet to be formally submitted and that the city is required to build 394 low and moderate-income living units within the next five years.
Cultural Arts: Music in the Park is in full swing, next concert July 21
–Saturday, July 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m. – Jodi Siegel. Every Sunday through Aug. 18, 5-7 p.m. Bluebird Park, 772 Cress St. Music in the Park is a free public concert series held Sunday evenings in July and August, at Bluebird Park. Concerts start at 5 p.m. Set-up is not permitted before 3 p.m. No dogs are allowed at Bluebird Park (LBMC 6.16.020). No smoking (LBMC 7.40.030). No display or sale of merchandise (LBMC 18.04.015). Low-seating beach chairs are encouraged. Alcohol is permitted for guests 21 or older, but must be accompanied by a full meal. Solicitation of any kind is not permitted at city events.
Join Laguna Beach’s First Responders for National Night Out on August 6
On Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 5-8 p.m. at Main Beach, Laguna’s First Responders will gather for National Night Out. Attendees can meet the First Responder teams and learn about what they do. Click on photo for a larger image. Courtesy of LBPD. They will have demonstrations with drones, fire...
Town Crier: Week of July 19
Laguna Bluebelt Photo Exhibition Opening Reception . Laguna College of Art + Design’s Gallery is presenting original photography from the Laguna Bluebelt’s 13th annual photo contest winners, celebrating Laguna’s Marine Protected Areas and their diversity. This exhibition is comprised of professional and amateur photos that capture the natural beauty of the Laguna Bluebelt’s beaches, marine life, and recreation from above and below while bringing attention to the importance of conserving and protecting this invaluable resource.
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