Laguna Beach Local News
By Trudy Josephson
February is Black History Month and many communities around our nation embrace it in different ways. Laguna Beach has but a few African American residents and I am learning of some very unfortunate and inhospitable treatment that has recently happened to some of our Black neighbors. I find this tragic and I truly hope that we all will embrace our cultural and racial diversity. Laguna has always been, in my memory, a very tolerant community.
We are in the beginnings of starting a citizen’s committee to promote cultural and racial diversity and acceptance. What follows is a true story from newly 70 years ago:
Laguna Beach Local News
A spill response crew works to stop a sewage geyser near Aliso Creek in November 2019. Courtesy of city of Laguna Beach
The Laguna Beach City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the first steps to mitigate damage and assuage a $1.5 million state fine resulting from a 1.7 million gallon sewage spill in November 2019.
During the virtual workshop, City Manager John Pietig pointed out a warning prominently posted in bold print at the bottom of a presentation slide discussing the details of revamping the city’s faulty 4.5-mile sewer pipeline that runs mainly along Coast Highway. The message read: “most disruptive construction in city history.”
Laguna Beach Local News
Despite the obstacles of 2020, The City of Laguna Beach got a lot done. The largest obstacle, COVID-19, took up most of the city’s energy as it responded quickly and effectively with closures, economic recovery plans, public safety modifications, as well as community development and capital improvements.
COVID-19 actions included an executive order issued in March and several emergency orders issued regarding face coverings, swift closure and reopening of beaches, playgrounds, parks, trailheads, public gathering places, City Hall, and the suspension of trolley service and recreational programs.
To help get information to residents, a Community Newsletter was established to provide daily COVID-19 updates and information via text and email. This was later converted to a weekly newsletter.