https://lagunabeachtribune.com/ Laguna Beach, covered daily. en-us Sat, 10 Oct 2026 06:36:08 -0700 https://lagunabeachtribune.com/coast/lb-rachel-friday-escalation-aliso-lot/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/coast/lb-rachel-friday-escalation-aliso-lot/ Sat, 10 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 Friday brought a towering backwash wall, a closed parking lot at Aliso Beach and traffic shutdowns near downtown, and forecasters say Sunday could be worse. Elias Thornton Coast https://lagunabeachtribune.com/city-hall/lb-ceqa-court-voids-historic-amendment/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/city-hall/lb-ceqa-court-voids-historic-amendment/ Sat, 10 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The Fourth District ruled the city cannot strip presumptive historic status from more than 700 pre-1940 structures with a blanket finding that its 1981 inventory is outdated. Miles Donovan City Hall https://lagunabeachtribune.com/news/lb-rachel-swell-downtown-flooding/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/news/lb-rachel-swell-downtown-flooding/ Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 High tides, hurricane swell and an El Nino-raised ocean combined to push water into downtown streets, with the National Weather Service warning of more coastal flooding through the weekend. Elias Thornton News https://lagunabeachtribune.com/news/lb-lbusd-conscious-coop-organic/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/news/lb-lbusd-conscious-coop-organic/ Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The district is one of 17 founding members of Conscious Kitchen’s Conscious Co-op, which pools school buying power to put more organic food on cafeteria trays. Grace Adler News https://lagunabeachtribune.com/news/lb-forest-glenneyre-night-closures/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/news/lb-forest-glenneyre-night-closures/ Thu, 08 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The city is closing Forest Avenue and Glenneyre Street nightly from 9:30 p.m. to 9 a.m. for crosswalk work at the intersection, with a concrete pour Wednesday night that may run into the morning and all work planned to wrap by Friday. Caleb Whitfield News https://lagunabeachtribune.com/news/lb-stand-tall-with-eli-fundraiser/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/news/lb-stand-tall-with-eli-fundraiser/ Wed, 07 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The Laguna Beach Surf Club's Saturday-night benefit and auction supported local surfer Eli Viszolay, who is undergoing high-dose chemotherapy for a stage 3 germ-cell tumor. Dean Calloway News https://lagunabeachtribune.com/news/lb-heat-warning-fourth-day/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/news/lb-heat-warning-fourth-day/ Mon, 05 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The National Weather Service kept the Extreme Heat Warning for the Orange County coast in place through Thursday night; gradual cooling is expected to begin Friday. Elias Thornton News https://lagunabeachtribune.com/news/lb-crescent-bay-proposal-confrontation/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/news/lb-crescent-bay-proposal-confrontation/ Mon, 05 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 A video of a woman demanding a proposal crew tear down its setup at the bluff-top park drew millions of views and accusations of racism; it also revived a local debate over commercial photo shoots in public parks. Casey Brandt News https://lagunabeachtribune.com/arts-culture/lb-plein-air-invitational-quick-draw/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/arts-culture/lb-plein-air-invitational-quick-draw/ Sun, 04 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 Nine days of open-air painting began Saturday across the cliffs, canyons and coves. The association reshaped this year's celebration after a companion concert series moved to 2027. Wren Sullivan Arts & Culture https://lagunabeachtribune.com/news/lb-extreme-heat-warning-orange-coast/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/news/lb-extreme-heat-warning-orange-coast/ Sun, 04 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The National Weather Service expects 90-degree afternoons at the beaches and very warm nights, with heat illness risk climbing through the work week. Elias Thornton News https://lagunabeachtribune.com/city-hall/lb-conservancy-candidate-forum-recording/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/city-hall/lb-conservancy-candidate-forum-recording/ Sat, 03 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The Laguna Canyon Conservancy put all nine City Council hopefuls on the record on conservation, wildfire, and funding Sept. 28; the full recording went public Oct. 1. Caleb Whitfield City Hall https://lagunabeachtribune.com/city-hall/lb-cando-candidate-forum-transcript/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/city-hall/lb-cando-candidate-forum-transcript/ Sat, 03 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 All nine City Council candidates answered seven rounds of canyon questions at the Sept. 10 forum; a searchable transcript with 408 timestamped passages is now online. Caleb Whitfield City Hall https://lagunabeachtribune.com/environment/lb-wildfire-protection-plan-2026/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/environment/lb-wildfire-protection-plan-2026/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 With 87 percent of city land in a very high fire hazard zone, the city's new Community Wildfire Protection Plan pairs brush-clearance inspections, goat-grazed fuel breaks, and the state's coming Zone 0 rules. Elias Thornton Environment https://lagunabeachtribune.com/arts-culture/lb-tipping-point-de-la-torre/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/arts-culture/lb-tipping-point-de-la-torre/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The de la Torre brothers' "The Tipping Point" fills Laguna Art Museum with a 304-inch banquet table, golden pigs and political maximalism through Jan. 24, 2027. Wren Sullivan Arts & Culture https://lagunabeachtribune.com/coast/lb-tide-pool-rules-winter/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/coast/lb-tide-pool-rules-winter/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 As the season of the year's lowest daytime tides approaches, the city's Good Tide Pooler Rules and Marine Protected Area law set a hard line: look, never collect. Elias Thornton Coast https://lagunabeachtribune.com/food-dining/lb-splashes-rebirth-surf-and-sand/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/food-dining/lb-splashes-rebirth-surf-and-sand/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 Executive chef Peter Lai takes over the kitchen at Laguna Beach's signature oceanfront restaurant as the resort's property-wide renovation refreshes the dining room. Felix Duarte Food & Dining https://lagunabeachtribune.com/food-dining/lb-smalls-smash-club-dizzs-replacement/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/food-dining/lb-smalls-smash-club-dizzs-replacement/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 A burger joint founded by a former pro snowboarder replaces a 40-year Pitz family institution, keeping the ocean-view bar and liquor license intact. Felix Duarte Food & Dining https://lagunabeachtribune.com/news/lb-school-board-ratifies-csea-contract/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/news/lb-school-board-ratifies-csea-contract/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The 5-0 vote on the CSEA deal ties part of the raise to property-tax receipts and extends the same terms to unrepresented employees. Casey Brandt News https://lagunabeachtribune.com/events/lb-sawdust-winter-fantasy-2026/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/events/lb-sawdust-winter-fantasy-2026/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 Laguna Canyon becomes a handcrafted holiday village for five weekends, with more than 180 artists, live demos, Santa and the 2026 Annual Pass at $49.50. Margot Ellis Events https://lagunabeachtribune.com/community/lb-sallys-fund-grant-volunteer-engine/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/community/lb-sallys-fund-grant-volunteer-engine/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 Sally's Fund lands a Samueli Foundation Breakaway grant for senior transportation, the Assistance League closes a banner year of volunteer service, and a Laguna Beach High student launches a shoe drive. Dean Calloway Community https://lagunabeachtribune.com/public-safety/lb-police-join-oc-ebike-buyback/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/public-safety/lb-police-join-oc-ebike-buyback/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 More than 1,000 e-bikes and e-motorcycles were surrendered at Angel Stadium in the district attorney's first-of-its-kind buyback, and Laguna Beach officers were on hand for it. Harper Quinn Public Safety https://lagunabeachtribune.com/arts-culture/lb-pageant-masters-2026-greatest-of-all-time/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/arts-culture/lb-pageant-masters-2026-greatest-of-all-time/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The 2026 production turned 40 of art history’s most famous works into living pictures nightly from July 9 through Sept. 4 at the Irvine Bowl. Wren Sullivan Arts & Culture https://lagunabeachtribune.com/hospitality/lb-pacific-edge-hotel-redevelopment/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/hospitality/lb-pacific-edge-hotel-redevelopment/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The 93-year-old oceanfront property keeps 136 rooms and gains an automated parking garage as demolition work begins after a long entitlement battle. Ivy Chen Hospitality