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.”
The Laguna Beach City Council voted to continue the Promenade on Forest as it exists through January 2024 on Tuesday night. Citywide temporary use permits for outdoor dining and retail displays have also been extended through the end of this year.
Laguna Beach Local News
Signs outside Laguna Beach City Hall direct visitors to check-in at the Council Chambers amid a COVID-19 case surge. Photo by Daniel Langhorne
The Laguna Beach City Council approved a $1.1 million relief package on Tuesday for small businesses and nonprofits to help alleviate the financial hardship created by the regional stay-at-home order.
Starting Dec. 23, Laguna Beach restaurant and bar operators can apply for a single $5,000 grant per establishment. Similarly, personal care businesses like hair salons and gyms, which have endured a hard shutdown, could each apply for a $3,000 grant. Retailers that have seen the occupancy limited to 20% of maximum capacity can apply for $2,000 grants.
Former Laguna Beach City Clerk Lisette Chel-Walker outside Laguna Beach City Hall before her final council meeting on Dec. 9. Photo by Daniel Langhorne
City Clerk Lisette Chel-Walker, the most senior employee at Laguna Beach City Hall, retired Tuesday after 37 years of service.
Councilmembers, city staffers, and residents unanimously shared their love and appreciation for Chel-Walker during her final City Council meeting. In her role as the clerk, she hasn’t missed a single council meeting over the last eight years.
The Independent asked Chel-Walker if she had any advice for fellow city employees who interact with a demanding constituency.
âYou make them feel like theyâre being listened to,â she said. âPeople will get upset if they donât get a call back. People just want to be listened to and feel special.â