https://lagunabeachtribune.com/opinion/lb-opinion-spend-the-borrowed-time/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/opinion/lb-opinion-spend-the-borrowed-time/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The September erosion emergency bought Laguna Beach speed, tools and a shot at reimbursement. An editorial on why the city must now buy durable answers, not applause. Rhys Carmichael Opinion https://lagunabeachtribune.com/opinion/lb-opinion-parking-math/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/opinion/lb-opinion-parking-math/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The council just extended the Frogparking smart-guidance contract through next October. Six years of telling drivers where the spaces are has not created a single new one. Rhys Carmichael Opinion https://lagunabeachtribune.com/opinion/lb-opinion-embrace-zone-zero/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/opinion/lb-opinion-embrace-zone-zero/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The state is about to require hardscape in the first five feet of every canyon home. The cheapest insurance policy in this town is a wheelbarrow and a Saturday. Rhys Carmichael Opinion https://lagunabeachtribune.com/events/lb-october-festival-season-2026/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/events/lb-october-festival-season-2026/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The Coast Film and Music Festival returns Oct. 16 to 25, the Plein Air Invitational paints the town Oct. 3 to 11, and the Sunset Serenades finale closes out Friday concerts at Heisler Park. Margot Ellis Events https://lagunabeachtribune.com/events/lb-november-events-preview-2026/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/events/lb-november-events-preview-2026/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 Laguna Art Museum carries three exhibitions into November, a flag installation takes over Heisler Park, and the First Thursdays Art Walk lands on Nov. 5. Margot Ellis Events https://lagunabeachtribune.com/food-dining/lb-noble-ace-heisler-building/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/food-dining/lb-noble-ace-heisler-building/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The Old Hollywood-inspired supper club opened June 29 at 400 S. Coast Hwy with Mastro's veteran Magellan Moore in the kitchen and Elizabeth and Tom Schreiber behind it. Felix Duarte Food & Dining https://lagunabeachtribune.com/business/lb-laguna-beach-hotel-tax-shelved/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/business/lb-laguna-beach-hotel-tax-shelved/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 After months of polling and study, the city council walked away from putting a transient occupancy tax increase on the 2026 ballot and directed staff toward a one-cent sales tax for 2028 instead. Nora Fitzgerald Business https://lagunabeachtribune.com/arts-culture/lb-laguna-art-museum-radiant-terrains/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/arts-culture/lb-laguna-art-museum-radiant-terrains/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The Art + Nature season launches Sept. 19 with an exhibition tracing how California artists have worked with light from the 1960s to today, on view through Jan. 10, 2027. Wren Sullivan Arts & Culture https://lagunabeachtribune.com/hospitality/lb-hotel-laguna-sale-winning-bidder/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/hospitality/lb-hotel-laguna-sale-winning-bidder/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 A Northeast family has emerged as the winning bidder for the shuttered landmark’s leasehold, but a September trustee sale and Coastal Commission appeals still hang over the deal. Ivy Chen Hospitality https://lagunabeachtribune.com/city-hall/lb-hospital-task-force-standalone-er-bill/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/city-hall/lb-hospital-task-force-standalone-er-bill/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 With Providence stepping back from full-service care, the city task force wants state law changed so a standalone emergency department could survive on the Laguna campus. Caleb Whitfield City Hall https://lagunabeachtribune.com/real-estate/lb-emerald-bay-110-million-record/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/real-estate/lb-emerald-bay-110-million-record/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 An all-cash, off-market deal in the guard-gated Emerald Bay community set a new county residential record in June, beating the prior mark by $40 million. Silas Bennett Real Estate https://lagunabeachtribune.com/environment/lb-el-nino-winter-playbook-2026/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/environment/lb-el-nino-winter-playbook-2026/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 Beyond the council vote, the Sept. 10 proclamation gives the city fast-contracting power for shoreline protection, sand placement and debris removal ahead of a forecast very strong El Nino. Elias Thornton Environment https://lagunabeachtribune.com/business/lb-driftwood-kitchen-deck-closure/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/business/lb-driftwood-kitchen-deck-closure/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 Two of Laguna Beach’s signature oceanfront restaurants served their final meals after Labor Day, ending about a decade of service to clear the way for a long-planned resort redevelopment. Nora Fitzgerald Business https://lagunabeachtribune.com/city-hall/lb-downtown-specific-plan-phase-2-housing/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/city-hall/lb-downtown-specific-plan-phase-2-housing/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The city is studying hundreds of new homes, taller buildings and looser parking rules downtown to satisfy state housing law, and residents are pressing hard on views, evacuation and character. Miles Donovan City Hall https://lagunabeachtribune.com/public-safety/lb-crescent-bay-bodysurfer-death/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/public-safety/lb-crescent-bay-bodysurfer-death/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The 41-year-old Laguna Beach man was the third ocean fatality of the summer, and lifeguards say the coming El Nino swell will make the water even less forgiving. Harper Quinn Public Safety https://lagunabeachtribune.com/city-hall/lb-council-ratifies-coastal-erosion-emergency/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/city-hall/lb-council-ratifies-coastal-erosion-emergency/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The unanimous vote on Sept. 14 lets Laguna Beach fast-track shoreline repairs and chase reimbursement after hurricane swells stripped sand and damaged seawalls. Caleb Whitfield City Hall https://lagunabeachtribune.com/news/lb-coast-film-music-festival-october-2026/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/news/lb-coast-film-music-festival-october-2026/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The Coast Film & Music Festival returns Oct. 16-25 for its eighth year, with five big concert nights at the Irvine Bowl anchoring a townwide program. Casey Brandt News https://lagunabeachtribune.com/city-hall/lb-city-extends-smart-parking-guidance/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/city-hall/lb-city-extends-smart-parking-guidance/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The 5-0 consent-calendar vote keeps Frogparking's mobile payment and real-time parking guidance running at $7,840 a month while the city shops for a new vendor. Caleb Whitfield City Hall https://lagunabeachtribune.com/community/lb-assistance-league-laguna-beach/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/community/lb-assistance-league-laguna-beach/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The Assistance League of Laguna Beach turns donated goods into infant therapy, school essentials, food-pantry funding and senior support, all run by volunteers. Dean Calloway Community https://lagunabeachtribune.com/environment/lb-aliso-creek-estuary-eir/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/environment/lb-aliso-creek-estuary-eir/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The city filed its Notice of Preparation in January, launching formal environmental review of the Laguna Ocean Foundation plan to restore 9 acres at the creek mouth. Elias Thornton Environment https://lagunabeachtribune.com/coast/lb-agate-street-bluff-collapse/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/coast/lb-agate-street-bluff-collapse/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 A chunk of one of Laguna Beach's beloved surf lookouts crumbled into the ocean Tuesday, and the city has closed the stairway while a geologist assesses what is left. Elias Thornton Coast https://lagunabeachtribune.com/real-estate/lb-15-montage-way-29-million/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/real-estate/lb-15-montage-way-29-million/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 The 6,906-square-foot home of James Mellor, the defense contractor’s former chairman and CEO, is for sale inside the Montage Laguna Beach resort enclave. Silas Bennett Real Estate https://lagunabeachtribune.com/guides/laguna-beach-coastal-rules-explained/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/guides/laguna-beach-coastal-rules-explained/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 Since 1993 the city has issued its own coastal permits under a state-certified plan. Here is how the permit chain works, what the Commission can still overrule, and why the 300-foot rule matters. Elise Ramsey Guides https://lagunabeachtribune.com/guides/how-laguna-beach-city-hall-works/ https://lagunabeachtribune.com/guides/how-laguna-beach-city-hall-works/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0700 Five councilmembers, a city manager, four decision-making boards, and a stack of advisory committees: a plain-English map of who decides what in this town. Casey Brandt Guides